Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-03-23

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Economy on good course, difficult road still ahead, PM tells Parliament debate on economic policy

[02] PM helpless in the face of ND corruption, Papandreou charges

[03] KKE leader launches criticism at all sides over economic policy

[04] SYN's Alavanos highlights pension funds issue, education

[05] FinMin defends economic programme, says no "hidden" policy

[06] FM meets US counterpart Condoleezza Rice, State Department comments

[07] US President's Proclamation on Greek Independence Day

[08] Protest rally over education held in central Athens

[09] US ambassador to Athens visits Souda base

[10] FinMin in official visit to Paris

[11] Tourism development minister holds talks with Moscow mayor

[12] Hellenic Telecoms reports a 574.6-mln-euro profit in 2006

[13] OTE unveils three-year business plan

[14] Greek-Egyptian business conference in Cairo

[15] Names announced for Aegean's three new Airbus A320s

[16] Memorandum of cooperation

[17] Dias Acquacultures reports sharply improved 2006 results

[18] Gov't tables draft bill on stock market transparency

[19] Easter holiday working hours for market beginning on March 29

[20] Greek stocks soar 1.63 pct

[21] ADEX closing report

[22] Greek bond market closing report

[23] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

[24] Bad weather continues to hamper domestic airline flights

[25] Alexandria Patriarch Theodoros II received by Grand Sheik of al-Azhar

[26] Seminar on journalism ethics held in Athens

[27] Athens mayor gives Greek Literature Translators Society awards

[28] Illegal migrants arrested in northwestern Greece

[29] World Water Day events in Thessaloniki

[30] Arrest for illegal gambling via the internet

[31] Television transmitters stolen in Ioannina

[32] Deputy Culture Minister for Sport George Orfanos begins contacts in New York

[33] Rain, strong winds on Friday

[34] The Thursday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

[35] Acting FM says division of Cyprus inconsistent with history of Europe

[36] Nicosia mayor says EU shows the way for Cyprus' reunification

[37] No 'Bulletin' on Saturday Politics

[01] Economy on good course, difficult road still ahead, PM tells Parliament debate on economic policy

Karamanlis' statements came during his address at an off-the-agenda debate on the government's economic policy, initiated by main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou, who later reiterated his call for early general elections.

"The government cannot be harmed in this way. It is the citizens that are harmed, and the citizens are much more mature than some of the people here," Karamanlis said.

The premier acknowledged the right of everyone to exercise criticism, but noted, however, that no one has the right "to attempt a social division" and to "transpose his party's problems and his political weakness onto the backs of society and the country".

"The era of irresponsible populism is irrevocably gone," he stressed, adding that the active and mature citizens "demand a responsible stance from all of us".

Referring to the state-run Civil Servants' Supplementary Pension Fund (TEADY) furor concerning a suspect bond purchase, Karamanlis stressed that "deductions are not made in any instance ... our only commitment is the pact we have made with the citizens".

Karamanlis said that, contrary to the inertia of the past, the regulatory framework this time "worked" and that the government itself and authorities "are confronting, revealing and referring (to justice) anything that creates suspicions of harm to the public interest".

He also recalled the recent governmental decisions for a modern institutional framework in the management of the social insurance/pension funds' assets, for limiting the management of the social insurance organisations' liquid assets, and for an in-deputy audit into the funds' investments "which will not stop anywhere", and for the requirement, henceforth, of approval by the funds' administrative boards, the Bank of Greece and the Capital Market Commission.

The government was also actively proving its stated volition for transparency everywhere, Karamanlis said, adding that "Greece will not return to the past".

He said that those who believed they could poison public life in order to cover up their own political weakness, erase their past and conceal their lack of positions and proposals were "deluding themselves".

"The clash with corruption is incessant and head-on," Karamanlis stressed.

The prime minister also compared the achievements of his government in its three years in power with those of the preceding years (under the PASOK governments), thus responding to those "who purposely reverse the reality and confirm that their target is distortion and negativism, danger-mongering and polarisation".

"We dare the comparison in all the sectors, on all the issues," he said.

Acknowledging that all problems have not been solved, Karamanlis said "the initial results prove that we are (moving) in the right direction" and guarantee "a new, better prospect".

Turning to the changes in the education system, Karamanlis criticised those who "became lost in the internal party confusion and failed to formulate a position", but also to those who "misunderstood their role, 'prohibiting' every change". However, as a responsible government, ND had the duty to take decisions. "And in a democracy the majority decides. Parliament decided, and Parliament's decision is the law of the state; a law that responds to the needs of the new era and the demands of society".

On the social resources and confronting poverty, Karamanlis said that more effective targeting and a structured politically and socially responsible plan were necessary. He said that, in that direction, the government intended to establish a minimum national pension, while it was also setting up a "Fund to Combat Poverty" that would be funded by the state budget. Social expenditure would be gradually increased by 2 billion euros, meaning 1 percentage point of GDP, over the next five years, he said, adding that the goal of the targeted interventions was to financially reinforce those under the poverty level.

