Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 09-03-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM meets ministers, MIG's Vgenopoulos

[02] PM to visit Zakynthos Saturday

[03] Gov't on retirement, labour issues

[04] PASOK blames 'voiceless' government for EU pensions ruling

[05] PASOK on privatisations, credit crunch

[06] DM Meimarakis, Richard Falk address int'l con'f in Athens on global security

[07] Greek MPs to visit Sydney

[08] LA.OS leader holds London talks

[09] PM meets former minister Yiannakou

[10] Greek envoy in Sofia on Greek-Bulgarian relations

[11] Cross-border cooperation between Greece, Bulgaria and Romania discussed

[12] Farm minister, livestock breeders fail to find common ground

[13] Italian ambassador addresses Greek-Italian chamber of commerce

[14] Credit expansion slowed further in February

[15] Hellenic Telecoms reports mixed Q4 results

[16] ATEbank says 2008 earnings affected by increased provisions

[17] Cosmote says EBITDA up 15.8 pct in 2008

[18] Piraeus Port Organisation says profits down 77.25 pct in 2008

[19] Iaso Group reports improved 2008 results

[20] Greek trade deficit down 34.9 pct in January

[21] Greek stocks end 2.46 pct lower

[22] ADEX closing report

[23] Greek bond market closing report

[24] Foreign Exchange rates - Saturday/Monday

[25] Actress Irene Papas receives "Internationally Recognized Greek Woman" Award

[26] Athens invites all to take part in 'Earth Hour'

[27] Armed robbery at IKA branch in Athens, Petralia statement

[28] AUTH Senate to hold rally over student sit-in

[29] Nineteen arrests in police clean sweep operation

[30] Twinning proposal for the ports of Piraeus and Sydney

[31] Central Jewish Council protests court's decision

[32] Old-price tickets not valid on Athens public transport after April 1

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

[34] Cyprus President received by the Pope

[35] US Senator questions Gordon's nomination during Foreign Relations hearing Politics

[01] PM meets ministers, MIG's Vgenopoulos

"We discussed issues concerning the economic crisis that is now rocking all of Europe, while we specifically discussed the issue of air transport," Hatzidakis said after the meeting.

The minister confirmed that the talks had also been about OA, adding that the airline was making a new start and "turning a new page in the air transport sector".

"We believe that what happened with Olympic is a step forward and points the way for continuing structural changes".

Vgenopoulos, on his part, said that the prime minister had invited him to take part in a discussion that he found very interesting.

"We discussed issues relating to Olympic Airways, air transport, tourism and matters concerning the economy, which is at a very difficult conjunction".

Talks with agriculture minister

Earlier on Friday, Karamanlis also met agricultural development and foods minister Sotiris Hatzigakis, who briefed the premier on progress in the developmental program for the Greek countryside.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Hatzigalis noted that the "Alexandros Baltatzis" developmental program for 2007-2013 was being updated and "rekindled" for that purpose.

The minister said that subsidies, support and indemnities in relief will be reaching Greek farmers by the summer, adding that these would assist more than half a million Greek farmers.

Hatzigakis also briefed Karamanlis on a process of national dialogue with farmers now underway, which was urgently bringing the problem with agriculture back to the forefront.

The problem, he explained, was both European and international, while adding that the national agricultural policy council would be restructured through the national dialogue aimed at participatory democracy and involving farmers in the solution of issues that concern them.

Among the prime minister's other engagements on Friday were a meeting with former minister Marietta Yiannakou and attending a ceremony where world-renowned actress Irene Papas received the newly-established award "Internationally Recognised Greek Men and Women" from the Hellenic Parliament Foundation for Parliamentarianism and Democracy.

[02] PM to visit Zakynthos Saturday

At noon, the premier will address a meeting of local agencies' representatives and productive classes.

[03] Gov't on retirement, labour issues

Antonaros cited the statements made on Thursday by the national economy and finance minister when asked to comment on a European Court ruling against the different retirement ages for male and female public sector employees and the likelihood that the 'discrimination' would be corrected by allowing men to retire at a younger age, like their female colleagues.

He stated that the government will seek to reach an understanding with the EU to guarantee the established rights of female civil servants, adding that all European Court decisions are executed and respected. He also underlined that the Greek side does not agree with the rationale of the specific decision. "Our arguments were rejected," he stated, adding that there is no way to overturn the decision.

