Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 08-02-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek gov't unveils package of measures to combat excessive price increases

[02] Opposition parties on gov't measures to combat price increases

[03] Greece to brief UN mediator on response to latest 'name issue' proposal

[04] Government condemns leak of Nimetz document

[05] FM briefs parliament president on Nimetz proposal; leaks condemned

[06] FM Bakoyannis addresses Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee

[07] Greece facing 'major challenges', Papoulias says in Ioannina

[08] President calls for unanimity, at celebration of Ioannina liberation anniversary

[09] Meimarakis attends informal EU defence ministers meeting in Ljubljana

[10] Government: new regulations to increase transparency

[11] PASOK presents on-line questionnaire on transparency

[12] US envoy attends Republicans Abroad Greece event

[13] Greek, Romanian education ministers discuss cooperation between universities

[14] Athens debate on media coverage of Mideast peace process

[15] Development Minister Folias holds talks with Russian counterpart on South Stream natural gas pipeline

[16] Economic Mediterranean Forum opens in Athens

[17] Employment minister meets bank workers' union OTOE

[18] Investments in Greek manufacturing sector to rise by 15 pct in 2008, survey

[19] Shipping foreign exchange inflows up 18 pct in 2007

[20] Eurobank EFG announces restructuring of private banking activities

[21] PPC personnel to stage strike on Feb. 26

[22] Seminar on Banking Quality Assurance in Athens

[23] Spyrou Group to expand activities in Middle East, Balkans

[24] ASE members urge axing of securities' transaction tax

[25] Greek stocks end 1.39 pct higher

[26] Greek bond market closing report

[27] ADEX closing report

[28] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

[29] San Marino FM honours Theodorakis

[30] Barrage of arsons against banks, cars

[31] Group claims responsibility for arson attacks

[32] French cartoonists' exhibition in Trikala

[33] Survey highlights unhealthy eating habits of 18-35s

[34] Four arrested in heroin bust

[35] Cloud, scattered showers on Friday

[36] Sarkozy underlines significance of relations with Cyprus

[01] Greek gov't unveils package of measures to combat excessive price increases

Presenting the measures, Development Minister Christos Folias said that the the targets of the actions will be measurable, and that the aim was the operation of a free and fair market. The actions will be implemented gradually, he said.

The measures include the release of a black list of companies in instances where an excessive increase in the prices of products and services are ascertained, the establishment of a Auditing Agency arising from the merger of the relevant directorates of the development ministry in the sector of commerce, reinforcement of the role of the Competitions Committee and the operation of an Observatory on the prices of 50 goods and services, the establishment of a suggested retail price , an information campaign and stricter sanctions.

The minister said any price increases on public sector services would be justified from cost figures. Both Folias and Development Deputy Minister George Vlahos said that measures could be improved, or even withdrawn if proven not to be effective. Uncontrolled practices will be eliminated from the market, Folias told reporters.

[02] Opposition parties on gov't measures to combat price increases

Main opposition PASOK party development sector rapporteur Mihalis Chrysohoidis said "confusion between past and new measures, inadequate substantiation regarding the time and way of the implementation of each of them and their hasty announcement reveal the government's haste to show a communication package of measures, only a day before the discussion brought about by PASOK's president in Parliament on price increases," adding that "out of the 41 measures, 20 already constitute applied policies and obligations of the development ministry."

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) said in an announcement that "if the government intended to handle price increases it would abolish VAT and indirect taxes on mass consumption commodities in general, it would go ahead with decent increases in salaries and pensions. It doesn't want this, because it is serving the profits of the business groups."

The Coalition's economic and social policy rapporteur and Deputy of the Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA), Panayiotis Lafazanis, said that "Mr. Christos Folias presented a very big list of measures that have more of a communicatory character and which will yield almost nonexistent results in handling galloping profiteering and speculation that is looting working class incomes."

The President of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEA), Constantine Mihalos, said on his part that "from a first reading of the measures announced today by the development minister, it is evident that an effort is being made to tidy up the market and to restrain prices."

[03] Greece to brief UN mediator on response to latest 'name issue' proposal

Spokesman George Koumoutsakos said Amb. Adamantios Vassilakis was instructed to contact Nimetz over the issue.