"And this is not an announcement. It is a plan that we have been working on for some time. A plan of political and social responsibility," the premier concluded.

In a second round of statements from Parliament's podium, Karamanlis ridiculed the main opposition party's repeated demands over the recent period for early elections, charging that his rival is constantly referring to early elections "when, in fact, he really wants to avoid this (prospect)."

He also chided the fact, as he said, that Papandreou only recently took an interest in safeguarding funds' fidelity after the latter and PASOK party "never once in 20 years showed any interest in the country's institution reinforcement."

"Do you think that you can rewrite your past? Have you reached the point where you are repeating the same lie to the degree where there is a serious danger of you yourself believing it and no one else?," the prime minister said.

Returning to the issue of funds' reserves, he said his government maintains a "zero tolerance" policy vis-à-vis instances of corruption.

"When have such cases from to the forefront in the past? Never," Karamanlis said, while charging that previous PASOK governments merely protected those responsible and covered up scandals.

Turning to the timely issue of education reform, Karamanlis adamantly condemned political parties, politicians and trade unionists who maintain that the recently passed law can be ignored or overturned in practice.

"Declarations by political party and union cadres that the (education reforms) law will not be implemented ranks as an undemocratic behavior," he said.

In a sharp retort to Papandreou's earlier statements of a "vilification of the premier's credibility", Karamanlis pointed to a similar remark by the PASOK leader roughly two months ago about a "slap in the face" from Moscow over the Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline project.

"If you haven't learned, the agreement for the pipeline was signed, with Vladimir Putin in attendance ... Indeed, the 'slap' hurt the face of your gloomy forecasts," he said.

Finally, in response to continuing PASOK criticism over the pension fund furor, Karamanlis said he is ready to exercise his own "self-criticism" before adding:

"Maybe I should have thought about this (issue) earlier. No matter, it took me three years to decide. Over 20 years you neither did anything nor thought about it," he concluded.

[02] PM helpless in the face of ND corruption, Papandreou charges

"The corruption, lack of transparency and fraud being revealed these days are not at all incidental. They have ... to do with ND's perceptions and the officials it imposed on the state," he said.

He described the present government as "the worst the country has ever had, even worse than that of Constantine Mitsotakis in 1990-93, with a weak prime minister who is incapable of dismissing the employment minister (Savvas Tsitouridis) and other ministers".

Replying to Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis in his rejoinder, meanwhile, Papandreou said that the premier appeared unable or unwilling to intervene and stop those responsible, and was instead "making compromises and protecting" them.

"Are you keeping the ministers, or are they keeping you? If you claim that it is not your responsibility, then why do you not place the responsibility where it belongs - with your ministers?" PASOK's leader asked.

Referring to the issue of the 'hidden' government bond bought by the Civil Servants Auxiliary Pension Fund (TEADY) at an inflated price, Papandreou said that this was a "hot potato" placed squarely in Karamanlis' lap and that he could not deny knowledge of the affair:

"You claimed not to have known - that you took action as soon as the Capital Markets Commission made the matter public. However, in the employment ministry's last publication regarding fund assets, the specific transaction and financial losses are recorded. And, instead of acting, the prime minister allowed other pension funds to enter into the same process. Therefore, you knew everything and did nothing - because this mechanism was set up so that your people could profit," PASOK's leader accused.

According to Papandreou, immediate elections were the only solution.

"One phrase by the prime minister would suffice; that he is submitting his government's resignation and that we are going to elections. That is what the Greek people were waiting to hear," he added.

In a reference to the management of the Funds' reserves during his first speech in Parliament, Papandreou claimed that an entire mechanism had been set up using these reserves - and the money paid by the Greek people in social insurance contributions - so that "parasitic party middle-men could get commissions," adding that ND bore immense responsibility in the affair because high-ranking ND officials occupied all those positions.

"This is not incidental. It has to do with a perception that you are systematically cultivating -- that the state belongs to you. But the state doesn't belong to you," Papandreou said, adding that "your scandal with the bonds constitutes a rewarding of fraud".

"You came (to power) to temporarily manage the assets of the Greek citizens with transparency and efficiency. You failed miserably, and that is why the people will soon send you to the opposition. And no more hide-and-seek regarding Justice. The prime minister tolerates, conceals and covers up -- naturally, everything that he can cover up," Papandreou said.

"This crime is at the expense of the pensioner, and you are accountable, Mr. Karamanlis. We expect you to find and return the money to the fund -- and this before the elections, before you leave the government," he added.

PASOK's leader also dismissed the measures announced by the government for the future management of fund reserves as an attempt to "blow smoke in the eyes" of the public, "similar to that blown by the government after the phone-tapping scandal, inviting Constitutional experts to change the Constitution".

