Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 14-10-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece, troika begin discussing exit from Memorandum

[02] Greek government completes first round of talks with troika

[03] Development Minister Dendias to meet with troika earlier on Wed.

[04] Government spokeswoman calls reports on rifts among PM's staff 'ridiculous'

[05] PM Samaras to meet with FM Venizelos on Wednesday

[06] New European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker in Athens on Friday

[07] Greece not in pre-election period, gov't spokeswoman Voultepsi underlines

[08] President Papoulias meets with Armenian counterpart in Yerevan

[09] President Papoulias urges Turkey to recognise Cyprus Republic's EU standing

[10] Armenia's Catholicos Aram of Cilicia made honorary professor at Athens University

[11] Deputy FM Gerontopoulos says 'business environment in Greece favourable for investments'

[12] Commissioner-Designate Avramopoulos at EP hearings: Europe must not become a 'fortress'

[13] SYRIZA accuses gov't of 'terrorism' operation behind public sector employees' evaluation

[14] Gov't's 'true intentions' in contract re-examinations revealed, SYRIZA spokesman says

[15] New development law to be voted on before the end of the year, Deputy Dev't min says

[16] Dep. Development Minister visits Competition Commission

[17] Adm. Reform min presents e-governance initiatives in conference

[18] ILO says Greece's laws on collective layoffs, lockouts and strikes are sufficient

[19] Defence Minister Avramopoulos to visit Nicosia on Wednesday

[20] 'I am a unionist. I don't feel like a politician' SYRIZA MEP Kouneva says

[21] Three government general secretaries resign to run for parliament in the next general elections

[22] Piraeus Mayor Moralis meets with Public Order Minister Kikilias

[23] Education & Religious Affairs Minister Loverdos visits Mount Athos

[24] Independent Greeks leader Kammenos to visit Moscow during the weekend

[25] OPAP betting monopoly 'compatible with EU rules', Council of State decides

[26] Draft bill on religious communities in Greece passes in principle

[27] FinMin plans VAT refund to solvent businesses in 7 days

[28] Labour Minister: Enrichment of labour unions law necessary after dialogue

[29] Shipping Minister Varvitsiotis meets with his counterparts in Malta and Cyprus

[30] International conference in Athens on hydrocarbon exploration, Oct. 1-3

[31] Greek unemployment eased sligtly to 27 pct in June, Eurostat

[32] Alpha Bank completes acquisition of Citi's Greek retail banking business

[33] Citi Greece announces new CEO

[34] Production cost mostly up in services sector

[35] Sunlight Systems signs contract with Delhaize in Serbia

[36] Spain's Enag?s a new shareholder in TAP pipeline consortium

[37] Greek PPI down 0.6 pct in August

[38] Hydroplane companies ask licence to use Amphipolis port

[39] ESEE to launch 'Trader's Advocate' on October 2

[40] Korinth Pipeworks signs three contracts in the US

[41] Greek stocks end moderately higher

[42] Greek bond market closing report

[43] ADEX closing report

[44] Foreign exchange rates - Tuesday

[45] ND deputies ask for the placement of Alexander the Great statue

[46] Bulgarian arrested on Crete on European warrant

[47] Sirens to go off throughout Greece on Wednesday in civil defence exercise

[48] Life sentences for 3 Argentinians in drug-trafficking case commuted to 6 years in prison

[49] Elderly man faints in bank waiting line; dies in hospital

[50] Education Minister visits Ecclesiastical Academy "Athonias" on Mt. Athos

[51] Twelve buildings in Roma camp to be demolished on Wednesday

[52] Urban railroad's new stop at Tavros going into operation on Wednesday

[53] Police and security authorities checking out stolen car in Exarchia

[54] Fair weather on Wednesday

[55] The Tuesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance Politics

[01] Greece, troika begin discussing exit from Memorandum

According to the source, "We discussed strategy as well, what will happen after the Memorandum, how the exit from the Memorandum will be set up."

The seven-hour-long meeting was attended on the Greek side by Finance Minister Gikas Hardouvelis, Deputy Christos Staikouras and the prime minister's adviser, Stavros Papastavrou.

The government believes the target of a primary surplus for 2015 is possible without new measures and that there will be a lightening of the tax load, although the details are not worked out, the source said.

Greece's new budget will be tabled in Parliament on Monday and is expected to include the means of achieving the primary surplus.

Based on the schedule released so far, the troika representatives will meet with Development Minister Nikos Dendias at 11:30 a.m. and Administrative Reform Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at 3:00 p.m. On Thursday, they will meet with Labour Minister Yiannis Vroutsis.

[02] Greek government completes first round of talks with troika

"We discussed the budget for 2014 and 2015. They heard our arguments," a senior finance ministry official told ANA-MPA. The official declined to elaborate on the primary surplus target for 2015.