Athens and Skopje are in the process for negotiating a mutually acceptable solution to the thorny "name issue".

[04] Government condemns leak of Nimetz document

"The government is determined to proceed with this difficult negotiations in order to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution," Roussopoulos said when asked what the government intended to do next, while adding that the leak would hamper this process and was condemned by the government, whatever its source.

Asked whether the government was currently conducting an internal investigation into the origins of the leak, Roussopoulos said this would be answered by the foreign ministry and again stressed that this was a blow to the negotiating process.

The spokesman also rejected suggestions of a "war" between the prime minister's office and the foreign ministry over the leaked document and denied that the two sides had tried to blame each other. At the same time, he dismissed as "an insult to the prime minister" a question about whether there would be an investigation into the source of the leak within the prime minister's office, adding that the same would apply if the question had concerned the foreign ministry or other members of the government.

Replying to other questions, meanwhile, he ruled out a press conference on the issue by Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis and said that the government had officially and promptly informed the Greek people about the contents of the proposal via its elected representatives, the leaders of the opposition parties in Parliament, while Parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defence committee will also be briefed later on Thursday.

He again ruled out putting the issue to a national referendum, underlining that the government had been elected to handle both domestic and foreign policy issues, as well as the prospect of early elections over the name settlement.

With respect to the decision-making process to be followed in Greece, the spokesman said that the inner cabinet was briefed on the contents of the Nimetz proposals on Wednesday. The government was now studying the proposals and would soon be in a position to present its comments and remarks to the UN mediator, he added.

Commenting on the reactions of individual MPs, meanwhile, Roussopoulos clarified that the Nimetz proposals in their present form contained points that could not be accepted as they stood, while others required further clarifications and still others might be acceptable under certain conditions.

"I cannot and will not say anything more," he added, while clarifying that there was no question of changing the name of Macedonia Airport, which serves the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki.

Finally, replying to questions on whether Greece was backing down from its position calling for a composite name and leaving open the possibility of accepting a double name, he said that the prime minister and the foreign minister had clearly stated Athens' position and that these statements still applied.

[05] FM briefs parliament president on Nimetz proposal; leaks condemned

The minister later briefed members of a parliamentary committee on national defense and foreign affairs.

Meanwhile, a foreign ministry spokesman on Thursday sternly condemned what he called a "leak" of the Nimetz proposal by an Athens daily.

"Every leak of documents, confidential or not, is absolutely condemned," spokesman George Koumoutsakos said.

"The only incentive for such a leak can only be the perpetuation of the 17-year-old negotiating impasse regarding the FYROM 'name issue'," he added.

Along those lines, main opposition PASOK's secretary, Nikos Athanassakis, on Thursday also sharply denied press speculation that the proposal's leak emanated from within PASOK.

Athanassakis said that during a briefing on Wednesday by the foreign minister, PASOK's delegation was allowed to read the proposal, but not keep any copies.

Bakoyannis briefed political party leaders of the proposal on Wednesday.

[06] FM Bakoyannis addresses Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee

The Committee's session was held following a relevant request by the Communist Party of Greece (KKE).

Bakoyannis stressed at the beginning of her address that the steadfast pursuit of the Greek government is the adoption of mutually acceptable solutions to the problems that are arising from the new developments in the region of the Balkans: Consequently, she said on the issue of the declaration of Kosovo's independence that "I am not pleased, but we cannot react on the basis of our sentimentality but on the basis of the tough reality."

The foreign minister backed Greece's joint signing of the communique issued by the "27" at the end of the European Union's General Affairs and Foreign Relations Council on Monday, as well as the remaining of a Greek military force in KFOR.

"The common position of the EU, confirms that the case of Kosovo cannot constitute a precedent, since it is a sui generis case the uniqueness of which cannot in the least create the slightest suspicion that our adherrence to the UN's charter can be doubted," she said.

On the question of Greece's position on Kosovo, the foreign minister said that "whatever our decisions will be, they will be taken following a detailed examination of developments. A focal position is held, however, by the recognition of the role of Serbia in securing stability in the Balkans."

