Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 14-04-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] FinMin briefs premier, gov't VP on Eurogroup, Ecofin meetings beginning Tuesday in Athens

[02] Informal ECOFIN meeting to take place in Athens on Tuesday and Wednesday

[03] SYRIZA on the demonstrations planned for the Ecofin meeting

[04] Police ban on demonstrations around Zappion on Tuesday, Wednesday

[05] Syntagma, Acropolis Metro stations shut down Tuesday afternoon

[06] Environment Minister to chair EU Council of Environment Ministers on Tuesday

[07] PM Samaras: 'A huge step toward tomorrow's Greece

[08] Nikitas Kaklamanis expelled from New Democracy's Parliamentary group

[09] 'No one from New Democracy said this would be a vote of confidence' expelled deputy Kaklamanis says

[10] New alternate rural development and environment ministers sworn in

[11] Gov't VP rules out early national elections

[12] Government majority is more than adequate, gov't spokesman says

[13] SYRIZA vindicated by result of its tactics during omnibus bill debate, party says

[14] KKE MPs to abstain during censure motion against Meimarakis

[15] Layoffs are disconnected from mobility scheme, Administrative Reform Min says

[16] Former Alternate Food Minister Charakopoulos satisfied with solution found on milk

[17] Juncker said he would have appointed a Commissioner for Greece if he was head of the EU Commission

[18] Greece is not a threat to the euro, according to the German finance minister

[19] Deputy FM Kourkoulas' schedule until April 3

[20] Development ministry reaction to SYRIZA on OECD report

[21] Deputy FM meets with Archbishop Demetrios, community leaders in NY

[22] Private clinics resort to justice for information on EOPYY budget

[23] 'Markets are reopening for Greece,' BoG governor says

[24] Banking union one of the biggest challenges, Greek FinMin says

[25] Lamda Development declared preferred investor for Hellinikon SA

[26] Lamda Development welcomes HRADF decision, to present investment plan for Hellinikon in detail

[27] Five Greek companies to participate in industrial exhibition in Hannover

[28] Greek stocks end March 1.93 pct higher

[29] Greek bond market closing report

[30] ADEX closing report

[31] Foreign exchange rates

[32] Rescue operation for 408 undocumented migrants is underway west of Crete

[33] Lethal road accidents in Greece decrease, but not enough, per European Commission

[34] Poverty more acute in Greece in 2013, says European Commission quarterly review

[35] Greeks abroad protest outside Munich's Glyptothek for return of Greek treasures

[36] First witnesses examined in preliminary inquiry into inmate's death

[37] Pharmacies to reopen on Tuesday

[38] Vessel possibly carrying large number of undocumented migrants located NW of Crete; rescue operation underway

[39] Thirty suspects to testify in orthopaedic hospital supply case

[40] Piraeus port launches architectural competition to convert Kastraki into museum

[41] Trikala Zoo loses one of its two tigers to age, surgery complications

[42] Free tickets for university students by Aegean Airlines and the ministry of education

[43] Seamen on 48-hour repeated strikes, ships docked

[44] File for damage restoration on quake stricken Cephalonia submitted to EU Solidarity Fund

[45] Nine school guards acquitted over charges stemming from Dec. protest

[46] Young bear killed in year's first road accident involving bears

[47] Lawyer to testify on a fax sent from his office allegedly instigating prison rioting

[48] Athens-Thessaloniki national road to close at Tempi valley on Tues. and Wed.

[49] Lady Gaga's concert in Athens in September

[50] CERN-Greece Industry Day held at Democritus Centre on Monday

[51] Overcast on Tuesday

[52] The Monday edition of Athens' dailies Politics

[01] FinMin briefs premier, gov't VP on Eurogroup, Ecofin meetings beginning Tuesday in Athens

Greece will be at the centre of economic inte-rest, he said, as the EU's Finance ministers and EU central bank governors will convene in Greece, he said, adding the hope that "the efforts of the Greek people will be recognised tomorrow."

[02] Informal ECOFIN meeting to take place in Athens on Tuesday and Wednesday

It also includes issues related to the social aspects of growth and financial stability in Europe, the long term financing of the economy, especially the enhancement of SME financing, as well as the preparation of the IMF/World Bank Spring and G20 Finance Ministers meetings.

