Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 16-04-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Tsipras to visit Paris, Strasburg and Brussels this week

[02] Government's red lines are the tax-free ceiling and main pensions, says FinMin

[03] Talks between Greek gov't and its lenders to resume on April 18, FinMin Tsakalotos says

[04] Negotiations with institutions to resume on Monday, says gov't spokeswoman Gerovassili

[05] We are very close to an agreement with the institutions, claims gov't spokeswoman Gerovassili

[06] "Good progress" has been made in negotiations between Greece and its creditors, ECB says

[07] European institutions agree on measures Greece has to implement, says ECB source

[08] Greek President in IOC meeting: Refugees must be treated with humanism and solidarity

[09] IOC chief to ANA-MPA: 'We express our admiration for the way Greeks are handling refugee crisis'

[10] More flexibility needed for Greece on refugee issue, says IMF chief economist

[11] EU Commissioner Avramopoulos asks for improvement of revised Dublin mechanism

[12] Gov't speeds up creation of hosting facilities for refugees, says government spokeswoman Gerovassili

[13] Europol sends special agents to Greek islands to monitor possible traffickers, jihadists

[14] ND submits question to parliament on railway blockade in Idomeni

[15] Fifteen busses with refugees leave Idomeni in last 24 hours for accomodation centers

[16] FYROM makes demarche to Greece's Liaison Office in Skopje

[17] Syrian nationals' arrivals on Greek islands reduced to zero

[18] 53,381 identified refugees in Greece on Tuesday

[19] 3,800 refugees remain at Piraeus port

[20] Labour ministry: No cuts in supplementary pensions for medium-small incomes

[21] Starting price for each new Greek TV license set at 3 mln euros

[22] New Democracy says the government's 'show has been played time and again'

[23] Communist Party says government preparing to 'slaughter the people' with announced bills

[24] Turkish F-16 violates again Athens' FIR on Tuesday

[25] Two Turkish fighter jets enter Athens FIR

[26] Greek economy to grow by 2.7 pct in 2017, IMF report

[27] Greece, creditors reach agreement on energy issues

[28] Greece seeks ways to complete sale of DESFA to Socar

[29] Average tax burden on wages down 1.3 p.p. in Greece, OECD report

[30] Cruise for new enterpreneurs and students

[31] Yacht insurance production up in 2014

[32] Private building activity down 5.2 pct in Jan

[33] Greek stocks end lower on Tuesday

[34] ADEX closing report

[35] "Open House" event to be held in Athens on April 16-17

[36] Comicdom Con Athens to be held on April 15-17

[37] Police detains 15 Greek and foreign nationals as part of crack down on Idomeni rumour mill

[38] Greece's taxi drivers to strike on Thursday over tax reforms

[39] Sunny on Wednesday

[40] The Tuesday edition of Athens' newspapers at a glance Politics

[01] PM Tsipras to visit Paris, Strasburg and Brussels this week

On Thursday, he will travel to Strasburg for a working lunch with the head of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, at noon.

The prime minister will then visit Brussels to participate as a guest speaker at a working dinner with senior executives of the Alex Springer Foundation at 19.00, where he will present the situation and the prospects of the Greek economy.

[02] Government's red lines are the tax-free ceiling and main pensions, says FinMin

"The Greek government is sovereign and it will be the one to decide how the targets of the memorandum will be met," Tsakalotos told journalists, adding that he expects a deal with the institutions to be achieved at an emergency Eurogroup on April 25-26.

He also said the government will submit next week a tax and pension reform bill. "We're open to dialog - if there's a predisposition for an agreement, the review will be completed, because for Greece to turn a page, the review must conclude and a debate must start on the debt," he said. "We are negotiating with many players that have differences between them, but our difference with the IMF does not increase."

The finance minister also expressed optimism that a staff level agreement will be achieved by April 22, when the Eurogroup is expected to meet, or an extra Eurogroup meeting could be held on April 25-25 to close the first program review. He did clarify however that the IMF has different forecasts for both the performance of the measures and the primary surplus of 2018.

