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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-10-11Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>October 11, 2005CONTENTS
[01] New Nimetz proposal on FYROM 'one-sided,' Greece saysATHENS, 11/10/2005 (ANA)The new proposal regarding the name issue of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) submitted by UN Special Envoy Matthew Nimetz is one-sided the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Monday.The ministry said that the new proposal effectively embraces the views of one side - that of FYROM - "a stance which does not fall within the concept of mediation," the statement read. The purpose of mediation is for a compromise to be reached based on mutually acceptable proposals, the ministry said. "Greece will continue working within the context of the UN procedure in order to find a mutually acceptable solution, because it believes that only through such a solution will bilateral ties and cooperation between the two countries and two peoples be reinforced. It is the only way that stability in the region can be supported; the only way in which progress in the neighboring country's Euro-Atlantic pursuits will be facilitated," the ministry stated further. In its statement, the ministry stressed that the Greek government will continue to exercise its right, in accordance with the bilateral agreement of 1995, to block FYROM's membership in any international organization if the latter attempts to join by using any name other than the "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia." On his part, FYROM Prime Minister Vlado Buchkovski praised the new Nimetz proposal during a televised announcement, according to an ANA dispatch from Skopje. Buckovski called the proposal a good basis for negotiations and said that his country wants to maintain good neighborly relations with Greece. Greece objects to the use of the name 'Macedonia' by its northern neighbor on the grounds that it might encourage expansionist policies against Greece. Greeks are also incensed by the attempts of FYROM Slavs to "usurp" the famous Macedonian king of antiquity Alexander the Great, from whom they claim descent. The name issue has been a point of contention between the two countries for the past 15 years. SYN calls for nat'l foreign policy council to convene over FYROM name issue: Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN) has called for the National Council on Foreign Policy to convene in order to discuss the pending FYROM name issue, in a letter it sent to Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis on Monday. According to the letter, SYN learned through press reports that UN Special Envoy Matthew Nimetz has submitted new proposals regarding the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (FYROM) name issue on which Greece and FYROM have yet to reach an agreement. "Of course we don't know the contents of the proposals but we are concerned over the possibility of reaching a new impasse," SYN stated. "We think it's necessary for all parties to be apprised of the situation and to be able to exchange views on the issue, which we think, should have been done before the government responds to the proposals. For these reasons, we ask that an emergency meeting of the National Council on Foreign Policy be called immediately," SYN said. [02] Veterinary officials say no instances of bird flu reported in Greece; precautions, sampling orderedATHENS, 11/10/2005 (ANA)The government on Monday announced that it has already ordered special medications used in the treatment of bird flu and to cope with the possibility of an influenza pandemic, adding that the country was prepared to deal with any emergency that might arise.Health Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis said 200,000 packages and 250,000 kilos of a special antibiotic powder recommended for bird flu have been ordered, as well as other medications used to fight the disease. Government officials said a WHO-recommended batch of vaccinations aimed at preventing the mutation of the bird flu virus and its transmission to humans is due to arrive in Athens next week. Kaklamanis, a former chief of radiology at a public hospital in Athens, noted that Greece was one of the few countries to have a draft national action plan for any flu pandemic, which will be finalized in mid-November by the ministries involved, while the EU will also deal with the issue during an informal meeting of EU health ministers in London on Oct. 20. The minister underlined, meanwhile, that the ordinary flu vaccine provided no protection from bird or avian flu and that no vaccine for specific flu currently exists. He stressed that there was no need for anyone apart from the usual vulnerable groups to get flu vaccinations Northern Greece veterinary services on alert: Prefectural health officials across northern Greece were on high alert Monday in the wake of a recent confirmation of bird flu cases -- the first ever in the wider region -- in neighboring Turkey and Romania. However, officials at Thessaloniki prefecture's veterinary service emphasized that no instances of the flu have been detected in poultry or any other type of fowl or birds in Greece. Farms and processing plants in the greater Thessaloniki area are being inspected, while blood tests have been ordered on poultry imported into Greece, officials said, adding that hunters' groups have also been asked to monitor the condition of migratory fowl reaching lakes Koroneia and Volvi, both near Thessaloniki. Further east, and specifically in Evros prefecture, which serves as the only land frontier between Greece and Turkey, authorities stressed that imports of poultry via the customs posts in the border prefecture have been banned. Additionally, hunters