Main opposition PASOK party foreign affairs rapporteur Panos Beglitis said about the Nimetz proposals that "our fears of a double name are being confirmed. We have a clear change in the negotiating basis here - and if there is mobility, it is because there is a substantive change in the negotiating acquis after the 1992-1993 period."

As regards Kosovo, Beglitis accused the foreign minister of consenting with a decision by the EU "that exorcises fears of a negative precedent."

PASOK Deputy Dinos Vrettos requested that "the Greek troops must be withdrawn," while Panos Sgouridis said that "Greece must say until the end that it will not recognize the state of Kosovo."

Speaking on behalf of KKE, Spyros Halvatzis said that "there are no stable and viable solutions to problems that are created by imperialist interventions" and called for the withdrawal of Greek troops from Kosovo, saying that with its independence "a negative precedent is also being created for the issue of Cyprus" and added that "we call on the government not to recognize the puppet government of the Americans."

On the part of the Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA), Thanassis Dritsas accused the government of "dragging its feet" in the effort to prevent the independence of Kosovo, to which his party is categorically opposed. As regards the name of FYROM, he stressed that "the mutually acceptable name is the big wager for peaceful coexistence, no matter how long it takes, and no foreign intervention is acceptable."

Costas Aivaliotis of the Orthodox Popular Rally (LAOS) party termed the independence of Kosovo an "extremely regrettable development" and underlined the possibility "of us saying that whatever change in Kosovo is linked to the implementation of the acquis communautaire in Northern Epirus, where the Greek element is being oppressed in many ways."

He reiterated that his party is opposed to a double name and to whichever name contains derivatives of the word "Macedonia" and called for "democratic resorting to the people with a referendum" on the issue.

[07] Greece facing 'major challenges', Papoulias says in Ioannina

"We are facing major challenges on both a national and an international level and I am sure that we will rise to the occasion, provided that we join our forces and coordinate our efforts behind shared goals," Papoulias said.

Papoulias is currently in Ioannina to attend celebrations marking the 95th anniversary since the city was liberated from Ottoman rule.

He stressed that such anniversaries of heroic national struggles were not a symbolic "preservation" of the past but a chance to consider and for collective reflection and self-knowledge.

"We have an obligation to keep alive the legacy and the valuable inheritance of the struggles and sacrifices that were required for Freedom and national Independence, so that "the candles of memory" are not extinguished," he said.

[08] President calls for unanimity, at celebration of Ioannina liberation anniversary

He said that the country today neede the example of those who fought in the past, and also needed unanimity among the Greek people and cooperation between the people and the armed forces.

Papoulias sent a "message of optimism and conviction that the future for our country will be much better", as well as a "message of respect and appreciation for the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for the freedom and progress of the Greek people".

Papoulias attended a doxology at the Aghios Athanasios Metropolitan Church in the morning, after which he observed the parade marking the city's independence.

The government was represented by health minister Dimitris Avramopoulos.

[09] Meimarakis attends informal EU defence ministers meeting in Ljubljana

Greece's National Defence Minister Evangelos Meimarakis, referring to the "ALTHEA" operation in Bosnia-Herzegovina, noted that "the specific operation must remain with its present force and to continue its mission with responsibility in the shaping and the consolidation of a secure and stable environment in the region." At the same time, he expressed his optimism on the course of Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Euro-Atlantic structures and its contribution to stability in the region.

Regarding the Kosovo issue, Meimarakis stressed that the first priority is the security and stability in the Western Balkans. Furthermore, the Greek defence minister added that the continued presence of the international community in the unilaterally declared independent Kosovo "allows us to be optimistic that the situation will develop without serious complications," stressing that the presence "of the EU and of KFOR constitute a guarantee for stability and security.'

On Friday, the EU defense ministers will discuss on the strategic cooperation EU-UN, EU-NATO and EU-African Union, the course towards the 2010 General Military Target, as well as issues related to the European Defence Organisation.

[10] Government: new regulations to increase transparency

According to Roussopoulos, this aimed to introduce new ways of organizing and operating public services in order to improve the quality of the service given to the public and businesses. The key element, he added, was to use rules that strictly ensured legality and transparency in the actions of the public sector, making them more reliable, objective and incorruptible.

