Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-08-31

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis: 'Reconstruction the national goal'

[02] Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis visits PPC's head offices

[03] PM Karamanlis confers with chief of new emergency relief fund

[04] FM Bakoyannis thanks countries for assistance in wildfires

[05] Bakoyannis meets PM, announces trip to Italy

[06] Greek initiative for unified European emergency rescue crews

[07] Greek government spokesman interviewed in U.S. about fires

[08] Greek American community, Archdiocese again mobilise in time of need

[09] Measures examined for support of wildfire-stricken regions

[10] Athens municipality holds meeting on wildfire-stricken regions

[11] Bulgaria sending firefighters, fire engines to Greece

[12] Bakoyannis slams PASOK for Australian travel advice furore

[13] PASOK party leader addresses rally in Agia Paraskevi

[14] PASOK leader to visit wildfire-ravaged Ilia prefecture on Sunday

[15] KKE leader criticises mainstream parties

[16] SYN leader bashes two-party system

[17] Reliable election results no later than 10:30 p.m., IT rep says

[18] Bakoyannis congratulates new Turkish FM Babacan

[19] Greek FinMin sees little impact on economy from devastating fires

[20] Donations continue to pour in for fire relief

[21] Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation says net profits up 25.1 pct in H1

[22] National Bank reports record profits in first half

[23] Athens Water reports 43% rise in six-month profits

[24] Edrasi-Psallidas says profits up 76.6 pct in H1

[25] Greek retail sales index up 7.6 pct in June, yr/yr

[26] Hellenic Fishfarming says EBITDA up 64.5 pct in first half

[27] Alapis Group reports improved first half results

[28] Geniki Bank reports improved 1st half results

[29] Fashion Forward show again at Thessaloniki

[30] Greek stocks end 0.58 pct up on Thurs.

[31] ADEX closing report

[32] Greek bond market closing report

[33] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

[34] Fires re-ignite in Gortynia, Parnonas in the Peloponnese

[35] Villages in Arcadia being evacuated due to wildfires

[36] Prefectural Union delegation to visit wildfire-stricken regions in Peloponnese

[37] Fifteen arrested for falsely claiming fire victim benefit

[38] Press conference on measures to save forests, redevelopment

[39] Dead body found near archaeological site at Sounion

[40] Man arrested in Patmos on European warrant on child molesting charges

[41] Rise in temepartures on Friday Politics

[01] PM Karamanlis: 'Reconstruction the national goal'

Karamanlis' comments came amid an array of immediate measures announced this week for fire-stricken households and regions, whereas he reiterated - for the third time this week - that bureaucratic "red tape" and delays must be slashed in dealing with the aftermath of the devastation.

On his part, Minister George Souflias said an initial assessment of damage in Messinia and Laconia prefectures, has been completed, whereas this will occur by the weekend for Arcadia, Ilia and Evia prefectures assuming the last of the wildfires are extinguished there. He added that the same environmental measures instituted after the destructive Mt. Parnitha wildfire in late June are in force for the latest barrage of fires.

Earlier, Karamanlis met with the head of the newly established special emergency and relief fund, veteran diplomat and former foreign minister Petros Molyviatis, as well as with the fund's board of directors.

Molyviatis was appointed on Tuesday to the helm of the fund, set up in the wake of the recent devastating wildfires in southern Greece.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Molyviatis said the prime minister assured him that the fund had his full support in its task and mission.

The purpose of the Fund is to finance programmes for the support and reinforcement of people who suffered losses in the ravaging fires, Molyviatis explained, adding that "this is what will be done, this is what we will do, and we will do it in a substantial and efficient way, and with full transparency".

Molyviatis said that the fund's resources emanating from the state budget and from donations by private individuals, organisations, banks, and other concerns.

The priority, he added, will be an initial programme for restoration of the area around Ancient Olympia.

[02] Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis visits PPC's head offices

Speaking after the meeting, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas said that Karamanlis congratulated the administration and the corporation's staff for their efforts to contain problems and restore electricity supply in villages where problems have appeared.

Sioufas added that electricity supply has been restored in over 350 villages located in wildfire-stricken regions and that restoration will also take place for the remaining 73 by Saturday. Replying to a question by the press whether there is a greater danger from the fire for Megalopoli, Sioufas said that there was no such danger.

During the meeting, Karamanlis congratulated the staff for making efforts under adverse conditions to limit problems throughout the summer and added that all together must continue the effort with unity and solidarity.