in Evros have been requested to supply 1,000 samples of game so authorities can test the fowl for the bird flu virus, with any suspicious results expected to be sent to special laboratories in the European Union for confirmation. Additionally, authorities in Evros warned local farmers not to cull and subsequently bury poultry without first contacting the prefecture's veterinary services. A meeting of veterinary officials of the prefectures in the tri-nation Thrace area -- Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria -- is set for Friday in the northeast Greek town of Orestiada to exclusively focus on the issue of bird flu precautions. Veterinary services went on high alert after the culling of thousands of domestic fowl (mostly Turkeys) near the northwest Turkish town of Balisekir as well as in Romania over the weekend in order to stop the spread of bird flu, as both countries confirmed their first cases of the disease. Researchers are still examining, however, whether the virus recorded in both countries is the same H5N1 strain that swept poultry populations in Asia since 2003. EU to debate new measures against bird flu: The European Union's veterinary committee is to meet next week to decide whether or not to take additional measures against avian influenza, Agricultural Development Minister Evangelos Basiakos said on Monday. The minister repeated that no trace of the highly contagious disease had been found in Greece. He said that the committee would meet on Wednesday next week, and he would personally raise the issue of new measures at an EU farm ministers' meeting. In addition, Basiakos reported that he had asked Greek vets who work on livestock certification for the ministry to postpone a strike they have announced due to severity of the situation. The vets are reported to have responded favorably to his proposal. [03] PM confers with head of ND EuroparliamentariansATHENS, 11/10/2005 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis met Monday with the head of the ruling New Democracy party's (ND) group of European Parliament deputies.Varvitsiotis told reporters after the meeting that they had discussed matters pertaining to the Europarliament. Asked to comment on the FYROM name issue, Varvitsiotis said that the matter was being handled by foreign minister Petros Molyviatis in a satisfactory manner. To another question on the resignation last week of deputy national economy and finance minister Adam Regouzas, Varvitsiotis said that the resignation had shown respectability and ethos. Karamanlis was also due to meet separately later with interior minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos and the new economy and finance deputy minister Antonis Bezas. [04] PASOK leader Papandreou meets with President PapouliasATHENS, 11/10/2005 (ANA)Main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou was received on Monday by President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias.After the meeting, Papandreou told reporters he had considered such a meeting necessary in order to share with the President the concern expressed by the Greek citizens on the course of Greece's national issues, the economy, the high prices and unemployment, the country's developmental course, the fiscal problems, and their "concern over the manner of exercise of power, the ethos of the present government". Papandreou said he felt it was his duty to convey to the President "what I hear from the Greek citizens". The PASOK leader also informed Papoulias of his upcoming visit to Turkey. He said the President told him that following the October 3 formal commencement of Turkey's accession negotiations with the EU, there would be many changes in Turkish society and cited Papoulias that "it will be a time of difficult adjustment". [05] Main opposition calls on gov't to submit new 2006 budgetATHENS, 11/10/2005 (ANA)The main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) on Monday called on the government to submit a new 2006 budget to parliament.Rejecting the budget currently in parliament's committee stage, PASOK's political council termed the document "a scrap of paper" that had been turned down by the European Union. The party also claimed that the budget envisaged a decline in real income for the first time in 12 years; a freeze on investment to 1997 levels; a decline in spending on health and education as a percentage of gross domestic product; and a fabricated drop in joblessness. PASOK said that the government's economic policy was collapsing, and the government itself was rife with corruption. [06] EU Parliamentary European Affairs Committees discusses control of EU institutional bodies' decisionsLONDON, 11/10/2005 (ANA/P. Dimitropoulos)The possibilities of more effective control over decisions taken by the European Union's institutional bodies by national legislative houses constitutes common skepticism among deputies participating in the 34th meeting of EU Parliamentary European Affairs Committees (COSAC), taking place here between October 9-11 with the participation of a Greek delegation headed by Parliament's first vice president Sotiris Hadjigakis.The UK government's Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, in the framework of discussions held on Monday on joint foreign policy and the European Constitution, said that there is no meaning in discussing the issue of the European Constitutional treaty until the end of the British presidency, invoking a relevant statement by the European Council that the current period is a period of reflection. Greek deputies raised a number of issues in their addresses with Hadjigakis pointing out that after the freezing of the Constitutional Treaty the freezing of the EU's fiscal prospects followed. He also raised the question how is it possible for there