Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-11-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM underlines Greece's desire for speedup in EU Finnish presidency's efforts

[02] FM Dora Bakoyannis holds talks with foreign dignitaries on sidelines of EU General Affairs Council

[03] Bakoyannis' urges tough line on Turkey in FT interview

[04] EU dinner focuses on future of Europe

[05] Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria and Romania sign defense agreement

[06] Greece and Italy to sign joint cooperation memorandum on antiquities smuggling

[07] Czech Republic President to visit Athens next week

[08] PM congratulates Ortega on Nicaraguan presidential election victory

[09] PM confers with justice minister

[10] Health minister, HOC chief receive 2006 Int'l Guiseppe Sciacca Awards

[11] Deputy FM Evripidis Stylianidis inaugurates Internet website for missing children

[12] Minority religious groups, EU awaiting details of bill on charitable foundations in Turkey

[13] 2007 draft budget to be tabled in parliament on Tuesday

[14] US conference on Greek economy

[15] Conference on Balkan natgas delivery

[16] Greece, Lebanon seek closer business ties

[17] European infotech conference

[18] Athens hotels' occupancy rate up in September, yr/yr

[19] ECB to raise rates up to 4.0 pct by mid-2007, report

[20] Public-sector temps protest over court ruling; measures fair, gov't insists

[21] PASOK party criticizes government over contract employees issue

[22] Union leaders briefly stage takeover of OTE offices

[23] EU Audiovisual sector Council focuses on legislative arrangements

[24] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks drop

[25] Cypriot univ. students on hunger strike protesting T/C pseudo-state

[26] Greek ambassador at UNESCO candidate for General Conference presidency

[27] Travel and employment agencies involved in human trafficking

[28] More people donate blood for Thalassemia patients

[29] Exhibition to renowned archaeological illustrator Piet de Jong opens in Athens

[30] Art forum at HEU this month

[31] Lillikas: EU has two weeks to exhaust efforts for Turkey to meet EU obligations

[32] Cypriot President: No country wants interruption of Turkey EU talks

[33] Annan says UN is working for preparation of Cyprus talks

[01] FM underlines Greece's desire for speedup in EU Finnish presidency's efforts

BRUSSELS, 14/11/2006 (ANA-MPA)

"Our position is that the time that will be given to the Finnish presidency must not be so much that we will be coming very close to the next General Affairs Council on December 11. That at some time it must be clarified whether the Finnish proposal has possibilities of success or not, to enable us to pass afterwards on to the more substantive discussion on how we see Turkey's European prospects developing," Bakoyannis said, terming Monday's discussion on Turkey as an "acquaintance" one on their general views on the issue of relations between the EU and Turkey.

Bakoyannis said that the general picture existing among the "25" is that the EU has opened its door to Turkey, but Turkey must accept and honour its commitments to avoid any rift.

Turkey, a country aspiring to become an EU member state, does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus and refuses to implement the EU-Turkey Customs Union Protocol, which provides for the opening of its ports and airports to Cyprus. The EU Finnish Presidency is conducting negotiations to reach an agreement in order to prevent a crisis between the EU and Turkey.

Referring to other issues examined by the General Affairs Council on Monday, foreign minister Bakoyannis said that an initial discussion was held on the EU's enlargement towards the Balkans.

"Greece is firmly positive on enlargement towards the western Balkans and that we had the opportunity once again of stressing the significance of the appropriate and positive message to the countries and peoples in the region," she said.

Bakoyannis further said that Greece and a number of EU member-states believe that the course of Croatia's accession must be speeded up, while with regard to Serbia she supported a "slackening" of terms and preconditions by which Serb citizens can obtain visas to visit European countries.

On the question of Kosovo, the foreign minister pointed out that Greece was satisfied in seeing the EU share its view that decisions on its final status quo must be adopted after the elections taking place in Serbia at the beginning of next year.

Lastly, referring to the resolution adopted by the "25" on the crisis between Israel and the Palestinians following the dramatic developments in Gaza, Bakoyannis stressed that the resolution's text "was able to cover all, not as they would have liked" and that "it provides a new opportunity for the Palestinian leadership to ultimately facilitate a national unity government" so that the dialogue between Israel and Palestine can resume.

