Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 14-04-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] Eurogroup meeting on Greece completed, positive messages for the country

[02] Greece to return to markets in the next two months, Stournaras says

[03] Democratic, united Europe draws on ancient Greek ideals, PM says at Ecofin dinner

[04] Samaras meets Eurogroup President Dijsselbloem

[05] PM Samaras meets German FinMin Schaeuble in Athens

[06] Stournaras: 'We can now talk about economic recovery'

[07] Rehn: Greece must stick with reforms to boost recovery, job creation

[08] Greek economy is recovering, German Finance minister says in public tv interview

[09] Internal market commissioner on Greece's progress in fiscal programme

[10] European officials 'kind words' cannot hide essence of austerity policies, SYRIZA says

[11] DIMAR on the Eurogroup meeting

[12] New loan means memorandum and new tough measures, according to ANEL

[13] Two separate rallies end in late evening in downtown Athens

[14] Greece has turned a new a new page, Venizelos says

[15] FM Venizelos' statement after meeting with his Algerian counterpart in Brussels

[16] Environment Minister chairs EU Council of Environment Ministers

[17] Deputy FM Gerontopoulos concludes US visit

[18] Chancellor Merkel to visit Greece on April 11, according to Sueddeutsche Zeitung

[19] SYRIZA leader says country in state of 'memorandum anomaly'

[20] Council of State temporarily suspends prescriptions cap, citing possible risk to citizens' health

[21] Finance Ministry auditors check 908 NGOs

[22] PM Samaras congratulates Turkish counterpart on municipal elections result

[23] Administrative Reform minister's comments on OSY employees sacked over false qualifications

[24] Deputy FM Kourkoulas to participate in the European Parliament Plenary

[25] Tourism Minister to visit the United States

[26] SYRIZA accuses gov't of downgrading the parliament

[27] KKE's Koutsoumbas invites workers to participate in the April 9 strike

[28] Draft bill dividing and privatising PPC tabled in Parliament

[29] Courts suspending work May 14-28 due to elections

[30] Eurogroup's statement (full text)

[31] Dev't minister discusses Hellenic Investments Fund with German FinMin

[32] Greek unemployment remained highest in the EU in December

[33] Greek PMI fell to 49.7 points in March

[34] Ecofin/FEMIP meeting, a co-organizing between the Greek EU presidency and the European Investment

[35] Greece participates in Ottawa's tourism expo

[36] Endeavor Greece's cooperation with Deloitte

[37] Euro-Asian TASIM fiber optic network will pass through Greece

[38] Greek stocks end higher, buoyed by good news from Eurogroup

[39] Greek bond market closing report

[40] ADEX closing report

[41] Foreign Exchange rates - Wednesday

[42] First 'Open House Athens' to be held next weekend

[43] Migrants rescued off Crete number 345, including 47 children

[44] Undocumented migrants and traffickers arrested on Egnatia motorway

[45] Criminal charges against prison guards for death of Albanian inmate; correctional officers arrested

[46] New legal proceedings in case of jail death of Ilia Kareli

[47] International Conference on Research Infrastructure begins Wed.

[48] Woman arrested in Thessaloniki for owing over 20 million euros to state

[49] Greek seamen to hold 24-hour strike on Wednesday

[50] IKA governor to appear before investigating magistrate

[51] Overcast on Wednesday

[52] The Tuesday edition of Athens' dailies Politics

[01] Eurogroup meeting on Greece completed, positive messages for the country

Speaking ahead of the start of an informal Eurogroup meeting in Zappeion Hall, Stournaras said that EU authorities commissioned Bruegel (an economic think tank based in Brussels) to draft a survey which will be discussed during a working lunch. The Greek Finance Minister said that the first session of Ecofin meetings will focus on three issues:

-Economic forecasts, growth outlook and economic stability in the European Union.

-Funding of the economy, based on an EU announcement over long-term funding of European economy. This announcement is based on recom-mendations made by a high-level Group of Experts, who will also participate in the discussion.

-Preparation of a spring Summit by the IMF and World Bank and the spring Summit of G20 Finance ministers.

A second session of Ecofin meeting will be held on Wednesday and will focus on the restructuring of the banking sector and a banking union plan. The Greek EU presidency achieved a political agreement with the European Parliament over a new Single Bank Restructuring Mechanism. This agreement was confirmed by the EU's permanent representatives and allows the Europarliament to ratify this legislation before the end of the current legislative period. "Given these positive developments we look forward to a constructive discussion on the introduction of a regulation of a Single Bank Restructuring Mechanism," the Greek FinMin said.

The agenda of the discussions also includes an ongoing process of implementing a Single Bank Supervisory Mechanism (SSM). Stournaras also referred to the organizing of a 13th joint

[02] Greece to return to markets in the next two months, Stournaras says

Speaking to reporters, the Greek Finance minister said "we will make an effort with small issues in the first half", adding that the money to be raised - in combination with a primary surplus, a repos sale by government agencies, privatisation proceeds and the aid loans - will fully cover the country's financing needs for the next 12 months.

Finance ministry officials said the fact that the country's financing needs were fully covered for the next 12 months - as clearly stated in a Eurogroup statement- offered the opportunity to IMF to disburse its own part of the aid loan (around 3.4 billion euros) in April, while it would also help a discussion, from June onwards. on a European level over reducing the country's debt burden.

