Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 15-10-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] NPLs, bank recapitalization, labour reforms discussed between Tsipras, EU's Dombrovskis

[02] Greek program needs to be implemented faithfully, says EU's Dombrovskis

[03] EU's Dombrovskis promises legislation to protect bank deposits by end of year

[04] European Commission to provide technical assistance to Greece

[05] PM Tsipras on decisions of Brussels mini-Summit on refugee flows; summit leaders satisfied with Greece's initiative

[06] Plan to create ghetto averted, gov't sources say

[07] EU leaders satisfied with Greek initiative

[08] Gov't will not accept any concentration camps, says gov't spokesman

[09] Gov't VP discusses government planning with Italy's top EU affairs official

[10] Migration, Adriatic-Ionian strategy discussed in meeting between Greek, Italian minister

[11] Greece, institutions seek honest compromise on NPLs issue

[12] Piraeus Bank chief Sallas opposed to auctions of first home

[13] 'ANA-MPA is making strides in news validity', says Greek President Pavlopoulos

[14] Greek, Cypriot FMs discuss Cyprus issue in meeting in Nicosia

[15] Dep.FM Mardas: Optimistic about Greece's progress and investments

[16] Environment minister presents Greece's energy policy to Dutch official

[17] Intralot signs 10-year contract in Nigeria

[18] Greece present at International Shipping Exhibition Kormarine BUSAN 2015

[19] ECB to announce stress tests' results on Greek banks on Saturday

[20] Mid-season sales start on Sunday

[21] ASE, Shanghai Stock Exchange sign MoU

[22] Greek stocks rally for fifth successive session

[23] Greek bond market closing report

[24] ADEX closing report

[25] Greece's waterworld and free diving presented in photographic exhibition from Nov 2 -Dec 31

[26] Fifteen anarchists enter ANEL party HQ, hang anti-austerity banners

[27] Police discover arsenal belonging to members of Greek terror group

[28] "Lost" director Bobby Roth to hold master class in Athens

[29] Woman drowns when boat with migrants capsizes off Mytilene port

[30] Greek minister receives envelope with bullet, note with threats

[31] Mostly fair on Tuesday

[32] The Monday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance Politics

[01] NPLs, bank recapitalization, labour reforms discussed between Tsipras, EU's Dombrovskis

According to government sources, the prime minister said that Greece is shouldering too much weight concerning the onoging refugee crisis and noted that this must be understood by the EU and the institutions.

He also stressed the need for political stability for the implementation of the program, adding that some measures, such as the non-performing loans, hurt social cohesion and strain the resilience of society.

The same sources said that Dombrovskis said that there shouldn't be any dogmatism and expressed a wish for common ground to be found between Greece and the institutions.

[02] Greek program needs to be implemented faithfully, says EU's Dombrovskis

Dombrovskis said his meeting with the Greek premier was constructive and positive and that they discussed the country's funding by the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), the acceleration of the absorption of EU funds and the technical assistance which will be provided to the country for the implementation of its program.

Concerning bank recapitalization, the vice-president of the Commission said it will be done after the completion of the first program review and by November 15, and definitely before the end of the year. He noted that he received Tsipras' clear pledge to fulfill the country's commitments.

He also said they discussed the refugee crisis and its impact on the state budget and finally he mentioned the agreement that will disburse 5.9 million euros in aid to Greece.

[03] EU's Dombrovskis promises legislation to protect bank deposits by end of year

"The preparation of the first review is moving along, some milestones remain to be achieved for the release of the [loan] installments and are working on them to achieve the fiscal targets. The non-performing loans as well as other issues have not been resolved yet; they are being discussed with the Greek authorities to find a solution," Dombrovskis said.

The EU official also reassured MPs that the European Commission will prepare by the end of the year legislation to protect bank deposits.

"It's important to agree on the technical commitments which cover many issues between the Greek government and the EU. We know there are difficulties in the negotiations. There's no time to waste and all sides must move quickly in the next two months," he added.

Discusseing the country's debt, he said the issue will be examined after the successful completion of the country's first program review, noting that although the Eurogroup doesn't consider a nominal haircut, it could however examine the possibility of offering lower interest rates or extending their maturity for about 20 years.

"Greece has the largest debt and pays fewer than Portugal or Italy," he said. "However, the European Commission is raising some concerns, and as soon as we see that the program is going well, we will address these issues."

