Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 13-04-09

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

Politics

CONTENTS

[01] FinMin reiterates assurance: Deposits in Greece are totally secure

[02] FM Stournaras: 'Troika did not veto National Bank-Eurobank merger'

[03] Deposits in National Bank, Eurobank secure, govt' spokesman assures after postponement of merger

[04] FinMin says recapitalization of banking system at its final stage

[05] FinMin-Troika meeting postponed to Tuesday

[06] PASOK party leader to meet troika heads on Tuesday

[07] DIM.AR on developments in banking, public sector

[08] Main opposition leader demands immediate elections, cites 'resounding failure' of Memorandum

[09] Tsipras: SYRIZA-EKM will be in office "sooner or later"

[10] Tsipras 'politically irresponsible,' DIM.AR

[11] SYRIZA accuses gov't of shelving experts' report on German war reparations

[12] SYRIZA leader stresses need for overall upgrading of country's position

[13] SYRIZA-EKM boycotts private television talk-show

[14] Independent Greeks leader Kammenos says bank merger suspension was expected

[15] Deputy FM outlines ministry action to boost exports, assist economic recovery

[16] Greek Defence Minister on official visit to Lebanon

[17] ND proposal for post of second parliamentary vice-president

[18] Human rights movement says thousands of illegal migrants in detention centres are on hunger strike

[19] U.S. Consulate in Thessaloniki dismisses reports of its closure

[20] Greek banking sector poised for substantial changes

[21] Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras noted that "deposits in Greek banks are fully secure".

[22] Greece could face deeper recession in 2013, IOBE report

[23] EU Commission refuses comment on blocked NBG-Eurobank merger

[24] Eurobank begins effort to raise private capital

[25] National Bank, Eurobank boards to meet separately on Tuesday

[26] OTOE bank employee federation on developments in National Bank, Eurobank

[27] GSEE labour confederation opposed to creditors' demand on credit system

[28] Event for Greek farm products in Brussels on April 10

[29] Bank shares hit by massive sell-off on ASE

[30] Best Workplaces 2013 report released in Greece

[31] Car sales down 8.3 pct in March

[32] Foreign investors raise participation in ASE cap in March

[33] Greek stocks end roller-coaster session higher

[34] Greek bond market closing report

[35] ADEX closing report

[36] Foreign Exchange rates - Tuesday

[37] Ellinogermaniki Agogi organises art auction at Bonhams to help pay down Greek debt

[38] Greenpeace says 'coastal fishermen are the future'

[39] Six arrested in connection with armed robberies targeting elderly

[40] Labour Day holiday transferred to May 7; unions threaten strike on May 1

[41] Police find evidence that Trikala prison fugitives have left Peloponnese

[42] Trafficker arrested, illegal migrants detained near Larissa

[43] Foreign national sentenced to life for rape and murder

[44] Foreign national arrested for mugging elderly woman

[45] More contraband found during surprise raids in Trikala, Grevena prisons

[46] Foreign nationals arrested for setting up extortion racket

[47] Police seize 78 kilos hashish, arrest driver, after chase

[48] Super League result

[49] Rainy on Tuesday

[50] The Monday edition of Athens'dailies at a glance

[01] FinMin reiterates assurance: Deposits in Greece are totally secure

"There is no problem. In fact there is calm today," he said, referring to the suspension of procedures for the merger of two of Greece's systemic banks -- National Bank of Greece (NBG) and Eurobank -- that was announced on Sunday night.

Samaras chaired a meeting of the government's economic staff on Monday aimed at the better coordination and preparation for Stournaras' meeting on Tuesday afternoon with the heads of the European Commission (EC), European Central Bank (ECB) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Troika of Greece's international lenders.

Replying to press questions after the meeting, Stournaras said he could not say, at this stage, whether agreement with the Troika could be finalized before Friday so that disbursement of the next tranche of the EU/IMF bailout loan could be approved, and noted that he himself would be leaving on Thursday for Brussels (for a Eurogroup meeting).

At any rate, after Samaras' meeting with the Troika heads on Sunday, where the policy framework was set out, the two sides are very close to agreement on all fronts, according to highranking ministry officials.

[02] FM Stournaras: 'Troika did not veto National Bank-Eurobank merger'

Speaking in Parliament, Stournaras clarified that the merger did not go ahead because both banks told the Bank of Greece that they could not come up with the 10 pct of the needed capital. "Therefore, they can no longer be the judges of whether the merger can continue; the new shareholder must be the one to decide when recapitalisation is completed, and that will be the Financial Stability Fund. That does not mean the merger failed," the finance minister said. "It may go ahead or not, depending on which criteria the Fund selects, based on the public interest. Therefore, nobody vetoed it. I, for one, wish they could have found the 10 billion (euros)."