Stournaras, however, rejected foreign media reports alleging that a Eurogroup meeting today discussed government plans to issue three- or five-year bonds worth 4-5 billion euros this year.

The completion of a troika assessment on the Greek economy was "a relief for all" Stournaras said, adding that cooperation with the country's lenders was "very good." He noted that prior actions for approving the large loan tranche to Greece (6.3 billion euros) were all measures included in an omnibus bill which was ratified by Parliament on Sunday. For the next two smaller tranches, there will be six and six prior action "milestones" which will be approved by the European Commission.

[03] Democratic, united Europe draws on ancient Greek ideals, PM says at Ecofin dinner

Speaking about the historic buildings of democracy - and pointing to the Parthenon through the museum windows - Samaras spoke about the needs of modern, European democracy, including sustainable economic growth, social cohesion based on justice and opportunities for all, and citizens "always trying to surpass poverty, ignorance and isolation (and) citizens reaching to their limits and going beyond their limits."

The challenges of the modern world are reflected in the EU's history, he said, from the emergence from war to becoming a union. "We moved cautiously from the 'customs union' to the 'common market', to the 'single market', to the 'monetary union," Samaras said.

"We are moving now, cautiously, but steadily, to the political Integration, to the fiscal union, to the banking union," he stressed, "United Europe is not a distant dream any more. It has built its own legacy and it has generated it own dynamics."

The premier said that "Europe is now more united than ever, more stable than ever" and a "rising world power" that will have its interests respected and its voice heard.

"Today, we are establishing much more than a common framework for our political union," Samaras said. "We are gradually building a common sense of belonging, a common identity. We are still different as individual nations. And we will probably remain so for ever... Different? yes! But divided? Never again! However, continuously more integrated vis a vis the rest of the world," he added.

This Europe was based on the shared principles of freedom, democracy, extroversion, human dignity, opportunities for all, solidarity to all, responsibility by all, and a relentless fight against tyranny, the premier added, pointing to Greece's importance for democracy and its perseverance despite predictions of failure and leaving the EU.

Revisiting the achievements of the economy, the prime minister said Greece achieved the largest fiscal adjustment ever, at the shortest period of time, yet suffered the biggest GDP loss in peace time, ever, and is still suffering while the economy is turning around. "Our democracy has withstood all the pressures. We have delivered and we are moving ahead," he pointed out.

"Success will only go to countries which encourage individual initiative and enterprise; not to the ones which attempt to diminish them. And Greece has, by now, become one of those countries," Samaras said, expressing appreciation for fellow EU member states' help to Greece, which has become "more independent from the need to constantly borrow." Greece, he added, is standing on its own feet and in much better shape to compete world-wide, getting more effective in securing its borders and developing its own energy resources.

The monuments of democracy around the Acropolis could serve as a beacon of Europe's common feature, he said, not just remain monuments of a glorious past. "Fifty years ago the United Europe was an idealistic dream... Four years ago my country was falling apart, and our monetary Union was also on the verge of collapse...Now a better and stronger Greece is emerging out of the crisis; and our Union is also getting better and stronger than ever," Samaras said, speaking of the importance of pragmatism.

"Look at the Acropolis! From our common past we can see our common future," he concluded, "And it works!"

[04] Samaras meets Eurogroup President Dijsselbloem

[05] PM Samaras meets German FinMin Schaeuble in Athens

[06] Stournaras: 'We can now talk about economic recovery'

Among the important issues to be discussed at one of the next Eurogroup meetings with be that of the debt, he added.

[07] Rehn: Greece must stick with reforms to boost recovery, job creation

"Today, the Greek economy is stabilising and we expect a return to growth and a gradual recovery in employment starting this year. To strengthen this recovery and boost job creation, it will be essential for Greece to continue to embrace economic reforms, maintain sound public finances and facilitate targeted investments," he said at the Zappion building in central Athens, where a Eurogroup meeting was held.

Rehn noted the difficulty of the adjustment made by Greece over the past four years and "how great are the challenges faced by many Greeks citizens still today."

He stressed that the European Commission "will continue to stand by Greece and support Greece in creating the conditions for sustainable growth, as we have until now through the programme and through technical assistance provided by the Task Force for Greece."

Asked whether Greece will regain access to the markets before the European elections, he said this will happen some time in the immediate future and that the time when this will happen will be decided by the Greek finance minister and the Greek government.

[08] Greek economy is recovering, German Finance minister says in public tv interview

"You are getting out of the recession, the economy is recovering," Schaeuble said and stressed that Greece is on the right track. He underlined however that austerity and growth are not imcompatible.

Speaking about tourism, he said that last year's data was very encouraging. He also spoke about the Greek debt's sustainability, stressing that the fiscal adjustment programme was based on the total debt and extends to the end of 2014. The data of a primary surplus will be checked and verified before "we will decide if further adjustment is required," the German minister added.

"We will not leave Greece on its own," Schaeuble stressed, saying further that for a union like the European Union to be considered successful, it has to help its weakest member. However, he stressed, neither Germany nor its Finance minister are responsible for the situation in Greece. A union is successful when it helps the weaker, he also said.

Schaeuble is in Greece in the framework of the informal Ecofin sessions in Athens, meeting over Tuesday and Wednesday.

[09] Internal market commissioner on Greece's progress in fiscal programme

Speaking generally about the banking union at EU level, Barnier said the EU was working hard to establish a unified regulation framework so that there is no market in the fiscal sector that is exempted from control. We have guaranteed financial stability, he said.