The circular issued by the ministry requires that all contracts related to the procurement of goods and services by ministries and state-supervised bodies, in particular, be made public and posted on the Internet.

Exceptions to this general rule would be interior ministry contracts related to public order, national security or national intelligence service issues; foreign ministry contracts concerning foreign policy issues; defense ministry contracts related to national security and defense; and marine and island policy ministry contracts related to the security of maritime borders.

The spokesman also announced that Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis would be present to answer questions in Parliament on Friday and that he was scheduled to meet Employment Minister Fanny Palli-Petralia at 14:00.

[11] PASOK presents on-line questionnaire on transparency

The party is invited members and friends of PASOK to fill in the questionnaire before the election on Sunday of the delegates that will attend PASOK's party conference.

The questionnaire has 10 units dealing mainly with issues of transparency in politics and public life, party funding, state procurements, the media, meritocracy in the public sector, relations between the public and private sectors, immigrant rights, administrative reform and the election system.

[12] US envoy attends Republicans Abroad Greece event

"Democracy doesn't work if citizens don't participate, and if you leave it to elites, you're going to find that your democracy starts to wane. So, the role of individuals is instrumental in the success of democracy. The wonderful thing about that is that it turns out that -- unlike what some past generations thought, that only the exceptionally smart people should be able to govern -- when you get enough of us average people together, we actually do very well in ensuring our interests are met by our government. In particular, we serve as the check on power and government, to be sure that our interests are truly met. I think groups like Republicans Abroad, and also Democrats Abroad, are really important because they keep us connected and interested in our government," Speckhard said.

"I also think it's an important time right now because of the elections back home. I am glad you are all following them, and I am interested in them as well," he said.

I hope that this year will be an important one for Greek-American relations. I recognize that the next few months may be a little difficult because of some foreign policy issues on the agenda for Greece, including Kosovo's independence declaration that just happened on Sunday, and how that's managed; the issue of Skopje and how the name issue is going to be resolved between Greece and its neighbour to the North; as well as a number of other issues, like the relationship with Turkey, which is going well this year, although you can never count on it; the Cyprus elections that just happened last week, too. So it's going to be a very interesting year for us, but what I am most interested in now is the US elections," the ambassador continued.

"I feel that sometimes Greeks lose sight of the true fundamental values of the United States, that they focus on a particular foreign policy issues like Iraq or something that's happening in the Balkans, and they say 'Ah ha'! That's the United States. But that's not the United States. That's a foreign policy issue; that's an issue of modern conflict they are talking about today or this year. But the real United States is based on the fundamental principles that are actually the same as in Greece, and we got many of these from Greece, including democracy, respect for individuals and liberties and respect for government. Those principles are what makes us the US and what makes Greece. And that's why we are such great allies in spite of all the small tensions that sometimes arise in the political commentaries of the newspapers. Fundamentally, throughout US history, Greece has been an excellent ally and vice versa," he said.

Turning to his own foreign policy priorities, Speckhard said: "I have essentially 5 priorities here.

"The first and most important to you here in the room is the safety and security of Americans abroad, and if you are an American, I worry about you. And I want to make sure you are safe even when you are overseas. You are fortunate to live in a country like Greece where you can feel safe, but I want you to know that the Embassy is out there working 24 hours a day, doing what we can to make sure you feel connected to us and that we are doing what we can for your security while you are here," he said.

"Secondly, the Balkans. I think it is very important that we help promote stability in this region. It is good for the United States, as we have big investments here. It is good for European stability, and most importantly it is good for Greece. That region staying stable is key to the prosperity of Greece. You can't afford to prosper here if your neighbours succumb to violence and economic disarray. It is very important that the United States help in this and that we work together with Greece, because Greece has much more experience in the Balkans than the United States. So, I am going to work very closely with my Greek partners to work on that," he said, adding: "Obviously, the issue of Skopje is an important one. What I want you to know is that what you are reading in the newspapers is wrong. We did not propose a specific name for your to the north as the reporters are proposing. What we have to say is do not miss this opportunity if you can, because the upcoming NATO summit is a perfect opportunity to try to push the process forward, and without an event like this one, it is likely to drag on for years. You have probably noticed in Greece that, the longer it drags on, unfortunately, things have not gotten better in terms of Greece's interest in this process. I think it is time now to capture Greece's interest in the process, as well as the United States', as well as your neighbour's to the North, because this can be a win-win situation if everyone works together to find a solution that works for both Athens as well as your neighbour."

