Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 14-10-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece reports 2.5 bln euros primary surplus in Jan-Sept

[02] Gov't presents "Minimum Guaranteed Income" programme for 700,000 persons

[03] 'We are organising Greece in the post-memorandum era,' Government Vice-President says

[04] 'Minimum Guaranteed Income' beneficiaries to submit applications as of November 15, Deputy Labour Min says

[05] Minimum guaranteed income condemns families to poverty, KKE says

[06] Head of the EC office in Greece comments on introduction of minimum guaranteed income

[07] Parliament committee opens discussion on draft state budget for 2015

[08] Gov't spokeswoman: SYRIZA is cashing in on people's misery

[09] New legislative framework for social insurance to be ready next year

[10] Deputy Dev't min to address EU partners at Foreign Affairs Council (FAC-Trade) in Rome

[11] Gov't spokeswoman lashes out on main opposition SYRIZA

[12] Gov't spokeswoman: 'ATMs in Greece could shut down if Tsipras plays the tough guy in Europe'

[13] Deputies to be let to vote for President on their free will, SYRIZA's Skourletis says

[14] 'SYRIZA is trying to create polarisation on unfounded and vague allegations' ND deputy Mihelakis says

[15] Education minister Loverdos stresses need to change hirings to departures ratio

[16] Admin. reform ministry rejects criticism from former PASOK minister Ragoussis

[17] Salary rises, back pay to uniformed services to be paid end November

[18] EuroParliament's Manolis Kefalogiannis to head MEPs in EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee

[19] Alt. National Defence Minister meets Pentagon officials, attends trade fair in Washington DC

[20] Opinion poll gives SYRIZA 6.5 percentage point lead over New Democracy

[21] Energy Minister Maniatis visits Ioannina

[22] FM Venizelos to meet with former Swedish PM Persson on Wednesday

[23] Development Minister Dendias met with Ambassador of Norway

[24] SYRIZA supports ANEL's proposal on the issue of bad loans

[25] SYRIZA and Independent Greeks form 'alliance of destruction', says New Democracy

[26] MP attends national parliamentary committees meeting in Rome

[27] Former minister George Petalotis says 'nothing works in PASOK'

[28] National Defence Minister Avramopoulos meets with the Swiss ambassador to Athens

[29] Air Force to participate in NATO exercise Noble Arrow 2014

[30] Findings of audits on 1974-2012 government officials' 'source of wealth' to be released next Tuesday

[31] Public prosecutor's presence essential for tax office night raids, Supreme Court justice rules

[32] MPs issued time cards to check in at Parliament plenum chamber

[33] Greece reports 2.5 bln euros primary surplus in Jan-Sept

[34] Seasonality a significant problem for Greek tourism, industry survey shows

[35] ESEE calls for immediate nationwide expansion of the minimum guaranteed income programme

[36] Greek PPI down 2.7 pct in August

[37] Heating oil season begins on Wednesday

[38] Government still plans to issue 7-year bond, says alternate FinMin

[39] Greek banks further reduce borrowing from ECB in Sept.

[40] EC to ban tuna and swordfish imports from Sri Lanka over illegal fishing practices

[41] Greek exports to Austria rise by 22.5 pct in first half of year, embassy official says

[42] Greek stocks in free-fall, index falls 5.70 pct

[43] Greek bond market closing report

[44] ADEX closing report

[45] Foreign exchange rates - Tuesday

[46] Culture minister discusses Parthenon Marbles with top London barristers Alamuddin, Robertson and Palmer

[47] Athens Bar Association calls on PM to set up Parthenon Marbles return committee

[48] Piraeus taking emergency Ebola precautions at Piraeus port

[49] Thessaloniki association of kidney patients says bad quality hemodialysis filters used in two public hospitals

[50] Court rejects Savvas Xiros request to be released for at-home care

[51] Exhibition featuring Shanghai artists at Athens School of Fine Arts

[52] Police arrest 27-year-old Chinese national, alleged member of 'massage mafia'

[53] Urban rail transport employees suspend Wednesday's planned labour action

[54] Mostly fair on Wednesday

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

[01] Greece reports 2.5 bln euros primary surplus in Jan-Sept

A Finance ministry report said that the general government's primary surplus totaled 2.5 billion euros, or 1.3 pct of GDP in the January-August period, up from a primary surplus of 1.2 billion, or 0.6 pct of GDP in the corresponding period in 2013.

In announcement, the ministry said that these figures confirmed an estimate that the Greek government was very near to achieving and surpassing a fiscal target for a primary surplus of 1.5 pct of GDP in 2014, allowing the government to introduce, focused, positive interventions, such as a cutting an extra solidarity tax by 30 pct, maintaining a 13 pct VAT on restaurant/hotel services, reducing a special consumption tax on heating oil by 30 pct, lowering social insurance contributions and distributing a "social dividend" to citizens in need.

[02] Gov't presents "Minimum Guaranteed Income" programme for 700,000 persons

The crisis has revealed in the most obvious way the distortions, the gaps and the contradictions of the social protection system in Greece, Vroutsis noted, adding that the system was inefficient and incomplete both socially and economically. The MGI comes to give an answer to all these issues, he added.