Development must be speeded up, the commissioner said, adding that efforts to fund businesses at EU level must be intensified. He referred to specific initiatives being planned by the EU, and emphasised transparency and the standardisation of alternative solutions and products related to financing of businesses.

Ecofin ministers are convening informally in Athens on Tuesday and Wednesday. Earlier on Tuesday, they held a working lunch. The Eurogroup also met in Athens on Tuesday. All meetings are being held at Zappeion Hall in Athens.

[10] European officials 'kind words' cannot hide essence of austerity policies, SYRIZA says

Pointing out that the measures were passed by the slimmest possible majority in Parliament, "through procedures that trivialise Parliament's democratic function," SYRIZA noted that the "kind words" had been accompanied by yet another reminder from Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem about the need to complete reforms and a reference to the possibility of yet another loan with further terms and conditions attached.

"The wounded Samaras government cannot hide the devastating results of its policy, nor the new commitments it has undertaken, that lead us to a new Middle Ages in labour and further collapse of the social insurance system. Even more so, it cannot hide the sell-off of banks at the expenise of the Greek people," SYRIZA added.

In a separate announcement, meanwhile, it noted that Development and Competitiveness Minister Costis Hatzidakis had yet to reply to the 17 questions addressed to him by SYRIZA on Sunday.

[11] DIMAR on the Eurogroup meeting

"The austerity policies have to change. A major programme creating new jobs aimed at de-escalating unemployment will have to be implemented immediately," DIMAR noted.

[12] New loan means memorandum and new tough measures, according to ANEL

ANEL economic sector head and parliamentary spokesman Notis Marias noted that "while the government cordons off downtown Athens to silence the protest voices of the impoverished Greek people against the foreign loan sharks/lenders, Dijsselbloem announces a new loan that will usher in a memorandum and new tough measures."

[13] Two separate rallies end in late evening in downtown Athens

Organisers of one rally included the major unions of the private and public sector, GSEE and ADEDY and the Athens Labour Centre and were attended by main opposition SYRIZA deputies. They marched on Stadiou and Panepistimiou Streets up to police blockades, and returned to Klafthmonos Square before dispersing.

Following them were leftist organisations that clashed with police on the corner of Amerikis and Stadiou Streets when they tried to break through the police cordon. Police used teargas but the incidents did not spread.

Riot police dispersed a crowd of young men who were trying to set fire to Piraeus Bank on Panepistimiou Street, close to the Academy and Library. According to sources, five people have been detained for questioning.

Another rally, by Communist Party-affiliated labour union PAME, came to its conclusion at Panepistimiou, near Ippokratous Street. In Omonia Square, where the rally ended, unionists called for people to participate in the April 9 general strike, to protest government and EU economic policies.

[14] Greece has turned a new a new page, Venizelos says

Government vice-president and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos underlined here on Tuesday that Greece is exiting the crisis and the memorandum. He said that, based on the contacts he had with foreign ministers and government representatives attending various EU and NATO meetings and the EU-Africa Summit, the widespread sense is that "Greece has turned onto a new page".

"Thanks to the sacrifices of the Greek people, everybody is now ready to accept their achievements," he said, underlining "it is a pity that what is acknowledged on international level is not accepted by certain persistent circles in Greece, who are sad because the country is entering a new era and turning a new page. But we are moving forward and this will become obvious in the day-to-day lives of Greek households".

Referring to the issues at the NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting, Venizelos said that the crisis in Ukraine and relations between NATO and Russia dominate.

"Our policy is and should always be a policy based on principles, international law, respect of territorial integrity and existing borders," he noted adding, however, that "the channels of political and diplomatic dialogue with Russia should be kept open, because we have to ease off the tension and avoid a return to cold war conditions".

According to Venizelos, "the moves made should convince that there is a will for deescalation to reach a mutually acceptable solution and situation for Ukraine and for security in Europe. Our position, the Greek position, is always responsible, mature and moderate".

[15] FM Venizelos' statement after meeting with his Algerian counterpart in Brussels

"Our priority is to strengthen our relations both on a bilateral level and an EU-Algeria level. Greece holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union and for this reason our priority is to organize the meeting of the Cooperation Council between the European Union and Algeria as soon as possible," Venizelos said.

"I also expect my Algerian counterpart in Athens on the occasion of the EU Foreign Ministers meeting with the Arab League. We are in contact and I was happy to receive a formal invitation to visit Algeria as soon as possible, before the completion of Greece's EU presidency," he added.

[16] Environment Minister chairs EU Council of Environment Ministers

Environment, Energy and Climate Change Minister Yannis Maniatis on Tuesday chaired the Council of Environment and Energy Ministers of the European Union at a high-level meeting between the EU and Africa on climate change.

The European and African Ministers alongside EU Commissioners discussed issues in connection with international negotiations in the framework of the finalization of a global agreement regarding climate change in Paris in 2015.

"The closer cooperation between the EU and Africa can positevely affect a behaviour change internationally," Maniatis said in his opening on behalf of the EU, and added that "countries with large greenhouse gas emissions will be convinced to present their commitments to reduce their emissions as soon as possible."

European Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard also addressed the conference.

[17] Deputy FM Gerontopoulos concludes US visit

Overseas Greeks are confident Greece is coming out of the crisis and optimistic about its future, Deputy Foreign Minister Kyriakos (Akis) Gerontopoulos said on Monday night (local time) at the conclusion of a four-day visit to Chicago and New York.