to be a strong Europe with a European economy lacking a strong cohesion policy. PASOK Deputy Nasos Alevras requested the tabling in national Parliaments, for control of texts, of political agreements before they are ratified by the EU's Councils of Ministers. [07] Greek-Bulgarian Friendship and Cooperation Committee president visits SofiaSOFIA, 11/10/2005 (ANA/B. Borisov)The President of the Greek-Bulgarian Friendship and Cooperation Parliamentary Committee Stavros Dailakis, currently on a two-day visit to the Bulgarian capital held talks on Monday with Bulgarian European Affairs Minister Meglena Kouneva and expressed support for Bulgaria's accession to the European Union."For the Prime Minister of Greece Costas Karamanlis, as well as for the New Democracy party government and the Greek Parliament, it was a vow of honor for us to be the first to say that Bulgaria is in Europe," he said at a joint press conference with the Bulgarian minister. Dailakis was replying to a question by the Athens News Agency (ANA) on the most possible date for the ratification of the Accession Treaty of Bulgaria and Romania to the EU, with the prospect of the official ratification taking place by the end of the month, at least according to the desire of the Greek side, as he explained. In another development, Dailakis replied to a question by the ANA on the importance of the new "Iliden-Exochi crossborder corridor, saying that it "opens a gateway of friendship, development and progress." This new corridor, which will link the Bulgarian city of Goce Delchev to the Greek city of Drama, is expected to be officially inaugurated on October 29, Dailakis said in reply to relevant questions by the press, following his meeting with Georgi Gurukov, vice president of the Parliamentary Group of the leftist "Coalition for Bulgaria." Earlier in the day, Dailakis and Drama Prefect Constantine Evmiridis had a working luncheon with Bulgarian Regional Development and Town Planning Minister Asen Gagauzov. According to reports, the new crossborder "Iliden-Exochi" corridor will be inaugurated by the Presidents of Greece and Bulgaria Karolos Papoulias and Georgi Parvanov respectively. [08] GEN chief to visit Croatia on TuesdayATHENS, 11/10/2005 (ANA)The Hellenic Navy General Staff (GEN) on Monday announced that navy chief vice-admiral Dimitris Gousis would leave Tuesday for a three-day official visit to Croatia, at the invitation of his Croatian counterpart, rear admiral Zdravko Kardum.The two general staff chiefs will discuss joint participation in the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative (ADRION), and the training of Croatian navy personnel at Greek naval training centers. They will also visit naval units at several Croatian ports, a GEN announcement said. [09] Pavlopoulos outlines government policy at conference on immigrationATHENS, 11/10/2005 (ANA)Addressing the 2nd international conference on immigration organized by the Institute of Immigration Policy on Monday, Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos stressed that immigrants were actually a great advantage in the present age and counterbalanced other phenomena.Pavlopoulos said that Europe had been caught off-guard and unprepared by the sudden rise in immigration some years ago, so that it was seen as a problem rather than a natural phenomenon. "Immigration is not a problem, it is a bonus through which societies are enriched by the contributions of people. It is a means of fertilizing cultures," he added. Outlining government policies and priorities for immigrants, meanwhile, he stressed the need to respect the rights and identity of immigrants and to incorporate them in society. He said this process should begin through volunteerism and the integration of immigrants into Greek society on the best of terms, letting them know that they can contribute and can become Greeks if they so wish. The conference was also addressed by Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece, the head of the Greek Orthodox Church, who stressed that the Church was both willing and able to contribute to the integration of immigrants into Greek society, regardless of their national or religious origins. According to other speakers at the conference, there is currently one immigrant for every 35 people on the planet. In Greece, about 13 per cent of the workforce is made up of immigrants and one in six school students is also an immigrant. [10] KKE Secretary General congratulates Portuguese Communist Party over local election successATHENS, 11/10/2005 (ANA)Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga on Monday addressed a message of congratulations to her Portuguese Communist Party counterpart Jeronimo de Soousa on "the considerable success of the Portuguese Communist Party and the United Democratic Coalition in local elections on October 9."Papariga added that "the increase in positions, votes and percentages of the tickets of the United Democratic Coalition constitutes a strong confirmation of the positions of the Portugues Communist Party in local administration and Portuguese society. It underlines the upward course of the Portuguese Communist Party and of its prestige among the people and rewards its consistent struggle to defend the rights of working people." [11] Theodorakis arrives in Cyprus for three-day visitNICOSIA, 11/10/2005 (ANA - A. Viketos)Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis on Monday arrived in Cyprus for a three-day visit, during which he will be awarded a medal by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos.Theodorakis will also meet the Cyprus House of Representatives speaker, the Cypriot defense minister and the chief of the National Guard, while the mayor of Nicosia will present him with the key to the city. On Tuesday night, Cyprus' AKEL