[04] PASOK blames 'voiceless' government for EU pensions ruling

PASOK spokesman George Papaconstantinou also blamed the government for the unfavourable outcome, saying that it had not argued the case strongly enough at the European Court.

"The lack of serious negotiations and the government's voicelessness leads us to conclude that the only thing that is possibly driving the government's policy at this time on the specific issue is the fiscal problem and nothing more. And this is extremely worrying," the spokesman stressed.

"One would have expected that after the European Court's ruling was released there would be a major press conference, where the ministers responsible would explain to Greek citizens what our country's alternative options were," noted Papaconstantinou.

"What will the government do? Will it go to a different legal framework so that these pensions will once again come under the logic of a social and not professional pension? Will it negotiate transitional periods? Will it protect the women that have already established pension rights?" the spokesman asked, pointing out that neither the employment minister nor the interior minister had been heard on these issues.

Replying to questions that challenged PASOK's critical stance toward the premier's call for 'flexibility' in labour relations due to the crisis - with reporters pointing out that PASOK MP Anna Diamantopoulou had essentially said the same things in a speech given on Thursday - Papaconstantinou insisted that the main opposition's stance was different.

"PASOK's position is that, in a time of crisis, you cannot wink and nod at businesses so that they shift the entire weight of the adjustment on their workforce," he underlined.

The spokesman stressed that there was currently widespread abuse of the existing legal framework for labour relations and that the government should instead be making sure that such abuses did not exist.

"It should have policies that support the real economy, support enterprise, support workers that live under the fear of dismissal or a change in their working relations," he said, adding that measures to support businesses struggling due to the crisis should not be open to abuse in a time when all economic activity was at risk.

"We cannot let businesses decide when they are at risk or not at risk and to abuse the framework," he emphasised, noting that such abusive decisions, when generalised, would be extremely damaging for both the employees involved but also society as a whole. He also noted that a framework that was a useful tool in times of growth needed modification during times of economic crisis.

PASOK would therefore abolish this framework when it came into power and introduce one that prevented abuses but allowed companies a degree of flexibility when they were on the verge of becoming bankrupt, he added.

[05] PASOK on privatisations, credit crunch

Papaconstantinou said there are plans for participation of strategic investors in the Public Gas Corp. (DEPA) and the Thessaloniki Water Supply and Sewerage Co. SA (EYATH), in addition to the sale of more Hellenic Telecoms (OTE) shares.

"The availability of loans for businesses is still slow despite the cash injections given to the banks," Papaconstantinou also forwarded, pointing out that PASOK's criticism on the effectiveness of the government's 28-billion-euro bank liquidity support plan is being vindicated.

[06] DM Meimarakis, Richard Falk address int'l con'f in Athens on global security

The two-day conference, organised by the Greek defence ministry-affiliated Defence Analyses Institute (IAA), featured a keynote address by noted US scholar and UN human rights rapporteur Richard Falk, who emphasised the need for a neo-Keynesian approach to dealing with the ongoing global economic crisis as well as efforts to deal with international terrorism and the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Falk, a Princeton professor emeritus, also underlined that the Middle East problem, namely, the Palestinian question, is the key to solving much of the turmoil in the region. He also said that the neo-liberal establishment in the US is still an impediment for the new US administration head by President Barack Obama.

The conference comes on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Greek think tank's establishment.

Other noted speakers at the conference include veteran Greek diplomat Byron Theodoropoulos (ret.); Columbia professor Gordon Bardos; former US foreign service officer Brady Kiesling; IAA scientific board president and international politics professor Christodoulos Yiallourides; University of Hamburg professor of international and European law Thomas Bruha and ANA-MPA managing director Nicholas Voulelis, amongst others.

[07] Greek MPs to visit Sydney

A delegation of Greek parliament deputies comprising Panagiotis Skandalakis (ruling New Democracy), Michael Pantoulas (main opposition PASOK) and Grigoris Psarianos (SYRIZA) will visit Sydney on April 1-3.

The Greek MPs will have meetings with representatives of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) Oceania and Far East Region and the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales. A reception will be hosted in their honor by Greece's Consul General in Sydney.

