Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 14-04-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] FinMin Stournaras says 'a big wager has been won'

[02] Venizelos says 'country's strategic direction being judged in next two months'

[03] SYRIZA says Samaras-Venizelos competing as to who the most ardent Merkel policy supporter

[04] Communist party KKE on Venizelos' press conference

[05] Alternate FinMin says country in period of high and sustainable surpluses

[06] Greece likely to try borrowing from int'l markets as early as next week, Guardian reports

[07] Interior Minister Michelakis stresses the importance of political stability

[08] Interior Minister Michelakis on SYRIZA

[09] Kefalogiannis predicts first place for ND in euroelections

[10] Deputy Development Minister Mitarakis' schedule on Monday

[11] SYRIZA leader Tsipras' schedule on April 7-8

[12] SYRIZA unveils proposals for the compensation of bondholders

[13] Kouvelis says DIMAR 'will not return to an Antonis Samaras government'

[14] "Greece and the U.S. stand side by side as partners and allies,' President Obama tells event on Greek Independence Day

[15] Opinion polls before and after Baltakos issue

[16] 40 year-old inmate in the psychiatric ward of Korydallos prison found dead

[17] One person arrested, 25 brought in for questioning regarding damages at Golden Dawn's offices

[18] No injury, pollution from collision of two vessels near Mytilini

[19] Battle of the Strongholds 73d anniversary being celebrated

[20] Super League results

[21] Rainy on Monday

[22] The Sunday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance Politics

[01] FinMin Stournaras says 'a big wager has been won'

Stournaras added that "a few days ago Eurogroup gave the green light here in Athens for the starting of Parliamentary procedures in the Eurozone member-states for the disbursement of the May tranche. For the first time, after many years, such positive ascertainments are being heard and written for the effort of the Greek people and the Greek government for the economy's recovery".

The Finance Minister also said in his article, among other things, that "after four years of fiscal improvement and structural reforms the Greek economy has begun to show the first encouraging signs of balance and recovery".

Stournaras further stressed that "the reforms that have already been adopted in the labour market will facilitate the speedier decrease of unemployment now that the Greek economy is entering a course of recovery".

[02] Venizelos says 'country's strategic direction being judged in next two months'

Venizelos referred to the six pylons (political, fiscal, developmental, social, intjernational and European) for the "recovery path", "that is opening before us" something that, as he said, he himself ascertained in contacts, something that foreign leaders are aware of, "Mrs. Merkel even more so".

He added that although we have not overcome the crisis yet "we are very close" to the turning point for the exit from the crisis and stressed that "the country's stability is a national possession that no one can dispute neither directly nor indirectly".

Venizelos also said on the occasion of the Baltakos case and talk about the Golden Dawn party that PASOK's role in the government is apparent, just like its differences with the New Democracy party, that are historical, ideological and institutional.

He went on to say that if the progressive pole is supported in the upcoming elections the internal interrelations in the government will be better for the country.

Lastly, focusing on the pylons of recovery, Venizelos pointed out that the political one is the first, stability, national unity and the promotion of the sense of responsibility.

[03] SYRIZA says Samaras-Venizelos competing as to who the most ardent Merkel policy supporter

SYRIZA added that "the government vice president, scared by the accelerating airing of his party is prepared to do everything to be saved personally".

[04] Communist party KKE on Venizelos' press conference

"Only this way is even more unpopular and brutal," according to the communist party's statement.

KKE also accused PASOK and its leader of the rise of the Golden Dawn not only because they tolerated people like Baltakos in a government position, but also because they participate in a government that takes unpopular measures and holds an authoritarian stance in protests.

[05] Alternate FinMin says country in period of high and sustainable surpluses

Asked about the financial gap for 2014, Staikouras said that "as is also appearing by Eurogroup's statement, our country's financial needs are fully covered for the next 12 months".

Staikouras added that "even in the most negative scenario that they will amount to 8.6 billion euros. While whatever possible gaps in the Hellenic state's short-term fiscal liquidity are also covered".

[06] Greece likely to try borrowing from int'l markets as early as next week, Guardian reports

The report says that some bankers in Athens confirmed that preparations are already under way, with the government hiring global investment banks, including JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs, to act on behalf of Greece.

In addition, the report quotes analysts as saying that Greece's return to borrowing from international markets would signal the end of its debt crisis.

The report also refers to statements made by Greece's Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras, who however has declined specifying a date for Greece's return to market borrowing, saying that "the global economy is closing in upon Greece in great self-confidence, while spreads continue to drop, and this is a very significant development."

[07] Interior Minister Michelakis stresses the importance of political stability

Michelakis participated in a New Democracy meeting in Thessaloniki ahead of the European Parliament elections.

