Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-03-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] Premier confers with Public Works Minister

[02] President Papoulias begins state visit to Libya

[03] President Papoulias holds cordial meeting with Libyan leader Qaddafi in Tripoli

[04] PM to meet ministers before chairing cabinet meeting on Tuesday

[05] PASOK leader "sliding into populism", gov't spokesman claims

[06] Gov't calls on Papandreou to comment on Schulz letter

[07] Gov't on phone-tapping affair, list of phones

[08] Interior Minister Pavlopoulos dismisses rumors of early general elections

[09] Parliament question on Eurostat decision regarding defense spending in budget

[10] EU Military Committee President Moschini says "terrorism is much worse now'

[11] ECDC director Jakab hails Greece on measures against bird flu

[12] FM Bakoyannis to meet PASOK's Papoutsis

[13] FinMin Alogoskoufis optimistic on Eurogroup's discussion on Greece's economy

[14] Finance ministry bill on reform of banking system tabled in Parliament

[15] Greek ministers at EU session on competitiveness

[16] PASOK's Diamantopoulou meets with Competition Committee

[17] Main opposition spokesman responds to gov't spokesman on fiscal audit, land registry

[18] Papariga calls for united front against pensions reform

[19] Journalists will participate in nationwide rallies and strikes organized by GSEE and ADEDY on Wednesday

[20] TIF focuses on Balkans

[21] PASOK continues consumer campaign for 15 March

[22] Supreme Court prosecutor wants DEKA trial reopened

[23] Mobile phone charges high in Greece, European Commissioner says

[24] Report: Construction sector in search of new balance

[25] Greek merchandise trade deficit widened in January

[26] Greek industrial production up 1.5 pct in Jan, yr/yr

[27] Car registrations up 3.5 pct in February, yr/yr

[28] Greek stocks jumped 1.55 pct on Monday

[29] Bank robber killed, one person injured in hold-up

[30] State of emergency declared in Evros prefecture due to floodwaters

[31] Briton arrested on charges of murdering his parents in Crete

[32] Event focuses on women in political decision-making

[33] Mandela attorney Bizos honored by Athens prefecture on Monday

[34] British Olympic Association honors former Athens 2004 president

[35] Cyprus President renews commitment to Commonwealth

[36] Senator Snowe applauds steps by Cyprus government to encourage solution

[01] Premier confers with Public Works Minister

ATHENS, 14/3/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Souflias said a draft bill to create a land register in the country would be submitted to parliament by the end of the week or early next week at the latest. The Greek minister also announced that the ministry would submit to parliament a draft legislation on building permits.

Souflias underlined that there were irregularities and breach of law cases that justified a legal case against the former chief executive of the Land Register and reminded that Greece was forced to return all the money taken from the EU for the project.

Souflias defended the government's work so far saying "many things have been made, there is enough work but more has to be done". The minister said the government would proceed with a constitutional review effort while he rejected PASOK leader, George Papandreou's criticism to the Prime Minister saying the main opposition party's policy was "returning the country many years back" while it did not contribute to the creation of a positive political climate in the country.

[02] President Papoulias begins state visit to Libya

TRIPOLI, Libya 14/3/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"A new chapter regarding Greek-Libyan relations has begun with a new momentum that is based on mutual political volition to promote relations for the benefit of both peoples," Papoulias said during the signing of two bilateral agreements in the tourism and cultural exchanges sectors.

"Greece and Libya can also cooperate in the Balkan and Black Sea regions," Papoulias noted.

Mahmudi, who signed the agreements with Greek Culture Minister George Voulgarakis and Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis, said he was pleased with Papoulias' visit, whom he called "a beloved friend of the leader of the revolution."

Mahmudi also referred to a new period of economic cooperation between the two countries and called on the Greek business community to invest in Libya.

Papoulias arrived in Libya on Monday morning on a two-day state visit and talks with the Libyan leadership.

Papoulias, accompanied by culture minister George Voulgarakis, deputy foreign ministers Yannis Valinakis and Evripides Stylianidis, and economy deputy minister Petros Doukas, arrived at Libya's military airport at 11:00 a.m. local time, where he was greeted with military honors by a delegation of the Libyan government, headed by historic Revolution member Mustafa al Kharoubi.