Gerontopoulos visited the United States officially after an official visit to Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney.

Greeks abroad discussed outstanding issues they had, he said, which included bureaucracy (in their contacts with consular services or investment opportunities in Greece); double taxation, especially between Australia and Greece, as the US and Greece have bilateral agreements in place; voting rights for residents abroad; the Council of Overseas Greece, which has stopped operations since December 31, 2012; language and culture, and their teaching to children of Greek descent living overseas.

A press conference at the Greek General Consulate in New York was followed by a visit there by the unit of evzones, the Greek Presidential guard that attended the March 25 Greek Independence Day parade down Fifth Avenue in Manhattan on Sunday, and accompaying armed forces officers.

The brief ceremony was attended also by former National Defence minister and former chief of Army General Staff Frangos Frangoulis, Consul Manos Koumbarakis and Press Attache Nikos Papaconstantinou. Earlier, the evzones were received by Archbishop Demetrios of America at the Archbishopric of America headquarters in New York City.

[18] Chancellor Merkel to visit Greece on April 11, according to Sueddeutsche Zeitung

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be visiting Greece on April 11, according to an article to appear in the next issue of the German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung.

Citing sources, the newspaper said the aim of the visit is to support the reforms being carried out by Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, who is under intense political pressure domestically.

[19] SYRIZA leader says country in state of 'memorandum anomaly'

Tsipras added that "we are not in a state of normalcy, which allows society to express itself democratically and be present in decisions that concern it", while he criticised government Vice President and PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos, calling him a "champion of vulgarity".

The opposition leader went on to say that Greece has "a muzzled democracy, deaf and insensitive towards the drama of society, a democracy subjugated to the oligarchs, a democracy of the seal - meaning others decide and we provide the signature and the seal".

Criticising Venizelos, Tsipras said that during the discussion in Parliament "Venizelos undertook the dirty work and with legal tricks and entirely groundless scientifically, as well as democratically immoral excuses, did not allow Parliament to discuss the censure motion," referring to the censure motions the party tabled in Parliament against Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras first and Parliament president Evangelos Meimarakis second; both were rejected.

[20] Council of State temporarily suspends prescriptions cap, citing possible risk to citizens' health

The suspension will be in force until a final decision is issued by the CoS plenum on the main case filed by ISA, asking for the legislation to be revoked.

[21] Finance Ministry auditors check 908 NGOs

Those NGOs are included in the first round of checks, while according to Mavraganis more organizations will be checked. Mavraganis was responding to a question by SYRIZA deputy Dimitris Gelalis regarding NGOs and penalties imposed on them.

[22] PM Samaras congratulates Turkish counterpart on municipal elections result

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras congratulated Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his party's success in Turkey's municipal elections during a telephone conversation between the two leaders on Tuesday, according to an announcement issued by the Turkish premier's office.

The announcement said that Samaras wished Erdogan every success in the work he is undertaking and the two prime minister reiterated their intention to continue to enhance bilateral cooperation between Greece and Turkey.

[23] Administrative Reform minister's comments on OSY employees sacked over false qualifications

Some 77 members of staff, mainly drivers, are dismissed from OSY, the company that manages Attica's buses and trolley buses, after an investigation revealed they had been hired on false or forged certificates of studies. The minister in mid-December sent instructions to all public entities, asking for the first time that the validity of certificates submitted by civil servants be checked.

"The managements that do not carry out checks cannot be tolerated with. It is particularly important that the management of the largest private legal entity, OSY, responded fast and efficiently and has identified the first 77 cases of drivers that were hired using false documents and terminated their employment contract. Checks in OSY will continue," Mitsotakis said.

He pointed out that similar checks are carried out by all public sector administrations while the whole process is supervised by the public administration inspectors and auditors.

"The era of irresponsibility and impunity is long gone," Mitsotakis added.

[24] Deputy FM Kourkoulas to participate in the European Parliament Plenary

The agenda will include the situation in Iran and EU's strategy towards Iran. There will also be a mid-term review of the Stockholm Programme, which sets out the EU priorities for justice, freedom and security, and includes various aspects of migration policy.

[25] Tourism Minister to visit the United States

During her stay in New York, Tourism Minister will address the event "Tourism and Employment" organised by the Niarchos Institute.

Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) secretary general Panos Livadas will accompany Kefalogianni in her trip to US.

[26] SYRIZA accuses gov't of downgrading the parliament

"It has beem recently proved that the policy damaging the society requires the transformation of the parliament into a toolkit for creditors," SYRIZA's parliamentary group said while describing parliament president Evangelos Meimerakis' speech as "contentious.

Prolonged detention of migrants, asylum seekers devastating for their health, Medecins San Frontieres (MSF) warns

The prolonged and systematic detention of migrants and asylum seekers in Greece has grave impact on their health and human dignity, Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF) general director Marietta Provopoulou on Tuesday underlined in a press conference for the presentation of the organization's report entitled "Invisible Suffering".

"Over a period of six years, we have carried out more than 10,000 medical consultations in detention centers and police stations where migrants and asylum seekers are held," MSF head of mission in Greece Dr. Apostolos Veizis said.