party has organized a large concert in Theodorakis' honor, with the participation of the New Moscow Opera, the 'Mikis Theodorakis' Popular Orchestra and singers Giorgos Dalaras, Maria Farandouri and Petros Pandis. [12] Turkish forces' withdrawal part of Cyprus solution, Theodorakis saysNICOSIA, 11/10/2005 (ANA/A.Viketos)A satisfactory solution to the Cyprus issue will be possible when Turkish forces and foreign military bases leave the island, Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis said during a press conference here on Monday."Cyprus must become an island of peace, joy, cooperation and prosperity for both communities," he said. Regarding Greece's policy on the Cyprus issue, Theodorakis said that over recent years both the former PASOK government of Costas Simitis and the current New Democracy government of Costas Karamanlis succeeded in improving coordination efforts between Athens and Nicosia. Theodorakis said that particularly in terms of the latest handling of the situation, Greece and Cyprus were in complete agreement in terms of policy. The Greek composer also referred to past events, recounting his first visit to Cyprus. In 1964, his famous "Axion Esti" was internationally broadcast for the first time, via Cyprus' state radio station CyBC. He also wrote the anthem for the National Guard following a request by then Cypriot President Makarios to do so. Left-wing AKEL party Secretary General and House of Representatives Speaker Demetris Christofias also spoke at the press conference, calling Theodorakis a "visionary, a great friend of Cyprus, a leading artist and an indefatigable fighter for peace, social justice and democracy." [13] Government press briefing cancelled due to picket by ministry staffATHENS, 11/10/2005 (ANA)The government's regular press briefing was cancelled on Monday after staff at the General Secretariat for Information picketed the entrance to the press room in order to demand that they receive a benefit they consider they are entitled to.Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, who was prevented from entering the press room by the picket, said that the demands made by staff at the general secretariats for information and communications were justified but expressed surprise at the action, since an article settling the issue had already been tabled in a bill on the National Audiovisual Records and would soon become law. [14] Hellenic Aid to head relief effort to PakistanATHENS, 11/10/2005 (ANA)A delegation headed by the Foreign Ministry's Hellenic Aid agency will depart on Tuesday afternoon for Pakistan to provide humanitarian aid to that country's earthquake victims.A Hellenic Air Force C-130 aircraft will be transporting specialized medical personnel, pharmaceutical supplies, tents and blankets to the affected area. Other non-government organizations participating in the relief effort are the Hellenic Red Cross, Doctors of the Heart, Medecins du Monde, and the Greek Rescue Team. [15] New deputy FinMin Bezas sworn in, holds first meetingsATHENS, 11/10/2005 (ANA)Greece's new deputy minister of national economy and finance, Antonis Bezas, was sworn into office on Monday morning in the presence of President of the Republic and Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis.Immediately after the swearing-in ceremony, Bezas, together with the prime minister, went to the Maximos Mansion (government headquarters) for their first working meeting. Bezas made no statement to waiting reporters after the meeting. Earlier, Karamanlis conferred with interior, public administration and decentralization minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos, who also made no statements after the meeting. At the national economy and finance ministry later, taking over the post from Adam Regouzas, who resigned last week, Bezas sad he wanted to "win a big wager for the prime minister, who entrusted this position to me, for myself, and for my compatriots in Thesprotia prefecture", of which Bezas is an MP. He expressed appreciation for his briefing by Regouzas, adding that, as an engineer, "I say few words, but try to give immediate solutions". Bezas said the post he was undertaking was exceptionally crucial for the function of the government, and a great responsibility. Regouzas called Bezas a man of vision and abilities, and a friend, adding that the new deputy minister would have his full support in his task, and also thanked all the ministry staff for their cooperation during his term in office. Bezas then held his first working meeting with national economy and finance minister George Alogoskoufis, who described his new deputy as an excellent parliamentarian and capable politician. "Together, we will continue to work for the streamlining of the economy, and chiefly to remedy problems, such as the inefficiency of the mechanisms for prevention and curtailing of tax evasion," Alogoskoufis said. The minister noted that combatting tax evasion, which he said was extensive, was a matter of elementary justice in the distribution of the tax burden. Alogoskoufis also met earlier with Premier Karamanlis, with whom he discussed the course of the Greek economy. The minister told reporters after the meeting that "we expect a lot" from Bezas "on the issue of tax revenues and reinforcement of the finance ministry mechanisms, which is crucial for the course of the country". Concerning plans being bulled for the merger and abolition of some 100 public sector organizations, Alogoskoufis said the issue would be examined beginning in 2006, in cooperation with the other relevant ministries, in the framework of the government's policy to contain expenditures and wasteful spending. [16] Alogoskoufis in Eurogroup meeting in LuxembourgLUXEMBOURG, 11/10/2005 (ANA)Recent developments in oil