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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 12-08-14Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>Tuesday, 14 August 2012 Issue No: 4147CONTENTS
[01] PM Samaras: united we can exit the crisisPrime Minister Antonis Samaras on Monday visited Kalamata City Hall in Messinia prefecture, southern Greece, and underlined that "we can continue the tough struggle and united we can make it."He stressed that he gets strength from Messinia, adding that "the efforts continue focusing on a single goal; to exit the crisis soon." In the afternoon, the prime minister will inaugu-rate an exhibition by the Underwater Archaeo-logy Ephorate in Pylos and afterwards, he will inaugurate an exhibition of collections that belonged to French philhellene Rene Puaux. [02] PM Samaras in PylosPrime Minister Antonis Samaras was received with enthusiasm in the town of Pylos on Monday afternoon and talked with local inhabitants.The prime minister initially inaugurated the castle of Pylos, an exhibition of the Marine Antiquities Ephorate and then the re-exhibition of the collection of French Philhellene Rene Puaux. Speaking during the inauguration of the French Philhellene's collection, Samaras said among other things that our cultural heritage is considerable and we must safeguard it. He also stressed that we are in a difficult period, but we are Greeks and we must, as Greeks, safeguard our cultural heritage and all these values that our ancestors have given to us. [03] Political party leaders to meet after PM Samaras meets with Eurogroup chairmanThe political party leaders backing the government will not meet before a meeting is held between Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and Eurogroup Chairman Jean-Claude Juncker next week, government sources said on Monday.Juncker is expected to Greece on Wednesday, Aug. 22. [04] FinMin Stournaras holds talks with Israeli ambassadorIsraeli Ambassador to Greece Arye Mekel on Monday briefed Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras on the interest of Israeli businesses in participating in the privatisations programme.The ambassador referred in particular to the sectors of energy, tourism, services and the development of real estate. The meeting took place in the wake of the recent official visit to Athens by Israeli President Shimon Peres. [05] Development Minister Hatzidakis meets with US ambassador to AthensDevelopment, Competitiveness, Infrastructure, Transport & Networks Minister Costis Hatzidakis and Deputy Minister Notis Mitarakis on Monday met with US ambassador to Athens Daniel Smith and underlined that a new business and economic environment is a necessary precondition for the recovery of the economy and the creation of new job positions.On his part, the US ambassador stated that the US government fully supports the effort made by the Greek government to overcome the crisis and regain market confidence, adding that it is an effort of major importance in reversing the climate and attracting foreign investors to Greece. The ministers underlined the determination of the Greek government to proceed with the structural reforms regardless of the political cost. They also stressed that the solution of fiscal problems, the country's presence in the eurozone and the creation of a new business and economic environment, are basic preconditions for the recovery of the economy and the creation of new job positions. [06] SYRIZA calls for reversal of memorandum policyThe Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA), in an announcement on Monday, said the package containing the measures that the three-party coalition governent is presenting, including new horizontal salary and pension cutbacks, layoffs and the selling out of public wealth, is becoming more and more unbearable with every day that goes by.SYRIZA added that these measures "are leading society to impoverishment, the economy to an even deeper recession and the country to disaster." It further suggested that the memorandum policy must be reversed and the economy must be revived with the redistribution of wealth, viable growth and the protection of labour and of the social state. [07] SYRIZA on crime, immigration policyThe Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) stressed on Monday that "the crimes of racist violence and racist hatred are increasing, with the overall political climate of targeting immigration as the cause of all of the country's woes strengthening phenomena of such a kind."It added that the problem of crime, that cannot be identified with the immigrants, as well as the issue of immigration require an integrated, responsible and overall handling. [08] KKE party on privatisation of portsThe Communist Party of Greece (KKE), in an announcement on Monday referring to the privatisation of ports, stressed that "if the people do not prevent them, the government and the EU are not only capable of ceding the ports to the shipowners and the big businessmen but the sea itself."