Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 11-07-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Clinton in Athens, meets with Greek leadership

[02] Greece, US sign bilateral agreement on protection of antiquities

[03] Clinton repeats support for bizonal, bicommunal federation on Cyprus

[04] Clinton visits Ecumenical Patriarch

[05] Papoulias meeting

[06] PM interview with Kathimerini: 'Greece will not go bankrupt'

[07] PM to chair meeting on Eurozone summit

[08] European Socialists urge Europe to 'reassert primacy over financial markets'

[09] Health minister's criticism of PASOK 'a cynical confession', ND says

[10] SYRIZA leader demands elections with simple proportional representation

[11] Democratic Alliance chooses top party officials

[12] Ministers at meeting on Macedonia health service met by protests

[13] Canadian FM visits Ecumenical Patriarch

[14] Gaza flotilla vessel allowed to sail to Alexandria, Egypt

[15] 8 defendants referred to trial in 'Revolutionary Struggle' case

[16] Athens taxis to hold 48-hour strike on Monday

[17] Nine cyclists begin protest ride from Tripolis to Athens

[18] Non-stop dance, e-music festival on Crete

[19] Thessaloniki police officer arrested for assault, firing weapon

[20] Two arrested in Halkidiki for cultivating cannabis

[21] Body of dead man in car identified

[22] Human bones found by accident

[23] Fire in Giannitsa factory yard put out

[24] High temperatures continue

[25] Athens' Sunday newspapers at a glance

[01] Clinton in Athens, meets with Greek leadership

Their meeting was the first in a round of scheduled meetings between Clinton and Greece's leadership during her visit to Athens, where she arrived late on Saturday from neighbouring Turkey after attending a meeting of the Contact Group for Libya.

Clinton underlined that the government of Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou had faced tough decisions and expressed Washington's support for his determination to carry out reforms.

Doing nothing would have far worse consequences than the current difficulties, she added, expressing her faith in the resilience of the Greek people.

"I applaud the Greek government on its willingness to take these difficult steps. Greece has inspired the world before, and I have every confidence that you are doing so again," she said.

She stressed that the Greek government was on the right path and that the reforms it had carried out were like "chemotherapy" and would make the country more competitive and more attractive to investors.

"I am not here to in any way downplay the immediate challenges because they are real. But I am here to say that we believe strongly that this will give Greece a very strong economy going forward," Clinton said.

Lambrinidis stressed that the Greece of today bore no relation to the Greece of the past and he emphasised the need for European solidarity in order to overcome the crisis. He also underlined the government's determination to forge ahead with reforms.

"We believe that we shall come out of this difficulty victorious," he said. "Many on both sides of the Atlantic have bet on the collapse of Greece and then have been proven wrong. We will continue to prove them wrong."

During one-on-one talks lasting half an hour, followed by a meeting between Greek and U.S. delegations, Clinton and Lambrinidis discussed the economic crisis and issues of foreign policy, focusing mainly on the situation in Libya, the Middle East, the western Balkans, the Cyprus issue and Greece's relations with Turkey.

Concerning the Cyprus issue, Lambrinidis expressed his conviction that progress was possible and had to be striven for, while noting that the necessary political will on Turkey's part was an essential precondition for success.

Referring to the crisis in Libya, Clinton thanked the Greek government for its willingness to receive NATO force at the naval base in Souda and Athens' support after the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Damascus. She said the two sides had shared views concerning the process of democratisation in north Africa and welcomed Athens' stance on the EU accession of the western Balkan countries.

After her meeting with Lambrinidis, the U.S. Secretary of State attended a working dinner with the prime minister at his offices.

Arriving for the dinner, she conveyed her family's warm regards to Papandreou and, on a lighter note in response to questions posed by a U.S. journalist, expressed her excitement that the U.S. women's soccer team will be playing in the World Cup final against Japan on Sunday night.

She said that U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden and her own daughter Chelsea would be in Frankfurt to watch the game and support the U.S. team, while she would be watching the game from Athens.

Sources in the government said her talks with the premier covered the economic crisis, foreign policy issues, the problems faced by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul, energy issues and the 'Arab Spring', as well as Greece's role in the surrounding region.

There was complete agreement during the meeting on the need for a comprehensive and effective solution for the crisis in both Greece and in Europe, in order to send markets a clear message and deal effectively with speculators.