On his side, Stathakis said reports that NPLs held by banks will be sold are not true, because the legal framework has not been set up yet. He said the handling of NPLs is among the main issues discussed with the institutions and a solution will be found by April 22. "All our information converge to the direction that the deal will be closed," he told journalists.

Asked by a journalist if there's a "plan B", Stathakis responded that the government is "working on the direction that the deal will conclude and all information is to that direction."

Stathakis then went on to say that Greek negotiations and the country's debt will be discussed at the IMF's spring meeting in Washington on April 15-17, adding that the two sides "have not clashed". The negotiation is a procedure that must be completed soon, as well as the debt issue, in order to promote growth, he added.

Taking his turn, Katrougalos said main pensions will be fully protected, while supplementary pensions will be readjusted by up to 10 pct. He also said a solidarity benefit paid to poor pensioners will not be cut, while 80 pct of the self-employed will pay lower social security contributions when the deal is passed.

[03] Talks between Greek gov't and its lenders to resume on April 18, FinMin Tsakalotos says

"We are adjourning" so that representatives of institutions and the Greek government may attend the meetings in Washington, DC on April 15-17, he said.

According to Tsakalotos, all four institutions (European Commission, IMF, ESM and ECB) and the government agreed to the break in talks, despite progress on large issues, because there are a lot of minor issues that could not be resolved in the available time in order to draft a staff level agreement that must be presented to the Eurogroup for ratification by the Finance ministers of the eurozone. He appeared optimistic that "an agreement will be concluded shortly before the Eurogroup."

The issues discussed today included the fiscal state, non-performing loans and social insurance funds. Issues related to the ministries of education and justice and the new privatisation fund were not discussed.

According to statements by a high-level government official earlier, the government and the lenders have come close to agreeing on excluding the sale to funds of loans of primary residences, as long as their state-set (or "objective") value does not exceed 160,000 euros. The exemption would last until the expiration of the current memorandum in May 2018.

Both sides discussed the option also of bundling regularly performing loans with NPLs in loans sold to funds, as well.

[04] Negotiations with institutions to resume on Monday, says gov't spokeswoman Gerovassili

The negotiations with the institutions should have closed a long time ago provided that the Greek side has tabled comprehensive proposals that meet the target of July 2015 agreement.

She noted that the government fully complies with the agreement adding that the other side should do the same.

Gerovassili referred to scenarios of deliberate delays in the program review, which IMF chief Christine Lagarde called nonsense and clarified that she is in favour of the rapid completion of the review, something that as Gerovassili claimed, has not yet been verified. Negotiations will resume on Monday, she reassured.

Finally, she announced that the draft law on TV licences will be submitted for public consultation by Friday.

[05] We are very close to an agreement with the institutions, claims gov't spokeswoman Gerovassili

Gerovassili said that the distance between the two sides is very short and underlined that the European institutions clearly support the rapid and on time review of the programme because the completion of the review is not only a Greek but also a European issue.

She added that there are not guarantees in a negotiation, otherwise we would have an in advance agreement as we have seen the previous governments doing.

Gerovassili explained that the negotiation did not come to an end on Monday because the the necessary covergence was not achieved. However, we agreed on many issues, and that were are very close to the end and that there is nothing that ruins the initial schedule.

[06] "Good progress" has been made in negotiations between Greece and its creditors, ECB says

According to an ECB spokesman, the heads of the institutions will be in Washington on Tuesday and will return to Athens as soon as possible, after the end of IMF's Spring Meeting.

During the recent discussions with the Greek government, "good progress" was made on all issues. All four institutions are intensively working together with the Greek authorities on an ambitious package of measures aimed at growth, employment and competitiveness of the Greek economy. This will form the basis both for the completion of the first program review between the Greek government and the European institutions, and for a new program with the IMF, according to the same sources.

According to Benoit Coeure, member of ECB's executive board, the ECB fully agrees with the IMF on the need for a strong policy package. "The aim of this discussion is the conclusion of the first review of the MoU and a new programme with the IMF," he said in a statement.

[07] European institutions agree on measures Greece has to implement, says ECB source

European institutions agree on the measures Greece has to implement to close its first program review, well-informed sources from the European Central Bank told ANA-MPA.

Asked on the statements made earlier today by ECB's executive board member Benoit Coeure on Greece, a source from the central bank said: "The ECB agrees with the estimations of the European Commission as to the measures Greece has to take to succeed in achieving a primary source target of 3.5 pct in 2018."

[08] Greek President in IOC meeting: Refugees must be treated with humanism and solidarity

Pavlopoulos stressed that phobias, which sometimes border on racism, are not fit for countries and people who want to be members of the Olympic Movement and the Olympic Games.

He noted, however, that "terrorism, and especially ISIS jihadists, should be treated like the appalling servants of a new kind of barbarism deserve, who commit crimes against humanity. Zero tolerance, zero negligence, constant vigilance."

In addition, the president sent a strong message "on the need to end as soon as possible all conflicts around the world" and to "end the war in Syria," because only this can guarantee the solution of the refugee issue. "This is why we consider important the revival of the Olympic Truce," he noted.

The president also said Greeks remain true to the original Olympic spirit and the ideals emanating from it. "Ideals which focus on Man and humanism and which rely on the principles that lead to the fulfillment of Man in his destination. Above all, the principles of 'fair play' and excellence through which the Olympics acquire their real meaning of returning to ancestral roots, the roots of Ancient Greece and Ancient Olympia," he said.

Pavlopoulos concluded by saying that the Lighting of the Olympic Flame in Olympia in a few days will allow everyone to focus once again on the true meaning of the Olympic Games.

[09] IOC chief to ANA-MPA: 'We express our admiration for the way Greeks are handling refugee crisis'

"We want to express our admiration for the way in which Greece and Greeks are dealing with the issue of refugees," Bach said after his meeting with Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos in an exclusive statement to ANA-MPA.

"As an Olympic movement, we ought to say a big thank you to Greece and Greeks for the way they are dealing with the largest crisis of our times - the refugee crisis," he continued. "I want to express my solidarity to Greece and the Greek people, but also his gratitude for the great gift it bestowed on humanity - the Olympic Games," he added.

Bach also welcomed Pavlopoulos to IOC's headquarters and announced he will visit Greece next week to attend the lighting of the Olympic Flame in Olympia.

[10] More flexibility needed for Greece on refugee issue, says IMF chief economist

Greece should receive more flexibility and economic support on the refugee issue, he said, adding that this is a European and international problem. Commenting on the country's negotiations with its creditors, the economist said the IMF team had constructive talks in Athens which were interrupted because of the fund's spring meeting.

Asked about IMF's involvement in the Greek program, Obstfeld said the aim is "to have a program whose numbers add up", while asked about the country's debt, he said he didn't know how large a debt relief should be. He added however that there have to be reforms in social security and the debt in order for Greece to achieve sustainable finances.

[11] EU Commissioner Avramopoulos asks for improvement of revised Dublin mechanism

It is time that the chaotic, illegal and dangerous migration flows are replaced with safe transit corridors, EU Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos on Tuesday said at the European Parliament plenary in Strasbourg.

Avramopoulos acknowledged the inefficiency of the revised Dublin mechanism and urged EU member states to improve it. He also admitted that the current relocation system "does not work" adding that the current system of asylum is "not fair and not viable."

He also underlined that "the Commission will submit additional proposals with the view to achieving greater convergence with the EU system of asylum."

[12] Gov't speeds up creation of hosting facilities for refugees, says government spokeswoman Gerovassili

She also said that over 1,000 persons have been already transferred from Piraeus to Skaramangas hosting facility adding that the transfer rate will be accelerated in the next days.

[13] Europol sends special agents to Greek islands to monitor possible traffickers, jihadists

The arrival of the Europol's special agents was discussed in a meeting between Citizen Protection Minister Nikos Toskas and the head of Greece's police, Lieutenant General Konstantinos Tsouvalas, with Europol director Rob Wainwright, who is on a working visit to Greece.

During their talks, the two sides also discussed developments in the refugee crisis, focusing on issues of cooperation between Greece's security services with Europol.

[14] ND submits question to parliament on railway blockade in Idomeni

A question on the issues raised by the blockade is addressed to Infrastructure Minister Christos Spirtzis. In the question, Hatzidakis notes the considerable cost to the Greek economy from the closed railway line, saying it causes significant problems in the transport of goods and increases delivery time and cost.

[15] Fifteen busses with refugees leave Idomeni in last 24 hours for accomodation centers

Yezidi Kurdish refugees from northern Iraq were transferred in six busses to a center at the small mountainous village of Petra near Mount Olympus, another bus for the village of Alexandria in Imathia and one for Giannitsa, the largest city in Pella, while many more people are waiting to board busses this evening.

"After the events last Sunday we realized there's no other way out and I will not allow myself to relive this kind of situation," a Yezidi Kurd told ANA-MPA. "My kids were terrified and they couldn't breathe from the teargas."

Others present in the boarding of the busses said they were tired from the situation at the camp and hoped the living conditions at the centers would be better.

[16] FYROM makes demarche to Greece's Liaison Office in Skopje

FYROM's Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday that it has made a demarche to the Liaison Office of Greece in Skopje, in response to the oral demarches of the head of the Liaison Office of Greece in FYROM Ambassador Theocharis Lalakos on Sunday's incidents at Idomeni.

According to the announcement, the security forces "acted with the utmost restraint, responsibility and professionalism against the violent protests and aggressive large groups of migrants attempting to illegally cross the Greek-FYROM borders."

In order to avoid similar incidents in the future, FYROM's Foreign Ministry called on for the strengthening of the Greek police forces at the borders and stressed the importance of exchange of relevant information in order to discourage violent protests by migrants and prevent their illegal entry on FYROM's territory, the announcement added.

?"The restoration of law and order on the border zone and around the refugees camp at Idomeni is essential to prevent future incidents," the announcement concluded.

On April 10, the head of the Liaison Office of Greece in FYROM Ambassador Lalakos made two demarches following the unacceptable incidents that occurred at Idomeni.

[17] Syrian nationals' arrivals on Greek islands reduced to zero

75 persons reached the coasts of Lesvos, 4 arrived on Chios and one person reached Samos' coasts.

Most of the new arrivals were Pakistanis and from northern Africa.

According to Coast Guard, the refugees, mostly from Syria, influx has reduced to zero in the last days.

In the hotspot of Morias on Lesvos are hosted 3,577 persons, at Chios hotspot 1,828 persons and 465 are hosted at Samos hotspot.

[18] 53,381 identified refugees in Greece on Tuesday

According to the Refugee Crisis Management Coordination Body's figures, 29,205 of the refugees are in northern Greece, 11,194 of them are in Idomeni camp, 14,405 are hosted in the region of Attica (3,806 at Piraeus port), 7,055 on the Greek islands and 2,716 are hosted in different areas in central and southern Greece.

[19] 3,800 refugees remain at Piraeus port

According to Coast Guard, around 700 persons were transferred on Monday from Piraeus to accommodation centres at Skaramangas.

Several refugees and migrants have expressed interest to be transferred to other hosting facilities. Priority has been given to Yazidi, the Syrians and the Afghans. The government aims at the decongestion of the port by Easter.

[20] Labour ministry: No cuts in supplementary pensions for medium-small incomes

The announcement comes after the interruption of the negotiations between the government and the institutions which are expected to resume next Monday.

"Following the completion of this phase of the negotiations, there was an agreement or significant convergence on all open issues on the basis of the draft bill and the government's proposals, while in some cases towards a more positive direction," the ministry said.

[21] Starting price for each new Greek TV license set at 3 mln euros

The auction concerns the sale of four licenses to free, terrestrial, nationwide, digital content providers who will broadcast a general information program athigh-definition. According to the press release, the auction will be announced in the next few days.

[22] New Democracy says the government's 'show has been played time and again'

"Last year, the preacher of game theory, which led the country to the brink of bankruptcy and the third MoU was Mr. Yanis Varoufakis, while this year, we have three preachers of the same dangerous theory; Messrs. George Katrougalos, Giorgos Stathakis and Euclid Tsakalotos - who is the minister who, along with Mr. [Alexis] Tsipras pleaded with the IMF to participate in the program for three years," he said in a statement.

"From the 'imminent deal', we went to the 'confrontation' and from the 'confrontation' to the painful capitulation. But this time the show doesn't sell tickets," he added.

[23] Communist Party says government preparing to 'slaughter the people' with announced bills

"Along with the slaughter of the lambs on Holy Week, the government is also preparing the slaughter of the people with the draft bill of taxation and pensions," the party said. "They are deeply mistaken if it thinks it will be able to pass the measures by deceiving the people and avoiding mass demonstrations," it added.

[24] Turkish F-16 violates again Athens' FIR on Tuesday

Earlier on Tuesday, two Turkish F-16 violated Athens' FIR between the islands of Lesvos and Chios without having submitted a flight plan for second consecutive day, Greece's National Defence General Staff said.

The fighter jets flew over the islets of Inousses at 17,000 feet and a minute later they exited Athens FIR through the same route. The Turkish formation was recognized and intercepted by Greek fighter jets.

[25] Two Turkish fighter jets enter Athens FIR

The fighter jets flew over the islets of Inouses at 17,000 feet and a minute later they exited Athens FIR through the same route. The Turkish formation was recognized by Greek fighter jets.

Financial News

[26] Greek economy to grow by 2.7 pct in 2017, IMF report

The report said that the Greek figures for 2015 were preliminary, as the IMF lacked final fiscal projections at the moment because of ongoing negotiations with Greek authorities and European partners over setting fiscal targets in a new dynamic adjustment programme.

The IMF also revised downwards its estimates for the global economy, expecting a 3.2 pct growth of global GDP this year and 3.5 pct in 2017, down from previous estimates made in January for growth rates of 3.4 pct in 2016 and 3.6 pct in 2017.

The IMF sees risks and threats to the global economy linked with the outbreak of a new financial turmoil because of a shock in confidence to the system. Other possible causes of turmoil could be a prolonged period of low energy prices, a sharp fall in growth in China, while geopolitical uncertainties, political dispute, terrorism, refugee crisis and possible global epidemic outbreak

[27] Greece, creditors reach agreement on energy issues

Environment and Energy Minister Panos Skourletis, speaking to ANA-MPA after a meeting with representatives of the country's creditors which did not discuss privatization and fuel tax issues, said that an agreement on Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO or ADMIE) envisaged the transfer of majority stake (51 pct) from Public Power Corporation to the state (PPC will be compensated), while the remaining 49 pct will be offered to a strategic investor -who will be the manager of the grid and will be able to buy at least 20 pct of the shares- and to private investors. The state will control a majority of the board, appointing the chief executive. The process to sell at least 20 pct of ADMIE is expected to begin in June.

Skourletis said that Greek authorities will draft a new regulation covering the auction of lignite and hydro-electric power production by Public Power Corporation (PPC), based on data provided by the operator of the market (LAGIE) and a recommendation of the market regulator (RAE) which will determine the quantity of energy to be auctioned and the starting price of auctions. The first auctions are expected in the second half of 2016.

Greek authorities will have a round of meetings with the technical staff of the institutions to finalize details of the agreement.

The meeting did not discuss privatizations in the energy sector. The Greek government insists that the shares of PPC, DEPA and Hellenic Petroleum already transferred to Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF) should remain in the leg of exploitation and not privatization.

[28] Greece seeks ways to complete sale of DESFA to Socar

The tender for the privatization of DESFA was concluded in 2013 with the signing of an agreement for the transfer of a majority stake to Socar for 400 million euros, however, the transaction has not be completed because of reservations presented by competition authorities in the European Commission. The proposal examined for the lifting of reservations envisages the transfer of 17 pct of shares from Socar to a third investor, reducing the Azeri stake to 49 pct. Latest information say that the stake to be transferred to a third investor could be even larger, up to 25 pct of DESFA, reducing Socar's stake to 41 pct and the Greek stake remaining the second largest shareholder with a 34 pct equity stake.