Deputy Development Minister Anastasios Neratzis participated in the meeting and so did ministry and DEH administration officials.

[03] PM Karamanlis confers with chief of new emergency relief fund

Molyviatis was appointed on Tuesday to the helm of the Fund, set up in the wake of the recent devastating wildfires in southern Greece.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Molyviatis said the prime minister assured him that the Fund had his full support in its task and mission.

The purpose of the Fund is to finance programmes for the support and reinforcement of people who suffered losses in the ravaging fires, Molyviatis explained, adding that "this is what will be done, this is what we will do, and we will do it in a substantial and efficient way, and with full transparency".

Molyviatis said that the Fund's resources emanating from the state budget and from donations by private individuals, organisations, banks, and other concerns.

The Fund's chief thanked all those who have already deposited their donations "for the relief of our suffering fellow human beings", and assured the donors that "every euro they have donated will go exclusively to the poor people for whom the monies were donated", and that there will be regular briefing on where the money, "up to the last euro" has been chanelled "so that they will know where there money went".

The priority, he added, will be an initial programme for restoration of the area around Ancient Olympia.

[04] FM Bakoyannis thanks countries for assistance in wildfires

Addressing the ambassadors and representatives, Bakoyannis also referred to the 64 people who lost their lives in the fires, as well as the devastation of properties, homes and forest and land expanses.

She stressed the immense dimensions of the devastation caused to the ecosystem and the tragedy that extended beyond the Greek borders, noting that the environmentall repercussions will be huge at both regional and global level.

"The fires may be a 'local' tragedy, yet it is one which sprawls beyond Greece's borders. The economic and environmental ramifications span way beyond Greece's borders. It certainly has local - but also regional, as well as global implications. The rivers we fish in, the water we drink, the air we breathe, have no borders. We all bear the consequences of fires, be they in Greece, Portugal, Italy, the United States, China, or Australia. Whether it is forest fires, water pollution, or air pollution, the destruction of the environment poses a global threat. One which can only be overcome through global and co-ordinated efforts," Bakoyannis said.

"This is the very same spirit of solidarity and support that characterised your governments, which sent us airplanes, helicopters, firefighting vehicles and manpower to help us tackle this unprecedented scale of fires," she said, noting that their assistance to Greece had been "fully welcome and needed".

Bakoyannis further noted the efforts that have begun for restoration of the lost properties, adding that the initial measures have already commenced and would produce immediate results, while more measures would follow.

The foreign minister met with the ambassadors and representatives of Egypt, Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, the Vatican, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Switzerland, the United States, Jordan, Spain, Israel, Italy, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Lithuania, Moldova, Norway, the Netherlands, Hungary, FYROM, Poland, Romania, Portugal, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden, Turkey, the Czech Republic and Finland.

Bakoyannis also had a private meeting with Cyprus' ambassador to Greece George Georges, to whom she expressed appreciation to the Cypriot government and people, as well as Cyprus president Tassos Papadopoulos, for the assistance sent to Greece during the devastating wildfires.

During a meeting at the foreign ministry, Bakoyannis stressed that the Cypriots proferred support to the fire-ravaged Greeks in a touching way, and conveyed the thanks of all the Greek people and government for Cyprus' substantial aid, which she said had currently reached 5 million euro and was "increasing by the hour".

Georges, in turn, expressed the Cypriot people's and government's solidarity with the Greek people, noting that this mobilisation was reminiscent of "other periods" during which the two peoples stood at each other's side.

He said that thus support was the least that the Cypriot government could do to manifest its gratitude and solidarity to the Greeks, in return for their immense contribution to Cyprus.

The Cypriot ambassador also presented a check from the Cypriot Embassy in Athens for the relief of the fire-stricken, which comes in addition to the support of the Cyprus government which has undertaken the reconstruction of the fire-ravaged community of Artemida, Ileia prefecture, and the touching wave of solidarity and assistance by the Cypriot people, according to a foreign ministry announcement.

[05] Bakoyannis meets PM, announces trip to Italy

On Monday she is due in Brussels to attend the EU General Affairs Council, where she will present a Greek proposal for joint action on a European level against national disasters and to support citizens to EU foreign ministers and the European Commission.

Bakoyannis said the Greek government's had been processing its proposal for some time but that it was now becoming urgent so that European assistance would be immediate.