[08] LA.OS leader holds London talks

Popular Orthodox Rally (LA.OS) party leader George Karatzaferis held meetings here on Friday with members of the House of Commons.

Karatzaferis said his talks focused on the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (FYROM) name issue, the international economic crisis and the Greek demand for the return to Athens of the Parthenon Marbles.

[09] PM meets former minister Yiannakou

[10] Greek envoy in Sofia on Greek-Bulgarian relations

Greek Ambassador to Bulgaria Danai-Magdalini Koumanakou said Friday that Greek-Bulgarian relations were excellent, a fact that exercised a positive influence on the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation.

"Our bilateral political relations are excellent. This fact cannot but have a positive influence on the entire spectrum of our cooperation, from energy to culture and tourism," the Greek envoy told the weekly newspaper "Politika", on the occasion of Greece's March 25 National Independence Day holiday.

After noting the "new dimensions and momentum created in the development of Greek-Bulgarian relations in all sectors, especially after Bulgaria's accession to the European Union," the Greek envoy said that Greek investments in the neighbouring country have exceeded two billion euros to date, and Greece remains one of the country's biggest trade partners. She added that in 2007 alone, the first year of Bulgaria's EU membership, Bulgarian exports to the Greek market increased by about 14 per cent.

Financial News

[11] Cross-border cooperation between Greece, Bulgaria and Romania discussed

Glavakis underlined that the Romanian side has expressed interest in forging cooperation with the Thessaloniki-based Geotechnical Chamber of Greece (GEOTEE) with the purpose of establishing a similar organisation in Romania, pointing out that cross-border cooperation can increase in sectors such as agri-tourism and management of natural disasters.

Cross-border cooperation potential on farm issues was also underlined by Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) and GEOTEE representatives.

[12] Farm minister, livestock breeders fail to find common ground

The minister told reporters that joint ministerial decisions will be taken, focusing especially on the dairy sector and the illegal "nationalisation" of imported meat products sold as Greek.

Representatives of livestock farmers, however, said that their demands have not been met and that they will initiate protest action whose form will be decided in the coming week.

[13] Italian ambassador addresses Greek-Italian chamber of commerce

The ambassador noted that relations in 2008 were continuing to show a positive trend for growth and diversification, in spite of the adverse economic climate, with the balance of trade increasing by 5.6 percent to reach nine billion euros by the end of that year. In terms of future prospects, he said that Greece and Italy could not completely avoid the repercussions of the global economic crisis, which inevitably impact on their balance of trade, but seemed less exposed to serious destabilisation than other countries.

Sectors that saw growth included textiles and energy, while there was particularly strong growth for engineering and industrial products. For the first time, Italy was the top for imports of Greek products, with 11.5 percent of all Greek exports.

The ambassador also announced a new initiative, under which Italy will organise a week of events called "Italia in Piazza 2009" at the Athens municipality's 'Technopolis' centre from June 1-7 focusing on economic activities and culture.

[14] Credit expansion slowed further in February

The central bank, in a report, said net credit flow to enterprises totaled 48 million euros in February, for an annual growth rate of 15.3 pct, down from 17.2 pct in January and 18.7 pct in December 2008, with credit expansion growth slowing to 13.1 pct in the manufacturing sector, from 15.2 pct in January and 15.8 pct in December 2008, while in the commerce sector credit expansion grew by 19.3 pct, from 19.6 pct in January and 19.5 pct in December 2008.

Net credit flow to households totaled 259 million euros for an annual growth rate of 10.3 pct in February from 11.8 pct in January and 12.8 pct in December 2008. Mortgage credit toataled 190 million euros for an annual growth rate of 9.6 pct in February, from 10.6 pct in January and 11.5 pct in December 2008, while consumer loans totaled 107 million euros for an annual growth rate of 12.3 pct in February, from 14.7 pct and 16.0 pct in January 2009 and December 2008, respectively.

[15] Hellenic Telecoms reports mixed Q4 results

Turnover in the October-December 2008 period totaled 1.641 billion euros, up 0.5 pct from the corresponding period in 2007, while net profits fell 56.4 pct to 100.1 million euros and pre-tax, interest and amortization earnings margin rose 0.9 percentage points to 32.9 pct.