"The third area is the eastern Mediterranean, which is one area that is going really well. Greek-Turkish relations are really at an all time high. The question is how do we use this and how the United States can help facilitate through out relations with Ankara and with Greece to promote some real results on some issues you really care about, like the patriarch, the seminary, and other things we can do together with Turkey, like promoting a unified Cyprus, to take advantage of these good new relations," Speckhard continued.

"Fourth, terrorism. Unfortunately, Greece is not immune to this challenge. Being so close to the Middle East, you tend to become more of a transit country for people coming from the Middle East and going back to the Middle East; the move between the Middle East and Europe is very troubling for Europe as well as for the Untied States. How can we work with our Greek partners to try to arrest this problem and catch the people here before they can do harm or cause violence to Europeans or Americans or anybody," he added.

"And the last issue is an economic issue -- commercial development as well as energy security, which is important for Greece as well, which is an energy-consuming country that wants to be an energy hub. We are working with closely with our Greek counterparts on this issue," the US envoy said.

[13] Greek, Romanian education ministers discuss cooperation between universities

The ministers agreed to the alternate holding in Greece and Romania of the "Day of Science", during which a presentation will be made of activities of universities from both countries.

Stylianidis accepted a proposal by his counterpart and will visit Romania where he will be meeting representatives of the Greek community and Greek businessmen, as well as visiting Greek schools. Nine such schools exist in Romania and several Greek language faculties in universities.

The two ministers will be inaugurating the 10th International Education Exhibition on the theme of "Education 2008-Europartners" at the Helexpo Palace in Marousi on Friday afternoon.

[14] Athens debate on media coverage of Mideast peace process

The event will be held on Wednesday afternoon at the Plaka district's Institute of International Relations.

Speakers include Giorgos Avgeropoulos, a news documentary producer for Greek state television (ERT); Nicolas Voulelis, managing director of the Athens News Agency-Macedonian Press Agency (ANA-MPA); and Michalis Mitsos, an editor and columnist for the Athens daily "Ta Nea".

On the Israeli side will be �ir Dvori, security affairs correspondent of Channel 2 TV in Israel and Avi Issacharoff, Middle East Affairs correspondent for " Ha'aretz"and author of the book "The Seventh War: the History of the Intifada."

Financial News

[15] Development Minister Folias holds talks with Russian counterpart on South Stream natural gas pipeline

Development Minister Christos Folias and Russian Industry and Energy Minister Viktor Christenko held talks here on Thursday night and agreed that the work groups responsible for the preparation of the South Stream natural gas pipeline agreement will convene for the first time in Athens in early March.

"We are setting out for the implementation of the South Stream pipeline with the creation of a joint work group that will meet in Athens in early March to enable us to begin this new ambitious and mutually beneficial for the Greek, Russian and Bulgarian people, for prospects and for the future," Folias said at the end of the talks that lasted for well over an hour.

Folias said that the aim of the plan is to achieve "guaranteed energy supply to enable us to be able to successfully plan future common activities" and expressed confidence that "our future activities will always be successful," while terming the meeting "very constructive and useful, during which we summed up what we have achieved so far as a result of our close cooperation."

The Russian minister termed the meeting constructive and observed that he feels that meetings with his Greek interlocutor "will become more frequent from now on."

Christenko said that his alternate Yanovski will assume the leadership of the Russian work group that will begin immediately preparations for the meeting in Athens in March.

According to the Russian minister, the Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline plan has now entered, with the establishment of the project company, a new phase and the next meeting of its Supervising Council will be taking place in Moscow on February 26.

Folias left for Athens at the end of the talks, having stayed in Moscow only for a few hours and exclusively for the meeting with Christenko.

[16] Economic Mediterranean Forum opens in Athens

She said Thursday's meeting inaugurated a productive dialogue following "the worthwhile and beneficial, for our country's interests, proposal by French president Nicolas Sarkozy for the creation of a Union of the Mediterranean".

