Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 13-12-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece has met all prior actions bar one, PM says after meeting Barroso

[02] Shipping minister presents ministry's priorities over Greek EU presidency to EU counterparts

[03] Public Order Min. to outline priorities of Greek EU presidency in Brussels

[04] Environment minister receives AmCham EU delegation, presents EU presidency priorities

[05] PM Samaras to head meeting on Energy, on Thursday

[06] The fYRoM name issue is an international problem, FM Venizelos tells NATO counterparts

[07] Admin. Reform Minister orders crosschecks on public sector employees' finances

[08] Antiracism bill leaves out key issues, Human Rights Watch says in report

[09] SYRIZA accuses government of EU Greek presidency's submission to German leadership's strategy

[10] SYRIZA will win euro-elections and general elections will be held in 2014, Tsipras tells British media

[11] First-home foreclosures a 'red-line issue', SYRIZA's Tsipras says; gov't spokesman responds

[12] Ind. Greeks leader Kammenos: Samaras a 'bankers' prime minister'

[13] KKE party on presentation of EU Greek Presidency targets

[14] Health ministry takes measures to help public healthcare recipients during strikes

[15] EOPYY doctors decide to continue their strike until December 13

[16] Education minister refers Athens University rector to disciplinary council

[17] The Athens Uni. senate ought to back Pelegrinis, Aristotle Uni. rector Mylopoulos tells ANA-MPA

[18] National Technical University of Athens' employees extend their strike until Friday

[19] Tax evasion reduces tax revenues, deputy Finmin Staikouras tells parliament

[20] Defence minister: nothing must be allowed to upset social cohesion, national unity

[21] Exit and re-entry of legal migrants to be permitted throughout 2014, gov't announces

[22] ADEDY to hold rally on Saturday

[23] Homes of financially weak residents will be protected, Deputy Dev. Minister Skordas reiterates

[24] Magistrates reject Golden Dawn party leader's request to be released

[25] Parliament's Ethics Committee votes to strip immunity from Golden Dawn MP, former Athens mayor

[26] Tabling in Parliament of real estate tax bill postponed until next week

[27] List of organizations on uniform public-sector wage scale sent to Parliament

[28] Gov't taking inventory of Argos flood damages

[29] FinMin Stournaras to table bill on single real estate tax on Thursday

[30] Tolls for future major roadways should be set on a sliding scale, minister tells parl. committee

[31] Tourism minister says Greece to invest in medical tourism

[32] Greek banks committed to funding major road projects

[33] Greek banks' interest rate spread up 11 bps in October

[34] Visa Europe supports efforts by Greek banks

[35] Municipal authorities to take action to protect the region of Asteras Vouliagmeni

[36] Development ministry planning measures aiming at lower produce market prices

[37] No price hikes at road tolls, says Infrastructure Minister Michalis Chryssohoidis

[38] IKA shelves case file over SYRIZA party unpaid social insurance contributions

[39] Religious tourism protocol signed between Tourism Minister, Dodecanese Islands Metropolis

[40] Pepsico-Ivi wants to stay and grow in Greece

[41] Olympic Brewery expands activities in Canada, Brazil and Russia

[42] Eurolife Insurance reports improved nine-month results

[43] 'Camouflaged' vehicles enlisted in struggle against fuel adulteration and smuggling

[44] Christmas holiday season opening times for Thessaloniki stores

[45] Mobilisations continue by Coca-Cola Tria Epsilon employees

[46] Greek stocks end moderately lower

[47] Greek bond market closing report

[48] ADEX closing report

[49] Foreign Exchange rates - Thursday

[50] Alarming rise in domestic violence during crisis, MPs told

[51] Princess Katherine of Serbia talks to ANA-MPA about the Lifeline charity in Greece

[52] Panepistimiou Street redevelopment plan approved by Central Architectural Council

[53] 'Art for Amnesty' exhibition opens on Thursday in Athens

[54] Angelos Delivorias denies plans to quit as Benaki Museum director

[55] Aegean sailings partly restored; Piraeus ban expected to be lifted by 17:00

[56] Zakynthos town offers to pay overdue bills for families

[57] Christmas Bazaar at the Metropolitan Community Clinic at Helliniko

[58] Traditional Italian Christmas Bazaar at the Italian School of Athens on December 7 and 8

[59] Culture ministry employees to hold 48-hour strike

[60] Fair on Thursday

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

[01] Greece has met all prior actions bar one, PM says after meeting Barroso

Greece has met all prior actions, bar one, that have been demanded by the EU-IMF troika representing its creditors, Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras stressed here on Wednesday after a meeting with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.

The Greek premier presented the priorities of Greece's European Union presidency in the first half of 2014, noting that this was taking place at a crucial time for both Greece and Europe, and promising a successful presidency of "opportunities" rather than crisis.

The head of the European Commission, on his part, stressed that Greece has made "impressive progress" and forecast that the country will emerge from the current recession in 2014, underlining the Commission's support for Greece's efforts to exit the crisis.

Praising the determination shown by the Greek government and the Greek people in this effort, he noted that the country was on the right track for achieving a primary surplus and simultaneously improving the investment climate. Among others, Barroso referred to the resumption of work to improve Greek highways, noting that these projects will generate thousands of new jobs.

He also warned, however, that the state of the Greek economy remains fragile and that this is no time for complacency, calling for sustained effort on structural reforms, privatisations and improving the business environment.

"We are traversing the last kilometres of a Marathon," he remarked pointedly.

Concerning Greece's plans in its stint as EU presidency, Samaras particularly emphasised the need to create new jobs as a top priority.

In terms of deepening Economic and Monetary Union, especially plans for banking union, the Greek premier said it was essential to achieve a deal on a Single Resolution Mechanism before the European Parliament elections.

Other crucial issues highlighted by Samaras were those of illegal migration, managing external borders and European security, as well as EU maritime policy.

"It is an ambitious and realistic agenda," he concluded.

In comments on the state of the Greek economy, Samaras also referred to "impressive progress" in both fiscal and structural reforms and underlined that the programme was anything but derailed. On the contrary, he said, Greece had achieved its targets and was achieving a primary surplus one year earlier than scheduled.