The same sources said that the Environment and Energy ministry dismissed talk of big increases (up to 66 pct) in duties by the operator's network. DESFA's board is also expected to be changed, with Antonis Natsikas, chairman of the company, to be replaced by Sotiris Nikas.

[29] Average tax burden on wages down 1.3 p.p. in Greece, OECD report

The Paris-based institutions, in a report released on "Taxing Wages 2016" said that Greece recorded the biggest decline in tax burden on wages, followed by Spain and Estonia (1.2 and 1.0 percentage points respectively). Out of the 34 OECD member-states, the tax burden rose in 24 members, it fell in 8 and remained unchanged in Hungary and Chile.

Greece ranked 14th among the 34 OECD member countries in decreasing order with a tax wedge for an average single worker at 39.3 pct in 2015, compared with the OECD average of 35.9 pct. The country occupied the same position in 2014.

In Greece, employee and employer social security contributions combine to account for 82 pct of the total tax wedge compared with 63 pct of the total OECD average tax wedge.

The average real wage in Greece, pre- income tax and social contribution payments, grew 0.2 pct in 2015 as a 0.8 pct decline in nominal wage was counterbalanced by a 0.9 pct decline in the consumer price index. The average nominal annual wage was 20,296 euros in 2015 from 20,450 euros in 2014. Tax wedge on a Greek single worker was 39.3 pct of total labor cost, burdened by employers' social contribution payments (19.7 pct), workers' social contributions (12.4 pct) and income tax (7.1 pct). The tax wedge fell 1.27 percentage points compared with 2014 reflecting a decline in social contribution payments (-0.92 pct for employers, -0.25 pct for workers) and a -0.09 pct decline in income tax.

Greece had the 6th highest tax wedge in the OECD for an average married worker with two children at 38.1 pct in 2015, which compares with the OECD average of 26.7 pct. The country had the 3rd highest position in 2014.

[30] Cruise for new enterpreneurs and students

For four consecutive days they will be able to develop their business ideas while sailing in the Aegean Sea under the CruiseInn, a cruise trip for young enterpreneurship organised by the "ThinkBiz", the first Economic University of Athens student enterpreneurship association and the Celestyal Cruise.

"Through this entertaining experience that will offer the trip to the Aegean and the Greek islands we aim to give the tools, the people, the training and the money prizes that will help the participants to turn a business idea into a sustainable start up," said the head of ThinkBiz Lenia Miltiadous to ANA-MPA.

The cruiseship Celestyal Olympia, from May 16 to May 20 and October 17 to October 21, will become a ship of creativity. The ship will sail from Piraeus port for Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Rhodes, Heraklio and Santorini. Each trip will host 30 participants and will have a different theme.

During the first cruise, participants will work on the development of ideas on the sectors of tourism and culture while the second cruise will focus on the sectors of food, beverages and gastronomy. "We believe that the creation of new enterprises with innovative and technological characteristics may become a financial crisis exit model for students, graduates and new enterpreneurs of Greece," said Miltiadous.

The participants will be selected through an evaluation process. Those interested can send their applications to getcruiseinn.com.

Cruiseinn 2016 is held under the auspices of the Economy Ministry, the Hellenic Professionals Informatics Society and Blue Growth.

[31] Yacht insurance production up in 2014

The largest number of insured boats were of personal leisure nature while cruisers and large yachts exceeded in compensation value. The majority of insured boats were engine powered but sailing boats had a bigger insurance value, the report said.

The boat insurance sector accounted for 0.9 pct of total damage insurance production in 2014.

[32] Private building activity down 5.2 pct in Jan

[33] Greek stocks end lower on Tuesday

The composite index of the market ended at 553.43 points, down 1.34 pct, but off the day's lows of 545.75 points. Bank shares were at the focus of selling activity. The Large Cap index dropped 1.93 pct and the Mid Cap index rose 0.12 pct. Turnover was a thin 45.90 million euros in volume of 83,196,159.

