Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 13-10-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM: democratic trial for arrested Golden Dawn members

[02] Venizelos: GD issue to be handled 'within Constitution'

[03] Public Order minister chairs meeting on crime, public order

[04] Parliament president begins talks with parties; Syriza comments after meeting

[05] DIMAR leader: Legality the best answer to neo-Nazi party

[06] New law to stop state funding for parties whose members face criminal prosecution

[07] Golden Dawn leader gets extension to testimony date

[08] MP Kassidiaris to be charged as 'operations chief' of criminal organisation, sources say

[09] Police officers suspended, one arrested, on weapons charges; links to Golden Dawn alleged

[10] Police searches Golden Dawn MP Pappas' house in Ioannina

[11] Pavlos Fyssas' father, girlfriend testify before examining magistrate

[12] Weapons found in homes of arrested Golden Dawn deputies

[13] Golden Dawn MP identified as having fired gun at junta member's funeral

[14] Greece in talks with Med. countries over energy, FM Venizelos says

[15] Avramopoulos begins official visit to Cyprus

[16] KKE leader calls on communist parties to coordinate struggle against system of exploitation

[17] KKE sees 'dangerous developments' in the Cyprus issue

[18] Ministry reports acceleration of disciplinary procedures in the public sector

[19] Health Minister takes part in campaign to raise awareness of heart disease risk

[20] Defence Minister meets with German ambassador

[21] Greek PM meets company CEOs, business leaders in NY

[22] Maniatis meets with German head of energy sector trade union

[23] Abu Dhabi Mar deal for Hellenic Shipyards 'a huge scandal', SYRIZA's leader claims

[24] Crown Hellas Can returns to profitability, CEO says

[25] Pension spending in line with budget targets, minister says

[26] Greek SMEs need more efficient liquidity tools

[27] Agriculture Minister Tsaftaris visits major projects in northeast Greece

[28] Tzortzakis elected new CEO of Quest Holdings

[29] Retail sales volume down 14 pct in July

[30] Protest interrupts privatisation meeting for Thessaloniki Water and Sewerage Company

[31] Three investors express interest in tender to buy ROSCO

[32] Sprider Stores suspends operation of its retail network

[33] Greek stocks end lower

[34] Greek bond market closing report

[35] ADEX closing report

[36] Foreign Exchange rates - Tuesday

[37] Environmental inspectors, police to collaborate in protecting environment

[38] Two migrant traffickers arrested in Larissa

[39] Delphi Cultural Centre presents Cavafy commemoration event in Athens

[40] Rhodes hotel fined for not retaining jobs after taking state subsidy

[41] Indian immigrant found dead in Menidi

[42] Anti-crime police operation in Aghios Panteleimonas

[43] Super League results

[44] Olympic Flame stops at Patras on its way to Russia

[45] Rainy on Tuesday

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

[01] PM: democratic trial for arrested Golden Dawn members

Addressing the American Jewish Committee (AJC) on Monday, Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras stressed that all arrested members of the far-right party Golden Dawn (Chryssi Avgi) will be "tried in a democratic way".

"I have faith in justice, which does its job," he added, amid a round of applause.

The Greek prime minister assured members of the Jewish community that Golden Dawn will be completely exposed for the criminal organisation that it really is, pointing out that its leader and five party deputies have all been arrested on criminal charges.

Speaking in defence of a section of ordinary Greeks who cast their vote for Golden Dawn, however, Samaras stressed that these were not neo-Nazi sympathisers but "a part of our society fell victim of populism and extremism; even neo-Nazi type of extremism," as a result of unprecedented crisis and and nightmarish unemployment, in which Greeks had lost about 40 percent of their standard of living in just a few years.

"Luckily, our society reacted in a very healthy way and our authorities responded in a very decisive way, identifying the culprits of such crimes and the ones who possibly stand behind them. As we speak, all of the leading members of the Neo-Nazi group "Golden Dawn" have already been arrested and are being prosecuted.

"We are dedicated to completely eradicating such a "shame". We must do it within the context of our democratic constitution. But we have to go all the way and do whatever it takes. There is no room for the Neo-nazis in any part of the democratic world. And there is no tolerance for them or for any kind of extremism undermining democratic institutions. Fascism can have many faces. There is absolutely no tolerance for any of them," he stressed.