The implementation of the measure will start on a pilot basis in 13 municipalities and will cover a 7 percent of the population, that is 700,000 persons.

"Today is a special moment because the greatest social reform in the country that is changing what we have known about the social state is presented. It is an innovative measure that is the pillar of the social solidarity of tomorrow," Vroutsis underlined.

On his part, Samaras stressed that "today we are launching in Greece a tool of social policy for the protection of the weakest, for the fight against poverty and the reintegration of those who risk being left out."

This was made possible, Samaras said "with the surpluses of the country and the fact that Greece can cover its social needs on its own." He also noted that the government is putting things forward, which were unthinkable until some time ago, when they ought to have been done, and that reforms make the country more efficient and fairer. "Social justice promotes development and consolidates democracy in our country," the prime minister said.

In his speech, Venizelos stressed that Greece is turning the page and the country is reorganised in the post-memorandum era.

The "Minimum Guaranteed Income" will soon produce results, he said and added: "But this is the minimum, it is not enough. Our policies for the 'help at home' programme, for the homeless and the unemployed lay the foundations so that the "Minimum Guaranteed Income" brings results. The change in the employment level affects the sustainability of the pension system. The development will be geometric as long as we are united and determined to turn a page."

[03] 'We are organising Greece in the post-memorandum era,' Government Vice-President says

During his address, he said that the hardest aspect of the crisis was the fact the European social state was questioned and added that "unfortunately Greece in the last years has become the laboratory of the European crisis."

"We are now exiting this situation, we are turning a page, we are organizing Greece in the post-crisis, post-memorandum era; Greece without a troika," he said and added that "some feel sorry because the country is turning a page and we need national unity and social cohesion."

Referring to the programme, he said its pillars are highly significant with the most important of all being the one related to social sensitivity and the protection of socially vulnerable groups.

Venizelos pointed out that extreme poverty cases aggravated during the last five years as a result of the recession and the unemployment. He said extreme poverty is related to unemployment, illness, disability, old people without insurance, single parent families and added that "we have always said our social policies should be targeted so that they deliver great and practical results and do not lose their horizontal nature."

He said that in 2001 during the revision of the Constitution "we said there was no need to add a specific provision because we agreed that the Constitution imposes the minimum guaranteed income and I am glad that this has now become a reality just as we had planned it."

He clarified this was not charity but social solidarity. He praised the cooperation with the Church and appeared confident that the programme would very soon yield results.

"But this is the minimum, it is not enough. Our policies for the 'help at home' programme, for the homeless and the unemployed lay the foundations so that the "Minimum Guaranteed Income" brings results. The change in the employment level affects the sustainability of the pension system. The development will be geometric as long as we are united and determined to turn a page," Venizelos said.

[04] 'Minimum Guaranteed Income' beneficiaries to submit applications as of November 15, Deputy Labour Min says

According to Kegeroglou, the aim is to support the income of those in need, offer social goods and benefits and the labour integration of those who risk being left out. The final aim is their social reintegration.

The implementation of the measure, he said, is based on three pillars: providing a minimum guaranteed income, supporting children and the family and supporting persons with disabilities.

He also said that according to Labour ministry data, some 650,000 families need to be supported, while applications for disability benefits exceed the ministry's current budget.

He added that the measure would be implemented in cooperation with the Church and the local administration authorities. Among the criteria to be considered are the applicants' financial status and their disposable income for the current year.

The amount that will be granted as minimum guaranteed income will be 100 euros per family, while an additional 100 euros will be given for each adult and 50 euros for each child, meaning that the income will range between 250 and 500 per household.

The programme will be implemented on a pilot basis for a six month period in 13 municipalities of the country. It has a 30 million euro budget and will cover the whole country as of 2015.

The main criterion for the selection of the municipalities, where the pilot implementation will start, was whether the existing infrastructure was sufficient.

[05] Minimum guaranteed income condemns families to poverty, KKE says

According to KKE, it was "monumental mockery" to dub 400 euros a month for a family of four as "assistance to the financially weak", especially when this was conditional and subject to exceptions.

"It is a tool for absolute poverty permanent," a KKE announcement said, noting that it will be accompanied by cuts to all sorts of social and welfare benefits from those considered "less poor", thus recycling deprivation and setting a 'poverty line' above which no one will qualify for any kind of welfare support.

[06] Head of the EC office in Greece comments on introduction of minimum guaranteed income

Commenting on the announcement by the government on the measure, Karvounis noted, "The introduction, for the first time in Greece, of the minimum guaranteed income, modernises our country through European social models, when the economic crisis has brought roughly 4 million Greeks to the verge of poverty and social exclusion."

"This new institution becomes a reality after a thorough preparation that lasted for months, in which the EU played a decisive role mainly through the (European Commission's) Task Force for Greece. The widely known Task Force offered technical assistance and the experience of the best international practices for the immediate and successful implementation of this very important institution in our country," he said.