[06] Greek initiative for unified European emergency rescue crews

The emergency squads would involve wildfire-fighting and anti-flood crews.

He added that Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis is departing for Rome and Brussels to promote this initiative to the European partners.

He also announced that the supply of electricity by the Public Power Corporation has been restored to most of the regions affected by the wildfires.

At a press briefing, Roussopoulos said 7,496 people who were affected by the wildfires received the first grant of 3,000 euros by late Wednesday afternoon. At Agrotiki Bank 3,252 people were served, at the National Bank 2,300 and at the Post Office Savings Bank 1,314. He said the total amount which had been granted has reached 24 million euros. He further said that applications have also been submitted to Eurobank, Alpha Bank, Bank of Piraeus and Emporiki Bank and that working hours in banks have been extended.

He noted that 510 houses were destroyed in Ilia prefecture, Peloponnese.

The Minister of State also said that within the coming days donations will be submitted by Latsis Group with 60 million euros, the National Bank and Halyvourgiki 50 million euros each, Hellenic Petroleum, Bank of Piraeus, Bank of Greece, the Greek Parliament and the Onassis Foundation five million euros each, the Agricultural Bank 3.5 million euros, the Post Office Savings Bank and Helexpo two million euros each and Lambda Development one million euros.

[07] Greek government spokesman interviewed in U.S. about fires

Greece's alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros was interviewed about the hugely destructive fires that have swept the country since last Friday by the USA Radio Network, which runs 1,100 local radio stations in the United States.

Antonaros stressed the great upheaval, sadness, grief and anger felt by all Greeks at this time, many of whom had lost loved ones, homes and property, while areas they had known or visited had been utterly devastated.

The spokesman reported that the situation in the country was now improved after fires of unprecedented intensity had raged for nearly a week. He also reiterated the assessment made by Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and the government that the break out of so many fires simultaneously could not be coincidence, noting that an investigation into the matter was underway.

He referred to the emergency relief measures being taken by the government to temporarily house fire victims in hotels and the 3,000 euros benefit being handed out to fire victims to help them cover their immediate basic needs.

Antonaros also thanked the countries that had come forward to express their support for the Greek people and informed listeners about the open phone line being operated by the Greek foreign ministry to inform Greeks currently abroad about the fate of their families in Greece.

Asked whether Greece could afford the emergency relief being handed out to fire victims and whether the Greek economy was able to carry this burden, Antonaros noted that Greece was a full member of the European Union that had stabilised its economy in recent years and now had funds coming from developing sectors like tourism.

"With the help of our partners in the EU we will be able to overcome the difficulties," he concluded.

[08] Greek American community, Archdiocese again mobilise in time of need

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America on Wednesday announced that Archbishop Demetrios convened an emergency meeting to mobilise resources of the Archdiocese and all Greek American communities in response to the devastating wildfires in southern Greece.

A special committee of prominent Greek Americans was established to oversee and coordinate the collection and distribution of funds raised by the Archdiocese through the new "Greek Fire Relief Fund".

"We are witnessing unbelievable losses of lives and property but also of the livelihoods of countless individuals who will need assistance for many years to recover from this calamity" the Archbishop stated, adding: "Greece, the birthplace of democracy, the place where the Olympics Games were born, the cornerstone of western Civilisation, is experiencing unprecedented destruction with over 650,000 acres of forest and farmland reduced to ashes It is our sacred duty and obligation to offer whatever assistance we can at this most critical time."

The Archdiocese later announced that Andrew S. Natsios, the US President's special envoy for Sudan, had accepted a post as special advisor to the Archbishop on the Church's relief efforts.

Natsios served as director for the U.S. Agency for International Development (US Aid) which is the American government agency that administers economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide.

On Monday Demetrios spoke with John Negroponte, the US Deputy Secretary of State, who briefed the Archbishop over the measures that the American government was taking to deal with the disaster.

The Archbishop also reportedly spoke by phone with Greek ambassador to the United States Alexandros Mallias regarding the crisis.

Finally, a special circular was issued by the Archdiocese's synod requesting that all parishes hold a special collection for the Greek Fire Relief Fund. In addition, a nationwide appeal will be made via the media for assistance from the general public, as well as a personal request by the Archbishop to prominent members of the Greek American community.

[09] Measures examined for support of wildfire-stricken regions

In a statement, ND spokesman Constantine Arvanitopoulos said that discussed at the meeting were "measures for the restoration of wildfire-ravaged regions and the granting of every possible help for the relief of those inhabitants affected by the fires.