[03] President Papoulias holds cordial meeting with Libyan leader Qaddafi in Tripoli

TRIPOLI, Libya, 14/3/2006 (ANA-MPA)

The Libyan leader received the Greek president and his entourage in the known Tent where he hosts foreign senior officials who visit Libya.

The two men talked for about an hour, both at the meeting that took place in the presence of Culture Minister George Voulgarakis, Deputy Foreign Ministers Evripides Stylianidis and Yannis Valinakis and Deputy National Economy and Finance Minister Petros Doukas, as well as at the dinner which Qaddafi hosted in honor of the Greek delegation.

The two leaders did not make any statements.

Papoulias' visit concludes at noon on Tuesday.

[04] PM to meet ministers before chairing cabinet meeting on Tuesday

ATHENS, 14/3/2006 (ANA/MPA)

He will begin by meeting Merchant Marine Minister Manolis Kefaloyannis in the morning, followed by meetings with Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis and Defence Minister Vangelis Meimarakis.

The cabinet meeting will focus on improving managerial ability in public administration.

On Tuesday evening at 19:00, Karamanlis will meet Health Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos.

[05] PASOK leader "sliding into populism", gov't spokesman claims

ATHENS, 14/3/2006 (ANA/MPA)

He said the main opposition leader had resorted to these tactics to boost his political profile but noted that "this behavior shows anything but seriousness".

Regarding the substance of PASOK's criticism, Roussopoulos clarified that Eurostat's decision for recording defense spending concerned the methods to be used from this time onward. He also stressed that, even after removing the 2 percentage points accounted for by defense spending from the public deficit, the final amount was way above the 1.5 percent public deficit claimed by PASOK governments of the time and did not meet the 3 percent ceiling required by the stability pact.

Roussopoulos also responded to questions a decision to make two Land Registry Company executives stand trial for breach of faith, reached by an appellate court on Monday.

He noted that the land registry project had been advertised by PASOK as the biggest of its major public works. In 2001, however, the European Commission had asked for all EU funds given to finance the planning of the land registry project to be returned due to mismanagement, forcing Greece to give back 100 million euros.

According to the spokesman, the environment ministry had since pulled off a major feat in that it managed to continue with drafting a land registry bill.

[06] Gov't calls on Papandreou to comment on Schulz letter

ATHENS, 14/3/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"Mr. George Papandreou, as president of the Socialist International, should tell us if he agrees with such undemocratic methods, ones that create antagonism and are reminiscent of past eras," spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said.

According to the spokesman, Schulz's EPP counterpart in the Euro-Parliament, Wilfried Martens, has already responded to the German MEP.

PASOK Spokesman responds: Schulz' letter does not contain "any threat" against party leaders comprising the European People's Party, main opposition PASOK Spokesman Nikos Athanassakis said in response.

According to Athanassakis, Schulz' letter is a request towards EPP party leaders to not take part in a conference that will be held in Italy to support Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Gov't not satisfied with opposition's response: "Mr. Athanassakis either did not read Mr. Schulz' letter or 'is playing dumb' regarding the strange way in which the EPP's President is sending out recommendations and instructions to democratically-elected prime ministers, blatantly intervening in the operation of European democratic parties," Government Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said following Athanassakis' explanation.

"It seems that Mr. Athanassakis ignores the fact that Schulz' letter is a personal initiative from which his own party has distanced itself," Roussopoulos continued.

"We must remind Mr. Athanassakis that the European People's Party historically has been -and continues to be - the driving political force for the construction of the European idea and in promoting European integration. EPP enjoys the confidence of a great majority of European citizens, which has made it the leading political force not only in European Parliament but also on a European government level," Roussopoulos continued.

In closing, he reiterated whether George Papandreou, PASOK President and President of Socialist International, approves of such anti-democratic interventions in the inner workings of European democratic parties or not.

[07] Gov't on phone-tapping affair, list of phones

ATHENS, 14/3/2006 (ANA/MPA)

He also slammed main opposition PASOK members for asserting that the list did not include a number belonging to the premier and asked them to apologize for the "inaccuracy".