[07] Parliament committee opens discussion on draft state budget for 2015

ND's Andreas Lykourentzos and PASOK's Yiannis Koutsoukos' central argument was that the 2015 budget will be executed as successfully as that of 2014, as long as there is political stability in the country. Both referred to the predictions of main opposition Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) that were proven false about the current budget's execution.

SYRIZA's Efklidis Tsakalotos expressed doubt about the success of the government's policy, saying that the cost of the recession was not dealt with, investments did not return to Greece and exports cannot make up for the drop in the GDP.

MP Nikos Nikolopoulos, speaking for opposition Independent Greeks (ANEL), said that the indexes of the public deficit do not include the cost of banks' recapitalisation, while the primary surplus assessed is reached by the irregular inclusion in numbers of profitable local government agencies (OTA).

Also speaking were MPs of Golden Dawn, Democratic Left (DIMAR), Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and MP Mimis Androulakis, representing independent deputies.

The debate at Committee level will be completed in three sessions and the minutes will be sent to Finance Minister Gikas Hardouvelis, who will study the Committee's recommen-dations. He will table the 2015 final state budget in Parliament at least 40 days before the new financial year.

[08] Gov't spokeswoman: SYRIZA is cashing in on people's misery

Just when the government is moving forward with an important measure to combat poverty, "SYRIZA remains stuck in cheap and deadlocked descriptions and accusations," Sofia Voultepsi said, adding that every measure, step or effort to exit the crisis and improve the economy and the lives of the people meet with the staunch resistance of SYRIZA and its officials.

[09] New legislative framework for social insurance to be ready next year

He referred to the codification process, which is underway in the context of the social insurance reform, during a parliamentary committee hearing for the approval of the appointment of the new banking employees' social insurance fund ETAT president Aphrodite Harissi. The deputy minister's comment was made in response to a remark by former parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis who noted that social insurance legislation is plagued by too many laws and vagueness.

The parliamentary committee approved the appointment with a strong majority with the votes of the ND, PASOK and DIMAR MPs. SYRIZA, Golden Dawn and KKE voted against and ANEL voted "present".

[10] Deputy Dev't min to address EU partners at Foreign Affairs Council (FAC-Trade) in Rome

Mitarachi will highlight the need for more efficient protection of products labelled as Protection Destination of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) ones.

The agenda of the meeting includes issues such as the ongoing Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations between the EU and the United States, the current situation and the prospects of the trade relations between the EU and Russia and Ukraine and the determining of the EU negotiation strategy regarding the talks in the context of the World Trade Organisation on export procedures.

Mitarachi in the evening will participate in a working dinner with his partners, which will be also attended by the US Trade Representative Michael Froman. During dinner, the Greek Deputy Minister will refer to the need for effective protection of PDO and PGI products under the TTIP.

[11] Gov't spokeswoman lashes out on main opposition SYRIZA

In statements to Skai TV, Voultepsi described Skourletis as 'slanderer' and said 'you cannot say such things on deputies being bribed on TV based on unconfirmed reports."

"This behavior is unprecedented in Europe and the world," she said.

"It is not a behavior; it is contempt for democracy and parliamentarianism...They are trying to have people get targeted, slander them so that people keep in mind that the deputy voted for a President of the Republic not because he wants stability in the country but because he was bribed. This is an anomaly plan," she said.

[12] Gov't spokeswoman: 'ATMs in Greece could shut down if Tsipras plays the tough guy in Europe'

"If Alexis Tsipras plays the tough guy in Europe, it won't be long before ATMs in Greece shut down, like they did on Cyprus," Voultepsi told radio station Parapolitika on Tuesday, referring to the island republic's economic crisis.

[13] Deputies to be let to vote for President on their free will, SYRIZA's Skourletis says

Skourletis noted that deputies should bear in mind the national statistical authority's poverty data and decide whether they want to give Prime Minister Antonis Samaras' government the green light to continue the same policy that has led us to that situation.

Asked on his statements during a television broadcast, where he presented a report according to which lawmakers have been bribed ahead of the presidential elections, Skourletis stated: "I referred to a specific report although this is not the only one. There has been another report that implies such practices on behalf of the government... I am impressed by the fuss created from a publication made a month ago. Therefore I called on the government to comment on this."

The spokesman underlined that prime minister's reply was delayed, adding that the case has been sent to Justice.

The full interview is available for subscribers at ANA-MPA website.

[14] 'SYRIZA is trying to create polarisation on unfounded and vague allegations' ND deputy Mihelakis says

He said "there is an ongoing polarization due to the presidential election. This is not because we are getting closer to an election procedure, which if it does not get the required number of 180 deputies could lead to snap polls; it is fact that the country, after those difficult years, with the memoranda and the troika, now for the first time in a tangible way and under a specific programme, is trying to exit the memoranda and leave the IMF out. Therefore, the country's coordinated exit course from the crisis and the IMF supervision is what makes SYRIZA and opposition parties concerned," he said.

Commenting on a GPO opinion poll, according to which SYRIZA has a 6.5 percentage point lead over New Democracy, he said: "The percentage that the opinion poll gives to SYRIZA is the same one the party got at the Euroelections. Secondly, there is a large part of society that is still undecided...Society expects tangible evidence, things related to everyday life to be able to evaluate the government."

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

[15] Education minister Loverdos stresses need to change hirings to departures ratio

"We managed to open schools this year; next year we won't be able to," the minister said, outlining the problems that will arise unless the hirings to departures ratio is changed.

"We have drafted a report. We have briefed the prime minister, the government vice-president, the European Commission and we are in the process of taking decisions. We are not over-optimists but we are doing our best, we believe there is a positive climate and something will come out of it," he said.

He stressed that action must be taken promptly, however, since teachers were hired via the Supreme Council for Staff Selection (ASEP) exams and candidates needed time to prepare.

Loverdos referred to the applications for university student transfers on economic grounds, predicting that these would not finally exceed 20,000.

On the planned changes to the primary school curriculum, he said the direction would be toward a smaller curriculum and more emphasis on education, while noting that final decisions will be made by the National Council on Education due to convene within October and then a council of former education ministers. Replying to questions, he denied that the aim of a smaller curriculum was to shed more teaching staff.

[16] Admin. reform ministry rejects criticism from former PASOK minister Ragoussis

A cabinet member in George Papandreou's PASOK governments, Ragoussis had slammed the new system of selecting public-sector management as a regression to old-style party politics and "an orgy of cronyism at the expense of civil servants that are able, decent and devoted to duty," urging the ministry's leadership to resign.

Responding, the ministry castigated Ragoussis for not stating his views during a long period of public consultation on the draft bill, posting them instead on a social media site, and noted that previous legislation passed by Ragoussis in March 2010 had never actually been implemented in practice, except in its transitional phase. It also criticised the Ragoussis point system, saying it placed too much weight on formal qualifications and not on the candidate's actual ability to effectively manage.

[17] Salary rises, back pay to uniformed services to be paid end November

The salary hikes are made based on a decision of the Council of State, Greece's supreme administrative court, which ruled pay cuts to the military and other security services illegal. The salary increases amount to 50 pct of the cuts imposed and will be uniform for all personnel.

Back-pay owed from the period from August 2012 when the cuts were first imposed until July 2014 will start to be paid on January 1, 2015 over 36 monthly installments.

The ministry sources clarified that the salary hikes will not be "offset" against the social dividend payments and that promotions in the armed forces will continue as normal. They clarified, however, that there will not be a new pay scale for uniformed personnel. The same sources ruled out a change of targets in the budget primary surplus.

[18] EuroParliament's Manolis Kefalogiannis to head MEPs in EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee

In statements after his election, Kefalogiannis stressed the importance of the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee as a forum for dialogue between the two sides, especially in light of recent events in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.

"The EU is for Turkey its most important partner. Turkey's European perspective is an incentive to carry out reforms and a guarantee that democracy will be established in the country," he said. At the same time, he noted that several issues remained to be settled in the accession negotiations with Turkey, including those dealing with respect for good neighbour relations and the peaceful resolution of differences, defending and respecting human rights and religious freedoms, respect for the International Law of the Sea and issues of territorial integrity.

"Turkey is an important partner for the EU on an economic and diplomatic level. A more stable and democratic Turkey that has good relations with its neighbours in the surrounding region will act for the benefit of Europe, the Balkans and the Middle East," he added.

[19] Alt. National Defence Minister meets Pentagon officials, attends trade fair in Washington DC

On Monday, Gennimata inaugurated the Greek pavilion at the international defence fair "AUSA 2014" (Association of the United States Army) held in Washington.

"The government, (National Defence) Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos and I personally believe that the national defence industry can promote our national interests, multiply the strength of our armed forces and promote growth," Gennimata said.

"The national defence industry has staff, know-how, experienced employees and quality products. For these reasons we support it and participate in all the important fairs around the world," she added.

Gennimata is also scheduled to meet officials from Greek-American organisations.

[20] Opinion poll gives SYRIZA 6.5 percentage point lead over New Democracy

Specifically, in reply to the question "Which party would you vote for if elections were held on Sunday?", SYRIZA took the lead with 26.7 pct and ND came second with 20.2 pct. Support for the remaining parties was as follows: Potami - 6 pct, Golden Dawn - 5.7 pct, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) - 5.7 pct, PASOK - 4 pct and Independent Greeks - 3 pct. A further 4.7 pct supported 'other parties' while 18.2 pct of participants were "undecided."

In reply as to who is the most suitable for prime minister, current premier Antonis Samaras took the lead with 43.1 pct, with SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras getting 37.2 pct. A 17.9 pct of respondents said "none of the two."

On the Greek President's election, 55.7 pct said that parties and deputies should choose the right person, while 40.3 pct responded that any candidacy should be voted against and the country should hold again general elections.