[04] European Commission to provide technical assistance to Greece

Speaking in Athens, Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, responsible for the Euro and Social Dialogue, said: "It is crucial that there is political will and national ownership of reforms in Greece, and that they are carried out in dialogue with social partners. I am convinced that through the implementation of the reform programme, and effective use of the EU funds in support of investment, employment and social inclusion, Greece will return to financial stability, economic growth and jobs creation."

During his visit to Athens today and on Tuesday, Dombrovskis met with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, as well as with Ministers including Minister of Economy, Development and Tourism, Giorgos Stathakis, Minister of Finance Euclid Tsakalotos, Alternate Minister Giorgos Houliarakis, Minister of Labour, Social Insurance and Social Solidarity, Giorgos Katrougalos and Members of the Parliamentary Committees of European Affairs, Economic Affairs, Production and Trade.

The Vice-President will also meet with Yannis Stournaras, Governor of the Bank of Greece, after which he will visit 'InnovAthens' - an innovation project co-funded by the EU. He will be accompanied by the Mayor of Athens, Giorgos Kaminis.

[05] PM Tsipras on decisions of Brussels mini-Summit on refugee flows; summit leaders satisfied with Greece's initiative

In statements to the press following the meeting, Tsipras said that the three proposals included the creation of the equivalent of a city, with 50,000 refugees, within Greece; the option of an EU country to bar entry to refugees from another EU country, which would have created a domino effect stressing Greece; and a new operation by EU border police Frontex in northern Greece to check migratory flows towards the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

In explaining the rejection of each of the proposals, the PM said that in the first case, the summit accepted Greece's counter-proposal of receiving help with rent subsidies for 20,000 refugees for as long as they remain in Greece. This would contribute to the growth of the Greek economy, he said, while it would allow refugees to become integrated socially in Greece.

The second rejected proposal was replaced with notifying the country of passage of the number of refugees it is responsible for.

The third proposal related to the guarding of borders, which is exclusively the responsibility of a nation; the only contribution Frontex could provide, he said, would be to register or identify those refugees who had not been processed at points of entry on the Greek islands. He estimated that these cases would be very few, since most refugees on islands request registration.

Tsipras also spoke of the understanding by all present of the leading role Turkey plays in terms of refugee flows, noting that collaboration with the neighbouring country would help reduce these flows.

The summit leaders understood Greece's position, he underlined, starting by the fact that refugee flows cannot be checked midway, but at their beginning. Greek and Turkish port authorities and coast guards should work closely together, although each country is responsible for guarding its own territorial waters. The European Commission will present specific proposals to Turkey soon, he revealed, which creates the hope for a decisive resolution of refugee flows.

There is no question that the European Commission moved at a slow pace in terms of the refugee crisis, he added, but it did move towards the right direction. The refugee issue is something beyond us and must be managed in a coordinated manner by Europe, otherwise the unity of the EU itself will be threatened. Common sense, solidarity, distribution of responsibility for refugees and co-responsibility must prevail, he said.

[06] Plan to create ghetto averted, gov't sources say

They also hailed the recognition of Turkey's major role in refugee flows to Europe and noted the need to implement the plan to control refugee flows on its own territory.

[07] EU leaders satisfied with Greek initiative

[08] Gov't will not accept any concentration camps, says gov't spokesman

Gerovassili underlined that Athens expressed its opposition over the hosting of approximately 50,000 refugees in Greece noting that the condition "equally and proportionately" for all European countries. She noted that it goes without saying that Greece will assume its responsibilities adding that we expect financial support. She also said that Turkey, because it is an entrance country, must be supported.

Referring to the bad loans and the protection of the first home, Gerovassili said that the government will do whatever possible and for that reason it builds alliances in the EU. As she said, a strong ally is French President Francois Hollande.

Gerovassili added that the government will insist on the 300,000 euros wealth and 35,000 euros income limit "the government will not accept the acquisition of businesses and privates bad loand from foreign funds" noting that there is room for deliberations.

[09] Gov't VP discusses government planning with Italy's top EU affairs official

The two officials also discussed the important possibilities for cooperation in the Adriatic and the wider region and agreed in the need for concrete initiatives to strengthen Europe's democratic and social dimension.

[10] Migration, Adriatic-Ionian strategy discussed in meeting between Greek, Italian minister

"The Adriatic-Ionian Strategy is a major regional plan for Greece and Italy, and there is great potential for the creation of a list of Greek-Italian infrastructure projects so that we can draw funding from the European Strategic Investment Fund (Juncker Plan) as well as from loans and inclusion in other programmes," Xydakis said after the meeting.

"Italy and Greece are leading forces in this endeavor, which other neighbouring countries can join. The plan includes energy, many infrastructure projects, the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), and it is a plan that from its inception can impart great impetus to the region,"he added.

Gozi noted, among other things, that "2017 is a very important year for Europe: the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome. On the occasion of this anniversary, we would like to collaborate, because we believe that there needs to be more democracy and transparency, as well as smoother functioning, in the European institutions."

[11] Greece, institutions seek honest compromise on NPLs issue

Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Dombrovskis said that the Commission's opinion is that the protection of the first home should be focused on households in need. "The solution we support is support to households in danger," he said.

Speaking to reporters, earlier, the Greek Finance minister said that the issue was discussed "because of different views in amending an existing legislation for protecting the first home. Both sides believe that an honest compromise must be found".

"We continue working," the Commission's vice-president said, adding that both sides' intention was to find a mutually accepted solution.

Commenting on the course of negotiations with the Greek government, Dombrovskis said that discussions were constructive and on the right path "which will continue to lead to a common goal, putting the Greek economy into a growth course". A successful completion of the first review of the program will be an important step towards this direction and will restart the Greek economy. But to achieve this goal, political will, a sense of national ownership of the reform program, ability to design and implement correctly the program and dialogue with social partners were needed, he noted, adding that the EU was supporting Greek authorities by offering focused technical assistance on issues such as combating tax evasion and corruption and maximizing the exploitation of community funds to improve business environment in the country.

"I am convinced, that with a prudent implementation of reforms, Greece will overcome its problems and become a successful member of the eurozone," he said, noting that swift action was needed to avoid losing EU funds.

He said that recent institutional interventions made by the European Commission, ensuring additional liquidity worth 2.0 billion euros for the Greek budget, it was up to Greek authorities to create the necessary framework to exploit this funds. The EU has already disbursed 835 million euros and another 500 million will be disbursed . Dombrovskis referred to projects in delay, such as the Thessaloniki metro and Moreas motorway, noting that action must be taken quickly to avoid losing funds by the end of the year. He noted that the Greek government has undertaken the task to implement a very ambitious reform program in a very short period of time, adding that "great effort was needed and time should not be wasted".

Commenting on a decision to impose a 23 pct VAT rate on education, the Commission's vice-president said: "We had agreed with the Greek government to seek equal measures that will not underme the budget goals. It is up to the Greek authorities to present any alternative. measures".

[12] Piraeus Bank chief Sallas opposed to auctions of first home

Asked to give his personal opinion on the auctions, Sallas stressed "It is a big mistake. Banks will be burdened with an extremely high cost by applying the process of auctions and even the current law on the real estate prices. Besides, this fact constitutes a major social injustice and will damage the banks. If all these tens of thousands of properties are passed to the banks their value would be nullified".

The banker referred to the costs of maintenance, protection etc., as factors which increase the risk, which is particularly high at a period of crisis as the present and underlined the need for an alternative for borrowers with low income in order to be able to pay a low and symbolic installment, "let's say, 1.2% of the loan balance".

In other words, according to Sallas, if, for example, the remaining of a house mortgage is 100,000 euros, which is above the average loan borrowers ability, the lender could pay a maximum of 1,200 euros per year, or 100 euros per month, in substitution of the current payment's rate, with parallel suspension of the installments of the loan.

At the same time, Sallas suggested that "a sort of social justice" should be established "for both those who do not have a property and have to pay rent for housing their families and the conscientious loan payers, who feel wronged by the whole situation".

[13] 'ANA-MPA is making strides in news validity', says Greek President Pavlopoulos

"In the crisis we're faced with, the Athens and Macedonian News Agency is making strides in validity and in the timeliness of its news," Pavlopoulos said and described the news agency as an emblematic institution in the area of information for Greece.

"We must not forget that ANA-MPA is the one that supplies in essence more than 90 pct of the news that concern the country and are transmitted abroad. And beyond the aesthetic part [of the webpage] that is impressive, it is competing with the biggest news agencies worldwide. Top journalists, who write for other agencies and the world's biggest newspapers, feel honoured to write an article or to express their view at ANA-MPA and this is the result of an internal unity of the journalists who work there."

On his side, the agency's president and general director, Mihalis Psilos, said the exhibition shows the telegrams of ANA-MPA were the main source of information in that era. "

"As it appears that the telegrams of the Athens News Agency - as was then called the Athens News Agency - Macedonian Press Agency - were the main source of information for the Greek people for what was taking place at the war fronts, and also throughout Europe, with the help of ANA-MPA correspondents around Europe," he said at the opening ceremony.

[14] Greek, Cypriot FMs discuss Cyprus issue in meeting in Nicosia

The Cyprus issue as an issue of occupation of violation of international rules and international law but also of the need to unify the island and safeguard coexistence in the federal, bizonal, bicommunal republic of Cyprus, Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias told journalists on Monday, after a meeting with his Cypriot counterpart Ioannis Kasoulides in Nicosia.

"The Turkish Cypriots will have all the goods and the maximum possible rights, and the Greek Cypriots, along with the three minorities here in Cyprus, will feel secure in a stable Republic of Cyprus. And for this to happen, of course the occupation forces must be withdrawn," he noted.

Concerning the resolution of the Cyprus issue, Kotzias expressed a "cautious and realistic optimism".

On his side, Kasoulides said Kotzias' visit took place at a crucial time and noted the two ministers had a private meeting before their delegations joined them.

Responding to a question on Turkey's accession course, ahead of the negotiations in Brussels on opening a new chapter in the first quarter of 2016, Kasoulides said in order for Cyprus to take action on important issues, Turkey will have to do it first. "Those who are interested in allowing this to be implemented ... they have to look towards Turkey."

Financial News

[15] Dep.FM Mardas: Optimistic about Greece's progress and investments

Commenting on the visit of French President Francois Hollande, Mardas said: "We saw an intense interest for investment on the side of the French ... We discussed issues of interest for about 45 minutes. They were given much written information because we had anticipated some questions. We have scheduled a meeting in January to specify some issues which were put on the table."

[16] Environment minister presents Greece's energy policy to Dutch official

The meeting took place as the Netherlands prepare to take over the EU presidency in the first half of 2016.

Skourletis also explained the role of the state as a guarantor of energy security and supply. On his side, Kamp expressed interest in Greece's priorities in energy policy as well as the situation that has been created in the sector in recent months, while he noted that te Dutch embassy will deal extensively with energy issues.

[17] Intralot signs 10-year contract in Nigeria

The new lottery in Nigeria will begin operations by the end of 2015.

[18] Greece present at International Shipping Exhibition Kormarine BUSAN 2015

Enterprise Greece and HEMEXPO under the slogan "Smart Ship Solution-Greek Marine Equipment" have joined their forces in order to inaugurate a series of actions to promote the Greek Shipping Equipment and the attraction of investment capitals to the Greek company involved in the sector.

The exhibition was held at the exhibition center BEXCO with the participation of 1,200 companies from 40 countries and over 15 national participations. According to the organisers the visitors exceeded 40,000.

HEMEXPO's president Eleni Polychronopoulou stated "Hemexpo's presence to the Kormarine exhibition is another step in our effort to further develop our trade relations with the shipyards'.

[19] ECB to announce stress tests' results on Greek banks on Saturday

[20] Mid-season sales start on Sunday

Moreover, shops will remain open on Sunday, November 1 from 11.00 to 20.00.

[21] ASE, Shanghai Stock Exchange sign MoU

The MoU was signed by Socrates Lazaridis, chief executive of the Athens Stock Exchange Group and Que Bo, executive vice-president of the Shanghai Stock Exchange during a ceremony organized in the Athens. It signaled the first official cooperation between the two markets. During the ceremony, Mr. Que Bo inaugurated the trading session of last Friday.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Que said that "the stock exchanges of Athens and Shanghai have impecable relations and we hope that the memorandum signed today will enable us to enhance communication, to share experience and to lay solid foundations for future cooperation".

Socrates Lazaridis said: "We are very satisfied with today's signing of the memorandum which signals to start of our cooperation with the Shanghai Stock Exchange. In a period when capital markets move rapidly towards globalization, partnerships between stock markets pave the way for strengthening their presence. This agreement offers an exceptional prospect for both markets to examine the possibilities of joint projects on issues of mutual interest".

Under the MoU the two markets will examine the possibility of cooperation in fields such as developing investment capital, share trading platform and supervision, creating fixed-income investment products and exchanging information on issues related with markets and trading and clearing systems.

[22] Greek stocks rally for fifth successive session

OPAP (3.73 pct), Folli Follie (3.16 pct), Titan (3.08 pct) and Athens Water (2.61 pct) were top gainers among blue chip stocks, while National Bank (6.58 pct), Alpha Bank (2.92 pct) and Piraeus Port (1.40 pct) suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day.