markets and their impact on Eurozone's and the EU's economy in general, will be the main issue in the agenda of Monday's meeting by Eurogroup in Luxembourg.Greek Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis will participate in Eurogroup's meeting. Eurogroup's agenda also includes discussion over improving Eurozone's external representation. An ECOFIN meeting on Tuesday will discuss ways to promoting transatlantic economic cooperation on the basis of a joint statement drafted by the EU's UK presidency in cooperation with the next presidencies (Austria and Finland). The text refers to the size and significance of economic relations between EU and the US in relation with an OECD report saying that a further deregulation of bilateral trade could boost per capital GDP by 3-3.5 pct. The meeting is also expected to discuss competition in specific economic sectors in the EU and financial services. [17] Industrialists of northern Greece propose investment of 75 percent of oil and natural gas pipeline revenues in development of ThraceALEXANDROUPOLIS, 11/10/2005 (ANA)The industrialists of northern Greece are proposing that 75 percent of the state's future revenues from the operation of the Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline and the Baku-Igoumenitsa natural gas pipeline be invested in the development of the northern region of Thrace.Moreover, the administration of the Federation of Industries of Northern Greece (SBBE) calls for the immediate creation of a transit centre in the region, as well as the activation or preservation of special development incentives for the region (such as a 12 percent subsidization of the salary cost and a 3 percent interest subsidization of working capital loans). These proposals were tabled and unanimously accepted during SBBE's special board meeting in the city of Komotini, which convened in the presence of Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis and the regional governor of Macedonia and Thrace Mihalis Angelopoulos. Industry federations and the region's chambers of commerce participated in the meeting with representatives. [18] Boosting already robust Greece-Serbia/Montenegro trade, investment ties on the agenda this monthATHENS, 11/10/2005 (ANA)Burgeoning prospects for even more robust trade and investment ties between EU member-state Greece and Serbia-Montenegro (SCG) will be squarely on the agenda here this month during the inaugural session of the Greece-Serbia/Montenegro Business Council.The development, outlined during a press conference at the Serbia-Montenegro embassy in the Greek capital, comes amid heightened and thoroughly positive diplomatic activity in the Balkans of late, mostly due to eagerly awaited accession dates by Bulgaria and Romania as well as a recent resumption of entry talks between the Union and Croatia. In opening the press briefing, Serbia-Montenegro ambassador Liljana Bacedic emphasized that Belgrade has counted on and continues to look towards Athens' support vis-à-vis her country's European prospects. "Greece for Serbia-Montenegro means a formula for democracy and development. Greece plays a dominant role in the Balkans. This support isn't just based on traditionally close ties but on present-day economic interests as well," the SCG envoy said. According to the temporary president of the of Council, Athens businessman Symeon Tsomokos, Greek direct foreign investments in Serbia-Montenegro have reached the 1.2-billion-euro mark, with direct and indirect investments exceeding 1.4 billion. In terms of trade, Greek exports to the country totaled US$225 million in 2004, while imports from SCG were $125 million during the same year. He added that elections for a board of directors of the new Council will be held at the end of the year, as its charter is currently under review by an Athens first instance court. Tsomokos said a more flexible structure of a business council was preferred over a more formal chamber of commerce in the initial phase, with the emphasis on briefing governments in both countries as well as on problem-solving. Several large Greece-based banks -- National, Alpha, Eurobank and Piraeus -- energy firms, as well as a handful of the country's top blue chip firms, telecoms utility OTE, the bottler 3E Coca-Cola, Titan Cement, Delta dairy maker and Intralot, among others, are members of the new council. Most of the council members are also notable investors in Serbia-Montenegro, which returned to the world's favorable economic spotlight recently by posting a 7.5-percent increase in GDP for 2004 and by luring roughly a billion dollars in foreign investment this year. "We truly believe that Serbia-Montenegro is a major market for Greece, whereas the Greek market is a very interesting one for Serbian firms, especially in tourism," Tsomokos said, adding that a closed-door meeting focusing on bilateral tourism development is scheduled on the morning of the Athens conference with the participation by National Tourism Organization of Serbia director Milica Cubrilo. Another five or six deputy ministers from the Belgrade government are also expected in Athens for the Council's first meeting, whereas a similar briefing will be held in the Serbian capital this Friday. The 1st Greece-Serbia/Montenegro Business Council's conference will be held on Oct. 21 in Athens, with the Greek government represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis. The Serbia-Montenegro side will be represented by Minister of International Economic Relations Milan Parivodic. Queried on whether her government is satisfied with Athens' support for Belgrade at various international organizations and fora, ambassador Bacedic noted that Greece remains a friend of Serbia-Montenegro at a time when Belgrade cannot count on too many of the latter. [19] Public