Lamda Development (3.36 pct), Grivalia Properties (1.85 pct) and Piraeus Port (1.67 pct) scored the biggest percentage gains among blue chip stocks, while Piraeus Bank (6.34 pct), National Bank (5.76 pct) and Eurobank (4.58 pct) suffered heavy losses. Among market sectors, Real Estate (2.37 pct) and Chemicals (1.39 pct) scored gains, while Banks (4.24 pct), Health (3.03 pct) and Telecoms (2.65 pct) suffered losses.

National Bank and Piraeus Bank were the most heavily traded securities of the day. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 62 to 41 with another 18 issues unchanged. Intertek (28.35 pct), Vioter (20 pct) and Tzirakian (20 pct) were top gainers, while Mathios (26.36 pct), ANEK (20 pct) and Boutaris (18.92 pct) were top losers.

[34] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 45,033 contracts with investment interest focusing on Piraeus Bank's contracts (13,662), followed by Alpha Bank (6,198), National Bank (9,479), Eurobank (4,601), MIG (9,125), OTE (337), PPC (345), OPAP (433), Frigoglass (288), Mytilineos (82), Viohalco (93), GEK (78) and Intralot (65).

General News

[35] "Open House" event to be held in Athens on April 16-17

The event is held for a third consecutive year with the assistance of 450 volunteers who will tour visitors to 91 modern and neoclassical buildings, among them the Museum of the city of Athens, the Bangeio, the Museum of Cycladic Art, the Athens City Hall, the Jewish Museum, the Vorres Museum, the Municipal Theatre of Piraeus.

"The event aims at getting people acquainted with the value of architecture and its importance in our daily life," Athens Open House public relations manager Renata Douma said.

Last year, 20,000 people had the opportunity to admire the unique and important buildings of Athens.

The "Open House" is a very important international institution that aims to the promotion of architecture. The project started in London in 1992 and is now held in more than 35 cities throughout the world.

[36] Comicdom Con Athens to be held on April 15-17

Comicdom Con Athens has become a standard in the Greek comics community, providing a unique celebration not only for the people who love the 9th Art, but also for those who wish to discover it. The event includes art exhibitions, sketch events, panels, screenings, workshops on comics and related arts, panels, publishers and retailers bazaar.

The main hosting venues of Comicdom Con Athens are the Hellenic American Union, the French Institute of Greece and the Athens Municipality Cultural Centre.

Last year, Comicdom Con attracted more than 12,000 visitors.

The programme of the festival is available at comicdom-con.gr.

[37] Police detains 15 Greek and foreign nationals as part of crack down on Idomeni rumour mill

The move follows the violence that erupted at the Greek-FYROM borders when refugees and migrants gathered to protest against the closing of the borders last Sunday.

According to police, those detained are 5 Germans, 2 Britons, 2 Swedes, 2 Greeks, one Dutch, one Austrian, one Portuguese and one Czech, and were all stopped at the Axios bridge, where anyone who enters Greece from FYROM must pass.

The detained told police they were helping the refugees but authorities said that none of them belongs to any of the NGOs operating in the area. They were all led to the local police station to establish their identities. Of the 15 individuals, one German national will be led before the prosecutor for possession of a knife.

[38] Greece's taxi drivers to strike on Thursday over tax reforms

The strike will start at 05.00 on Thursday morning and last until 05.00 on Friday morning.

In a separate labour action, trolleybus employees will hold a work stoppage on Wednesday, from 11.00 to 16.00, to attend their union's general meeting to discuss, among others, social security and labour issues.

Weather forecast

[39] Sunny on Wednesday

[40] The Tuesday edition of Athens' newspapers at a glance

EFIMERIDA TON SYNTAKTON: A little of pension

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: Big reductions in auxiliary pensions

ESTIA: Settlements are a health bomb

ETHNOS: New pension limit at 1,000 euros

IMERISSIA: The final decision for pensions

KATHIMERINI: In Washington without an agreement

TA NEA: Night impasse

RIZOSPASTIS: We continue our fight for a 48-hour strike

NAFTEMPORIKI: Pile on debt

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