Independent Greeks party leader Panos Kammenos and main opposition Radical Left Coalition spokesman Panagiotis Lafazanis levelled charges of stock manipulation and data concealment, respectively, in the case of TT Hellenic Postbank, which Stournaras responded to by saying that the solution opted for protected public interest and guaranteed systemic balance, while guaranteeing all deposits.

Stournaras called on Kammenos to exhibit "more responsibility" and added that "had you taken the time to examine the progress of the TT Bank's shares in the stock market, you would have observed that its price had losses of about 90 pct within a year."

Following the banking system's recapitalisation, he said, the Financial Stability Fund will evaluate the best time to offer TT's shares with the best terms for the public interest. He asserted that shares of the new TT would be sold according to present laws.

[03] Deposits in National Bank, Eurobank secure, govt' spokesman assures after postponement of merger

"The deposits in National Bank and Eurobank are totally secure," Kedikoglou said, noting that the two banks were unable to raise the required 10 percent in private capital needed for their recapitalization. "It was a matter of Greek legislation, no extension could be given (to the recapitalization deadline)," he explained.

As for tackling the spiraling unemployment, he said this can be accomplished only through developmental measures. "We are at a critical turning point. We are awaiting the highway projects to re-start. We expect a lot. We are anticipating a 'positive shock' of liquidity," Kedikoglou said, adding that there is no question of new austerity measures being taken.

[04] FinMin says recapitalization of banking system at its final stage

"We are in the final stage of the recapitalization of the banking system today and the increase in share capital is of major primary importance that is expected to be completed by the end of April," Stournaras said, stressing in parallel that the 50 million euros are more than enough to cover it.

Stournaras pointed out that restructuring through mergers secures both the deposits and the jobs.

[05] FinMin-Troika meeting postponed to Tuesday

A high-ranking Finance Ministry official told ANA-MPA late Sunday night that deliberations with the Troika "have gone well, so far" and anticipated that they will be completed "in the coming days".

The main topics in the negotiations at this time are the mobility in the public sector and the immediate dismissal of civil servants who have been indicted for criminal offences, a settlement for taxpayers' payment of debts to the Tax Bureau and social security funds, and the new "single tax" on real estate that will replace the current extraordinary surtax (EETHDE) that is collected via electricity bills, the ministry source said.

[06] PASOK party leader to meet troika heads on Tuesday

Yiannis Maniatis and Filippos Sahinidis will be participating in the meeting.

In light of Tuesday's meeting, party sources reminded of the party's positions regarding public administration issues.

It is believed at PASOK that a solution can also be found on the issue of mobility in public administration, particularly after the acceptance by the troika of rule 1:1 in the framework of evaluation.

On the question of developments in the banking sector, the same sources noted that PASOK was from the start, and had expressed this, in favour of the merger between the National Bank and Eurobank with the aim, as they said, of there being a pylon that will serve public interest and constitute the "locomotive" of the real economy.

"However, even now, we point out that we cannot think that the National Bank will not be under Greek and public control," the stressed.

[07] DIM.AR on developments in banking, public sector

DIM.AR is one of the two junior partners in Greece's threeparty coalition government.

Speaking to Greece's state radio, he referred to assurances given by the minister responsible and by Bank of Greece (BoG) governor George Provopoulos that deposits in both banks are secure, regardless of the amount.

As regards the framework of an emerging agreement with the troika (EC-ECB-IMF) on the public sector, he underlined that "negotiations continue...there is no conclusion. The minister has our full backing...We believe that the proposal prepared by (Administration Reform Minister Antonis) Manitakis concerning the mobility of civil servants and the personnel accused of breach of duty is totally realistic and will finally be accepted by our partners...It is necessary that all 16 government ministries to help the process by presenting the information requested."

The DIM.AR spokesman added that "either way, the responsibility belongs to (Finance Minister Yannis) Stournaras." He also spoke about hypocrisy saying that those who all these years have "stuffed" the public sector with thousands of employees now point the finger at Manitakis, as if he was responsible for all the malfunctions of the public sector."

[08] Main opposition leader demands immediate elections, cites 'resounding failure' of Memorandum

Calling on Prime Minister Antonis Samaras to call immediate suspend negotiations with the European Commission (EC), European Central Bank (ECB) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Troika of Greece's international lenders and launch a tour of the southern EU countries aimed creating a front that disputes and will overturn the "neo-liberal German hegemony in Europe".

In his front-page article, titled "Give us the keys", Tsipras accused the government of "greeting the Troika with its hands at its sides", and called the two junior parties in the three-party coalition government, PASOK and Democratic Left (DIMAR) "quaint" and "unreliable".

Tsipras called on the prime minister to immediately freeze the "dead-end" discussions with the Troika and embark on a tour of the European south, with the "aim of agreement with the other governments of the European south that a solution similar to that agreed for Cyprus (haircut of bank deposits) will not be accepted, and to seek a new negotiating strategy so as to forge a broad front of forces that will dispute and overturn the neoliberal German hegemony in Europe".

"Otherwise, there is no meaning. Let it (government) turn the keys over to us from now. Let it call elections immediately, so that a new government, with a fresh mandate, with the Left at the core and the dynamic support of the large majority of society, may try to regain the time lost to the country from the Memorandum governance," wrote Tsipras, who severely criticised the Prime Minister, PASOK and DIMAR, as well as Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras.

[09] Tsipras: SYRIZA-EKM will be in office "sooner or later"

Addressing Hellenic Railways (OSE) employees, Tsipras said that the government is in a state of panic. He noted the reply given by Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras to troika (ECECB- IMF) representatives, when he warned them not to "push" the government any more "or you'll have to deal with Tsipras and SYRIZA."

Tsipras urged his audience to consider "what the country has lost in the past eight months, how many concessions have been made because the coalition government and Stournaras are sitting at the negotiating table".

Referring to SYRIZA's future rise to power, he said that this would unavoidably come about sooner or later "unless democracy is abolished in a European country," then adding that this was "perhaps their plan after all."

As for the troika representatives, he said that "they know that this is bound to happen and they are trying to get as much as they can from a government that is easy to handle." According to Tsipras, the coalition government's only plan was to "say yes to everything".

Commenting on a suspension of a planned merger of National Bank of Greece (NBG) and Eurobank, he said that this did not go through because it didn't suit the troika's plans. Should the troika later ask for a 'haircut' of Greek bank deposits as in Cyprus, he added, the Greek government will not have the courage to refuse considering its stance when Cyprus was targeted.

He opposed planned privatisations of important infrastructure and, referring to OSE, he said that it was an example of a"premeditated crime involving a sellout of public property".

Government reaction

Responding to the main opposition leader's statements, government spokesman Simos Kedikoglou noted that Tsipras, undismayed by his failure to convince anyone apart from Independent Greeks leader Panos Kammenos, was now trying to convince Greek voters to "give him the keys so that he can carry out his disastrous plans".

"Greeks will not do him the favour. Besides, not even the component-parties of SYRIZA don't give him their keys," Kedikoglou added.

He accused Tsipras of using "vulgar language that does not befit the leader of the main opposition" and called on him to realise that "he has a responsible institutional role".

PASOK reaction

Speaking on behalf of the PASOK party, the second-largest members of Greece's coalition government, PASOK press spokeswoman Fofi Gennimata accused Tsipras of "excessive haste, populism and demagoguery". The main opposition leader had not learned from his excessive haste in response to developments in the Cyprus issue, Gennimata said, adding that "populism and demogoguery run at breakneck speed" in SYRIZA-EKM.

[10] Tsipras 'politically irresponsible,' DIM.AR

DIM.AR was responding to statements made by the main opposition party leader to Hellenic Railways (OSE) employees earlier in the day, including a comment that SYRIZA "will sooner or later be voted into power, unless democracy is abolished in a European country." Tsipras added that this was "perhaps the plan [of the troika of lenders] after all."

"Unfortunately, the lack of existence of any plan on his part for Greece's future does not make him simply frivolous, it also makes him dangerous," responded DIM.AR in its statement.

[11] SYRIZA accuses gov't of shelving experts' report on German war reparations

SYRIZA, in an announcement, said that Prime Minister Antonis Samaras has in his hands, since March 8, an 80-page report containing facts, proof and legal arguments on the WWII occupation loan and the general reparations owed by Germany to Greece over the tribulations suffered by the country during the German Nazi occupation, and charged that the findings by the ad hoc committee of experts -- which it said was said up due to the pressure by SYRIZA -- was designated as "confidential", while the government sufficed in thanking the researchers and keeping quiet.

Following this development, justifiable questions arise as to whether the government, and Samaras personally, will continue to leave this document in a drawer, without making use of it, SYRIZA said.

The main opposition party recalled that "the only political leader who had the guts to put the issue of the German reparations and forced occupation loan to German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble was (SYRIZA leader) Alexis Tsipras, during their meeting in Berlin".

Conversely, the three-party government, "always eager to serve the interests of the lenders, did not dare whisper a single word, at the same time as it is struggling to sell off, at knock-down prices, the public assets and drain the very last revenues of the Greek people", SYRIZA continued.

[12] SYRIZA leader stresses need for overall upgrading of country's position

Tsipras announced that SYRIZA's alternative proposal, apart from a proposal of social change and reversal, is also a proposal on the overall upgrading of Greece's international position to enable Greece to obtain a leading role for the cause of peace in the Balkans, the Mediterranean and the Middle East and added that "through such a view we also naturally see the policy for the solution of our national issues".