[21] Energy Minister Maniatis visits Ioannina

Maniatis, who on Tuesday arrived in Ioannina, will meet with PASOK members in the framework of the preparations for the Congress of Elia-Democratic Faction. At 6:30 pm, he will hold a speech on political developments, at the offices of PASOK's Prefectural Committee.

[22] FM Venizelos to meet with former Swedish PM Persson on Wednesday

The meeting will take place at the Foreign ministry at 11.00, according to a ministry announcement.

[23] Development Minister Dendias met with Ambassador of Norway

The two officials agreed on the need to intensify cooperation between the two sides in order to achieve full and effective use of available resources.

For the 2009-2014 period, the Financial Mechanism's budget is 63.4 million euros, aimed at renewable energy sources, research, immigration policy and social solidarity. During the 2004-2009 period, under the same programme, the amount of 34.3 million euros was allocated.

[24] SYRIZA supports ANEL's proposal on the issue of bad loans

Kammenos lashed out at the government in response to the judicial investigation into "MP bribery" allegations, noting that he agrees with SYRIZA's leader that a new president of Greece should be elected after general elections in the country.

Tsipras said that the ANEL proposal is on the same wavelength as his own announcements at the Thessaloniki International Fair on the adoption of measures aimed at reforming the banking system and for creating growth prospects that will boost liquidity and kickstart the economy.

He noted that they agree on many issues but there are certain aspects on which their approaches differ, adding that they agreed to vote for the proposal if it is presented to the plenary session by the parliament president.

Kammenos said that he will try to contact the other opposition parties, adding that "this is the first step in showing the Greek people that there are more solutions."

Responding to a question on whether ANEL and SYRIZA "share more than their differences," he said that "this is for the people to judge."

[25] SYRIZA and Independent Greeks form 'alliance of destruction', says New Democracy

After the meeting, "Kammenos and Golden Dawn (Chryssi Avgi) party rushed to defend SYRIZA against an independent judiciary, making derogatory comments and suggestions to the prosecutor general," said Anna Asimakopoulou, spokeswoman of ND, the senior party in a ruling coalition with PASOK.

"Then SYRIZA and Golden Dawn jointly attacked the government over the minimum guaranteed income," she added.

"Mr Tsipras, after he threatened partners and markets, after he announced to Brussels, Berlin and Washington that he will not commit to any decision made by the government, is now building his own alliances of destruction," Asimakopoulou said.

[26] MP attends national parliamentary committees meeting in Rome

New Democracy deputy Tania Iakovidou, secretary of the Committee of Social Affairs, represented the Greek Parliament at a two-day meeting of national parliamentary committees specialising in fundamental rights which concluded on Tuesday in Rome.

The agenda included references to immigration, asylum issues and policies against discrimination.

Iakovidou also met at the Vatican with Bishop Mario Toso, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.

[27] Former minister George Petalotis says 'nothing works in PASOK'

In an interview with ANA-MPA, Petalotis underlined that there are voices within PASOK who want answers from PASOK's leadership about who makes decisions to proceed with party transformations, like Elia or the Democratic Bloc that followed.

Commenting on the New Democracy (ND)-PASOK government alliance, Petalotis said "it is one thing to talk about consensus and another to talk about a complete match, lacking a plan or programme. Especially in the case of a plan that was not approved by anyone. It would be best to realise that there are institutions, as in the case of political parties, in which discussions are held and decisions are made; decisions that are not made exclusively by the leadership".

As regards the likelihood of a rapprochement between those who signed the text and main opposition Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA), Petalotis said "I have put my signature under a text. I'm not interested in give-and-take or likely pre-election or post-election agreements. The discussion should focus on the essence and those of us who really have the same questions, concerns and goals, away from personal disputes, I think that we can find common ground for the country".

[28] National Defence Minister Avramopoulos meets with the Swiss ambassador to Athens

The meeting was held at the ministry of National Defence, an announcement from the minister's office said.

[29] Air Force to participate in NATO exercise Noble Arrow 2014

The aim of Noble Arrow is to provide training in the planning and execution of air operations and as a preparation for participating in the NATO Response Force (NRF 2015). It will be completed on October 29.

[30] Findings of audits on 1974-2012 government officials' 'source of wealth' to be released next Tuesday

According to sources, they have found 26 cases with deviations and at least two of these are considered serious. The audit focused on about 500 individuals.

[31] Public prosecutor's presence essential for tax office night raids, Supreme Court justice rules

According to Pantelis, recent measures allowing tax office personnel to raid homes and business premises with just a warrant and without the presence of a public prosecuto were contrary to the Constitution, disagreeing with the legal opinion given by the Legal Council of State plenum on this issue.

Justice Minister Charalambos Athanassiou had also expressed disagreement with the Legal Council of State advice in August, saying the issue should be examined in light of article 9 of Greece's Constitution, which stipulates that the residence of each person is a sanctuary and that a representative of judicial authority must be present at any search. This prompted the finance ministry to seek the advice of the Supreme Court on the issue.

According to Pantelis, this protection also extends to places of work that are not open to all and mixed-use premises serving both as a residence and place of work.

[32] MPs issued time cards to check in at Parliament plenum chamber

All MPs have been given an electronic card bearing their name, for the purpose.

The system will show the number of deputies in the chamber and each one's time of arrival, and is hoped to limit the extent of absenteeism in Parliament.

Financial News

[33] Greece reports 2.5 bln euros primary surplus in Jan-Sept

A Finance ministry report said that the general government's primary surplus totaled 2.5 billion euros, or 1.3 pct of GDP in the January-August period, up from a primary surplus of 1.2 billion, or 0.6 pct of GDP in the corresponding period in 2013.

In announcement, the ministry said that these figures confirmed an estimate that the Greek government was very near to achieving and surpassing a fiscal target for a primary surplus of 1.5 pct of GDP in 2014, allowing the government to introduce, focused, positive interventions, such as a cutting an extra solidarity tax by 30 pct, maintaining a 13 pct VAT on restaurant/hotel services, reducing a special consumption tax on heating oil by 30 pct, lowering social insurance contributions and distributing a "social dividend" to citizens in need.

The state budget deficit was 2.3 billion euros, or 1.3 pct of GDP, surpassing a medium-term programe's target by 1.4 billion euros, while net budget revenues fell to 33.9 billion euros, 330 million euros lower than targets, reflecting higher tax returns.

Primary spending totaled 30.4 billion euros, down 1.9 billion euros from last year and 1.2 billion euros lower from a medium-term programe's target.

Public Investment Programe's spending rose 32 pct to 3.6 billion euros, compared with the same period in 2013, contributing to an increase in the private and public capital of the economy.

[34] Seasonality a significant problem for Greek tourism, industry survey shows

During the presentation of a survey by the Institute for Tourism Research and Forecasts (ITEP) on seasonality in Greek tourism, ITEP's general manager Gerasimos Zacharatos said that Greek regions welcome 95 percent of visitors in the May-October period.

"No business, no matter how successful it may be, can survive 12 months by operating only four or five of them," Tsakiris said.

According to the survey, tourist inflows from the Czech Republic, Poland, Norway, Austria, Italy and Denmark have the highest seasonality rates, while inflows from Cyprus, Japan, Turkey, China, Bulgaria and the United States the lowest ones.

Tourism activity in regions such as the Ionian islands, the South Aegean and Crete is more seasonal; on the contrary tourism in Eastern Macedonia & Thrace, Epirus and Attica demonstrates less of a seasonal pattern.

Specific Local Seasonality Agreements would play a significant role in mitigating the phenomenon, the survey said, adding that the tourism ministry should coordinate the preparation and supervise the implementation of such a measure.

[35] ESEE calls for immediate nationwide expansion of the minimum guaranteed income programme

Addressing a special event in the Zappeion building, held in the presence of Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and social partners' representatives, Korkidis said that the business community will support a social solidarity programme designed to relieve thousands of people seriously hit by the crisis, pointing out that the country's business community has already organised relevant actions in cooperation with the Church and municipalities.

[36] Greek PPI down 2.7 pct in August

The statistics service, in a report, attributed this development in the so-called imported inflation to a 0.5 pct decline in the producer price index from Eurozone states and a 4.3 pct decline in the producer price index from other countries outside Eurozone.

The producer price index was down 0.7 pct in August from July, from a decline of 0.1 pct recorded in the corresponding period last year.

[37] Heating oil season begins on Wednesday

Heating oil prices will range from 1.04 euros per litre in major cities or areas close to oil refineries to 1.10 euros per litre in remote areas as a result of high transport cost.

OBE does not expect any considerable rise in heating oil consumption, despite the reduced price compared with last year, and insists that the special consumption tax should return to the levels its was in 2011.

[38] Government still plans to issue 7-year bond, says alternate FinMin

Responding to press questions after Greek 10-year bond yields on Tuesday climbed over 7 percent for the first time since last May, Staikouras also said the government intends to issue longer-term T-bills (beyond six months).

[39] Greek banks further reduce borrowing from ECB in Sept.

The central bank, in a monthly report, said that this development coincided with the first auction of long-term money to credit institutions by the European Central Bank (through LTROs).

[40] EC to ban tuna and swordfish imports from Sri Lanka over illegal fishing practices

The European Commission on Tuesday proposed a ban on imports of fish from Sri Lanka to fight illegal fishing practices in that country.

The ban will be implemented as of January 15, 2015. The move comes after four years of intense dialogue with the country and its failure to demonstrate that it had sufficiently addressed illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Greek European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs & Fisheries Maria Damanaki said that the situation had deteriorated, considering that Sri Lanka is now authorising huge vessels to fish in the Indian Ocean without marine GPS (VMS), rendering it impossible to monitor and control illegal practices and expressed hope that the ban will send a wake-up call for the country.

The European Commission confirmed that Belize, Fiji, Panama, Togo and Vanuatu, which had received warnings at the same time as Sri Lanka, have successfully taken measures to tackle illegal fishing and consequently, the European Commission proposed to lift the trade measures imposed against them.

Sri Lanka is the second biggest exporter of swordfish and tuna to the EU, with 74 million euros of imports in 2013. Each year, roughly 11-26 million tonnes of fish are illegally caught worldwide, corresponding to 15 pct of the fishing sector globally.

[41] Greek exports to Austria rise by 22.5 pct in first half of year, embassy official says

Greek exports to Austria rose by a surprising 22.5 pct in the first half of 2014, compared to the same time last year, according to Commercial Counsellor of Austria in Athens, Bruno Freitag, speaking in Vienna on Tuesday.

The value of the imports totalled 143.1 million euros, he added.

On the other hand, Austrian exports to Greece during the first half of 2014 did not show a change (192.6 million euros).

Freitag said that Austrian exports to Greece have dropped by half since 2008, when they were valued at 753.3 million euros, their highest level to date. In 2013 they totalled 386.6 million euros, with the construction sector (industrial products, machinery and materials) taking the hardest hit.

The only comfort, he noted, was that this was the average for the European Union overall, as its member-states have all seen exports reduced by half, while his own responsibilities have changed as well, shifting from helping Austrian businesses set up in Greece to providing advice on how to survive under the circumstances.

[42] Greek stocks in free-fall, index falls 5.70 pct

The composite index of the market dropped 5.70 pct to end at 948.21 points, its lowest closing in 13 months (September 6, 2013). The index ended off the day's lows of 943.60 points and records a loss of 18.45 pct so far this year.

Turnover rose to 166.03 million euros. The Large Cap index fell 5.67 pct and the Mid Cap index ended 5.0 pct lower. All blue chip stocks ended lower, with Eurobank (10.47 pct), Ellaktor (10.10 pct), PPC (8.70 pct), Intralot (8.09 pct), MIG (8.05 pct), Folli Follie (7.69 pct) and GEK Terna (7.57 pct) suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day.

All market sectors suffered losses, with Commerce (7.67 pct), Utilities (7.65 pct), Constructions (7.47 pct) and Banks (7.08 pct) at the top. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 114 to 29 with another 11 issues unchanged. Teletypos (19.83 pct), Medicon (19.82 pct) and Geniki (17.65 pct) were top gainers, while Spider (20 pct), Domiki Crete (20 pct) and Vioter (19.91 pct) were top losers.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Banks: -7.08%

Insurance: -1.43%

Financial Services: -2.98%

Industrials: -5.06%

Retail: -7.67%

Real Estate: -4.35%

Personal & Household: -6.05%

Food & Beverages: -0.38%

Raw Materials: -4.97%

Construction: -7.47%

Oil: -4.07%

Chemicals: -0.05%

Mass Media: unchanged

Travel & Leisure: -6.91%

Technology: -4.24%

Telecoms: -3.26%

Utilities: -7.65%

Health: -3.68%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank, Piraeus Bank, Alpha Bank and Eurobank.

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

Alpha Bank: 0.558

Public Power Corp (PPC): 7.24

Coca Cola HBC: 16.31

Hellenic Petroleum (ELPE): 4.59

National Bank of Greece: 2.08

OPAP: 9.80

OTE: 9.13

Piraeus Bank: 1.16

Titan: 17.89

Eurobank Properties: 8.39

[43] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates continued moving higher. The 12-month rate rose to 0.34 pct from 0.336 pct, the nine-month rate rose to 0.255 pct from 0.252 pct, the six-month rate was 0.182 pct, the three-month rate was 0.082 pct and the one-month rate rose to 0.008 pct from 0.006 pct.

[44] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on equities totalled 53,294 contracts with investment interest focusing on Eurobank's contracts (18,384), followed by Alpha Bank (8,201), Piraeus Bank (8,184), National Bank (5,346), PPC (2,825), OTE (2,298), MIG (1,197), OPAP (1,109), Mytilineos (1,050), Hellenic Exchanges (984), GEK (859), Hellenic Petroleum (472), Ellaktor (462), Jumbo (305), METKA (290), Intralot (234), Titan (203), Motor Oil (197) and Folli Follie (127).

[45] Foreign exchange rates - Tuesday

U.S. dollar 1.2646

Pound sterling 0.7945

Danish kroner 7.4445

Swedish kroner 9.1585

Japanese yen 135.29

Swiss franc 1.2079

Norwegian kroner 8.29

Canadian dollar 1.4223

Australian dollar 1.4475

General News

[46] Culture minister discusses Parthenon Marbles with top London barristers Alamuddin, Robertson and Palmer

"That is why we need to do our best with seriousness, faith and optimism to meet that target, which is not only a target for Greece, but for our cultural heritage. The strategy to be followed will be decided solely by the Greek government. Any opinion and legal proposal contributing to a better claim for marbles is welcomed by the Greek Republic," Tassoulas added.

During the meeting, the minister and the three lawyers, who represented one of the most important law firms in London specialising in international law, had an in-depth discussion on suggestions and ideas for a legal case to claim the marbles. As Tassoulas mentioned, the discussion was focused on the legal aspects of the case and not on financial issues. More details will be given on Wednesday at a press conference to be held at the Acropolis Museum.

"I welcomed today in Greece and more specifically to the culture ministry a group of distinguished lawyers from London, who are visiting us to submit their ideas and proposals for a legal claim of the Parthenon Marbles. As you know, Greece has raised the matter at UNESCO and recently in Paris (1-2/10) the international organisation issued a unanimous recommendation to the United Kingdom, which calls on the UK to participate in the mediation process, which Greece has already requested since the summer of 2013," the minister said.

On his part, Norman Palmer told reporters he is extremely optimistic that a consensus solution can be found, and if this is not feasible, that other approaches should be considered.

The meeting, which lasted about half an hour, was attended by culture ministry general secretary Lina Mendoni, the head of the New Acropolis Museum Dimitris Pantermalis, as well as the head of the Ephorate of Private Archaeological Collections Eleni Korka and the president of Melina Mercouri Foundation Christophoros Argyropoulos.

A meeting with Prime Minister Antonis Samaras has been scheduled for Wednesday, at 11.30, at the Maximos Mansion.

A tour at the Acropolis Museum will follow at 13.00.

A press conference will be given in the auditorium of the Acropolis Museum, at 13.30.

At 14:00 they will dine at the museum's restaurant and a tour of the Acrpolis has been scheduled for 16:00.

[47] Athens Bar Association calls on PM to set up Parthenon Marbles return committee

In a letter to Prime Minister Antonis Samaras (who is meeting with British lawyers on Wednesday over Greece's options in the Marbles' return case), the DSA proposed that the committee be staffed by law specialists who will volunteer their services and "contribute with their knowledge and experience to the claim for the return of the Marbles by the British Museum."

[48] Piraeus taking emergency Ebola precautions at Piraeus port

According to the authority, every cargo vessel that arrives at the Container Terminal, Car Terminal, Shipyard Repair Zone or anchors will be given a special form to be filled in by the captain, before anyone is allowed on or off. In this, the captain must give a detailed list of the ship's latest trips, naming not just the port from which the ship set sail but also any intermediate ports of call, even those for refuelling, and the duration of the journey.

In this way, authorities will be in a position to know if a ship has approached a port in a high-risk country for Ebola and how many days ago that occurred, given that the virus incubation period is up to 21 days. If any crew member has symptoms or may have been infected by Ebola, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention will be alerted and the ambulance service called in to implement national prevention plan protocols.

[49] Thessaloniki association of kidney patients says bad quality hemodialysis filters used in two public hospitals

He warned that 150 kidney patients undergo dialysis in these hospitals at risk to their lives, noting that the filters in question are made in Egypt, are of a single type and are used for children and adults alike, resulting in bad-quality hemodialysis that puts the patients' lives at risk.

According to him, the decision to order the specific filters was based only on the fact that they cost 10 cents less and not on quality or adequacy criteria.

Referring to the remaining 1,500 kidney patients in Thessaloniki, he said that 70 undergo hemodialysis at "Papanikolaou" and "Papageorgiou" public hospitals that use good quality filters and the rest are treated in private hospitals that also use filters of good quality.

[50] Court rejects Savvas Xiros request to be released for at-home care

The decision was taken after hearing testimony from a number of witnesses, including two court pathologists, SYRIZA MP Tassos Kourakis and others. The judges considered two expert reports drawn up by professors of medicine, requested by the court itself, concerning Xiros' condition.

The first confirmed a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis for the jailed terrorist but did not speficy whether this mandated care at home. The second report said the prisoner suffered from a form of polio, which he said cannot be positively linked to MS but nor ruled out.

The court pathologists testified that Xiros is considered 93 pct disabled and that his most serious problem is that he cannot see, while he needs daily injections in an antiseptic environment to deal with his MS, which the Korydallos prison hospital ward is currently unable to provide. They also noted that Xiros is a polysystemic patient and his health is at risk at all times.

[51] Exhibition featuring Shanghai artists at Athens School of Fine Arts

A delegation of six Chinese artists will attend the opening and participate in a discussion on "Modern Painting in Shanghai" on October 17.

[52] Police arrest 27-year-old Chinese national, alleged member of 'massage mafia'

Investigating authorities had already issued a warrant for his arrest on attempted murder, attempted extortion and setting up a criminal organization.

The arrested is allegedly member of the so-called "massage mafia" operating in Katerini region.

[53] Urban rail transport employees suspend Wednesday's planned labour action

Weather forecast

[54] Mostly fair on Wednesday

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

EFIMERIDA TON SYNTAKTON: Appeal to justice for help

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: Households' savings reducing

ESTIA: Can (SYRIZA leader) Alexis Tsipras govern?

ETHNOS: Offsetting debts for farmers

IMERISSIA: Oil gives breather to the market

KATHIMERINI: (PM Antonis) Samaras harshly attacks (Alexis) Tsipras

LOGOS: Poverty plagues

NAFTEMPORIKI: Eurozone sets conditions for pre-emptive support

TA NEA: More people in the queue for the new pensions

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