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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 16-06-17

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

Friday, 17 June 2016 Issue No: 5188

CONTENTS

  • [01] PM Tsipras: Government now geared towards fair growth and sustainable jobs
  • [02] First review of Greek programme essentially concluded, Tsakalotos says
  • [03] 7.5 bln euro tranche to Greece to be disbursed on Monday
  • [04] Eurogroup chief confirms Greece has met all prior actions for loan tranche disbursement
  • [05] Moscovici: 7.5-billion-euro loan tranche will pump 'real oxygen' into Greece's economy
  • [06] 'Good news' on Greece, Moscovici says before Eurogroup
  • [07] Greek loan tranche to be disbursed early next week, says ESM's Regling
  • [08] Lagarde reiterates IMF's support for Greek debt relief
  • [09] New development law voted in principle
  • [10] EU Commissioner Avramopoulos on migration management
  • [11] Greek state strives for unity of Orthodox Churches, says FM
  • [12] PM Tsipras expresses shock at murder of British MP Jo Cox
  • [13] ND leader Mitsotakis announces start of public debate on ND's programme
  • [14] Parliament allows prosecution of minister Pavlos Polakis, two MPs
  • [15] ANA-MPA launches new website with news from Macedonia and Thrace
  • [16] ECB to decide on accepting Greek bonds as collateral on June 22, ANA-MPA's sources
  • [17] HRADF announces sale of real estate assets
  • [18] Greek budget primary surplus at 2.267 billion euros in Jan-May
  • [19] Greek unemployment rate at 24.9 pct in Q1
  • [20] Greek inflation at -0.2 pct in May, Eurostat
  • [21] Greek stocks remain under heavy selling for seventh session
  • [22] ADEX closing report
  • [23] Poros village declared "European Stork Village"
  • [24] "Matala Festival 2016" promise a musical journey in the years of the hippies
  • [25] Greek developers design app on Brexit
  • [26] Boat with migrants and refugees runs aground
  • [27] Six migrants sent back toTurkey
  • [28] Iranian woman accuses Afghan man of rape in Chios hotspot
  • [29] 56,622 identified migrants and refugees in Greece on Thursday; no new arrivals in the last 48h
  • [30] Sailing boat carrying family of Italians issues distress call east of Kythnos
  • [31] Sunny and hot on Friday
  • [32] The Thursday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance Politics

  • [01] PM Tsipras: Government now geared towards fair growth and sustainable jobs

    The government is gearing its efforts towards achieving fair economic growth that will create long-lasting and decent jobs, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Thursday evening, as he introduced the government's plan "Greece 2021: Fair growth, productive reconstruction", at an event at the Acropolis Mu-seum.

    "The main focus now is growth and all government efforts are geared towards one strategic target: promoting fair growth," he said. "Fair growth is a vision that has nothing to do with what meanings previous governments gave to development. Our differences with those who destroyed the country are chaotic."

    Tsipras attacked previous governments, saying what they considered as success were the "ruins they left behind" - the dwindling wages and pensions, the abolition of collective labour agreements and the relentless shrinking of the public sector.

    "On the contrary, for us growth means re-integrating our economy in the global division of labor, creating an economy with productive skills, healing the wounds of the welfare state, [creating] a wide range of productive activities, cooperative schemes of social economy, entrepreneurship oriented towards the production of viable and decently paid jobs," he said.

    Commenting on the new privatization fund that will be set up, the premier said it will provide "a rational and beneficial to the public interest usage of state property and stimulate investment activity."

    Tsipras also took a moment to comment on the murder of British Labour MP Jo Cox, who was gunned down and stabbed by a man earlier on Thursday, while she was attending an event at her constituency.

    "Our common enemy is all those who want to break the unity of the peoples and social forces," he said and called on all sides "to pay homage to a politician who died unjustly and to hope she is the last victim at a time when hatred in Europe is rekindled and strengthened against sobriety and political discourse."

    [02] First review of Greek programme essentially concluded, Tsakalotos says

    The European Stability Mechanism (ESM) governors' decision to approve the disbursement of a 7.5-billion-euro loan tranche to Greece essentially marks the conclusion of the first review of Greece's programme, Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos said in Luxembourg on Thursday, in an exclusive statement to the ANA-MPA. On Friday, ESM directors will simply formally ratify this decision, he added.

    In his meeting with European Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs Pierre Moscovici, Tsakalotos said that a lot has changed since last year, since the recapitalisation of Greece's banks had been completed, the first review of the programme concluded and there was now an agreement on Greece's debt.

    "I appreciate that for many Greeks things are still very difficult, since we passed a lot of difficult measures," Tsakalotos said. "I feel a need to say that the next year must not just be the year when we exit the crisis through growth but a time when we place emphasis on the qualitative aspects of this growth."

    The finance minister said that emphasis will be given to issues relating to justice, labour relations and the environment, noting that the growth achieved in Greece must be of a different kind to that seen before 2008, which resulted in crisis.

    "It must be growth based on a completely different model," Tsakalotos said, noting that for a government of the Left such a model must respect workers and ensure that goods will be distributed among the many.

    Ending his statement, Tsakalotos said that he told Moscovici that Greeks looks forward to cooperation "but with a different agenda for the future".

    [03] 7.5 bln euro tranche to Greece to be disbursed on Monday

    The 7.5 billion euro tranche to Greece will be disbursed on Monday as Thursday's Eurogroup meeting in Luxembourg is only of typical after the conclusion of the programme review, government sources said to ANA-MPA.

    The Eurogroup meeting will be held at 16:00 with the participation of Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos.