The spokesman also displayed a detailed statement for the specific phone and said that it had been given to Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis personally via Parliament.

To related questions, he said that the list made public by the government had been "processed" in that the users of phones listed as belonging to state services had been identified.

Roussopoulos also underlined that the government was unaware of the existence of a third "phone-tapping centre" revealed in a report by the independent telecoms privacy authority.

ADAE on phone-tap affair: The Hellenic Authority for Information and Communication Security and Privacy (ADAE) issued a statement on Monday, in response to press reports, clarifying that its official position regarding the recent phone-tap affair is stated solely in its press releases.

Any other statements or reports do not reflect its official position, it said.

It also stated that ADAE's President has promised to submit an initial report on the phone-tapping affair within 15 days after testifying before the parliamentary Institutions and Transparency Committee and provided that sufficient data is available.

An Ericsson representative is due to appear before the committee on Wednesday.

Yiorgos Koronias, the CEO of Vodafone Greece, appeared before the committee last week.

The phone-tap affair, which came to light recently, involved mobile phone operator Vodafone and Ericsson and targeted high-ranking government officials.

[08] Interior Minister Pavlopoulos dismisses rumors of early general elections

ATHENS, 14/3/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The minister categorically stated:"Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis has clarified that this party (ruling New Democracy) has not played and does not intend to ever play with the institutions. It has a mandate by the Greek people to govern and to bring to pass a program, to complete the implementation of the commitments towards the Greek people."

The interior minister, who was speaking to a private radio station, added:"Consequently, the elections will be held at their time, at the end of the four-year term."

Concluding, Pavlopoulos said that "those who are afraid of the elections, and of course I am speaking about PASOK, are spreading these rumors."

[09] Parliament question on Eurostat decision regarding defense spending in budget

ATHENS, 14/3/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Constantopoulos asks whether the Karamanlis government will implement Eurostat's methodology or if it will continue recording defense expenditures, particularly weapons contacts, on special accounts.

PASOK deputy asks 'why gov't changed manner of recording defense expenditures': Main opposition Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) deputy Vasso Papandreou on Monday tabled a Parliament question towards Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on the reasons "why the government unilaterally changed the manner of recording defense expenditures, resulting in the increase of the deficits and our country's subordination to a status of supervision."

"The decision of the European Statistics Service in the manner of recording defense expenditures revealed the enormous deceit of the New Democracy government," she said.

[10] EU Military Committee President Moschini says "terrorism is much worse now'

14/3/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Addressing the members of the relevant Greek parliamentary committees on European Security and Defense Policy, the Italian general assessed that "Al Qaeda is more active now and has spread in many countries of the world."

The EU Military Committee president added:"I would say that things are probably worse now than what they were four-and-a-half years ago," referring to the period that elapsed since the "great tragedy" which struck the United States of America on September 11, 2001.

The general, who clarified that he was expressing his own personal opinion, questioned "whether we have proceeded properly regarding the confrontation of the threat of terrorism," noting that "Islamic terrorism can be confronted in 10-15 years" and that "there is no question of it being eliminated in a few months time."

Finally, General Moschini said that "Greece plays a very important role regarding stability in the Balkans," noting that "the Balkans must constitute the top priority for the EU because the region is a part of Europe."

[11] ECDC director Jakab hails Greece on measures against bird flu

14/3/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Greece was one of the first countries which implemented the ECDC's directives, while the action plan is improving continuously and soon Greece will be one of the best prepared countries against the H5N1 virus.

[12] FM Bakoyannis to meet PASOK's Papoutsis

ATHENS, 14/3/2006 (ANA/MPA)

[13] FinMin Alogoskoufis optimistic on Eurogroup's discussion on Greece's economy

BRUSSELS, 14/3/2006 (ANA-MPA/V. Demiris)

In statements, Alogoskoufis said that the relevant recommendation of the European Commission to the Council, on the basis of which the discussion will be held, is generally positive both for the progress which was marked in 2005 and for the prospects for 2006.

The Greek finance minister noted that "we must be on alert so that the budget be implemented as it was ratified by Parliament." He assessed that "with the implementation of this budget and of the very positive indications we have up to the present, the Greek economy will be able in spring 2007, when the progress of 2006 will be assessed, to come out of the state of excessive deficit."