There followed a meeting between Clinton and Greek President Karolos Papoulias. A meeting between Clinton and Greece's main opposition New Democracy party leader Antonis Samaras is to take place on Monday.

?he Communist Party (KKE), in an announcement, claimed that the "US Secretary of State rewarded the (Greek) government's barbarous policy and supported the country's greater involvement in America's and its allies' imperialistic plans and wars against the countries of Africa and Mideast. This alliance is useful for Greek plutocracy and, therefore, is supported by ruling PASOK and main opposition New Democracy and other parties."

On its part, the Popular Orthodox Party (LA.O.S) party said the "US is showing Europe that it is ready to bring back the 'lost sheep'. The worst is that the Greek government is reacting as a 'lost sheep', and a black one, no less".

Finally, the Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) expressed its apprehension and its opposition to the Clinton visit. "The aim of her visit is not to assist in Greek people's problems and the issue of peace, but to ensure Greece's greater involvement in US, NATO and Israeli war plans against Afghanistan, Libya and in the wider region."

Meeting with FinMin

Government vice-president and Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos underlined the importance of US support in Greece's effort to face the ongoing economic crisis, speaking during his meeting on Sunday with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

"The US role is decisive in the IMF, and also the US's contacts with eurozone countries are also very important," Venizelos said, adding that Washington is taking under consideration Athens' every small positive step towards combating tax evasion and the collection of state revenues, as well as towards the implementation of a privatisation programme.

Moreover, Venizelos stressed that the "economic problem in Greece is political."

[02] Greece, US sign bilateral agreement on protection of antiquities

The agreement was signed in the Museum gallery with a view of the Parthenon and Athens Acropolis, with Greek Foreign Minister Stavros Lambrinidis and in the presence of Greece's Culture and Tourism Minister Pavlos Geroulanos.

Signing the agreement she conveyed the U.S. government's warm support both for Greece's future and the protection of its past. Looking up at the Acropolis, she noted that a nation that had built the Parthenon and invented democracy was able to face any difficulty.

In a brief address welcoming the U.S. Secretary of State to the museum, Lambrinidis said that Greece suffered from the illegal excavation and trade in antiquities and cultural artifacts that the agreement signed on Sunday was designed to fight.

Clinton underlined that the bilateral agreement will provide protection of Greece's heritage from theft and antiquities-smuggling, since the import of artifacts in to the United States will be illegal unless they are accompanied by a certificate issued by Greek authorities permitting them to leave the country.

She noted that this was the 15th agreement of this type signed by the U.S. with other countries, from Cambodia to Cyprus, and had been proved particularly effective. She also underlined that the U.S. had a 40-year-long tradition of devotion to preserving world heritage.

[03] Clinton repeats support for bizonal, bicommunal federation on Cyprus

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Saturday reaffirmed Washington's support for a solution leading to a federation with two communities and two zones on Cyprus "as soon as possible".

In statements during a joint press conference after her meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Clinton noted that the current status quo on the island benefited no one.

She also urged the Turkish people to use upcoming efforts at Constitutional reform in order to address concerns generated by current restrictions on the freedom of expression of religion in Turkey and to boost minority rights.

[04] Clinton visits Ecumenical Patriarch

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Saturday called on Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Fanar district of Istanbul during her visit to neighbouring Turkey, where she was warmly welcomed. Her meeting with the Patriarch was also attended by the Orthodox Archbishop of America Demetrios, who greeted her upon her arrival.

Sources in the Patriarchate later said that their talks had focused on issues of concern to the Patriarchate, including that of reopening the School of Theology on the island of Halki. On this, Clinton apparently remarked that "40 years of silence" for the seminary were enough and stressed the U.S. government's dedication to issues of religious freedom and its support for issues concerning the Patriarchate.

After her meeting with the Patriarch, Clinton was to attend a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, while she is due to arrive in Athens late on Saturday night.

Her agenda in Athens will include meetings with President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias, Prime Minister George Papandreou, Foreign Minister Stavros Lambrinidis and Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos on Sunday.

Prior to her departure on Monday, she will also meet the head of Greece's main opposition New Democracy party, Antonis Samaras.

The debt crisis and possible investments are expected to dominate her talks with Greece's leadership, as will developments in Libya and the Middle East.

The Greek side will also raise issues of particular interest to Athens, such as the Cyprus issue, Greece's relations with Turkey, the name dispute with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and developments in Afghanistan.