Replying to a proposal by Coalition of the Left, of Movements and Ecology (SYN) party leader Alekos Alavanos for a Parliamentary investigative committee, meanwhile, PASOK's leader said that he was not opposed, as such, but that early elections took precendence.

"At this moment, we are demanding elections. There will be transparency, however, either one way or the other," he said.

Papandreou personally pledged not to succumb, as prime minister, to any interests.

He challenged the prime minister to reveal in Parliament what he promised European Commissioner for monetary affairs Joaquin Almunia in return for the Greek economy's exit from the excessive deficit procedure.

"Tell us today, here, in this hall, that which you are concealing from the citizens: The commitments you undertook on the social insurance sector following the elections, the increase in the retirement age and the decrease in pensions as a proportion of the salary, the commitments for extended austerity," Papandreou said.

Pointing to recent statements on this issue by French politician Nicholas Sarkozy, he said that Karamanlis had dragged the country's international reputation through the mud for petty party-political ends.

"This is something that PASOK will never do; I will never do this, Mr. Karamanlis," Papandreou concluded.

[03] KKE leader launches criticism at all sides over economic policy

According to Papariga, this entailed an "unprecedented attack on issues such as social insurance, health, education and labour".

"I was not surprised by the triumphant tone and the arrogance of the prime minister in speaking of the government's work. It's true that the [economic] indicators in the third year are rising, but they concern plutocracy and not the many," Papariga said.

She also declared herself equally unsurprised by the stance of main opposition PASOK:

"It's as if the party was born in March 2004. Whatever party is in government is the same class that rules and this shows from the course of the indicators, which prove that the class burden increases, whichever of the two parties is in power," she said.

The KKE leader went on to predict that there would be a "poisonous political climate" until the next elections, in which ruling New Democracy and PASOK would trade accusations and engage in sterile conflict.

Referring to recent revelations suggesting mismanagement of social insurance fund reserves and the issue of a "hidden" bond by the government, Papariga spoke of a scandal and said that the measures announced by the government in response appeared to be leading to a cover-up.

"The Mitsotakis government [of 1990-1993] gave the green light with the legal framework it put in place, which PASOK did not change but kept. There are rodents, there is no doubt; political figures, administrators who benefit because gambling is legal and presupposes competitors and bribes," the KKE leader underlined.

Summing up, Papariga stressed that no solutions could arise with the current balance of power in Parliament, only discussions and arguments, and that the hold of the bi-polar, two-party system had to be weakened.

[04] SYN's Alavanos highlights pension funds issue, education

He called on main opposition PASOK to demand the creation of a Parliamentary investigative committee to look into the social insurance fund issue while also extending its brief to the estimated four billion euros lost through tax evasion in order to determine what the true situation is.

Regarding the affair involving the Civil Servants Auxiliary Pension Fund (TEADY) and its suspect bond purchase through the Acropolis brokerage, SYN's leader said this was a "major scandal that reflects the image of the society in which we live," and also spoke of "laws for plundering the reserves of the funds and the workers".

He also charged that social insurance funds were being forced to own stock in the Bank of Greece on "gambling terms".

On this point, Alavanos quoted a study conducted by the General Confederation of Employees of Greece (GSEE), Greece's largest umbrella trade union organisation, according to social insurance funds had lost 70 billion euros since 1950.

"The issue is not just personal or technical but political. Why should there be a party-political view of social insurance funds, whose managements are even changed when there is a change of minister," Alavanos said.

SYN's leader did not spare criticism for Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis, saying that he was chiefly responsible for issuing the shady special bonds that were bought up by TEADY and that he had hidden these bonds from Parliament and public opinion.

"This method is a mire and the government is responsible for opening sewers that the country is in danger of sinking into. The political responsibilities for the plundering of the funds are huge and belong to the present government. Our proposal is that the stolen money be returned to the funds of the workers," he added.

The plight of Greece's young people who were faced with ever-worsening prospects was also underlined by Alavanos:

"How can the prime minister, the finance minister or the employment minister look these young people in the eye at the same time that we have social insurance zones, each with worse length of insurance times, and continual deterioration of their conditions of work, insurance and education," he said.

[05] FinMin defends economic programme, says no "hidden" policy

Commenting on a state bond issue purchased by the Supplementary Fund of Civil Servants, the Greek minister said the government took the initiative to unveil the case. "We revealed chronic weaknesses and ordered an inspection of all cases since 1998 to see what happened during the stock market scandal as well, with orders that lead to serious losses for pension funds. Our aim is full transparency. We do not step back on our principles. Each citizen must fell safe and secure," Alogoskoufis said.

He reiterated the government's decision to strengthen the Capital Markets Commission and stressed that the government was sending all responsible to justice. Alogoskoufis noted that economic progress did not just happened that was the result of reforms introduced by the government. "We are changing a wrong model of growth leaving space for healthy business activity to grow in our country," he said.