Fostering growth and job creation, especially for young people, is high on the agenda also of the Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership (FEMIP) ministerial meeting, where the European Investment Bank (EIB), will present to FinanceMinisters its Roadmap 2020, outlining its new strategy for the Mediterranean. During a working lunch on Tuesday, 1 April, ECOFIN Ministers and Central Bank Governors will have the opportunity to discuss Europe's social problems and their implications for economic growth, based on a presentation made by Bruegel. Later, in the first ECOFIN Working Session, Ministers will exchange views on the economic situation and outlook and growth prospects, focusing also on the situation in the financial markets

The Commission will present its Communication on long term financing of the economy and the High Level Expert Group will present its SME and Infrastructure Financing-Report "Finance for Growth". At the end of their first session, Ministers will discuss and agree the draft Terms of Reference and a draft IMFC Statement prepared by the EFC for the IMF / World Bank Spring Meetings and G20 Finance Ministers Meeting.

During the ensuing joint 13th ECOFIN/FEMIP Ministerial Meeting, on the same day, discussions will focus on the challenges and levers for sustainable growth and the new strategy of the European Investment Bank (EIB) for the Mediterranean looking forward to 2020. Fostering growth and job creation, especially for young people will be a key aspect of these discussions. Additional topics will include how the Bank can further strengthen and diversify its instruments in support of the private sector and whether more can be done for climate action in the region.

Wednesday's ECOFIN Working Session will be dedicated to the European Banking Regulatory Framework Reform. The first topic is the Banking Structure Reform based on the presentation of the Commission's proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council on structural measures improving the resilience of EU credit institutions. Furthermore, Ministers will discuss the latest developments on Banking Union, an overarching priority for the Greek Presidency, because of its importance as a prerequisite for strengthening trust and increasing liquidity in the European economy, as well as safeguarding financial stability in Europe. The Single Resolution Mechanism (SRM) state of play, as well as the state of play of Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) implementation presented by the Chair of the SSM Supervisory Board are on the agenda of the discussions.

[03] SYRIZA on the demonstrations planned for the Ecofin meeting

SYRIZA underlined that the police plan to create "red zones" and cordon off part of the city center, is yet another proof of the government's extreme authoritarianism and its panic a few hours after the omnibus bill was passed in Parliament.

SYRIZA underlined that anti-democratic measures will not intimidate the workers and the young, nor prevent them from taking their protests to the streets.

"Parliamentary coups and authoritarian actions of this kind can only deepen the government's alienation from society and its needs," SYRIZA noted, and called on the people to resist government designs and participate in peaceful mass protests against the memorandum austerity and destitution plans.

[04] Police ban on demonstrations around Zappion on Tuesday, Wednesday

The ban will be in force between 6:00-23:00 on Tuesday and from 6:00-15:00 on Wednesday, in a radius taking in parts of Kolonaki from the level of the Stadiou-Amerikis Street junction, as far down as Ardittou and Kallirois Street, the start of Synggrou Avenue and parts of Plaka and the historic centre, up to Kolokotroni Street and Stadiou.

[05] Syntagma, Acropolis Metro stations shut down Tuesday afternoon

The Syntagma station will shut down as of 5:30 p.m., and that of the Acropolis at 6:30 p.m. Trains will run through these stations without stopping.

Police will decide when to reopen them.

[06] Environment Minister to chair EU Council of Environment Ministers on Tuesday

On Wednesday he will chair the council in the fifth EU-USA summit on energy.

Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and European Commission Vice President, will chair the EU-USA summit. Commissioner for Energy Gunther Oettinger, USA Secretary of State John Kerry and USA Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman will also participate in the meeting.

Maniatis will make the opening remarks in both meetings on behalf of the European Union.

Earlier in the day Maniatis met with the 27 EU member-states' ambassadors and briefed them regarding the progress of the national cadastre and the process of registering the remainder of the country's land.

The completed cadastral surveys were auctioned last October for the country's respective regions, with a total budget of 527 million euros, which concerns 16 million property rights, thus the remaining 42 pct of the total of property rights, covering almost 65 pct of the Greek country.

[07] PM Samaras: 'A huge step toward tomorrow's Greece

"We are pressing ahead with great optimism and great strength," the prime minister said, after the discussion and vote on the reforms agreed between the government and Greece's troika of international creditors.

He noted that the "permanent disaster-mongers", surprised by "all the good things that came and are coming for the Greek economy", had sought to cast Greece into a state where it was ungoverned, adding that "we will never allow them to do this".

[08] Nikitas Kaklamanis expelled from New Democracy's Parliamentary group

The letter was given immediately after the result was announced of a vote on the finance ministry's omnibus bill, in which Kaklamanis had abstained during the vote on article 1.

The prime minister walked over the presidium, wrote the announcement expelling the MP on the spot and handed it to a Parliament official, who gave it to the presiding speaker Ioannis Tragakis to read to the plenum.

[09] 'No one from New Democracy said this would be a vote of confidence' expelled deputy Kaklamanis says

He added that he thought there would be last minute changes in the bill.