[02] FM Dora Bakoyannis holds talks with foreign dignitaries on sidelines of EU General Affairs Council

BRUSSELS, 14/11/2006 (ANA-MPA)

On arrival at the EU's Council headquarters in Brussels, a number of EU foreign ministers expressed their reservations and skepticism in statements concerning the repercussions Turkey's insistence will have not to observe all that it has signed in the framework of the protocol on its customs union with member-states, including Cyprus.

Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik said that if there are no specific moves on the part of Turkey by December, then the EU could proceed with a "time out" in accession negotiations, without clarifying what her country means with a "time out."

Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn said that if Turkey does not move on the issue of Cyprus then the EU will not be able to continue negotiations "as if nothing has happened."

[03] Bakoyannis' urges tough line on Turkey in FT interview

BRUSSELS, 14/11/2006 (ANA-MPA)

In the interview with the subheading “the foreign minister warns of EU loss of credibility - little hope for a solution to the Cyprus issue”, Bakoyannis states that Greece calls on the EU member states to send a clear political message and take all necessary measures against Turkey in case Ankara does not open its ports and airports to Cypriot ships and airplanes by December.

"We cannot continue like this, as if nothing has happened," Bakoyannis is quoted as saying in the interview, while she also points out that there is an agreement that Turkey’s EU accession process will be affected if it does not meet its obligations.

After stressing that the European partners should adopt a consistent stance, Bakoyannis stated that she supports the Finnish EU Presidency efforts to lift the impasse, while pointing out Turkey’s refusal to participate in the talks. She also reiterated that Greece has no place in these talks.

The foreign minister also noted that Greece supports Turkey’s EU accession under certain preconditions. “Turkey does not have only supporters in the EU. At this moment, its policy offers arguments to its opponents”, she stated characteristically.

According to the foreign minister, Europe should send a clear political message to Turkey for internal EU credibility reasons. The ball is in Turkey’s court, underlined Bakoyannis.

Bakoyannis did not rule out the likelihood --if it is deemed necessary-- to reconsider Turkey’s EU accession timetable, stating characteristically that “if Turkey refuses (to meet its obligations) we should reconsider”.

[04] EU dinner focuses on future of Europe

BRUSSELS, 14/11/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Speaking after the meeting with his counterparts, the Greek deputy minister said that Greece has firmly expressed its support for the so-called "Plan D", meaning the plan for Dialogue, Democracy and Deliberation.

"The goal is a new political consensus for the progress of Europe, through the most active participation of citizens possible. The citizens must not be the observers, but those who shape the common course, the common European future," Valinakis said.

The foreign ministers also exchanged views on celebrations regarding the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome.

"This so important day for Europe must constitute yet another incentive for us to remember all that we have achieved and to highlight our adherence to this vision," the deputy foreign minister said.

[05] Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria and Romania sign defense agreement

BRUSSELS, 14/11/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Greece was represented by Defense Minister Vangelis Meimarakis, who expressed satisfaction over the signing of the agreement.

He said that with the agreement "we are sending a message of optimism since the countries participating are strategic partners in the effort for peace and stability in the wider region and this formation proves that all of us together can contribute effectively to the joint effort for the creation of a reliable European force that will strengthen the European idea and vision."

The formation, due to be operationally available in July 2007 to assume peace missions in the wider region, will have a strength of 1,200 cadres, with Greece contributing the biggest number.

Issues such as the multinational staffing of the formation's headquarters, the transportation of forces and training have already been arranged at operational level.

[06] Greece and Italy to sign joint cooperation memorandum on antiquities smuggling

BRUSSELS, 14/11/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Voulgarakis also met with his German, Italian and French counterparts for talks on a series of issues concerning international cooperation, cultural heritage and modern culture.

The minister further said that according to a decision taken by the European Council, the Acropolis will be the first monument to be included in the list of European cultural heritage monuments.

[07] Czech Republic President to visit Athens next week

ATHENS, 14/11/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Klaus, who arrives in Athens on November 22 for a two-day visit, will be accompanied by his wife.

[08] PM congratulates Ortega on Nicaraguan presidential election victory

ATHENS, 14/11/2006 (ANA-MPA)

In his letter, Karamanlis reiterated his conviction, as expressed during a meeting between the two men in June, that Greece and Nicaragua will continue to collaborate at international level as well as for the development of their bilateral relations.