[06] FM meets US counterpart Condoleezza Rice, State Department comments

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice held a half-hour meeting with her Greek counterpart Dora Bakoyannis at the State Department on Thursday, who said afterwards that her discussion with Rice was very constructive and useful.

"The meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice has just taken place. We had a very constructive and useful discussion on wider issues of our region and on issues, of course, of particular Greek concern, on Greek-Turkish relations and relations between Europe and Turkey. I had the opportunity of repeating to Mrs. Rice the main position of our country on the issue of the name of Skopje (FYROM) as well. The discussion was concluded a short while ago. I think that it was understood by our American interlocutors what the Greek positions are," Bakoyannis said.

Asked whether Greece found understanding on Greek-Turkish issues, Bakoyannis said "I cannot convey and commit American policy. What I can say are the views that we tabled. It is always useful and beneficial, at the highest possible level, for the views of the two countries to be discussed. It is useful because the Greek side had the possibility for the fourth time to clarify its views on these issues."

State Department spokesman

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack, replying to relevant questions, commented on the content and the climate prevailing during the meeting held earlier in the day between Rice and Bakoyannis.

"They had a good meeting. The whole tone and tenor of the meeting was one that certainly reaffirmed and underlined the solid foundation of US-Greek relations. It was a very good, warm meeting. They have a very good rapport with one another. They covered a number of bilateral issues. They talked about the visa waiver program. They talked also about issues related to the -- to 'Macedonia'. Talked about NATO -- right, I know you would have a different name for it -- you would have a different name for it. We call it 'Macedonia'. Also talked a little bit about Greek-Turkish relations. They talked a little bit about Kosovo," McCormack said.

Asked to clarify what exactly was discussed in relation to Greek-Turkish issues, the American official said "the foreign minister (of Greece) just talked about over the past several months the tone and tenor of Greek-Turkish relations."

[07] US President's Proclamation on Greek Independence Day

US President George Bush has issued a Proclamation on the occasion of the March 25 Greek Independence Day. Greek Orthodox Archbishop Demetrios of America will preside over the celebrations in Washington on Thursday and Friday marking the anniversary, which will culminate in a special event at the White House on Friday to be addressed by both Bush and the Archbishop.

The White House event will also be attended by Greece's Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, who is currently in Washington on a US visit that also included talks in New York with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

On Thursday, the White House issued a Proclamation by President Bush designating March 25, 2007 as "Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2007".

Bush Proclamation

The full text of the Proclamation is as follows:

"The United States and Greece share a long friendship built on common values and an abiding love for freedom. On Greek Independence Day, we underscore the warm ties between our countries, recognize the Greek Americans who enrich our society, and commemorate the anniversary of modern Greece.

"The ancient Greeks entrusted their citizens with the right to govern, and they believed in the power of freedom to protect human dignity and basic human rights. Many of America's Founding Fathers studied Greek history and took inspiration from these democratic ideals as they framed our Constitution. The founders of modern Greece had the strong support of our own young democracy when they declared their independence in 1821, and our nations have stood as allies in the major conflicts of the 20th century. Today, we continue to defend freedom together in the global war on terror, as Greek and American Armed Forces work to lay the foundation of peace for generations to come.

"On Greek Independence Day, and throughout the year, we celebrate the universality of freedom and the enduring bonds between Greece and the United States.

"NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 25, 2007, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

"IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first."

Washington events

Archbishop Demetrios of America will preside over the commemorative events in Washington on Thursday and Friday, culimating in a special ceremony at the White House on Friday marking the proclamation of March 25, 2007 as "Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy".

On Thursday, Demetrios hosted a brunch in honour of the newly-elected members of the US Congress who are of Greek origin, and also had a private meeting with visiting Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis.

Later, Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi hosted a luncheon in honour of the Archbishop and Bakoyannis, after which Demetrios had consecutive meetings with Greek-American Senator Olympia Snowe, US Senate majority leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) and minority leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky).

On Thursday night, the US president's Assistant for Homeland Security director Frances Fragos Townsend, also of Greek-American descent, was due to host a dinner in honour of the Archbishop on the occasion of the celebration of Greek Independence Day at Blair House, where traditionally the White House guests are hosted.

On Friday, the Archbishop will have breakfast with the US president's special envoy for Sudan, Andrew Natsios, who is a Greek-American, followed by the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) at Arlington National Cemetery.

The celebrations will culminate with the special event at the White House, which will be addressed by President Bush and Archbishop Demetrios.

[08] Protest rally over education held in central Athens

Apart from teachers and students in tertiary education, secondary school teachers and public sector workers also participated in the rally, after a three-hour work stoppage decided by their respective unions, OLME and ADEDY.

The protest was nationwide and numbers at the central rally in Athens were also boosted by students from Thessaloniki, Patras and university towns in Thessaly.