Among market sectors, Travel (3.20 pct), Commerce (3.20 pct) and Constructions (2.22 pct) scored big gains, while Banks (4.47 pct), Chemicals (3.60 pct) and Raw Materials (1.31 pct) suffered heavy losses.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 44 to 42 with another 19 issues unchanged. Pegasus (20 pct), Altec (18.75 pct) and Akritas (18.64 pct) were top gainers, while Euromedica (19.73 pct) and AXON Holdings (18.97 pct) were top losers.

[23] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates moved lower. The 12-month rate fell to 0.11 pct from 0.129 pct, the nine-month rate eased to 0.049 pct from 0.051 pct, the six-month rate fell to 0.008 pct from 0.010 pct, the three-month rate fell to -0.064 pct from -0.053 pct and the one-month rate fell to -0.119 pct.

[24] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 3,231 contracts with investment interest focusing on PPC's contracts (1,302), followed by MIG (253), OTE (549), OPAP (434), Hellenic Exchanges (50), Titan (75), Mytilineos (73), Hellenic Petroleum (66), Motor Oil (151), GEK (39), Ellaktor (34), Folli Follie (57) and Metka (70).

General News

[25] Greece's waterworld and free diving presented in photographic exhibition from Nov 2 -Dec 31

The exhibition, titled "In one breath: Greece underwater", is free and aims at presenting for the first time the dynamics of free diving and the country's underwater environment through a series of photographs, exhibits and graphic presentations.

The photo exhibition was created by photographer and free diver Stefanos Kontos "in one breath", as he said.

To book a spot at the tours organized for visitors, call + 30 210 9469631 and 210 9469632 (Monday to Thursday: 08.30-20.00, Friday and Saurday: 08.30-15.30).

[26] Fifteen anarchists enter ANEL party HQ, hang anti-austerity banners

Police officials have gathered outside the offices to monitor the situation. The group posted on the internet a statement claiming their aim was to protest the austerity measures voted by the SYRIZA-ANEL coalition government which "give the final blow to the poor and cannot in any way be described as popular."

The group also notes the role played by ANEL in the coalition which, as they claim, "on the one hand pacifies the more conservative groups of society with various ridiculous communication tricks and on the other, on a geopolitical level, pacifies the U.S., NATO and the EU with statements about creating a new NATO base in the Aegean, but also by supporting the Ukraine regime by providing healthcare to Ukrainian paramilitary Nazis in Greek military hospitals."

The slogans in the banners read: "No negotiation with the domestic and international capital" and "Resistance to new measures, everyone in the streets".

[27] Police discover arsenal belonging to members of Greek terror group

Police says the group is responsible for two explosions caused by improvised explosive devices in Kalamata and Mystras in the early hours of last Friday. They arrested the founder and core members of the group, whose ages range from 25 to 52.

[28] "Lost" director Bobby Roth to hold master class in Athens

Roth, who is also known for very successful series such as "Grey's Anatomy", "The Insiders", "The Mentalist", as well as the movies "Independence Day", "Heartbreakers", "Circle of Power", "The Boss' Son", was invited by the 38th Drama Film Festival to participate in the festival's educational platform "Drama Mini Talent Lab".

The master class will include the viewing of the director's educational documentary and a second part of questions and answers with the public. In the documentary titled ?A Director Prepares?, Roth thoroughly analyzes every stage of film production with the help of more than 50 professionals in the film industry (from actors to editors and film directors), with whom he has occasionally worked with.

It will be held in Trianon cinema in central Athens at 18.00 (local time) will be conducted in English.

[29] Woman drowns when boat with migrants capsizes off Mytilene port

Approximately 35 men, women and children that were in the same dinghy were rescued.

[30] Greek minister receives envelope with bullet, note with threats

The note, signed by a group called "Red Faction", includes threats against the life of the minister and his family.

The envelope was delivered to State Security where it will be examined for possible fingerprints or other genetic material.

Weather forecast

[31] Mostly fair on Tuesday

[32] The Monday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

EFIMERIDA TON SYNTAKTON: Comply with recommendations.

ESTIA: Town for refugees inside Athens.

ETHNOS: Extreme right terrorists prepared deadly attack

NAFTEMPORIKI: Three mines in the evaluation.

TA NEA: Gray Monday.

36, TSOCHA ST. ATHENS 115 21 GREECE * TEL: 210 64.00.560-63 * FAX: 210 64.00.581-2 INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.ana.gr * e-mail: anabul@ana gr * GENERAL DIRECTOR: MICHALIS PSILOS

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