The Greek premier went on to highlight the progress that Greece has made in the last 14 months, stressing that the doomsday 'Grexit' scenarios were now firmly in the past, to be replaced by an anticipated 'Grecovery' in the coming year, while the country had gone from European "trouble-spot" to being a stable country in a totally destabilised Eastern Mediterranean.

In this context, he pointed to a rapid improvement in Greece-Israeli ties over the last three years and his own commitment to developing these further, in order to forge a "true and lasting strategic relation between Greece and Israel."

"Next Monday, I will fly to Israel to push forward for a true and comprehensive strategic partnership between Greece and Israel. We certainly need it. I think they need it too. Most of all, our region needs it. All people in our neighborhood, who cherish democracy and human dignity, need to know that they are not alone," he stressed.

According to Samaras, the existence of plentiful energy resources in the sea between Greece, Israel and Cyprus was "more than certain" and he stressed the " large scope for cooperation among us to develop them and transport them, to use them prudently so as to enhance and share growth prospects in our region."

He also highlighted the potential for cooperation in order to promote stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region, stressing Greece's position as "an integral part of the European Union at the south-eastern tip of the continent," and the potential to "join forces with Israel and Cyprus to become a beacon for freedom and hope in our area."

[02] Venizelos: GD issue to be handled 'within Constitution'

Speaking during a press conference to outline the results of his visit to the United Nations General Assembly last week, Venizelos ruled out early elections and said that a political upheaval was the last thing that Greece needs at the moment. He stressed that exhausting the government's four-year term was a "central" condition to his party's agreement to join the ruling coalition.

Questioned on the possibility of a mass resignation by GD MPs that would force the holding of by-elections, Venizelos stressed that the Greek government cannot be blackmailed from either at home or abroad and predicted that GD deputies "will not dare to resign".

He referred to successive meetings on Monday with the justice and interior ministers on the legal aspects, adding that the government "is fully aware of the problems and we are ready to deal with the issue with absolute calmness, within the framework of the Constitution," stressing that no one would be allowed to trivialise Parliamentary and democratic institutions, or electoral procedures.

"We have the capability of passing any laws that are necessary without any time pressure," he said, adding that the government would like these to be supported unanimously by all parties supporting democracy but, failing that, the government's majority would suffice.

He also announced an agreement on an anti-racism bill, which would be tabled in Parliament "within a matter of days," and commented on an amendment to cut state funding for Golden Dawn, saying that democracy "cannot finance its opponents".

In a veiled attack on main opposition 'Radical Left Coalition' (SYRIZA), meanwhile, Venizelos said the government wanted a "democratic consensus" behind the measures and stressed that "no one can hide behind [GD leader Nikos Michaloliakos] and GD in order to promote a very cheap party strategy that is now shown to be extremely confused and to lead nowhere."

He further criticised those who read into the actions taken to protect democracy against GD an opportunity to promote their anti-memorandum agendas and demand elections, urging SYRIZA "which displays this confusion" to rise to the occasion and redefine its priorities.

Replying to questions, meanwhile, Venizelos denied that any pressure had been brought to bear on the Greek government to take action against GD and stressed that "justice is independent, does not serve any political need and its operation is not dictated".

[03] Public Order minister chairs meeting on crime, public order

A police operation was also carried out on Sunday night to crack down on crime in the wider region of Omonia Square in downtown Athens and in Aghios Panteleimonas. During the operation, 334 persons were taken in for questioning and 41 were arrested for possessing drugs and forged documents, violating the law concerning foreign nationals in Greece and for unexecuted court rulings.

According to an announcement by the ministry, Dendias stressed that only the responsible state organs are authorised to safeguard public security and called for an intensification of police operations in the capital.

[04] Parliament president begins talks with parties; Syriza comments after meeting

Sources from Meimarakis' office recommended "cool-headedness and cooperation for an unprecedented parliamentary issue" and said that parliament was dealing with issues related to the compensation, pension and privileges of Golden Dawn deputies for the plenary session cycle that begins on October 7.

The parliament's presidium is meeting with all party leaders and representatives in parliament on Thursday next week. One of the issues being examined is whether the jailed deputies still have voting rights, and whether they can still collect their MP wages.