The SYRIZA leader called on the government to support the upgrading of Interbalkan cooperation, an old idea of the left that remains timely, as he said. He also called on the government to say categorically no and in every possible way to a new war in the Middle East, "that appears to be planned already, against Iran this time."

Tsipras also said that the Greek government must stop being absent from the international initiatives that are being undertaken for the proclamation of the Middle East as a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.

On the question of SYRIZA's position on this issue, Tsipras announced that SYRIZA, also in the framework of constitutional revision, is thinking of proposing a new article in the Greek Constitution that will forbid anywhere in Greek territory the installation of nuclear weapons or the docking of nuclear-powered warships.

[13] SYRIZA-EKM boycotts private television talk-show

In a letter addressed to the Athens-based television station, SYRIZA accused Pretenteris of launching an unethical attack on its president and cadres.

"The efforts by Mr. Pretenteris to identify SYRIZA-EKM with the neo-Nazi Chryssi Avgi party, his personal attacks against SYRIZA-EKM's president, MPs and cadres using profanities that culminated in his recently targeting MP Zoi Constantopoulou with unethical sexist characterizations, leave us no other option than to suspend the participation of SYRIZA-EKM representatives in the TV talk-show Anatropi," the SYRIZA-EKM letter underlined.

"SYRIZA-EKM refuses to follow Pretenteris in his journalistic decadence. Our response to the 'journalist' in question is to treat him with contempt," a SYRIZA-EKM press office letter concluded.

[14] Independent Greeks leader Kammenos says bank merger suspension was expected

Kammenos had announced the development days ago in an exclusive statement to AMNA after meeting with Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras on March 27. Kammenos had doubted that the merger will be completed based on the briefing he had by the minister of finance.

The AN.EL leader spoke about speculation practices in the stock exchange as a result of the suspended merger and wondered "how can the government guarantee the bank deposits".

In statements made earlier in a private radio station, Kammenos disagreed with the solution prepared for the civil servants found guilty of breach of duty and called for their prosecution, saying characteristically that "those found guilty of violating their oath should go on trial and not just be allowed to go home".

[15] Deputy FM outlines ministry action to boost exports, assist economic recovery

The minister's statements were made ahead of an event on Tuesday to review the actions involving economic diplomacy in 2012 and the plans for 2013.

"The foreign ministry is fully aware of the importance of economic diplomacy and, through specific actions in the area of exports and energy, is contributing to the national effort," he said.

Kourkoulas noted the impressive rise in exports over the last four years, and listed government action taken to promote them, such as organising visits by business delegations to and from Greece, promoting Greek products at international trade fairs and organising mixed ministerial meetings to examine the entire range of economic relations with countries of high economic interest.

He also stressed Greece's intention to fully capitalise on its position as a member of the European Union, through active participation in negotiations now underway for an EU-Canada agreement on Free Trade Zones, as well as a possible future agreement between the EU and US.

Kourkoulas pointed out that the value of Greek exports in 2012 was 22 billion euros, up from 15.3 billion euros in 2009, while imports were reduced from 63 billion euros to 41 billion euros and the trade deficit reduced from 44 billion euros to 19.6 billion euros.

He said that 48 business delegations that had visited Greece during 2012, while another 31 business delegations from Greece had been organised with the assistance of the foreign ministry's economic and trade affairs bureau. There had also been 161 international trade fairs with the support of Greek embassies and 195 market research studies and surveys, while Greek embassy economic and trade affairs offices had received some 15,500 requests from firms in 2012, up from 4,000 in 2008.

[16] Greek Defence Minister on official visit to Lebanon

During his visit, Panayiotopoulos will meet with the state and government authorities of Lebanon, his Lebanese counterpart and the parliament president, the Chief of the Armed Forces as well as high ranking officials of the government and the opposition parties.

Moreover, Panayiotopoulos with hold talks with the head of the Religious Community of the Greek-Orthodox of Lebanon and will meet with the head of the head of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), in which Greece participates.

[17] ND proposal for post of second parliamentary vice-president

According to reports, a vote for the position wil be taking place at the plenary session on Thursday.

[18] Human rights movement says thousands of illegal migrants in detention centres are on hunger strike

According to the KEERFA human rights movement, three attempted suicides were committed in the past weekend in Amygdaleza detention centre, alleging "sordid and inhumane conditions" under which the illegal migrants are held.

The KEERFA representatives accused the justice ministry of attempting to conceal the situation and called for the support of trade unions, bar associations, MPs, local administration and Amnesty International.

[19] U.S. Consulate in Thessaloniki dismisses reports of its closure

The consulate clarified that, as announced on February 15, specific services to U.S. citizens and ratification services will be provided "periodically" in Thessaloniki after the end of May but on a regular basis by the U.S. Embassy in Athens.

The first visit by the consul for this purpose will be on July 30- 31, the announcement said.

Financial News

[20] Greek banking sector poised for substantial changes

The central Bank of Greece (BoG), in a statement issued late on Sunday said that a recapitalization process for all four systemic banks (National Bank, Alpha Bank, Eurobank and Piraeus Bank) will proceed as scheduled with the aim to be completed before the end of April. The Hellenic Financial Stability Fund (HFSF)will fully cover its part in the share capital increase schemes and has already paid in advance the necessary capital, part of the 50 billion euros approved and earmarked in the framework of a financial aid programme agreed for the recapitalization of the Greek banking sector. The stability of the Greek banking system is therefore secured, as are all bank deposits, the central bank noted.

Shortly after the statement released by the Bank of Greece (in agreement with the troika), National Bank's and Eurobank's managements notified the central bank that they were unable to raise the 10 pct of private capital needed for their recapitalization. As a result, the Financial Stability Fund will begin procedures to take over control of the two banks and proceed with their recapitalization.

The Fund, as the main shareholder of the two banks, will decide whether the merger plan will proceed at a later stage, or whether the two banks will be sold. A Finance ministry official said that merger procedures were temporarily postponed and the Fund will have a final decision over the future of the merger plan. Responding to reporters' questions over whether the Fund would be able to decide on the sale of the two banks separately, the official said that the Fund can reach any decision it wanted, based on its criteria.

[21] Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras noted that "deposits in Greek banks are fully secure".

[22] Greece could face deeper recession in 2013, IOBE report

IOBE's president Odysseas Kyriakopoulos presented the Institute's estimates for the Greek economy, saying that implementation of a recapitalization plan for Greek banks was progressing smoothly without any delays and will offer Greek banks to ability to channel liquidity in the domestic market. He noted that latest developments in a merger deal between National Bank and Eurobank were not directly linked with these procedures.

IOBE's officials said that Greece could fall into a much deeper economic recession this year, although they did not exclude a possibility of a positive surprise given the positive outlook for tourism and expectations of foreign investments in the country over the next three quarters.

Greek unemployment is expected to rise to 27.6 pct this year, while the inflation rate is projected to fall to zero for the first time in several decades.

[23] EU Commission refuses comment on blocked NBG-Eurobank merger

European Commission spokesman Simon O'Connor, representing European Commissioner Olli Rehn, on Monday declined to comment on a decision to suspend a planned merger between Eurobank and National Bank of Greece (NBG).

Following a European Commission statement last Friday that the 'troika' of Greece's creditors (European Commission, European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund) had not put forward any kind of veto to the merger plan, O'Connor on Monday avoided explanations concerning the reasons why the merger was subsequently prevented from going ahead. O'Connor declined all comment on the grounds that the troika was still making its assessment but said there was no cause for depositors with either bank to feel concerned.

[24] Eurobank begins effort to raise private capital

Eurobank sources said conditions prevailing in the market were extremely difficult, time was limited while the terms of the recapitalization did not favor attracting new private capital.

They noted, however, that despite these negative factors, Eurobank will give its battle to remain in the private sector and to play a role in forthcoming developments in the Greek banking sector. The same sources said the bank's employees and businessmen with confidence in the bank's management will participate in this effort. Eurobank needs a capital injection of 5.8 billion euros.

[25] National Bank, Eurobank boards to meet separately on Tuesday

Eurobank also said that a board meeting on Tuesday, 9 April will discuss a share capital increase plan.

Under Sunday's decision by the Bank of Greece, the country's central bank, the Financial Stability Fund will have the final decision on the future of a merger process between the two banks.

[26] OTOE bank employee federation on developments in National Bank, Eurobank

In its statement the union also charged the troika with aiming to control the Greek economy and all opportunities of national policy intervention developments in the future.

The government did not rise to the occasion and was bound by the memorandum options that the troika imposed on Greek society, the economy and the country, OTOE said, while it urged that this development that undermines the country's banking system in its entirety not be accepted in any way.

[27] GSEE labour confederation opposed to creditors' demand on credit system

GSEE charged the troika of lenders of Greece with using "unacceptable tactics and practices" and criticised the government for "adopting with noticeable ease proposals that prove that the final aim of the troika is none other than the country's economic and political control."

The confederation's announcement conludes, "If the government cannot resist the memorandum mandates, the working people are doing this with dynamic and effective struggles."

[28] Event for Greek farm products in Brussels on April 10

Chatzimarkakis has also invited 30 top chefs of Greece to Brussels to present the Greek cuisine during the closing of the event, which will be addressed by European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Maria Damanaki.

"It is not enough to say that Greece has top products. We ought to support their recognition and presence in Europea with specific promotional actions; one of these will be carried out in the heart of Europe," Chatzimarkakis said. "The European Commission and all its agencies and officials must understand the necessity and importance to Greece's development of supporting quality Greek products and nutrition over the next few years," he added.

[29] Bank shares hit by massive sell-off on ASE

National Bank and Eurobank shares are losing 30 pct to 0.364 euros and 0.105 euros, respectively, with a large volume of incomplete sell orders in the system (5,658,005 shares for National Bank and 543,796 for Eurobank).

National Bank's shares are down 71.78 pct so far this year, while Eurobank's shares are down 83.62 pct over the same period. National Bank's capitalization has fallen to 446 million euros and Eurobank's at 58 million euros.

The composite index of the market was down 2.5 pct to 802.40 points.

[30] Best Workplaces 2013 report released in Greece

The survey, compiled in cooperation with ALBA Graduate Business School, ranked 25 enterprises in three categories based on the number of their workforce.

The top 10 large enterprises, employing more than 251 workers, are: Elais-Unilever Hellas, Hygeia Hospital, Athens Brewery, Papastratos, Pepsico-Tasty Foods, Costa Navarino, Diamantis Masoutis, Teleperformance Hellas, Novartis Hellas and Pharmathen.

The top 10 mid-sized enterprises with a workforce up to 250 workers are: Microsoft Hellas, BAT Hellas, Melissa Kikizas Foods, Roche Hellas, MARS Hellas, SCA Hygiene Products, Genesis Pharma, General Mills, General Electric and Diageo Hellas. The top five small-sized enterprises with a workforce of up to 50 workers are: SAS Institute, Randstad, Sprint Integrated Communications, ActionAid Hellas and Royal Canin Hellas.

The Best Workplaces 2013 report was conducted in autumn 2012 and evaluation was completed in February 2013 in a sample of 51 enterprises.

[31] Car sales down 8.3 pct in March

The statistics service, in a report, said that car registrations totaled 6,011 units (new or used ones) in March compared with the same month last year, with passenger car sales falling by 7.7 pct.

A total of 19,437 vehicles were sold in the January-March period, down 16.6 pct from the same period in 2012 when car sales were down 31.8 pct.

Motorcycle sales fell 19.5 pct to 1,877 in March, after a 27.7 pct drop recorded in the same month last year. In the January- March period, sales of motorcycles totaled 5,420 units, down 5.1 pct from the corresponding period in 2012.

[32] Foreign investors raise participation in ASE cap in March

The value of transactions eased 0.1 pct to 1.179 billion euros in March, from 1.180 billion in February, but up 5.9 pct from March 2012. Average daily turnover rose to 65.52 million euros in March, from 59.02 million in February and 50.60 million euros in March 2012. The number of active investor codes eased to 35,841 in March from 37,872 in February.

The market's capitalization was 33.11 billion euros at the end of March, down from 38.18 billion a month earlier, but up from 28.60 billion euros in March 2012.

[33] Greek stocks end roller-coaster session higher

The composite index rose 0.74 pct to end at 829.08 points, off the day's lows of 799.04 points. Turnover remained a low 56.231 million euros. The Big Cap index rose 1.01 pct and the Mid Cap index ended 0.40 pct lower. The Telecoms (5.32 pct), Utilities (3.61 pct), Financial Services (3.49 pct) and Travel (2.13 pct) sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day, while Banks (3.04 pct), Health (2.71 pct) and Personal Products (1.68 pct) were top losers.

Eurobank (20 pct), OTE (5.32 pct), MIG (4.95 pct) and Alpha Bank (4.39 pct) were top gainers among blue chip stocks, while National Bank (10.38 pct), Eurobank Properties (4.27 pct) and Frigoglass (2.68 pct) were top losers. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 91 to 47 with another 21 issues unchanged.

Eurobank (20 pct), HOL (19.4 pct) and Voyatzoglou (15.56 pct) were top gainers while Alpha Grissin (20 pct), Pasal (20 pct) and Kreka (19.92 pct) were top losers.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Industrials: +0.05%

Commercial: -0.80%

Construction: -0.95%

Oil & Gas: +0.34%

Personal & Household: -1.68%

Raw Materials: +1.46%

Travel & Leisure: +2.13%

Technology: -0.14%

Telecoms: +5.32%

Banks: -3.04%

Food & Beverages: +0.99%

Health: -2.71%

Utilities: +3.61%

Financial Services: +3.49%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 0.60

Public Power Corp (PPC): 5.11

HBC Coca Cola: 19.50

Hellenic Petroleum: 7.23

National Bank of Greece: 0.47

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 0.18

OPAP: 6.25

OTE: 4.95

Bank of Piraeus: 0.16

Titan: 12.70

[34] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates remained largely unchanged. The 12-month rate was 0.54 pct, the nine-month rate was 0.44 pct, the six-month rate was 0.33 pct, the threemonth rate was 0.21 pct and the one-month rate was 0.12 pct.