[05] Papoulias meeting

"In spite of the difficult times and tough decisions that had to be taken, Greece is now on a path that is very positive in terms of its future growth and prosperity," she said.

Noting that some painful sacrifices were necessary, Clinton said she had confidence in the stamina and ingenuity of the Greek people and was in Greece to send a strong message of support for the tough job that lay ahead.

Papoulias, on his part, thanked Clinton and U.S. President Barack Obama for their support of Greece and for intervening on the country's behalf with European leaders.

Clinton referred to the strong ties between the two countries, both in the framework of NATO and through the Greek-American community that she said significantly enriched both countries.

[06] PM interview with Kathimerini: 'Greece will not go bankrupt'

"In this difficult and complicated negotiation there is no room for irresponsible voices that cultivate fear, bet on failure and distort the truth," he added.

In view of Thursday's extraordinary Eurozone summit meeting, he underlined that the interests of the country and its citizens would be a "red line" that would not be crossed.

"There remains the aim of ensuring the smooth functioning of the state, the payment of wages and pensions as normal, the protection of deposits," he stressed.

"We, as a country, have taken the necessary decisions no matter how difficult they were. It is now time for Europe to make its own decisions," he added.

During the interview, the prime minister ruled out the prospect of snap elections, given that the country was facing a crucial battle, and criticised those propagating rumours of elections at the present time for acting irresponsibly and wanting to drag the country into "dangerous developments".

Referring to main opposition New Democracy leader Antonis Samaras, meanwhile, Papandreou asserted that ND's leader "had the luxury to engage in irresponsible politics".

He also dismissed what he called "conspiracy theories" and stressed that those behind them were refusing to understand that Greece must change. "Publicly, and not behind the scenes, I talk with everyone in order to promote the country's interests," he underlined.

Some people had resorted to doubting his patriotism when in fact, he had shouldered the sins of others so that the country would not have to live through a tragedy, he complained.

Papandreou promised to be merciless in prosecuting instances of corruption, such as the impunity of those owing huge sums to social insurance funds, the corrupt soccer circuits and the illegal trade in fuel. He also stressed that without fighting tax evasion, the country could achieve nothing.

On the referendums being planned by the government, he denied that these were just a communications gimmick and said they would lead to new democratic conquests for the citizens.

He also stressed that he would not put up with attacks on "the most basic institutions" and stressed that "violence breeds violence".

ND reaction

"When Mr. Papandreou says he is governing responsibly, what does he mean? Does he consider a responsible policy one where he is absent for 15 months from every negotiation, and that he told no one in Europe that the Memorandum would sink the country into recession?" main opposition New Democracy spokesman Yiannis Mihelakis said later in the day, adding:

"Does he (Papandreou) consider a responsible policy to blackmail, saying either the midterm programme or default, and then coming back after a few days and thrusting the country into the unknown by citing the issue of a selective default, and trying, simultaneously, to ameliorate (such a prospect)?" Mihelakis added.

[07] PM to chair meeting on Eurozone summit

The meeting will be attended by Finance Minister and Government Vice-President Evangelos Venizelos, along with ministry officials, in order to work out Greece's proposals and positions ahead of the meeting.

[08] European Socialists urge Europe to 'reassert primacy over financial markets'

A key proposal of their plan included a European 'stability' agency to reprofile the debt of Eurozone member states and help get them back on track when they were at risk of losing stability, as well as the issue of Eurobonds as a tool in this effort.

The plan was worked out during a phone conference on Saturday between Eurozone leaders belonging to the Party of European Socialists, including Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou, and was later released as a joint statement entitled "A Eurozone based on Democratically accountable economic policy".

A PES press release said that this outlined both the practical steps necessary for recovery and "an increasing level of frustration at the Conservative majority's inability to formulate an effective response".

Other participants in the meeting including French opposition party leader Martine Aubry, European Parliament S&D Group leader Martin Schulz, Dutch labour party leader Job Cohen, new Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja and new Irish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Eamon Gilmore, as well as PES President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen.

Papandreou welcomed the PES initiative stating that: "the European Union has great economic potential but under conservative leadership there is a lack of political will to turn it into policies".

In their joint statement, the PES socialists called for:

- urgent measures to ensure a sustainable solution for Greece.

- A stability agency, to reprofile the debt of Eurozone Member State.

- An efficient Eurozone mechanism, with joint guarantees, designed to help countries which are attacked by speculators and which ensures that private investors responsible for reckless lending also bear their share of the costs of stabilizing measures.

