Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-03-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM briefs President on Declaration of Berlin signature, talks

[02] FM briefs prime minister on her US visit, talks

[03] FM meets with visiting French culture minister

[04] President to begin state visit to Hungary on Tuesday

[05] FinMin meets with US ambassador ahead of Washington visit

[06] FinMin confers with justice minister on ministry budget

[07] Foreign ministry spokesman on oceanographic vessel 'Egeo'

[08] Gov't conveys Academy's observations on controversial history textbook

[09] Inner Cabinet to discuss development ministry matters

[10] Greek Independence Day celebrations in Chicago, Montreal, Toronto and Mexico City

[11] Orfanos concludes US visit

[12] FYROM premier at Greek liaison office reception

[13] New Greek Ambassador to Britain presents credentials to Queen Elizabeth

[14] Gov't on fan behaviour at Greece-Turkey match

[15] Dep. FM briefs EU members' envoys over pipeline project

[16] FinMin in Brussels for Eurogroup and Ecofin Councils

[17] Greek govt announces higher VAT return factors for farmers

[18] FinMin on brokerage firms' dealings with pension funds

[19] Justice minister orders investigation for stock brokerage company

[20] Tourism minister visits St. Petersburg

[21] Improvement in competitiveness for internationalised Greek businesses

[22] Proposals approved for Greece-Albania border projects

[23] Egnatia Bank to pay 0.05 euros per share dividend

[24] Titan Group buys US-based S&W for 234 million dollars

[25] EU-wide poll on euro currency

[26] KKE secretary general holds talks with Hospital Doctors Federation

[27] Annual report on retail trade presented

[28] P.Petropoulos Group reports improved 2006 results

[29] PPC raises industrial rates by 4 percent

[30] Greek stocks end 0.86 pct up on Monday

[31] ADEX closing reports

[32] Greek bond market closing report

[33] Foreign Exchange Rates - Tuesday

[34] Acropolis proclaimed top European Cultural Heritage Monument

[35] Ancient Athens' Eridanos River bed revealed at metro station archaeological site

[36] French culture minister honours Mikis Theodorakis

[37] PM Karamanlis addresses concert paying tribute to Maria Callas

[38] Parliament President inaugurates Foundation of Hellenes exhibition

[39] Rio-Antirrio bridge to be named after Harilaos Trikoupis

[40] Aftershocks in Cephalonia, inspection of school buildings ordered

[41] State of alert in Evros due to swollen river waters

[42] Large cache of military-issue weapons uncovered in NW Greece, 3 arrests

[43] National committee for equality of genders convenes

[44] Tibor Fulop painting exhibition in Melbourne

[45] Illegal immigrants arrested in Samos

[46] Euroleague 'Final Four' details this week

[47] Overcast on Tuesday

[48] The Monday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

[49] President hopes Turkish Cypriots to realise July 8 agreement only option Politics

[01] PM briefs President on Declaration of Berlin signature, talks

"Europe celebrates half a century of growth and prosperity, 50 years of peace and cooperation. These constitute major conquests for all the European citizens, but also a legacy for the future. In this Europe, Greece can and has the duty to be a protagonist," Karamanlis said, speaking to reporters after the meeting.

Karamanlis stressed that "the target of all the initiatives, changes and reforms is a better future for all the Greek citizens", adding that his New Democracy (ND) government was streamlining the public finances, maintaining high growth rates, creating more jobs, and placing the country on the global energy map.

In a particular reference to the issue of education, Karamanlis noted that "we are laying the foundations for a qualitative education that will enable the young Greeks to compete on equal terms with their European counterparts".

"The challenge is a common one, and it is, for all, for a strong Greece in a strong Europe," he added.

Before the meeting, speaking before reporters, the President and Prime Minister referred to the Declaration of Berlin.

Karamanlis said that the German EU presidency "is moving things forward with prudence, and the declaration was a good one".

He added that "there exists, and is being formulated, a disposition to advance things, because 50 years were good, but they must be a springboard for the next 50 years," to which the President commented, "correct".

[02] FM briefs prime minister on her US visit, talks

Bakoyannis, who met with UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon in New York and with US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice and other high ranking US government officials and members of Congress in Washington, told reporters after the meeting that "the visit was productive, given that for three days the Greek positions were projected and advanced".

Replying to questions, she said that the Greek positions were "accepted with understanding", and referred to the public statements made by the UN and US officials after their meetings.

Asked whether active support is also expected, in addition to the verbal support, Bakoyannis replied that "Of course, no one wants 'certification' of the Greekness of our islands. What is important is that Aghios Stratis is not considered a demilitarised island, and this is of particular importance for the decisions taken by NATO, due to the special weight the US has in NATO".

To another question regarding the Greek research vessel on which a Turkish scientist will also be aboard, Bakoyannis noted that "there are always research vessels, and scientific work is always being carried ou, in which scientists from European countries, whether Greeks, Turks or others, take part".

