Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 12-08-30

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Coalition government partners meet, measures not yet finalized

[02] SYRIZA warns new measures will demolish society

[03] Venizelos briefs PASOK cadres over party leaders' meeting

[04] Independent Greeks on leaders' meeting: Deception must end now

[05] KKE leader: Gov't to proceed to new massacre of Greeks

[06] KKE' s Papariga meets with school teachers' union reps

[07] PM speaks with Lagarde

[08] PM meets with local administration representatives

[09] FinMin receives Dutch European Affairs minister

[10] Deputy Minister Mitarakis in Alexandroupolis

[11] Gov't sources deny reports on 'immobility duty' on cars

[12] Greek-owned tanker taken over by pirates spotted off Nigerian coast

[13] Kaklamanis, Kefaloyiannis comment on ND party secretary race

[14] US ambassador visits Ioannina

[15] FinMin: Hellenic Postbank not viable

[16] Greek banks' deposits slightly up in July

[17] Piraeus Bank in advanced talks to buy Geniki Bank

[18] Producer's Price Index up 3.8 pct in July

[19] Greek-Russian tourism forum on Crete

[20] Hellenic-Chinese business con'f in Athens on Sept. 18

[21] PPC warns of liquidity problems due to unpaid debts

[22] PPC alternate CEO resigns

[23] Piraeus Port Authority reports mixed H1 results

[24] Hellenic Petroleum reports lower profits

[25] Intralot buys 100 pct of Russian sports betting firm Kelicom

[26] Municipal employees on 2-day strike

[27] Stocks up at ASE

[28] Greek bond market closing report

[29] ADEX closing report

[30] Bicycle tour in Nafplio and Mycenae organised by Bavarian TV

[31] Series of concerts organised by Belgian Embassy

[32] Armata 2012: Re-enactment of Naval Battle of Spetses

[33] Teacher arrested for child porn had placed hidden cameras in classroom, police say

[34] Wildfire receding on Rhodes

[35] Wildfire in NW Florina continues

[36] 98 Illegal migrants repatriated

[37] Armed robbery in bank

[38] Reactions in Corinth over migrant detention centre

[39] The Wednesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

[01] Coalition government partners meet, measures not yet finalized

Kouvelis told reporters after the meeting that elaboration of the measures has not yet been completed, adding that efforts were being made to avoid 'horizontal' (across-the-board) cuts, to which he said he was opposed, and to "protect the low and small incomes".

Kouvelis also said that the package of measures needs to be accompanied by a developmental programme, and noted that the effort was constant, clarifying that there should no more 'bleeding' of the Greek society.

Venizelos will make statements later from the PASOK headquarters on downtown Athens' Ippocratous street.

[02] SYRIZA warns new measures will demolish society

In a statement issued after the meeting of the prime minister with the leaders of the political parties backing the government, SYRIZA stressed that "the domestic troika has agreed under the supervision of our creditors to proceed with the adoption of a another unfair and anti-social package of measures that will undoubtedly lead to the leveling out of the Greek society."

"The package of measures starts with 11.5 billion euros in spending cuts but it is still undetermined how high it will go. The Greek people cannot and won' t stay idle when faced with the new measures that will lead to their destruction," SYRIZA stressed.

[03] Venizelos briefs PASOK cadres over party leaders' meeting

According to party sources, he said measures amounting to 11.5 billion euros must be included in an overall package that will be presented in Parliament and public opinion.

[04] Independent Greeks on leaders' meeting: Deception must end now

Zois also said that "More and original disagreement would exist in a one-party government. The web of 'deception' must stop right now".

[05] KKE leader: Gov't to proceed to new massacre of Greeks

[06] KKE' s Papariga meets with school teachers' union reps

Papariga stressed that "a new economic and social massacre is in the works targeting the education rights of the low income families with major consequences on the primary schools."

The primary school teachers' union federation has announced a 24-hour strike for Sept. 12, the first day of the new school year, in protest to wage cuts.