- A European Tax on Speculation, to raise new revenue without unfair social cuts.

- A real financial reform, to ban harmful practices and instruments and limit the power of Credit Rating Agencies, including by establishing a publicly-funded European independent credit rating agency.

- A European Investment Strategy to promote fair growth and job creation.

Noting that the repeated actions of an "out of control" section of the financial markets have effectively transferred the management of national budgets and debt to the private sector, the document stressed that "it is time for the Governments of Euro-zone member-states to collectively assert their primacy over financial markets". .

[09] Health minister's criticism of PASOK 'a cynical confession', ND says

Speaking on a televised programme, Loverdos had admitted that PASOK had been essentially populist as a main opposition party.

"It said there was money when there wasn't... It did other things, refusing any discussion on structural reforms. It was basically a party that said 'no'," the health minister admitted.

According to ND, the minister's admissions proved that PASOK had knowingly lied to the Greek people in order to get elected and that the party's only goal, over the years, had been to gain power and remain there at all costs.

"The price, however, is now being paid by the citizens and our country," he added.

Replying to Mihelakis' response, Loverdos said that his statements were an attempt to contribute to creating a climate of understanding and that ND's response was "a classic example of the post-junta populist, petty politics that we must overcome in order to be able to offer the people and the country the necessary consensus".

[10] SYRIZA leader demands elections with simple proportional representation

Addressing those gathered at the 'Peace and Friendship' Stadium in Faliro, Tsipras said his party was open to political dialogue with a series of political forces whose differences with SYRIZA "are of secondary importance to the historic duty that we have to avert the pillaging of the people and the country".

[11] Democratic Alliance chooses top party officials

This is made up of 40 'front-running' members of her party, appointed by decision of its political council. They include both professional politicians with past experience from the two main parties but also several professional people that have become involved in politics for the first time.

[12] Ministers at meeting on Macedonia health service met by protests

The meeting was held to discuss projects either financed by or due to be included in National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) programmes. It was attended by Deputy Health and Social Solidarity Minister Mihalis Timosidis, the Macedonia region authority's head Aris Yiannakidis, and Deputy Health Minister Christos Aidonis. It was also attended by local hospital administrators, heads of health centres, local government officials and MPs.

The total cost of the projects that will finally be included in NSRF programmes is close to 100 million euro and includes the construction or renovation of building facilities, provision of modern technological equipment, purchase of ambulances and modernisation of existing laboratory and other auxiliary facilities.

[13] Canadian FM visits Ecumenical Patriarch

Canada's Foreign Minister John Baird paid a visit to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Fanar, Istanbul on Saturday. Baird was in the city in order to take part in the fourth meeting of the Contact Group for Libya.

The meeting lasted more than an hour and, according to a Patriarchate announcement, focused on all issues of concern to the Patriarchate and its activities.

It was also attended by Mark Bailey, Canada's ambassador to Ankara.

General News

[14] Gaza flotilla vessel allowed to sail to Alexandria, Egypt

The vessel, with 16 people on board, was permitted to sail for Alexandria, Egypt, and not to Gaza, which remains under an Israeli naval blockade.

It set sail from Corsica on June 25 and carries, amongst others, French Communist party cadre Jacqueline Le Corret, former French MEP Jean-Claude Lefort, Israeli journalist Amira Haaz, an Al Jazeera TV crew as well as Canadian, French , Greek and Swedish nationals.

The yacht does not carry humanitarian aid, as the other vessels of the flotilla, which remain docked in Greek ports and prevented from heading towards Gaza.

[15] 8 defendants referred to trial in 'Revolutionary Struggle' case

The indictments were handed down unanimously by the Council of Appellate Justices against seven defendants and by majority for one defendant. Another three individuals were absolved of all charges, judging that evidence against them was insufficient.

Subsequently, a trial at the three-justice felony appeals court was ordered for Nikos Maziotis, his companion Panayiota Roupa, Costas Gournas, Christoforos Kortesis, Evangelos Stathopoulos, Sarantos Nikitopoulos, Costas Katsenos -- who remains at large -- and Maria Beraha.

Major terrorism-related trials bypass the first instance level and are heard at the appellate court level.

Amongst others, the self-styled anarchist organisation had claimed responsibility for the RPG attack on the US embassy in January 2007 and an assault rifle ambush of a police patrol in central Athens in January 2009, which left one officer critically injured.

