Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 08-02-02

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] PM briefs president on Ankara visit, dismisses early election rumors

[02] Gov't on Turkey's EU course, Siemens case

[03] PASOK calls for fact-finding commission on Siemens kickbacks scandal

[04] Parliament debate focuses on Siemens affair

[05] PASOK claims 'organised cover-up' plan

[06] Alavanos meets prefecture union's board

[07] LA.OS expels MP candidate, prospective deputy

[08] More condolences for late archbishop

[09] Pavlopoulos addresses nat'l com't for social integration of migrants

[10] Slovenian FM calls for compromise in FYROM 'name issue'

[11] Former PM refers to Turkey's EU prospects at Cambridge address

[12] 'Proto Thema' journalist testifies in Zachopoulos investigation

[13] PM briefed by FinMin

[14] FinMin calls on businessmen to trust country

[15] FinMin meets ENAE board

[16] Joint announcement by scientific agencies on social security issue

[17] Marine and Island policy minister in New York this month

[18] Greece, Spain to forge closer tourism relations

[19] Commission welcomes implementation of EU framework for broadcasting services in Greece

[20] Greek PMI fell to 51.4 in January

[21] Athens Medical to build new hospital in Bucharest

[22] Harvard Business School organises event in Athens

[23] Alapis ABEE buys Labomed for 2.0 mln euros

[24] Greek stocks end 1.69 pct higher

[25] ADEX closing report

[26] Greek bond market closing report

[27] Foreign Exchange Rates - Saturday/Monday

[28] Greek solar flare scientist talks to ANA-MPA

[29] New Acropolis Museum presented during lecture in Vienna

[30] Possible depth-bomb detected near anchor of cargo ship that ran aground off Thessaloniki

[31] Justice minister on state of law, state of judges

[32] Outdoor museum of the Macedonian Struggle in Kria Vrisi

[33] Greek Language Proliferation Organisation helping minority schools in Albania

[34] Axios wetland faces pollution threat, local officials claim

[35] National Day in Memory of Greek Jews

[36] FM-financed programme against human smuggling, trafficking in Moldova

[37] By-stander injured during bank robbery

[38] Faulty equipment causes ICU fire

[39] Children's book exhibition opens

[40] Cloudy on Saturday

[41] The Friday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance Politics

[01] PM briefs president on Ankara visit, dismisses early election rumors

The government has a "fresh and strong" popular mandate, Karamanlis said, adding that "we have much work ahead of us, and are moving forward with consistency in the materialisation of the reforms".

The purpose of his meeting with Papoulias was to brief the president on his recent visit to Turkey, Karamanlis explained, adding that Greece steadfastly supports Turkey's European course, although the neighbouring country is obliged to maneuver within the framework of (EU) principles and reforms it itself has accpted. He also stressed that the issues of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Halki School of Theology are included this framework.

On his meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Karamanlis said that "we reaffirmed our volition for, and are working in the direction of, full normalisation of Greek-Turkish relations".

"For Greece, the sole criterion is respect of International Law and the international treaties," Karamanlis stressed.

With respect to the Cyprus issue, Karamanlis said "we are prepared for discussion on finding a just and viable solution", adding that "the government knows that the effort for normalising Greek-Turkish relations is a long and difficult one".

Karamanlis was also due to meet afterwards with Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis.

[02] Gov't on Turkey's EU course, Siemens case

Asked about the Greek government's stance vis-�-vis Turkey's European orientation, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos reiterated that Athens sticks by its "full compliance, full accession" position.

Meanwhile, some four and a half months after the last general elections, the "spectre" of press inquiries regarding "early elections" again appeared in the press room, with Roussopoulos dismissing the first patch of related press reports.

The spokesman added, in response to another question, that a Cabinet meeting will decide when a Parliament vote is scheduled for the first draft bill on social security reform.

Finally, Roussopoulos dismissed criticism over "foot-dragging" in the transnational case focusing on alleged charges of kickbacks by the Munich-based multinational Siemens.

The spokesman said three separate requests have been received by Greek judicial authorities for information regarding Siemens' presence in Greece, with the first filed in December 2006. He said the three include one by a prosecutor in Berne, Switzerland, another by the prosecutor's office in Munich and a third by the prosecutor's office of the first instance courts in Athens towards the aforementioned countries.