Outlining the main characteristics of such a Union, she said that it would not comprise "just one more international organization", it would not have bureaucratic characteristics, and will not have complicated procedures but, rather, would be "an agency of materializations of programs, a 'Union de Projets' as described by other speakers".

In the Balkans, the Greek companies were "protagonists in the economic development of our neighbors". The creation of new business opportunities in the Mediteranean markets "is a challenge that I am certain you will respond to with success," Bakoyannis said, stressing that the political leadership had both the volition and ability to help the business world in that venture.

"We are prepared to hear all of your proposals, and then, together, plan the actions in order to productively take advantage of all the opportunities that will arise for our country," the minister added.

Deputy foreign minister Yannis Valinakis, in turn, said that the goal of Thursday's meeting was to brief the private and public sector on the Union for the Mediterranean and to mobilize them in order to present their proposals and formulate programs that would maximize the benefits of economic growth for Greece. He added that those proposals would be submitted by Greece for approval at the July 13-14 EU summit in Paris.

He added that the Union's comparative advantage, in relation to other Community actions for the region, was a substantive confrontation of practical problems and achievement of economic growth through materialization of specific programs with the involvement of the private sector.

[17] Employment minister meets bank workers' union OTOE

The minister accepted an OTOE proposal that she undertake an initiative with bank managements so that negotiations for a collective agreement for the bank workers' sector in 2008 might begin.

While welcoming the minister's promise to intervene, OTOE criticized the government proposals for reforming Greece's social insurance and pension system.

[18] Investments in Greek manufacturing sector to rise by 15 pct in 2008, survey

A survey, published by IOBE, said investments were expected to rise by 15 percent in 2008, with private sector enterprises forecasting an increase of 19.1 pct, while public sector enterprises are forecast to witness a 26.4 pct decline in investments this year.

IOBE said investment trends both in the EU and the Eurozone were also positive for the year, although slightly lower compared with 2007. The forecast for both areas is for a growth rate of 5.2-5.3 pct.

Slovakia, Spain and Greece are forecast to see to highest investment growth this, compared with 2007, followed by Portugal and Romania, while Latvia, Luxembourg and Poland the lowest growth forecasts.

The non-ferrous minerals sector is expected to enjoy the highest investment activity (81.2 pct), with other sectors up 34.4 pct and the Food/Beverage/Tobacco sector up by 0.5 percent. The Clothing/Footwear sector is expected to enjoy a 9.3 pct investment increase, while Chemicals are expected to remain on a downward trend.

IOBE said that investment spending in the manufacturing sector fell by 6.8 percent in 2007, compared with the previous year.

[19] Shipping foreign exchange inflows up 18 pct in 2007

[20] Eurobank EFG announces restructuring of private banking activities

The bank also appointed Daniel Manainoglou as head of private banking in Greece, while Paul-Marie Majerus was appointed as head of private banking Luxembourg.

All three executives worked for Eurobank group in various positions.

[21] PPC personnel to stage strike on Feb. 26

According to an announcement, the strike will take place "in order for the hatch not to open for the capture of the PPC by RWE...so that the debate not to start for cooperation which will give 51% and the management to other companies."

[22] Seminar on Banking Quality Assurance in Athens

The educational arm of Hellenic Bank Association announced that the seminar examined the introduction of a European quality certification framework on vocational training in the financial system, drafted by banking institutions within the framework of the European Banking & Financial Services Training Association.

With funding via the Leonardo da Vinci programme and EUROBANQUA (European Banking Network for Quality Assurance), the initiative offers a guideline of practices adopted by the banking systems of the Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, Romania and Greece.

[23] Spyrou Group to expand activities in Middle East, Balkans

A company statement said the Spyrou Group's comparative advantage in know-how and development of innovative new varieties and hybrid seeds in eastern Mediterranean will focus on developing high-strength products in more arid climates, such as in the Middle East, while it will also focus on strengthening its presence in the Balkans.

The company said it expected a series of strategic partnerships signed with other companies to positively affect its 2008 results.

[24] ASE members urge axing of securities' transaction tax

"A new reality created with the introduction of MIFID on European stock markets must be dealt by the government, political parties and all capital markets' agencies", SMEHA said.

