Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 12-09-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM receives French FinMin Moscovici

[02] Venizelos and Moscovici send message of determination for Greece

[03] 'France is always on the side of Greece', French FinMin Moscovici says

[04] Gov't: Labour costs reduced; no reason for more measures

[05] IMF spokesman: 'Good arguments' for extension of bailout conditions

[06] FinMin dismisses notion of another bailout

[07] Government withdraws article on state's settlement with Siemens

[08] PASOK accuses SYRIZA of demagogy over Siemens settlement

[09] SYRIZA accuses PM Samaras of 'blind obedience to memorandum policy'

[10] SYRIZA MPs table question for labour minister regarding 'Troika' demands

[11] PASOK leader Venizelos meets with visiting CPC delegation

[12] Independent MP signs request for Parliament inquiry into debt crisis

[13] KKE leader calls for grass-roots mobilisation against crisis, defends KKE strategy

[14] FM in US next week, to address UN Gen. Assembly, meet with UN chief

[15] Foreign ministry: fYRoM leadership expressing 'extreme positions'

[16] Greece's position on Kosovo remains steadfast, FM spokesman says

[17] Athens' dynamic presence in Euro-Med cooperation underlined by UfM SG

[18] Public order minister makes surprise inspection visit to Patras

[19] Parliamentary com't condemns violence by far-right MPs

[20] Prosecutor refers case against GD MP to Parliament

[21] Unemployment skyrockets to 23.6pct in Q2

[22] Greece-EIB sign agreement for liquidity to market

[23] EIB funding for hwy projects eyed

[24] Deputy Development minister discusses cooperation between Greek and Chinese businesses

[25] Greek exports to Turkey up 48.41 pct in H1

[26] OTE begins dialogue over voluntary retirement plan

[27] Greek unions declare general strike on September 26

[28] Paraplegics Federation demonstration at Finance Ministry

[29] Greek coastal shipping sector posts losses

[30] Business Briefs

[31] Stocks end down on profit taking

[32] Greek bond market closing

[33] ADEX closing report

[34] Foreign Exchange rates - Friday

[35] Aeschylus 'returns' to ancient Theater of Dionysus 2,500 years later

[36] Foreign nat'ls arrested on drug trafficking charges

[37] Rainy on Friday

[38] The Thursday edition of Athens' newspapers at a glance Politics

[01] PM receives French FinMin Moscovici

The meeting, which took place one day ahead of an informal Eurogroup meeting in Nicosia, took place in a "very good climate", according to government sources.

Moscovici, the first French finance minister to officially visit Greece since 1998, also met with his Greek counterpart Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras on Thursday afternoon, with no statements made after the meeting.

Earlier, Samaras met with the president of the European Investment Bank (EIB) president Werner Hoyer, for talks that were also attended by Stournaras and Hatzidakis.

[02] Venizelos and Moscovici send message of determination for Greece

Venizelos stressed that Moscovici conveyed "very strong messages" by the president of the French Republic and the French government "for a Greece steadily European, inside the euro, a Greece that deserves to become a place for investments, that has strong prospects and for a reliable Greece that must observe its commitments and must complete the fiscal adjustment".

The French Finance minister said that "we desire real adjustments to take place, cutbacks to be made", stressing however that "in no way should all these programmes, and it is something we rule out, take place in a unilateral way, in a way that will cause pain and in a way that will be punitive for Greece".

He also pointed out that "we desire a Greece where justice will prevail" and that "we desire that Europe shows all its solidarity to Greece", referring to the relevant statement by the French president, Francois Hollande.

Moscovici also said that the French side has the same approach to things with Venizelos and added that "we are relying a great deal on his support for this programme".

[03] 'France is always on the side of Greece', French FinMin Moscovici says

Moscovici stressed that "our feeling is that things are going in the right direction".

He said that there is a word that is common in the mouths of all, the word "determination", a word that he reiterated many times in his brief interview.

Moscovici expressed the conviction that "the Greek government has the will" to proceed with the necessary reforms and wished "this will to turn into actions, so that we will soon have an agreement between Greece and the troika that will be ratified by the Eurogroup and then by the European Council".