"Since yesterday I have been listening to (Government Vice-President and Foreign Minister Evangelos)Venizelos saying that the vote of the bill is a vote of confidence. Venizelos is the leader of PASOK not of New Democracy. No one from our party has said this would be a vote of confidence. The secretary of the parliamentary group is the one that gives such directions to deputies," Kaklamanis told Ant1 TV on Monday.

[10] New alternate rural development and environment ministers sworn in

Speaking in the handover-takeover ceremony at the ministry of agriculture, Rural Development and Foods Minister Athanassios Tsaftaris thanked the outgoing alternate minister Maximos Harakopoulos for his valuable and decisive input in highlighting the comparative advantages of the primary production sector and in supporting the farmers' demands.

Tsaftaris also referred to the efforts made in the past 22 months to most effectively resolve the primary production sector's problems.

[11] Gov't VP rules out early national elections

Responding to press questions, Venizelos stressed that the government's stability is guaranteed, that he respected the PASOK parliamentary group's stance (during the voting on the omnibus bill past Sunday midnight) and that the Greek people wanted stability. He also said that the government's stability was confirmed in Sunday's vote because there has been no voting in which the government has not held the absolute majority of all deputies present.

Asked about the voting down of the bill's second article by former Prime Minister and former PASOK leader George Papandreou, Venizelos referred to an earlier statement and said that everyone was under judgment.

Asked whether he did not expel deputies in order to avoid reducing the coalition majority, he said he was not using managerial measures as his criterion, adding at the same time, "Allow me to say that Papandreou has indissoluble bonds and great pending issues with PASOK."

[12] Government majority is more than adequate, gov't spokesman says

"It turned out that those who want the government to continue its work are more than the government majority," Kedikoglou noted ruling out the possibility of early elections and stressing that "it is a national need for the government to complete its term. It is a political decision already taken."

Kedikoglou accused SYRIZA of creating a polarisation landscape, underlining that "Tsipras' existence on an anti-memorandum policy is eliminating."

Regarding the censure motion lodged against Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras, he said: "His lack of knowledge on parliamentary issues has been proved. Either some people had not studied enough or they had not advised him properly."

On the expulsion of Nikitas Kaklamanis, the government spokesman said: "The vote had a character of vote of confidence in the government. The whole country knew it. Too bad that Mr Kaklamanis with such political experience did not realize it."

[13] SYRIZA vindicated by result of its tactics during omnibus bill debate, party says

"The government has emerged gravely wounded, with a prime minister that is unable to confront the leader of the main opposition," the note said.

According to its own analysis, SYRIZA said that the tactics adopted during the debate had successfully highlighted the bill's "hidden points" that the government had unsuccessfully attempted to conceal, especially with regard to the measures involving bank recapitalisation and "their sell-off at losses amounting to billions for the state," as well as attempts to cover up the responsibility of the Hellenic Financial Stability Fund (HFSF) in this case, or the fact that the property of Greeks was being placed in imminent danger.

SYRIZA also pointed out that the coalition government, having started its term with a majority of 179 MPs, was down to just 154 MPs in November, while the last bill barely squeaked through with 152 votes for the first article and just 151 for the second.

Regarding the refusal to discuss SYRIZA's no-confidence motion against Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras, the party described this as a "unprecedented Parliamentary coup," and it especially emphasised the prime minister's absence during Sunday's debate in Parliament, saying this showed complete disregard for Parliament and Samaras' inability to confront the main opposition leader.

[14] KKE MPs to abstain during censure motion against Meimarakis

According to KKE, the move was an attempt to conceal the underlying convergence between the ruling coalition and SYRIZA on issues of strategic importance concerning support for the European Union and "a strategy supporting the interests of plutocracy".

Regarding the dismissal of SYRIZA's no-confidence motion against Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras, which was thrown out without discussion, KKE said that responsibility for rejecting the proposal lay with the government and KKE's would direct its criticism there.

The party said it had supported the no-confidence motion against the omnibus bill, which dismantled labour rights in favour of big capital, as a condemnation of anti-popular policies generally but warned people against being "trapped in the scene of artificial bipartisan polarisation set up by the government and SYRIZA, which suits them both."

[15] Layoffs are disconnected from mobility scheme, Administrative Reform Min says

The minister, who spoke on Real fm, pointed out "there will be a permanent mobility mechanism, a structured internal labour market in the public sector, which would replace the largely problematic system of secondments and transfers. These positions will be advertised in cases of vacant posts - based on the organizational charts- and if there is interest the position will be covered based on an organized labour market."