"Every effort must be made for the support of our fellow citizens in the affected areas. With the help of the State in all sectors which already has started to be given, as stated by Prime Minister and ND President Costas Karamanlis, for them to make a new beginning. Central party events remain suspended."

[10] Athens municipality holds meeting on wildfire-stricken regions

"I hail the statements by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis concerning the reconstruction by the state of burnt homes. In the framework of Partner Social Responsibility, I call on the major construction companies to undertake the full restoration of houses destroyed in the regions affected," Kaklamanis said.

The Athens mayor also announced, and the Municipal Council agreed, that a big artistic event will take place at the Panathinaiko Stadium in Athens after the elections and its proceeds will be provided for the wildfire-stricken regions.

[11] Bulgaria sending firefighters, fire engines to Greece

Bulgaria is sending five fire engines, manned by two crews each, to help combat the fires raging in Greece, Bulgaria's interior minister Roumen Petkov announced to the press on Thursday, adding that two crews would be on board each fire engine, totalling 35 firefighters, to enable operations on a 24-hour basis.

Petkov explained that the despatch of firefighters following a recent telephone discussion between Bulgarian prime minister Sergei Stanishev and his Greek counterpart Costas Karamanlis, during which Stanishev promised Karamanlis that the firefighters and fire engines would be sent to Greece as soon as the largest of the numerous fires burning in Bulgaria were extinguished. In Bularia's border region with Greece and Turkey, in the Haskovo region alone, more than 100,000 stremma and 90 homes in four villages were burned early in the week, while in the village of Prisadec an elderly invalid and his wife, in her attempt to save him from the flames, were burned.

Bulgaria was also looking into the possibility of sending an additional five fire engines, Petkov said, noting that Greece had rushed to Bulgaria's aid in the efforts to extinguish the large fires.

[12] Bakoyannis slams PASOK for Australian travel advice furore

"The country's international image cannot be harmed by lies. The lies will harm those that resort to them," Bakoyannis stressed, adding that the "unfortunate issue" had to end here.

The announcement made by the foreign ministry on Wednesday and the announcement issued by the Australian Embassy itself on Thursday revealed the extent of the main opposition's frivolity and the deliberate tactics it is following on such a crucial issue, the minister added.

She said that this was a time when the Greek people and the political parties should working together in unity to "win the wager of the following day" and show the entire world that Greece put this difficult time behind it and remained a strong and safe country, which would continue to offer its visitors the well-known Greek hospitality.

"All we Greeks must defend the country's international image and not frivolously adopt rumours that are truly harmful," Bakoyannis stressed.

In an announcement on Thursday, the Australian Embassy in Athens refuted reports in the Greek press that it had reviewed its security assessment of Greece in light of the recent fires in its travel advice for Australians.

"The Australian Government has not changed the level of overall security assessment for Greece in view of the recent fires experienced in many parts of Greece. There is no link between the fires and the general statement advising our citizens to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect their safety due to the risk of terrorist attack. This general statement is common to many countries, including other EU Member States," the announcement stated.

It also noted that Australia is donating 3 million Australian dollars to the Hellenic Red Cross to assist Greece in the current crisis, and is proposing to send a team of bushfire management experts to support the Greek authorities.

The announcement further clarified Greece had been increased from the lowest out of five different levels of security advice given by the Australian government in its travel advisories to the next level "Exercise caution" on August 3, along with the European countries Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Italy, Poland, Sweden and the Netherlands. Great Britain, Germany and Spain are also at "Exercise caution".

The changes in level were not in response to any specific threat information but were the outcome of periodic realignment of levels to better reflect relative threats across destinations, the announcement added.

"The recent fires experienced by Greece have not resulted in a change to Greece's overall risk assessment. As part of our effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information which may impact on Australian citizens' travel decisions, we have reissued our travel advisory with new information on the fires, including providing useful contact information for our citizens," the Embassy announcement said.

It added that "Australians have been saddened by the tragic loss of life and property in the devastating fires burning throughout Greece. As a nation that has experienced destructive bushfires we feel a deep sympathy to the Government and people of Greece."

[13] PASOK party leader addresses rally in Agia Paraskevi

"We must tell the truth to our children: that our country has experienced its greatest postwar disaster and there are no excuses," the PASOK leader said.