[09] PM confers with justice minister

ATHENS, 14/11/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Papaligouras expressed certainty that all sides involved will realize that excessive financial demands should not be made in a particularly difficult period for the country.

He also added that the problems faced by the country’s economy will be dealt with adequately and for the long-term, pointing out that all Greek citizens should display a sense of unity and justice as far as the country’s economic potential is concerned.

Papaligouras further confirmed that he had a telephone communication with the Supreme Court presiding judge, but he declined to reveal the contents of their discussion.

Supreme Court president not to seek higher pay

Supreme Court President Romylos Kedikoglou on Monday stressed that he is not to receive a pay hike, in spite of a court ruling awarding substantial pay increases to Greece's top judges.

"I have neither sought nor will I seek an adjustment of my pay, I have waived my rights since I have neither filed a suit and do not intend to do so," he told reporters.

Earlier, Justice Minister Anastasios Papaligouras told the press that he had contacted Kedikoglou on the phone.

The pay of the Supreme Court president is pegged to the pay of Greek members of Parliament, who would also automatically qualify for higher salaries.

Kedikoglou noted that the pay increases for members of the judiciary, according to a preliminary ruling by a special salary court, would range between 15% and 25% and that each higher court president would get €1,150 net, while the two years back pay awarded would come to €20,000-€22,000 and will be paid over a lengthy period of time.

Karamanlis-Bassiakos meeting: Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis met with Agriculture Minister Evangelos Bassiakos on Monday.

Bassiakos stated after the meeting that he briefed the prime minister on the payment of farm subsidies which will be higher compared to previous years. He added that figures on 300,000 farmers eligible for the subsidies were crosschecked in record time and compensation payments are being made. Bassiakos also stated that he discussed agriculture ministry issues concerning the 3rd Community Support Framework.

Referring to dairy farmers, the minister stated that the ministry in cooperation with stockbreeders adopted measures to support their income, topped by the decision to prevent imports of milk that is probably adulterated to become feta cheese, a decision that was met with the stockbreeders’ support.

[10] Health minister, HOC chief receive 2006 Int'l Guiseppe Sciacca Awards

Rome, 14/11/2006 (ANA-MPA)

During an official ceremony at the Palazzo Marini in Rome, Avramopoulos was honored as "one of the basic protagonists of the (2004) Olympic Games in Athens (of which he was mayor at the time)" and because "due to his actions and the impressive mobilization of volunteers, contributed to spreading the Olympic spirit and Greek culture".

Hellenic Olympic Committee president Minos Kyriakou was also awarded at the ceremony.

[11] Deputy FM Evripidis Stylianidis inaugurates Internet website for missing children

ATHENS, 14/11/2006 (ANA-MPA)

The nightmare of missing children that has been experienced by the United States and some European countries is now also "knocking" at Greece's door.

"Our country is now mourning for little Alex," the deputy foreign minister said.

[12] Minority religious groups, EU awaiting details of bill on charitable foundations in Turkey

ISTANBUL, 14/11/2006 (ANA-MPA)

According to reports here, European diplomats and representatives of the EU Commission in Ankara referred to a "wait and see" attitude on whether numerous demands by Europe and private foundations in the country will be fulfilled with the new law.

Similar statements were made by representatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, as the latter is keenly following developments in coordination with the representatives of Jewish and Armenian groups in Turkey.

The bill deals with all faith-linked charitable foundations, including the very large Muslim "vakufs" in the country.

The bill was ratified by a vote of 241 in favor to 31 against, with the opposition in the Turkish assembly strenuously opposing the bill and calling for the postponement of beneficial provisions for foundations and charities until Turkey becomes a full EU member-state.

Later reports also speculated over whether the Turkish president will veto the legislation.

One of the primary demands by the EU and local communities focused on establishing a framework for foundations that passed into the hands of the state due to a lack of recognized and functioning boards of directors.

Members of recognized Vakufs also want the return of properties that after 1974 passed into the hands of third parties.

On the plus side, the draft bill reportedly foresees the right of permanent residents of Turkey, who are not Turkish citizens, however, to serve on the boards of foundations.

[13] 2007 draft budget to be tabled in parliament on Tuesday

ATHENS, 14/11/2006 (ANA-MPA)

The growth rate of the Greek economy is anticipated at approximately 3. percent, spurred chiefly by investments. A 6.5 percent increase is also forecast in goods and services while, on the negative side, a 7.0 percent increase is forecast in imports.