[09] Minister Dendias signs presidential decree reducing police protection for public figuresPublic Order and Citizen Protection Minister Nikos Dendias on Monday signed a presidential decree drastically reducing the number of police officers who are currently used to guard political and other public figures.According to the presidential decree signed, a total of 200 police officers from the National Intelligence Service, 25 from the personal security of Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and hundreds who served in the security of MPs, MEPs and regional governors will return to regular duties in police precincts, including downtown Athens. The decision provides that police protection for targets, such as, television stations will be based on the recommendations made by a special committee. Roughly 1,500 police officers are expected to gradually return to regular duties. [10] Justice minister condemns fatal attack on foreign national in downtown AthensJustice, Transparency and Human Rights Minister Antonis Roupakiotis on Monday flatly condemned the "murderous attack on a defenseless Iraqi national," referring to an incident that was recorded in the early morning hours on Sunday in downtown Athens."The rise in racist attacks targeting foreign nationals in Greece starts to assume very dangerous characteristics. The very serious immigration problem faced by the country and its consequences cannot be faced with senseless violence," Roupakiotis pointed out. He added that all necessary efforts will be made to bring those responsible to justice, pointing out that the state will guarantee the rights of the individual to life, freedom and security. According to police, 5 individuals on 4 motorcycles attacked the Iraqi fatally injuring him with a sharp object, possibly a knife. Earlier in the same area, they had attempted to attack other two foreign nationals from Romania and Morocco, who managed to escape unharmed. Financial News [11] GDP drops 6.2 pct in Q1 2012The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the 2nd quarter of 2012 at constant prices of year 2005 decreased by 6.2% in comparison with the 2nd quarter of 2011, the independent Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) announced on MondayThe GDP of the 1st quarter of 2012 is revised, based on 1st quarter 2012 data of the General Government accounts (compiled at the end of June), as well as new estimates of the short term indices. [12] Central gov't cash deficit down in Q1 2012In January-July 2012, the central government cash deficit decreased to 7,186 million euro, from 15,022 million euro in the corresponding period of 2011. During this period, ordinary budget revenue amounted to 25,990 million euro, from 27,303 million euro last year. Ordinary budget expenditure decreased to 32,609 million euro from 40,862 million euro in January-July 2011.[13] Stocks rise by 0.81 percentAn upward trend was recorded during the stock exchange's first session on Monday. The General Index closed at 623.22 units, rising by 0.81 percent. Turnover amounted to 16.313 million euros.Advancers led decliners by 53 to 51, while 29 issues remained unchanged. Sector indices ended as follows: Industrials: +0.66% Commercial: +0.67% Construction: +1.54% Oil & Gas: +0.46% Personal & Household: +0.92% Raw Materials: -0.56% Travel & Leisure: +2.24% Technology: +0.38% Telecoms: +1.33 Banks: -1.99% Food & Beverages: +2.54% Health: -2.54% Utilities: -1.18% Financial Services: +0.21% The stocks with the highest turnover were OTE, National Bank, OPAP and Alpha Bank. Selected shares from the FTSE/ASE-20 index closed in euros as follows: Alpha Bank: 1.26 Public Power Corp (PPC): 2.34 HBC Coca Cola: 14.47 Hellenic Petroleum: 5.91 National Bank of Greece: 1.26 EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 0.67 OPAP: 5.27 OTE: 2.28 Bank of Piraeus: 0.21 Titan: 12.98 General News [14] Heraklio Archaeological Museum opens first two hallsThe opening of the first two halls of the Archaeological Museum of Heraklio on the island of Crete was announced on Monday by the Education, Religions, Culture and Sports Ministry and the Museum management.The new permanent exhibition of the sculptures' collection will be on dislplay in the central building of the museum scheduled to open for the public on Tuesday. Admission will be free. Moreover, the Temporary Exhibition featuring the most important findings will continue its operation at the extension building. Opening hours for both exhibitions will be Tuesday to Saturday from 08:00 to 20:00, while on Mondays, Sundays and on public holidays will open from 09:00 to 16:00. As of August 16, on Thursdays and Fridays, museum archaeoligists will offer visitors a free guided tour of the new exhibition. [15] Arcadia wildfire destroyed over 8,000 acres of forest and farmlandLast week's wildfire in the Arcadia prefecture, in the Peloponnese, led to the destruction of over 8,000 acres of forest and farmland, according to finalised assessments made on the extent of the damage.The processs of releiving the