The detention conditions, namely, overcrowding, inadequate heating, lack of hot water, poor ventilation, no access to the outdoors and poor diet are responsible for the emergence and spread of respiratory, gastrointestinal and dermatological diseases. Detention can also affect the detainees' mental health, causing symptoms of anxiety, depression and psychosomatic manifestations, while it is not uncommon for desperate migrants to go on hunger strike, cause self-inflicted injuries and even to attempt suicide, according to MSF.

Most of the health problems faced by the detainees, roughly 70 pct, are respiratory, dermatological and musculoskeletal because of their prolonged stay in the detention centers and a lack of access to the outdoors, Veizis said. He pointed out that migrants suffering from tuberculosis who have interrupted their treatment are being held in police stations being a threat to themselves and to the people working there.

According to Veizis, despite the repeated calls for healthcare services and improved detention conditions, little improvement has been made, while detention conditions are deteriorating.

MSF underlined that detention is being applied systematically for the maximum period of 18 months. Also, particularly vulnerable groups such as minors, victims of torture and people with chronic diseases or disabilities are subjected to prolonged detention. Migrants and asylum seekers are also held in police stations, where conditions are even more deplorable, and where detainees are not allowed outdoors for months at a time, in some cases for up to 17 months.

According to figures made public in 2013 and 2014, MSF worked in six migrant detention centers in northern Greece and conducted exploratory visits to 27 police stations, coastguard facilities and pre-removal centers.

During 2013-14, MSF teams carried out 5,441 medical consultations, made 365 referrals to secondary health facilities and 100 referrals for dental care. Scabies treatment was provided to roughly 1,500 migrants. A total of 22 migrants were released for health reasons following an MSF intervention.

According to Provopoulou, MSF carried out its intervention in detention centers in northern Greece following a commitment undertaken by the Greek authorities that medical services will be provided in the detention centers as of March 2014. Provopoulou called on Greek authorities to meet their pledge immediately and guarantee adequate and uninterrupted access to medical services for detained migrants and asylum seekers.

"The rest of the EU member states and European institutions cannot shake off their share of responsibility," MSF's advisor on migration Ioanna Kotsioni said.

First-entry countries should not be held solely accountable for the suffering inflicted on migrants and asylum seekers, she said, noting that being under increased pressure to restrict migration flows into the EU they use detention as a deterrence measure.

Speaking in the press conference, main opposition Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) MP Dimitris Tsoukalas said that the conditions in the detention centers is unacceptable and will have to stop.

[27] KKE's Koutsoumbas invites workers to participate in the April 9 strike

Addressing a rally of the KKE-affiliated PAME labour organization in Omonia Square, downtown Athens, Koutsoumbas said that "as of January 1, 2014, Greece and other EU member states are under permanent supervision," adding that anti-popular measures are being implemented automatically and called on workers to participate in the April 9 strike.

[28] Draft bill dividing and privatising PPC tabled in Parliament

They transfer ownership of a number of PPC power plants to the 'mini-PPC' and along with a number of company's clients accounting for 30 pct of total consumption, without necessarily first obtaining their consent. For four months, the specific clients will not have the option to terminate their contract, while the PPC will be barred from any form of "aggressive commercial practice" to win back these clients for six months.

The privatisation of the 'mini-PPC' will be carried out through an open, international tender.

[29] Courts suspending work May 14-28 due to elections

Justice Minister Haralambos Athanasiou sent a document to the country's courts in which he states that in light of the regional and municipal elections on May 18 and the elections of the European Parliament on May 25, it is neccesary that sessions of the country's courts be suspended from May 14 until May 28.

Moreover, the document states that in the event of runoff regional and municipal elections, the suspension of the courts' work will be extended until May 30, 2014.

Lastly, the criminal trials that will begin before May 14 and are not concluded on the same day will be continued after May 30.

[30] Eurogroup's statement (full text)

At the same time, the reform process will have to continue in order to enhance the growth potential of the Greek economy by creating job opportunities and a healthy investment environment. In this context, the Eurogroup welcomes the authorities' strong commitment to the implementation of a wide range of product (goods and services) market and institutional reforms. Concrete measures to liberalise transport and rental markets and to open up closed professions are being prepared. Bold and frontloaded cuts in social security contributions are expected to improve competitiveness and boost growth. In addition, the authorities have committed to far-reaching energy market reforms and to enhancing the privatisation of public corporate and real estate assets, which would provide financing to the government while unlocking private investment. It is also important that continued progress is made in the area of public administration reforms, in order to improve the quality and efficiency of the services that the public sector provides to its citizens, as well as with labour market reforms.

The Eurogroup acknowledges the actions and commitments of the authorities to ensure the resilience of the banking sector, which will support the economic recovery. Following the publication of the Bank of Greece's supervisory stress test and asset quality review, two of the four core banks have already successfully raised more than the capital required by the supervisor (under the baseline scenario) fully from private investors. This is an encouraging sign of improving market confidence. We now expect that also the remaining two core banks will raise their capital needs swiftly first and foremost from private investors.

The Eurogroup considers that the necessary elements are now in place to launch national procedures with a view to pave the way for the approval of the next EFSF instalment of EUR 8.3 billion. The instalment is foreseen to be disbursed in three tranches. A first tranche of EUR 6.3 billion is expected to be approved by the EWG and the EFSF's Board of Directors, following the full implementation of the prior actions and finalisation of Member States' relevant national procedures. The disbursements of the second and the third tranches, amounting to EUR 1 billion each, are linked to the implementation of milestones agreed between Greece and the Troika institutions.