This, she continued, had nothing to do whatsoever with Greece's sovereign rights.

Replying to another question on whether Turkish foreign minister Abdullah Gul was coming to Athens, Bakoyannis said that "as soon as I have news, I will tell you".

A visit by Gul to Athens is outstanding, and a mutually convenient date is being sought through diplomatic channels.

[03] FM meets with visiting French culture minister

No statements were made after the meeting, which was a courtesy call.

[04] President to begin state visit to Hungary on Tuesday

The President will be accompanied by national defence minister Evangelos Meimarakis, deputy foreign minister Evripides Stylianidis, and a business delegation.

The talks are expected to focus on bilateral Greek-Hungarian relations, particularly in the economic and business sector, as well as the major international, European and Balkan issues in Papoulias' talks with the Hungarian state and government leadership.

Papoulias is due to have talks with Zolyom, prime minister Ferenc Gyurcsany, parliament speaker Katalin Szili, Budapest mayor Gabor Demszki, and with representatives of the Hungarian opposition political parties.

On Wednesday, Papoulias will visit the Nikos Beloyannis village, established in 1952 by Greek political refugess, which Papoulias had visited in December 1994 as foreign minister, the first Greek minister to visit that historic village.

On Thursday, Papoulias will go to the Lake Balaton region where, in the town of Keszthely, he will visit the renowned research centre with the Greek name "Georgikon" , and the old Festetics Castle with its famed library.

The first visit by a Greek senior-ranking politician to Hungary took place in 1979, when then prime minister Constantine Karamanlis paid an official visit to Budapest.

A reciprocal visit by then Hungarian prime minister Gyorgy Lazar to Athens took place in July 1981, while then Greek prime minister Andreas Papandreou visited Budapest two years later, in May 1983.

These were followed by visits by prime ministers Karoly Grosz to Athens in 1987, and Constantine Mitsotakis to Budapest in 1992.

The visits culminated with those of Hungarian president Arpad Goncz to Athens in May 1996, and by Greek president Costis Stephanopoulos to Budapest in 1998.

[05] FinMin meets with US ambassador ahead of Washington visit

Alogoskoufis and Ries, at a meeting at the finance ministry, discussed matters concerning Alogoskoufis' two-day visit to the US beginning Wednesday, during which the minister will meet with high-ranking US government officials in Washington.

While in the US, Alogoskoufis will also meet with World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz, while on Wednesday he is also due to address the US Congress.

[06] FinMin confers with justice minister on ministry budget

The two minister's discussed the justice ministry's budget, an announcement said.

[07] Foreign ministry spokesman on oceanographic vessel 'Egeo'

"As of tomorrow, March 27 and until April 6, the oceanographic vessel "Egeo" of the Greek Marine Research Centre, rented by the University of Hamburg, will carry out the recovery of underwater seismographers that had been placed on the Greek continental shelf last May," he said.

He added that this scientific activity, under the auspices of the German university, is taking place with the permission of the Greek government in the framework of the international scientific programme "Egelados."

"The programme, also financed by the European Union, includes universities and research centres, among others, from Germany, France, Greece and Turkey. The aim of this multinational programme is to carry out seismographic research in the particularly seismogenic Eastern Mediterranean, a phenomenon that justifiably concerns seriously the countries and peoples of the region. In this framework, researchers from Greece, Germany and Turkey, as well as a scientist from Venezuela, are on board the oceanographic "Egeo," he further said.

Lastly, the spokesman clarified that those on board the oceanopraphic vessel are participating in the capacity of a scientist and researcher and not of an observer.

[08] Gov't conveys Academy's observations on controversial history textbook

In a letter, Yiannakou requests that the observations be taken into account, along with specific points brought up by the educational community and even Cyprus' education ministry, so that necessary corrections are made.

In previous statements, however, the education minister ruled out the option of withdrawing the textbook completely.

Finally, an announcement said the corrected text will be submitted to the Pedagogical Institute and again to the ministry for final approval before any re-publication.

In a related development, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said the education ministry fields a unified stance on this issue, dismissing press questions that Deputy Minister George Kalos expressed a divergent opinion a day earlier.

PASOK spokesman

Meanwhile, main opposition PASOK spokesman Petros Efthymiou on Monday denied that the textbook is part of an initiative begun under a previous PASOK government to establish committees of historians in Greece and Turkey, respectively, assigned the task of eliminating nationalist and extremist material from textbooks in each country's education system.

"While comparative studies have shown that Greek textbooks are usually distinguished by a particular attention to historical accuracy, the same attention is not extended to the textbooks of other neighbouring countries, Turkish textbooks included," he underlined.

"... We are saddened that neighbouring countries, as it has been observed in Turkey, continue to include historical inaccuracies in their textbooks ..." he added.

[09] Inner Cabinet to discuss development ministry matters

[10] Greek Independence Day celebrations in Chicago, Montreal, Toronto and Mexico City

Over 100,000 people, spectators and marchers, attended the celebration.