"Of course interest by judicial authorities and the justice ministry (in the Siemens investigation) is great. I believe that one or two Greek prosecutors will travel to Germany in order to take part in the probe," he said, noting that whatever investigation is taking place in Greece is confidential.

Referring to charges of a delay by Greek authorities, Roussopoulos said foreign requests for judicial assistance must first be translated and then be processed in a specific manner by local judicial officials.

[03] PASOK calls for fact-finding commission on Siemens kickbacks scandal

"The country has recently been living a generalised crisis of values, disdain of the institutions and faces, corruption, arbitrariness in power, misappropriation of the public wealth, with the blame lying on the government," the letter said.

"Not only is the government not confronting the multiple and dangerous crisis but, through its actions and omissions, it is creating and aggravating the crisis. It is breeding corruption, serving collusion, relying on the intransparency, and seeking to cover up scandals which are continuously being brought to the public light," the letter added.

It said that PASOK, "who'se financial resoruces were and are out in the open, seeks, with a sense of responsibility towards the citizens, that the Siemens case be investigated and that the truth will shine".

[04] Parliament debate focuses on Siemens affair

In response to the tabled questions, Greek Justice Minister Sotiris Hatzigakis again cited the two requests, by a Berne and a Munich prosecutor, respectively, for information by Greek judicial authorities on Siemens' presence in Greece.

The minister also said he requested, from the head of the Supreme Court prosecutor's office, that a local judicial investigation into the same case be handled in an urgent manner.

In commenting on a request by main opposition PASOK for a Parliament fact-finding committee to investigate the case, Hatzigakis and Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos said any such development must await the conclusion of the judicial probe.

PASOK, on its part, criticised the government and the two leftist parties, the Communist Party (KKE) and the Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) for not backing its proposal.

[05] PASOK claims 'organised cover-up' plan

Papandreou stated that the country has entered a complete deadlock and spoke of an organized cover-up plan. He stressed that the government is responsible for the disdain of institutions adding that the move by New Democracy MP Costas Koukodimos to leave the party and stay in Parliament as an independent, following his implication in the Zachopoulos blackmail affair, was an attempt to "put a lid" on further revelations.

Earlier on Friday, PASOK General Director Rovertos Spyropoulos had signed a six-year lease for the new PASOK offices in the presence of the party president.

Meanwhile, PASOK MP Michalis Chrysochoidis, responsible for development issues, accused the Public Power Corporation (DEH) Board of Directors of resorting to "behind closed doors" summary procedures referring to the extraordinary meeting on Saturday. Chrysochoidis stated that the unprecedented meeting is held to ratify the cooperation memorandum for the construction of new power plants.

[06] Alavanos meets prefecture union's board

Alavanos underlined that all regional organs must be elected and said that there was a problem in this respect with state-appointed regional authority chiefs.

He added that duties and powers needed to be given on a prefecture level or at a democratic regional level but that this would require funds.

SYN's president said that prefectures should have a greater say, especially on environmental issues, where the decisions taken on a prefecture level were only advisory and final decisions were made by ministry bureaucracies far from the needs and hopes of the citizens.

He also stressed the need for financial autonomy, that would allow prefectures to carry out their very important developmental role.

[07] LA.OS expels MP candidate, prospective deputy

"The affinity she has displayed toward ruling New Democracy (ND) party aims at affecting the judgment of the electoral court," according to a statement issued by LA.OS.

Athini is placed to take over a Parliament seat held by elected LA.OS MP Costas Aivaliotis, in case the special court annuls his election.

LA.OS President George Karatzaferis stated that, in essence, Athini was not expelled, considering that with her own behaviour she has distanced herself from the party.

[08] More condolences for late archbishop

Christodoulos died on Monday after a seven-month-long battle with cancer and was buried on Thursday morning with head of state honours.

[09] Pavlopoulos addresses nat'l com't for social integration of migrants

Addressing the committee, Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos stated that Greece, as the organiser of the 3rd global forum, will be offered the opportunity to be at the center of the decision-making process regarding migration. He said that Greece will be able to promote its views, further boosting its international position and influence, while acquiring additional know-how on related issues.

Greece will also have an active ex-officio participation in the 2nd global forum to be held in the Philippines in October, he added.