The main targets of the 2007 budget are boosting development and gradual reduction of the state deficit, while measures are provided for boosting the growth potential, consolidating the climate of fiscal discipline and stability in the economy, increasing the economy's outwardness, and strengthening social cohesion.

The budget further advances reform in the taxation of natural entities, while the dialogue between the social partners will also be continued on reforming the country's social insurance system.

The draft budget provides tax relieves for natural entities, and also foresees an improvement of the existing taxation environment for legal entities with the gradual reduction (by 2008) of the tax rate on corporate profits, as well as steps to stem tax evasion, corruption, the black economy and smuggling.

The forecasts on budget revenues based on the anticipated nominal increase in GDP and flexibility in revenues from taxes. The revenues (before......) are anticipated at 51.37 billion euros, an increase of 5.9 percent over 2006.

The budget's provisions are based on an estimated nominal GDP growth and flexibility of tax revenues. Revenues are projected to total 51.37 billion euros, up 5.9 pct from 2006.

It also provides stepped up tax and customs checks by the Special Audits Service, as well as full mobilization and efficiency of the Tax Bureau's over-due debts collection services.

Revenues from direct taxes are anticipated at 19.435 billion euros, up by 5.4 percent in relation to 2006, while revenues from indirect taxes are anticipated at 28.515 billion euros, up by 8.8 percent over the corresponding revenues in 2006.

A substantial increase of 9.8 percent is further anticipated in revenues from Value Added Tax (VAT), estimated to reach 15.445 billion euros.

Regular budget spending (excluding interest payments) are projected to ease to 25.6 pct of GDP next year from 25.8 pct in 2006, with spending on supporting weaker economically classes totaling 1.2 billion euros.

Expenditure for salaries and pensions will account for 47 percent of the primary expenditure, up by 6.1 percent over 2001, whereas expenditure for insurance and healthcare will account for 20 percent of the overall primary expenditure, while expenditure for operational and other expenses is up by 3.1 percent against 2006.

The Public Investment Program is forecast to reach 8.75 billion euros next year, of which 6.35 billion euros for projects co-funded with the EU and the remaining 2.4 billion for projects exclusively funded by national money.

Finally, it is anticipated that strong economic activity will boost employment, thus containing the unemployment rate at 8.2 percent.

[14] US conference on Greek economy

NEW YORK, 14/11/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Arranged by Capital Link, other speakers at the New York meeting include Deputy Finance Minister Peter Doukas and ambassadors from Greece and the US.

[15] Conference on Balkan natgas delivery

14/11/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Meeting at the Astir Palace Hotel in Vouliagmeni will be the companies involved in transportation of the natural gas.

The session is arranged by Greece's Public Gas Company, backed by the development ministry.

[16] Greece, Lebanon seek closer business ties

ATHENS, 14/11/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Deputy Finance Minister Christos Folias recently visited Lebanon at the head of a 17-member delegation of Greek firms from the construction sector.

During his stay, Folias met the ministers of the environment and economy, and business leaders.

He welcomed the contribution of Lebanese companies to Greece's economy.

[17] European infotech conference

ATHENS, 14/11/2006 (ANA-MPA)

The meeting is part of the Easier and See-Innovation projects, in which the two groups are partners.

[18] Athens hotels' occupancy rate up in September, yr/yr

ATHENS, 14/11/2006 (ANA-MPA)

[19] ECB to raise rates up to 4.0 pct by mid-2007, report

14/11/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Eurobank's "Global Economic & Market Outlook", a quarterly publication, said that strong credit growth worried ECB and noted that the European central bank had an historic opportunity of bringing the inflation rate below 2.0 pct for the first time since its foundation.

The report said that global economic growth remained strong, although growth rates slightly were slowing, with the US economy likely to fall significantly due to a slowing real estate market and the inflation rate rising again in the US rekindling prospects of higher interest rates by the Federal Reserve in 2007. Eurobank's analysts were conservative towards bonds and said international stock markets were more attractive although dangers still existed, such as prospects of profitability slowdown in 2007.

The report said European stock markets offered more value prospects compared with the US or emerging markets, while it noted that Japanese stocks offered more long-term prospects.