Participating in the parade were Illinois municipal and state officials, Metropolitan Bishop Iakovos of Chicago, Rhode Island state senator Raptakis, Connecticut State House of Representatives vice-president Yannaros, SAE America President Spiropoulos, former SAE president Tomaras and Greece's Consul General to Chicago.

In Canada, parades were held both in Montreal and Toronto. Celebrations in Toronto were held in the presence of Greece's Consul General, Metropolitan Bishop Sotirios and Canadian officials. Greece was represented by New Democracy deputy Ioannis Homatas and PASOK MP Chrisanthi Manolia. In Montreal, the parade was attended by roughly 10,000 people and Greece was represented by ND deputy Stavros Keletsis and PASOK deputy Theodora Tzagri.

The Greek Independence Day was also celebrated in Mexico City, Mexico, home to an estimated 250 Greek families. The events were also attended by Cypriots living in the city as well as many philhellenes. A doxology was held at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral officiated by Archbishop Athinagoras and messages were read sent by Hellenic Republic President Karolos Papoulias and Deputy Foreign Minister Theodoros Kassimis.

[11] Orfanos concludes US visit

Greece's Deputy Culture Minister responsible for sport George Orfanos on Monday concluded his visit to the United States with a tour of Greek schools in Chicago.

"I'm impressed by the high national spirit and by the work which is being carried out to preserve our language and culture," Orfanos told ANA-MPA during his tour of the Greek Academy where he was welcomed by the directors, tutors and students.

Prior to his departure, the deputy minister was due to attend a reception hosted in his honour on Monday night by Greece's General Consul in Chicago, Aliki Hatzi.

During his stay in the city, apart from his presence at the events marking the anniversary of Greece's National Independence Day on March 25, Orfanos had the opportunity to talk to many municipal and state officials, as well as with officials of the Greek-American community.

[12] FYROM premier at Greek liaison office reception

The prime minister of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Nikola Gruevski, attended a reception here on Monday hosted by Greek Liaison Office director Amb. Theodora Grosomanidou, on the occasion of Greece's March 25 Independence Day.

Gruevski's attendance at the reception was also reported by a number of media outlets in Skopje, as it was the first time in recent years that a FYROM prime minister attended a similar event hosted by the liaison office.

Grosomanidou was quoted as stressing that despite differences separating the two countries, mostly over the FYROM 'name issue', bilateral cooperation was "a given fact".

"Greece supports, in practice, the Euro-Atlantic prospects of all western Balkan countries, including FYROM," the Greek diplomat noted.

[13] New Greek Ambassador to Britain presents credentials to Queen Elizabeth

Greece's new ambassador to Britain, Vassilis-Achilleas Pispinis, on Monday presented his credentials to Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace, during a traditional ceremony full of pomp and splendour.

Two royal 150-year-old carriages picked up the new Greek ambassador and the senior-ranking Embassy officials from the embassy in London to take them to Buckingham Palace, accompanied by a senior Royal Court official.

After the credentials presentation ceremony, which lasted 20 minutes, Pispinis told reporters that he had a "broad and interesting dialogue with Queen Elizabeth".

The return to the ambassador's residence took a different route, for security reasons, accompanied by Marshall of the Diplomatic Corps, Sir Anthony Figgis.

The new Greek ambassador hosted a reception attended by Greek and foreign diplomats and representatives of the Greek community of London, during which he described the credentials ceremony at Buckingham Palace as "an exceptionally important experience in my diplomatic career".

Referring to Greek-British relations, Pispinis said that they were at an "excellent level", adding, however, that there was room for their further development, "and that is my goal".

Sir Anthony Figgis, in turn, said that "The Queen enjoys this procedure, especially when she meets with representatives of countries with which we have very good, old relations, such as Greece".

[14] Gov't on fan behaviour at Greece-Turkey match

Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos made the comment during his regular press briefing.

Financial News

[15] Dep. FM briefs EU members' envoys over pipeline project

Speaking before the senior diplomats in the Greek capital, Stylianidis stressed that the pipeline -- managed by Russia, Bulgaria and Greece -- will bring more and cheaper oil to European consumers.

He also referred to the technical characteristics of the 279km-long pipeline, adding that the initial annual capacity of the project, which is expected to cost between 950 million and one billion euros, is estimated at 35 million tons, gradually reaching 50 million tons. Stylianidis also stated that construction will start in 2008 and that the project will be completed in 18-24 months.

Stylianidis said the pipeline project meets all EU environmental protection specifications, whereas it is expected to contribute to a decongestion of the Bosporus Straits from oil tankers.

Referring to the next steps that will be made, Stylianidis stated that the pipeline consortium will be established by September 2007. The Russian side will control 51 percent, while Greece and Bulgaria will each hold 24.5 percent. In addition, the Greek and the Bulgarian sides will proceed with two separate agreements regarding the consortium by December 2007.