[10] Slovenian FM calls for compromise in FYROM 'name issue'

Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, whose country holds the rotating six-month European Union presidency, reiterated here on Friday the need for finding a solution to the "name issue" still separating the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and Greece.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with FYROM Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki, Rupel said: "At the NATO Summit, which will be held in Bucharest in April, important decisions regarding the three countries ... (Croatia, Albania, FYROM) will be taken. I think that it is necessary to show a disposition for a compromise on the name issue."

Greece has long-standing reservations over the land-locked republic's use of the name "Macedonia", arguing that it conceals irredentist designs against its own northern province of the same name.

UN-sponsored talks are currently taking place between Greece and FYROM over finding a mutually acceptable solution.

In his comments, Rupel continuously referred to the "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" in reference to Greece's northern neighbour.

[11] Former PM refers to Turkey's EU prospects at Cambridge address

Turkey's accession into the European Union will benefit Greece, according to former Greek prime minister Costas Simitis, who delivered an address on the issue of "European challenges, the new European Treaty".

Simitis at the International Centre for Management and Business at Cambridge.

Responding to questions by the audience, Simitis said Turkey's EU accession will bring more stability and cooperation and improve bilateral economic relations, with positive prospects for Greece. He added that tensions with Turkey can be overcome by solving the problems that cause them.

Referring to the rest of the EU countries in relation to Turkey, Simitis said the latter faces more serious problems, considering that in this century its population will reach roughly 100 million, becoming the most populous country in any future EU, meaning more votes in the European Council, a situation that "cannot be easily acceptable by the rest EU partners."

[12] 'Proto Thema' journalist testifies in Zachopoulos investigation

Yiannis Makrygiannis told reporters on leaving the magistrate's office, where he had testified for four hours, that he had been present during a meeting between newspaper owner Themos Anastasiades and 35-year-old Evi Tzekou, the woman suspected of attempting to blackmail Zachopoulos by recording their illicit sexual encounters.

The journalist said that Tzekou had been accompanied by her lawyer and that they had neither viewed nor received any DVD during that meeting.

Financial News

[13] PM briefed by FinMin

Alogoskoufis referred to 4th Community Support Framework (2007-2013) that will be inaugurated next week in the coastal town of Nafplio, southern Greece.

The minister also briefed the prime minister on global economic developments, noting that "we are going through a difficult period, however, the consequences on Greek economy are minor and are affecting mostly the inflation rate."

Asked about an ongoing special audit service probe into alleged money laundering charges against a well-known local newspaper publisher and TV journalist, Alogoskoufis merely said that the release of personal data at this point undermines the results of the investigation.

Alogoskoufis also met with the Transport and Communication Minister Costis Hatzidakis for talks on issues related to the operation of state-run enterprises under the ministry's jurisdiction.

[14] FinMin calls on businessmen to trust country

Paraphrasing the words of John Kennedy, the minister said "they must not only ask what the country can do for them, but also what they can do for the country."

Alogoskoufis announced that the National Strategic Reference Framework covering the 2007-2013 period will be set officially at the "starting point" from the city of Nafplio, in the Peloponnese, next Wednesday, while the special services responsible for handling funds will be prepared by the end of March.

However, the businessmen asked the government for more through the agency's president George Mylonas, who spoke of "impunity for public functionaries who resort to bad practices and of the need for as many funds as possible being provided for education."

Alogoskoufis also urged the businessmen to be optimistic and Mylonas replied "we are optimistic, but we are not pleased."

[15] FinMin meets ENAE board

Following an examination of requests by the ministry, Alogoskoufis said decisions will be announced at a new meeting in a month's time, according to a ministry press release.

The aim, according to the press release, is to manage urgent problems and set a timetable for reforming the funding framework vis-a-vis prefectures.

[16] Joint announcement by scientific agencies on social security issue

The agencies included the Union of Athens-Piraeus Hospital Doctors, the Athens Journalists Union, the Greek Bar Association Plenum, the Panhellenic Medical Society and the Panhellenic Federation of Press and Mass Media Staff Unions.

The announcement said, among other things, that "... we ascertain that not even one argument was presented that advocates in favour of the unification of the specific Funds and none of the arguments substantiated against this prospect was given a reply."

It further said that "following the meetings, we are even more certain that the confiscation of the reserves of our Funds is the real and sole aim of the government. A prospect that is absolutely negative for the persons secured by the four funds, that does not resolve but accumulates problems for all working people and pensioners."