Parent turnover fell 1.3 pct to 669.4 million euros, operating earnings fell 7.9 pct to 62.1 million euros and EBITDA margin fell to 25.6 pct in the fourth quarter of 2008. OTE said its results were also supported by a 44.9 pct increase in ADSL subscriptions in the last three months of 2008 to more than 1.6 million subscribers.

Romtelecom reported a 4.2 pct decline in turnover with losses of 21.8 million euros in the fourth quarter, AMC in Albania reported an 1.0 pct increase in turnover with operating earnings up 11.1 pct, while Globul in Bulgaria reported a 15.6 pct increase in turnover to 128.2 million euros and a 72.4 pct rise in operating earnings.

Cosmote Romania reported an 113.5 pct jump in revenues and a 71 pct rise in operating earnings in the fourth quarter, while Germanos reported a 12.9 pct decline in revenues to 265.2 million euros, and losses of 2.0 million euros.

OTE said it planned to pay a 0.75 euros per share dividend to its shareholders, unchanged from the previous year.

[16] ATEbank says 2008 earnings affected by increased provisions

Loan portfolio grew 21.9 pct in 2008 to 21.7 billion euros. The bank said write-offs totaled 412 million euros in 2008 raising write-offs since 2004 to 2.1 billion euros. Mortgage loans grew 20.8 pct to 6.1 billion euros last year, while consumer loans grew 55.4 pct to 1.2 billion euros and credit cards grew 46.5 percent to 451.7 million euros.

ATEbank said its non-performing loans rate fell to 5.6 pct in December 2008 from 7.3 pct in December 2007, while it announced that provisions for bad loans totaled 204.2 million euros last year, up from 79.9 million euros in 2007.

Saving deposits grew 1.6 pct to 21 billion euros. The bank said its total capital adequacy rate rose to 13.8 pct while it enjoyed high cash flow following its participation in a government-sponsored program to boost liquidity in the market.

[17] Cosmote says EBITDA up 15.8 pct in 2008

Cosmote said its EBITDA margin rose by 2.8 percentage points, to 35 pct, the highest levels since the group transformed into its present form.

Greece's largest mobile telephony operator -based on the number of subscribers- said it added 1.4 million customers in the fourth quarter of 2008, surpassing the 20 million customers mark in all markets, recording a 29 pct increase on an annual basis.

Cosmote's market share in Greece was 42 pct, up around three percentage points in 2008, while its market share in Romania grew to around 23 pct with a customer base of 5.9 million. In Bulgaria and Albania, Globul and AMC, raised their market shares despite increasing competition.

In Greece, Cosmote said it attracted 482,000 new customers to a total of 7.9 million, up 26 pct from 2007. Fourth quarter EBITDA grew by 8.3 pct, while for 2008, pre-tax, interest and amortization earnings (EBITDA) grew 8.1 pct to 781.9 million euros.

[18] Piraeus Port Organisation says profits down 77.25 pct in 2008

[19] Iaso Group reports improved 2008 results

EBITDA margin rose by 71 percentage points last year, while pre-tax profits rose 7.6 pct to 36.1 million euros and net after-tax and minorities earnings rose 4.6 pct to 21.3 million euros.

Parent turnover was up 7.9 pct to 109 million euros, EBITDA rose 7.7 pct to 39.7 million euros and net after tax profits grew 13.4 pct to 24.9 million euros. Iaso said it planned to pay a 0.22 euros per share dividend to shareholders.

[20] Greek trade deficit down 34.9 pct in January

Excluding oils, the trade shortfall fell by 172.7 million euros, or 8.1 pct over the same period. The value of import-arrivals in January totaled 3.032 billion euros, from 4.420 billion in the corresponding month last year, for a decline of 31.4 pct, while the value of exports deliveries totaled 942.5 million euros in January from 1.208 billion in January 2008, for a decline of 22 pct.

[21] Greek stocks end 2.46 pct lower

Most sectors moved lower, with the Constructions (7.20 pct), Banks (5.28 pct), Industrial Products (3.42 pct) and Financial Services (3.38 pct) suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day, while Utilities (1.90 pct) and Oils (1.35 pct) scored gains.

