Date:       25 October 2005 - Athens (Greece)
Venue:    Sarogleion Megaron (Vassilissis Sofias & Rigilis) in Athens from 10:30 to approx. 13:00

Contact / further information:   
Stability Pact's Spokesperson Mr Dragan Barbutovski (+32 2 401-8725 or +32 498 982-984, press@stabilitypact.org)
Greek Ministry of Development Press Officer Ms Peggy Papakosta
(+30-210-6974740 or +30-6972-259877, papakostaP@ypan.gr)

PROGRAMME

Ceremony of the signing of the Energy Community Treaty

10:30:  Opening Statements from:

Greek Prime Minister Mr Kostas Karamanlis - on behalf of the host country
European Commissioner for Energy Mr Andris Piebalgs - on behalf of the European Commission
British Secretary of State for Trade and Industry Mr Alan Johnson - on behalf of the EU Presidency
Special Co-ordinator Mr Erhard Busek - on behalf of the Stability Pact and the countries in the region

Signing of the Treaty

Brief declarations from the signatory countries

12:00:   Family Photo
12:30:   Press Conference

PRESS CONFERENCE

The press conference will take place on 25 October 2005 at 12:30 at Sarogleion Megaron (Vassilissis Sofias & Rigilis) in Athens.  There will be real-time translation available (English & Greek only).  The panel will consist of the Greek Minister of Development Mr Dimitris Sioufas, European Commissioner for Energy Mr Andris Piebalgs and British Secretary of State for Trade and Industry Mr Alan Johnson.

ACCREDITATION

Media accreditation is handled by the Greek Ministry of Development.
For media accreditation form, please contact Ms Peggy Papakosta ( papakostaP@ypan.gr or contact details above)

BACKGROUND

The Stability Pact has produced a Fact Sheet on the creation of the Energy Community with background information on the process. 

It is available via the Stability Pact web site: http://www.stabilitypact.org/energy/FACT%20SHEET-Energy%20Community.pdf

More information is also available via the European Commission web site:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/energy/electricity/south_east/index_en.htm

For further information, please contact Stability Pact's Spokesperson
Mr Dragan Barbutovski at the SP Secretariat in Brussels
(Tel: +32 2 401 87 25 or press@stabilitypact.org).
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PA2005/019