Power Corporation president assumes initiative on employees' strike actionATHENS, 11/10/2005 (ANA)Public Power Corporation (DEH) President Yiannis Paleokrassas assumed a mediatory initiative on Monday to facilitate a meeting between DEH's GENOP employee federation board with Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas for strike action by employees to be suspended, following his meeting with GENOP's directorate.Speaking after the meeting, GENOP President Nikos Pilalidis said that an effort will be made to avoid repercussions in power supply for households and that if a problem appears in the network cutbacks will be made for major consumers. It is reminded that as of Monday, GENOP is implementing strike measures. Namely, abstention from overtime work and work in excess of the specialty of every employee, while it has announced 24-hour rolling strikes from the date on which a bill on the deregulation of the electric power market is tabled in Parliament. [20] Cretan foods on display in CologneCOLOGNE, 11/10/2005 (ANA)Cretan foods are on display at an international food and beverages trade fair in Cologne.The island's participation with over 20 companies in Anuga 2005, which began on Saturday, is the first major attempt to place Cretan products in major markets abroad. Arranging participation were regional authorities and island's four chambers of commerce along with the Association of Exporters of Crete. Agricultural Development and Foods Minister, Evangelos Basiakos, visited the exhibition. "Participation by the Greek companies and trade groups in this internationally prestigious trade fair will contribute to promotion and publicity for the country's quality farm products before a wide audience of consumers and merchants," Basiakos said. [21] Attica hoteliers expect better tourism season next yearATHENS, 11/10/2005 (ANA)Hotels located in Athens and the wider Attica region reported lower occupancy rates in August, compared with the same month last, official figures showed on Monday.A monthly report by the Association of Attica Hotels said that occupancy rates fell to 49.63 percent in five-star hotels in August, compared with a 80.49 pct rate in August last year during the Athens Olympic Games. Occupancy rates fell in four-star hotels (48.97 pct from 79.6 pct), three-star hotels (51.11 pct from 77.4 pct) and two-star hotels (41.27 pct from 71.75 pct). The association said that August 2004 figures were a record for the country and stressed that Attica hotels would have to wait for several years to enjoy similar occupancy rates. The association stressed that Attica hotels showed great differences in revenues in August, as a result of intensified competition in the hotel market with the addition of new hotel units. Preliminary figures for September show improved occupancy rates due to the organizing of two international medical conferences in Athens. The association urged for the urgent need to complete a conference centre in Attica to promote conference tourism in the country. Attica hoteliers said early messages for next year's tourism season were particularly optimistic and said that a new ambitious advertising campaign by tourism authorities would result to better figures in 2006. [22] Foreign investors net buyers in ASE in SeptemberATHENS, 11/10/2005 (ANA)Foreign institutional investors raised their share in the Greek stock market in September to 38.89 percent from 37.43 pct in August, official figures showed on Monday.A monthly report by the Athens Depository, said that capital inflow in the Athens Stock Exchange totalled 3.969 billion euros in September. Foreign investors raised their share in shares in the FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks, to 46.10 percent in September and inflows totalling 1.6 billion euros. Foreign investors slightly reduced their share in the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index to 19.97 pct in September from slightly above 20 percent in August, while they raised their share in the SmallCap 80 index to 24.36 pct from 23.72 pct over the same period, respectively. Turnover in the Athens Stock Exchange totalled an average daily 267.8 million euros in September from 172.6 mln in August. Greek stocks move cautiously higher on Monday: Greek stocks ended Monday's session slightly higher reflecting renewed interest for blue chip and medium-capitalization stocks in the Athens Stock Exchange. The composite index rose 0.20 percent to end at 3,360.42 points, with turnover a low 127 million euros. Sector indices ended higher with the Holdings (1.52 pct), Textiles (0.64 pct), Telecommunications (0.61 pct) and Industrials (0.43 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day. The Construction (1.45 pct), Publications (1.22 pct), Metals (0.87 pct) and Insurance (0.42 pct) suffered losses. The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.25 pct, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.32 pct higher and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index eased 0.19 pct. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 173 to 111 with another 47 issues unchanged. Stock Futures: Bond Market Close: Buyers match sellers Foreign Exchange Rates: Tuesday Reference buying rates per euro released by the European Central Bank: U.S. dollar 1.218 [23] President to inaugurate symposium on 20th anniversary of the founding of 'Cultural CapitalsATHENS, 11/10/2005 (ANA)The 20th anniversary from the founding of the institution of the Culltural Capitals will be celebrated with a symposium at the Zappeion Mansion on October 13, the sessions of which will be opened by President Karolos Papoulias.The symposium will come to a close three days later with a visit to the Pnyx where the prominent speakers from many countries will declare "their faith in Culture." The symposium is organized by the Athens Municipality in cooperation with the Network of European Capitals and the "Melina Merkouri Foundation". Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyannis and president of the foundation Spyros Merkouris spoke about the symposium on Monday. The symposium will be titled:"From Athens to Volga and Guadalajara, Barcelona, Rabat: 20 years of Cultural Capitals" and its theme will be "the importance of culture, freedom of spirit and of cultural pluralism." [24] Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis holds talks with Egyptian counterpartATHENS, 11/10/2005 (ANA)Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis had a meeting on Sunday with Egyptian Deputy Culture Minister responsible for issues of International Cultural Relations and President of Cairo's International Film Festival, Sherif El Shubashi.According to a Culture Ministry press release on Monday, also present at the meeting were Egyptian Ambassador to Greece, Hamdi Loza, and the Cultural Attache of the Embassy of Greece in Cairo, Ioannis Melahrinoudis. The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere and the two sides confirmed the will for strengthening and projecting bilateral cultural relations. Tatoulis briefed his counterpart on the results of the recent meeting he had with French Culture Minister Renaud Donnedieu de Varbres, during which was discussed the possibility of convening an informal meeting of culture ministers from the Mediterranean, following a Greek initiative. Tatoulis also stressed that the Culture Ministry will be active towards strengthening the Greek presence in Alexandria and expressed his intention for all the prerequisites to be examined for the founding of a Greek Archaeological Institute in Alexandria, given the historic importance which the region has regarding Hellenism. Egyptian Deputy Culture Minister Sherif El Shubashi showed great interest for the informal meeting of the culture ministers of the Mediterranean and declared that he will contribute in any effort of the Greek Culture Ministry for the founding of the archaeological institute. In conclusion, Shubashi invited the Greek deputy culture minister to visit Egypt with the aim of further strengthening relations between the two countries. [25] Education minister says Centre of Byzantine Studies will be founded in MystrasATHENS, 11/10/2005 (ANA)Education and Religious Affairs Minister Marietta Yiannakou announced on Monday from Sparta where she attended the ceremony of the official start of the academic year, that a Centre of Byzantine Studies will be founded in Mystras, which will operate within the framework of the Peloponnese University.The minister stressed that the centre will operate as a Centre of Post-Graduate Studies, which will cover all the spectrum of Byzantine Culture, that is, archaeology, history, and philology. It will also function as a centre for international conferences on the Byzantium. [26] Hellenic Foundation for Culture to celebrate 10th anniversaryBERLIN, 11/10/2005 (ANA)The Berlin-based Hellenic Foundation for Culture (HFC) will be celebrating its 10-year anniversary at the Konzerthaus on October 16.During the event, which will feature mezzo soprano Stella Doufexi and pianist Axel Bauni, the three-volume book "10 Years Hellenic Foundation for Culture Berlin" will be presented. Thomas Flierl, MP for Scientific, Research and Cultural Affairs will be speaking at the event, as will HFC Berlin Director Eleftherios Economou; Dimitrios Kapranos, Vice President of Hellenic Festival SA; and Constantinos Tritaris Greek Ambassador to Berlin. [27] 5 out of 6 participants in 2003 Thessaloniki EU summit violence sentencedTHESSALONIKI, 11/10/2005 (ANA)A court in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, on Monday found guilty 5 out of 6 youths who took part in incidents during a protest in June 2003 as the European Union summit concluding Greece's term in the rotating EU presidency was being held in Thessaloniki.Under strict security measures, the court found guilty Spanish citizen Carlos Martinez who was sentenced to two years imprisonment and another person who was sentenced also for possession of a gun to two years and two months imprisonment. The other three were sentenced to 10 months imprisonment each while the sixth was acquitted. The accused received a three-year suspended sentence. [28] Mental institutions in Hania and Corfu will close, health minister saysATHENS, 11/10/2005 (ANA)Health Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis, speaking at a press conference on Monday, announced the closure, in a few months time, of the mental institution in Hania, on the island of Crete, and afterwards that of Corfu.The press conference was held with officials from his ministry on psychiatric reform and on the national program named "Psychargos." It was held in the framework of a conference held on Monday on the occasion of celebrations marking World Mental Health Day. Kaklamanis said World Mental Health Day constitutes a milestone this year for afflicted people and for people struggling for mental health in Greece. On the question of the program's funding, the minister clarified that there is no problem for 2005, while for 2006 10 million euros have already been estimated in the budget, which is not a satisfactory amount, however, since Kaklamanis has requested a further 20-25 million euros. Health ministry Secretary General Tzafertis also disclosed that a new law is being prepared on mental health which should be ready by April 2006. [29] Preparatory legal committee set up for dealing with revision of the Auditing CouncilATHENS, 11/10/2005 (ANA)By decision of Justice Minister Anastasios Papaligouras, a special preparatory legal committee has been set up which