In the meantime, the Administrative Reform Ministry will no longer focus on quantitative targets but will aim to upgrade the quality of the public sector services, following the regulations included in the omnibus bill that the Parliament voted for on Sunday.

Those amendments include compensations to civil servants that were made redundant after having been placed under the mobility scheme (with a ceiling of 15,000 euros), and the unemployment benefit through the Unemployment Agency OAED.

In addition, periods of availability for pregnant employees is extended while the state funding for private legal entities that do not list their staff will be suspended.

[16] Former Alternate Food Minister Charakopoulos satisfied with solution found on milk

Charakopoulos underlined that his resignation from the position of Alternate Food Minister contributed to a much better solution to the problem regarding the fresh milk.

[17] Juncker said he would have appointed a Commissioner for Greece if he was head of the EU Commission

European People 's Party candidate for the European Commission presidency Jean-Claude Juncker said that if he was president of the European Commission when the crisis broke out, he would have appointed a Commissioner for Greece.

"If I was president of the European Commission during the crisis, I would have appointed a Commissioner for Greece. He would be responsible for regional funds, for the fiscal and labour issues, for everything. So the Greek ministers would not need to turn to different Commissioners and explain all the issues from the beginning," the former prime minister of Luxembourg said speaking to ?Sueddeutsche Zeitung ?.

[18] Greece is not a threat to the euro, according to the German finance minister

German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble expressed certainty that Greece is not a threat to the euro and recognized the progress made by the Greek economy.

Addressing a group of students, who visited him at his ministry in the context of the European Union Day, he underlined that "Greece is making progress, the economy is functioning better," adding that the risks undertaken by Germany through the guarantees for Greece are at an acceptable level.

[19] Deputy FM Kourkoulas' schedule until April 3

On Monday, Kourkoulas, as representative of the EU council, will open the proceedings of the EU-Africa Parliamentary Summit, standing in for EU High Representative Catherine Ashton.

On Tuesday, he will participate in the preparatory meetings of the EU-Africa summit, to be held on April 2 and 3, where Greece will be represented by the Government Vice-President and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos.

He will also participate in the EU-IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) ministerial political dialogue on behalf of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton.

In the afternoon, Koukoulas and his Italian counterpart will take part in a meeting by the European External Action Service with African countries' Foreign Ministers on maritime security.

[20] Development ministry reaction to SYRIZA on OECD report

"We see that the opposition has even adopted the fabrications of various marginal websites regarding the OECD report on competition," the statement said.

"Some SYRIZA members until recently doubted the existence of the OECD report (which was presented in Athens by the OECD secretary-general Angel Gurria) and tabled relevant questions in parliament. Once convinced of its existence, the conspiracy theories of SYRIZA went to a new level," the ministry said adding that they are now asking questions already answered, with responses that anyone with common sense can see and understand.

[21] Deputy FM meets with Archbishop Demetrios, community leaders in NY

Deputy Foreign Minister Kyriakos Gerontopoulos responsible for Overseas Greeks met with Archbishop Demetrios of America on Monday (local time), after attending events celebrating Greek Independence Day (March 25), including a parade down Manhattan's Fifth Avenue on Sunday.

Gerontopoulos will meet US President Barack Obama at a White House event commemorating March 25th on Friday.

He has visited the Greek day school of the St. Nicholas parish in Flushing, NY and was expected to visit Ground Zero, where he will attend a memorial service on the ground where the new St. Nicholas church will be built.

Following the parade on Sunday, the ministry official visited with Greek American leaders at the Stathakeion Cultural Centre, of the Federation of Greek American Associations, in Astoria.

[22] Private clinics resort to justice for information on EOPYY budget

In an announcement, SEK pointed out that the EOPYY's imposition of a 'clawback' on services already provided was followed by a backdated 'ceiling' on these services to those insured by EOPYY, with its members informed on March 11 that they will not be paid the precise amount for the services already rendered and to be rendered. Instead, the amount is to be determined based on the amount in EOPYY's budget and the total invoices submitted by private clinics.

"The basic issue that arises concerns what the EOPYY budget will be, which we don't yet know, because even though the organisation's management is obliged by law to publish its budget and the changes made to this for each financial year, it refuses to do this. The result: despite our constant requests and pressure to be informed of the precise amounts foreseen for the payment of our companies in 2013 until today, we have received no answer," SEK asserted.

According to the association, EOPYY's refusal to comply with its legal obligations made it impossible for clinics to plan their finances and led them one step closer to disaster, forcing them to seek a public prosecutor's order to force EOPYY to comply with the law and unveil its budget.