Noting that only one of the prior actions demanded by the troika had not been met, he appeared confident that the troika's review would be completed with a positive outcome.

"The end of a marathon is always the hardest," the Greek prime minister pointed out but disputed that the country was undergoing "reform fatigue," stressing that Greeks had instead shown resilience. He also stated that structural reforms being carried out in Greece were essential, regardless of the troika's presence or the economic crisis.

Barroso, similarly, was confident that a resolution in negotiations with the troika will be found and that its review of the programme will be favourable.

The European Commission's president expressed support for the Greek EU presidency's priorities, especially those aiming at economic recovery, support for small and medium-sized enterprises and combatting youth unemployment.

He said the meeting with Samaras had been "constructive and sincere" and showed a shared desire to work closely on common goals. Noting that the next few months will be crucial for the EU, since they coincided with the finalisation of important EU legislation and the European Parliament elections in May, Barroso also emphasised the need to adopt aSingle Resolution Mechanism and Single Supervisory Mechanism before the EuroParliament elections, so that they can go into effect within the coming year.

Referring to the EU seven-year budget for 2014-2020, he urged all EU member-states to make full use of community funds and noted that Greece now ranked fourth in the EU in terms of absorbing Community funding, even though its earlier performance had been markedly low.

"This proves that reforms bring results," the Commission president stressed and urged Greece to adopt the European Youth Guarantee initiative.

Samaras arrived in Brussels on Wednesday to present the Greek EU presidency's priorities to the College of the Commissioners, in a meeting to be held after that with Barroso.

[02] Shipping minister presents ministry's priorities over Greek EU presidency to EU counterparts

According to reports, the shipping minister, who accompanied the prime minister to Brussels, presented to the relevant EU ministers the main directions of European shipping policy and underlined the need to preserve the competitiveness of European shipping, given the flight of shipping capital to Far East countries.

He also added that the shipping ministry's priority for the upcoming six months of the Greek EU presidency is crossborder cooperation and a common handling of the migration problem over the EU's sea borders.

[03] Public Order Min. to outline priorities of Greek EU presidency in Brussels

[04] Environment minister receives AmCham EU delegation, presents EU presidency priorities

a delegation from the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (AmCham EU) based in Brussels.

Maniatis stressed the need for reforms to bring new investments to Europe that also aimed at a high level of environmental protection and said the Greek presidency will raise the issue of targets for the EU 2030 framework for climate change and energy policy.

[05] PM Samaras to head meeting on Energy, on Thursday

The meeting will be held at the Maximos Mansion.

[06] The fYRoM name issue is an international problem, FM Venizelos tells NATO counterparts

In this context, Venizelos said, Greece fully respected the process being directed by the UN Secretary General, through Mathew Nimetz, for a solution to the name issue, which is essentially a matter of good neighbourly relations, of respect for international law, and of regional security.

FYRoM's actual problem, Venizelos added, was a domestic and a institutional one; a problem of democracy and respect for rule of law; a problem of ethnic cohesion and respect for and full implementation of the Ohrid Agreement on the coexistence of the Slavic and Albanian communities.

Venizelos stressed that Greece has stated its readiness for a compromise solution that would provide for a compound name with a geographical modifier for all uses (erga omnes), and it (Greece) has a completely friendly and creative attitude towards its neighbours. Even following its deep economic crisis, he stressed, Greece is the top foreign direct investor in fYRoM, while the two economies are practically interlinked and Greece is a popular destination for FYROM tourists. Unfortunately, however, the FYROM government's stance is intransigent, the Greek Foreign minister said.

[07] Admin. Reform Minister orders crosschecks on public sector employees' finances

Priority will be given to crosschecks concerning civil servants who are already under scrutiny for criminal or disciplinary violations or over indications of unjustified wealth gains.

Mitsotakis underlined that "the times of impunity have passed for good," adding that it is the state's duty to society to scrutinize the conduct of civil servants.

[08] Antiracism bill leaves out key issues, Human Rights Watch says in report

The antiracism draft law that passed the committee stage in the Greek Parliament on Tuesday fails to address problems in existing Greek law and practice related to reporting and prosecuting racist violence, Human Rights Watch said in an online posting on its site on Tuesday.

Human Rights Watch quoted Greek specialist at the organisation Eva Cosse as saying in the report that "Greece has failed countless victims of racist and xenophobic attacks by neither investigating nor prosecuting the attackers. If the justice minister and Parliament are really serious about improving the country's response to racism and xenophobia, they should remove the obstacles to justice for these attacks."

Greek deputies, the report said, "should amend the bill to include provisions explicitly requiring that any crime that may be categorized as a violent hate crime, regardless of its nature, would require mandatory investigation and prosecution without requiring victims to pay a 100-euro fee to file their complaint," as the fee acts as deterrent to some victims to filing a complaint.

Among its recommendations to Parliament, the Watch said the bill should include provisions to protect undocumented migrant victims and witnesses from detention and deportation, and law enforcement officials should be required to suspend all migration law actions arising from the undocumented status of a victim or witness of an alleged attack, "pending a prima facie assessment by a prosecutor of the merits of the complaint about the attack."

These provisions, it said, would be consistent with the EU directive on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime.

Human Rights Watch expressed concern because, as it said, it has heard repeatedly from victims of racist violence that the threat by police of possible detention and deportation proceedings deterred them from reporting a racist attack to the police or pursuing the case.

A separate draft law to amend the Greek Immigration Code - yet to be submitted to parliament - would grant humanitarian visas to undocumented victims and witnesses of certain crimes, it noted. "This could help improve efforts toward justice for racist and xenophobic violence, and would complement the preliminary suspension of migration law enforcement that Human Rights Watch advocates adding to the anti-racism bill," it added.

The organisation also addressed issues related to justice, saying that the state should ensure that prosecutors and courts have the necessary tools and obligations to carry out their functions, and quoted the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) proposals detailing the background of charges in trials on racist crimes and issues related to discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Referring to the crackdown on the extreme-right anti-immigrant party Golden Dawn, whose leader and five other MPs are being held on charges of creating and participating in a criminal organization, Cosse said, "The Greek government's desire to counter hate is legitimate. But unlike violence, hateful ideas are best addressed through debate and social condemnation rather than criminal penalties."