[20] Public-sector temps protest over court ruling; measures fair, gov't insists

14/11/2006 (ANA-MPA)

"The government ended the 'captivity' of contract workers in a way that was honest and clear-cut, offering a solution to a problem facing many Greek citizens that the previous government had kept hostage. The government's pledges became action, with measures that were fair and reflected the interests of the workers and the needs of the public sector," alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros said.

His view was not shared by municipal and East Attica region contract workers that failed to qualify for permanent jobs, who picketed the Interior Ministry at Klathmonos Square to demand that the criteria of a relevant presidential decree be made broader. They warned of planned take-overs of East Attica public buildings and further protests with the participation of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) workers' union POE-OTA, representing staff in the former state telecoms company. Meanwhile, temporary fire-fighters were holding their own protest outside the economy ministry in Syntagma Square with similar demands.

The contract workers said they were seeking permanent positions and payment of backpay, while they would appear before the Council of State on November 23 to apply for a broadening of the criteria of the interior ministry presidential decree.

The protests came in the wake of last week's ruling by the Court of Audit, which said that temporary staff excluded by the decree could not then be awarded a permanent position by the courts without going through the ASEP process and that they should be taken off the payroll. The specific case concerned contract workers at Argostoli municipality that had been awarded permanent positions by a lower court but had not been paid because their payment orders had been blocked by an earlier decision of the Court of Audit. The Court of Audit was considering their application to have the ruling for their non-payment reversed.

Commenting on the dispute, Antonaros described the issue as "legally complex" and said that it was being treated in an over-simplified manner.

"There is the issue of backpay, regarding which efforts are being made so that this is paid to employees by employers," the spokesman noted.

"There is also, however, the framework that governs the hiring of permanent staff by the public sector; here we are talking about employees that were hired with temporary contracts without going through Supreme Council of Staff Selection (ASEP) procedures and are now trying to convert this contract to an indefinite one. This conversion is not possible," Antonaros added.

Regarding the cases where a final ruling had been made, meanwhile, the spokesman stressed that the government respected independent justice and that the decision had been made by the Court of Audit plenum.

Asked if the government was considering a Constitutional revision to curb the right of courts to issue rulings on pay increases, benefits and back-pay for public sector staff, Antonaros said that this was "one of the government's proposals that was on the record".

[21] PASOK party criticizes government over contract employees issue

ATHENS, 14/11/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Athanasakis said that Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis "had committed himself before the elections, speaking of 250,000 contract employees, as he was counting them at the time," adding that "the problem has been solved for very few compared to this figure."

Also referring to the question of the remuneration court, Athanasakis said that "all that the government is transpiring on the occasion of the issue of the so-called remuneration court, that could lead to the lifting of the judicial protection of Greek citizens as regards the remuneration they are entitled to, are absolutely unacceptable and cannot be raised for discussion" and disclosed that following a relevant understanding between Evangelos Venizelos and PASOK party leader George Papandreou an amendment will be tabled in Parliament.

[22] Union leaders briefly stage takeover of OTE offices

ATHENS, 14/11/2006 (ANA-MPA)

According to a press release, the industrial action was organized by "a small and political party-incited group".

Trade unionists raised banners and blocked the entrance to staff members earlier in the morning, decrying what they said were imminent changes in the utility's personnel and employment regulations in order to make the company more attractive for potential buyers.

[23] EU Audiovisual sector Council focuses on legislative arrangements

BRUSSELS, 14/11/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Addressing the Council, Roussopoulos said that television constitutes a service of general interest, while at the same time it is a lever of economic development and an agency of culture.

"Which of the two parameters will weigh the most preoccupies the thoughts of all of us. Our contribution must aim at finding a successful compromise between the market and culture," he said.

Roussopoulos further said that Greece approaches the draft directive on the services of audiovisual means of communication, focusing on protection for minors, the protection of consumers and respect for human dignity.

On the question of advertising, the Greek minister said he considers it expedient for the Council to pay more attention to securing the possibility of citizens to watch news bulletins and documentaries with ease and of children to take and enjoy children's programs.

Lastly, Roussopoulos supported the clear extension of the field for implementing the directive "Television without borders" which, as he said, must develop into "a directive of services of audiovisual means", adjusted to technological convergence and the changing market.

[24] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks drop

ATHENS, 14/11/2006 (ANA-MPA)

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.06% down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks 0.21% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.46% up.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 139 to 118 with 54 remaining unchanged.

Stock Futures: