+1585 68 222 68, +7916 2154619, videoconferencing ip 77.37.238.

December 2008 [Lab-K ]journal

[Lab-K] journal Taiwan shares the same concerns over the protection of underwater
heritage with the rest of the world. In 1994, a pilot project for
discovering the maritime heritage of the Penghu Archipelago (the
Pescadores) was initiated. The first ever cross-strait conference on
underwater heritage was held in October 2000. Starting in 2003, an
international workshop on the protection of underwater heritage has
also been held annually. The aims of this workshop are to provide a

TAIWAN forum for sharing information and experiences on the development of

underwater archaeology in the Asia-Pacific region. It also aims to
explore the possibility for multilateral cooperation in underwater

2008 archaeology in the region, particularly in the coastal waters of

Taiwan and its islands in the South China Sea. Additionally, an ac-
tion plan on marine affairs, which includes facilitating underwater
EXPEDITION heritage research, is being drafted by the Council for the Promo-
tion of Marine Affairs and will be adopted in early 2005. However,
the issue of underwater heritage is still new in Taiwan and more
research is clearly essential.

Lab-K at work
September 2005
Thursday 4 th
South East Europe: A Great Leap Forward
“Impressive progress was made within the South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) framework
while the ongoing summit constitutes a qualitative and quantitative leap,” Foreign Minister Dora
Bakoyannis told a press conference after member-states’ foreign ministers met in Thessaloniki on
Wednesday.
Greece’s Chairmanship-in-Office of the SEECP was characterized as very positive, and in passing
the chairmanship to Croatia, Bakoyannis said that during its six-month presidency Greece moved along
two axes: the strengthening of regional cooperation as well as the European prospect of the SEECP
countries. A decision on the signing of a free trade agreement concerning the SEECP non-EU members
was reached to replace a complex network of 31 bilateral free trade agreements. The foreign minis-
ters also concluded that implementation of the Thessaloniki agenda for the Western Balkans, should
become more productive.
Bakoyannis stressed that the institutional upgrading of the SEECP is necessary and underlined that
the European Union should offer this opportunity to the SEECP, given the imminent changes in the
Stability Pact for Southeastern Europe. The establishment of a SEECP Secretariat is placed within
this framework. According to the Declaration signed by the foreign ministers, a formal liaison is to
be established between the SEECP and the EU.
On the Kosovo issue, Bakoyannis stressed that the desirable solution should be one that will promote
regional stability and security and that efforts will continue so that the SEECP views will be taken
into consideration by the international community when decision time arrives. The SEECP heads of
state and governments summit is due to convene today.
What is European Corridor X?
Transport and Communications Minister Michalis Liapis and his Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia (FYROM) counterpart Xhemali Mehazi met Wednesday ahead of the meeting of the SEECP trans-
port ministers. Liapis and Mehazi discussed the construction of the European Corridor X’s road and
rail network and particularly those segments that will be located in FYROM and to which Greece will
contribute. Liapis and Mehazi will sign a protocol facilitating cross-border passage on the Corridor
X in June.
Info: Greece’s Transport Policy in South East Europe
Gas Concession in Egypt
Greece’s biggest oil refiner, Hellenic Petroleum (HELPE), has won a concession for oil exploration
and
138 139
[Lab-K ]journal
production in Egypt’s West Obayed desert area, totaling 1,840 square kilometers, the company said in a
statement. HELPE had submitted bids for two of the 13 areas in the round of concessions opened for bid-
ding by the Egyptian Petroleum Corporation last year. The company’s contractual obligations for the
first three years of the exploration period include the conducting of seismic tests and three drills.
The first is expected in June 2007.
Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas and the chairmen of HELPE, Timos Christodoulou, and of Public
Gas Corporation, Asimakis Papageorgiou, have also been discussing energy issues with officials in Saudi
Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain while accompanying President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias on his visit
to these countries.
Adventure Sports Suit in Greece
Greece is seeking a place among nations hosting adventure and extreme sports competitions. The mountain
bike race Thasos Cup on the island of Thasos with, in which athletes rode 53 exhausting kilometers to
the peak of 1,204-meter-high Mount Ypsari. On May 6 and 7, the World Mountain Bike Marathon Cup is
to be held in the foothills of Mt Vermio, in northern Greece under the auspices of the International
Cycling Federation.
The number of competitors in the third Olympus Marathon, to begin on June 25, is expected to be double
that of last year. It is one of the most difficult races of its kind, over 43km, of which 36 are on nar-
row, rugged paths at heights of 2,780 meters. Mountain marathons on the island of Alonnissos and in
Nemea ancient site are to follow.
Eurovision 2006
Over 2000 journalists will cover the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest in Athens (18-20 May). The
Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT) reports that a record number of media applications
have been approved this year.
Greece’s representative Anna Vissi is currently touring Europe to promote her song “Every-
thing”. She continues to score well in fan polls and many bookmakers seem to offer ever-
shorter odds on Greece winning for a second consecutive year.
Friday 5 th
South East Europe: A Bird’s view by the Greek Premier
The heads of state and government of the South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) mem-
ber countries commenced their summit meeting Thursday morning in Thessaloniki, with an opening
address by Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, who outlined the progress and significant successes
achieved during Greece’s year-long chairmanship of the group, which was coming to a close.
Greece, he said, continued to fully back the European prospect of the region’s countries, and
was working consistently in that direction. However, he noted that “European principles and val-
ues must be respected, and all the criteria and prerequisites that have been put forward by the
EU must be fully implemented.” Karamanlis further said that a uniform free trade agreement among
the SEECP countries would give new impetus to trade, referring to a proposal adopted Wednesday at
the SEECP foreign ministers’ assembly in Thessaloniki.
May 2006
Regarding Kosovo, Karamanlis stressed that “the negotiations process for the future status of Kosovo
must contribute to the stability and security in South East Europe”.
On the sidelines of the summit, Karamanlis and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan reviewed
Greek-Turkish relations yesterday, and expressed the desire for further improvement of relations. The po-
litical leaderships of the two countries have been encouraging entrepreneurship and the strengthening of
trade and business relations, in the framework of economic diplomacy.
With respect to Turkey’s EU prospect, which Greece backs, Karamanlis said that EU membership was depen-
dent on the specific commitments set out by the EU. Ankara needs to proceed in fulfilling the commitments
it has undertaken towards the EU, such as matters concerning religious freedoms.
Connecting People by Rail
Transport ministers from SEECP member-states signed a rail agreement in Thessaloniki yesterday, laying
out a framework that will allow the creation of an upgraded regional network. The agreement foresees the
development of a total of 16 rail axes in the Balkans. The most recent regional rail agreements in the
region inaugurated a Thessaloniki-Istanbul and Thessaloniki-Sofia route.
Rise in Agricultural Exports
According to provisional data from the National Statistics Service, exports of agricultural products in
January-February 2006 totaled 562.2 million euros, up 23% from the same period of 2005. Citing the
Hellenic Foreign Trade Board, the Agriculture and Foods Ministry reports that the product bringing the
highest revenue out of 150 products was olive oil, up 107.1%, followed by cotton, which rose by 74.6%
against the first two months of 2005.
Tourism Panorama 2006 Trade Fair
“Tourism Panorama 2006”, an exhibit which highlights regions and presents special kinds of tourism,
opened its gates in Anthoussa, Athens on Thursday. Launching the exhibition, Tourism Minister Fani Palli-
Petralia noted that the promotion of tourism investment, coupled with a dynamic publicity campaign, has
ensured that growth in internal tourism will be increasingly strong. This year, the fair will focus on
the healing-wellness tourism sector, in cooperation with the Association of Greek Municipalities and Com-
munities with Hot Water Springs and with related businesses.
Info: Travelling Around Greece
European Social Forum in Athens
The sessions of the 4th European Social Forum got under way in Athens on Thursday and will conclude on
Sunday with the movement’s assembly. According to the organizers, approximately 10,000 people from Euro-
pean countries have come to take part in the events. The forum is an annual conference held by members
of the movement against “neoliberal globalization” that allows social organizations, NGOs, and peace
groups to come together and discuss global issues.
Info: Daily program of activities
140 141
May 2006
Happening In Greece
Two internationally distinguished leaders in management, Dr. Tom Peters and Professor Richard
Boyatzis, will speak at the Greek Leadership Congress, organized by the Association of Chief
Executive Officers on Tuesday, May 9 2006. The Greek Leadership Congress has been established
as the most important event on management in Greece. It is addressed to businessmen and com-
pany executives.
Monday 8 th
Marine Tourism Plan
Tourism Minister Fani Palli-Petralia on Sunday announced a new programme to boost marine tourism.
Under the plan, a map will be drawn up linking areas of historical and cultural value that will
be provided with yachting access, the minister told a meeting of the National Tourism Council held
on the island of Poros. She noted that priority would be given to 16 sites classified by UNESCO as
world heritage, including Mycenae and the old city of Rhodes.
In addition, a specialized publicity campaign for marine tourism would be slotted into the minis-
try’s overall drive to promote Greece abroad, the minister added. According to ministry data,
Greece holds a 5% share of the cruise market in Europe, which the government hopes to increase.
Greece - Egypt: Gas and Oil
Greece and Egypt on Sunday sealed a cooperation agreement in the natural gas and oil sectors that
places emphasis on research and exploration. “This is a historic agreement. The two countries,
which are laying the foundations for a new era and opening new avenues in their energy ties, have
high expectations of it,” visiting Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas said in Cairo.
Under the terms of the two-year pact, a joint committee will be set up to assess the viability of
selling and transporting Egyptian natural gas to Greece by means of a pipeline, and from there,
to other European countries. Greece is being transformed into a natural gas transportation chan-
nel from output countries in the wider region to major European consumption centres.
European Social Forum’s Anti-war Pledge
The 4 European Social Forum that took place in Athens renewed its pledge on Sunday to mobilize
th
for a complete withdrawal of troops from Iraq and Afghanistan and avert a new war in Iran. At the
end of its four-day meeting, the alter-globalization Forum repeated its opposition to the occupa-
tion of the Palestinian territories and its backing for nuclear disarmament, also calling for
the elimination of military bases in Europe. The Forum announced a week of action from 23 to 30
September 2006 and appealed for a international day of action on October 7, 2006 in Europe and
Africa.
A Gold Medal for Greece
Vlasios Maras on Sunday won the gold medal for horizontal bar in the men’s European gymnastics
championships held in Volos. Maras’ routine gained the top mark of 15.725. Taking the silver was
Russian Sergei Khorokhordan and the bronze, Christoph Schaerrer of Switzerland.
May 2006
7th International Venture Capital Forum
The “7th International Venture Capital Forum” is a two-day event that will be held in Athens,
on June 28 and 29 for entrepreneurs, researchers and technology-based firms in Southeast Europe,
particularly from Bulgaria, Cyprus, FYROM, Greece, Israel, Romania, Serbia-Montenegro and Turkey.
The event also provides a forum for institutional and other investment professionals to meet with
policy makers, entrepreneurs and academics for an open exchange of views and ideas. This forum is
now the largest international private equity forum in Southeast Europe.
Summer Courses on Crete
DIAS International Academic Studies is a non-profit organization dedicated to offering students from
all over the world the opportunity to attend accredited summer courses at the University of Crete in
Rethymno, or the Technical University of Crete in Chania. Students are given the opportunity study
modern Greek culture, as well as the influence of Hellenism on other histories and cultures.a
Must See In Greece
Not surprisingly, the island of Hydra in the Saronic Gulf has gained the title of the artists’
colony.