Financial News

[23] 'Markets are reopening for Greece,' BoG governor says

Commenting on the successful book-building process launched by Piraeus Bank and Alpha Bank, the Greek central banker said that "the two systemic banks have made share capital increase plans, worth around 3.0 billion euros, larger than needed, which were significantly oversubscribed. One of them also issued a three-year non-covered bank bond worth 500 million euros. These are the first signs that markets are beginning to open again for Greece".

Addressing a EUROFI 2014 conference in Athens, Provopoulos expressed his confidence that a second phase of a bank recapitalisation plan will play a significant role in restoring confidence towards Greece and the healthy funding of the economy. Commenting on a new bank restructuring mechanism, the central bank said the outcome of recent negotiations were satisfactory as they safeguarded the creation of a sustainable banking system in the Eurozone through a smooth restructuring of problematic bank to protect financial stability. He stressed that supervisory authorities retained the decision on when a restructuring was necessary, while a Supervisory Board also maintained the right to decide when a credit institution "was on the verge of bankruptcy or possible bankruptcy".

[24] Banking union one of the biggest challenges, Greek FinMin says

Addressing an international conference, organized by "eurofi", a think-tank, in Athens, the Greek Minister referred to specific issues related with the course of banking union and the initiatives taken by the Greek EU Presidency. Completion of a banking union is one of the preconditions to restore liquidity and credibility in European economy and in the banking sector, along with safeguarding economic stability, Stournaras said.

He added that the European economy was still in a phase of fiscal adjustment with the first signs of recovery now visible, adding that sustainable growth can only be ensured with liquidity was restored and stressed that credit expansion was tight in several EU member-states. Restoring liquidity is necessary for a sustainable growth which will lead to job creation, Stournaras said, adding that the Greek Presidency was emphasizing on initiatives towards this direction.

[25] Lamda Development declared preferred investor for Hellinikon SA

The financial advisors of HRADF, Citigroup and Piraeus Bank, submitted two separate positive fairness opinions on the financial offer of 915 million euros submitted by Lamda Development SA and the investors supporting its bid.

[26] Lamda Development welcomes HRADF decision, to present investment plan for Hellinikon in detail

Lamda Development said the aim was to build a pioneer metropolitan development based on a comprehensive and integrated plan, which will combine beauty and the regions unique characteristics, with emblematic buildings, pioneer infrastructure and various high-quality services which will improve the daily lives of million inhabitants in Attica.

The investment plan envisages the development of house zones, hotels, shopping malls, theme parks, art and culture museums, open cultural spaces, health and life centers, sport and leisure facilities, creating a modern business, education, research hub and upgrading an existing marina and the beachfront.

The announcement said that Lamda Development and Global Investment Group (comprising Al Maabar from Abu Dhabi and Fosun Group from China) which supported the Greek company's investment proposal, "wished to reassure that they were ready to meet the high demands of the plan, fully appreciating the opportunity offered to them to participate in Greece's development course through this project".

Odysseas Athanasiou, chief executive of Lamda Development, said that "today is a landmark and the beginning of a new era for the country, with the start of creating a new travel destination, repositiong Athens as a tourist attraction and as a business and cultural center, offering free access to all citizens to entertainment and sport facilities. The value of the investment will surpass 7.0 billion euros."

Lamda Development and Global Investment Group will present in detail their investment plan and will discuss with local communities and social partners so that planning and implementation of the project to maximize benefits both the Greek and local societies.

[27] Five Greek companies to participate in industrial exhibition in Hannover

The companies are Elemco, Emmis, Hellenic Cables, Constantinos Heretis and Tropical, which will have the opportunity, along with around 6,550 exhibitors from 62 countries to showcase their products to 225,000 visitors.

According to the Greek-German Chamber, people can visit the exhibition website www.hannovermesse.de/home in order to find the full programme and a list of the products and exhibitors.

[28] Greek stocks end March 1.93 pct higher

Turnover was a heavy 97.21 million euros. The Large Cap index rose 0.40 pct and the Mid Cap index ended 0.88 pct higher. Piraeus Bank (5.26 pct), Ellaktor (2.27 pct), Hellenic Exchanges (2.13 pct) and Korinth Pipeworks (2.01 pct) were top gainers among blue chip stocks, while Frigoglass (4.07 pct), Alpha Bank (1.38 pct) and Coca Cola HBC (1.37 pct) were top gainers.

The Insurance (5.30 pct), Banks (2.04 pct) and Financial Services (1.57 pct) sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day, while the Food (1.34 pct), Chemicals (1.21 pct) and Health (1.08 pct) sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 80 to 62 with another 18 issues unchanged. Kyriakoulis (28.33 pct), Sfakianakis (19.14 pct) and Hellenic Fish Farms (18.18 pct) were top gainers, while Athina (20 pct), G.E. Demetriou (13.33 pct) and Altec (12.90 pct) were top losers.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Banks: +2.04%

Insurance: +5.30%

Financial Services: +1.57%

Industrial Products: -0.45%

Commercial: +1.16%

Real Estate: +0.76%

Personal & Household: +0.78%

Food & Beverages: -1.34%

Raw Materials: +0.75%

Construction: +0.82%

Oil: +0.57%

Chemicals: -1.21%

Media: remained unchanged

Travel & Leisure: -0.84%

Technology: +0.40%

Telecoms: -0.25%

Utilities: +1.27%

Health: -1.08%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 0.715

Public Power Corp (PPC): 12.00

Coca Cola HBC: 18.00

Hellenic Petroleum: 7.27

National Bank of Greece: 3.94

Eurobank Properties : 9.10

OPAP: 11.70

OTE: 12.00

Piraeus Bank: 2.00

Titan: 25.39

[29] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates moved higher. The 12-month rate rose to 0.59 pct from 0.585 pct, the nine-month rate rose to 0.501 pct from 0.498 pct, the six-month rate edged higher to 0.418 pct from 0.414 pct, the three-month rate rose to 0.313 pct from 0.310 pct and the one-month rate rose to 0.237 pct from 0.233 pct.

[30] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on equities totalled 10,047 contracts worth 3.804 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Piraeus Bank's contracts (3,555), followed by Alpha Bank (2,292), National Bank (377), MIG (1,108), OTE (554), PPC (564), OPAP (217), Mytilineos (110), Hellenic Petroleum (89), Athens Water (176), GEK (85), Ellaktor (89), Frigoglass (126) and Metka (95).

[31] Foreign exchange rates

U.S. dollar 1.399

Pound sterling 0.840

Danish kroner 7.577

Swedish kroner 9.082

Japanese yen 144.56

Swiss franc 1.237

Norwegian kroner 8.378

Canadian dollar 1.545

Australian dollar 1.516

General News

[32] Rescue operation for 408 undocumented migrants is underway west of Crete

The vessel had sent a distress signal late on Sunday that mobilized the Coastguards' Search and Rescue Center of Operations.

A freighter ship, a tanker and a US warship rushed to the region, responding to the SOS, and they were ordered to assist an open sea vessel of the Coastguard that had set sail from Piraeus, as well as a Hellenic Navy frigate from the island of Paros. Another freighter and a Coastguard helicopter are also in the region.

At noon on Monday, several of the illegal migrants boarded a Greek-flagged tanker to be transported to the nearest port on the island of Crete.

The rescue operation currently underway is being coordinated from a Coastguard open sea patrol vessel.

Most likely, the undocumented migrants, the majority of them from Syria and Egypt, were destined for Italy.

[33] Lethal road accidents in Greece decrease, but not enough, per European Commission

The European Commission on Monday published the results of its annual survey in connection with road traffic safety, showing a significant decrease of lethal road accidents in Greece (-28 pct) and the EU (-17pct) between 2010 and 2013.

According to the survey, lethal road accidents in Greece in 2013 dropped by 12 pct compared to 2012, while the EU average declined by 8 pct.

However the Commission's survey stresses that Greece - along with Poland, Bulgaria, Croatia, Latvia and Lithuania - are among the countries where despite progress made the number of lethal road accidents remains much higher than the EU average. Greece counts 81 lethal accidents per million of population in 2013 versus 52 in the EU.

It is estimated that approximatelly 70 people lose their lives on the European roads every day. "We must continue our mutual efforts in all levels, in order to further improve Europe's road security," said European Commissioner for Transport Siim Kallas.

According to the survey the countries that retain the lowest number of lethal road accidents include the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands and Denmark, with approximatelly 30 deaths per million of population, while Spain, Germany and Slovakia have improved their position on the relevant list.

[34] Poverty more acute in Greece in 2013, says European Commission quarterly review

Problems of poverty in Greece have become more acute in 2013, according to the European Commission's quarterly review on Employment and Social Situation made public here on Monday. In addition, further reforms of the tax and benefit systems in 2012-13 reduced incomes in all or most households in Greece and Portugal.

The at-risk-of-poverty rate recorded the biggest rise in Greece in 2011-13. In 2013 poverty concerned 23.7 pct of the population, increased 1.8 pct compared with 2011, followed by Romania, with a 1.1 pct increase and poverty at 21.2 pct, Latvia with a 0.9 pct increase and poverty at 21.4 pct and Spain with a 0.7 pct increase and poverty 20.9 pct.