will deal with the revision of the legislative framework governing the Auditing Council and particularly with the establishment of modern rules governing legal procedures.Taking part in the committee are university professors, members of the judiciary of the Auditing Council and lawyers and are under the presidency of Athens University Professor Constantine Kerameos. [30] Spokesman: Europe will oppose Turkey trying to avoid her obligationsNICOSIA, 11/10/2005 (CNA/ANA)If Turkey tries to avoid its obligations towards the EU then it will be confronted with Europe's opposition, Cyprus Government Kypros Chrysostomides said Monday.Invited to comment on press reports that Ankara maintains an open communication channel with Washington and is asking the US for assistance to avoid facing any problems in its accession course due to the Cyprus problem, the spokesman said that he would not be surprised if there is such a communication. ''Communication between Turkey and the US on many issues is quite frequent. But the US has said it is seeking fairness and ways to deal with the problem with a view to reach a settlement that will be accepted by both sides,'' he said. He expressed certainty that efforts through these contacts will move towards this direction. Chrysostomides said that if the Turkish government is pursuing ways to avoid its obligations towards the EU, "she will surely be confronted with Europe's opposition". The Cypriot spokesman said ''our side is pursuing a resumption of negotiations on the basis of our suggestions which have been outlined in detail at the UN as regards changes and amendments to the Annan plan, with a view to achieve a settlement as described by (Sir Kieran) Prendergast (former UN Undersecretary General) in his latest report, that will be for the benefit only of Cypriots and not of any third party or third state.'' "I am certain that he surely implied Turkey,'' Chrysostomides said, adding that ''Turkey must take this into consideration as regards any further deliberations for the resumption efforts to solve the Cyprus problem. [31] Cyprus hosts ministerial meeting on environment and public healthNICOSIA, 11/10/2005 (CNA/ANA)The Cyprus International Initiative, a collaboration of the Cypriot International Institute and the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) created in 2004, made here on Monday its first step in establishing regional cooperation in research in the fields of public health and the environment.Cypriot representatives as well as the HSPH's Dean Barry Bloom and other professors outlined the International Initiative's objectives to ministers and other high ranking officials from Greece, United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Palestinian Authority and the Ambassadors from the European Union Countries. The Cypriot initiative aims in ten years' time to absorb significant funds from the EU, the US and other sources to fund research in a series of issues pertaining to the environment and public health. Addressing the conference's opening ceremony, Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos said that ''despite the region's political challenges, we can take full advantage of its shared history to work together to address salient issues in the areas environmental and public health.'' ''It is our responsibility as leaders of the region to continue to play a prominent role in protecting our environment and safeguarding the health of its diverse people,'' he added. The president noted that Cyprus has created an initiative ''which will provide the opportunity for students, scientists and policymakers from the region to work with Harvard faculty to create solutions to our problems, which take into account our specific needs, infrastructures and constraints.'' ''My hope is that today will represent the beginning of an important working collaboration'', he concluded. Addressing the ceremony, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism George Lillikas said he was confident that ''in working together we can make a significant impact in protecting our environment and safeguarding the health of the people of our region.'' ''The initiative will bring together researchers, educators and practitioners from Harvard, Cyprus and the Mediterranean region to confront environmental issues affecting our region as a whole'', he added. HSPH's Dean Barry Bloom presented the School's challenges in the region. [32] Former President admitted to private clinicNICOSIA, 11/10/2005 (CNA/ANA)Former President of the Republic Glafcos Clerides has been admitted to a private clinic after coming down with acute bronchitis and will have a drainage tube inserted, since a cardiogram Sunday night showed a few ischemic changes.His doctor, Joseph Kasios, told CNA that Clerides' condition had to be ''examined further,'' adding that a preliminary cardio checkup was prescribed Monday. Kasios said that ''tomorrow (Tuesday) morning a heart drainage tube will be inserted, at the Nicosia General Hospital'' and that preparations are already being made. He noted, however, that there was no problem and that Clerides would remain in the clinic for as long as necessary. Cardiologist Bambis Nicolaides, who examined Clerides Monday morning, told CNA that the former president ''felt a faint pain in the chest Sunday night and tests showed that there was a minor ischaemic cardiac problem.'' ''In order to make sure what is happening and to prescribe the appropriate treatment, we will carry out a coronary angiography to determine what the problem is and treat it,'' he said. Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides said President Tassos Papadopoulos was following Clerides' condition. Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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