Asked by reporters to comment to what degree last week's decision of Eurostat regarding the recording of the defense expenditures in the national accounts can lead to a revision of the fiscal deficit, Alogoskoufis, having said that it concerns a change of regulations which is made during a procedure of excessive deficit, assessed that this change does not have important repercussions for the deficits of the coming years. Regarding the deficits of previous years, the finance minister noted that Eurostat has already decided with its report of November 2004 in which it is completely clear that these deficits will not change.

Earlier in the day in Athens, Alogoskoufis, referring to the issue created regarding Eurostat's decision on defense expenditures, said that "the governments of PASOK misled the European Commission, Eurostat and the Greek people."

He added that Eurostat revealed the "big trick" of the PASOK governments and that Eurostat has also replied to former Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

[14] Finance ministry bill on reform of banking system tabled in Parliament

14/3/2006 (ANA/MPA)

As noted in the report, the aim of the bill is the incorporation to national law, of the relevant directive of the European Council and of the Council of April 14, 2001.

The adjustment concerns all the banks which have their headquarters in Greece as well as their branches which have been set up in another EU member-state, while excluded are the Bank of Greece, the Post Office Savings Bank and the Loans Fund.

[15] Greek ministers at EU session on competitiveness

BRUSSELS, 14/3/2006 (ANA/ MPA)

Greece was represented by Deputy Economy Minister Christos Folias and Deputy Development Minister Anastasios Nerantzis.

On his part, Folias said a compromise proposal by the European Parliament serves as a good basis for negotiations to achieve a mutually acceptable agreement, while adding that Athens agrees with the four priorities set forth by the Commission.

The bill aims to create a single European services market, making it easier for service providers from one EU state to operate in another.

Nerantzis expressed Greece's support for a Commission proposal to increase funding for mass media, via the de minimis regulation.

[16] PASOK's Diamantopoulou meets with Competition Committee

ATHENS, 14/3/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"Mr. [Finance Minister George] Alogoskoufis, as the person responsible for dragging the country through the mud and creating all the problems shouldered by the Greek working people should humbly apologize rather than attack once again PASOK and Europe," she said, responding to Alogoskoufis' earlier comments regarding Eurostat.

Referring to rumors that PASOK President George Papandreou may be called before the Institutions and Transparency Committee regarding the phone-tap affair, Diamantopoulou said: "We see an orchestrated attempt to place responsibility in places where even science-fiction scenarios couldn't place them. Neither public opinion nor the political system can accept such 'cheap' type of maneuverings."

As for the role of the Competition Committee, Diamantopoulou said it plays a very important role regarding the economy and consumer protection.

She said many problems exist which involve the concentration of ownership, the improper operation of companies and inspections which do not meet market demands neither in terms of quantity or quality.

On his part, Spyros Zisimopoulos, head of the committee, said "At present, we have all the requirements as a Committee to operate properly. From that point on it's a matter of management and my personal responsibility to do so. The future will judge the work of the Committee and mainly, my work."

[17] Main opposition spokesman responds to gov't spokesman on fiscal audit, land registry

ATHENS, 14/3/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The fiscal audit, as carried out by ruling New Democracy, was "a phony audit" that "struck a blow to the country's economy and to its citizens," Athanassakis said, commenting on related comments made by Government Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos earlier on Monday.

He also accused the government of "lies" and "inaccuracies" regarding Eurostat's decision, adding that the ND government could have continued recording military expenditures in the same way as previous PASOK governments had done.

Regarding Ktimatologio, Athanassakis said that for years New Democracy, as the main opposition party, had slandered the 21 members of the company's old executive board, which a recent prosecutor's proposal has relieved of all charges. Only two company executives will have a court hearing, and will be judged by the court system, Athanassakis said.

Finally, Athanassakis criticized the Minister of the Environment, Town Planning and Public Works George Souflias for having done nothing during his two years at the ministry regarding the land registry.

[18] Papariga calls for united front against pensions reform

ATHENS, 14/3/2006 (ANA/MPA)

She warned that ruling New Democracy planned to pass measures that would be against the interests of the insured and would benefit private insurance firms and the private health sector.