[07] PM speaks with Lagarde

[08] PM meets with local administration representatives

In a meeting, which lasted more than two hours, and held in the presence of Interior Minister Evripidis Stylianidis, KEDE president and Kallithea Mayor Costas Askounis underlined that the country' s mayors are up against an impasse, stressing that at least 40 municipalities will be unable to pay salaries in September.

Askounis said the mayors received no definitive answers from the government but expressed a hope that the interior minister will bring specific proposals to a KEDE conference that opens on Thursday.

Referring to a protest by sanitation workers in downtown Athens at the same time, Askounis said KEDE is against any extreme mobilisation stressing, however, that the situation in many municipalities is critical.

On his part, the interior minister said the prime minister acknowledges the efforts made by the representatives of local administration and outlined three moves that could improve the situation.

Stylianidis said municipalities will receive 204 million euros from tax revenues by the end of the year and an additional 299 million euros from the state budget. He also announced a settlement for over-indebted municipalities, adding that 90 million euros in annual financial assistance will be shared by all municipalities.

[09] FinMin receives Dutch European Affairs minister

According to ministry officials, the Dutch delegation encouraged the Greek side to avoid the word "extension", as it constitutes a "red flag" for a majority of citizens in the northern European country, instead favouring the term "frontloading".

Knapen was later received by Development & Competitiveness Minister Costis Hatzidakis, with talks focusing on accelerating procedures to simplify exports, as Dutch experts are now assisting the Greek state.

Hatzidakis and Knappen also discussed structural changes being promoted by the ministry.

[10] Deputy Minister Mitarakis in Alexandroupolis

Investment issues dominated in the meetings he had with the northeast port city mayor, the president of the Chamber of Evros and Metropolitan Bishop Anthimos.

Mitarakis stressed that the implementation of major investments in the region, including the goldmines, is within the government' s intentions, provided that the environment will be protected and EU legislation will be observed.

[11] Gov't sources deny reports on 'immobility duty' on cars

The same sources added that such an issue was been raised and questioned the motives of the specific reports.

[12] Greek-owned tanker taken over by pirates spotted off Nigerian coast

The ship was spotted off the Nigerian coast and is still under the control of pirates, who intend to steal its cargo, according to ship operator Golden Energy Management, which added that is in contact with a French Navy vessel sailing in the area.

The company also announced that the ship' s crew is believed to be safe. According to the Greek coastguard, all 24 crewmembers are foreign nationals.

Eight attacks or attempted attacks have been reported off the coast of Togo since January, according to the International Maritime Bureau' s website.

[13] Kaklamanis, Kefaloyiannis comment on ND party secretary race

Speaking to an Athens-based private radio on the eve of the election, he said he has named names in a formal complaint.

On his part, Manolis Kefaloyiannis, the second candidate in the race for ND party secretary, stressed that democratic procedures are being observed, adding that party cadres have a right to express their preferences.

[14] US ambassador visits Ioannina

A detailed briefing took place during the meeting, with a special emphasis on investments opportunities and the tourist sector of the region.

"We are very glad to be in Yiannina. Our discussion with the mayor was very interesting. The bonds of the United States with Greece are very close and we are constantly seeking ways for greater cooperation," the US envoy said.

Financial News

[15] FinMin: Hellenic Postbank not viable

Agricultural Development minister discusses strengthening of bilateral commercial relations with British ambassador

Strengthening bilateral economic and commercial relations between Greece and Britain and increasing Greek exports to Britain were at the focus of talks on Wednesday between Agricultural Development and Foods minister Athanasios Tsaftaris and British ambassador to Greece David Landsman.

Britain is traditionally one of Greece's largest economic partners, and according to 2011 data it is the 4th largest commercial partner for Greek farm product exports, absorbing 5 percent of such exports, and the 8th largest commercial partner in imports of farm products, accounting for 3 percent of imports of such products by Greece.