[35] ADEX closing report

Volume on the Big Cap index totaled 6,714 contracts worth 8.850 million euros, with 26,258 open positions in the market.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 69,914 contracts worth 7.895 million euros, with investment interest focusing on National Bank's contracts (28,471), followed by Alpha Bank (16,844), Piraeus Bank (5,470), Eurobank (3,574), MIG (1,109), OTE (2,795), PPC (4,373), OPAP (966), Mytilineos (908), Ellaktor (1,875), Intralot (812), GEK (902), Hellenic Exchanges (436), Sidenor (238) and Frigoglass (116).

[36] Foreign Exchange rates - Tuesday

U.S. dollar 1.321

Pound sterling 0.863

Danish kroner 7.566

Swedish kroner 8.484

Japanese yen 130.39

Swiss franc 1.235

Norwegian kroner 7.565

Canadian dollar 1.344

Australian dollar 1.269

General News

[37] Ellinogermaniki Agogi organises art auction at Bonhams to help pay down Greek debt

Based on the findings of this survey, the majority of young people in Greece consider that political developments in the country have been moving in the wrong direction in recent years.

In reply to the question "In general lines, do you believe that things in Greece are moving in the right or the wrong direction," an overwhelming 87 percent of youngsters said they were going in the wrong direction, while only 5 percent considered they were going in the right direction. Another 5 percent replied 'neither' and 3 percent replied 'don't know'/won't answer'.

Conversely, young people seemed more optimistic about the future of Europe and the European Union as a whole, with 74 percent giving low probability that the EU will cease to exist in the next five years and just 18 percent considering that the converse is likely.

The works of art donated in support of the initiative will be sold at Bonhams in London during the spring 'Greek Sale' on April 24. The funds raised will be donated to the non-governmental, non-profit organisation "GreeceDebtFree" in order to buy Greek state bonds on the international market at prices much lower than the nominal value owed by the Greek state and the GDF will then help reduce debt by cancelling the bonds.

The event on Monday was attended by Education Minister Constantinos Arvanitopoulos, who stressed the symbolic significance of the donation, and Alternate Finance Minister Christos Staikouras, who noted that Europe took too long to realise that the crisis was systemic and make the right decisions.

Other speakers included the curator of Greece's National Gallery Marina Lambraki-Plaka, who spoke about the works of art, saying their message was "light and optimism".

Artists donating works for the spring Greek Sale include: Yiannis Adamakis, Costas Varotsos, Alexis Veroukas, Opy Zouni, Christos Carras, Dimosthenis Kokkinidis, Harry Lambert, Aphrodite Liti, Tasos Matzavinos, Natalia Mela, Vangelis Moustakas, Christos Bokoros, Dimitris Mytaras, Vana Xenou, Theodoros Papagiannis, Angelos Papadimitriou, Yiannis Parmakelis, Phaedon Patrikalakis, Costas Ramos, George Rorris, Edouardos Sakayan, Pavlos Samios, Vasilis Solidakis, Sotiris Sorogas, George Stathopoulos, Nikos Stefanou, Panayiotis Tetsis, Anna Maria Tsakali, Alecos Fassianos, Maria Filopoulou, George Hadoulis and Manolis Haros.

The prices of the specific works are exceptionally low and Bonhams is participating without charge.

[38] Greenpeace says 'coastal fishermen are the future'

In a press conference on board the icebreaker 'Arctic Sunrise', one of the three vessels of the organization that has docked at Flisvos Marina in greater Athens for a few days, they expressed support for coastal fishermen, stressing that they are the future of fisheries.

The Arctic Sunrise launched its European tour in Romania and in June it will be in Brussels for the European Fisheries Ministers' Council.

On Sunday, Greek members of Greenpeace built an 11-metrelong paper boat at Flisvos Marina, claiming a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

[39] Six arrested in connection with armed robberies targeting elderly

Among their suspected crimes was an attack on an 87-year-old man who was severely beaten in his home in Ermioni and left unaided, so that he finally died of his injuries. The group is also considered responsible for another eight attacks on elderly people and three attempted attacks, in Ermioni and Piraeus. Four suspects arrested in Kranidi were Greek nationals, aged 36, 29, 54 and 67 years old, respectively. They were charged with forming a criminal gang carrying out armed robberies, causing deadly bodily harm, using counterfeit money and violating laws on antiquities.

Also apprehended during a police operation in Ilion, west Attica on Sunday were two men aged 22 years old and 24 years old, respectively. Authorities are also seeking four Roma gypsies aged 24, 21, 22 and 31 years old in connection with the case, as well as two additional individuals.

Police consider that the suspects, in various combinations and on different occasions, acted together to commit robberies that mainly targeted elderly people in their homes. The suspects would enter with their faces concealed, beating and injuring their victims before tying them up and removing their valuables and money.