"What is important is to maintain political stability. For the sake of political stability and with the sacrifices of the Greek people, we have helped the country return to the markets, produce surplus and make the Greek people understand that their sacrifices bear fruit," Michelakis said.

Asked if there is a problem of cohesion in government, the Interior minister replied: "There is no issue of cohesion in government. The deputies and the executives who support the government are focused on maintaining political stability. The problem lies within the opposition which has taken the mud of the Golden Dawn and reproduces it."

[08] Interior Minister Michelakis on SYRIZA

"SYRIZA adopts the arguments of the Golden Dawn, asking for the resignation of two ministers who have played a leading role in dealing with the crimes that the Golden Dawn is accused of," Michelakis said adding that their aim is not the two ministers, but the political stability. "As they see that the country is moving with small, but stable steps towards recovery, that is bothering them. Because they know that if this goal is achieved and the country gets back on its feet, then they will not have any political motivation, they will return to 3 pct, which was a minority that just makes noise, political noise," the minister said.

Referring to Sunday's polls, Michelakis said: "The difference of one or one and a half percentage points proves that people do not trust SYRIZA. The world has understood that promising everything to everyone, promising that they will bring the country to pre-crisis levels, is not something they can believe in. In constrast we are judged as a government for the measures we have taken, the results that our policy has brought."

During his stay in Serres, the Interior minister had meetings with trade representatives, focusing on the upcoming regulations regarding money owed to municipalities.

"It has already been approved by the parliament committee and on Monday, at 6 pm, it will be forwarded to the parliament plenary. The bill already includes a positive regulation and further legal drafting improvements will be made on Monday," he said.

[09] Kefalogiannis predicts first place for ND in euroelections

"The issue raised in this election," said Kefalogiannis, "is not choosing between center-right and center-left. Today two worlds collide and citizens are asked to choose whether they want Greece to remain among the 25 most developed nations of the world, or to engage in experiments which could lead it into 'uncharted waters'..."

He said the trusted Greek people's maturity, which, as he put it, "is a guarantee that we go in the right direction."

Speaking during a Press conference, Kefalogiannis referred to the latest Baltakos affair, acknowledging that the issue was hurting and worrying the ND party. However, he clarified that "(former government general secretary Panagiotis) Baltakos?is representing nothing, as far as the ND is concerned."

"For us, it is not a political issue. It does not at the slightest affect us in the run up to the euroelections," Kefalogiannis said.

[10] Deputy Development Minister Mitarakis' schedule on Monday

At 13.00, he will meet with a delegation of the Chinese NDRC visiting Greece headed by General Secretary Li Guoyong to discuss investments in Greece. The meeting will take place at the Development ministry.

[11] SYRIZA leader Tsipras' schedule on April 7-8

More specifically, Tsipas will visit Thessaloniki on Monday where he will meet with the coordinating committee of the initiative Save Greek Water, at the Olympia hotel, at 18.30. At 19.30, he will hold a speech at Velidio conference centre.

On Tuesday, at 12.00, he will meet with social partners in Karditsa and at 20.00 he will give a speech at the central square of Larissa.

[12] SYRIZA unveils proposals for the compensation of bondholders

SYRIZA underlined that the opposition party "has been committed to the gradual healing of wounds and the correction of injustices caused by the implementation of the destructive memoranda."

[13] Kouvelis says DIMAR 'will not return to an Antonis Samaras government'

Kouvelis also rules out a PASOK-DIMAR-POTAMI formation after the Euroelections and said that the government, after DIMAR's departure, adopted a plan to win over Golden Dawn voters in which Panayiotis Baltakos played a leading role.

The EU is united in dealing with the Ukraine crisis, Ashton stresses after end of EU informal FM Council in Athens

The European Union is making an effort to effectively intervene in the Ukrainian crisis, "with stability and unity in our determination," High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Catherine Ashton said Saturday in summing up the work of the two-day EU informal Foreign Ministers Council, held in Athens.

During a Press conference in Zappeio, Baroness Ashton added that the Ukraine issue was recently discussed at a NATO meeting in Brussels -stressing the importance of unity among the alliance's member states- and noted that the EU was working on the specific issue in cooperation with NATO and examining possible future repercussions.

With regard to the EU-Ukraine association agreement, Ashton remarked that the EU has also told Russia that an economic agreement, in the form of a free trade zone, will also be of benefit to Russia itself.

Replying to questions, the EU official said that in a discussion between the 28 EU Foreign Ministers and their Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu, the EU officials highlighted social media's huge social role and referred to a ruling by Turkey's Constitutional Court against social media bans. On his part, the Turkish minister referred to the forthcoming reforms on his government's agenda.

[14] "Greece and the U.S. stand side by side as partners and allies,' President Obama tells event on Greek Independence Day

"For one day, we are all Greeks," U.S. President Barack Obama told an event held at the White House on Friday to commemorate the Greek Independence Day of March 25, 1821, also stressing that "Greece and the United States stand side by side as partners and allies."

President Obama emphasized the profound impact Greek-Americans had in the American nation, and referred specifically to the Greek communities of Tarpon Springs (Florida) and Chicago. He closed his brief address by exclaiming in Greek "Long live Greece!"

Opening the event, Vice President Joe Biden, who had called Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras the day before the celebration "to congratulate Greece," said that he welcomed Greece's continued economic progress as the government carries out its reforms, and pledged enduring U.S. support for returning Greece to economic growth and prosperity. VP Biden also expressed his support for the reopening of the Theological School?of?Halki?

Archbishop Demetrios of America thanked President Obama for the hospitality and great honour to the Orthodox Greek-American community, and spoke of the "common values" uniting Greeks and Americans.

In the event, held for the 28th consecutive year, Greece was represented by Culture and Sports Minister Panos Panayiotopoulos, Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni and Greek Ambassador to Washington Christos Panayopoulos.

A private meeting was held before the start of the event between President Obama, VP Biden and Archbishop Demetrios, in the White House's Green Room.

[15] Opinion polls before and after Baltakos issue

The results of the opinion poll carried out on April 1-2 had the following results: New Democracy 21.7 percent, Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) 19.6, Potami 9.2, Golden Dawn 6.9, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) 5.8, Elia 5.4, Independent Greeks 3.9 and Democratic Left (DIMAR 2.1, while 6.5 said they would vote for other parties.

The poll conducted on April 3 in the wake of developments in the Baltakos issue showed the following results: SYRIZA 21.5 percent, ND 20.8, Potami 8.5, Golden Dawn 7.7, KKE 6.2, Elia 4.6, Independent Greeks 4 and DIMAR 1.7.

Prime Minister and ND leader Antonis Samaras was ahead on April 3 on the question of who is most suitable for prime minister with 41.2 percent, with SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras garnering 33.3 percent of respondents' preferences.

General News

[16] 40 year-old inmate in the psychiatric ward of Korydallos prison found dead

The Justice Ministry ordered a preliminary investigation which will be conducted by the Prosecutor of Piraeus.

[17] One person arrested, 25 brought in for questioning regarding damages at Golden Dawn's offices

The person arrested will present before the prosecutor on Monday.

The attack on the offices of the Golden Dawn party was carried out by members of the anti-authoritarian movement of Thessaloniki.

[18] No injury, pollution from collision of two vessels near Mytilini

The Cook islands-flagged "Angel Alia" and the Antiqua Barbuda-flagged "Ameland" carried a crew of 16 Syrians and 11 Russians, respectively.

"Angel Alia" has suffered minor cracks in its front hull, but the vessel is safe to sail and is reported to have already left for the Black Sea. The boat had sailed from Casablanca unloaded.

"Ameland," sailing from Ukraine to France, has suffered even less damage, but was still waiting from company instructions before continuing its trip.

[19] Battle of the Strongholds 73d anniversary being celebrated

Sports

[20] Super League results

In other action:

Apollon Smyrnis-Ergotelis 1-0

Platanias-Panetolikos 1-0

Veria-Panionios 2-1

OFI Crete-Xanthi 3-2

PAOK-Atromitos Athens 2-0

PAS Yiannena-Olympiakos 2-0

Asteras Tripoli-Aris 2-2

Kalloni Mytilini-Panthrakikos 2-0

Standings after 33 weeks of play:

1. Olympiakos 83

2. PAOK 69

3. Panathinaikos 66

4. Atromitos 63

5. Asteras Tripolis 58

6. OFI Crete 44

7. Ergotelis 41

Panthrakikos 41

9. PAS Yiannena 40

10.Panetolikos 39

Levadiakos 39

Kalloni Mytilini 39

13. Panionios Athens 38

14. Platanias Hania 37

15. Apollon Smyrnis 36

16. Xanthi 35

Veria 35

18. Aris Thessaloniki 21

Weather forecast

[21] Rainy on Monday

[22] The Sunday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: Obscure games over ballot boxes.

AVGHI: Samaras government instability element.

VRADYNI: Pension before 60. Emerge with previous age limits.

EPOCHI: Government issue, not of Baltakos.

KATHIMERINI: Stability plan against rumours and scenarios.

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: Baltakos-Gate.

RIZOSPASTIS: We are waging battle for success of strike.

PROTO THEMA: Why Giorgos wants to bring down the government.

TO ARTHRO: Smoothing out now.

TO VIMA: In the whirlpool of treason. Baltakos Nightmare mine for stability.

REAL NEWS: Who are they threatening with new videos.

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