The two men also discussed British support for Greece in agricultural research and technology, provision of advice and applications in the farming sector in the context of the EU's new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), given that the funds in specific areas have increased substantially and collaboration among Greek and British research centres would be a boost in that area.

[16] Greek banks' deposits slightly up in July

The central bank, in a monthly report, said bank deposits rose by around 3.4 billion euros in July, to total 161.95 billion euros, up from 158.8 billion euros a month earlier.

Deposits by households and enterprises totaled 153.9 billion euros, up from 150.6 billion euros in June. The central bank noted, however, that domestic banks still suffered from a liquidity problem as depositors have withdrawn a monumental sum, estimated at more than 83 billion euros from domestic banks since early 2010.

[17] Piraeus Bank in advanced talks to buy Geniki Bank

In an announcement to the Athens Stock Exchange, Piraeus Bank said that although talks were at an advance stage, no final decision has been made by either side. The bank said it will continue offering information over developments in the talks.

Piraeus Bank recently completed the acquisition of ATEbank' s healthy businesses.

[18] Producer's Price Index up 3.8 pct in July

The statistics service, in a report, attributed this development to a 4.1 pct increase in the domestic market index and a 2.6 pct rise in the external market index.

The producer' s price index rose 2.0 pct in July from June, after an 1.1 pct increase recorded in the same period in 2011.

[19] Greek-Russian tourism forum on Crete

According to the organisers the forum will be one of the most important meetings between Russian and Greek tourist agencies.

The forum refers to all of the 'tourism Greece' that has or wants to have relations with Russia in the tourism sector.

[20] Hellenic-Chinese business con'f in Athens on Sept. 18

The conference, entitled "Business Opportunities: Privatizations and Investments in Greece", will address current economic developments and explore the potential for investments and business partnerships in Greece.

The Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), the Confucius Institute and the Institute for Economic & Industrial Research (IOBE) are the co-organisers of the conference, which will be attended by government officials and business executives from Greece and China, academics and entrepreneurs.

[21] PPC warns of liquidity problems due to unpaid debts

The issue, along with a proposal to off-set public sector debt to PPC, were discussed on Wednesday during a meeting between Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras and PPC chairman Arthuros Zervos.

PPC' s officials, speaking to reporters after the meeting, said a liquidity problem has been temporarily managed with a freeze in supply payments and a restructuring of PPC' s debt (extending repayment of a 525-mln-euro loan for one year).

PPC officials stressed that the power utility was weary of a plan to raise electricity bills and noted that the listed company could also benefit from lower taxes.

[22] PPC alternate CEO resigns

The resignation was accepted by PPC president and CEO Arthouros Zervos, and will be effective as of September 1.

Hatziargyriou holds the portfolio of supervision of the Electricity transport and distribution networks.

[23] Piraeus Port Authority reports mixed H1 results

Operating expenses fell by 4.08 pct in the six-month period, while gross profits totaled 9.8 million euros, from 4.5 million euros in 2011.

[24] Hellenic Petroleum reports lower profits

Comparable net profits totaled 131 million euros in the first six months of the year, down from 138 million euros last year.

Hellenic Petroleum said its performance in the domestic market improved despite a decline in fuel demand, as the group raised its market share. The listed company said its refinery in Elefsina will begin full operations from early September, after completing significant upgrades.

[25] Intralot buys 100 pct of Russian sports betting firm Kelicom

Kelicom is the majority shareholder of Favorit, one of the top sport betting operators in Russia, with a 74.9 pct equity stake in the compamy. It was founded in December 2002 and enjoys an operating license with indefinite time period.

[26] Municipal employees on 2-day strike

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras will meet on Wednesday with the mayors at their request. The outcome of the meeting will be discussed on Wednesday afternoon at a Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece (KEDKE) meeting.

The striking Attica municipal employees, including garbage trucks, will stage a demonstration and march to the interior ministry on Wednesday.

The final decisions on the further stance of the local administration employees will be taken on Thursday.