The FTSE 20 index fell 3.33 pct, the FTSE 40 index ended 1.80 pct lower and the FTSE 80 index eased 1.37 pct. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 159 to 53 with another 44 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: -2.64%

Industrials: -3.42%

Commercial: -0.32%

Construction: -7.20%

Media: -2.27%

Oil & Gas: +1.35%

Personal & Household: -0.61%

Raw Materials: -1.87%

Travel & Leisure: -0.37%

Technology: -3.35%

Telecoms: -1.58%

Banks: -5.28%

Food & Beverages: -2.37%

Health: -0.52%

Utilities: +1.90%

Chemicals: -2.35%

Financial Services: -3.38%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank, Public Power Corp (PPC), Bank of Cyprus and OTE.

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

Alpha Bank: 4.85

ATEbank: 1.09

Public Power Corp (PPC): 13.60

HBC Coca Cola: 10.26

Hellenic Petroleum: 6.88

National Bank of Greece: 11.48

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 4.22

Intralot: 3.87

OPAP: 19.95

OTE: 11.20

Bank of Piraeus: 4.85

Titan Cement Company: 15.10

[22] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 19,568 contracts worth 12.214 million euros, with investment interest focusing on National Bank's contracts (2,925), followed by Eurobank (1,226), OTE (1,132), PPC (2,132), Piraeus Bank (1,413), Alpha Bank (2,503), Marfin Popular Bank (2,052) and Cyprus Bank (1,255).

[23] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates were largely unchanged. The 12-month Euribor rate was 1.83 pct, the six-month rate was 1.69 pct, the three-month rate 1.53 pct and the one-month rate 1.14 pct.

[24] Foreign Exchange rates - Saturday/Monday

U.S. dollar 1.340

Pound sterling 0.935

Danish kroner 7.508

Swedish kroner 10.980

Japanese yen 130.95

Swiss franc 1.531

Norwegian kroner 8.870

Canadian dollar 1.657

Australian dollar 1.938

General News

[25] Actress Irene Papas receives "Internationally Recognized Greek Woman" Award

The event coincided with the World Theatre Day, and presenting her with the award Parliament President Dimitris Sioufas stressed that "it expresses the individual and collective wish of the Greeks to honor Irene Papas," who was established internationally as a great Greek actress, being described as "the incarnation of the woman's soul in its most profound expression".

[26] Athens invites all to take part in 'Earth Hour'

An announcement issued on Friday by the Athens municipality stressed that the City of Athens had embraced this symbolic action against climate change and will playing a leading role in the "Earth Hour" effort by switching off lights for an hour at 20:30 on its buildings and city landmarks. These will include Lycabettus Hill, City Hall on Kotzia Square, the City of Athens administrative building on Liossion St, all municipal buildings (Youth and Sport Organisation gyms, Cultural Centres, the seven City District offices, Friendship Clubs etc), and the Technopolis smokestacks.

The aim of the Athens Mayor's letter is for Greek Municipalities to be added to the long list of participating cities throughout the world, which includes New York, Beijing, Buenos Aires, London, Moscow and Paris, and to actively contribute to the energy conservation effort.

Meanwhile, the City of Athens, SKAI television and radio and WWF have co-organised a major concert that will take place on Pnyx Hill tomorrow at 20:00. Mario Frangoulis will perform together with the City of Athens Symphony Orchestra and the City of Athens Music Ensembles Mixed Choir, under the direction of maestro Loukas Karytinos.

The mayor has also appealed to the general public to join in with the city's 'Switch off the light, see the difference' campaign, so that "our city, the City of Athens, can convey the message that together, all of us can ensure a more sustainable future for the city, our planet".

As part of its effort to inform and raise the awareness of citizens and city visitors, the City of Athens has posted the global initiative's message on MATRIX electronic message boards throughout Athens.

At the same time, the City of Athens has informed all organizations with which it has co-signed a Memorandum of Cooperation for the Replacement of the Plastic Bag, all schools in the municipality, the Ministry of Education's Athens 1st Department Primary Education and Secondary Education Environmental Education Offices, major hotels and businesses, and volunteer organisations so they too can take part in "Earth Hour".

[27] Armed robbery at IKA branch in Athens, Petralia statement

At the time of the robbery, just before 9:00 am, Employment and Social Security Minister Fani Palli-Petralia happened to be close by conducting a surprise inspection at the IKA branch in Aghia Varvara.