In 2008-13, the real Gross Disposable Household Income (GDHI) declined 14.8 pct in Greece, the second highest percentage in the EU after Ireland (-16 pct). The main reason for the decline was tax increases, pension reductions and the limited impact of social protection expenditure.

According to the European Commission review, the rate of growth of nominal unit labour costs in 2013 recorded the biggest decline in Cyprus (-5.4 pct) and Greece (-4.7 pct), while the Greeks work more hours a week (43.7 hours/week) compared with the rest of the Europeans. The Polish come second with 42.5 hours, followed by Cypriots 42.4 hours, Portuguese 42.2 hours and Austrians 42.15 hours. The fewest hours are worked by the Finns (39.7), Hungarians (39.8) and the French (40).

In January 2014, a total of 3.1 million young people, aged 15-24, were hit by unemployment in the EU.

Commenting on the review, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Laszlo Andor said that "inequalities have risen and there is a risk that the current fragile recovery is not going to improve the situation of many lower-income groups".

"The EU is still far from having secured an inclusive and job-rich recovery, member states and the EU should further step up their efforts to ensure that nobody is left behind as we try to exit the crisis," he noted, adding that "in particular, we should focus our efforts on investing in people in line with the guidance set out in our Social Investment Package and the recommendation on the Youth Guarantee".

[35] Greeks abroad protest outside Munich's Glyptothek for return of Greek treasures

Representatives of Greeks living abroad, headed by MEP and leader of the political party "Greek European Citizens" Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, demanded the return of the Greek sculptures and cultural treasures to their homeland in a demonstration outside Munich's Glyptothek sculpture museum on Sunday.

Chatzimarkakis underlined that respect of the Greek civilization, which was the basis of the European civilization, calls for a clear stance by the Europeans as regards "the return of the Greek wealth to the country where it was created".

On display in the museum are, among others, fragments of sculptures from the Aphaea Temple on the island of Aegina, known as the "Aeginites".

[36] First witnesses examined in preliminary inquiry into inmate's death

Kareli died in his cell on Friday, shortly after his transfer to Nigrita prison from the prisons in Malandrinos, where he had stabbed a correctional officer to death with a makeshift knife on March 25. An autopsy revealed signs of extensive injuries, including a broken sternum, which resulted in his death.

Sources said the testimony by prison employees concerning Kareli's movements fully coincided with the record made by special CCTV cameras installed prior to his arrival.

The head of the Nigrita prison perimeter guards Athanasios Tousios, meanwhile, has questioned the authenticity of a letter posted on the internet and attributed to Nigrita inmates, according to which the guard killed by Kareli in Malandrinos had been a "torturer" and the Albanian inmate had been beaten at both Malandrinos and Nigrita. Tousios noted that this was unlikely to have come from prisoners, since they were not allowed visitors on Sunday and had no access to the internet.

Based on the coroner's report, Kareli died of injuries inflicted several days before his arrival at Nigrita Prison. The report also noted that various injuries had been inflicted at different times.

"Whoever is responsible for Kareli's death will pay," Nigrita Prison director Antonios Stamboulis stressed, urging the media to "let justice do its job and not mislead people".

The body of the 42-year-old Albanian inmate is to be transferred to Albania by an Albanian funeral parlour, who picked up his body from the Serres morgue.

[37] Pharmacies to reopen on Tuesday

The Attica Pharmacists Association also decided to reopen on Tuesday but will shut down again at 2:00 p.m. for a work stoppage until 8:00 p.m. to allow pharmacists to participate in a rally organised by ADEDY, the largest public sector union in Greece, at Klafthmonos Square. ADEDY is protesting against the Ecofin, which is meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday at Zappeion Hall in Athens.

The National Association will also participate in ADEDY's national strike on April 9, while it also decided that pharmacists will stop weekday "allnighter" openings (from 8:00 p.m. to and will "continue their struggle through the pharmacies themselves" by "turning 11,000 pharmacies into citizens' information centres, for two months" to update them on changes included in the omnibus bill that was passed.

PFS president Kyriakos Theodosidis announced he was withdrawing his membership from New Democracy. "The party I served for several years did not respond to the needs of the times, and succumbed to pressures by the troika and large interests, destroying 12,000 pharmacists," he said in an announcement on Monday.

[38] Vessel possibly carrying large number of undocumented migrants located NW of Crete; rescue operation underway

The ship called for help and two freighters and an US warship rushed to the area following a Shipping Ministry's order.

Moreover, an open seas Coast Guard vessel has sailed from Piraeus along with a Greek Navy frigate to assist in the rescue operation.

[39] Thirty suspects to testify in orthopaedic hospital supply case

The scandal affects the Greek state and involves the supply of orthopaedic equipment to public hospitals by DePuy in the period 2000-2006. The investigation has revealed that doctors were paid in cash to promote the company's products at the expense of insurance funds and public hospitals.

