Athens News Agency: News in English, 11-01-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] Epiphany celebrated throughout Greece

[02] Fishing tourism to be promoted in Greece

[03] Energy investments

[04] Rise at ASE opening

[01] Epiphany celebrated throughout Greece

In Piraeus, Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece officiated at a ceremony in the country's largest port. The government was represented by Maritime Affairs, Islands & Fishing Minister Yiannis Diamantidis, and was also attended by main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Antonis Samaras, Popular Orthodox Rally (LA.OS) party leader George Karatzaferis, numerous officials, and political party MPs. (ANA-MPA)

In Athens, the ceremony was held at the Kolonaki rservoir, attended by new Athens Mayor George Kaminis and MPs from various parties, and government vice-president representing the government. (ANA-MPA)

The ceremony in Thessaloniki, officiated by Metropolitan Anthimos, was attended by the new mayor Yiannis Boutaris and political party representatives, with the government represented by Defence Minister Evangelos Venizelos. (ANA-MPA)

Epiphany, the coming of the light, means that the darkness leaves and optimism comes, Samaras said, adding that this was his wish for the Greek people in these difficult hours, and chiefly for the country. (ANA-MPA)

Caption: A Blessing of the Waters ceremony in Kalamaria, Thessaloniki. (ANA-MPA/N. Arvanitidis)

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[02] Fishing tourism to be promoted in Greece

Determination of the terms and conditions for the implementation of such a regulation are currently underway, and the target is to reinforce the incomes of fishermen on the one hand, and to provide interested parties (tourists, travel agencies, etc) more forms of alternative tourism in the new tourism season. (ANA-MPA)

Fishing tourism is part of the wider framework of marine eco-tourism, and may also include the boarding of non-crew individuals on fishing boats for recreational and tourism purposes, accommodation and general provision of specialized tourism services related to fishing and fish-farming, and services related to traditions and customs. (ANA-MPA)

The development of fishing tourism is viewed as an opportunity for professional diversification that aims at boosting the rebirth of coastal communities and fishermen who are facing financial problems due to a reduction in their incomes and in traditional fishing activities. (ANA-MPA)

Further, fishing tourism may also serve as a tool for increasing public awareness on the environmental problems and principles of sustainable growth to both sides involved: to tourist agents and their customers, and to fishermen and tourists. (ANA-MPA)

Photo by ANA-MPA

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[03] Energy investments

The investments concern infrastructure projects by the Public Power Corporation (PPC) and the National Natural Gas System Manager (DESFA), which included expansion of electricity and natural gas transport and distribution networks.

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[04] Rise at ASE opening

Individual sector indices were moving mostly upward, with the biggest gains Insurance, up 3.12 percent, and Telecoms, up 1.54 percent.

The biggest losses were in Oil & Gas, down 1.26 percent, and Health, down 0.72 percent.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks was up 0.99 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index was up 0.49 percent, and the FTSE/ASE-80 small cap index was up 0.41 percent.

Of the stocks traded, 28 were up, 27 were down, and 19 were unchanged.

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