After meeting with Meimarakis on Monday, main opposition Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) parliamentary spokesman Nikos Voutsis said he agreed with Meimarakis that it was too early for parliament to decide on Golden Dawn before a court verdict.

"Every issue must be resolved away from public relations management or spinning," Voutsis said, and said his party would oppose anything that is presented as extraordinary or an emergency or deviates from the constitution," especially if it is a regulation to be tabled relating to Golden Dawn.

[05] DIMAR leader: Legality the best answer to neo-Nazi party

"The best answer to the party of the neo-Nazis is legality and the functioning of democracy's instituition", he said.

Kouvelis also said that he has confidence in justice and called on it to do its duty against Golden Dawn's criminal activity, underlining the need for the procedure to continue without any delay. "Golden Dawn must face a united front by democratic parties. It should not be allowed to influence the political developments and to define the grounds of the political debate", he added.

[06] New law to stop state funding for parties whose members face criminal prosecution

The new measures will be appended as an amendment to a draft bill on the electronic surveillance of prisoners held on remand, convicts and inmates on furlough using ankle monitors, which Parliament is due to vote on next week.

Earlier on Monday, the leadership of the interior ministry met with government Vice-President and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos at the foreign ministry in order to inform him about the measure.

[07] Golden Dawn leader gets extension to testimony date

All six are to testify before corruption special investigators on charges of being leading members of a criminal group, according to sources.

Four deputies arrested with Michaloliakos on Saturday morning will start testifying Tuesday - Elias Kasidiaris, Yiannis Lagos, Elias Panagiotaros, and Nikos Michos. The last two turned themselves in on Saturday, while a sixth MP, State Deputy Christos Pappas, who turned himself in on Sunday, will testify on Thursday.

A total of 22 people linked to Golden Dawn activities have been arrested so far. They will also betestifying on Tuesday and Wednesday.

[08] MP Kassidiaris to be charged as 'operations chief' of criminal organisation, sources say

Among others, the evidence points to Kassidiaris being responsible for training the members of the organisation that formed the so-called "assault battalions".

Records of phone conversations conducted on the night when the rapper Pavlos Fyssas was stabbed in Keratsini during a fight with GD supporters, meanwhile, have yielded further evidence from conversations conducted by GD MP Yiannis Lagos with fellow GD MP Ilias Panagiotaros and the party's leader Nikos Michaloliakos.

[09] Police officers suspended, one arrested, on weapons charges; links to Golden Dawn alleged

By order of the Greek Police headquarters, two police sergeants and one police constable serving as guards for GD MPs were suspended from duty and charges drawn up against them after Internal Affairs raids on their homes found evidence of illegal weapons.

Specifically, a 29-year-old constable serving in Attica had a set of brass knuckles, a 41-year-old sergeant serving in Volos had an air-gun and 160 pellets and the 40-year-old sergeant serving in Attica had an assortment of bullets of various calibres, pepper spray, four firecrackers and a wooden police baton.

The three were led before a public prosecutor and an internal inquiry was launched.

The fourth officer arrested in Thessaloniki is to appear before a Thessaloniki Misdemeanours Court to face trial on Tuesday.

The officer serving in the police emergency 'Z' squad is charged with weapons possession and an investigation launched into whether he was involved in trading guns on the internet. Also arrested was his brother, a livestock breeder, who was found in possession of a gun and 300 shells.

The arrests followed an Internal Affairs operation based on a report that the specific officer was a supporter of Golden Dawn.

Both the officer and his brother were released after seeking an extension to prepare their testimony.

[10] Police searches Golden Dawn MP Pappas' house in Ioannina

According to police sources, a preliminary search of his house took place last night in the presence of a prosecutor and security police. The same sources said that two guns were found which were sent to a ballistics lab in Athens.

Today, Monday, counterterrorism police are searching Pappas' house and removing evidence in carton boxes.

[11] Pavlos Fyssas' father, girlfriend testify before examining magistrate

Their testimony lasted roughly four hours and, while leaving the Piraeus courthouse, they refused to make any comments in relation to the case.

According to sources, the young woman said she was unaware of any threats against her boyfriend in the past.

She also claimed after on leaving the cafe with Fyssas just before the murder took place, she and her boyfriend were followed and that she could identify the individuals present during the fatal attack. She also identified Roupakias as the man who killed Fyssas and apparently accused the police of negligence.