The programme is fully financed for the next 12 months, including by drawing on temporary sources of financing such as deposits of general government subsectors. Euro area Member States recall their commitment to provide adequate support until Greece regains market access, provided Greece fully complies with the requirements and objectives of the adjustment programme. This will be further addressed in the context of the next review.

Financial News

[31] Dev't minister discusses Hellenic Investments Fund with German FinMin

Briefing the German minister, Hatzidakis said that all prerequisites for the Fund's establishment have been completed, while Greece has also found the necessary funds for its set-up.

The Onassis Foundation will participate in the Fund's opening with 30 million euros, while according to information the European Investment Bank President Werner Hoyer said that the bank will respond to that proposal by the end of the month.

The ministry estimates that the Hellenic Investment Fund will gradually start its operation within the first half of 2014.

[32] Greek unemployment remained highest in the EU in December

Greek unemployment rate remained the highest in the European Union for one more month in December 2013, with Greece also recording the highest unemployment rates among women and young people, Eurostat said on Tuesday.

The unemployment rate in the country was 27.5 pct in December, or 1,349,000 unemployed people, slightly down from 27.6 pct in November. Unemployment among men was 24.5 pct, among women it stood at 31.65 and among young people aged below 25 years old the unemployment rate was 58.3 pct (169,000). Spain followed through with an unemployment rate of 25.6 pct (February figures), while Austria (4.8 pct), Germany (5.1 pct) and Luxembourg (6.1 pct) recorded the lowest rates.

Cyprus (16.7 pct from 14.7 pct), Greece (27.5 pct from 26.3 pct) and Italy (13 pct from 11.8 pct) recorded the biggest annual percentage increases in unemployment rates, while Hungary (8.3 pct from 11.2 pct) the biggest percentage decline in the last 12 months.

The unemployment rate was unchanged at 11.9 pct in the Eurozone in February, while it fell slightly to 10.6 pct in the EU (10.7 pct in January).

[33] Greek PMI fell to 49.7 points in March

The Greek PMI, however, despite its fall in March remained at its highest levels since the third quarter of 2008. The March figures showed a further increase in both production and new orders by Greek manufacturers, extending a rising trend for the fifth and fourth successive months, respectively. Employment levels, however, fell further in March, although at the slowest rate since December 2009 with some enterprises raising their workforce to meet rising sales. Pending works' levels fell for the 69th consecutive month at the fastest rate since October 2013.

The index measures business activity in the manufacturing sector. Readings above 50 indicate a growing sector, while readings below 50 a shrinking sector.

[34] Ecofin/FEMIP meeting, a co-organizing between the Greek EU presidency and the European Investment

EIB's strategy in the Mediterranean towards 2020 will be a topic of discussion, particularly ways to boost growth and creating job positions for young people "a joint target of the EU and the Mediterranean", the Greek minister said.

[35] Greece participates in Ottawa's tourism expo

Greece will have a noticeable presence in the tourism expo "Ottawa Travel and Vacation Show," to take place on April 5-6.

The Greek National Tourism Organisation (EOT) will participate with two pavilions offering to visitors tourism information in printed form as well as audiovisual material. Culinary tourism will also be highlighted in events featuring famous chefs.

Greek Ambassador to Canada Eleftherios Angelopoulos will present the advantages of the Greek olive oil on Saturday, April 5.

Commenting on Greece's participation in the exhibition, he said that it "invites visitors to get a taste of Greece, one of the most popular tourism destinations in the world".

[36] Endeavor Greece's cooperation with Deloitte

Deloitte executives will offer guidance on talent management, evaluation and rewarding employees performance as well as in attracting executives and restructuring according to each businessman's needs.

Moreover, Deloitte's executives will be included in Endeavor's 'mentors' network in order to contribute in the selection procedure and the develoment of the entrepreneurs.

[37] Euro-Asian TASIM fiber optic network will pass through Greece

Dr.Rovshan Ibrahimov, head of the Foreign Policy Analysis at the Center for Strategic Studies, argued that, unlike the Nabucco pipeline, TAP pipeline is shorter and cheaper. It also has geopolitical advantages as it can be extended to more Balkan countries in the future in order to cover their natural gas needs.

Dr.Vusal Gasimli, head of the Department of Economic Analysis and Global Affairs at the Center for Strategic Studies, said that Greece is not only an energy hub in Southeast Europe, but also the country where the fiber optic network of Euro-Asia will go through under the Euro-Asian program TASIM, which is promoted by the government of Azerbaijan (Project Trans-Eurasian Information Super Highway) and will connect Western Europe to East Asia.

Moreover, the integration of electricity grids in Europe and Turkey through high voltage lines that will pass through Greece and Bulgaria opens the way for electricity trade between countries in Europe and Asia.

Furthermore, the construction of railway lines for high-speed trains in conjunction with the completion of the underwater tunnel in the Marmara Sea are expected to enhance Azerbaijan's trade with the countries of Southeast Europe.

Gasimli also said that Greece should focus on the promotion of processed food, the transfering of its know-how in the field of renewable energy, especially photovoltaic systems, as well as on tourism in order to enhance its economic presence in Azerbaijan.

[38] Greek stocks end higher, buoyed by good news from Eurogroup

Turnover was a heavy 121.39 million euros. The Large Cap index rose 0.66 pct and the Mid Cap index ended 0.26 pct higher. Frigoglass (3.40 pct), NBG (3.05 pct), Hellenic Exchanges (2.86 pct) and Motor Oil (2.63 pct) were top gainers among blue chip stocks, while Alpha Bank (-2.10 pct), Jumbo (-1.54 pct) and Piraeus Port Organisation (-1.01 pct) lost the most ground.