Papariga called on people to "turn their backs on the cock-fight" between the two main parties over the social insurance system, since both parties served and implemented policies dictated by the European Union.

She also blamed the largest trade unions, the General Confederation of Employees of Greece (GSEE) and the civil servants union ADEDY, of misleading workers into thinking that the war had been won with the withdrawal of the Yiannitsis bill for pension reform, allowing PASOK's government to pass the subsequent Reppas law.

"Today, with a firm footing on the pedestal of PASOK's anti-insurance laws, ND comes to deal a powerful, almost final blow against all age groups, all workers," she added.

Papariga claimed that workers should refuse any part in the so-called "relaxed social dialogue" that was now beginning and should completely reject all arguments and "terrorist dilemmas" that were presented to them.

She said that KKE's goals were a public social insurance system, retirement for women at 55 and retirement for men at 60, abolition of private business activity in the health sector and full coverage of health needs with funds from the state budget.

[19] Journalists will participate in nationwide rallies and strikes organized by GSEE and ADEDY on Wednesday

ATHENS, 14/3/2006 (ANA/MPA)

In its announcement, POESY said "the general overturning which is being attempted at the expense of labor relations and of the social insurance rights constitutes an unprecedented provocation which is becoming more intense with the attempted downgrading of the institution of the Collective Labor Agreements."

The coordinating committee of journalists' unions in the Press and Mass Media on Monday decided to declare a four-hour work stoppage from 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesday.

Taking part in the work stoppage will be the electronic mass media, Greek Radio and Television (ERT) and the Athens News Agency-Macedonian Press Agency (ANA-MPA).

[20] TIF focuses on Balkans

ATHENS, 14/3/2006 (ANA/MPA)

ITF's international exhibits will begin in May with two exhibits - Foodtech, a foods exhibit and Mebeltech, construction materials exhibit - scheduled to take place in Bulgaria.

Later in May, Greece will be participating in the Construct Expo in Bucharest and then will go to Poland in September for Polagra-Food.

Finally, in October Greece is set to participate in Tehnoma, a metallurgical and construction materials exhibit, in Skopje, followed by a food, agricultural machinery and packaging exhibit, Indagra-Expodrink-All Pack, in Bucharest in November.

[21] PASOK continues consumer campaign for 15 March

ATHENS, 14/3/2006 (ANA/MPA)

During the visit, Diamantopoulou noted that the agency was experiencing funding problems.

"We call on the government, where there are funding issues, to look to Mr. Alogoskoufis and the inspiration he had for a 'fiscal audit'," Diamantopoulou said.

She also pointed to high prices that were "whittling away incomes and were the greatest failure for New Democracy with regard to the life of Greek citizens," while calling on consumers to find ways to react through good information and specific action.

At noon, the PASOK delegation also had a meeting with the Competition Commission.

[22] Supreme Court prosecutor wants DEKA trial reopened

ATHENS, 14/3/2006 (ANA/MPA)

He said the Three-Member Criminal Appeals Court had misinterpreted and wrongly applied statutes concerning embezzlement of state assets, since DEKA's property was simultaneously the property of the Greek State, regardless of the "legal cloaks" imparted by laws making it a societe anonyme company.

The motion will be examined and ruled on by the Supreme Court criminal section.

The seven former board-members appeared before an appellate court on charges of breach of faith connected to loss-making transactions on the Athens Stock Exchange in the run-up to the 2000 elections. They were acquitted after the charges against them were converted to misdemeanors, for which the statute of limitations had expired.

Justifying the decision to convert the charges, the court ruled that the state had transferred assets to DEKA, which as a public sector societe anonyme firm enjoyed legal autonomy, thereby eliminating the element of embezzlement or misappropriation of state funds.

The initial indictment referred to losses of millions of euros in DEKA assets from transactions -- mostly the buying of large chunks of shares of bourse-listed state-run enterprises -- ahead of the April 2000 elections, ostensibly to boost the stock market's general index.

PASOK narrowly defeated New Democracy in that election, forming another government under Costas Simitis until the March 2004 election.