The minister rushed to the scene of the armed robbery and in statements she made on the public-run TV channel underlined that crime is on the rise and the adoption of strict measures is necessary. She also assured that the government will not allow the situation to deteriorate further.

[28] AUTH Senate to hold rally over student sit-in

The sit-in began on March 16, based on a decision taken by three student associations and the support of the Thessaloniki University employees union. The students have asked the Senate to take a stand on the issue of Konstantina Kuneva, a trade unionist representing cleaners that fell victim to an acid attack suspected to be linked to her trade union activity, as well as the issue of the cleaning contractors used by AUTH.

The decision was made during an emergency session of the Senate held at the AHEPA Hospital lecture theatre, due to the sit-in. It said the rally sought to "restore the violation of asylum" and to give the Senate the right of access to the administration building.

The academic faculty said that the sit-in had "paralysed" administrative services at the university, which was thus unable to fulfil academic, legal, financial and other obligations, including payment of salaries or giving staff leave. It had also severely handicapped the secretariats of the universities various schools, due to the lack of communication with the university's central services.

"Our already multiply injured and only by great effort functional public university is under a form of all-out, unreasonable and incomprehensible attack, in order to perform that which is impossible. This shows that there is underway a dangerous effort for its disintegration, by self-appointed individuals that do not state their name, their capacity nor whom they represent. The suspension of the administrative functions is something that not even the employees in question would want," a Senate announcement said.

The Senate pointed out that only the State could give permanent jobs to the staff hired via contractors, while the university was obliged to implement the existing legislation. It stressed that all employees at the university were fully covered by legal terms of employment.

The session was concluded in spite of the entry of a group of students that demanded to be allowed in to watch the proceedings and would not leave.

[29] Nineteen arrests in police clean sweep operation

A total of 120 people were brought in for questioning and the 19 who were arrested face charges ranging from drug-related violations and prostitution to illegal possession of weapons.

[30] Twinning proposal for the ports of Piraeus and Sydney

Deputy Merchant Marine, Aegean and Island Policy Minister Panos Kammenos proposed the twinning of the ports of Piraeus and Sydney during a meeting with NSW Minister for Finance, Infrastructure, Regulatory Reform, Ports and Waterways Joseph Tripodi during his visit to Australia that was wrapped up on Thursday.

Kammenos also met with NSW Minister for Fair Trading, Citizenship Virginia Judge, who is also the Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts, and outlined the dynamism of the recent Greek port policy emphasizing that through international partnerships Greece has become a major gateway for international trade and transportation in SE Europe.

In a meeting with Archbishop Stylianos of Australia, Kammenos referred to the potential of Greek expatriate student tourism to Greek islands.

Kammenos also attended a reception hosted by the Greek Consul General in Sydney on the occasion of the March 25 National Anniversary and met with NSW Attorney General, Minister for Justice and Industrial Relations John Hatzistergos and representatives of the Greek community.

[31] Central Jewish Council protests court's decision

"This decision provokes sorrow and concern among citizens of a modern democratic society, when a praiser of Nazism and racism, who distorts historical facts and disseminates hatred with his writings, goes unpunished," a relevant statement said.

Plevris had been accused of racism after the publication of his book "The Jews. The whole truth".

[32] Old-price tickets not valid on Athens public transport after April 1

Those still holding the discontinued 0.80 euro tickets can exchange them for the new 1-euro tickets at OASA offices, 25 Metsovou St. until June 30, 2009 between 8 am and 2 pm on weekdays.

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

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "Gentlemen's agreement for reduction of prices in supermarkets - It is hoped that the merchants will abide by their word of honor".

APOGEVMATINI: "Social security issue for women in the public sector and Armed Forces, following European court's ruling against Greece for not applying gender equality".

AVGHI: "Anti-labor ruling - Following the 'flexibility' of working hours and salaries, the employers are now seeking to 'break' the National Collective Labor Agreement".

CHORA: "Women on the verge of a nervous breakdown - Agony and insecurity over the equalization of retirement ages".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "The prime minister will not easily abandon politicis, despite the wishes of many".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Hiring of immigrants in the police force - Exclusive: New 'model' (of police) after the 'explosion' in crime".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Second blow against women - Panic in the public sector".