Greece has taken some positive steps, including establishing the specialized police units in January to tackle racist violence and a position for a prosecutor to focus on hate crimes in Athens in November 2012, the report concluded. On November 20, 2013, an Athens court convicted two men of racially aggravated crimes in the first known ruling in which the 2008 hate crimes statute has been applied. They were each sentenced to prison terms of three years and five months but can pay a fine in lieu of the sentence.

[09] SYRIZA accuses government of EU Greek presidency's submission to German leadership's strategy

However, SYRIZA added in a press release that the Samaras government in essence is exhausting the presidency's targets on a submission to the German leadership's strategy, without opposing the master options of fiscal discipline and austerity.

SYRIZA further believes that "there will be no enhancement of growth and employment from a hostage policy of European peoples on the memorandums' one-way path. There will be no exit from the crisis with the implementation of the same policies that have led us here."

[10] SYRIZA will win euro-elections and general elections will be held in 2014, Tsipras tells British media

In an interview with British media, the Financial Times, Reuters and BBC published on Tuesday, Tsipras noted that "in this European election, people will vote without fear, without the fear whipped up by our opponents' election campaign in 2012, when they warned that if SYRIZA came to power everything will turn into a desert."

"I believe SYRIZA will win the election by a great margin, and I'm afraid also that Golden Dawn will also increase their forces," he added, noting that "for the government, it will be a true disaster".

Tsipras said that "the fear of (Prime Minister Antonis) Mr. Samaras is that it will be difficult on the next day to continue to implement this (bailout) programme without people supporting it". He also predicted that national elections will be held before the end of 2014.

While Tsipras repeated his vow to "cancel" the bailout terms, he insisted, according to Financial Times, that he would not abandon the rescue entirely, saying he believed international lenders and other eurozone countries would provide significant debt relief as part of a renegotiation rather than risk Greece's collapse.

He also said that he could rally allies in other highly-indebted eurozone countries to force a eurozone-wide agreement akin to a 1953 pact that restructured much of Germany's postwar sovereign debt.

"We don't believe it's a fight between Greece and Germany, because if it was something like that, it would be very difficult for us," he said. "Maybe it will be a fight between the European periphery and the countries that have three As in their credit ratings. We have an intention to create alliances in the EU, for example with Italy, with Spain, with Portugal," he said.

Although he acknowledged that convincing the German-led creditor countries to support debt relief would be politically difficult, Tsipras said he believed he could convince German voters it was in their interest, since without lower debt levels and more economic aid, Greece will never be able to raise money on its own through the bond market.

"We say to the taxpayers of Germany: for a long time you paid money to Greek banks, not the Greek people, and you pay money into programmes that are designed to fail," he said. "You have to stop this process. If you continue this process, you will never stop paying," he underlined.

[11] First-home foreclosures a 'red-line issue', SYRIZA's Tsipras says; gov't spokesman responds

"The issue of primary residence foreclosures is probably the most important red line that should be drawn. If the government is unwilling to do it then it should be done by society itself," the main opposition's leader Alexis Tsipras said at a meeting with the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) administrative committee members.

Tsipras called on the government to take a stand on the proposal tabled in Parliament on Tuesday by his party.

He also called on the prime minister to adopt a clear position, underlining that it has been 24 hours since the tabling of the proposal but the government still had not adopted a specific position on the issue.

Responding to SYRIZA's leader, government spokesman Simos Kedikoglou advised him to "be serious".

"No solutions can be found by setting off fireworks of irresponsibility," he underlined.

[12] Ind. Greeks leader Kammenos: Samaras a 'bankers' prime minister'

"The prime minister proves once again that he is the prime minister of the bankers. Protection of private property and the ban on seizures are Constitutional mandates. Any other decision is illegal and unethical," said Kammenos, who returns from Washington on Wednesday night. The party institutions will meet on Thursday to discuss the upcoming local government elections.

[13] KKE party on presentation of EU Greek Presidency targets

KKE further said that "individual confrontations on issues such as the deepening of economic and bank union, immigration policy, the exploitation of energy wealth by the business groups, that appear as priorities of the Greek Presidency, do not revoke the antipopular objectives of all the countries of the EU."

It added that "the solution for peoples are not to side with the one or the other group of capitalist countries but to hoist the flag of disengagement from this insincere alliance, claiming the wealth that they produce."

[14] Health ministry takes measures to help public healthcare recipients during strikes

The health ministry is considering increasing the number of private practice doctors contracted to EOPYY, renewing existing contracts and doubling the maximum number of patient visits to private practice doctors contracted to EOPYY from 200 to 400 a month.

"The people's inconvenience is caused by the doctors," Georgiadis said, and warned that if doctors refuse dialogue, the reforms will proceed at a much faster pace. He also noted that no discussion will take place until EOPYY clinics reopen.

Referring to EOPPY doctors, who are continuing their strike for a second consecutive week, he said that he will be able to tell how many will be absorbed in the new, reformed organization after receiving all necessary information on Friday.

He pledged that all hospital and administrative staff will be on "reserve status" for a period of 15 to 25 days before they are reappointed, adding that the former EOPYY doctors will have the option to be contracted to EOPYY as private practice doctors and to apply for a position in the National Health System (ESY).

[15] EOPYY doctors decide to continue their strike until December 13

The striking doctors underlined in an announcement that their struggle will continue and escalate, and called on Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis to "overcome his fixation on human sacrifice" and demanding the launch of a credible dialogue.

In response to the proposal put on the table suggesting the suspension of their mobilisations for a month, they said that it was a mockery because it did not include guarantees of no layoffs.

[16] Education minister refers Athens University rector to disciplinary council

More specifically, the Senate decided unanimously that no reason emerged from actions or omissions of the controversial rector to justify referring him to the disciplinary council, and that the Senate has no jurisdiction by law to decide on the Education minister's request.

In spite of this, the education minister initiated disciplinary action against Pelegrinis, sending the case to Council of State (CoS) president Sotiris Rizos, who by law is also president of the university academic staff disciplinary council, with the charge of breach of duty.

If the disciplinary council decides to proceed with the case, the education minister will then be able to order the rector's temporary suspension from his post.

[17] The Athens Uni. senate ought to back Pelegrinis, Aristotle Uni. rector Mylopoulos tells ANA-MPA

He added that "the rector is the head of the University and the senate ought to back him so he may come out stronger from this mishap and negotiate with all parties involved for a better operation of the UoA."

The interview was taken just before the Athens University Senate made a unanimous decision against taking disciplinary action against Pelegrinis.

However, in spite of the senate's decision, Education Minister Konstantinos Arvanitopoulos later decided to refer Pelegrinis to the five-member disciplinary council for university staff, with the charge of breach of duty.

[18] National Technical University of Athens' employees extend their strike until Friday

[19] Tax evasion reduces tax revenues, deputy Finmin Staikouras tells parliament

Staikouras said that a gradual improvement in tax compliance was among factors contributing to the implementation of the 2014 budget forecasts.

"According to European Commission figures, revenues are expected to amount at 44.6 percent of GDP in 2013, compared with 45.6 percent in the EU," Staikouras said.

"But it is also true that in Greece tax rates, both for households and businesses, are higher than the European average: VAT stands at 23 pct compared with 21.4 pct in the EU, while the higher income tax rate for individuals is at 46 pct as opposed to the EU's 39.3 pct, and the higher tax rate for legal entities is at 26 pct compared with 23.1 pct in the EU," the deputy minister noted.

The government's efforts will be to reduce tax evasion by two percentage points - the OECD's latest report on the Greece's economy estimated tax evasion at 23.6 pct of GDP, as opposed with 14.3 pct in the EU.

"A successful completion of this effort will allow reducing the tax load on the consistent taxpayers, who also face a cut in their incomes," Staikouras said.

[20] Defence minister: nothing must be allowed to upset social cohesion, national unity

The minister was accompanied by National Defence General Staff chief Gen. Mikhail Kostarakos, Hellenic Army General Staff chief Lieut. Gen. Athanassios Tselios, Hellenic Navy General Staff chief Vice Admiral Evangelos Apostolakis and Air Force General Staff chief Lieut. Gen. Evangelos Tournas.

Avramopoulos reiterated in his address that "our country will once again find both its step and orientation. However, a precondition for this is that we do not allow anything to upset the social cohesion and national unity of our people. For this reason we must all be very careful. The words we express, our actions, our deeds, our thoughts must have as their basic principle the safeguarding and strengthening of our national unity".

[21] Exit and re-entry of legal migrants to be permitted throughout 2014, gov't announces

Provided their departure occurred within the time period specified, legal migrants fulfilling all conditions required by article 4, paragraph 4 of law 4018 passed in 2011 can freely exit and re-enter Greece as many times as they want, the decision stipulates. The decision also applies for those departing Greece within 2013, provided the other conditions required by the law are met.

Those seeking re-entry must have a valid passport or other travel document recognised by Greece and a document certifying that they have submitted all documentation needed to obtain and renew their residence permit.

The exit and re-entry permission is not extended to those have a special legal residence permit issued under the terms of a 2010 common ministerial decision or those released from prison with restrictive conditions, which bars them from leaving the country.

[22] ADEDY to hold rally on Saturday

"With the 2014 budget, tabled in parliament by the government, strict measures, austerity policy and the dramatic reduction of funds for education, health and social security will continue for one more year," the annoucement noted.

"This year's budget reflects the effort of the government, the European Union and the International Monetary Fund to squeeze labour income even more, to eliminate social sectors and services and impose a looting tax system, a policy that is leading the poorest classes to devastation," it added.

[23] Homes of financially weak residents will be protected, Deputy Dev. Minister Skordas reiterates

Asked on troika's intentions, he said: "We have made a progress with the troika. It still applies what the prime minister has said. No financially weak citizen should worry about its first residence. Every mortgage in first residence will be protected."

Skordas, however, did not elaborate on the criteria according to which someone is considered economically weak.

[24] Magistrates reject Golden Dawn party leader's request to be released

These included the party's statement in Parliament on the anniversary of the restoration of democracy after the fall of the junta, when Golden Dawn had said: "You say democracy was restored in 1974; we say that it was restored in 1967," referring to the year when a seven-year junta began in Greece.

According to sources, the two magistrates Ioannia Klapa and Maria Dimitropoulou said that Golden Dawn retains the same ideological direction, including its admiration of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime, while opposing Parliamentary democracy "in spite of the claims to the opposite by the accused".

The two magistrates consider Mihaloliakos to have full control of GD, which they consider a criminal organisation, and to determine both its principles and the framework of the party, as well as the means by which its members carried out criminal acts "regardless of whether he was aware of each individual action".

The charges against him relate to at least four incidents of attacks carried out by GD supporters, including the murder of rapper Pavlos Fyssas and incidents in which people were seriously injured, while the magistrates considered that he is likely to continue the criminal activity if released.

They also rejected his arguments that he was unable to carry out his Parliamentary duties due to his incarceration on remand.

Meanwhile, the investigation into GD's activities has turned up new evidence and new suspects have been called to testify in connection with alleged offences committed by the party, including the murder of a Pakistani cyclist in Petralona, the torching of a cafe-bar on Amerikis Square owned by a foreign national and various assaults.

[25] Parliament's Ethics Committee votes to strip immunity from Golden Dawn MP, former Athens mayor

It advised against the removal of immunity from ND MP Argyris Dinopoulos, who faces a slander suit brought by Independent Greeks MP Notis Marias, and for main opposition SYRIZA MP Georgios Stathakis, who had been charged with financial mismanagement of the University of Crete where he was vice-rector after he presented a Court of Audit decision that cleared him.

Iliopoulos has been charged with illegally carrying a weapon, which he denied, while the former Athens mayor Kaklamanis has been sued by the forestry department for cutting trees without permission in a central Athens park to make room for parking spaces.

[26] Tabling in Parliament of real estate tax bill postponed until next week

According to the Finance ministry, technical difficulties necessitated the postponement of its tabling that had been initially scheduled to take place on Thursday.

[27] List of organizations on uniform public-sector wage scale sent to Parliament

A document with the information was forwarded to Parliament on December 2, following a relevant question by New Democracy (ND) MP Andreas Psiharis. A similar question was addressed to the finance ministry by another 20 ND MPs headed by Assimina Skorda, requesting to be informed of the sanctions that will be imposed in case of violations.

Hellenic Defence Systems S.A., Hellenic Industrial Property Organization, the state hiring agency ASEP, the Hellenic Telecommunications & Post Commission (EETT), the Regulatory Authority for Energy (RAE), the Hellenic Data Protection Authority, the Greek National Council for Radio and Television (ESR), the Hellenic Competition Commission and the Greek Ombudsman are among the agencies under scrutiny.

[28] Gov't taking inventory of Argos flood damages

Other agencies are also taking inventory of animal casualties at farms, and the regional Peloponnese authorities are also checking damages.

A ministerial decision is expected in the near future that would provide compensation to farmers for damage.

Financial News

[29] FinMin Stournaras to table bill on single real estate tax on Thursday

According to Finance ministry sources, the bill provides for even lower charges for the vast majority of home owners, compared to the current tax burden or to the original estimates contained in the bill.

Speaking at the annual conference of American-Hellenic Chamber on "The time of the Greek Economy" on Tuesday, Prime Minister Antonis Samaras said there will be a single property tax and tax relief for 75 percent of households.

[30] Tolls for future major roadways should be set on a sliding scale, minister tells parl. committee

Speaking to the relevant committee, where a bill concerning the restart of the projects is being discussed, the minister said, "There is an injustice that must be rectified, in terms of frequent drivers. There must be regulations that give users of the roads to pay proportionately, depending on the distance they travel, and they maust have good alternative roads and directions."

Such a sliding scale in toll charges has not been included in the bill now in Parliament. Chryssochoidis said, however, that such measures should be inserted in the provision related to Egnatia Road, traversing northern Greece, "in view of the privatisation of Egnatia Road and so we don't have problems similar to those we have with national highways." He said that he proposed this to the state privatisation agency, the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (TAIPED).

Attica region director Ioannis Sgouros, in earlier statements, said projects should be restarted but tolls should not be raised, and funds be supplied for the project from other sources.

The committee also heard from other local officials, construction representatives and other specialists on the project.

[31] Tourism minister says Greece to invest in medical tourism

Tourism Minister Olga Kefaloyianni has spoken of Greece's aspiration to tap into medical tourism, while also referring to wellness and cruise tourism, as well as cultural tourism, which Greece could develop as specialised tourist products.

"Greece will extend its offer to the sector of medical tourism next year. Prime Minister Samaras predicts great growth prospects in this sector," Kefaloyianni told the newspaper "Der Tagesspiegel."

She mentioned as examples the areas of eye operations, dental care, kidney therapies and fertility treatment, which she explained are in great demand, mainly by Russians and Americans. Europeans, she said, can use the medical services of other EU member-states.

The minister further said that "all Greeks realise that tourism is the only sector that can help the country return to growth rates".

Kefaloyianni reiterated that a new record in tourism is expected to be recorded in 2014, while the newspaper refers to revenues amounting to 12 billion euros in 2013 and a target of 13 billion euros in 2014.

In 2013, Greere recorded a 45 percent increase in tourists from Russia and 40 percent from Turkey.

[32] Greek banks committed to funding major road projects

Speaking in Parliament, during a hearing at a parliamentary commission, Gortsos said that Greek banks have also fully covered the part of funding belonging to foreign banks that withdraw from the projects, while he stressed that a bank recapitalisation program's main goal was to strengthen their credibility.

Responding to deputies' questions, Gortsos said that banks - all over the world - do not lend businesses and households using their own capital, but using the capital of depositors.

Gortsos is one of the experts invited for an opinion by the committee, which is reviewing a bill on restarting major road projects with expected EU funding help.

[33] Greek banks' interest rate spread up 11 bps in October

The central bank, in a report, said that the overall weighted average interest rate on new deposits decreased, while the corresponding interest rate on new loans increased, thus the interest rate spread between loan and deposit rates increased by 11 basis points to stand at 3.71 percentage.

In the case of deposits, the average interest rates on overnight deposits from households and from non-financial corporations remained almost unchanged, in October 2013, at 0.39 percent and 0.41 percent respectively. The average interest rate on deposits from households with an agreed maturity of up to one year decreased further by 13 basis points to stand at 2.97 pct. The overall weighted average interest rate on all new deposits decreased by 6 basis points to stand at 1.90 pct in October 2013.

In the case of loans, the average interest rate on consumer loans without a defined maturity (a category which includes credit card debt, open account loans and debit balances on current accounts) increased by 20 basis points and stood at 14.86 pct in October 2013. The average interest rate on consumer loans with a defined maturity, at a floating rate or with an initial rate fixation period of up to one year increased by 11 basis points to stand at 7.51 pct.

The average interest rate on corporate loans and loans to sole proprietors without a defined maturity remained basically unchanged at 7.19 pct and 9.36 pct respectively in October 2013. The average interest rate on corporate loans with a defined maturity at a floating rate or with an initial rate fixation period of up to one year decreased by 12 basis points to 6.77 pct for loans up to 250,000 euros, decreased by 30 basis points to 6.19 pct for loans above 250,000 euros and up to 1 million euros, and increased by 21 basis points to 6.14 pct for loans above 1 million.

Finally, the average interest rate on housing loans at a floating rate or with an initial fixation period of up to one year decreased by 8 basis points and stood at 2.85 pct. The overall weighted average interest rate on all new loans to households and corporations stood at 5.61 pct in October 2013, compared with 5.56 pct in the previous month.

In October 2013, the overall weighted average interest rate on outstanding amounts of all deposits decreased, while the corresponding rate on all loans remained almost unchanged. The spread between loan and deposit rates increased by 9 basis points to stand at 3.46 percentage.

[34] Visa Europe supports efforts by Greek banks

"As new technologies change the business model and the ways citizens communicate, search and buy products and services, we continue investing on a new ecosystem, bringing closer the natural with the digital environment," he said, adding that adopting e-payment systems will further boost efforts to limit the black economy and tax evasion.

[35] Municipal authorities to take action to protect the region of Asteras Vouliagmeni

Speaking in a press conference, Mayor Spyros Panas noted that the municipality agrees with the exploitation of the existing hotel complex but will not allow real estate development in forest land that will cover an area of 40,000 square meters.

"We want economic growth, investments, job positions, but not by destroying the natural environment," he underlined, adding that "we are in favour of an investment that will have a positive impact on society, the economy and the environment. This is not an investment, it's a disaster".

[36] Development ministry planning measures aiming at lower produce market prices

"The ministry of Development will seriously consider the Hellenic Competition Commission's conclusions, arising from a produce market sector study," said Development Minister Kostis Hatzidakis.

"In every sector where legislation is required, to boost competitiveness, reduce barriers and costs, and modernize distribution structures, there will be immediate action. The goal is to benefit both producers through strengthening their position on the market, and consumers by restraining prices," Hatzidakis said.

[37] No price hikes at road tolls, says Infrastructure Minister Michalis Chryssohoidis

Chryssohoidis assured the members of Parliament that there will be no price increase in toll stations at Moreas, Maliakos-Kleidi, Kamena Vourla-Raches and the E65 motorways,

The minister said that tolls will only increase in the Afidnes-Kamena Vourla section of the motorway, which set out in the original motorway construction contract. He noted, however, that there will be a 50 pct discount for frequent users, while the discount at Aiginio will be 80 pct. In addition to that there will be a 20pct reduction of the Corinth-Patras motorway toll price, where there will be an additional discount of 10 pct for proportional users.

Chryssohoidis also answered to various deputies' criticism regarding toll collection while roadworks had been paused, and referred to a Council of State decision allowing concessionaires to continue collecting tolls because the contracts did not allow this to stop. All income made from toll collection was spent on construction, loan and maintenance costs, he said.

The minister also referred to the future construction of the Patras-Pyrgos-Tsakona motorway and said that there are some more studies to be conducted, with construction due to commence next summer. The motorway's construction will be funded by the state and will cost 390 million euros.

Parliament is to vote on the draft bill for the recommencing of motorway construction by December 15th.

[38] IKA shelves case file over SYRIZA party unpaid social insurance contributions

An inspection by IKA-ETAM conducted on February 8, 2012 concluded that Alexis Tsipras, being the representative of SYRIZA, was responsible for unpaid contributions in the period of November 1, 2011-December 12, 2011, amounting to 60,819 euros.

[39] Religious tourism protocol signed between Tourism Minister, Dodecanese Islands Metropolis

The agreement relates to the churches that fall under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Also discussed was the publication of a guide for religious monuments on the Dodecanese for tourists.

[40] Pepsico-Ivi wants to stay and grow in Greece

Ray Hazley, managing director of the company, told reporters that the management took strategically important decisions in the last few years, given a continuous decline of the beverage

market and an adverse economic environment prevailing in the country, which had a significant impact on the company's results and led to accumulated losses of 63 million euros.

"We want to stay and grow in Greece," Hazley said, adding that "our problem was the major shrinking of the beverage market - down around 7.0 pct - and high costs. We should be more flexible to deal with the market situation". He said that the company planned a voluntary exit programme with privileges to workers, which was progressing in three stages.

Hazley said the first two stages of the program have been completed with more than 100 workers included in the programme, while he estimated that the company will balance its losses in the next one to two years.

Pepsico-Ivi buys 50 pct of its raw material from Greek producers, Hazley said, adding that the company could buy 100 pct of its raw material supplies from Greek producers and noted that the company has asked for state support through contacts with the Agricultural Development and Food ministry.

[41] Olympic Brewery expands activities in Canada, Brazil and Russia

Yiannis Hitos, chairman and chief executive of the company, speaking to reporters, said Fix Hellas will become the first Greek beer to enter the Russian market, focusing initially in the Moscow region. At the same time, Olympic Brewery will seek to enter the Brazilian market through a local coffee chain. Olympic Brewery has established presence in 20 countries, including the UK, Australia, Germany, Italy, Spain, China, Cyprus, South Africa, Sweden, Hong Kong and Chile. In 2013, the company signed an agreement to sell its products in all Duty Free Shops in the country.

Olympic Brewery continues implementing its investment programme which envisages the construction of its own brewery factory with a production capacity of 15,000 tons, part of an investment programme for the period 2014-2015. The investment has a budget of around 10 million euros.

Hitos said the domestic beer market will fall by 2-3 pct this year. Olympic Brewery expects to raise its market share to 13.5-14 pct, rising further to 16 pct in 2014. Its turnover is expected to reach 53 million euros this year, an increase of around 17 pct compared with 2012. The company also expects a significant increase in its EBITDA and improved pre-tax earnings. Olympic Brewery has a workforce of more than 230 workers after creating around 30 new job positions this year.

[42] Eurolife Insurance reports improved nine-month results

Life insurance contract production totaled 165 million euros in the January-September period, up 9.0 pct from the same period last year, while pre-tax earnings of the category jumped 38 pct to 40 million euros.

General insurance production totaled 65 million euros, up 22 pct from 2012, while pre-tax earnings totaled 26 million euros, up 30 pct from last year. Eurolife Insurance said supervisory capital more than covered the credibility rates, by 336 pct (Life insurance) and 530 pct (General insurance).

[43] 'Camouflaged' vehicles enlisted in struggle against fuel adulteration and smuggling

In addition to the customary inspections of fuel pumps, the development ministry's aims to further decrease of fuel trade violations through checks with the use of a specially adapted cars without service markings and conventional licence plates, without there being prior notification for the party undergoing inspection.

The vehicle will have the ability to measure the volume and other parameters of fuel received from a pump, while the system will also be able to telematically relay the results of the inspection to a central agency, recording of the results of measurements, geographical coordinates and the time of the inspection, with reference to national time.

[44] Christmas holiday season opening times for Thessaloniki stores

On Sunday, December 15, stores will open from 11:00 to 18:00, while on December 16-20 opening times will be from 10:00 to 21:00.

On Saturday, December 20, they will open from 10:00 to 18:00 and on Sunday, December 22 from 11:00 to 18:00.

On Christmas Eve (Tuesday, December 24), stores will open from 10:00 to 18:00, while on Christmas Day and the day after all stores will be closed.

On December 27, they will open from 10:00 to 21:00; on December 28 from 10:00 to 18:00; on December 29 from 11:00 to 18:00 and on December 30 from 10:00 to 21:00.

On New Year's Eve (Tuesday, December 31), retail stores will open from 10:00 to 18:00.

On New Year's Day and on January 2, 2014 stores will be closed.

[45] Mobilisations continue by Coca-Cola Tria Epsilon employees

Two repeated 48-hour strikes held by the workers' union ended on Wednesday afternoon.

The Centre demands that the laid-off company employees be rehired.

[46] Greek stocks end moderately lower

The Large Cap index fell 0.85 pct and the Mid Cap index ended 0.79 pct lower. MIG (1.79 pct), Korinth Pipeworks (1.52 pct), OTE (1.36 pct) and Ellaktor (0.91 pct) were top gainers among blue chip stocks, while Motor Oil (4.13 pct), Jumbo (2.54 pct), Piraeus Bank (2.52 pct) and Mytilineos (2.07 pct) were top losers.

The Telecoms (1.36 pct), Utilities (0.26 pct) and Commerce (0.11 pct) sectors were top gainers, while Oil (2.33 pct), Personal Products (2.03 pct) and Food (1.95 pct) suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 78 to 68 with another 21 issues unchanged.

Lazarides (29.03 pct), Sidma (20 pct) and Crete Building (17.09 pct) were top gainers while Leventeris (29.32 pct), Compucon (20 pct) and Teletypos (19.75 pct) were top losers.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Industrials: -0.34%

Commercial: +0.11%

Construction: -0.50%

Oil & Gas: -2.33%

Personal & Household: -2.03%

Raw Materials: -1.36%

Travel & Leisure: -0.03%

Technology: -0.39%

Telecoms: +1.36%

Banks: -1.26%

Food & Beverages: -1.95%

Health: -1.20%

Utilities: +0.26%

Financial Services: -0.62%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 0.61

Public Power Corp (PPC): 11.20

Coca Cola HBC: 20.35

Hellenic Petroleum: 8.80

National Bank of Greece: 4.40

Eurobank Properties : 8.41

OPAP: 10.24

OTE: 9.70

Piraeus Bank: 1.55

Titan: 22.00

[47] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates continued moving higher. The 12-month rate rose to 0.504 pct from 0.503 pct, the nine-month rate rose to 0.425 pct from 0.423 pct, the six-month rate rose to 0.334 pct from 0.332 pct, the three-month rate was 0.239 pct and the one-month rate rose to 0.180 pct from 0.175 pct.

[48] ADEX closing report

[49] Foreign Exchange rates - Thursday

U.S. dollar 1.379

Pound sterling 0.842

Danish kroner 7.571

Swedish kroner 8.970

Japanese yen 141.40

Swiss franc 1.245

Norwegian kroner 8.435

Canadian dollar 1.470

Australian dollar 1.527

General News

[50] Alarming rise in domestic violence during crisis, MPs told

Presenting figures collected by the emergency phone line SOS 15900 over the last two and a half years, Kollia said that 79 pct concerning cases of violence against women. Of these, 74 pct were reported by the women themselves, 77 pct concerned domestic violence, 1 pct sexual harassment and 1 pct were cases of rape, 0.1 pct to organised prostitution and 12 pct to other forms of violence, usually involving former partners or spouses.

Of the women reporting incidents of domestic violence, 14 percent had university degrees, 9 percent had finished upper high school and 5 percent had finished the lower high school or gymnasio. The overwhelming majority, or 70 pct, were Greek women abused by Greek husbands or partners while 8 pct were migrants and 0.3 pct came from minorities.

The MPs were also briefed by the police, who reported a 53.86 pct rise in incidents of domestic violence in 2011, followed by a 22.24 pct increase in 2012, while the vast majority of the victims were women. During 2012 there were five women killed as a result of domestic violence, while 10 were killed in 2011 and eight in the first 11 months of 2013.

[51] Princess Katherine of Serbia talks to ANA-MPA about the Lifeline charity in Greece

Her work also brought her to the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki, where with "Lifeline Hellas" President Zisis Boukouvalas and the board of directors, she helped organize a Christmas charity event and visited the children of the city's "MELISSA" orphanage, as well as the "Storgi" foundation for friends of children with cancer.

"What I have seen during the last years in Greece has caused me pain," said Princess Katherine in an interview with the ANA-MPA. " I had seen them in the past also, in Serbia," she added.

"You cannot imagine how much Greece has supported us all these years, after the war. They were always close to us and concerned, they would send everything. Now it's our turn, we are here for you," she said.

Speaking about the relationships between Serbian and Greek people, Princess Katherine said that they have many things in common and that there are strong emotional ties. "People don't let me say 'the Greeks'. They often correct me and tell me to call them 'brothers.'

"Serbs love Greece, they come here on holiday, they especially to Chalkidiki, they like the food, learn the Greek language, songs, everything," noted Princess Katherine. "In Serbia they love me very much because I have Greek blood, just like Alexander. He is half Greek, grandson of King Alexander and Aspasia Manos."

"This crisis was certainly not good for anyone but because in Serbia we didn't have much, we did not lose much. Here in Greece things were very different. People might not have had so much, but they could make a living. They had their jobs, their houses, it was a shock for the Greek state," stressed Princess Katherine.

"Everybody must help and help is not only money. If a factory produces clothes or food, it should offer some to those who cannot afford them," she said, adding that "I remember in Serbia they used to send everything from Thessaloniki, even shoes."

"I personally do not accept anything sent from Greece, now it's your turn," she stated.

"My husband and I travel to many parts of the world for charity activities. We recently visited New York and talked to many people. I want to visit America again and talk to even more, especially to the diaspora Greeks and make them understand that Greece suffers. It is the place where they were born, the place they love, the place they learned how to give. It is time to give."

Referring to the crisis in Greece, Princess Katherine appeared confident that Greece will overcome the crisis but stressed that it was up to the Greeks.

"It is up to you to come out of the crisis. I often listen to you talking about what has happened and not what will happen. You say 'what have we become' instead of seeking a strategy to overcome this situation."

However, as she noted, tourism can be used and assist in the country's exit from the economic crisis. "You saw how well tourism went during summer. People don't want to leave Greece."