Between early November 2012 and until the time of their arrest, they are suspected of carrying out dozens of such armed robberies and attempted robberies. During police raids of the suspects' homes and vehicles in Kranidi, Argolida and Ilion, Attica, authorities found guns, ammunition, knives, nightsticks, masks, disguises, 27 cell phones and SIM cards, 57 counterfeit 50-euro notes, the sum of 40,500 euros and various items of jewellery, among other evidence. Police also seized three of the suspects' cars.

In total, they are accused of having stolen jewellery, goods and money exceeding 460,000 euros in value.

The suspects will be led before a Nafplio public prosecutor to be charged while authorities are continuing an investigation to locate and arrest the remaining suspects still at large.

[40] Labour Day holiday transferred to May 7; unions threaten strike on May 1

On their part, the country's trade unions are considering a nationwide general strike on May 1st regardless, stressing that it is 'a day of industrial action and not a moveable holiday'.

According to trade unionists, the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) has already decided to call a strike on May 1st, demanding measures against unemployment and the signing of a national collective labour agreement. The decision is expected to be formally announced on Wednesday by the new GSEE board.

The Communist Party-affiliated PAME labour organization, worker federations and individual trade unions have also decided to call strike action on May 1st.

[41] Police find evidence that Trikala prison fugitives have left Peloponnese

Fingerprints found in the interior of the car were identified as those of escaped convict Ermal Lita, who had also been identified as one of three robbers that took part in the shootout with police that caused Zogali's death.

As a result of their findings, police now consider that the fugitives have succeeded in eluding a police cordon in the Peloponnese and are extending their search throughout the country, with the Attica Security Police following up all leads that might lead to their capture.

[42] Trafficker arrested, illegal migrants detained near Larissa

In the suspect's car police found 14 illegal migrants, seven from Syria, two from Palestine and five Afghanis, among them a family with two minors.

An investigation turned up that the Bulgarian is a member of an international illegal migrant-smuggling ring comprising Bulgarian nationals who, in collaboration with Turkish traffickers, picks up illegal migrants at the Greek-Turkish border in Evros and transports them to Athens by car.

Police found in the suspect's possession confiscated two mobile phones, 45 euros in cash and 20 Bulgarian leva, while the car was also impounded.

The suspect was sent before a Larissa prosecutor, while the illegal migrants will be repatriated.

[43] Foreign national sentenced to life for rape and murder

The heinous crime was committed in November 2008 in the small town of Metamorphosis in Halkidiki, northern Greece. The two culprits had met the woman in a local bar. They waited for her outside her house, where she was hit on the head by the 40-year-old who covered her face with her jacket suffocating her to death. The woman was raped by her assailant while struggling for air.

After the rape and murder, the two entered the woman's house, from where they stole electronic devices and other objects. The crime was discovered a few days later when the woman's life partner, who lived abroad, contacted the police because he was unable to reach her.

The woman's body was found in the house and the two culprits were later captured following an investigation.

[44] Foreign national arrested for mugging elderly woman

The arrest was carried out on Sunday by police officers on patrol for pickpockets and muggers, who saw the suspect taking a gold chain from the elderly lady by force. A subsequent search in the suspect's home also revealed evidence of other thefts and a small quantity of cannabis.

[45] More contraband found during surprise raids in Trikala, Grevena prisons

A Sunday raid in Trikala prison brought to light small quantities of heroin, three improvised knives with fabric hilts, two mobile phones and SIM cards, five iron rods and two iron bars.

The raid in Grevena on Monday led to the discovery of three mobile phones and a charger.

Police are carrying out a preliminary investigation and drawing up charges in connection with the findings.

[46] Foreign nationals arrested for setting up extortion racket

A 43-year-old Romanian man and a 49-year-old Georgian were arrested in the Athens district of Nea Smyrni on Sunday, along with the 26-year-old Greek.

The three are accused of blackmailing a shop owner and impersonating authority. The 43-year-old had apparently tried to pass himself off as an INTERPOL officer and threatened to burn down the shop unless the owner paid him 150 euros per month.

The suspects were arrested by police after accepting 100 euros in marked bills. The 26-year-old also has a prior conviction for attempted theft.

[47] Police seize 78 kilos hashish, arrest driver, after chase

Police managed to stop the rented car after a 33-kilometer chase along the Ioannina-Kakavia stretch of the National Highway, and an ensuing search of the car revealed 78 kilos of hashish hidden in the vehicle.

Police believe the driver, who is a resident of Athens, picked up the narcotic at some point on the Greek-Albanian border.

Soccer

[48] Super League result

Standings after 28 weeks of play:

1. Olympiacos 73

2. PAOK 56

3. Asteras 53

4. Atromitos 42

5. PAS Yiannina 41

6. Xanthi 38

7. Panathinaikos 36

8. Panionios 35

9. Levadiakos 34

10. Platanias 33

11. OFI 31

12. AEK 30

13. Veria 30

14. Panthrakikos 30

15. Aris 29

16. Kerkyra 20