The deputy foreign minister also referred to the agreement for the Turkey-Greece-Italy natural gas pipeline that will be in operation in June, adding that construction of an underwater pipeline section linking Greece and Italy will begin in 2008 and be completed by 2011.

Finally, he said Greece is also increasing its liquefied natural gas storage capacity by expanding the Revythousa islet facility off the western Attica coast.

[16] FinMin in Brussels for Eurogroup and Ecofin Councils

The Council, attended by Finance and Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis, will also examine progress regarding the preservation of public finances.

On Tuesday, the Ecofin Council will give its opinion on the upgraded Stability and Development Programmes of Belgium and Spain and, in parallel, it will assess the convergence programmes of Bulgaria, Romania and Latvia.

[17] Greek govt announces higher VAT return factors for farmers

In a circular signed by the minister, the VAT return factor for farm and livestock production rises to 7.0 percent from 5.0 pct and 6.0 pct, respectively.

[18] FinMin on brokerage firms' dealings with pension funds

The minister said he asked to be briefed on the course of the investigation and pointed out, referring to the brokerage firm Acropolis case, that the government seeks and fully ensures market protection through legislative initiatives. He reminded that it was the CMC that brought the issue to light and that the Special Audit Service is engaged in the necessary audits using all means available. Alogoskoufis added that all competent authorities had acted quickly and that light is being shed on the case.

Court investigations are confidential and announcements will be made by the authorities mentioned, he explained.

Alogoskoufis said that the opposition is trying to create impressions, while the government is acting quickly and in accordance with the law. He also called on the opposition to contribute constructively to the case, adding that the government makes no discounts on transparency issues.

In a related development, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos told reporters that the government is determined that an in-depth probe of pension funds' reserves management proceed, "based on the principles and institutional safeguards laid out by this government".

Speaking during his regular press briefing, Roussopoulos stressed that the finance ministry is willing to answer any question or query fielded by the independent judiciary investigating the matter.

Finally, he said the Acropolis brokerage firm case was sent to a prosecutor by the employment and social protection minister and not uncovered by third parties.

[19] Justice minister orders investigation for stock brokerage company

Commenting on the issue, main opposition PASOK party spokesman Petros Efthymiou said that "what Greek society demands is an end to cover-ups of all kinds and this does not only mean the one and only specific and recorded action of TEADY so far going deep down, through this course of 'Acropolis' and the commission of 5 million euros, but the surfacing as well of all the corresponding secret bonds which, according to minimum assessments, are 1 billion 800 million euros."

The spokesman further said that the investigation must "firstly, also concern the two directly involved, participating in the case and assisting each other, the employment and economy ministries, and, secondly, full publicity must be given and all the corresponding secret bonds and all the corresponding actions must come to light."

Referring to the same issue, Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) party Political Bureau member and economic and social policy rapporteur Panayiotis Lafazanis said that the government "instead of applying itself to a clumsy operation of covering up its political responsibilities" should "explain why there is no enacted control and substantive supervision in managing funds' reserves."

[20] Tourism minister visits St. Petersburg

According to the tourism minister, the Greek consulate in Saint Petersburg will operate with more staff members to meet the increased demand for tourist visas. In 2006, roughly 30,000 people from the Saint Petersburg region chose Greece for their summer vacations, while the demand is expected to increase by 50 percent this summer season. The launch of a direct air route from Saint Petersburg to Athens was also examined.

Greek businessmen active in the tourism sector held a working meeting with their Russian colleagues and a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Greek and the Russian associations of tourist agents. In addition, a delegation of Russian tour operators and journalists will visit Greece in mid-May, launching a series of contacts between the two sides.

Meanwhile, an agreement was reached on the mutual use of the internet within the framework of the efforts to increase the number of visitors to both destinations.

[21] Improvement in competitiveness for internationalised Greek businesses

This is concluded by a study prepared by the Federation of Industries of Northern Greece and relevant data was presented on Monday by the Federation's data and studies director, Christos Georgiou, during the "EU Matching in Border Regions."

Georgiou stressed that 42.86 percent of businesses have chosen vertical integration as a development strategy. The reasons leading to this "proposal" were, according to 57.14 percent, that suppliers and/or distributors were expensive or unreliable, while 14.29 percent chose this "method" for its advantages concerning stable production and demand expectation.

[22] Proposals approved for Greece-Albania border projects

The projects mainly concern road works, border security, cross-border customs posts and support of small and medium-sized industries.

[23] Egnatia Bank to pay 0.05 euros per share dividend

Speaking to reporters after a general shareholders' meeting of Egnatia Bank in Thessaloniki, Vgenopoulos said the bank planned to open a branch in Bulgaria and to acquire a small bank in Russia by June this year.

Egnatia Bank's shareholders meeting approved a board plan to pay a 0.05 euros per share dividend.