The Financial Services (2.31 pct), Public Utilities (1.73 pct) and Oil (1.46 pct) sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day, while the Personal Products (-1.00 pct), Health (-0.68 pct) and Telecommunications (-0.08 pct) sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 71 to 66 with another 26 issues unchanged. Haidemenos (29.10 pct), Fieratex (13.38 pct) and PC Systems (19.57 pct) were top gainers, while Spider (14.29 pct), Hellenic Fishfarming (14.29 pct) and Athina (14.22 pct) were top losers.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Banks: +0.08%

Insurance: Unchanged

Financial Services: +2.31%

Industrial Products: +1.01%

Commercial: +0.39%

Real Estate: +0.60%

Personal & Household: -1.00%

Food & Beverages: +1.06%

Raw Materials: +1.41%

Construction: +0.75%

Oil: +1.46%

Chemicals: +1.33%

Media: Unchanged

Travel & Leisure: +1.03%

Technology: +0.65%

Telecoms: +0.65%

Utilities: +1.73%

Health: -0.68%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 0.70

Public Power Corp (PPC): 12.29

Coca Cola HBC: 18.20

Hellenic Petroleum: 7.29

National Bank of Greece: 4.06

Eurobank Properties : 9.17

OPAP: 11.83

OTE: 11.99

Piraeus Bank: 1.98

Titan: 25.75

[39] Greek bond market closing report

The Greek bond yielded 6.49 pct and the German Bund 1.57 pct. Turnover was a low 7.0 million euros of which 6.0 million were buy orders and the remaining 1.0 million were sell orders.

In interbank markets, interest rates were largely unchanged. The 12-month rate rose to 0.591 pct from 0.59 pct, the nine-month rate eased to 0.50 pct from 0.501 pct, the six-month rate was unchanged at 0.418 pct, the three-month rate unchanged at 0.313 pct and the one-month rate fell to 0.235 pct from 0.237 pct.

[40] ADEX closing report

Volume on the Big Cap index totalled 5,200 contracts worth 11.222 million euros, with 58,860 open positions in the market.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totalled 12,564 contracts worth 5.601 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Piraeus Bank's contracts (3,755), Alpha Bank (3,117), National Bank (1,201), MIG (326), OTE (778), PPC (1,013), OPAP (285), Hellenic Exchanges (178), Titan (114), Mytilineos (199), Hellenic Petroleum (141), Motor Oil (111), Athens Water (159), Sidenor (147), GEK (403), Intralot (182) and Ellaktor (96).

[41] Foreign Exchange rates - Wednesday

U.S. dollar 1.399

Pound sterling 0.841

Danish kroner 7.577

Swedish kroner 9.033

Japanese yen 144.67

Swiss franc 1.236

Norwegian kroner 8.350

Canadian dollar 1.547

Australian dollar 1.515

General News

[42] First 'Open House Athens' to be held next weekend

The NGO has persuaded 49 buildings in the Athens municipality to open their doors and offer free tours, as outlined on the website www.openhouseathens.gr.

"Our aim is to promote worthwhile architecture. We want to give the public a chance to discover the value of good architectural planning in the built environment and learn things, experiencing built spaces," said Open House Greece member Giota Mouratidou.

The buildings included in the programme were selected to cover a wide range of architectural styles, eras and uses, ranging from commercial buildings, hotels, cultural spaces, residences, public buildings and schools. Among them are the Athens Town Hall and Municipal Gallery, the Home for the Arts and Letters, the Acropolis Museum, the Benaki Museum, the Islamic Art Museum, the offices of Pataki Publications, the Megaron Hypatia and private homes on Filopappou hill, Lycabettus and in the Ambelokipi district.

In addition to the open days for the public, school tours will be conducted on Friday, followed by a launch event at the Benaki Museum on Friday night. There will also be a photography competition, with the best three photographs posted on Instagram winning photography lenses for cell phones.

The first "Open House Athens" is organised in collaboration with the Hellenic Architecture Institute and with the support of the Technical Chamber of Greece, the Athens municipality and Monumenta, while it is held under the aegis of the tourism ministry and the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO).

[43] Migrants rescued off Crete number 345, including 47 children

Authorities registering the migrants said there were 345 in total, including 47 children and 2 babies, while most of them said they came from Syria or Egypt. According to Chania port cief Diogenis Darivianakis, the traffickers are believed to be among the migrants but have not been identified yet.

The undocumented migrants were initially taken on board the tanker "Olympic Faith" that arrived early on Tuesday in the sea region of Paleohora. However, due to the large size of the vessel it was impossible to dock in Paleohora port and the authorities decided to use three fishing boats and a Coast Guard vessel for their disembarkment. After the completion of the rescue operation, the undocumented migrants were transferred by bus to Hania in order to be indentified.

All migrants were given food and water. Many were examined by doctors, with ten being taken to hospital with sprains and wounds on their legs, while another three migrants had been transferred to hospital immediately after their landing. Two of the children were also taken to hospital for preventative reasons.

The facilities include mattresses, chemical toilets and heaters, while efforts are made to transfer all of them to hotels as soon as possible, the deputy Chania district chief Apostolos Voulgarakis said. The facilities will be guarded round the clock by Greek Police and Port Authority staff, while only authorised personnel will be allowed entry.