Lastly, it stressed that "we shall not accept faits accomplis, we will participate in mobilisations that have already been announced by every sector, also in light of the nationwide strike on February 13 and the gathering on the Parliament's campus on February 15, at the time when the off-the-agenda discussion will be taking place."

[17] Marine and Island policy minister in New York this month

The minister will be the main speaker at an international conference on shipping organised by the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce on February 5. He will also visit the New York port authority to learn about its operation and meet its presidency.

During his stay in the United States, Voulgarakis will meet and hold talks with New York's Greek ship owners.

[18] Greece, Spain to forge closer tourism relations

Greek Tourism Development Minister Aris Spiliotopoulos on Friday met with Spain's Tourism Deputy Minister Amparo Fernandez Gonzalez and discussed ways to jointly deal with challenges facing the world tourism industry.

Speaking to reporters, after the meeting -on the sidelines of Fitur an international tourism fair in Madrid- that Greece and Spain agreed to establish a steady and fundamental communication. Spiliotopoulos said the two countries were not rivals, as the world market believes, and stressed that both countries needed to cooperate to meet the challenges of quality and a turn away from the one-dimension model of "sun and sea". Mrs Amparo Fernandz Gonzalez noted that both countries had many in common in the tourism industry.

The Greek minister, addressing an event organized by the Greek Tourism Organisation in the Spanish capital, said that tourism was of national interest and reiterated that Greece must not follow the tourism development model of Spain.

A total of 200,000 Spanish citizens visited Greece in 2006, up 33 pct form the previous year, with early figures showing an increase of around 15-20 pct for 2007. Greek tour operators support a further increase in scheduled flights between the two countries and noted that Spanish were high-quality customers, opting for four- and five-star hotels, while they were second after Americans in sea cruises.

The Greek minister also visited Queen Sophia and will attend Euroleague's draw on Monday.

[19] Commission welcomes implementation of EU framework for broadcasting services in Greece

The European Commission on Friday announced that it has decided to close infringement procedures against Greece for failure to fully comply with the European Court of Justice's April 2005 ruling on alleged failure by Athens to implement the Electronic Communications Competition Directive, with regard to broadcasting transmission services.

Accoriding to a Commission press release, Greece formally notified Brussels of its new "Law on Media Concentration" in September 2007

"Greece has finally completed its national regulatory framework for broadcasting transmission services. Companies who want to invest in Greece, in particular in digital broadcasting, will now be fully aware of rights and obligations. I really hope they will take full advantage of it. Greek consumers have been deprived of the benefits the digital economy for too long," Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said.

For the entire press release, visit http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/08/169&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

[20] Greek PMI fell to 51.4 in January

Production growth rates were the lowest in 12 months, while the growth rate of new orders slowed markedly in the first month of 2008.

The monthly report said although production levels slowed in January, Greek manufacturers continued raising production at a stable growth rate, while employment levels fell for the first time in four months, although only marginally.

The growth rate of average cost accelerated in January, recording the biggest rate in the last 20 months, with manufacturers maintaining high billing levels in the month. Inventories rose for the first time in eight months.

The Purchasing Managers' Index measures business activity in the manufacturing sector. Readings above 50 indicate a growing sector, while below 50 a shrinking sector.

[21] Athens Medical to build new hospital in Bucharest

In a statement to the press, Athens Medical said the decision was based on the group's successful presence in the Romanian market over the last decade, through its subsidiary MedSana Bucharest Medical Centre SRL.

The group also stressed that the project was the first venture of close cooperation with the Asclepios Kliniken Group.

The hospital will have a capacity of 150 beds, while the entire project is budgeted at 24 million euros.

[22] Harvard Business School organises event in Athens

"The non-ratification of the new European Treaty will mean the splitting of the European Union. This must be clear to every country, which must assume its responsibilities," Brock said.

[23] Alapis ABEE buys Labomed for 2.0 mln euros

Labomed is based in Athens and focuses on medical and laboratory equipment. Its turnover totaled 2.0 million euros in 2006, while EBITDA were 567,000 euros.

Labomed expects its 2007 results to rise significantly.