Alternate Finance Minister Christos Staikouras, Deputy Finance Minister George Mavraganis and Health Minister Makis Voridis were seen leaving the ministry building.

The troika representatives are currently meeting with the head of the country's Public Debt Management Agency (PDMA), Stelios Papadopoulos.

[03] Development Minister Dendias to meet with troika earlier on Wed.

The agenda includes nearly twenty items, topped by the legislative framework for 'red' business loans, or outstanding loans without pay arrangements, and those businesses' issues of viability which will determine whether they can come under a favourable regulation being drawn up by the ministry. The criteria for such a classification, according to sources, will be based on turnover, gross earnings and activity object for the smaller businesses, while banks will determine the criteria for larger businesses.

Ministry sources said the troika had agreed in principle to a unified regulation for all outstanding obligations by Greek businesses to the state and the banks. The troika has requested a report from the General Accounting Office evaluating the financial fallout of such a regulation on the economy and the state budget.

[04] Government spokeswoman calls reports on rifts among PM's staff 'ridiculous'

"The provocations concerning the alleged disagreements among members of the prime minister's staff and of a supposed resignation of the government spokeswoman are now beyond ridiculous," Voultepsi said.

"We inform those who spread false reports that the government forms a united front and any effort to cover up the disputes among component groups of [main opposition party] SYRIZA will fall on deaf ears. SYRIZA's propaganda will not succeed," she added.

[05] PM Samaras to meet with FM Venizelos on Wednesday

The meeting will take place at the Maximos mansion, at 18.00.

Samaras and Venizelos earlier in day had a phone conversation and agreed they should meet after they have had a clearer view of the progress of the troika negotiations, which are already underway.

Samaras is being constantly updated on the course of the negotiations with the representatives of the country's international lenders and may even meet with Finance Minister Gikas Hardouvelis in the evening.

[06] New European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker in Athens on Friday

Juncker will have a working lunch with Greek premier Antonis Samaras.

[07] Greece not in pre-election period, gov't spokeswoman Voultepsi underlines

"There is a pre-election period when elections are called, not before," she stressed in statements to the television channel Mega.

Voultepsi underlined that the government "has a single goal: to complete the negotiation [with the troika], to go to a discussion on the debt, to bring [tax] reductions and relief to the people. To show, in other words, to people what we are trying to achieve. This is the great wager for the government at this time."

She repeated that the electoral process and its result would depend on what was happening in the country at that time, rather than what is happening now, when people were paying for the Uniform Real Estate Ownership Tax (ENFIA).

"The result of the elections will also depend on the fact that the government will have achieved some of its goals and will have something to show for itself," she added.

Voultepsi predicted that once everything relating to the sustainability of Greece's debt was complete, "there will be more than 180 responsible MPs that will give the government an opportunity to continue its effort for one more year."

Regarding the negotiations with the troika representing Greece's lenders, she said that this was the last negotiation and much was riding on it.

"We are at the phase at which we will begin a discussion on the debt. Therefore, as the finance minister said, we must be careful, methodical and determined...We have said that there is a road map for the start of tax relief. This is something that the government and the prime minister intend to d0 without causing a rift with our partners," she said.

The government's goal, she added, was for Greece's creditors to officially state that Greece had been "rescued".

"We know and our partners know that the debt is sustainable, provided we do not cause a fiscal derailment. The government wants the debt to be declared sustainable because only then will people come to invest their money here," she stressed.

[08] President Papoulias meets with Armenian counterpart in Yerevan

Soon after, the two presidents inaugurated a business forum, aimed at strengthening economic relations between Greece and Armenia, and signed a bilateral agreement concerning on the agricultural sector.

"We watch developments in Syria, Iraq and the Middle East in general, with deep concern. I expressed our strong concern about the safety of the Christian populations in the Middle East, who very easily become targets of religious extremism," Papoulias said.

He noted that he briefed the Armenian President on issues of national interest and the talks on the Cyprus issue, underlining that Turkey's stance is not helpful.

"I pointed out that the talks on the Cyprus issue are at a crucial phase and the goal is to find a viable and functional solution that will put an end to the Turkish occupation. I should, however, point out that the latest statements by the Turkish leadership are not encouraging at all," he underlined.

President Papoulias made a special reference to bilateral relations in the sector of education, focusing on the operation of Greek language departments in Yerevan State University and in Yerevan's "Brusov" State University of Languages & Social Sciences, as well as to the scholarships granted by Greece to Armenian students to study in Greek educational institutions.

Papoulias also said that his Armenian counterpart briefed him on the talks for the solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute and on the course of negotiations for Armenia's accession into the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU).

They talked about the crisis in Ukraine and both expressed hope that the ceasefire will allow the promotion of a political process and the solution of the Ukrainian problem.

Later in the afternoon, Papoulias will visit the National Assembly of Armenia and he will meet with Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan, as well as representatives of the Greek communities in Armenia.

Yesterday, soon after his arrival in Yerevan, President Papoulias laid a wreath at the Armenian Genocide Memorial. He is scheduled to return to Athens on Wednesday afternoon.

[09] President Papoulias urges Turkey to recognise Cyprus Republic's EU standing

"Turkey's relations with the European Union pass through Nicosia," Papoulias said, in his address at a dinner held in his honour by Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, referring to the capital of the Cyprus Republic. "Greek-Turkish relations must be part of a framework of good neighbourliness that is governed by internationally acceptable rules of law. I wish to stress that Turkey, on its side, has an obligation to contribute to the creation and maintenance of this climate," he added.

The Greek president also mentioned good neighbourliness in terms of countries of the West Balkans, "whose accession to the European Union is a strategic goal of Greek foreign policy."

The development of Greek-Armenian relations is significant, he stressed and noted, in reference to the Armenian genocide in 1915, "We are proud that Greece was one of few countries to provide asylum to the persecuted Armenians, and one of the first countries to recognise the genocide of the Armenian people."

[10] Armenia's Catholicos Aram of Cilicia made honorary professor at Athens University

In a ceremony held at the Athens University on Monday, rector Theodoros Fortsakis described Aram I as a "leading figure of Christianity in the Middle East, as well as in Ecumenism, the World Council of Churches and inter-Christian dialogue," and the opponent only of "fanaticism, fundamentalism, chauvinism and racism wherever they come from and wherever they appear."

In his own address, the Catholicos Aram referred to events in the Middle East, such as the Arab-Israeli conflict, Arab Spring and the tension between Sunni and Shiite muslims, as well as the rise of Muslim extremism, stressing the serious impact that these had on Christian churches in the region.

"Without Christians, the Middle East will lose its unique character as a place where religious, traditions and cultures coexist. The future of Christianity in the Middle East is ensured when the states and societies of the region are built on a basis of plurality, equality and freedom," he said.

[11] Deputy FM Gerontopoulos says 'business environment in Greece favourable for investments'

Addressing the Greek and Armenian business people at the forum, Gerontopoulos underlined that the environment for investments and business in Greece was very favourable and that promoting business cooperation is a top priority in Greek foreign policy.

He said that the Armenian-Greek Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Greece's position as an EU member-state, as well as Armenia's position as a future member of the Customs Union and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), can play a decisive role in an increase of bilateral trade transactions.

The Greek minister also signed a bilateral cooperation agreement in the agricultural sector with his Armenian counterpart Sergo Karapetyan, in the presence of the presidents of Greece and Armenia, Karolos Papoulias and Serzh Sargsyan, respectively.

The five-year agreement, which can be renewed until one of the two sides decides to end the cooperation, is aimed at improving the exchange of agricultural products for the benefit of both countries and at conveying Greek know-how to Armenia. The two countries' bilateral cooperation will involve the exchange of scientific and technical information, exchange of visits by sector experts, seminars, conferences, and trilateral cooperation with other countries.

[12] Commissioner-Designate Avramopoulos at EP hearings: Europe must not become a 'fortress'

Europe needs to be kept safe and secure without becoming a "fortress," Greek Commissioner-Designate Dimitris Avramopoulos told the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs of the European Parliament on Tuesday during confirmation hearings in Brussels.

Avramopoulos, who is being considered for the portfolio of Migration and Home, responded to questions by giving his priorities as commissioner and a review of his experience in governance.

His two main priorities as commissioner would be to "cope in an efficient manner with the migratory pressure at our borders, and fully respecting fundamental rights" and address challenges in security.

"We need to keep Europe safe and secure," he said, adding, "This must be achieved in full respect of fundamental rights, in compliance with the Schengen rules that allow people to travel without internal border controls, and without building a 'fortress Europe'."

His guiding principle, he noted, would be respect for human rights. He was also concerned he said with ensuring that the "substantial body of new legislation in the migration and home affairs fields" would be completely and consistently implemented acrosss the whole of Europe.

Avramopoulos has served as mayor of Athens (two consecutive terms) and held several ministerial portfolios in his career, including those of tourism, health and social solidarity, foreign affairs and national defence.

[13] SYRIZA accuses gov't of 'terrorism' operation behind public sector employees' evaluation

More specifically, they said that the government deliberately relates the evaluation of the public sector employees to the conversion of fixed-term job contracts into permanent positions of indefinite duration with fake certificates.

"Evaluation is just a pretext," SYRIZA said adding that the government's only aim is to meet the troika's demand for a certain number of public sector employees' layoffs.

[14] Gov't's 'true intentions' in contract re-examinations revealed, SYRIZA spokesman says

"It is a choice, in order to meet the demands of the memorandums, so as to create new 'reservoirs' of employees to be dismissed. You can clearly see that this is not a cross-checking of the authenticity of certificates or information. That was just a ruse. Essentially they are going back and trying to make backdated changes to the terms on which these people were hired," he said to the private television channel Mega. He also pointed out that the 'Pavlopoulos' decree under which they were hired was introduced because Greece had previously been in contravention of Community laws.

Skourletis also pointed out that it was harmful to the whole idea of evaluation when this was made secondary to the end of reducing public-sector positions at all cost, throughout the broader public sector.

He said the government was "in a panic" after SYRIZA's announcements at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), while he rejected suggestions that these were considered unrealistic even economists that supported SYRIZA.

"The government's tragedy is that it has made a commitment to implement the programme and its rationale. Greece, which should be raising the basic strategic issue that exists today in Europe, which is to abandon austerity policies, is defending Merkelism. This is why it is collapsing, crushed between society's anger, social pressures and its commitments. It has completed its cycle," Skourletis said.

[15] New development law to be voted on before the end of the year, Deputy Dev't min says

"With the development law, as it was amended in 2013, the Development Ministry set the foundations for the simplification of procedures and the facilitation of businesses in their efforts to implement their investments. This effort continued with the across-the-board extension granted in 2014 in order to facilitate the implementation of investment projects under the old development law 3299/04. With the amendments put forward we have exhausted all possibilities to support investment projects which, because of the crisis, have not yet entered the process of implementation," he said.

The ministry aims to actively support the efforts of sound businesses, he added, and this "can be achieved with the release of funds and the financing of new projects of the new Investment Law which will be voted on within this year."

The Development ministry also tabled an amendment in Parliament, which gives businesses another six months to submit their bank loan approval for projects under the Development law 3908/11.

The amendment, according to a ministry announcement, forms part of the legislative initiatives undertaken by the ministry to address the issues of liquidity.

[16] Dep. Development Minister visits Competition Commission

According to sources, his meeting with the management of the Commission was held in a "climate of cooperation" and the deputy minister highlighted the importance of the Commission's work in ensuring free competition in the market, especially in terms of achieving his own goal, which was to reduce prices for basic consumer goods and services.

Giakoumatos had announced the visit during a press conference on Monday, when he said he would also enlist the aid of the Competition Commission in the struggle to bring down prices.

[17] Adm. Reform min presents e-governance initiatives in conference

Mitsotakis also said that the Supreme Council for Civil Personnel Selection (ASEP) would soon launch a hiring procedure in order to support the public sector with experienced IT managers.

"The economic crisis during the last five years and the deep wounds it has left in our country raise fundamental questions, which all governments should give convincing answers to: How can we achieve more with less? How can we improve public administration and the offering of services to the citizens without spending additional national resources? The answer lies within the heart of the technological revolution that is taking place around us, "Mitsotakis said.

He also referred to the problems of the past, such as the ineffective action planning and monitoring mechanisms, the excessive, overlapping and scattered in different programs projects, but also the ineffective framework of cooperation with the market and the academic community.

However, he mentioned successful examples, such as the operation of the central portal "Hermes", the Taxis systems and the implementation of the "Diavgeia" programme to promote transparency.

"The Administrative Reform and e-Governance ministry, after extensive consultation and long process, prepared the basic guidelines and objectives of the strategy for e-Government in Greece for the period 2014- 2020," Mitsotakis said.

He added that this strategy follows the best international standards and is in line with the wider digital strategy of the country, while it is developed in an action plan linked to the 2014- 2020 NSRF and the upgrade of citizen services. Moreover, there will be central planning and streamlined use of the funds required for the upgrading of e-Government.

The main axes of the strategy are the further simplification of procedures, the electronic document management, the integrated management of resources by creating a uniform policy for the supply, use, management and maintenance of departments, agencies, institutions and regional and municipal services, and the creation of a public access point for citizens.

Mitsotakis also referred to the recent successful initiatives in e-governance, such as the new "Diavgeia" programme, the online services of the Citizens Service Centers (KEP) and the new, simple and quick way of identity card issue.

[18] ILO says Greece's laws on collective layoffs, lockouts and strikes are sufficient

During the meeting, it was agreed that no changes need to be made to the existing legislative framework on layoffs.

Discussing the law underlying unionism, which Labour Minister Giorgos Vroutsis had argued earlier needed to be improved, it was agreed no changes need to be made on declaring a strike.

The same sources said it was also agreed the legal framework for employers to declare lock-outs is also adequate.

A new meeting has been scheduled for October in Athens to discuss remaining issues like union funding and holiday leave.

[19] Defence Minister Avramopoulos to visit Nicosia on Wednesday

Greece's National Defence Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos is due to arrive here on Wednesday, when he will sign a bilateral agreement on defence issues with his Cypriot counterpart Christoforos Fokaides.

Avramopoulos is scheduled to carry out a one-day visit to Nicosia to represent the Greek government at the military parade for the 54th anniversary since the Cyprus Republic's declaration of independence. During the visit, he is to be received by Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades.

The Greek Ambassador in Nicosia Vassilis Papaioannou, in a written statement on Tuesday, underlined that Greece honours the struggle and sacrifices made by the Cypriot people to win freedom, democracy and to preserve the independence and territorial integrity of the Cyprus Republic. He also stressed the Greek side's determination to end the status quo established by the Turkish invasion and 40-year occupation in the north of the island, noting that the island's reunification was the "primary national priority" of Greece foreign policy.

[20] 'I am a unionist. I don't feel like a politician' SYRIZA MEP Kouneva says

"Now, I simply have the opportunity to work on a different level of society. I am a unionist," she said referring to the new page in her life after the health problems she had following a December 2008 acid attack against her.

"I am in the European Parliament, because this enables me to decide for my own life, to work and strive," she said.

"When I started working as a cleaner, I realized that the legislation needed to be regulated; and I have always said this was should be done. I knew however this could be done only by the EU and not on a local level...Cleaners should get in touch with their European colleagues and form a union at some point in the future...We should work methodically and regularly and this will bring benefits in the future," Kouvena said.

She also explained what the "Left" means for her: "I have always been leftist, in thought and in actions; because the Left cares about the poor, the people with health problems. I believe that if the society tries to improve the lives of people of the weaker strata, the culture in our country will be strengthened. If the poor and sick people do not have good living standards, we are in no position to speak of culture. Culture exists only when all people have good living standards."

She also thanked the 175,000 citizens that voted for her in the European Parliament elections: "I thank them all. I was really happy. I felt they had realized I had a goal and they gave me the opportunity to move forward and put my ideas in practice. They also made me be more careful, because I am not in the hospital now; I have to fight for my life and society."

The full interview is available for subscribers at the ANA-MPA web TV.

[21] Three government general secretaries resign to run for parliament in the next general elections

They are General Secretary of Coordination Dimitris Vartzopoulos and General Secretaries of Communication and Mass Media Andreas Katsaniotis and Yiannis Panagiotopoulos, who will run in Thessaloniki's 2nd electoral district, in Achaia and Arcadia respectively.

Government sources told ANA-MPA that the resignations of the three general secretaries are not associated with the likelihood of early elections, considering that pursuant to existing legislation, state officials wishing to run for parliament will have to tender their resignations 18 months before the government's term in office ends according to the constitution.

In the days to come, more general secretaries are expected to resign for the same reason.

[22] Piraeus Mayor Moralis meets with Public Order Minister Kikilias

Moralis underlined that his goal is to create the preconditions for the protection of the citizens and the city's smooth operation.

[23] Education & Religious Affairs Minister Loverdos visits Mount Athos

Loverdos said that his visit focused on his obligations as the minister of education & religions, including the unobstructed operation of Athonias Ecclesiastical Academy, among other issues that concern the monastic community.

The minister added that studying in Athonias Ecclesiastical Academy could continue after secondary education in the form of life-long learning, noting that a definitive plan will be drawn up in the next meeting with the Community Committee at the ministry of education.

Earlier in the day, in a meeting with representatives of the twenty monasteries on Mount Athos, the monks underlined that the problems they were facing were solved thanks to the minister's intervention.

[24] Independent Greeks leader Kammenos to visit Moscow during the weekend

According to information, Kammenos' visit will be private and his meetings in the Russian capital will be informal.

[25] OPAP betting monopoly 'compatible with EU rules', Council of State decides

Companies that had been licensed abroad had filed injunctions with Greek authorities between 2004 and 2007, on grounds that the laws at the time of filing giving OPAP the exclusive right to manage and organise betting games clashed with the Treaty of the European Community that guarantees freedom of location and the free offer of services.

The CoS found that the more recent laws - between 2011 and 2013 - allowing OPAP to retain its monopoly agree with the EU legislative framework, adding that their petitions could not be satisfied after the introduction of these newer Greek laws.

Back in 2010, the CoS plenary session had sent pre-judicial queries to the European Court, which left the verdict on the issue of the monopoly's compatibility with the Council.

[26] Draft bill on religious communities in Greece passes in principle

The discussion will continue on Wednesday, followed by a vote per article and per amendment.

New Democracy, PASOK and Independent Greeks (ANEL) voted for it, while main opposition SYRIZA and Democratic Left (DIMAR) declared "present", saying the bill was overall positive but needed improvements. The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and Golden Dawn (Chryssi Avgi) voted against it.

Financial News

[27] FinMin plans VAT refund to solvent businesses in 7 days

The new system is expected to be submitted to the troika for approval during the evaluation of the Greek economy which starts on Tuesday.

The system is expected to be launched within the first ten days of October in order to unblock tax refunds amounting to 657 million euros. The target of the ministry is to boost liquidity in solvent businesses.

[28] Labour Minister: Enrichment of labour unions law necessary after dialogue

Vroutsis was speaking at an International Labour Organisation meeting with the heads of Greece's social entities in Geneva.

Vroutsis said that "the the unions' freedom should be safeguarded as well as the "representation of the labour and production within the framework of the social negotiation". He also added that the dialogue is necessary and underlined that "the upgrading of the instituional framework for union action can't be achieved without the workers, the employers and their representatives."

He clarified that he is against further changes as far as it regards mass layoffs and called the existing procedure regarding the mass layoffs "balanced and rational through the upgrading of the role of the Supreme Council for Labour."

However, according to labour unions cadres, the private sector union umbrella GSEE insists that "there are no margins for the transformation of the existing labour unions law or changes in mass layoffs limit."

The Geneva meeting will be concluded late Tuesday.

[29] Shipping Minister Varvitsiotis meets with his counterparts in Malta and Cyprus

In the meting held on Monday, Varvitsiotis briefed the two ministers, who are also responsible for shipping issues, on the initiatives his ministry undertook during the Greek EU Presidency, among them, the safeguarding of the competitiveness of the European shipping sector.

Referring to the legislative proposal to be promoted today by the Italian EU Presidency, he pointed out that "the adoption of regional or unilateral policies does not help the international orientation of the developed international shipping market and does not boost its competitiveness".

Varvitsiotis underlined the need for respect of the international rules discussed and adopted in the context of IMO and put an emphasis on the contribution of the shipping sector to the national and European economy.

He also suggested that their next meeting take place in Piraeus with the participation of other EU states active in the shipping sector.

[30] International conference in Athens on hydrocarbon exploration, Oct. 1-3

Explaining why there was no production until now, Hodgson said that technology now allows scientists to see what was impossible to be seen in the past. He also said that he expects oil companies to express interest in the tender for the 20 subsea fields in the Ionian Sea and south of the island of Crete, noting that his company has already bought the seismic data.

The tender announcement will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union in the next fifteen days, according to Environment Minister Yiannis Maniatis, who pointed out the need for regional cooperation in the sector of exploration, noting that positive news in one country can bring benefits to all the countries in the region. He also said that prospects in the region are from encouraging to extremely positive and attract the interest of small and big oil companies.

Albanian Deputy Energy & Industry Minister Dorian Ducka referred to developments in Albania, where the largest oil deposit in mainland Europe has been found.

Croatian Ambassador to Athens Ivan Velimir Starcevic referred to the importance of the Ionian natural gas pipeline and to his country's plans concerning the construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, while a new round of concessions in areas on land and sea has already been announced.

Hellenic Petroleum Group Strategic Planning & Development Director George Alexopoulos said that roughly 20 million US dollars will be invested in seismic research in Patras Bay in the next 3 years.

[31] Greek unemployment eased sligtly to 27 pct in June, Eurostat

The Greek unemployment rate eased to 27 pct in June, from 27.1 pct in May, remaining the highest in the European Union, followed by Spain (24.4 pct in August), Eurostat said on Tuesday.

In a report released here, the EU executive's statistics arm said that the number of unemployed people in Greece totaled 1.3 million. The unemployment rate was 23.8 pct among men, 31.1 pct among women and 51.5 pct among young people aged below 25 years old.

The unemployment rate was unchanged at 11.5 pct in the Eurozone in August, but fell to 10.1 pct from 10.2 pct in July in the EU. There were no figures for Greece in July and August.

The number of unemployed people in the EU was 24.6 million and 18.3 million in the Eurozone. Austria and Germany (4.7 pct and 4.9 pct, respectively) recorded the lowest unemployment rates in the Eurozone.

[32] Alpha Bank completes acquisition of Citi's Greek retail banking business

"The acquisition of Citi's retail operations in Greece further strengthens Alpha Bank's position in the Greek banking system and enhances its offering to its affluent customer base," the bank said in a statement.

The acquired operations include the wealth management unit with assets under management of 2 billion euros - of which deposits amounted to about 1 billion euros - net loans mainly credit card balances of 0.4 billion euros, as well as a retail network of 20 branches serving 480 thousand clients, the bank added.

The integration of Citi's retail operations is expected to have a positive contribution to the bank's annual net income of 50 million euros within the next two years, including synergies.

The bank also said Citi's customers will have at their disposal a wider range of products and services when the operational integration is completed, which is expected to happen within the next few months.

[33] Citi Greece announces new CEO

The bank said that Mr. Kyriakou will also remain head of Corporate Banking for Greece.

[34] Production cost mostly up in services sector

A report by Hellenic Statistical Authority said that the production cost index rose 9.3 pct in the media sector, by 4.4 pct in postal services, 2.4 pct in accounting services, 0.6 pct in transport, 0.5 pct in protection and research and 0.2 pct in technical tests and analysis services. On the other hand, the production cost index fell by 9.5 pct in air transport services, 2.5 pct in polling services, 1.9 pct in cleaning and by 1.4 pct in road transport services.