According to the case file, the cost of the orthopaedic supplies was inflated 35 pct by the time they reached the hospitals, compared with the company's regular prices, while invoices already crosschecked revealed that the "cash gifts" received by the doctors corresponded to 20 pct of the price the public hospitals were called to pay for these supplies.

Within the next few days, roughly 30 individuals will be summoned to testify; among them are 10 public hospital doctors, DePuy company executives and consulting firms' executives. The charges they face include fraud against the state, accessory to the crime of fraud, bribery and money laundering.

[40] Piraeus port launches architectural competition to convert Kastraki into museum

The competition will offer three cash prizes for first, second and third place, amounting to 28,820 euros, 21,135 euros and 14,090 euros, respectively. It will be conducted based on current legislation and the winning entries will be selected by a seven-member committee with at least one OLP representative. The winners are to be announced on December 22.

[41] Trikala Zoo loses one of its two tigers to age, surgery complications

The tiger, named Athena, had had long-term health problems particularly in its back legs and was advanced in age, Sotiris Helidonis, head of the parks department in Trikala, said.

An autopsy will be held at the University of Thessaly Veterinary Department to determine exact cause of death.

[42] Free tickets for university students by Aegean Airlines and the ministry of education

Those interested can file their applications until April 15 beginning on Tuesday, April 1 and the names of those eligible will be announce on May 2.

More information is available at the microsite www.kontastousneous.gr.

Roughly 18,000 tickets will be distributed to 500 university students across Greece, in the context of the programme that will be in effect for the 2014-2015 academic year freshmen as well.

[43] Seamen on 48-hour repeated strikes, ships docked

PNO on Monday will hold a rally outside the ?European Express? at the port of Piraeus and a march towards the Shipping ministry.

[44] File for damage restoration on quake stricken Cephalonia submitted to EU Solidarity Fund

Spyrou said that all the proposals of the relevant bodies, including the long-term impact on the local economy, were taken into consideration.

[45] Nine school guards acquitted over charges stemming from Dec. protest

The nine guards had been protesting against layoffs and had rallied at the ministry, requesting a meeting with Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

According to the prosecutor, the charges could not be substantiated, "at least for the specific defendants." There was no proof that the nine had "pushed" police and that their presence "did not interrupt minister staff" from their work.

[46] Young bear killed in year's first road accident involving bears

The bear slipped through a gap in the reinforced fencing gradually being put up along the Egnatia motorway since the summer of 2013 to prevent similar accidents, which has not yet been completed.

As a result of the collision, the bear suffered extensive fractures and head injuries. Despite a rescue operation mounted by the Arcturos and Callisto bear sanctuaries, the young animal died of internal bleeding shortly after arriving at the Arcturos veterinary clinic.

[47] Lawyer to testify on a fax sent from his office allegedly instigating prison rioting

The lawyer was called to testify after it was established that a fax addressed to Corfu Prison inmates, urging them "to a dynamic reaction ahead of the construction of maximum security prisons" characterizing them as "Guantanamo-type", had originated from his office.

The controversial text was addressed to a cousin of Albanian Marian Kola, one of the Trikala Prison escapees killed last July in a police shootout, and a Greek serving a life sentence.

The same text allegedly circulated in Athens' Korydallos Prison as well.

The lawyer denies that he is the author of the text, noting that its contents were of an informative nature. He also underlined that the text was sent to him to check the legal issues involved and he simply forwarded it to the Corfu Prison.

[48] Athens-Thessaloniki national road to close at Tempi valley on Tues. and Wed.

The national road will reopen at Tempi valley after 8 pm.

[49] Lady Gaga's concert in Athens in September

Lady Gaga's concert in Athens will be one of the many stops in her world tour entitled "Lady Gaga's artRAVE: The Artpop Ball".

The popular singer has confirmed her visit in Athens while her world tour is held on the release of her multi-platinum new album ArtPop which climbed to the No 1 of the Billboard charts from the first week of its release. The songs of the new album will be included in the concert's programme along with her previous hits.

[50] CERN-Greece Industry Day held at Democritus Centre on Monday

Weather forecast

[51] Overcast on Tuesday

[52] The Monday edition of Athens' dailies

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: Government staggers.

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras in despair.

ESTIA: National disloyalty from SYRIZA.

ETHNOS: The mistake. SYRIZA's (main opposition) double motion of censure in parliament fell on deaf ears.

NAFTEMPORIKI: 152 yes to omnibus bill in a climate of political tension.

TA NEA: Polarisation exercises on the way to the ballots.

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