The gracious stone, white and pastel mansions of Hydra town are stacked up the rocky hillsides
that surround the fine natural, steep-sided port.
The first foreigners to be seduced by its beauty were the film makers who began arriving in the
1950’s, using the island as a film location. The artists and writers moved in next, followed by
the celebrities, and nowadays it seems the whole world is welcomed ashore. The absence of motor-
ized transport, its unique architectural beauty, taken together with its proximity to Athens and
its important history have gradually raised the island to the level of an international tourist
Tuesday 9 th
Europe Day: A Silver Jubiler for Greece
Ahead of Europe Day celebrated today, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis said on Monday that through
systematic efforts in recent years, Greece paved the way for other countries in South East Europe
aspiring to become members of the European Union: “25 years since it joined the European family,
Greece possesses the experience, plays a part and has a say in European developments,” Karamanlis
said, adding that the European Union represents today roughly 450 million citizens and a unique mo-
saic of peoples, which constitutes its strength. “This strength gives Europe a greater voice on the
international stage,” he stressed. The premier concluded that the objective is to focus efforts on
bringing Europe closer to citizens, and work together with them in building a Europe they envision.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs: FAQ on the EU
Fiscal Deficit is Falling Down
In its spring forecast on Greece’s economic prospects, the European Commission said on Monday that structural measures will be needed to maintain a fiscal deficit below 3
% of the country’s GDP, while
142 143
May 2006
economic growth will reach 3.5% this year. Minister of Economy and Finance Giorgos Alogoskoufis high-
lighted the progress achieved in the economy during the previous years, noting that the moderate fiscal
policy will continue, as weight will be given to restricting expenses by the public sector. He stressed
that there will be continuing efforts for preventing tax evasion, adding that the government’s goal
was to bring its fiscal deficit to 2.6% this year. The minister also announced a government program for
the unemployed in areas affected by high unemployment rates.
Ministry of Economy and Finance: Fact Sheet on the Prospects of the Greek Economy
Iranian Visit to Athens
Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis is meeting today with Secretary General of Iran’s Supreme National
Security Council, Ali Larijani, at the foreign ministry in Athens. The meeting will come in the wake
of a surprise development on Monday, as Tehran announced that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had
conveyed a letter to US President George Bush proposing “new solutions for getting out of internation-
al problems and the current fragile situation of the world.”
EasyCruise to Build Vessels in Greece
EasyCruise and Neorion Holdings S.A. on Monday announced the signing of a letter of intent for the
building of four cruise vessels at Neorion Holdings’ two shipyards in Elefsis and Syros. EasyCruise
said the ships, with a capacity of 500 passengers each, would be used for cruises to Greek islands.
After a meeting with Stelios Hadjioannou, chairman of easyGroup, Economy and Finance Minister George
Alogoskoufis told reporters that the economic environment in Greece is attractive for large invest-
ment plans. The specific investment will strengthen tourism and the country’s shipyards industry with
a positive impact on the economy. According to the plan, easyCruise’s vessels will operate weekend and
four-day cruises from the Faliro marina to the Cyclades islands.
Greece Partner Country in Bulgarian Fair
Greece is the partner country in Plovdiv’s 26th International Fair of Consumer Goods and Technologies,
Bulgaria. Taking part are 60 Greek companies under the aegis of the Thessaloniki International Trade
Fair, and chambers of commerce and trade groups from northern Greece. Greece is Bulgaria’s second-
largest foreign investor.
Turkey and the Greek European Experience
The Hellenic Centre for European Studies in cooperation with the Institute of European Integration
and Policy, University of Athens, in the framework of European Commission’s “Plan D” for Democracy,
Dialogue and Debate, is organizing a conference on: “Decoding Modern Turkey and the Greek European Ex-
perience.” It includes lectures on the “Dynamics of the EU Accession Process”, the “Kantianization
of Turkish foreign policy,” and the “Europeanisation of Greek - Turkish Relations.”