[27] Stocks up at ASE

The Big Cap index ended 1.69 pct higher and the Mid Cap index rose 0.82 pct. The Industrial Products (3.45 pct), Health (2.84 pct) and Banks (2.66 pct) sectors scored the biggest percentage gains, while Oil (1.28 pct) and Utilities (0.76 pct) suffered losses. Piraeus Bank (8.44 pct), Viohalco (7.45 pct) and National Bank (3.68 pct) were top gainers among blue chip stocks, while Cyprus Popular Bank (2.56 pct), Cyprus Bank (2.31 pct) and Hellenic Petroleum (1.40 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 63 to 56 with another 25 issues unchanged. Unibios (27.86 pct), MIG Real Estate (21.51 pct) and Geniki Bank (19.72 pct) were top gainers, while HOL (19.69 pct), Sato (18.18 pct) and Sciens Holdings (17.07 pct) were top losers.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Industrials: +3.45%

Commercial: +0.46%

Construction: +0.44%

Oil & Gas: -1.28%

Personal & Household: +1.93%

Raw Materials: +0.85%

Travel & Leisure: +2.31%

Technology: +1.83%

Telecoms: +0.78

Banks: +2.66%

Food & Beverages: +2.27%

Health: +2.84%

Utilities: -0.76%

Financial Services: +0.23%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 1,36

Public Power Corp (PPC): 2,61

HBC Coca Cola: 14,73

Hellenic Petroleum: 5,63

National Bank of Greece: 1,41

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 0,69

OPAP: 5,3

OTE: 2,6

Bank of Piraeus: 0,24

Titan: 12,95

[28] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates continued moving lower. The 12-month rate eased to 0.81 pct, the six-month rate fell to 0.54 pct, the three-month rate was 0.28 pct and the one-month rate was 0.12 pct.

[29] ADEX closing report

General News

[30] Bicycle tour in Nafplio and Mycenae organised by Bavarian TV

This year the cruiseship "BERLIN" will dock at the port of Nafplio on September 4 and a team of cyclists will visit the historic city of Nafplio and the archaeological site of Mycenae.

The Municipality of Nafplio will organise in the honour of the German cyclists a Greek evening in the city's central square. On September 5, a team of 220 German cyclists, accompanied by local cyclists, will leave Nafplio port for Mycenae where they will be given a tour of the archaeological site.

Live highlights of the bicycle tour and the visit to Mycenae will be broadcast by BR and a 45-minute documentary will be taped to be shown on Bavarian TV.

[31] Series of concerts organised by Belgian Embassy

Belgian pianist Elke Robersscheuten and Greek cellist Angelos Liakakis will give three concerts, with free entrance to public, starting from Thessaloniki on September 4, Veria on September 5, and Athens on September 7. All concerts will start at 20:30.

The two musicians will perform works of Joseph Jongen, Nikos Skalkotas, August De Boeck and Cesar Franck.

The programme is taking place for the second consecutive year.

[32] Armata 2012: Re-enactment of Naval Battle of Spetses

Spetses is one of eight European cities participating in the European Network of Historical Reconstructions (re-enactments). In each of the participating cities -- Brussels (Belgium), Dublin and Cork (Ireland), Bailen (Spain), Slavkov (the Czech Republic), Tewkesbury (Britain), and Hydra and Spetses (Greece) -- the reproductions are considered historic events.

The Battle of Spetses was fought on the night of September 8, 1822, during the Greek War of Independence, and is re-enacted on the same day each year on Spetses.

On 8 September, 1822 the Ottoman navy set sail from Monemvasia to bring supplies to the Ottoman fortress of Palamidi in Nafplion, which at the time was under siege by the ground forces of Alexander Ypsilantis and the naval forces of Laskarina Bouboulina. The plan also included attacks on the rebelling Greek islands of Spetses and Hydra en route to Nafplion.

As it neared the islets of Trikeri and Spetsopoula, the Ottoman navy faced the naval forces of the islands of Spetses, Hydra and Psara under the command of Andreas Miaoulis, who ordered the Greek navy to sails towards the Argolic Gulf and lure the Ottoman navy away from the islands. However, in fear of putting Spetses' security at risk, most of the ships' captains ignored Miaoulis' command and instead opened a direct attack against the Ottoman navy.