Returning to the word "determination", he said that "it means structural reforms, a more effective public administration, social justice, modernisation of the economy".

He also referred at this point to the technical assistance and support offered by France through the task force and underlined that all efforts aimed at the exit from the crisis have France's support.

The French minister also stressed "on the part of French President Francois Hollande" that "it is important for the Greek people to gain hope, if there is justice, and recovery and referred to the expression by the Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras for there to be "light in the tunnel".

At the same time that Europe is calling for respect for the commitments, he said, "we must also see economic growth as well, so that the sacrifices will not be in vain, but a better life for the Greeks."

Referring to bilateral economic relations, the French Finance minister said that during his meeting at noon with French businessmen who are active in Greece they reassured him that they are bound with Greece and desire to stay. "We decided, indeed," he added, "to strengthen trade bonds and improve the operating conditions of businesses."

Stressing that his presence in Athens is a visit of friendship that is taking place "in difficult moments", Moscovici underlined that "France was always on the same side witrh Greece, desired its entry into the zone of the euro and today France is struggling for the integrity of the zone of the euro".

[04] Gov't: Labour costs reduced; no reason for more measures

"We have already lowered labour costs, and there is no reason for such issues to be tabled by the troika ... Negotiations are continuing for the best possible results," Kedikoglou said.

Furthermore, the government spokesman said Athens must persuade its partners that the country's external debt can be rendered viable.

He added that a pay reduction (6 percent) for law enforcement and military personnel, which is among the proposals in an 11.5+ billion-euro package of austerity measures, must be restored as soon as possible -- echoing previous statements by the government that pay cuts for such personnel will be restored when the state's finances improve.

[05] IMF spokesman: 'Good arguments' for extension of bailout conditions

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) spokesman on Thursday said there are "good arguments" for extending the period required for Greece to meet bailout targets.

However, spokesman Gerry Rice told a regular press briefing that a final decision depends on the ability to secure funding to cover any gaps created from such an extension.

Rice also referred to the efforts made by the Samaras government and the Greek people to deal with the economic crisis, reiterating the IMF's support for the implementation of "fair and balanced" measures.

Moreover, he said the goal of the EC-ECB-IMF "troika" is to the return the current (and second) economic programme "back on track".

He spoke only hours after Greece's representative to the IMF executive board, Thanos Catsambas, was quoted by the WSJ as saying that debt-laden country would require additional loans, described by the paper as a "third bailout agreement".

Asked if the IMF supports the restructuring of the country's debt by eurozone partners and the European Central Bank, Rice said the organisation is seeking two things for its Greek loan programme: debt sustainability and a fully-financed programme.

[06] FinMin dismisses notion of another bailout

Stournaras underlined that the country's positions are expressed by the prime minister and the minister of finance, a reference to the statements published by the press.

[07] Government withdraws article on state's settlement with Siemens

Alternate Finance Minister Christos Staikouras said that the specific article had been added to the draft bill in order to clear up a legal ambiguity that might have allowed Siemens to question the validity of the agreement. He stressed that criticism of the specific article in Parliamentary committee's and before the plenum were "just populism and conspiracy theories".

Staikouras noted that Siemens had admitted in a letter that the foreseen terms that would allow the agreement to go into force had already been met, making the passing of a new article superfluous.

According to SYRIZA MP Panagiotis Lafazanis, the fact that the government had backed down on the issue and the article had been withdrawn left the agreement with Siemens, "in limbo and absolutely void".

"There is no agreement with Siemens. It is now unconstitutional, legally invalid, without force and cannot generate legal results," Lafazanis claimed.

Other opposition parties, including the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and Independent Greeks, expressed satisfaction with this development, as did the Democratic Left (DIMAR) of the government coalition, which previously expressed reservations about the specific item of legislation.

The Golden Dawn (Chryssi Avgi) party, by contrast, insisted that the roll-call vote should go ahead, in spite of the fact that the article had been withdrawn, and finally walked out of the proceedings charging that the government and main opposition had "set up a show".

According to sources within the PASOK party, another member of the coalition government, PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos had personally contacted Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and Parliament President Evangelos Meimarakis on Thursday and called for the withdrawal of the "superfluous" legislation ratifying the agreement with Siemens, so as not to lend credence to SYRIZA's unfounded criticism and make the Parliamentary majority appear divided, especially given DIMAR's refusal to back the measure.

[08] PASOK accuses SYRIZA of demagogy over Siemens settlement

Genimmata said the withdrawal, by the government, of an article that concerns an agreement between Siemens and the Greek state should not be regarded as SYRIZA's victory, but as a response to its demagogy.

She pointed out that the agreement serves national interests, is valid and implemented as a law of the state after being ratified in parliament with a majority vote.

[09] SYRIZA accuses PM Samaras of 'blind obedience to memorandum policy'

SYRIZA said the prime minister "declared blind obedience to the memorandum policy while the European officials stated the need for Greece to continue on the disastrous path of the memorandum" and added that the "common stance of the European elite and the Greek government on the implementation of the memorandum is disastrous for both Greece and Europe."

The struggle of the European peoples for dignity and social justice is related to the reversal of the memorandums and of neoliberalism, the announcement cconcluded.

[10] SYRIZA MPs table question for labour minister regarding 'Troika' demands

Listing measures leaked to the press, such proposals for a six-day working week, 13-hour working day, lower employer contributions, an increase in the age of retirement to 67, minimum wages set by the government and measures facilitating dismissal of staff, the MPs ask Vroutsis to confirm whether he intends to adopt the new measures that demolish worker rights, as demanded by Greece's creditors.

They also challenge the government to demonstrate how increasing the working week, the number of hours worked each day and the age of retirement will help fight unemployment.

[11] PASOK leader Venizelos meets with visiting CPC delegation

Venizelos briefed the seven-member delegation on efforts made by Greece to overcome the economic crisis and highlighted the Bank of China contribution to this end by purchasing Greek state bonds.

The delegation expressed China's interest in forging even closer bilateral relations and its readiness to proceed with investments in Greece.

They thanked Venizelos for the role of the PASOK government in the evacuation of 13,000 Chinese nationals during the crisis in Libya and invited him to visit China.

[12] Independent MP signs request for Parliament inquiry into debt crisis

Sources at Independent Greeks stressed that the meeting was in no way linked to the possibility of Nikolopoulos joining the ranks of the Ind. Greeks.

The call for a Parliamentary probe requires 60 signatures in order for the proposal to be debated in Parliament and Kammenos has sent letters to all the political parties, asking them to back the request.

[13] KKE leader calls for grass-roots mobilisation against crisis, defends KKE strategy

Asked to comment on whether some forms of labour mobilisation, such as closing ports, might serve to alienate people from the KKE, Papariga noted that as the problems became more acute, the forms of action must keep step. When asked about the reduction in her party's appeal in the elections, she noted that she had never said "vote for KKE so we can solve your problems" and that KKE's failure to convince the electorate did not mean it was not right.

KKE would change its strategy, she added, if the EU contributed to improving the lives of peoples, if the capitalist crisis was abolished and there was a way out in favour of the people.

[14] FM in US next week, to address UN Gen. Assembly, meet with UN chief

A day earlier, Avramopoulos will brief the parliamentary standing committee on national defence and foreign affairs.

Avramopoulos will initially fly to Chicago, where he will meet with local Greek American community representatives, Greek Orthodox Church officials and Illinois state officials.

In New York, Avramopoulos will meet with UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon and with the UN chief's special envoy on the FYROM name issue Matthew Nimetz, while on the sidelines of the General Assembly he will have a series of bilateral meetings with colleagues from SE Europe, the Middle East and the Arab world.

The Greek foreign minister will also attend a working dinner organised by the International Institute for Peace in the Middle East, a dinner of the Cross-Atlantic Dialogue members, and a working breakfast organised b the Spanish and Moroccan foreign ministers on mediation in the Mediterranean region.

[15] Foreign ministry: fYRoM leadership expressing 'extreme positions'

Responding to a press question on the future of negotiations under UN special envoy Matthew Nimetz as regards the still unresolved "name issue" between Greece and the neighbouring country, Delavekouras cited what he called "problematic relations" between fYRoM and almost all of its neighbours. He also reminded that "fYRoM retains a European prospect thanks to the Thessaloniki Agenda", taken at the 2003 EU Summit meeting.

Delavekouras expressed a hope that the landlocked country's leadership will change course and adhere to European standards, pointing out that Greece is potentially a "close ally" of this country, "if only a fair and viable solution to the name issue is promoted".

Asked about an invitation for a meeting with the Greek prime minister, extended by fYRoM Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, the spokesman said that "publicity stunts, harsh rhetoric and insults" do not constitute honest political will for progress.

"Greece has proved its desire for a solution at the negotiating table," he underlined.

[16] Greece's position on Kosovo remains steadfast, FM spokesman says

Delavekouras noted that Greece had been a leader in the efforts for European incorporation of the region, stressing Athens' unwavering position that "viable and steady solutions must always be sought".

[17] Athens' dynamic presence in Euro-Med cooperation underlined by UfM SG

In an interview with AMNA, he said "we should respond to the new realities and challenges," underlining that his visit to Athens is linked with the preparation of actions to be undertaken by Greece in 2014 when it will take over the rotating EU Presidency.

He also noted that jobs creation and the reinforcement of regional cooperation is an urgent need for the Arab countries of the Mediterranean.

The UfM is a multilateral partnership that encompasses 43 countries from Europe and the Mediterranean Basin on an equal basis which, according to its secretary general, is a "novelty" compared to the efforts for cooperation made so far in the region.

[18] Public order minister makes surprise inspection visit to Patras

Dendias also met with Western Greece police chief Ioannis Siamos and Achaia police chief Athanassios Kyriakopoulos, who briefed the minister on the measures that have been taken, especially in the port of Patras and at the Araxos civil airport.

Sources said that Dendias was also briefed by local police on the arrests made over the past three months in a clampdown on illegal migration, and discussed additional measures that could be taken in the immediate future.

[19] Parliamentary com't condemns violence by far-right MPs

The committee suggested holding an off-the-agenda discussion on such instances in case they continue, while it condemned the violent incidents held with the participation of Golden Dawn MPs, and expressed the hope that the executive power representatives will deal with the issue quickly and effectively.

Meanwhile, a case file against far-right Golden Dawn MP Constantinos Barbarousis has been forwarded to Parliament, requesting that the MP's Parliamentary immunity be lifted so that he be prosecuted and tried.

Barbarousis is charged with attempting to impersonate police and morally instigating damage to foreign property in connection with incidents in which Golden Dawn supporters smashed up stalls run by foreign nationals at a Messolongi open-air market.

[20] Prosecutor refers case against GD MP to Parliament

Barbarousis is charged with attempting to impersonate authority and morally instigating damage to foreign property in connection with incidents in which GD supporters smashed up stalls run by foreign migrants at the Messolongi open-air market.

Financial News

[21] Unemployment skyrockets to 23.6pct in Q2

ELSTAT, in a report, said that in the 2nd Quarter of 2012 the number of employed amounted to 3,793,147 persons while the number of unemployed amounted to 1,168,761. The unemployment rate was 23.6% compared with 22.6% in the previous quarter, and 16.3% in the corresponding quarter of 2011.

The number of employed persons decreased by 1.2% compared with the previous quarter, and by 8.7% compared with the 2nd Quarter of 2011. The number of unemployed persons increased by 4.3% compared with the previous quarter and by 44.2% compared with the 2nd Quarter of 2011.

The unemployment rate for females (27.3%) is considerably higher than the unemployment rate for males (20.8%). By observing the unemployment rate for different age groups, it arises that the highest unemployment rate is recorded among young people in the age group of 15-24 years (53.9%). For young females, the unemployment rate is 62.1%.

As regards the educational attainment level, the unemployment rate is higher among persons who have not attended school (35.8%), and among those who have completed secondary education or tertiary and post-secondary vocational education (26.0%). The lowest unemployment rates are observed among persons who have completed postgraduate studies or have doctorates (12.9%), and among those who have completed university (16.2%).

The percentage of the "new" unemployed, that is the percentage of persons who entered labour market for the first time, is 23.3%. It is noted that the percentage of the "long term" unemployed, that is the percentage of persons that have been looking for a job for more than 1 year (irrespectively of being "new" or "old" unemployed), is 59.0%.

The unemployment rate is higher for persons of foreign nationality (32.5%) compared with those of Greek nationality (22.7%). It is also noted that the percentage of the economically active persons with foreign nationality is much higher than the corresponding percentage for persons of Greek nationality (71.1% compared to 51.7%).

The geographical areas (NUTS II regions) with the highest unemployment rate are Western Macedonia (30.0%) and Sterea Ellas (28.4%). The lowest unemployment rates are observed in Ionian Islands (14.3%) and Southern Aegean (15.3%).

During the 2nd Quarter of 2012, 76,837 persons who were unemployed one year ago found a job. During the same period, 36,869 persons who were inactive one year ago found employment. On the contrary, 224,691 persons who were working one year ago, during the 2nd Quarter of 2012 are unemployed and 97,939 persons, who were working, are now inactive. In addition, 118,153 persons who were inactive one year ago, during the 2nd Quarter of 2012 entered labour market and are searching for a job.

In an examination of changes in employment by different sector of economic activity, it is seen that compared to the 2nd Quarter of 2011 there was a decrease in employment in all sectors. In the primary sector the decrease was 3.1%, in the secondary 15.0% and the tertiary sector 8.1%.

The percentage of part time employment amounts to 7.3% of the total of the employed. The percentage of part timers who chose to work part time because they cannot find a full time job is 60.3%, while 9.3% chose a part time job for other personal or family reasons, 5.6% because they are looking after children or incapacitated adults and 24.7% for other reasons.

The percentage of employees is estimated at 63.2% of the total of the employed persons and is by far lower than the mean percentage of employees in the European Union, which is 80%.

[22] Greece-EIB sign agreement for liquidity to market

The accord was signed in Athens by Greek finance minister Yannis Stournaras and EIB president Werner Hoyer.

Hoyer told reporters afterwards that the agreement was a message to the Greek and European peoples that "we will stay here and increase the EIB's activities, with this liquidity package, which will give momentum to the SMEs (small and medium size enterprises)".

Hoyer, who had earlier visited the central Bank of Greece (BoG) called the recapitalization of the banks very important, because it helps the real economy.

According to a Greek finance ministry announcement, the agreement provides for the immediate disbursement of funds of up to 750 million euros by the EIB.

The "guarantees protocol agreement" unblocks the disbursement of loans, while at the same time creates new funding with the guarantee of the Greek state.

Under the agreement, the disbursement of a total of 750 million euros in loans may proceed in areas such as energy, education, transports and SMEs.

More specifically, the SMEs will absorb approximately one million euros from the total package, which will give a significant liquidity injection to the market, according to the ministry.

"It is an important development that will bring real money to the economy at a time when the lack of liquidity has caused asphyxiating problems on the market," Stournaras is cited as saying.

[23] EIB funding for hwy projects eyed

The two sides also discussed the development bank's participation in several major projects and specifically the construction of two major highway projects by separate consortia, while satisfaction was expressed by the Greek side regarding the increased liquidity that the agreements with the European Investment Bank generated for the domestic market.

By 2015, the bank will channel loans totaling 1.7 billion euros, of which 1.4 billion concern SMEs. The first 900 million euros will be disbursed by January 2013.

[24] Deputy Development minister discusses cooperation between Greek and Chinese businesses

Emphasis was also placed on the sectors of the economy, trade and investments and Mytarakis briefed his interlocutor on the privatisations programme that the government is implementing.

On his part, Li Faquan reassured that he will brief the Chinese leadership as well as the Chinese companies on the investments opportunities in Greece. He also invited the Greek deputy minister to visit the region of Shangdong (where 96.7 million Chinese citizens live) for them to probe the sectors in which bilateral and regional economic and trade cooperation could be strengthened.

[25] Greek exports to Turkey up 48.41 pct in H1

A report by the Greek embassy in Ankara said that Greek exports to Turkey more than tripled in the first half of 2012 compared with the same period in 2009.

Greek exports were mostly fuel (69.99 pct of total exports). Excluding fuel, exports grew by 13.96 pct. Exports of fruit and farm products continued falling steadily, while raw materials and industrial products showed a dynamic increase.