[24] Greek stocks end 1.69 pct higher

Most sectors moved higher, with the Constructions (2.82 pct), Raw Materials (2.65 pct), Healthcare (2.60 pct), Food/Beverage (2.26 pct) and Banks (2.24 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while Commerce (1.25 pct) and Personal/Home Products (1.03 pct) suffered losses.

The Big Cap index rose 1.94 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 1.36 pct up and the Small Cap index ended 0.39 pct higher. United Textiles (15.38 pct), Altius (10.0 pct) and Creta Farm (9.75 pct) were top gainers, while Ippotour (10.0 pct), Tria Alpha (9.76 pct) and Epilektos (8.20 pct) were top losers. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 194 to 63 with another 34 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +0.04%

Industrials: +1.80%

Commercial: -1.25%

Construction: +2.82%

Media: +1.49%

Oil & Gas: +0.14%

Personal & Household: -1.03%

Raw Materials: +2.65%

Travel & Leisure: +1.64%

Technology: +0.97%

Telecoms: +1.37%

Banks: +2.24%

Food & Beverages: +2.26%

Health: +2.60%

Utilities: +0.10%

Chemicals: +0.32%

Financial Services: +0.65%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank, Alpha Bank, Eurobank and OTE.

Selected shares from the FTSE/ASE-20 index closed in euros as follows:

Alpha Bank: 22.34

ATEbank: 3.60

Public Power Corp (PPC): 31.00

HBC Coca Cola: 28.62

Hellenic Petroleum: 9.94

National Bank of Greece: 42.00

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 18.44

Intralot: 11.48

OPAP: 23.60

OTE: 20.94

Titan Cement Company: 31.20

[25] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on the Big Cap index totaled 11,291 contracts worth 132.214 million euros, with 26,541 open positions in the market, while on the Mid Cap index volume was 512 contracts worth 13.765 million euros, with 500 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 11,580 contracts worth 20.018 million euros, with investment interest focusing on National Bank's contracts (1,683), followed by Eurobank (942), Marfin Investment Group (1,028), PPC (665), GEK (930), Alpha Bank (1,161), Marfin Popular Bank (1,271) and Sidenor (580).

[26] Greek bond market closing report

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates were mixed. National Bank's overnight rate was 4.15 pct, the two-day rate was 4.14 pct, the one-month rate 4.21 pct and the 12-month rate 4.36 pct.

[27] Foreign Exchange Rates - Saturday/Monday

U.S. dollar 1.500

Pound sterling 0.755

Danish kroner 7.513

Swedish kroner 9.526

Japanese yen 159.78

Swiss franc 1.619

Norwegian kroner 8.090

Canadian dollar 1.496

Australian dollar 1.664

General News

[28] Greek solar flare scientist talks to ANA-MPA

In an exclusive interview to the ANA-MPA on Friday during a visit to Greece, Vourlidis said the sun would enter the most active period of its 11-year cycle between 2011 and 2013, at which time there will be two-three solar explosions every day.

"Solar flares affect the weather in the environment of space and as a consequence on Earth. Particularly vulnerable to the phenomenon are telecommunications and electrical energy systems," he said.

"If the effect of the magnetic field of a comet lasts roughly one hour, the interaction of the phenomenon on Earth can last up to one day," he added.

Most strongly affected by solar flares will be countries nearer the north pole but it will also cause problems for satellite networks, mobile phone networks, computers and television broadcasts on a planet-wide basis, he explained.

According to Vourlidas, it will be possible to avoid problems by recording solar flares because they are visible from telescopes in space at least three days earlier.

"It is important in that case not to move satellites and avoid overloading power networks with electricity," he underlined.

He also revealed that a new satellite with more telescopes is to be launched by the year 2015 that will monitor solar activity from an even closer distance.

Vourlidas was on Friday received by the rector of Thessaloniki's Aristotelian University, who congratulated him on his discovery.

An example of the effect of a solar flare was a blackout that occurred in Canada in March 1989, in which half the country was plunged into darkness and more than six million people were left without any heating or electricity.

Though scientists long suspected solar flares as the cause of this and other similar phenomena, this was first confirmed a few months ago in July 2007 when Vourlidas' team at NASA was able to demonstrate that the collision of a comet with solar mass from an explosion on the sun that resulted in a geomagnetic storm capable of affecting satellites, radio communication and electrically-powered systems.