The battle between the small Greek naval force and the huge Ottoman navy was fierce. Spetsiote captain Kosmas Barbatsis heroically manoeuvred his ship next to the Ottoman flagship and burned it down. Most of the Ottoman fleet was burnt or sunk in the battle, and the remaining Ottoman ships retreated. As a result, the Ottoman navy never reached Nafplion, which was liberated by the Greek freedom fighters two-and-a-half months later, on November 30.

The re-enactment of the sinking of the Ottoman flagship is the climax in a week of cultural and other events commemorating the Battle of Spetses and celebrating the Panaghia Armata.

The events, which open on Monday, September 3 and conclude on Sunday, September 9, include an exhibition of traditional folk costumes from the Aegean, an exhibition of photographs by D. Papadimos titled "From Egypt to Spetses", an exhibition of paintings by Al. Tsironis and D. Tassoulis, a children' s choir concert, shadow theatre, Latin dances by a local dance troupe, a rock concert by the group Soul-less, and other musical performances.

[33] Teacher arrested for child porn had placed hidden cameras in classroom, police say

Police said a total of 80 computer videotapes were found, while the hidden camera had been placed at a spot in the classroom so as to tape the genital area of the pupils without detection.

The 42-year-old man was a teacher at a highschool in Pieria, and was arrested in January 2010 after a police search of his residence in Aghios Pavlos, Thessaloniki, turned up a PC, five hard disc drives, 42 CDs and DVDs and 3,000 files containing child porn material, all of which had been confiscated.

After the arrest, the education ministry had ordered a Sworn Administrative Inquiry (EDE).

The results so far of the analysis of the confiscated material and the investigation, which is continuing, have been submitted to the Thessaloniki prosecutors' office.

[34] Wildfire receding on Rhodes

Efforts to extinguish the blaze were continuing with assistance by firefighting aircraft and the authorities hope to place it under control before nightfall on Wednesday.

According to reports, the wildfire was started arsonists since the remains of an improvised incendiary device were found at the location where it started.

[35] Wildfire in NW Florina continues

[36] 98 Illegal migrants repatriated

The foreign nationals left from International Athens Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" with destinations Dhaka, Algiers, Dhakkar, Islamabad and Lahore.

The repatriation operation of illegal migrants to their country of origin is being held within the actions against illegal migration and is covered by the European Fund for Repatriations.

[37] Armed robbery in bank

The perpetrator put the cash in a bag and fled on the motorcycle.

[38] Reactions in Corinth over migrant detention centre

A meeting was held in the prefecture's chamber of commerce, attended by local MPs, representatives of police associations, the deputy governor of Corinth, the mayor, the chamber president and the head of the local health service.

All present repeated their criticism, alleging that the government resorted to summary procedures in order to turn an active military base into a migrant detention centre.

[39] The Wednesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "The hour of decisions".

AVGHI: "The bankruptcy lobby".

AVRIANI: "Venizelos' rebellion shakes the government's coalition".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Orgy of wasteful spending in Aristoteleio University of Thessaloniki".

ESTIA: "Democracy or rallies?".

ETHNOS: "1% cut in pensions ".

KATHIMERINI: "Samaras, main opposition SYRIZA head on collision ahead of (announcement of) measures".

LOGOS: "Government coalition threatened".

NAFTEMPORIKI: "Government studies special economic zones".

RIZOSPASTIS: "Respond to the new antisocial measures with general strike".

TA NEA: "Armed forces payrolls saved, pensioners sink".

36, TSOCHA ST. ATHENS 115 21 GREECE * TEL: 64.00.560-63 * FAX: 64.00.581-2 INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.ana-mpa.gr/ * e-mail: anabul@ana gr * GENERAL DIRECTOR: ILIAS MATSIKAS

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