The march was carried out peacefully, with protestors shouting slogans against the new education law, especially the changes to university asylum laws.

The future of the sector's mobilisations against the reforms is to be decided at a general assembly of student associations scheduled to take place on Thursday afternoon and a meeting of the university teachers' union federation POSDEP on Friday. In the meantime, a steady decrease in the number of sit-ins at university schools has been reported.

[09] US ambassador to Athens visits Souda base

Thomas McDonough assumed duties in the place of the base's outgoing commander Stephen Sale, who held the post for three years.

Speaking to reporters, the American ambassador said he felt very pleased to be in Hania once again, one of his favourite cities, as he said, to attend the change of command ceremony at the base of Souda.

Financial News

[10] FinMin in official visit to Paris

On Friday afternoon, the Greek minister will address an audience that will include several directors of France's largest enterprises, during an event organised by the French Business Association Paris Europlace, aiming to promote Greek economy and attract investments.

[11] Tourism development minister holds talks with Moscow mayor

Speaking to reporters after the talks, Petralia said that there will be an agreement between the Greek National Organisation (EOT) and the municipality of Moscow, focusing on strengthening tourism cooperation between the two sides.

[12] Hellenic Telecoms reports a 574.6-mln-euro profit in 2006

OTE said operating expenses fell by 11.9 pct last year, from 2005, to 4.803 billion euros. The board plans to pay a 0.55 euros per share dividend to shareholders.

Parent turnover rose 0.3 pct to 2.174 billion euros in 2006, reflecting lower rates in interconnection fees and leased lines. Operating expenses dropped 31.9 pct, while net profits jumped to 531.2 million euros last year after a loss of 237.2 million euros in 2005. EBITDA margin jumped to 29.1 pct in 2006, from 24.4 pct in 2005.

Cosmote reported a 32.5 pct increase in its 2006 turnover to 2.382 billion euros, while net profits rose 6.1 pct to 360.5 million euros.

OTEnet reported a 13.6 pct rise in 2006 turnover to 109.7 million euros, while active connections surpassed the 500,000 mark.

RomTelecom reported a 3.8 pct decline in turnover to 894.8 million euros, while net profits dropped 35 pct to 55.2 million euros in 2006.

Commenting on the results, Panagis Vourloumis, chairman and chief executive of OTE, said that domestic fixed telephony operations were affected by decisions taken by the country's regulator, while Cosmote continued its successful course and in Romania, RomTelecom suffered strong pressure on its revenues.

[13] OTE unveils three-year business plan

Under the plan, domestic fixed telephony revenues are expected to fall by 4-5 pct annually, while operating expenses are also projectd to drop by 6-7 pct annually, resulting to a positive EBITDA (up by 0.5-1.0 pct annually) over the three-year period.

Cosmote is expected to enjoy an EBITDA growth of more than 15 pct annually, while RomTelecom is expected to suffer an 1-2 pct annual decline in revenues and an 1.5-2.5 pct increase in operating expenses over the 2007-2009 period.

Vourloumis said a revision of OTE's business plan was essential due to a changing market environment.

[14] Greek-Egyptian business conference in Cairo

During the conference, organised by the non-governmental organization Hellenic Leadership Institute under the auspices of Hellenic Aid (the Greek foreign ministry international development agency), Greece's ambassador to Cairo Panagiotis Vlassopoulos referred to the 29 Greek-interest companies active in Egypt, expressing the hope that their number will increase.

Egyptian Federation of Industries chief Galal El-Zorba stressed that the economies of the two countries are mutually complementary while the Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Stylianidis' representative underlined that Greece has contributed to the construction of major projects in Egypt in the period 2001-2005 with an estimated cost of over 8.34 million euros. New programmes scheduled to materialize in the following years will focus on the construction of an airport in the Mount Sinai region, the establishment of a cancer treatment unit in the Greek Hospital of Cairo and the restoration of the Monastery of Saint George in the Old City of Cairo.

[15] Names announced for Aegean's three new Airbus A320s

"Christeners" for the brief ceremony at the Eleftherios Venizelos Airport of Athens were 20 top 11th grade pupils from all the high schools on the eastern Aegean island of Lesvos, Samos and Hios.

[16] Memorandum of cooperation

The memorandum concerns the participation of the chamber's members in business missions organized by HEPO.

[17] Dias Acquacultures reports sharply improved 2006 results

Pre-tax, interest and amortisation earnings (EBITDA) jumped 77.2 pct to 8.79 million euros, while consolidate pre-tax profits soared 90.48 pct to 5.91 million euros. Consolidated after tax and minorities profits totaled 4.18 million euros in 2006, up 92.3 pct from 2005.

Dias Acquacultures said its 2006 results included figures from Neptunus Acquacultures SA.

[18] Gov't tables draft bill on stock market transparency

Under the draft bill, the Capital Markets Commission can impose fines ranging from 3,000 euros to one million euros against offenders.