[29] New Acropolis Museum presented during lecture in Vienna

The new Acropolis Museum was presented on Thursday night during a lecture given at the famous "Efesus Museum" in Vienna by the president of the Acropolis Museum Construction Organisation and professor of Classical Archaeology at the Aristotelio University in Thessaloniki, Dimitris Pantermalis.

The lecture, organised by the Press and Communication Bureau of the Greek embassy in Vienna, was attended by a large audience that included dozens of intellectuals, artists and personalities from public life in Austria and the ambassadors of Greece and Cyprus, Panayiotis Zografos and Kornilios Korniliou respectively.

The speaker was introduced to the audience by the director of the Greek Press and Communication Bureau Angelika Perdikari, who stressed that apart from his contribution as president of the Acropolis Museum Construction Organisation, the main task of Dimitris Pantermalis was the escavation at Dion in Pieria, the sacred city of the Macedonians.

Pantermalis referred in his lecture to the creation of the new Acropolis Museum, making an account to the relevant discussions that lasted for over 30 years, regarding the site of its construction, the aims that it would fulfill and its form.

[30] Possible depth-bomb detected near anchor of cargo ship that ran aground off Thessaloniki

The Panama-flag "Gerda Vesta" freighter ran aground in shallow waters early Monday as a result of gale-force northerly winds sweeping through northern Greece. No injuries were reported among the crew members of the vessel, which had set sail from the Port of Thessaloniki, empty of cargo. No damage to the vessel was reported.

According to a Merchant Marine ministry announcement, during a scan of the area by a company providing assistance to dislodge the vessel, divers spotted the chain of the cargo ship's left anchor -- which was imbedded at a depth of 3.5 metres and ata distance of 150 metres from the shore -- was resting on a large round metal object that is tentatively believed to be a depth-bomb.

The ministry said that the Thessaloniki port authority immediately informed the ship's captain to refrain from any movement of the anchor and the ship in general until the said object was examined.

The sea area was being patrolled by a Coastguard vessel, and by a Coastguard patrol car on land, while the Northern Greece Naval Command was also informed of the situation in order to take the necessary action.

[31] Justice minister on state of law, state of judges

Th justice minister said that "frequently, the fear lurks of the creation of the so-called 'state of judges'," adding that the term "state of judges" had been introduced into our legal terminology by professor Edouard Lambert since 1921.

Hatzigakis further said that following World War 2, the threat or the "spectre" of the "state of judges" is returning, pointing out that "sometimes, indeed, in a very acute way, while the spearhead of this threat is control of the constitutionality of laws by the courts."

Lastly, the minister underlined that in no way should a judge resort to political judgements, nor to expediency judgements regarding the legislator's options, noting that his control must remain a strictly legal one and should also respect the rest of the constitutional bodies.

[32] Outdoor museum of the Macedonian Struggle in Kria Vrisi

The local authorities' plans for an outdoor museum include the creation of a miniature lake of 5.5 strema in the place of the original one, which stretched over an area of 10,000 strema while the surrounding shallow marshland was 340,000 stremma wide. The area was dried out in 1936 to stop the malaria and typhoid fever epidemic and a total of 288,750 stremma of arable land were reclaimed and distributed to refugees from Asia Minor.

The 100,000-euro project will be located in the municipality of Kria Vrisi, the heart of the Macedonian Struggle events between Greeks and Bulgarians, and apart from the miniature lake will also feature four replicas of lakeside huts like the ones used by local fishermen and later by armed Bulgarians and Macedonian fighters. Inside the huts, which will be decorated with original items dating back to the early 20th century, there will be full-scale models of Macedonian struggle fighters. Visitors will be able to reach them on board makeshift wooden boats and have the opportunity to watch re-enactions of battles.

[33] Greek Language Proliferation Organisation helping minority schools in Albania

Last week, each school received a series of geographical atlasses to help the teaching of the lesson of Geography of Greece, a lesson that is being tought for the first time this year.

On February 3, the Organisation will be organising a conference at the Zappion Hall on the theme of "The finances of the proliferation of the Greek language," at which experts from the public and private sectors will be presenting financial and quantitative information regarding the teaching of the Greek language to overseas Greeks, as well as to foreigners all over the world.

The Organisation is a non-profit organisation that is financed by contributions from its members and by donations and sponsorships from its friends.