Papandreou said that we must guarantee for our children that Greek soil, Greek symbols, Greek tradition and human life are sacred and they must also be guaranteed "that never again should there be such incompetence, never again should human lives be lost senselessly, never again should national symbols be destroyed unprotected, never again should beauty spots and the environment be lost."

The main opposition party leader further said that some thousands of euros or some loans are not enough since these regions have been destroyed compeletely and what is necessary is a full and integrated reconstruction plan.

Lastly, Papandreou said that the socialists believe and know that there is a different path for the family and the child and expressed confidence that PASOK will emerge victorious from the difficult election struggle.

[14] PASOK leader to visit wildfire-ravaged Ilia prefecture on Sunday

Referring to Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' announcements, Ragoussis said "those who rebuild the destroyed regions with their money are the Greek people and not Mr. Karamanlis and his ministers."

He added that "what the Greek people are paying are the vacuums of the Karamanlis government, that is, the lack of timely confrontation of the wildfires and the lack of coordination."

[15] KKE leader criticises mainstream parties

She said that the ruling New Democracy party (ND) and the main opposition PASOK party "want to entrap all those who wish to abandon the two mainstream parties" by putting forward the "dilemma of lack of governance", she said, and stressed her party's worry over the "dangers emanating from a strong government on the side of plutocracy".

Papariga said that the country must move away from the rationale of the two-party system and strengthen the popular movement and the KKE. "However, they (ND and PASOK) will find their way to governments of cooperation, as SYN (Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology) and LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) have already indirectly agreed".

[16] SYN leader bashes two-party system

Alavanos further accused the government of corruption and "vote-buying" through the emergency compensations it has announced for those who suffered losses in the recent wave of devastating wildfires, and PASOK of "three major environmental crimes".

"We are heading towards elections (on September 16) in which, for the first time, the citizen will refuse to such a great degree to back the system of governance adopted by the two large parties (ND and PASOK)," he said, adding that "for three-and-a-half years the political life between those two parties has been tugging between who and which is the more corrupt".

He accused PASOK of three major environmental crimes, namely "the non-existence of forestry maps, a forestry registry and a land registry", the "abolition of the forestry service", and "the concession, via legislation, of 64 stremma (of land) to the Parnitha casino after the massive fire in the national forest".

"We are participating in this pre-electoral campaign with our head held high, because our small party with its six MPs, has always considered the environmental issues to be crucial, and we always spoke about the fires, before the fires," Alavanos said.

[17] Reliable election results no later than 10:30 p.m., IT rep says

The Singular Logic representative also said that a new website for the entire Greek election process, ekloges.ypes.gr, will be activated on Friday.

[18] Bakoyannis congratulates new Turkish FM Babacan

In her telegram, Bakoyannis said she looks forward to close cooperation with Babacan while also expressing her conviction that Greek-Turkish relations will continue to improve.

Financial News

[19] Greek FinMin sees little impact on economy from devastating fires

Speaking to reporters, the Greek minister said "we are all witnessing a national tragedy, with human losses and severe damages in properties, the environment and forests".

"There is do doubt over the unprecedented spread of the fires," Alogoskoufis said, adding that the government was helping generously all those suffering from the fires. He added that the government was drafting a reconstruction and development plan of all regions hit by wildfires and that the ministry has already begun evaluating the damages.

The Greek minister said the impact on the Greek economy was under control and that the production base has not been particularily affected. He noted that the fiscal deficit will not surpass the 3.0 pct of GDP limit.

[20] Donations continue to pour in for fire relief

The government will reportedly announce on Thursday or Friday the total amount of monetary and material aid pledged by individual citizens and the private sector this week, as initial estimate points to a figure of more than 200 million euros.

The Bank of Greece this week opened a special disaster account to collect aid for fire-stricken areas and individuals from the recent wildfires in the country.

Specifically, the account number is:

Swift: BNGRGRAA

IBAN: GR9801000230000002341103053

[21] Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation says net profits up 25.1 pct in H1

Hellenic Telecoms said its turnover rose 8.6 pct in the January-June period to 3.06 billion euros, while pre-tax, interest and amortization earnings rose 5.2 percent to 1.106 billion and net profits jumped 25.1 percent to 277.5 million euros. Earnings per share also rose by 25.1 percent to 0.556 euros.

Parent turnover eased 4.3 percent in the first half of the year to 1.318 billion euros, but operating expenses fell 7.0 percent and net profits jumped 33.6 percent to 309 million euros. Hellenic Telecoms said broadband services expanded rapidly with ADSL customers totaling 675,000 at the end of June 2007, from 593,000 at the end of the first quarter.