The Association noted that over the last two months large international investment banks have become remote members in the Athens Stock Exchange, while the same banks participated in new stock trading platforms both in Europe and globally.

The association warned that a significant part of transactions in the Greek capital market could be transferred to international trading platforms in the near future, since 70 pct of domestic transactions originated from abroad.

[25] Greek stocks end 1.39 pct higher

The composite index of the Athens Stock Exchange rose 1.39 pct to end at 4,344.93 points with turnover a moderate 341.95 million euros, of which 30 million euros were block trades.

Most sectors moved higher, with the Banks (2.74 pct), Raw Materials (2.36 pct), Industrial Products (1.87 pct) and Oil (1.70 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while Travel (1.33 pct), Utilities (0.76 pct) and Financial Services (0.08 pct) suffered losses.

The Big Cap index rose 1.74 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 0.71 pct higher and the Small Cap index rose 0.86 pct. Eurobrokers (19.67 pct), Atlantic (9.55 pct) and Imako (8.0 pct) were top gainers, while Allatini Ceramics (7.89 pct), Motodynamiki (5.20 pct) and Viosol (4.44 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 192 to 47 with another 51 issues unchanged. The Alternative Market of the Athens Stock Exchange made its debut on Thursday, with Epsilon Net -the first listed company in the market- seeing its share price rising 6.67 pct to 3.20 euros.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +1.56%

Industrials: +1.87%

Commercial: +0.62%

Construction: +0.26%

Media: +1.06%

Oil & Gas: +1.70%

Personal & Household: +1.43%

Raw Materials: +2.36%

Travel & Leisure: -1.33%

Technology: +0.89%

Telecoms: +0.49%

Banks: +2.74%

Food & Beverages: +1.01%

Health: +1.06%

Utilities: -0.76%

Chemicals: +0.77%

Financial Services: -0.08%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 20.98

ATEbank: 3.48

Public Power Corp (PPC): 30.00

HBC Coca Cola: 29.22

Hellenic Petroleum: 9.52

National Bank of Greece: 38.20

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 18.80

Intralot: 12.90

OPAP: 23.80

OTE: 20.50

Titan Cement Company: 30.04

[26] Greek bond market closing report

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates were mixed. National Bank's overnight rate was 4.05 pct, the two-day rate 4.05 pct, the one-month rate 4.20 percent and the 12-month rate 4.39 pct.

[27] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on the Big Cap index totaled 7,324 contracts worth 82.710 million euros, with 27,042 open positions in the market, while on the Mid Cap index volume was 216 contracts worth 5.688 million euros with 418 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 9,135 contracts worth 16.801 million euros, with investment interest focusing on National Bank's contracts (1,467), followed Eurobank (1,403), Marfin Investment Group (1,143), OTE (1,393), Hellenic

Exchanges (408), Alpha Bank (554), Marfin Popular Bank (679) and Postal Savings Bank (409).

[28] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

U.S. dollar 1.485

Pound sterling 0.758

Danish kroner 7.514

Swedish kroner 9.388

Japanese yen 160.54

Swiss franc 1.633

Norwegian kroner 7.924

Canadian dollar 1.504

Australian dollar 1.616

General News

[29] San Marino FM honours Theodorakis

Theodorakis wished to Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis "courage, as upon her shoulders at this moment are accumulated heavy responsibilities and complex problems which must be solved in a manner which will secure justice for the involved parties and the great fruit of peace."

Bakoyannis said that "the polite initiative by the Republic of San Marino is worthy of congratulations," as the work of Theodorakis is dedicated to "the culture of the soul."

The San Marino foreign minister underlined that the selection of Theodorakis by his country was done "due to the personal history of the great composer, his work and his struggle for the ideals of peace and democracy."

Theodorakis underlined that "the most valuable ally and guard of peace was and is always the spiritual and artistic creation of every country, the bonds which are being created and consolidate relations between all the peoples, as well as the fruitful spiritual exchanges."

[30] Barrage of arsons against banks, cars

In an apparently concerted operation, unknown perpetrators planted home-made incendiary bombs comprising small propane canisters, which went off between 2:00 a.m. and 2:10 a.m.