Vgenopoulos said MPB Group was withdrawing from consolidation efforts for the next 12 months and underlined that in the next few months MPB planned to begin procedures to discuss a plan to forge a strategic alliance with the Bank of Cyprus. "If and when this strategic alliance was agreed, we believe it will be completed in stages. And if we ever reach the full merger stage, the competition issue would have been addressed as well," the Greek banker said.

Vgenopoulos said that although MPB would temporarily abstain from a consolidated procedure in the Greek banking system, "consolidation among Greek banks was a necessity and this will be proved in the next six months or two years," he noted.

Vassilis Theoharakis, Egnatia Bank's chairman, said a triple merger plan between Egnatia Bank, Marfin Bank and Laiki Bank (Hellas) was expected to be completed by mid-2007. Theoharakis said Egnatia Bank's Romanian activities were recording the largest growth, with assets more than doubling last year to 226.2 million euros and another doubling was expected in 2007. The bank's branches totaled eight in Romania last year, to reach 18 by the end of 2007.

[24] Titan Group buys US-based S&W for 234 million dollars

Titan Group said the acquisitions would significantly accelerate the implementation of its expansion programme in the region. S&W said its EBITDA totaled 48 million US dollars last year. The US-based company operates a network of 26 production units. Titan Group operates a cement production unit in Roanoke, Va., an import terminal in Norfolk and several building material stations in the region. Titan America is one of the largest building material producers in the east coast of the US, based in Norfolk, Virginia.

[25] EU-wide poll on euro currency

An impressive 45 percent of Romanian citizens endorse adoption of the euro as the country's currency, according to an opinion poll conducted by the Institute of National Statistics (INS), the results of which were released Monday in Bucharest.

This percentage makes the Romanians the most fervent supporters of the European common currency at European level.

The biggest opposition to adoption of the euro, conversely, is expressed by the British (77 percent).

According to the same opinion poll, the negative effects of the euro are increasing continuously, with its abolition desired by 70 percent of the Greek citizens, 60 percent of the Portuguese, and 54 percent of the Germans, while the European currency is supported by 20 percent of the Irish, 33 percent of the Slovenian citizens, and 35 percent of the Luxembourg citizens.

The opinion poll, held EU-wide, was conducted among a sampling of 17,443 citizens in all 27 European Union member states.

[26] KKE secretary general holds talks with Hospital Doctors Federation

Papariga expressed her support for full and exclusive employment for doctors at hospitals, with the enactment of a regular and humane working timetable, since, as she said, "they are currently working 60,70 or even more hours a week and it is impossible for them, as doctors, to perform and have free time to rest and to renew their knowledge."

KKE, Papariga said, believes that the newly-appointed doctor must have a minimum salary of at least 1,600 euros and have the necessary bonuses and, of course, remuneration for overtime work.

Referring to the National Health System (ESY), Papariga said that if this situation continues, the Health system "will find itself going downhill".

[27] Annual report on retail trade presented

This was revealed by the annual report on retail trade that was presented on Monday by the National Confederation of Greek Trade (ESEE), while it is noteworthy that the findings of the report indicate that these developments do not mean condemnation for small businesses.

It was pointed out during a relevant event organised by ESEE for the presentation of the annual report on Greek trade, that small businesses appear to be seeking a new role in the market and are showing "convergence" trends with big businesses, meaning that small businesses are presenting characteristics of the big ones.

Employment and Social Protection Minister Savvas Tsitouridis said in his address that "our aim is a competitive and dynamic economy that will be capable of maintaining development and creating more and better jobs."

[28] P.Petropoulos Group reports improved 2006 results

After tax profits rose 8.0 percent to 3.2 million euros, from 2.9 million in 2005, while earnings per share, after taxes, totaled 0.47 euros. Pre-tax, interest and amortization earnings (EBITDA) rose slightly to 6.6 million euros in 2006, from 6.5 million euros in 2005.

The company's board plans to pay a 0.35 euros per share dividend to its shareholders, up 27 pct from the previous year.

[29] PPC raises industrial rates by 4 percent

Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas accepted a request by PPC's chairman and chief executive, Panagiotis Athanassopoulos, to replace outdated electricity production units, of a power capacity of 800 MW, by 2017. PPC said a total of 15 units, of a power capacity of 2,500 MW, are now aged between 30 and 48 years old, with low performance and credibility levels.

PPC also said it would change a method of billing for around 45,000 customers of medium and high-voltage as of July 1

[30] Greek stocks end 0.86 pct up on Monday

Sector indices ended higher with the Telecommunications (3.22 pct), Personal/Home Products (1.47 pct) and Utilities (1.28 pct) scored the biggest percentage gains of the day, while Media (1.88 pct), Insurance (0.63 pct) and Food-Beverage (0.20 pct) suffered losses.

The Big Cap index ended 0.80 pct higher, the Mid Cap rose 0.67 pct and the Small Cap index ended 0.26 pct up.