The government also tabled draft legislation ratifying a bilateral agreement between Greece and Slovakia over the protection of classified information exchanged between the two countries.

[19] Easter holiday working hours for market beginning on March 29

Shops will be opening at 1 p.m. on Good Friday and will be remaining open until 7 in the evening, and on the next day they will be open until 3 in the afternoon. On Easter Monday all shops will be closed, while regular working hours will be back in effect as of Tuesday April 10.

[20] Greek stocks soar 1.63 pct

All sectors ended higher with the Insurance (3.92 pct), Raw Materials (3.31 pct), Industrial Products (2.97 pct) and Chemicals (2.58 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day.

The Big Cap index rose 1.54 pct, the Mid Cap index was 1.60 pct up and the Small Cap index ended 1.28 pct higher.

Mohlos (18.42 pct), Tria Alpha (16.80 pct) and Varvaresos (13.75 pct) were top gainers, while Klonatex (6.25 pct), Viosol (5.88 pct) and Alter (5.83 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 192 to 64 with another 54 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +3.92%

Industrials: +2.97%

Commercial: +0.94%

Construction: +2.55%

Media: +0.52%

Oil & Gas: +0.46%

Personal & Household: +2.08%

Raw Materials: +3.31%

Travel & Leisure: +1.69%

Technology: +2.01%

Telecoms: +1.82%

Banks: +1.35%

Food & Beverages: +0.99%

Health: +0.06%

Utilities: +0.21%

Chemicals: +2.58%

Financial Services: +1.26%

The stocks with the highest turnover were OPAP, Alpha Bank, National Bank and Piraeus Bank.

Selected shares from the FTSE/ASE-20 index closed in euros as follows:

Alpha Bank: 23.14

ATEbank: 3.84

Public Power Corp (PPC): 19.96

HBC Coca Cola: 32.00

Hellenic Petroleum: 10.60

Emporiki Bank: 21.30

National Bank of Greece: 40.42

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 29.78

Intralot: 23.14

Cosmote: 23.00

OPAP: 29.60

OTE: 20.74

Titan Cement Company: 40.66

[21] ADEX closing report

The June contract on the FTSE 20 index was traded at a discount of 2.68 pct and on the FTSE 40 index at a discount of 0.72 pct.

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index totaled 11,792 contracts worth 143.390 million euros, with 23,734 open positions in the market, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 954 contracts worth 26.946 million euros, with 1,127 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 7,110 contracts worth 5.94 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Alpha Bank's contracts (1,237), followed by OTE (688), OPAP (252), National Bank (811), Titan Cement (395), Intracom (454), ATEbank (309), Viohalco (308), Intralot (415) and Mytilineos (510).

Volume in stock repos was 1,269 contracts and reverse stock repos 1,013 contracts.

[22] Greek bond market closing report

The 10-year benchmark bond (July 20, 2017), was the most heavily traded security with a turnover of 1.110 billion euros. The Greek bond yielded 4.18 percent.

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates were mixed. National Bank's overnight rate was 3.82 pct, the two-day rate was 3.82 pct, the one-week rate 3.86 pct, the one-month 3.85 pct, the three-month rate 3.90 pct and the 12-month rate 4.11 pct.

[23] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

U.S. dollar 1.345

Pound sterling 0.683

Danish kroner 7.509

Swedish kroner 9.372

Japanese yen 158.53

Swiss franc 1.632

Norwegian kroner 8.233

Cyprus pound 0.584

Canadian dollar 1.557

Australian dollar 1.667

General News

[24] Bad weather continues to hamper domestic airline flights

The Olympic Airlines announced that two flights to Iraklio from Athens were cancelled, two to Mytilene, three to Rhodes and one each to Hania, Paros and Ikaria, while the morning flight to Hania was diverted to Iraklio. Also cancelled were the Olympic Airlines flights from Thessaloniki to Mytilene, from Rhodes to Iraklio and from Chios to Rhodes.

The Aegean Airlines also announced that five flights to Rhodes were cancelled, one to Mykonos, one to Mytilene and the flight from Thessaloniki to Rhodes. The aircraft carrying out the flight from Athens to Hania was also unable to approach the city's airport and returned to Eleftherios Venizelos airport in Athens.

[25] Alexandria Patriarch Theodoros II received by Grand Sheik of al-Azhar

The head of Egypt's Moslems and of all the Arab world Grand Sheik of al-Azhar Dr. Mohammed Sayyed Tantawi warmly welcomed the Patriarch of Alexandria and All Egypt Theodoros II on Thursday.

The two religious leaders met for the first time and during their talks they had the opportunity of joining their wishes for the prevalence of love and peace all over the world.

Terming Sheik Tantawi " a great enlightened man of the Moslem world", the primate of the Orthodox Church of Africa expressed his great satisfaction over this meeting.