"Greeks are smart and educated people. Things will get better but time is needed. Disaster did not happen in one day, nor one night. It took time and it will take time for the situation to improve."

Princess Katherine also talked about the importance of work done by charity organisations, stressing that they must support the state.

"It needs faith. We must believe in ourselves, our powers and God. When we were young we used to sing the national anthem and say that Greece never dies. We must believe in this," she mentioned.

We must also help other people as much as we can. Especially now that Christmas is near, there must not be a table without food, life is too short and we must empathise with the want of others," said Princess Katherine.

[52] Panepistimiou Street redevelopment plan approved by Central Architectural Council

The project "can give a new air to the public spaces in central Athens," the minister stressed, noting that the facelift for the area will showcase the street's emblematic buildings, such as the Athens Academy and National Library.

The plan, which includes an extension of the tram line and related traffic circulation measures, is funded by the Alexander S. Onassis foundation, which intends it to be a donation to the Greek state.

Kalafatis noted that the plan will improve access by fixed-rail transportation means to the city centre, reducing air pollution, while he expressed hope that it will help revive the area's retail market and encourage a return to central Athens as a place of residence.

The work will be carried out between Omonia Square, Dikaiosini Square (between Panepistimiou, Arsaki, Stadiou and Santaroza streets), and on Patission Street up to the level of the National Archaeological Museum. The project will be offered for tender in 2014 and is scheduled to finish in 2016.

[53] 'Art for Amnesty' exhibition opens on Thursday in Athens

Thirty-five students of the Arts School participate in the exhibition "Art for Amnesty", with 55 works inspired by the organisation's international campaigns aiming to promote issues regarding the human rights, as Roma's rights, women's and homosexuals rights as well as the migration, poverty and conscentious objectors' issue.

"Art for Amnesty" is an international event in which Amnesty International cooperates with people of art in order to promote the human rights through the culture," said Arts School associate professor Angelos Antonopoulos.

The exhibition which is held for the first time in Greece will open on Thursday at 19.00 and will run until Sunday 8 December. The entrance will be free to the public.

[54] Angelos Delivorias denies plans to quit as Benaki Museum director

"I am still here and continuing the difficult work that I began," Delivorias said in response to a press report appearing in the magazine 'Athens Voice' earlier the same day.

"That I will one day step down from the management of the Benaki Museum is something to be expected, but only after I have first informed by co-workers and all the journalists that have supported me for the past four decades, since I began serving the Foundation. For the time being, I am still here and continuing the difficult work that I began," he said.

Delivorias first took over as the museum's director in 1973 and has helped transform it into one of the most important museums in the country.

[55] Aegean sailings partly restored; Piraeus ban expected to be lifted by 17:00

They said that gradually other schedules would be restored, and assessed that by 17:00 the boats will be allowed to sail from the ports of Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio, as wind strength has been gradually dropping in the eastern and souther Aegean.

Boats on the Saronic Gulf only go as far as Egina.

Cancelled schedules include the Aghia Marina-Nea Styra, Volos-Sporades Islands, Kaval-Prinos, and Thasos-Keramoti lines in the Eastern and Northern Aegean, and the Rio-Antirrio boat line connecting the mainland with the Peloponnese.

Passengers are advised to get in touch with local ports and travel agencies before leaving, while a further update will be provided by port authorities later in the day.

[56] Zakynthos town offers to pay overdue bills for families

Zakynthos mayor Stelios Bozikis sent a letter to the Public Power Corporation (PPC) regional head Anna Kamvasi, asking her to brief him about families whose power supply has been cut off over unpaid electricity bills.

"Please inform us immediately at which homes PPC has cut power supplies due to pending bills, so that the municipality can pay a part, so you can reconnect their supplies," he said in his letter.

[57] Christmas Bazaar at the Metropolitan Community Clinic at Helliniko

It is a special Christmas feast for children, where under the guidance and supervision of trained volunteers they will play, draw, create handicrafts, listen to fairytales and do yoga. Entrance is free and children are encouraged to bring a small pillow. People interested in attending the event must register at the clinic's secretariat by Monday, December 9.

On the same day, the "Friends of the Metropolitan Community Clinic at Helliniko" will organize their own Christmas Bazaar from 10.00 to 18.00, including plenty of handmade artifacts made by the clinic's volunteers and friends. The revenue from the Bazaar will go toward the running of the clinic. There will also be an "alternative" Christmas tree made out of milk and baby food that organizers aspire will reach a great height, in order to cover the needs of thousands of young patients.

[58] Traditional Italian Christmas Bazaar at the Italian School of Athens on December 7 and 8

The Italian Committee "Co.As.It" has been organizing the event for decades, sponsored by the Italian Embassy in Athens, with the aim to offer relief to Italian residents of Greece who are in need, such as families with disabled members, elderly people without a pension, the destitute and the sick, among others.

The bazaar always meets with a warm response from the Greek public, both as a gesture of generosity and for its charitable goals and because the Italian products on sale are offered at one third of their initial price, as a way of support for Greeks.

The 2013 Italian Bazaar will last two days, offering a chance to experience an authentic Italian atmosphere, tastes and traditional Italian foods and wines, as well as buy Christmas presents.

Alongside the bazaar there will be an exhibition of antique Italian cars and a presentation of new FIAT car models, located at the school's courtyard.

The event will end on Sunday, December 8 with a lottery.

[59] Culture ministry employees to hold 48-hour strike

The strikers are opposed to the public-sector employee mobility scheme affecting the sector.

Weather forecast

[60] Fair on Thursday

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

EFIMERIDA TON SYNTAKTON: Education in free fall.

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: The list with the 11,000 layoffs in public sector.

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: Second chance to illegal buildings owners.

ESTIA: Greece united thrives

ETHNOS: Tax Bureau cadres' origin of wealth statements full of holes.

IMERISSIA: The battle for the warrants begins.

KATHIMERINI: Greek schools below the base mark

LOGOS: Black years to come.

NAFTEMPORIKI: Government's ultimate red line for the home foreclosures.

RIZOSPASTIS: Public housing a right not a luxury.

TA NEA: Universities in a quagmire, high schools discredited.

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