[23] Mobile phone charges high in Greece, European Commissioner says

ATHENS, 14/3/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Additionally, a Greek mobile phone user pays double in roaming charges compared with the EU average.

According to McCreevy, both fixed-line and mobile telephony companies in Greece transfer the burden of the wholesale cost onto their clients.

Charges, however, are not as high for mobile phone users within the same network or for calls placed from a mobile phone to a fixed-line phone.

As for international calls, again McCreevy noted, that phone companies in Greece follow unfair practices thus charging consumers more than they should.

He added that the European Commission had called on the Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT) in 2004 to look into the matter and to work towards reducing prices.

In April 2005, EETT submitted a draft proposal to the Commission which would ask Greek phone companies to reduce their rates within an 18-month period.

[24] Report: Construction sector in search of new balance

ATHENS, 14/3/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The report, however, stressed that the market was steadily declining in the period after the Olympic Games due to the completion of a large portion of infrastructure projects, changes in the regulatory framework for tendering projects, a 40-percent cut in a Public Investments Program in 2005, significant delays in payments of delivered projects and significant discounts (up to 49 pct) offered in public works project tenders.

Hellastat said total turnover of the largest enterprises in the construction sector fell significantly, since the biggest part of their revenues involves public works. Henceforth, the sector's largest enterprises were forced to cut their workforce and to seek bank loans to cover the past debt.

The report said 19 out of a total 25 enterprises in the sector reported a decline in revenues in the first nine months of 2005. Consolidated revenues reported by the 25 firms in the construction sector were down 12.1 pct in the January-September period in 2005 to 3.78 billion euros. Operating earnings fell 12.5 pct, while pre-tax profits were down 10.3 pct over the same period.

Hellastat said the key to the development of the sector was private building activity, which grew strongly in the second half of 2005 ahead of the introduction of new tax legislation in the country. A total of 69,088 building permits were issued in the first 10 months of 2005, of which around 21,000 are the Attica (greater Athens) region.

The report added that a government plan to promote joint ventures between public and private sector companies could give new impetus to the construction sector.

[25] Greek merchandise trade deficit widened in January

ATHENS, 14/3/2006 (ANA/MPA)

NSS, in its monthly report, said the total value of import-arrivals in January was 3.566 billion euros, from 3.192 billion in January 2005, for an increase of 11.4 pct, while the total value of export-deliveries jumped 15.4 pct to 1.009 billion euros from 875 million euros over the same period respectively.

[26] Greek industrial production up 1.5 pct in Jan, yr/yr

ATHENS, 14/3/2006 (ANA/MPA)

NSS, in its monthly report, said the January increase reflected a 2.1 percent rise in the manufacturing production index (higher production in the food and beverage, base metals and publications sectors), an 1.6 pct increase in the electricity-natural gas-water production index and a 6.9 pct drop in the mining production index.

The statistics service the import price index jumped 8.8 percent in January from the same month in 2005, reflecting a 2.0 pct increase in intermediate good prices, a 42.2 pct jump in energy prices and a 3.3 pct increase in durable good prices. The import price index was up 0.6 pct in January from December.

[27] Car registrations up 3.5 pct in February, yr/yr

ATHENS, 14/3/2006 (ANA/MPA)

New car registrations in the two first months of the year totaled 50,990 units, down 1,332 units from the corresponding period last year, with February recording a 28 percent drop from January.

Toyota maintained its leading position in the Greek car market with sales of 2,179 units and a market share of 10.3 pct, followed by Hyundai (1,655 and 7.8 pct), and VW (1,509 and 7.1 pct).

[28] Greek stocks jumped 1.55 pct on Monday

ATHENS, 14/3/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Turnover, however, was a moderate 257.6 million euros.

Most sector indices ended higher, with the financial services (3.73 pct), oil and gas (2.87 pc), construction (2.81 pct) and healthcare (1.93 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while the raw material (3.16 pct), technology (1.95 pct) and personal and home products (0.36 pct) sectors suffered losses.

The Blue Chip index rose 1.48 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 1.46 pct higher and the Small Cap index rose 0.88 pct.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 154 to 106 with another 53 issues unchanged.

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank of Greece, OPAP, OTE, Piraeus Bank, and Goody's.

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