Local authorities met in the morning to decide what to do further and to ensure needed food and supplies are provided for as long as the migrants remain in Chania.

[44] Undocumented migrants and traffickers arrested on Egnatia motorway

Police found in their van eleven undocumented migrants, among them a 2 year-old boy and a 4 year-old girl, from Afghanistan, Syria and Iran.

According to police the two Bulgarians are members of an human trafficking ring that facilitates undocumented migrants' entrance and transport in the country.

Six more foreign nationals are also charged for the same crime.

Police said that the migrants entered Greece from the Turkish borders and have paid 3,500-3,800 euros each for their entrance and transport to Athens.

[45] Criminal charges against prison guards for death of Albanian inmate; correctional officers arrested

Three correctional officers have already been arrested, while an arrest warrant has been issued for the Nigrita Prison Guards' president Haris Konsolidis, who was admitted to the Serres General Hospital Psychiatric Clinic in the early afternoon on Monday.

Charges have been pressed against specific Nigrita Prison correctional officers, while the charges against Malandrinos Prison correctional officers and Itea police officers will be directed to specific individuals during questioning.

The arrests were made after Amfissa Prosecutor Nikos Antonarakis pressed criminal charges against Nigrita and Malandrinos prison guards, as well as against Itea police officers, for the death of the Albanian inmate.

Ili Kareli, who was serving a life sentence for homicide, had stabbed 46-year-old police sergeant George Tsironis to death in the Malandrinos Prison on Tuesday, March 25. He was found dead two days later, in his cell at Nigrita Prison where he had been transferred for safety.

[46] New legal proceedings in case of jail death of Ilia Kareli

The prosecutor has issued warrants for the arrest of eight employees of the Nigrita prison, in addition to prosecution procedures initiated earlier over torture resulting in death, ordinary torture and serious intentional harm.

Speaking about the cause of Kareli's death, Justice Ministry secretary general Marinos Skandamis stated "these are cruel, inhuman and deplorable acts by state employees that violate the sense of a state of law and due protection of human life."

"Such behaviours, coming out of the darkest years of history, will be responded to by Greek justice and the state. The law shall be implemented in an exemplary way and against every person responsible".

[47] International Conference on Research Infrastructure begins Wed.

The Secretariat is holding the event in cooperation with the European Commission and Athena-Research and Innovation Center in Information.

The three-day conference will attract hundreds of scientists, many of them top-level, providing an opportunity for meetings and discussion on international research infrastructure - at national, european and international levels - while also discussing issues related to the environment, paleoanthropology and cultural inheritance, food security and electronic infrastructure.

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EFPL) professor and "Human Brain Project" coordinator Dr. Henry Markram and Professor Geoffrey Boulton of the University of Edinburgh are among the conference's top-level speakers.

The conference will be held from April 2 to April 4 at the Athens Concert Hall (Megaro Mousikis).

[48] Woman arrested in Thessaloniki for owing over 20 million euros to state

In addition, a verdict by a Thessaloniki court is also pending against her for a 10-year jail sentence and two decisions by other Thessaloniki courts, according to which she was handed down a total sentence of 13 years in jail.

[49] Greek seamen to hold 24-hour strike on Wednesday

The decision followed lengthy talks between PNO's management and a delegation from the Association of Passenger Shipping Companies (SEEN) on the signature of new collective labour agreements for seamen on passenger vessels, after the previous ones expired at the end of 2013.

Ship owners have asked for a small reduction in wages for special crew categories, according to sources, while sources within PNO reported that the talks were "moving in the right direction" and that a new meeting is scheduled at 15:00 on Wednesday at PNO's offices.

SEEN representatives expressed their opposition to the company agreements in shipping, a measure demanded by the EU-IMF troika as a prior action and included in the omnibus bill passed by Parliament on Sunday. They also expressed objections to measures for a so-called 'on-duty ship' during seamen's strikes.

Shipping and Aegean Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis has asked PNO to submit proposals for improvements to the last measures by Wednesday afternoon, stressing that it will not be withdrawn since it is a standing request of island inhabitants.

[50] IKA governor to appear before investigating magistrate

Spyropoulos is accused of ordering the lifting of seizure of accounts of a super market chain owned by Harilaos Arvanitidis. His actions incurred losses to IKA, as the super market chain owed about 18.25 million euros to the social security fund, according to the case file.

Weather forecast

[51] Overcast on Wednesday

[52] The Tuesday edition of Athens' dailies

DIMOKRATIA: Government left with 150 deputies and...Loverdos (Andreas, independent MP)

EFIMERIDA TON SYNTAKTON: Disintegration.

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: Prime Minister Antonis Samaras: Vangelis (Venizelos, government vice president and PASOK leader) we have problem.

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: Eurogroup's decision for disbursement of tranche and Greece's exit to market.

ESTIA: Kindergarten's behaviour!

ETHNOS: Outraged in PASOK against George Papandreou (who did not vote an omnibus' article).

IMERISSIA: Banks are the key.

KATHIMERINI: The new agreement with the troika.

LOGOS: Greeks among the poorest in Europe.

NAFTEMPORIKI: Greek bonds give 439 pct profit in 20 months.

RIZOSPASTIS: Everyone to the protest rally at Omonia square, in Athens.

TA NEA: Clash in PASOK and Democratic Left (DIMAR).

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