On the other hand, Turkey's exports to Greece fell by 17 pct to 488.8 million euros in the first six months of the year, from 595.9 million euros in the first half of 2011.

[26] OTE begins dialogue over voluntary retirement plan

An OTE internal document said that during the meeting, the management presented the group's financial situation and called for a dialogue over a package of socially responsible solutions examined aimed to adapting the workforce the group's needs following a restructuring program and lower demand for its services.

Under the plan, OTE seeks to implement a voluntary retirement program for workers nearing retirement age offering full social insurance coverage. The management also noted that OTE must evolve into a company distinguished for its excellence in customer service and operating efficiency.

[27] Greek unions declare general strike on September 26

"We categorically reject government intervention for legislation setting minimum wages and hourly rates in the private sector, the abolition of free collective bargaining, and all plans at the orders of the creditors to reduce compensation and increase the age of retirement," a GSEE announcement said.

The union warned that as long as Greece's creditors insisted on the implementation of policies leading nowhere, the opposite of trade unions will intensify.

[28] Paraplegics Federation demonstration at Finance Ministry

A spokesperson for the federation said that if there request for an audience with the minister is refused, the demonstrators will then head to parliament to seek its intercession.

A demonstration by the associations of visually impaired persons will take place outside the finance ministry at noon Thursday.

[29] Greek coastal shipping sector posts losses

The four largest coastal shipping companies, ANEK, NEL, Minoan Lines and Attica, are estimated to have lost more than 55 million euros in their six-month turnovers, with accumulated losses estimated at 94 million euros in the January-June period.

Association of Passenger Shipping Companies sources told AMNA that the coming winter would be a very difficult period for the sector, as reduced income has already cut passenger traffic, while fuel prices remained at very high levels.

Fuel costs accounted for 60 pct of operating costs in a vessel, with the price of diesel oil rising to 594 euros per ton this year, up from 480 euros in 2011 and 380 in 2010.

Apostolos Ventouris, the Association's president, in a letter announced its resignation from the post warning that coastal shipping companies are in the verge of collapse.

In his letter, Ventouris said authorities persistently dismissed his repeated calls for any real, radical change, or reform in the sector, and urged the government to immediately look into the sector's problems.

[30] Business Briefs

-- Greece's import price composite index in the industrial sector rose 3.4 pct in July, compared with the same month last year, after an 8.7 pct increase in July 2011, the Hellenic Statistical Authority announced on Thursday.

-- Public Power Corporation on Thursday said it will receive 32.9 million euros as compensation for its decision to waive its option to buy 30 pct in DEPA, after reaching an agreement with the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund.

[31] Stocks end down on profit taking

The Big Cap index dropped 4.19 pct and the Mid Cap index ended 3.19 pct lower. The Technology (1.54 pct) and Constructions (0.89 pct) were the only sectors to move higher, while Banks (6.26 pct), Raw Materials (6.22 pct), Oil (4.74 pct) and Food (4.60 pct) suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day.

Eurobank (5.71 pct), Titan (0.86 pct) and MIG (0.35 pct) were the only blue chip stocks to end higher, while Cyprus Bank (12.46 pct), Alpha Bank (8.24 pct), National Bank (6.86 pct) and Mytilineos (6.25 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 89 to 55 with another 21 issues unchanged. Nutriart (19.35 pct), Sprider Stores (17.78 pct) and Sato (16.95 pct) were top gainers, while VIS (30 pct), Varvaresos (19.91 pct) and Mohlos (13.04 pct) were top losers.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Industrials: -1.66%

Commercial: -2.43%

Construction: +0.89%

Oil & Gas: -4.74%

Personal & Household: -4.41%

Raw Materials: -6.22%

Travel & Leisure: -3.00%

Technology: +1.54%

Telecoms: -3.85%

Banks: -6.26%

Food & Beverages: -4.60%

Health: -2.48%

Utilities: -4.48%

Financial Services: -2.57%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank, OPAP, Alpha Bank and EFG Eurobank Ergasias.