NEL (9.38 pct), Ergas (6.25 pct), Dromeas (6.02 pct) were top gainers, while Eurobrokers (19.79 pct), Ippotour (16.22 pct) and Desmos (8.0 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 133 to 113 with another 55 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: -0.63%

Industrials: +0.51%

Commercial: +0.07%

Construction: +1.24%

Media: -1.88%

Oil & Gas: +0.43%

Personal & Household: +1.47%

Raw Materials: +0.43%

Travel & Leisure: -0.01%

Technology: +0.16%

Telecoms: +3.22%

Banks: +0.49%

Food & Beverages: -0.20%

Health: +0.21%

Utilities: +1.28%

Chemicals: +0.29%

Financial Services: +0.38%

The stocks with the highest turnover were Marfin Popular Bank, Neochimiki, OTE and National Bank.

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

Alpha Bank: 23.40

ATEbank: 3.80

Public Power Corp (PPC): 20.14

HBC Coca Cola: 31.92

Hellenic Petroleum: 10.80

Emporiki Bank: 21.04

National Bank of Greece: 41.30

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 30.90

Intralot: 23.30

Cosmote: 23.82

OPAP: 29.50

OTE: 20.78

Titan Cement Company: 41.50

[31] ADEX closing reports

The June contract on the FTSE 20 index was traded at a discount of 2.66 pct, while the April contract on the FTSE 40 index at a discount of 1.06 pct.

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index totaled 5,240 contracts worth 64.465 million euros, with 24,374 open positions in the market, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 383 contracts worth 10.963 million euros, with 1,194 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 6,225 contracts worth 4.391 million euros, with investment interest focusing on ATEbank's contracts (1,437), followed by Eurobank (366), OTE (449), PPC (312), National Bank (262), Alpha Bank (194), Intracom (559), GEK (798) and Intralot (248).

Volume in stock repos was 1,497 contracts and in reverse stock repos 8,070 contracts.

[32] Greek bond market closing report

The 10-year benchmark bond (July 20, 2017) was the most heavily traded security with a turnover of 930 million euros, while the yield spread between the 10-year Greek and German bonds was 0.24 percent. The Greek bond yielded 4.27 pct and the German Bund 4.03 pct.

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates were largely unchanged. National Bank's overnight rate fell to 3.82 pct from 3.83 pct on Friday, the two-day rate rose to 3.84 pct from 3.83 pct, the one-month rate was 3.86 pct and the 12-month rate was 4.13 pct.

[33] Foreign Exchange Rates - Tuesday

U.S. dollar 1.337

Pound sterling 0.681

Danish kroner 7.509

Swedish kroner 9.382

Japanese yen 158.31

Swiss franc 1.633

Norwegian kroner 8.192

Cyprus pound 0.585

Canadian dollar 1.553

Australian dollar 1.658

General News

[34] Acropolis proclaimed top European Cultural Heritage Monument

Culture Minister George Voulgarakis and his French counterpart Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres also unveiled a plaque bearing the special distinction.

"The Acropolis represents the civilisation shared by all people," Voulgarakis said, adding that the monument also preserves collective memory.

Referring to the return of the Parthenon Marbles, he stressed that it is up to the British government to correct a "historical error" and restore the harmony of one of the greatest monuments of humanity.

On his part, de Vabres, a moving force behind the initiative, stressed that "this is the birthplace of the European civilisation", referring to the Acropolis and the surrounding archaeological sites.

Earlier, the two culture ministers signed a memorandum of cooperation between Greek and French museums to combat the illicit trade in antiquities and illegal excavations.

[35] Ancient Athens' Eridanos River bed revealed at metro station archaeological site

The Monastiraki station archaeological site spans an expanse of 300 square metres, with a 24-metre glass pedestrian way stretching across a dome-shaped opening where the now subterranean stream can still be heard, according to metro engineers and archaeologists.

Numerous artefacts and urban levels uncovered at Monastiraki, the eponymous flea market district of central Athens which lies within a short walking distance of the ancient Agora on the Acropolis' north side, will also be on display at the station.

The site was inaugurated by Public Works and Environment Minister George Souflias, who praised the efforts of the Attiko Metro consortium and state archaeologists to excavate and showcase the noted stream of ancient Athens, which was permanently covered over in the 2nd century A.D. during the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian.

[36] French culture minister honours Mikis Theodorakis

The French minister described Theodorakis as "our national composer, who," he said, "personifies in the eyes of the world Greece's long course of the post-war in the quest of its freedom and its dignity."

The French minister also spoke about Theodorakis' struggles against the junta in Greece, but also about France which stood at his side in all the major ordeals.

"We are celebrating tonight the strength of culture and the 'weapons' of culture: Culture as a strength, culture as a weapon. Because it's through culture that you passed into history," said the French minister. He added, "it's through culture that you cultivated your bond with France and expressed your faith for the future of a united and strong Europe. Culture for you was always a struggle against dictatorships, against the alienation of man, against conformity. Culture is a resistance, whose strength you symbolise. Your songs became hymns for all the lovers of freedom," de Vabres said.