Cosmote reported a 37.5 percent increase in its first half turnover to 1.426 billion euros and net profits were 12.5 percent higher to 176.5 million euros.

OTEnet reported a 12.5 percent rise in turnover to 60.3 million euros.

Rom Telecom reported a 1.3 percent decline in its first half EBITDA to 164.6 million euros, while net profits rose 45.2 percent to 21.2 million euros.

[22] National Bank reports record profits in first half

Greece's largest financial institution said net profits totaled 878 million euros in the January-June period, up 61 percent from the same period last year, with net profits from domestic activities up 35 percent (excluding earnings from the sale of AGET Heracles). Finansbank's contribution to the Group's profits totaled 244 million euros, or 31 percent of total profits, while organic earnings from activities in Southeastern Europe rose 29 percent to 76 million euros.

The bank's loan portfolio rose 26 percent to 49.3 billion euros, while saving deposits totaled 55.4 billion euros, up 10 percent. Non-performing loans fell to 3.7 percent in the first six months of the year, from 4.0 percent in the first quarter of the year, while the coverage rate of non-performing loans through provisions rose to 84 percent.

Retail banking grew strongly in Greece, with loans totaled 23.2 billion euros, up 20 percent. National Bank accounted for more than 25 percent of all new loans offered in Greece. Saving deposits totaled 45 billion euros or one-third of total deposits in the country gaining three percentage points in the last six-months. Mutual funds under management totaled 8.0 billion euros, up 10 percent in the January-June period. The Group holds more than 10 percent in the domestic banking market.

Net profits rose 35 percent in the first half.

Finansbank's net profits totaled 244 million euros in the first six months of the year, accounting for 31 percent of Group profitability. Return on equity remained at 39 percent, while the cost to revenues ratio at 42 percent despite the fact that the bank strong expanded its network in the period, opening around two branches per week. Finansbank operates a network of 371 branches. Its loan portfolio totaled 14.5 Turkish lira, up 34 percent from last year, while the bank's market share reached 6.1 percent, up 0.7 percent in one year.

Commenting on the results, National Bank's chairman and chief executive, Takis Arapoglou, said second quarter's developments confirmed the group's expectations for a dynamic growth of businesses both in Greece and in Southeastern Europe and Turkey.

[23] Athens Water reports 43% rise in six-month profits

The company said pre-tax profits totaled 17.6 million euros, from 12.6 million last year, while net profit margin after taxes reached 7.0 percent, the highest level in the last four years. Pre-tax, interest and amortization earnings rose 22.7 percent to 29.5 million euros and EBIT were up 42.1 percent to 19.1 million euros.

Turnover rose 7.3 percent to 179.57 million euros in the January-June period from 167.29 million euros last year.

[24] Edrasi-Psallidas says profits up 76.6 pct in H1

Consolidated turnover rose 23 percent to 56.208 billion euros, with activities in Romania and Kuwait accounting for around 27 percent of all turnover and profits.

Net, pre-tax profits rose 10.1 percent to 1.152 billion euros, while consolidated after tax and minorities earnings jumped 76.6 percent to 1.7 billion euros.

[25] Greek retail sales index up 7.6 pct in June, yr/yr

The statistics service, in its monthly report, said the 7.6 pct increase in June reflected a 9.1 pct rise in food stores and a 6.4 percent increase in other stores.

Th retail sales volume index was 4.5 percent in June, compared with the same month last year, reflecting a 4.9 pct rise in food stores and a 4.3 percent increase in other stores.

[26] Hellenic Fishfarming says EBITDA up 64.5 pct in first half

Sales to foreign markets rose 14 percent in the January-June period, while gross earnings were up a spectacular 91.9 percent to 1.7 million euros. Pre-tax, interest and amortization earnings (EBITDA) jumped 64.5 percent to 4.8 million euros from 2.9 million euros in 2006, while consolidated pre-tax and interest earnings soared 80.8 percent to 3.9 million euros. Pre-tax profits jumped 111.5 percent to 2.8 million euros and consolidated earnings after taxes and minorities soared 153.9 percent to 2.1 million euros.

[27] Alapis Group reports improved first half results

The healthcare sector contributed 59.6 million euros to the group's turnover and 20.6 million euros to its pre-tax, interest and amortization earnings in the January-June period, while other sectors (detergents, cosmetics) contributed 73.6 million euros in turnover and 18.6 million euros in EBITDA.