wildfire sufferers has also begun with the granting of a privileged bonus amounting to 600 euros for every household. [16] Police arrest perpetrator of Karyes incidentPolice have arrested a Georgian national, aged 29, as being the perpetrator of the incident concerning a 31-year-old fellow countryman of his at Karyes on Mounth Athos. The suspect is expected to be brought before prosecuting authorities on Tuesday for charges to be filed against him.Investigations revealed that the two men were employed as workers on Mount Athos. They met on Sunday afternoon and drank a large quantity of alcohol. Being in a state of drunkenness and for reasons being probed they quarrelled and the 29-year-old, armed with a knife, inflicted serious wounds to the victim's stomach and chest. The perpetrator admitted his actions during the preliminary investigation. [17] Wildfire on CephaloniaA wildfire broke out on Monday at a farm and forest area in the region of Kourouklata on the Ionian Sea island of Cephalonia.Sixteen firemen operating 5 fire engines and 8 firemen on foot assisted by two water-bombing aircraft and a helicopter participate in the firefighting efforts. [18] Yacht with illegal migrants intercepted at the Ionian Sea by Frontex patrol vesselThe Italian flag yacht "BIG DADDY" with 58 illegal migrants on board was intercepted by a Frontex patrol vessel early on Monday at the Ionian Sea west of the coasts of Preveza prefecture, northwest Greece.The yacht was led to the Port of Preveza where the illegal migrants were arrested as well as the ship's captain and engineer, both local men aged 45 and 63 respectively, who are accused of human smuggling. The yacht was bound for Italy. Preveza port authorities are conducting an investigation. [19] Foreign national found seriously injured in HalkidikiA 31 year-old man from Georgia was found late Sunday in crucial condition at Karyes, Mt. Athos, Halkidiki peninsula seriously injured in the abdomen and chest.The man was spotted by passersby and was initially taken to a Halkidiki hospital before being rushed to a Thessaloniki hospital. A police investigation is underway. [20] Comatose illegal migrant treated in CorfuA young Pakistani is treated for serious head injuries at the Corfu Hospital after being found comatose at the southwest coasts of the Ionian Sea island with other 20 illegal migrants abandoned by their traffickers, it was announced on Monday.Police are conducting an investigation into the case. According to the testimonies of the rest of the illegal migrants, the victim was injured during heavy seas. The illegal migrants, who had arrived from Athens by bus, had boarded a vessel in Preveza or Parga in western Greece on Sunday and were bound for Italy when their smugglers abandoned them on a Corfu coast. All illegal migrants, 15 from Pakistan, 4 from India and two from Afghanistan will be deported. [21] Illegal migrant arrested for forgeryAn Algerian national, 27, who was in Greece illegally, was arrested in Athens on Monday while collecting a package sent by mail containing 124 blank official Italian identity papers ready to be forged, the financial crimes squad SDOE announced.The package that originated from Italy was discovered by Drug Enforcement Agency officers conducting an investigation into a courier company in Athens. [22] Fire causes material damage to ultra-right Golden Dawn party offices in AthensA fire broke out at 1:00 p.m. on Monday at the offices of ultra-right Chryssi Avgi (Golden Dawn) political party in Athens' Pangrati district.The party's 4th floor offices were damaged. A police investigation is underway. Olympic Games [23] Last group of London 2012 Olympic Games athletes returns to AthensThe last group of athletes who participated in the London 2012 Olympic Games, including Alexandros Nikolaidis, Spyros Yianniotis and Spyros Lembesis, returned to Athens on Monday afternoon. They were welcomed at Athens airport by Deputy Education and Religion, Culture and Sport Minister Yiannis Ioannidis.[24] The Monday edition of Athens' dailies at a glanceThe racist attacks by extremist groups and government's measures to collect 11.5 billion euros, dominated the headlines on Monday in Athens' newspapers.ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "Opposition says no to the privatisation of Hellenic Post (ELTA) and Hellenic Vehicle Industry S.A. (ELVO)". DIMOKRATIA: "Attack against pensioners". ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "The last 'windows' for pension before the age of 65". ESTIA: "Privatisations the key to economic growth". ETHNOS: "University minimum passmark up ". NAFTEMPORIKI: "Extraordinary tax raids with summary procedures". TA NEA: "The unknown war - Raids of hatred and the extremists". 36, TSOCHA ST. ATHENS 115 21 GREECE * TEL: 64.00.560-63 * FAX: 64.00.581-2 INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.ana.gr * e-mail: anabul@ana gr * GENERAL DIRECTOR: ILIAS MATSIKAS Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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