[34] Axios wetland faces pollution threat, local officials claim

They said that a main culprit was industrial waste from surrounding factories but also those originating across the border in Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), in addition to dumped rubble, illegal dumps and abandoned vehicles.

During a meeting at the Halastra Municipal Hall, concerns were voiced about the delta's constant degradation and local mayor Grigoris Ouzounis asked ruling New Democracy MP Giannis Glavakis to convey these concerns to European Commissioner for the environment Stavros Dimas.

They noted that about 38,000 hectares in the area were protected under the RAMSAR treaty, including 12,500 hectares of cultivated farmland.

[35] National Day in Memory of Greek Jews

The event is organised jointly by the Athens Prefecture, the Central Israelite Council of Greece and the Jewish communities of Athens and Thessaloniki.

Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis will address the event on behalf of the Greek government.

[36] FM-financed programme against human smuggling, trafficking in Moldova

The programme, supported by the Greek foreign ministry's Hellenic Aid, the Hellenic Migration Policy Institute and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), aims at combating people smuggling and sex worker trafficking.

It supports the long-term rehabilitation of trafficking victims in Moldova through the development of subsidised SME loans and vocational training for former victims.

[37] By-stander injured during bank robbery

The two armed robbers, aged 20 and 25 years, respectively, entered a branch of Piraeus Bank at Neous Epivates in Thessaloniki on Friday morning and held the staff and customers at gunpoint as they emptied the tills. On their way out, however, they were spotted by police in a patrol car.

At the sight of the police, the two young men opened fire and lightly injured a 31-year-old man who was taken to the city's 'Papanikolaou' hospital for treatment.

A chase ensued and the two culprits were apprehended. In their possession, police found and confiscated two guns, two sub-machine guns and the money they had stolen from the bank shortly before.

An inquiry has been launched by the Thessaloniki thefts department.

[38] Faulty equipment causes ICU fire

A rapid reaction by hospital staff apparently minimised much of the potential damage, while the treated patient, hospitalised for serious cerebral hemorrhaging, was safely removed.

An inquiry is underway to determine the exact causes of the accident at the newly built facility.

[39] Children's book exhibition opens

The exhibition, under the slogan "Reading is every child's right", was inaugurated by Education Minister Evripidis Stylianidis and will continue until Feb. 4.

The exhibition is co-organised by the National Book Centre and the culture ministry.

Weather Forecast

[40] Cloudy on Saturday

[41] The Friday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "Hellenism buried its spiritual leader - Last farewell - Time for the succession".

APOGEVMATINI: "Immortal - Christodoulos' funeral service and burial".

AVGHI: " Koukodimos half in-half out (of New Democracy) - Synaspismos party: Government has lost every moral foothold to govern".

AVRIANI: "Government must prohibit Siemens from undertaking projects in Greece - Government, opposition and Supreme Court prosecutor can find if they want the one who took money under the table".

CHORA: "Karamanlis says: I will be hostage to no one - ND left with 151 parliament members (in the 300-seat unicameral parliament)".

ELEFTHEROS: "Christodoulos left legacies to the people and the church - Thousands of people at the final farewell".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Government is hanging on a one-vote majority - Maximos mansion (government headquarters) sends warning to 151 parliament members after Koukodimos' independence - Which members put early general elections scenarios on the table".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Koukodimos' mocking, and early elections rumors - Koukodimos out of but also 'in' the ruling party".

ESTIA: "Government's redemloyment is mandatory resulting from the unbelievable current decadance".

ETHNOS: " Koukodimos leaves the party with 151 members - New episode in Koukodimos' serial".

KATHIMERINI: "Interests and contentions shake the government - Maximos Mansions backs chief of Special Inquiries service Spyros Kladas".

LOGOS: "Koukodimos leaves the party - Government left with 151 parliament members".

NIKI: "151 brings early general elections - Koukodimos jumped off New Democracy's train".

RIZOSPASTIS: "Every 3.5 minutes a worker loses his life in the European Union - The statistics on the employers' crimes are macabre".

TA NEA : "Karamanlis a hostage of the 151 MPs - PASOK ready for elections"

TO VIMA: "Government hanging on a one vote majority - Koukodimos left the ruling party"

VRADYNI: "All of Greece a teardrop - People's final farewell to the uncompromising Shepherd".

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