Alapis Group expects this year's turnover to reach 360-380 million euros, its EBITDA at 90-105 million euros and after tax and minorities earnings at 45-55 million euros.

[28] Geniki Bank reports improved 1st half results

Operating income in the second quarter rose 0.2 pct to 42.4 million euros while commissions and fees rose 12.3 percent and non-performing loans negatively affected net interest margin by 2.7 percent. Operating expenses totaled 42.4 million euros, up 1.7 percent reflecting the opening of 10 new branches in the period. Operating result (pre-provisions) was zero in the second quarter./

Operating income rose 0.4 pct in the first half of 2007 to 84.7 million euros, while operating results were zero.

Geniki Bank reported a significant increase in retail banking sales. Its loans portfolio totaled 3.1 billion euros, up 12.8 percent, while savings deposits and repos totaled 2.8 billion euros, up 8.0 percent.

[29] Fashion Forward show again at Thessaloniki

In a press conference on Thursday, the managing director of HELEXPO Themis Kartsiotis said that Roberto Cavalli, Valentino, Isabelle Kristensen and other top fashion designers from 10 countries were among those participating. HELEXPO is the organiser of the Thessaloniki trade fair.

The show will take place over eight days, from September 9-16, with three or four daily presentations daily and will be covered by Fashion TV, the World Fashion Channel and the Balkan network Pink TV.

Also, in collaboration with UNESCO, there will be a charity fashion show that hopes to raise money for a scholarship to a woman scientist for research into protecting the environment and for a scientific conference on the environment.

The show's production supervisor Nikos Voglis promised a surprise when the catwalk and props were unveiled, noting that a team of mountain climbers had been hired in order to put them up while the catwalk will be 27 metres in length.

Another highlight of the show is the participation of Michelle de Leon from the Philippines, who was voted Top Model of the World 2007, as well as 24 well-known models from Greece and abroad.

The Greek Fashion Designers Association will be absent from this year's show, however, since it refused to accept HELEXPO's terms to present only new designs and not collections that had already be shown elsewhere, such as at the Zappion Fashion Week.

[30] Greek stocks end 0.58 pct up on Thurs.

Most sectors ended higher with the Chemicals (1.52 pct), Raw Materials (1.10 pct) and Personal/Home Products (0.97 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while the Media (2.01 pct), Oil (1.12 pct) and Insurance (0.54 pct) suffered losses.

The Big Cap index rose 0.64 pct, the Mid Cap index was 0.61 percent up and the Small Cap index fell 0.27 pct.

Imako (19.79 pct), Akritas (9.13 pct) and Tria Alpha (8.63 pct) were top gainers, while Desmos (8.33 pct), Omega (7.28 pct) and Viosol (6.45 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 136 to 113 with another 48 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: -0.54%

Industrials: +0.46%

Commercial: +0.81%

Construction: +0.53%

Media: -2.01%

Oil & Gas: -1.12%

Personal & Household: +0.97%

Raw Materials: +1.10%

Travel & Leisure: +0.75%

Technology: -0.50%

Telecoms: -0.44%

Banks: +0.82%

Food & Beverages: +0.02%

Health: +0.71%

Utilities: +0.34%

Chemicals: +1.52%

Financial Services: +0.67%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 23.42

ATEbank: 3.66

Public Power Corp (PPC): 22.50

HBC Coca Cola: 34.28

Hellenic Petroleum: 10.38

Emporiki Bank: 19.18

National Bank of Greece: 43.20

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 24.88

Intralot: 25.94

Cosmote: 22.64

OPAP: 26.70

OTE: 23.30

Titan Cement Company: 36.36

[31] ADEX closing report

The September contract on the FTSE 20 index was traded at a discount of 1.54 pct while the August contract on the FTSE 40 index at a discount of 0.94 pct.

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index totaled 6,197 contracts worth 79.162 million euros, with 44,843 open positions in the market, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 580 contracts worth 17.915 million euros, with 1,211 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts one equities totaled 7,818 contracts worth 11.484 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Intracom's contracts (1,344), followed by Marfin Investment Group (918), Piraeus Bank (901), National Bank (490), Alpha Bank (404), Marfin Popular Bank (1,060) and ATEbank (448).