Meanwhile, additional testimonies will be given on Tuesday by nine trade unionists and members of the Communist Party (KKE) that were injured when they were attacked by GD members while putting up posters in Piraeus' Perama district two weeks ago.

[12] Weapons found in homes of arrested Golden Dawn deputies

Another search at the home of arrested deputy Ioannis Lagos also led to the finding and confiscation of a pistol, five cartridges and two smokebombs.

[13] Golden Dawn MP identified as having fired gun at junta member's funeral

According to the announcement, the ballistic examination of a 9mm gun found in Panagiotaros' car confirmed the match. Police had conducted an investigation at the time and had arrested a young man.

[14] Greece in talks with Med. countries over energy, FM Venizelos says

"There is a delineated continental shelf," with Israel, he said, adding that "we want the agreement to be extended to the Exclusive Economic Zone". He was referring to a recent agreement among Greece, Cyprus and Israel for joint energy projects. Venizelos added that similar talks had begun with Egypt, Malta, Italy and Libya, while the eastern Mediterranean continental shelf issue was being discussed with Turkey and will be raised with the new Albanian government, during his trip to Tirana on October 14.

Expanding on the contacts he had in New York - which he said were over 20, not counting multiparty contacts - on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly sessions, Venizelos said that talks were begun in the past but what is new is that "Greece has taken the initiative to start on-site research."

Referring to the Cyprus issue, he said that Greece accepted a request by the Cyprus Republic to include in talks a representative of the Turkish Cypriot community, following Turkey's acceptance of a Greek Cypriot representative in the talks. "A proposal for four-part talks was not even raised, and Greece would not agree to it anyway," he said, adding that Greece "cannot be equated with Turkey; Turkey is not just a motherland, it is also an occupational force."

Asked to comment on how the smaller than initially expected beds of hydrocarbons in the Aphrodite sea area and how it could influence a solution to the Cyprus issue, the FM said that "it's just one site" and "we hope that there will be a dynamic leading to a solution, the democratic ratification of which will go through a referendum."

In terms of FYROM's naming issue, he said that Greece supports a composite name with geographic location that would be uniformly used. "Greece is ready to support the integration of our neighbours into the Euro-Atlantic institutions...as long as their side shows respect of international law and a sense of good neibhourliness and cooperation."

Asked to comment on the arrests of the extreme-right Golden Dawn (Chryssi Avghi) party leaders and deputies, six in total, he asserted that all problems could be dealt with in timely fashion through the constitution. He also criticised main opposition Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) for using Golden Dawn and its leader's arrest to push for national elections, a choice that he said exhibited "lack of understanding of history and serving petty party politics."

[15] Avramopoulos begins official visit to Cyprus

Greek National Defence Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos arrived in Cyprus on Monday afternoon for an official visit during which he is scheduled to attend events celebrating the 53rd anniversary of Cyprus's independence, on October 1. He was later received by Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades, but refrained from making any statements upon his exit from the presidential building.

Avramopoulos earlier had a meeting with his counterpart of Cyprus Fotis Fotiou, followed by a discussion attended by missions from both countries.

The military drill "Parmenion", which will start on Wednesday, will show that Greece, in spite of the current economic crisis, has modern and reliable weapon systems, Avramopoulos assured.

Speaking after the talks, the Greek minister stressed that his visit had a special character because of Tuesday's anniversary of the Cyprus's independence. He added that discussion with his Cypriot counterpart focused on the entire range of bilateral relations between Greece and Cyprus in the defense area, as well as the two countries' relations with the European Union.

"We will fight together for a common security and defense policy and to strengthen the EU's military capabilities," Avramopoulos said.

In this regard, Greece as a NATO member country supported and assisted president Anastasiades' proposal for Cyprus' accession to the Partnership for Peace programme.

He also reiterated that Greece supported the sovereignty of Cyprus's Exclusive Economic Zone and its efforts to establish maritime zones between Greece, Cyprus and Israel.

Fotiou on his part said political activities for the resumption of negotiations on the Cyprus issue and the unprecedented geopolitical and geo-strategic developments in the region "favored the realignment of a common strategy for promoting issues of national interest."

He added that Cyprus in cooperation with Greece and other friendly countries are trying to create "a shield of prevention and achieving stability in the Eastern Mediterranean."

Avramopoulos also had a meeting with the Archbishop of Cyprus Chrysostomos.

[16] KKE leader calls on communist parties to coordinate struggle against system of exploitation

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) secretary general Dimitris Koutsoumbas, addressing Monday a meeting of representatives of European communist parties and organisations held in Brussels following an initiative by KKE, stressed that "the communist and labour parties have an obligation to strengthen their autonomous ideological, political and mass action, insist on the coordination of their struggle against the system of exploitation, the EU, capital and the parties serving its interests".

Koutsoumbas also referred during his address to Greek political life issues, sharply criticising the Golden Dawn party, terming it a "criminal, Nazi organisation of killers that appeared supposedly antisystemic". He also criticised the "opportunist (main opposition) SYRIZA party" which, as he said, "is being transformed with speedy rates into a socialdemocrat party and a new 'pylon' of the two-party bourgeois political system".

The KKE secretary general further said that "today the peoples have accumulated bitter experience of the deadlocks of capitalist barbarism", stressing however, that "bourgeois and opportunist forces are aiming at muddling popular thinking. They are speaking of a crisis that is supposedly due to some 'neoliberal dogmatism', acquitting the capitalist system itself in this way and propagandising among working people a different, so-called 'healthy' development of capitalism".

Referring to developments in Greece in particular, Koutsoumbas said that "some are aiming at convincing that 'the memorandums are the only responsible' for unemployment that has soared to 30 percent, impoverishment, the worsening of life, passing over in silence that the capitalist crisis 'struck' first, after decisions for antipopular restructurings had preceded, and then the memorandums followed".

Lastly, he said that "the solution is not to be found in the so-called 'democratisation' of the EU, meaning the 'humanising' of capitalism, that the SYRIZA party is envisaging in Greece".

[17] KKE sees 'dangerous developments' in the Cyprus issue

Commenting on statements made earlier in the day by Government Vice-President and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos regarding developments in the efforts to solve Cyprus's political peoblem, a statement by the KKE said:

"The foreign minister confirmed today that imminent developments are on track regarding the Cyprus issue. The fact that these developments include the direct involvement of Greece and Turkey, through direct contacts of the two countries with representatives of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, is a dangerous development as it alters the existing framework of talks in the Cyprus issue and prepares a new Annan plan."

"The Cyprus issue is a crucial aspect of developments and antagonisms between imperialist countries in the Eastern Mediterranean which bodes new dangers for the peoples," said KKE.

[18] Ministry reports acceleration of disciplinary procedures in the public sector

The ministry noted that the acceleration of disciplinary procedures was proved in practice, given that a total of 1,015 decisions in disciplinary proceedings have already been issued since the beginning of the year.

A total of 226 public sector employees have been laid off for serious criminal and disciplinary reasons between July 2012 and September 2013.

[19] Health Minister takes part in campaign to raise awareness of heart disease risk

Georgiadis followed the example of health ministry employees who have already had the examination in the context of actions taking place for a third consecutive year to mark the World Heart Day celebrated on September 29.

This year's theme focuses on a life-course approach to the prevention and control of cardiovascular disease (CVD) with a focus on women and children.

Special actions will continue until Wednesday, October 2.

Last year, a total of 2,147 people were examined for heart disease risk in the context of the public awareness actions undertaken by Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, a hospital that specializes in cardiovascular surgery and diagnostic and interventional cardiology.

[20] Defence Minister meets with German ambassador

Financial News

[21] Greek PM meets company CEOs, business leaders in NY

Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, currently on a visit to the United States, on Monday had successive meetings with the CEOs of companies listed on the stock market, before taking part in a roundtable discussion organised by JP Morgan.

Taking part in the meetings were representatives of the companies: JP Morgan, BlueCrest Capital Management LLP, Eaglevale Partners LP, EMSO Partners Limited, Fidelity Management & Research Co., Greylock Capital Management, LLC, King Street Capital, Lazard Asset Management, Norges Bank Investment Management, NWI Management LP, Oppenheimer Funds, QFR Capital Management L.P., Wellington Management Co and BTG Pactual Asset Management.

Between noon and 13:30 local time, Samaras will attend a lunch with the CEOs of listed firms at the offices of Marea, to be attended by representatives of the financial and media firms Goldman Sachs, Blackrock, News Corp, Paulson & Co, BIC, Thomson Reuters, Alcoa and Highbridge.

The premier's aim is to open avenues of communication with firms active in the global bond market ahead of Greece's planned return to borrowing on the market in the second half of 2014.

[22] Maniatis meets with German head of energy sector trade union

The meeting was attended also by Christos Katsioulis, head of the representation in Greece of the German foundation "Friedrich Ebert."

[23] Abu Dhabi Mar deal for Hellenic Shipyards 'a huge scandal', SYRIZA's leader claims

According to the main opposition leader, the agreement brokered by current government Vice-President, Foreign Minister and PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos with former PASOK minister George Papaconstantinou - since ousted from PASOK over his handling of the Lagarde list case - was an even bigger scandal than the initial agreement for the shipyard signed by Akis Tsohatzopoulos, the jailed politician currently on trial for taking kickbacks during his term in the defence ministry.

Tsipras warned that the "memorandum governments will soon be called to answer for the crime they committed at Skaramangas" and pointed out that Greek tax-payers had paid 2.5 billion euros for six ultra-modern submarines but have so far received only one.

"At this time, four ultra-modern, paid-for and almost ready submarines have been left to rot at the shipyard's installations because the owner, Mr. Safa, is holding the four submarines as collateral and the shipyard workers that have been unpaid for a long time as hostages. Even the shipyards themselves are being held as collateral," he claimed, adding that the Greek state had an obligation to terminate the contract and use all legal means at its disposal to claim compensation from Abu Dhabi MAR.

At the same time, Tsipras also called for the shipyards to return to state control so that the submarines might be completed and launched for the use of the Greek Navy and in order to preserve jobs, pointing out that the skill and know-how of the shipyard workers could act as a lever for economic growth.

He urged the government to make preparation for a legal case in the European Union to lift current restrictions on state subsidies for shipyards and the ship-building industry.

[24] Crown Hellas Can returns to profitability, CEO says

"The company will report positive financial results this year despite adverse conditions prevailing in the Greek market, particularly during the peak months since increased tourism trends did not translate into an increase in demand in our sector," Spyros Tsourouflis, chief executive of the company told ANA-MPA.

"Our exports are significantly increased both to other European markets and to the Middle East and North Africa," Tsourouflis said, adding that exports accounted for 40 pct of its sales.

Crown Hellas Can is fully controlled by the US group and operates three production units, in Patra, Thessaloniki and Korinth. Its sales totaled 145.53 million euros in 2012, up 3.8 pct, while EBITDA were up 13.7 pct to 11.12 million euros.

[25] Pension spending in line with budget targets, minister says

A report by the Single Control and Pension Payment System "Helios" showed that the number of pensioners in Greece totalled 2,704,295 in October, while the number of pensions paid was 4,450,260, of which 9,747 were paid to foreign nationals.

Commenting on the report, Labour, Social Insurance and Welfare Minister Yiannis Vroutsis said the operation of "Helios" was not just an upgrade, or improvement of administrative procedures, but essentially a drastic reform with real and measurable benefits.

The system contributed to an effective combatting of illegal practices (revealing all fake pension cases), saving tens of millions of euro for pension funds, while the analysis and management of the social insurance sector was based on objective, credible, transparent and analytical data for the first time ever, Vroutsis said.

The Greek minister noted that the ministry was fully in line with targets and provisions set in the state budget for pension spending. He stressed that from an annual state spending of 10.5 billion euros to cover the needs of the social insurance system, the ministry has absorbed 82.9 pct in the 10-month period from January-October - down from a budget provision for a 83.3 pct absorption rate - and added that pension payment was fully ensured.

[26] Greek SMEs need more efficient liquidity tools

In a report, the Confederation said that not even one euro should be lost from funds earmarked for the domestic small- and medium-sized enterprises and recommended a series of actions, such as drafting a guarantee loan product for moving capital, a state banking product aimed at the restructuring or refinancing of loans through national capital, a simplification of procedures in accessing community funds, creating a common platform of data management, a single collection of useful statistical data and immediate implementation of a 2.06 billion-euro programme to fund enterprises and households.

[27] Agriculture Minister Tsaftaris visits major projects in northeast Greece

Tsaftaris underlined that the 11,705,352-euro Nestos River irrigation project involves the construction of irrigation networks that will be supplied with water from Nestos River covering an area of 13,015 hectares and 2,500 hectares of cultivated land. As a result, over 2,000 farmers engaged in intensive export-oriented crop cultivations, including asparagus, corn, cotton, tomatoes, and kiwi fruit, will benefit, he noted.

Afterward, he visited the Elgo-Dimitra facilities where new farmers are being trained. A training programme on the use of geothermal energy in greenhouse cultivations will soon get underway.

[28] Tzortzakis elected new CEO of Quest Holdings

[29] Retail sales volume down 14 pct in July

The statistics service, in a report, said that the volume of retain sales fell by 24.3 pct in department stores, 19.2 pct in furniture-electric appliances-home equipment, 15 pct in pharmaceutical/cosmetics, 14.1 pct in supermarkets, 11.4 pct in fuel, 7.6 pct in clothing/footwear, 7.0 pct in food/tobacco and by 1.9 pct in bookstores.

The retail sales volume index (turnover in fixed prices), including fuel, fell by 14 pct in July compared with the same month last year, after a 9.2 pct decline recorded in July 2012.

The retail sales turnover index (current prices), including fuel, fell 14.2 pct in July, after an 8.1 pct decline recorded in July 2012.

[30] Protest interrupts privatisation meeting for Thessaloniki Water and Sewerage Company

EYATh employees, members of the "Save the Water" movement, and main opposition Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) local administration representatives participated in the demonstration.

A SYRIZA announcement underlined that it is opposed to plans for the privatisation of public goods like water, and voiced solidarity to the struggle of the people of Thessaloniki to safeguard the public nature of EYATh.

[31] Three investors express interest in tender to buy ROSCO

An Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund statement said that its privatization advisors will evaluate the three bids before recommending which investors are eligible for the next phase of the tender. The Fund said that the privatization of ROSCO will attract investments which will upgrade infrastructure and maintenance services in the Greek railway system.

[32] Sprider Stores suspends operation of its retail network

The company, in a statement said it will focus all of its efforts to repay its obligations to its personnel.

[33] Greek stocks end lower

The Large Cap index fell 1.36 pct and the Mid Cap index ended 4.06 pct lower. Intralot (5.75 pct), MIG (5.51 pct), OTE (4.94 pct) and Viohalco (3.66 pct) were top losers among blue chip stocks, while National Bank, Metka and Motor Oil were unchanged.

All sector indices ended lower, with Telecoms (4.94 pct), Technology (4.12 pct), Raw Materials (3.58 pct) and health (3.56 pct) suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 90 to 20 with another 27 issues unchanged. Sidma (20 pct), NEL (19.23 pct) and Akritas (9.87 pct) were top gainers, while Douros (20 pct), Kyriakoulis (18.63 pct) and Athina (16.08 pct) were top losers.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Industrials: -1.05%

Commercial: -1.55%

Construction: -1.77%

Oil & Gas: -0.93%

Personal & Household: -0.93%

Raw Materials: -3.58%

Travel & Leisure: -1.11%

Technology: -4.12%

Telecoms: -4.94%

Banks: -1.20%

Food & Beverages: -0.08%

Health: -3.56%

Utilities: -1.81%

Financial Services: -3.03%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 0.568

Public Power Corp (PPC): 8.37

Coca Cola HBC: 21.90

Hellenic Petroleum: 7.80

National Bank of Greece: 3.00

Eurobank Properties : 7.43

OPAP: 8.25

OTE: 7.70

Piraeus Bank: 1.25

Titan: 18.40

[34] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates were largely unchanged. The 12-month rate was 0.55 pct, the nine-month rate was 0.45 pct, the six-month rate was 0.34 pct, the three-month rate was 0.225 pct and the one-month rate was 0.129 pct.

[35] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 13,927 contracts worth 6.020 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Alpha Bank's contracts (2,289), Piraeus Bank (2,206), Eurobank (324), MIG (715), OTE (2,159), PPC (1,814), OPAP (434), Mytilineos (620), Ellaktor (151), Jumbo (132), Eurobank Properties (124) and Motor Oil (97).

[36] Foreign Exchange rates - Tuesday

U.S. dollar 1.370

Pound sterling 0.848

Danish kroner 7.569

Swedish kroner 8.787

Japanese yen 133.76

Swiss franc 1.240

Norwegian kroner 8.235

Canadian dollar 1.412

Australian dollar 1.470

General News

[37] Environmental inspectors, police to collaborate in protecting environment

The ministry wants to ensure implementation of environmental legislation and restrict violations, as well as prevent and avert crimes against the environment through a joint assesment and evaluation of risks.

Among others, the meeting decided to intensify efforts to deal with illegal storage, transport and provision of waste, as well as general pollution and environmental degradation.

[38] Two migrant traffickers arrested in Larissa

A police investigation revealed that the migrants had given 1,000 euros each to a foreign national, a leading member of the ring, to undertake their forwarding from Istanbul to Athens. When they entered the country illegally they were met by another member of the ring who took them to Thessaloniki by road, from where they were picked up by the arrested persons to be taken to Athens.

The three illegal migrants were also arrested and the measure of administrative return will be applied against them.

[39] Delphi Cultural Centre presents Cavafy commemoration event in Athens

The Ophelia Quartet will perform music around poems by Cavafy, Arseni Tarkovsky and Heiner Mueller will be set to a musical performance directed by Theodore Terzopoulos. Natalia Pschenitschnikova will sing.

The programme is jointly funded by Greece and the EU, from the infrastructural funds (NSRF) for 2007-20013, and reservations can be made through tel. 210-3312781 (Eleni Tsoureli, Periklis Spatoulas) and http://www.eccd.gr

[40] Rhodes hotel fined for not retaining jobs after taking state subsidy

The hotel unit based in Ixia, in Rhodes' Ialysos municipality, had received roughly 2.7 million euros in state subsidies, representing 30 percent of a 8.9-million-euro investment to carry out a comprehensive overhaul of its facilities. Under the terms of the subsidy, the company was obliged to provide 257 positions of employment but could only certify 229, resulting in the 39,744-euro fine.

The minister's decision also approved disbursement of 1,296,420 euros of the state subsidy.

[41] Indian immigrant found dead in Menidi

The man was found by his relatives, who also notifying the police. According to Greek Police, evidence shows he was killed, as he was found with a head wound.

[42] Anti-crime police operation in Aghios Panteleimonas

Soccer

[43] Super League results

In other action:

Veria - Ergotelis Crete 0-1

Aris Thessaloniki - Panetolikos 0-0

Apollon Smyrnis (Athens) - Levadiakos 4-2

OFI Crete - PAOK Thessaloniki 1-1

PAS Yiannena - Xanthi 2-1

Panathinaikos - Asteras Tripoli 2-1

Platanias Crete - Panthrakikos Xanthi 1-1

Kalloni Mytilini - Atromitos Athens 0-1

Standings after 6 weeks of play:

1.Olympiakos 16

2.PAOK 13

3. Panathinaikos 11

4. Ergotelis 10

5. PAS Yiannena 10

6. Atromitos Athens 10

7 Asteras Tripoli 9

8. Kalloni 9

9. Panthrakikos Xanthi 9

10.Xanthi 7

11.Panionios Athens 6

12. Panetolikos 6

13. Apollon Smyrnis (Athens) 6

14. Veria 5

15. Levadiakos 5

16. Platanias Crete 5 5

17. OFI Crete 4

18. Aris Thessaloniki 2

Winter Olympic Games

[44] Olympic Flame stops at Patras on its way to Russia

Patras Mayor wished "good luck to our Russian friends, who will receive the flame and with it the challenge of organising an event honoring its history and of course their own illustrious sports history."

The event took place at the Aghios Nikolaos pier and wrapped up with dance performances by the Patras municipality troupe and the children's dancing section of the Russian association Soyuz.

Weather forecast

[45] Rainy on Tuesday

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

DIMOKRATIA: And now what?

EFIMERIDA TON SYNTAKTON: Shocking testimonies.

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: Golden Dawn's armaments scattered throughout the country.

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: Golden Dawn's key members determined to kill any opponent.

ESTIA: Prime Minister Antonis Samaras guarantor of legality.

ETHNOS: Golden Dawn's...song.

TA NEA: The gang brought to light.

NAFTEMPORIKI: 10 billion euros for top priority projects at Development Ministry's freezer.

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