Also present at the event were Culture Minister George Voulgarakis, Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, Aegean and Island Policy Minister Aristotelis Pavlidis and main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) deputy Mariliza Xenoyiannakopoulou.

[37] PM Karamanlis addresses concert paying tribute to Maria Callas

The concert was given on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the death of Maria Callas within the framework of the "Maria Callas Year", which 2007 was proclaimed by the Greek state as a tribute to the world-renowned Greek opera singer.

Prime Minister Karamanlis, who made an address at the start of the concert, referred to the personality and the work of Callas, noting that "the legacy of her work belongs to all Greeks, but also to all those, regardless of nationality, who had become acquainted with her art and were enchanted by her voice and myth."

The concert was also attended by Culture Minister George Voulgarakis, Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, Agricultural Development and Foods Minister Evangelos Basiakos, Deputy Economy and Finance Minister Christos Folias and alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros.

[38] Parliament President inaugurates Foundation of Hellenes exhibition

She said that the digital exhibition "is a technical and cultural achievement, which brings to life the economic, social, political and spiritual reality of the city of Athens during the era of the building of the Agora."

[39] Rio-Antirrio bridge to be named after Harilaos Trikoupis

Trikoupis, a native of Messolonghi in western Greece, first proposed a massive public works project by the modern Greek state to build such a bridge.

[40] Aftershocks in Cephalonia, inspection of school buildings ordered

The Athens National Observatory's Geodynamic Institute director Gerassimos Papadopoulos told ANA-MPA on Monday morning that the post-quake activity was "smooth and normal".

Tens of aftershocks, ranging in magnitude from 3.0 Richter to 5.1 Richter, have been recorded.

The 5.1R trembler, the largest aftershock on the post-quake sequence, was recorded at 5:19. a.m. Monday.

Thessaloniki Aristotelion University seismologists, who are also monitoring the phenomenon, said they were waiting for the crucial first 48 hours to pass before making any conclusions.

Aristotelion University seismologist George Karakaisis told ANA-MPA that the number of aftershocks, and the time that has elapsed since Sunday's 5.9 quake, were not sufficient to draw conclusions.

"We haven't collected an adequate number of aftershocks yet in order to process them statistically. We are reserved and must wait for the initial 48 hours to pass," Karakaisis said, adding that nothing unusual had been detected in the post-quake sequence thus far.

Meanwhile, by order of education minister Marietta Yannakou, a team of nine engineers has departed from Athens for Cephalonia, headed by School Buildings Organisation (OSK) managing director K. Batarias, to conduct a precautionary inspection of all school buildings on the island following Sunday's quake.

A moderate earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richer scale jolted the island of Cephalonia in the Ionian sea on Sunday afternoon, causing concern among residents but no damage or injuries.

According to Patras University seismology professor Akis Tselentis, the epicentre of the earthquake, which was recorded at 5:00 p.m., was in the sea area northwest of Cephalonia, with an epicentral depth of approximately 35 kilometres.

Tselentis told ANA-MPA that the phenomenon would be closely monitored for at least the next 48 hours.

He said that the earthquake's epicentre was not the same one as that which produced the devastating earthquakes of 1953.

According to initial information from the local Fire Brigade, no damages have been reported from the earthquake in Cephalonia, nor the neighbouring islands of Lefkada and Zakynthos or in Western Greece, apart from some rockfall at points along the Cephalonia provincial road network and some cracks in several old, abandoned homes in one village on Cephalonia.

[41] State of alert in Evros due to swollen river waters

The state of alert is a warning for local residents to stay away from the river banks, tributaries and anti-flooding embankments, as well as to move livestock and farm equipment to high ground.

Measurements at the Pythio station showed the river level at 5.05 metres on Monday morning.

Flooding has often plagued the region - where the land borders of Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria meet - in the past, leading to extensive anti-flooding measures over recent years, heightened cooperation between regional authorities of all three countries and quicker warnings to local residents.

[42] Large cache of military-issue weapons uncovered in NW Greece, 3 arrests

The weapons cache was discovered following a police search of a small truck with three passengers during a routine traffic stop on the Filiates-Lia provincial road near the Greek-Albanian frontier.

All three passengers, two Greeks -- a 54-year-old from Corfu and a 58-year-old from Filiates -- along with an Albanian national, were arrested after police found four assault rifles (AK-47s), a bayonet, three cartridge clips and nearly 1,500 rounds hidden in the vehicle.

A subsequent search of the two suspects' homes revealed a total of 42 military-issue weapons, 17 handguns, five shotguns, 40 bayonets and swords, roughly 6,500 rounds of ammunition, dynamite, numerous weapons parts, accessories and components.

Authorities in Thesprotia prefecture are continuing their investigation following reports that the suspects have stockpiled more weapons in a number of warehouses. Most of those weapons reportedly come from the mass looting of Albanian military bases in 1997 and are being sold by Albanian nationals, police said.