[16] Athens taxis to hold 48-hour strike on Monday

The strike will begin at 5:00 a.m. on Monday and last until 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

Taxi cab owners have also warned that they are prepared to go on an indefinite strike if the government does not back down.

[17] Nine cyclists begin protest ride from Tripolis to Athens

The aim of the organisers, who hope to be joined by cyclists throughout the Peloponnese, was to demonstrate for the citizens' right to peacefully protest and to express their indignation and concern over the brutal police response to protestors on June 28-29.

[18] Non-stop dance, e-music festival on Crete

LOCALIVE is comprised of a group of artists aimed to link audience members with the performers.

[19] Thessaloniki police officer arrested for assault, firing weapon

The officer became involved in an argument while on holiday in Kallithea, Katerini with a 34-year-old Greek man. During the exchange, he struck the other man in various parts of his body using a non-police-issue telescopic baton and then pulled out his service revolver and fired once into the air and once into the ground in order to intimidate his opponent.

Arresting officers found and confiscated a bullet casing and the baton at the scene.

The 34-year-old was taken to Katerini's General Prefectural Hospital for treatment, while he was also arrested after the police officer involved in the incident filed a suit against him for abuse, issuing threats and simple bodily harm. He was released by order of a public prosecutor.

The police officer under arrest was led before a Katerini misdemeanours court prosecutor and was suspended from duty by decision of the Greek Police headquarters, while he will also be subjected to an internal police inquiry.

[20] Two arrested in Halkidiki for cultivating cannabis

The arrest was made based on a tip-off, leading police to search a house in Agio Mama Halkidiki and the discovery of 131 cannabis plants being grown in pots. Six of the plants were being grown using hydroponic techniques.

Police also found 700 grammes of cannabis, joints and a flare gun, as well as equipment for cultivating the drugs.

In the home of the second suspect, police found 10 grammes of cannabis and 100 euro.

The Polygyros police department is conducting an investigation and the two suspects will appear before a public prosecutor.

[21] Body of dead man in car identified

The body was spotted by a passer-by at the 492nd kilometre of the highway on Saturday morning. It was inside a car that had somehow entered into an overgrown section of the traffic island. There are indications that the victim's vehicle swerved off course and overturned at that spot but the case is still shrouded in mystery, since the cause of the incident remains unknown.

Police are continuing an investigation.

[22] Human bones found by accident

Police officers discovered human bones, portions of a woman's clothing and other objects within a radius of 15 metres. The evidence was sent to a crime lab in Larissa.

[23] Fire in Giannitsa factory yard put out

Weather forecast

[24] High temperatures continue

in Athens, with temperatures ranging from 23C to 38C. Same in Thessaloniki, with temperatures from 23C to 37C.

[25] Athens' Sunday newspapers at a glance

AVGHI: "Governing coalition with the broader anti-Memorandum forces".

AVRIANI: "The dogs of 'entanglement' out to get [Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos]".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Rescue plan for Greece and euro with 'haircut' for debt-interest rates".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Tough bargaining in five capitals. Feverish negotiations in Rome, Brussels, Berlin, Paris, Washington".

EPOCHI (weekly): "Relentless in the battle to oust the government. Rallying climate at SYRIZA's 4th conference".

ETHNOS: "The final plan of the foreign banks for Greece. The top secret recommendation at the Rome meeting for the debt crisis".

KATHIMERINI: "Early elections irresponsible. [PM George Papandreou] to 'K': 'It is time for Europe to wake up - those breaking the law will be mercilessly struck down'"

LOGOS: "'Selective default' ...as in Uruguay".

PARON (weekly): "They are laying down the carpet for default. So they can pass it off more 'softly' to the public".

PROTO THEMA (weekly): "He's hiding the family's illegal property, built without planning permission in a forest area in Vravrona." [story claiming Environment Minister George Papaconstantinou's family owns a building erected without planning permission in protected woods].

REAL NEWS (weekly): "Watch it!...or else we'll leave" [article on statements by Health Minister Andreas Loverdos warning critics that the government will 'bow out' if attacks continue]

RIZOSPASTIS: "On the economic crisis and the debt. Announcement of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Central Committee's Political Bureau,".

VIMA (weekly): "High-risk rescue with euro-compromise. Summit meeting for solution after Merkel-Trichet deal".

VRADYNI: "The pros and cons for those entering work after '93".

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