"I am very pleased to be here today to find the love linking the Greek Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa with the entire centre of the Moslem world," Theodoros said.

[26] Seminar on journalism ethics held in Athens

Addressing the meeting, Minister of State and government spokesman Thodoros Rousopoulos stated that "all decisions made by the management of mass media enterprises and journalists involve ethics because their goal is to inform the public as fully as possible".

Noting that a code of ethics is a useful and necessary tool but not sufficient in itself, Roussopoulos added that the journalist is at the same time researcher, critic and judge. He also stressed that observing a code of ethics is not easy because a journalist must have experience and a sense of responsibility.

Main opposition PASOK party parliament deputy Michalis Chrysochoidis stated that the code of ethics in journalism often is not observed, and instead of being an obligation, it often ends up being a hypocritical alibi. He said that the existing model for television news "was on its last legs" and that the future lies with the new technologies.

BBC World editor Jeremy Hillman referred to the code of ethics observed by the BBC, stressing that ethics and the way news is dealt with and presented depend on the individual moral values of journalists.

Journalist Alexis Papachelas stressed that ethics issues are directly related to a people's tradition and education, adding that mass media self-regulation is necessary.

[27] Athens mayor gives Greek Literature Translators Society awards

The foundation was honoured in the framework of an event concerning awards given by the Greek Literature Translators Society and organised at the Athens Town Hall.

Kaklamanis also gave the society's "gold medal" to professor Constantine Kasinis, as well as the remaining awards that included the award for the best translation of a Greek literary work and an award for the best translation of a foreign literary work.

[28] Illegal migrants arrested in northwestern Greece

The Albanian truck driver and another Albanian national, who were paid by the illegal migrants to transport them from the Greek-Albanian borders to Athens, were also arrested.

In a separate incident, an Albanian national was arrested on the Igoumenitsa-Preveza national motorway, northwestern Greece, when border guards found 4 illegal migrants hidden in his car. The four told police that they had paid him an unspecified amount of money to transport them to Aegio, southern Greece.

A total of 52 Albanian illegal migrants were arrested during the past 24 hours in the region of Epirus, northwestern Greece and were deported to their country via the border crossing of Kakkavia.

[29] World Water Day events in Thessaloniki

Children took part in a number of events underlining the need to use water in moderation and contribute to the efforts to conserve the available water reserves and protect them from pollution.

[30] Arrest for illegal gambling via the internet

Police were led to the arrest after tracing Greek websites that advertised foreign internet betting agencies urging visitors to place illegal bets on the outcome of soccer and basketball games. The Greek websites mediated in favor of the foreign betting agencies causing great losses to OPAP SA, the state-run company that organizes and conducts lottery games.

The culprit cooperated since 2001 with five betting companies abroad and received a monthly paycheck of 15,000 euros from each one of them for the services rendered.

Police raided his company's offices and seized two computers, three hard drives and printed material.

[31] Television transmitters stolen in Ioannina

The thefts were recorded in the mountainous region of Zagorochoria and in the latest incident the culprits caused extensive damage to the transmitter station in addition to removing the electronic equipment.

Sports

[32] Deputy Culture Minister for Sport George Orfanos begins contacts in New York

Deputy Culture Minister for Sport George Orfanos began his programme of contacts here on Thursday with businessman and candidate for the city's mayorship Yiannis Katsimatidis, whom he briefed on the government's policy and projects in the post-Olympic Games era.

Orfanos then visited the schools of the community of the Saint Demetrius Church in Astoria and had the opportunity of talks with the director, teachers and pupils on issues concerning the effort to preserve the Greek language and Greek culture, while also speaking to them about the utilisation of sports facilities.

The deputy minister also mentioned that on the occasion of the presence in Greece of many pupils from Greek schools in the summer, tours of sports installations will be organised.

Weather forecast

[33] Rain, strong winds on Friday

[34] The Thursday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "Wage increases and backdated pays after April 20 - Ministerial decision on pensions signed".

ANO KATO: "(Main opposition party) PASOK gambled with pension funds - Evidence presented in parliament reveal the Simitis (PASOK) government scandals dating back to 2000 aimed at keeping the ASE (Athens Stock Exchange) indexes high".

APOGEVMATINI: "Karamanlis slams PASOK for the scandal talk - The prime minister and the main opposition leader to cross swords on all current issues on Thursday".

AVGHI: "Government resorts to election talk to bury the scandals - (Employment Minister Savvas) Tsitouridis is exposed by his own explanations".

AVRIANI: "Testimonies before the examining magistrate on the controversial bond issue point at specific individuals - The entire backstage in the court investigation and the probe by (head of independent authority investigating money-laundering) Giorgos Zorbas".

CHORA: "Feuding over the economy using elections as a background - Intense confrontation expected in parliament on Thursday".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "Student rally on Thursday, the (riot police squad) MAT and the students keep their rendezvous".