[32] Greek bond market closing report

The 10-year benchmark bond (July 20, 2017) was again the most heavily traded security with a turnover of 420 million euros. The yield spread between the 10-year Greek and German bonds was steady at 0.30 percent, with the Greek bond yielding 4.57 percent and the German Bund 4.27 pct.

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates moved higher. National Bank's overnight rate rose to 4.15 pct from 4.08 pct on Wednesday, the two-day rate rose to 4.20 pct from 4.08 pct, the one-month rate rose to 4.43 pct from 4.41 pct and the 12-month rate rose to 4.75 pct from 4.71 pct.

[33] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

U.S. dollar 1.371

Pound sterling 0.683

Danish kroner 7.506

Swedish kroner 9.458

Japanese yen 158.59

Swiss franc 1.653

Norwegian kroner 8.022

Cyprus pound 0.588

Canadian dollar 1.457

Australian dollar 1.681

General News

[34] Fires re-ignite in Gortynia, Parnonas in the Peloponnese

Fire men said the fire in Gortynia was reignited by strong winds, in spite of steady water bombing by fire-fighting aircraft since this morning, and was growing fast so that authorities were preparing to evacuate several villages in the area.

In Parnonas, where the ecological destruction is incalculable, the fire has reignited in an inaccessible area and is being fought mainly from the air.

A fire that broke out near the entrance of the town of Tripolis opposite the intercity bus station was quickly put out by the fire brigade.

[35] Villages in Arcadia being evacuated due to wildfires

The wildfire spread along two fronts to the southeast, in the direction of the villages of Kotili, Ano Kotili, Kourounios, Isoma, Ano Karyes, Kastanohori, Kyparissia and Mavria, which have been evacuated as a precautionary measure, and to the north towards the villages of Atsiholo, Vlahorapti and Sarakino which, however, are not in danger.

Participating in the task of extinguishing the blaze are 11 firefighting aircraft, four helicopters and sizeable ground forces, backed by vehicles and water tankers from municipalities, as well as 80 forestry volunteers from the Mt. Parnitha region.

As regards other wildfires, the fire brigade disclosed that fronts at Lala and Persena, in the prefecture of Ilia, are still continuing, while fires in Megalopoli and Mistro, in Evia, are dying down.

Moreover, on Parnonas, in Laconia prefecture, the fire was raging at noon due to winds and temperatures and is primarily being tackled with aerial means due to the inaccessibility of the region.

Finally, another Russian-made B200 aircraft arrived in Greece, and will be used to combat wildfires on Friday.

[36] Prefectural Union delegation to visit wildfire-stricken regions in Peloponnese

ENAE's delegation, headed by President Dimitris Drakos, will be speaking with the inhabitants of villages affected by the fires and recording their problems and needs.

Apart from the briefing it will be receiving, ENAE's delegation will also be choosing the kind of economic aid to be provided for the wildfire sufferers.

[37] Fifteen arrested for falsely claiming fire victim benefit

According to police, the 15 had come into the Ilia from other areas with no fire damage and attempted to take advantage of simplified claim procedures requiring only a signed statement and an identity card, submitting false statements in order to receive the benefit.

Five succeeded in cashing the 3,000 euros benefit plus and extra 1,000 as parents of more than three children, while the rest were intercepted before they actually received any money.

Another 60 people were brought in for questioning on suspicion of falsely claiming benefits in the same way.

[38] Press conference on measures to save forests, redevelopment

Among the groups participating are the Technical Chamber of Greece, the nationwide council of Greek Bar Associations, the Union of Judicial functionaries of the Council of State, the Panhellenic Medical Association, the Geotechnical Chamber, the Finance Chamber and the rector of the National Technical University of Greece.

They will discuss measures and projects and how they can be carried out so that the burnt areas of Greece will become "a model of natural, residential, cultural and economic development in the Mediterranean and to save and increase the forests that remain".

[39] Dead body found near archaeological site at Sounion

A coroner arrived at the spot where the body was found on Thursday morning to examine the area and the remains will be taken to the morgue in order to try and determine the cause of death.

An inquiry has been launched by the Attica police.

[40] Man arrested in Patmos on European warrant on child molesting charges

The said the man, a resident of Patmos, was arrested on Wednesday night.

The man, detained on the basis of a European arrest warrant, is wanted by the German authorities for 63 instances of child molesting and attempted child molesting in Germany between 1986 and 1993.

Weather Forecast

[41] Rise in temepartures on Friday

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