Branches of Proton Bank in downtown Athens, CitiBank in Petroupolis, Millennium Bank in Gerakas, Citibank in Piraeus, Eurobank Open 24 in Piraeus, Eurobank in Kallithea, Bank of Cyprus in Patissia, and National Bank in Vyronas were targetted, as well as a car registered to the Bank of Cyprus in Argyroupolis, a car registered with the Health Services in Piraeus, a private car in Glyfada, and a car belonging to a private security company in Kolonos, and also the offices of the Ethniki Asfalistiki insurance company (subsidiary of the National Bank of Greece) in Kato Halandri.

[31] Group claims responsibility for arson attacks

An unidentified caller said the group was responsible for the attacks in a phone call to a private television channel, saying they were a show of solidarity with anti-establishment activists currently being held in custody.

[32] French cartoonists' exhibition in Trikala

The exhibition comprises 70 original works by renowned French cartoonists such as Laville, Rousseau, Kiro (Canard Enchaine), Britto, Plantai (Le Monde), and others.

The works satirize politics and every-day life, without words, while also on display are front pages of French satirical newspapers from the period of 1910-1920, such as "Le Rire" which first circulated in 1894 with collaborating artists such as Toulouse-Lautrec, and "La Baionnete", with rare archive material kindly supplied by Angeliki Koumetaki-Papadopoulou, from the unique collection of her father Elias Koumetakis, on of the greatest Greek cartoonists of the previous century.

The exhibition will run through February 29, and is open to the public on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

[33] Survey highlights unhealthy eating habits of 18-35s

The findings of the survey, conducted using a sample of 458 people, were presented during the 4th arteriosclerosis conference taking place in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki this week. It showed that the average diet eaten by 18-35s was particularly high in calories and saturated fats, both of which are high-risk factors for developing heart and circulation problems in later life.

The results showed that this age group often eats take-away kebabs for either lunch or dinner, frequently eat sweets and that the length of their meals rarely exceeds eight minutes.

Despite knowing that their diet is comprised mainly junk food and not balanced, about nine in 10 or 88 percent are doing nothing to change the way they eat.

About 49 percent of the young people eat just one meal a day, another 37 percent eat two meals a day and 14 percent eat three or more times a day. About 38 percent eat fruit at least three times a week or more, 32 percent eat fish, pulses and grains more than two times a week and 52 percent eat sweets more than four times a week.

About 75 percent of young people do not distinguish between lunch and dinner and this meal is often a take-away kebab. Only 6 percent drinks fruit juice at breakfast, 25 percent drink milk, while the great majority has coffee and biscuits or a cheese pie for breakfast.

Lastly, about 73 percent consider that they eat a considerable quantity of food.

[34] Four arrested in heroin bust

Police said they had arrested a 17-year-old and three men aged 23, 24 and 27, respectively, all of whom are thought to be members of an organized crime ring. The drugs were handed over to the police officer by the 17-year-old, the suppliers were the 24- and 27-year-olds, while the sale was negotiated by the 23-year-old.

Also found in their possession were an additional 1.54 kilos of heroin, 11 grams of cocaine and a 38-millimetre 'Smith and Wesson' revolver, as well as a vial of paralyzing spray, a set of electronic precision scales, a fake Bulgarian identity card and a car used to transport the drugs.

One other person charged in connection with the same case is a 62-year-old Greek that brought the police officer into contact with the drug dealers. He was not, however, detained because the period allowing an arrest under "flagrante delicto" proceedings had elapsed.

Weather Forecast

[35] Cloud, scattered showers on Friday

Possibility of drizzle in Athens, with light winds and temperatures ranging from 5C to 17C. Overcast in Thessaloniki, with temperatures ranging from 3C to 15C.

Cyprus Affairs

[36] Sarkozy underlines significance of relations with Cyprus

French President Nicholas Sarkozy underlined the strategic significance of the relations between France and Cyprus.

Sarkozy was speaking after receiving the credentials of Cyprus' new ambassador to France Pericles Nearchos during an official ceremony at the Elysee Palace.

An official statement said in a private meeting after the ceremony, President Sarkozy underlined "the significance of the relations between France and Cyprus".

On his part, the Cypriot ambassador briefed the French President on the latest developments on the Cyprus problem.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the island's northern third.

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