ELEFTHEROS: "Cold sweat for PASOK over the pension funds - The government decision for a probe going back a decade creates panic".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "(Bank of Greece Governor Nikos) Garganas becomes the target - No inspections on pension funds since 2004".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Details on the big scam that evolved into the (brokerage firm) Akropolis scandal".

ESTIA: "1 million people are employed in the public sector - Shocking figures by the (INE) Labor Institute".

ETHNOS: "(government headquarters) Maximos Mansion receives incendiary letter - The former Coast Guard chief lashes out at (Merchant Marine Minister Manolis) Kefaloyiannis' system".

KATHIMERINI: "Confrontation in the shadow of the pension funds affair - Mutual accusations of mismanagement".

LOGOS: "Competition Commission suggests deregulation of working hours for supermarkets, allowing them to sell gas - Changes in the trade and transportation of fuel sector".

NIKI: "Karamanlis will provide explanations - Political party leaders' confrontation in parliament on the (Civil Servants Auxiliary Fund) TEADY losses".

RIZOSPASTIS: "World Water Day: Water resources should become the property of the people".

TA NEA: "50-million-euro losses from other three bonds - Gambling epidemic in pension funds".

TO VIMA: "Zorbas is on the tracks of a second 'suitcase' - The kickbacks' ring".

VRADYNI: "PASOK's deals involving pension funds brought to light".

Cyprus Affairs

[35] Acting FM says division of Cyprus inconsistent with history of Europe

"Cyprus should be a place where its European citizens - Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians, Latins - can build their common future and prosperity as members of the great EU family under conditions of freedom, democracy and peace.

This was and still is our aim and wish," stressed Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment, Fotis Fotiou.

In his Address on Thursday, at the Opening Ceremony of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the Signing of the Treaty of Rome, Fotiou also said that Cyprus can look towards the future with optimism since "we are everyday being given the opportunity to demand the implementation

of the European principles and values as well as of the legal and political culture of the EU in solving our country's national problem."

"Our country, the farthest eastern border of the EU, is too small to remain divided. The division of our country is also inconsistent with the history of Europe itself, which has managed to demolish all dividing walls and borders," he stressed.

Referring to this year's anniversary, he said it does not allow us to be complacent or indifferent towards the future of Europe.

"At this stage, following the successful outcome of the fifth wave of enlargement with the accession of Romania and Bulgaria, the EU, as the successor of the European Economic Community, has even more duties and responsibilities. The 27 member states with a total population of about 500 million citizens create an additional responsibility both for political leaders as well as technocrats in Brussels for a sound, democratic, transparent and above all effective operation of the EU as a whole," he said.

To this end, he noted, all the Heads of State and Government of the 27 members will meet in Berlin on the 25th of March, the anniversary day, to discuss and co-sign the common declaration which aims to become the political road map for the future of Europe. At the same time, he said, the future of Europe itself, namely the youth, will meet in Rome in order to express their views, their concerns, their visions as well as their dreams for Europe and the future world.

"As full members of the EU, we are all active participants in shaping our future within the EU. It is the duty and responsibility of all of us, especially of the Cypriot youth, to contribute in a constructive and creative manner in shaping their own future. On its part, the Republic of Cyprus and the Government in particular will continue to assist, in every possible way, in promoting the views of the youth and provide them with the necessary means for their continuous training and education on European issues," the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs added.

Concluding, he said that the past 50 years are the best guarantee for the years to come.

"Today, far from conflicts and rivalries, the EU is called to play its leading role on the international political scene. All together, to use the official slogan of the anniversary, we can succeed and gain a lot at a personal, national and international level," Fotiou said.

[36] Nicosia mayor says EU shows the way for Cyprus' reunification

The abolition of borders among European countries, shows the way of giving the hopeful message for the reunification of Cyprus' capital, Mayor of Nicosia Eleni Mavrou said on Thursday, addressing the opening ceremony of the celebrations in Cyprus for the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome.

Mavrou noted that Nicosia, as a capital, and the local administration have a very important role to play for the achievement of EU goals and for progress towards the European vision through participation processes and cooperation of all the spheres of administration, that is at the European, national and local level.

"Nicosia constitutes a tangible example of cooperation between the Commission, the government and the local authority. The Nicosia Municipality implements through this cooperation and co-financing of national and European sources important projects in the fields of reconstruction and socioeconomic reviving of its undermined regions," she added.

She noted that "local authorities are particularly important partners in the implementation of the regional policy which is most important in easing social illegalities."

"With its involvement, the local administration brings the benefits of EU participation closer to the citizen. Especially the citizen who has more need for support, in order to enjoy the quality of life all European citizens enjoy," she added.

Mavrou stressed that Cyprus' accession to the EU was a decisively positive factor, politically, economically and socially.

''We participate in this feast because we believe in the Europe of peace, democracy and social progress,'' she added.

[37] No 'Bulletin' on Saturday

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