[35] Sunlight Systems signs contract with Delhaize in Serbia

[36] Spain's Enag?s a new shareholder in TAP pipeline consortium

Enag?s has acquired a 16 pct share of the consortium, while previous shareholder Fluxys acquired an additional 3 pct and raised its stake in TAP to 19 pct.

In the wake of the recent changes, the composition of the TAP consortium is as follows: BP (20 pct), SOCAR (20 pct), Statoil (20 pct), Fluxys (19 pct), Enag?s (16 pct) and Axpo (5 pct).

In statements concerning the change, TAP Managing Director Kjetil Tungland welcomed Enag?s as "a major gas company with a long track record of important infrastructure investments in Europe and South America," saying it will help to enhance TAP's strategic position as a truly European project that will transport a new source of gas to the continent's energy markets.

The TAP pipeline will transport natural gas from the Shah Deniz II gas fields in Azerbaijan to Europe via Turkey and Greece.

[37] Greek PPI down 0.6 pct in August

The statistics service, in a report, attributed this development to a 0.2 pct decline in the domestic market index and a 2.2 pct fall in the external market index.

The composite index eased 0.2 pct in August from July, after a 0.1 pct increased recorded in the corresponding period last year.

[38] Hydroplane companies ask licence to use Amphipolis port

According to Amphipolis mayor Costas Melitios, the companies ask from the Port Authority to give the green light to hydroplanes to bring tourists from all over Greece in order to visit the archaeological site of Ancient Amphipolis.

The Amphipolis port, used in the post WWII years as a major commercial and passengers port, is situated 2.5 km away from Kasta Hill of the Ancient Amphipolis where the archaeological excavations are taking place.

[39] ESEE to launch 'Trader's Advocate' on October 2

ESEE has submitted a proposal to the Development ministry for the establishment of the "Entrepreneur's Ombudsman", based on the model of the "Citizens' Ombudsman."

The legal department of ESEE will provide legal advice on all issues that may concern traders, if possible immediately or at the latest within a period of 15 days depending on the severity or complexity of the query.

[40] Korinth Pipeworks signs three contracts in the US

The first two contracts were signed with Energy Transfer Partners, for natural gas projects in Pennsylvania (West Virginia) and Ohio, along with other natural gas pipeline interconnections in the Midwest. The second project covers an oil pipeline in North Dakota and the third contract with Kinder Morgan CO2 Company, a CO2 pipeline in Arizona.

[41] Greek stocks end moderately higher

Turnover was a strong 136.66 million euros. The Large Cap index ended 0.80 pct higher and the Mid Cap index ended 1.11 pct up. Piraeus Bank (5.51 pct), Athens Water (4.43 pct), Mytilineos (3.01 pct) and Hellenic Exchanges (2.54 pct) scored the biggest percentage gains among blue chip stocks, while Motor Oil (3.90 pct), OPAP (3.0 pct), MIG (2.86 pct) and Intralot (2.44 pct) suffered losses.

Among market sectors, the Health (2.65 pct), Raw Materials (2.63 pct0 and Banks (2.42 pct) scored big gains, while Travel (2.52 pct), Chemicals (1.27 pct) and Oil (1.18 pct) suffered losses.

Broadly, advancers narrowly led decliners by 59 to 56 with another 24 issues unchanged. Selonda (20 pct), Varvaresos (20 pct) and Boutaris (19.30 pct) were top gainers, while Sidma (20 pct), Pasal (19.29 pct) and Yalco (18.48 pct) were top losers.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Banks: +2.42%

Insurance: unchanged

Financial Services: +0.93%

Industrials: -0.35%

Retail: +0.85%

Real Estate: +0.14%

Personal & Household :+0.17%

Food & Beverages: -0.40%

Raw Materials: +2.63%

Construction: +0.66%

Oil: -1.18%

Chemicals: -1.27%

Mass Media: +0.31%

Travel & Leisure: -2.52%

Technology: -0.82%

Telecoms: +0.48%

Utilities: -0.01%

Health: +2.65%

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

Selected shares from the FTSE/ASE Large Cap index closed in euros as follows:

Alpha Bank: 0.614

Public Power Corp (PPC): 9.40

Coca Cola HBC: 17.00

Hellenic Petroleum (ELPE): 5.18

National Bank of Greece: 2.32

OPAP: 10.35

OTE: 10.40

Piraeus Bank: 1.34

Titan: 19.80

Eurobank Properties: 9.00

[42] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates continued moving lower. The 12-month rate eased to 0.338 pct from 0.339 pct, the nine-month rate fell to 0.251 pct from 0.253 pct, the six-month rate eased to 0.183 pct from 0.184 pct, the three-month rate was unchanged at 0.083 pct and the one-month rate unchanged at 0.007 pct.