[43] National committee for equality of genders convenes

The committee's role is to contribute in the shaping of a national strategy for the equality of the genders as was as the shaping of necessary policies and measures.

In his speech, Pavlopoulos said that the committee will constitute a permanent forum for social dialogue and will offer, through cooperation with other relevant ministries, agencies, local government representatives and social partners, proposals and solutions on such matters.

On her part, Tsoumani said that efforts are continuing for the strengthening of women's employment and in particular for the care of vulnerable groups of women, such as immigrants, long-term unemployed and Roma.

The session was held at the Zappion Hall.

[44] Tibor Fulop painting exhibition in Melbourne

The painting exhibition titled "Sailing in Greece" with works by Hungarian artist Tibor Fulop, was inaugurated Sunday at the Thessaloniki Australians' Association "White Tower" Hall in Melbourne, Australia in the presence of the General Consuls of Greece and Hungary.

The exhibition, with works inspired by Greece, will be open until April 5.

Fulop is married to a Greek and lives permanently in Greece. In 2004 he won the top prize in the Greek Tourism Ministry competition and created the ministry and the Greek National Tourism Organization logo.

He sees art as "the last hope at this period of time we live in". His works have been presented in galleries in Greece, Cyprus, New York and London and are part of private and public collections.

[45] Illegal immigrants arrested in Samos

All were taken to hospital for medical checks and afterwards to the immigrants' reception centre, where about 170 people are being kept.

A total of 91 illegal immigrants, most of them from Somalia, have reached the island of Samos over the past two days.

Basketball

[46] Euroleague 'Final Four' details this week

Weather Forecast

[47] Overcast on Tuesday

[48] The Monday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "They gambled 15 percent of their assets on the Athens Stock Exchange - Looting of the Funds' reserves from 1999 to 2003".

APOGEVMATINI: "Changes to the history book - Education minister Marietta Yannakou speaks frankly and straightfowardly, in exclusive interview with Apogevmatini".

AVRIANI: "Elections/plebiscite by Karamanlis for deep-rooted changes in four burning fronts of public life".

CHORA: "End to 'hooky' by civil servants - Explanatory circular by interior ministry".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "He will go down in history as the minister who commited serious political errors, and who the prime minister did not dare dismiss, and everyone will say...Once upon a time, there was a Tsitouridis (employment minister)".

ELEFTHEROS: "The knife will strike to the bone in the case of the Funds, as rapid developments are fueled by burning data".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Corrections to the history book after the ruckus".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Quickly, without...confessions - Panic in the government, which is hastening to close the case".

ESTIA: "Elections on April 6, 2008 - If the Constitution is strictly adhered to".

ETHNOS: "Mystery with...hi-tech bond - Zorbas' (head of the independent authority investigating money-laundering) investigations on the trail of the suspect procurements".

TA NEA: "Blue 'omerta' over the secret bond - 20 days of silence by the finance ministry".

VRADYNI: "12 secrets for a bigger pension - Guide with the 'keys' to the social insurance system".

Cyprus Affairs

[49] President hopes Turkish Cypriots to realise July 8 agreement only option

Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos expressed hope on Monday that the evaluation to be carried out by the Turkish Cypriot side on the July 8 agreement would convince it that this is the only process available at this time to begin substantive talks aimed at a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.

Speaking at Larnaca Airport on his return from Berlin, President Papadopoulos said the Greek Cypriot side did not know what the outcome of the Turkish Cypriot evaluation would be.

''We do not know where the evaluation will lead. I hope the evaluation will lead to the realisation that the only way out is the commencement of the committees the soonest possible,'' he said.

The president pointed out that there had been difficulties in the past and noted that ''with good will on our side, most of the excuses of the Turkish Cypriot side had been overcome.''

Referring to the opening of a crossing point in Ledra Street in the capital, Nicosia, President Papadopoulos expressed hope that the Turkish army would agree to the status of the area between the two sides.

''We believe that the area is included in the buffer zone and should be under the control of UNFICYP (UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus) alone,'' he added.

Concerning his meeting in Berlin with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, President Papadopoulos said he explained that the regulation for trade between the EU and the areas of Cyprus, which are not under the effective control of the government, is a political move without any financial content.

''I explained the reality regarding the so-called regulation'' in that it is ''a political move without any economic content, since the total exports of products from the occupied areas to Europe reach an annual of a mere 8 million euros,'' he said.

President Papadopoulos added that talks with Blair focused on ways to improve relations between Cyprus and Britain.

Referring to his Berlin trip, President Papadopoulos said that an informal European Council was held, along with celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome, and the Berlin Declaration was signed.

The president said the Berlin Declaration is ''a significant document for the future of Europe.''

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

President Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat agreed on 8 July 2006, during a meeting in Nicosia in the presence of UN official Ibrahim Gambari, to begin a process of bicommunal discussions on issues that affect the day-to-day life of the people and concurrently those that concern substantive issues, both contributing to a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem.

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