ESTIA: "Monitoring of the economy benefits Greece - Brussels is not a 'bogieman'."

ETHNOS: "Succession-mongering to the end - Souflias-Dora: Lunch with meaning, in public view".

KATHIMERINI: "Towards a gradual equalization of retirement ages - Deliberations between Greece and EU - Additional working years for women in the public sector".

LOGOS: "Thousands of working women on the razor's edge".

NIKI: "Souflias-Dora lunch at central Athens hotel".

RIZOSPASTIS: "United battle by women and men for modern social security rights".

TA NEA: "Karamanlis the...first course - Dora-Souflias lunch on the 'morning after' in ND".

TO VIMA: "Rendezvous in the 'display-window' - Souflias-Dora lunch at prominent hotel".

VRADYNI: "Support for tourism sector - Measures to boost the country's 'heavy industry' approved by Inner Cabinet".

Cyprus Affairs

[34] Cyprus President received by the Pope

Pope Benedict XVI granted Friday an audience to Cyprus President Demetris Christofias at the Vatican City.

President Christofias, who is paying Vatican an official visit, was received by the Pope earlier Friday. Initially, the two held a private conversation and were subsequently joined by their respective delegations.

The Cypriot President offered the Pope a copy of an amphora of 750-600 B.C, found in the area of Goudi, which portrays a goat and a lion.

Pope Benedict XVI offered President Christofias a golden Pontificate medal, which depicts the Pope, given to heads of states.

Later on, President Christofias met with Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and Artchbishop Dominique Nanberti Secretary for Relations with State.

During his meeting with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone President Christofias extended an invitation to Pope Benedict XVI to visit Cyprus before visiting Israel in May.

CNA has learnt that Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone noted that the Pope would like to pay an exclusive visit to Cyprus in due time. The issue will be further discussed.

President Christofias and Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone discussed about the destruction of the cultural heritage in Cyprus by the Turkish occupation army, which occupies one third of the island's territory since 1974.

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone said that the cultural and religious heritage in the occupied areas of Cyprus is part of the world cultural heritage and should be protected. Turks, he added, should show interest in preserving this heritage.

At the meeting, they also discussed Turkey's EU accession course and both sides said that this course depends on the progress achieved in the Cyprus problem and the respect of human rights in Turkey and Cyprus. Present at the meeting was among others, Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs Markos Kyprianou.

Cyprus President decorated later on his Eminence Tarcisio Bertone with the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Cyprus, expressing Cyprus' gradidute towards his support for a just solution of the Cyprus problem.

Meanwhile, the Vatican issued an official press release which says that "the Holly Father Benedict XVI received in audience President Demetris Christofias of the Republic of Cyprus. The President subsequently went on to meet with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone SDB and Archbishop Dominique Nanberti Secretary for Relations with State".

"The cordial discussions focused on certain questions concerning the situation in the country and its future", it is added.

The press release notes that "for his part, President Christofias illustrated the conditions of many churches and Christian buildings in the north of the island. The two sides expressed their mutual hope that the ongoing negotiations between the parties may reach a solution to the longstanding questions of Cyprus".

"Ideas were also exchanged on the international situation regarding among other things the continent of Africa. Finally, emphasis was given to the importance of good relations between Catholics and Orthodox and between Catholics and Muslims, who are all called to work together for the good of society and for peaceful coexistence among peoples", the press release concludes.

Pope expresses deep interest in Cyprus issue, Cypriot President says

Cyprus President Demetris Christofias said in Rome Friday that Pope Benedict XVI expressed his deep interest in developments regarding the Cyprus question, expressing hope that the ongoing direct negotiations between President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, aiming to solve the Cyprus problem, will bear fruit.

President Christofias, who was speaking at a press conference, after his meetings at the Vatican, where he paid an official visit, heading a delegation, said that he agreed with the Pontiff to join efforts to convince Turkey, "which holds the key for a Cyprus settlement", to follow a policy of respect towards the position of the people of Cyprus, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, for the evolution of the Cypriot state to a federal state, comprising two constituent states.

President Christofias said that that the Turkish government however supports a confederation, comprising two equal states, "something which contradicts the agreements reached so far between the two community leaders for a bizonal, bicommunal federation and the UN resolutions that have adopted these agreements".