[43] ADEX closing report

Volume on the Big Cap index totalled 9,814 contracts with 54,895 open positions in the market.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totalled 23,147 contracts with investment interest focusing on Piraeus Bank's contracts (6,717), followed by National Bank (4,467), Alpha Bank (2,377), Eurobank (1,836), Hellenic Exchanges (1,812), PPC (1,469), OTE (1,408), MIG (710), OPAP (599), Mytilineos (367), Jumbo (236), GEK (226), Motor Oil (170), Hellenic Petroleum (160), Athens Water (135), and Ellaktor (81).

[44] Foreign exchange rates - Tuesday

U.S. dollar 1.2583

Pound sterling 0.7773

Danish kroner 7.4431

Swedish kroner 9.1465

Japanese yen 138.11

Swiss franc 1.2063

Norwegian kroner 8.119

Canadian dollar 1.4058

Australian dollar 1.4442

General News

[45] ND deputies ask for the placement of Alexander the Great statue

The deputies said that in 1993 the Culture Ministry purchased the bronze statue of the commander, work of the late sculptor Yiannis Pappas and granted it to the municipality of Athens.

However, "twenty years later, the city of Athens has not found a suitable spot to place the statue, which only causes grief and anger," the deputies said and asked for the necessary actions so that the agreement is met.

[46] Bulgarian arrested on Crete on European warrant

According to the charges, the Bulgarian national was charged with the murder of a couple committed 20 years ago in Bulgaria.

The arrested was sent to the local prosecutor.

[47] Sirens to go off throughout Greece on Wednesday in civil defence exercise

At 11:00 am on Wednesday morning, the sirens will sound intermittently and at differing sound levels for 60 seconds, until 11:05 am, when an uninterrupted siren will sound for another 60 seconds.

[48] Life sentences for 3 Argentinians in drug-trafficking case commuted to 6 years in prison

The three, among them one woman, were the defendants in a drug-trafficking case involving 293 kilos of cocaine that had been confiscated at the port of Thessaloniki in May 2011 during a police raid. According to the indictment, the cocaine value was estimated to 12 million euros and was destined for users in Greece and other European countries.

According to the Court of Appeals ruling, each will serve 6 years in prison and pay a fine of 50,000 euros after being found guilty of attempted drug smuggling, while they were acquitted of criminal organisation charges.

Other two defendants in the case, both Albanians, were also sentenced to 6 years in prison and will have to pay a fine of 20,000 euros each, after the court found them guilty of forming a gang and of moral complicity in the failed drug smuggling attempt.

A sixth defendant, a local man, was sentenced to 6.5 years as a drug addict. Another two local men were acquitted.

All defendants refused any involvement in the case. The drugs had originated from Paraguay and were hidden in a timber shipment. The operation for their arrest and the confiscation of the drugs was carried out by the Greek Police and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

[49] Elderly man faints in bank waiting line; dies in hospital

According to eye witnesses, the elderly man, around 70 years old, felt discomfort and fainted. An emergency aid (EKAV) ambulance rushed to the area and transferred him to the city hospital where he died.

The Thessaloniki First Instance Court has been informed of the incident.

[50] Education Minister visits Ecclesiastical Academy "Athonias" on Mt. Athos

The minister met with the school headmaster and the teachers and offered balls to the pupils within the context of the programme "Social School".

[51] Twelve buildings in Roma camp to be demolished on Wednesday

Earlier, residents of the Roma camp blocked Mesogeion avenue protesting against the scheduled demolition of their camp.

[52] Urban railroad's new stop at Tavros going into operation on Wednesday

The stop is on the Piraeus-Athens line and the station is located at 2-4 Konstantinoupoleos and Korytsas Streets in the southern Athens suburb of Tavros.

Infrastructure, Transport and Networks Minister Michalis Chryssohoidis will visit the station at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

[53] Police and security authorities checking out stolen car in Exarchia

The car has false licence plates with a number that belongs to an employee at a ministry.

The antiterrorism squad has been notified while a preliminary investigation is under way by the state security police.

Weather forecast

[54] Fair weather on Wednesday

[55] The Tuesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

EFIMERIDA TON SYNTAKTON: Greeks queue up to pay injustice taxes

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: The moon and the stars offered to big contractors

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: Sweeping amendment for the debts of 110,000 businesses

ESTIA: The dissolving role of PASOK

ETHNOS: How the debts of 100,000 small and medium-sized companies will be settled

IMERISSIA: Debts of 110,000 businesses to be settled

KATHIMERINI: A breather for 110,000 businesses

LOGOS: Haircut for bad loans

NAFTEMPORIKI: Three objections by the troika on bad loans

RIZOSPASTIS: Protests ahead of the November 1 rally

TA NEA: VAT refunds to solvent businesses within 7 days

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