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

Alpha Bank: 1.56

Public Power Corp (PPC): 3.68

HBC Coca Cola: 14.02

Hellenic Petroleum: 6.57

National Bank of Greece: 1.90

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 1.10

OPAP: 6.22

OTE: 3.00

Bank of Piraeus: 0.41

Titan: 14.12

[32] Greek bond market closing

In interbank markets, interest rates were largely unchanged. The 12-month rate was 0.75 pct, the six-month rate was 0.51 pct, the three-month rate 0.26 pct and the one-month rate 0.12 pct.

[33] ADEX closing report

[34] Foreign Exchange rates - Friday

U.S. dollar 1.310

Pound sterling 0.813

Danish kroner 7.565

Swedish kroner 8.636

Japanese yen 101.74

Swiss franc 1.231

Norwegian kroner 7.530

Canadian dollar 1.278

Australian dollar 1.254

General News

[35] Aeschylus 'returns' to ancient Theater of Dionysus 2,500 years later

Dedicated to Greece's archaeologists and all those working on the preservation and restoration of the country's ancient theaters, the concert will feature the world premiere of noted composer George Kouroupos' work "Monologue", which is based on two monologues from Aeschylus' tragedy Prometheus Bound.

The Theatre of Dionysus Eleuthereus is a major open-air theater on the southern slope of the Athens Acropolis and one of the earliest preserved in Athens. It was dedicated to Dionysus, the god of wine and the patron of drama and hosted the city's Dionysia festival in honor Dionysus.

These dramatic festivals were competitive among playwrights and involved the production of four plays, three tragedies and one satyr play featuring lighter themes. It was the venue of the first performances of the plays of the classical era tragedians (who competed there and whose works survive today) Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Menander, and the comedies of Aristophanes. Aeschylus, in fact, won the competition of 480 BC in the Theater of Dionysus with his famous Oresteia trilogy (Agamemnon, Choephori and Eumenidis).

Aptly, the Aeschylean monologues that will be heard in this unique performance come from another trilogy, as Prometheus Bound is the first play in a trilogy referred to as the Prometheia and survives in full, whereas the second and third plays, Prometheus the Fire-Bringer and Prometheus Unbound, survive only in fragments.

It is of immense historic significance as it is here that the masterpieces of ancient drama were first performed.

The Greek authorities announced in late 2009 a 6-year, 6 million euro program for the partial restoration of the ruined marble theater, slated for completion by 2015, which includes extensive modern additions to the surviving stone seats.

A small section of the theater's stone seating, which could hold up to 15,000 spectators, still survives, to which restorers will gradually add several tiers using both recovered ancient fragments and new stone. Retaining walls and other parts of the building will also be strengthened.

[36] Foreign nat'ls arrested on drug trafficking charges

Six men, three Tunisians, two Iraqis and an Algerian, as well as a woman from Serbia, were arrested after police found and seized 147.7 grams of heroin, 746.7 grams of unprocessed cannabis and 6,000 euros in cash.

In a separate drug trafficking case, police arrested another three foreign nationals, an Egyptian, an Iraqi and a Syrian.

A search of the Egyptian's apartment in the Egaleo district revealed 26.3 grams of heroin, a large amount of money in euros and foreign currencies, as well as a hunting knife and an air pistol.

Weather forecast

[37] Rainy on Friday

[38] The Thursday edition of Athens' newspapers at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "Despair closed the center of Athens again - 'Capital' of protest demonstrations - Workers of various professions protested against the harsh austerity measures".

AVGHI: "They're giving everything away, and hiding".

AVRIANI: "The sale of OPAP changes the climate".

ETHNOS: "Jackpot with express privatizations".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Heating oil subsidy for few, and with coupon".

ELLADA: "Samaras fears overturn (of government)".

ESTIA: "Those who create jobs".

IMERISSIA: "High expectations on the Athens Stock Exchange".

KATHIMERINI: "Tough bargaining over layoffs, labor issues".

NAFTEMPORIKI: "Four large thorns obstruct agreement (on the measures)".

NIKI: "Earn good money with time deposits".

RIZOSPASTIS: "The 38th KNE (KKE youth organization) Festival opens today".

TA NEA: "They're 'cutting' the layoffs and 'pasting' the retirement age".

TO PONTIKI (weekly): "Rich 'beggars'."

VRADYNI: "Loans: The banks refuse but the courts write off".

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

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