Noting the Pope's interest in the Cyprus question, Christofias said the Pontiff wished for a successful outcome of the negotiations held between him and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat since September last year, "which are aiming at terminating an unacceptable situation which is the occupation of part of the Republic of Cyprus by Turkish troops, in violation of the international law and of course the European law, something which means violation of the human rights of all Cypriots, and at the restoration of the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus".

President Christofias said the Pope was interested in how Catholics and other people of Cyprus are living on the island, showing also his fervent interest in the cultural and religious heritage of the island which has been immensely destroyed due to the ongoing Turkish occupation.

Regarding a possible visit of the Pope to Cyprus, President Christofias said that this is an open issue and that both the Pope and the Prime Minister of the Vatican are positive towards this possibility.

The Cypriot president said that the Pope praised the Cypriot Church's role in bridging differences between the Christian churches.

He also said that the positions of Vatican and Cyprus regarding the Middle East are identical, noting that both sides wish for Cyprus to become a bridge of peace and cooperation between the EU, the Middle East and the northern African countries.

Regarding Turkey's EU accession course, the president said that both Cyprus and the Vatican support Ankara's EU course, provided that Turkey functions in a European way and fulfills its obligations towards the EU and the Republic of Cyprus.

He said that Cyprus is a full EU member state and the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus are part of the EU as well.

"Turkey, in order to be accepted in this big European family, has to respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of the Republic of Cyprus:, he noted.

He also stressed that the Cypriots themselves must determine their fate, without any control from outside and especially from Turkey.

Asked about the statements made yesterday (Thursday) by President of the European Commission Jose Barrosso, President Christofias noted that Barrosso has always been helpful regarding efforts to reach a Cyprus solution, showing "a lot of understanding".

''I do not believe that Barrosso has changed his stance on Cyprus. Turkey has the duty to fulfill its obligations. This remains the policy of the Commission, headed by Barrosso", he pointed out.

The Cypriot president was also asked about Cyprus' stance on the opening of more EU Turkey negotiating chapters, especially the opening of the energy chapter.

He pointed out that Cyprus wants Turkey to respect its sovereign right to proceed to the exploration of its hydrocarbon reserves in its own exclusive economic zone.

Unfortunately, he added, Turkey has tried to prevent vessels, which were exploring the area, by "threatening with military ships".

"We want Turkey to guarantee it would stop this harassments and violations of Cyprus' sovereign rights and we would not object to the opening of the energy chapter under this condition", he stressed.

Asked about the issue of missing persons, Christofias recalled that there is a process under way for detecting graves, conducting exhumations and identifications through the DNA method and that dozens of remains of missing persons have been identified so far, adding that much more are expected to be identified.

He said that this is a humanitarian issue and must not be linked with efforts to solve the Cyprus question, adding however the ascertainment of the fate of the missing persons may be one of the issues that will help the reconciliation between the two communities of Cyprus.

President of the Republic Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat began direct negotiations in September last year with a view to solve the question of Cyprus, which has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the island's northern third.

[35] US Senator questions Gordon's nomination during Foreign Relations hearing

Turkish soldiers in the northern part of Cyprus do not form an "occupying" force but simply a "Turksish presence", Philip Gordon, candidate for the post of Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs claimed before members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations examining his nomination.

Senator Robert Menendez (D-New Jersey) called on Gordon to say whether he agreed with the statement in Barack Obama's pre-election campaign which referred to a political settlement of the Cyprus issue which will end the Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus and correct the tragic division of the island.

Gordon, a former White House official during the Clinton administration and currently an analyst at the Brookings Foundation responded: "There is a Turkish presence in the northern part of Cyprus which is not accepted by the government of Cyprus and it is an issue under negotiations which the US support for a solution to the Cyprus issue."

Following that, Menendez asked: "So you do not consider it an occupation." Gordon replied that "the view concerning occupation is expressed by the government of Cyprus and some experts."

Menendez commenting, informed Gordon that the statement he (Menendez) had read at the beginning of the hearing and which spoke of "occupation" was made by Obama himself. "It is not only his (Obama's) position but mine and many others' as well," the senator said insisting that there is "occupation".

On the Annan Plan, Gordon said that it was rejected through democratic procedures and now the two leaders in Cyprus are working by themselves to find a solution.

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