    The heads of the ESM will meet before the Eurogroup meeting to ratify the conclusion of the Greek programme review and give the green light for the disbursment of the loan tranche.

    EU sources in Luxembourg noted that the disbursement of the tranche to Greece will be made before the referendum in Britain on June 23 as the Europeans want to send a message to London stressing the importance of solidarity among member states.

    [04] Eurogroup chief confirms Greece has met all prior actions for loan tranche disbursement

    BRUSSELS (ANA-MPA/C. Vassilaki)

    Eurogroup chief Jeroen Dijsselbloem confirmed that Greece has met all the prior actions that will allow the disbursement of a 7.5 billion euro loan tranche, upon his arrival at a European Stability Mechanism (ESM) board of governors meeting in Luxembourg on Thursday.

    Greece seems to have done all the work, he noted, apart from four small issues that will be dealt with later.

    The outlook for Greece at Thursday's meeting was good, he added, and there was every reason for optimism, while a decision from the ESM directors for the disbursement of loans will be taken on Friday.

    "Greece has made a lot of progress on all the prior actions and the steps that were taken. Let's get this done," he added, before heading in to the annual ESM meeting with the other Eurozone finance ministers.

    The meeting will discuss the ESM annual report and the conclusion of the first review of the Greek programme, after which the governors are expected to instruct the ESM board of directors to formally approved the disbursement of the loans to Greece when they meet on Friday morning, ahead of the ECOFIN Council.

    [05] Moscovici: 7.5-billion-euro loan tranche will pump 'real oxygen' into Greece's economy

    LUXEMBOURG (ANA-MPA/ C. Vasilaki)

    "This is an important moment for Greece and the Eurozone," European Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs Pierre Moscovici said on Thursday, welcoming the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) governors' decision to disburse a much-needed loan tranche to the debt-stricken country. In a joint press conference with Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos, Moscovici congratulated Greece's finance minister and Greek authorities on successfully concluding the first review of the Greek programme.

    "A year ago we had intense discussions, some were even talking about a Grexit but today, a year later, a significant part of the ground has been covered, progress has been made and the ESM governors have finally decided to disburse 7.5 billion euros to Greece," Moscovici said.

    He noted that this 7.5 billion will pump "real oxygen" into Greece's economy, pointing out that adjustment programmes were "not an end in themselves" but designed to create the conditions for economic growth.

    "This is what we want; we want Greece to stay in the euro zone with its economy reformed," Moscovici added.

    The Commissioner noted that both Greece and the Eurozone were on the right track and that Greece was expected to return to growth during the current year and reach growth rates exceeding 3 pct of GDP in 2017. Congratulating the government, Greek authorities and the Greek people, Moscovici said that the results of the reforms might not be immediately apparent but that this will also happen soon.

    The Commissioner also showered praise on Tsakalotos in person, saying it was very pleasant to work with him and noting that this was not just his view but that of all Eurogroup members.

    Tsakalotos agreed that it had been a difficult year "not just for the European Commission and the institutions but also for the Greek people and Greece." The Greek government had succeeded in drawing up a road map for getting through this and following it, he added.

    This road map had included the recapitalisation of the banks, concluding the review of the programme and getting a decision for the debt.

    "A year later we have achieved much. I want to thank the European Commission and Pierre Moscovici in person because, while the member-states each look to their own interests, the Commission drives the European process. Without the Commission we could not have found solutions to certain issues, such as pension reform and taxation," he said.

    The discussion on the debt and the second review must now take place simultaneously, Greece's finance minister added, while noting that Greece must seek an alternative model for growth. As a government of the Left, Tsakalotos explained, it must seek ways to change the pre-crisis production model that prevailed before 2008, taking the adjustment forward with respect for social rights, workers and the environment.

    [06] 'Good news' on Greece, Moscovici says before Eurogroup

    BRUSSELS (ANA-MPA/ C. Vasilaki)

    Arriving for a Eurogroup meeting in Luxembourg on Thursday, European Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs Pierre Moscovici said there was "good news" regarding Greece.

    "The governors of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) governors have decided to disburse the 7.5 billion euros that will help Greece find the oxygen it needs and grow," he said. A year earlier, the Eurogroup was discussing 'Grexit' and now the success of a programme, he added.

    Moscovici said that Greece was "on the right path" with respect to reforms and that this was due to the solidarity shown by its partners.

    Austrian Finance Minister Hans Jorg Schelling said that Greece had made progress and that only some technical issues remained, that the Eurogroup will address in September.

    [07] Greek loan tranche to be disbursed early next week, says ESM's Regling

    BRUSSELS (ANA-MPA/M. Aroni)

    The disbursement of Greece's 7.5-billion-euro tranche is expected to be made at the start of the next week, the head of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) Klaus Regling said during a press conference in Luxembourg, which followed the fourth annual meeting of ESM's board of governors on Thursday.

    He said it is the first sub-tranche of the second installment, totaling 10.3 billion euros.

    "Today the ESM is by far the largest creditor to Greece with more than 160 billion euros disbursed (EFSF + ESM) to the country. Should the entire third program amount be disbursed to Greece, we would hold around two thirds of Greek public debt," Regling told journalists.

    He said the annual report calculations show how much this saves the Greek budget every year. "The Greek budget saved last year 8.1 billion euros as a result of our beneficial financing conditions compared to a situation where Greece would have to be financed in the markets."

    Regling also said ESM's financing provides a significant contribution for Greece to regain debt sustainability, noting that any additional debt relief measures, as part of the recent Eurogroup agreement, add to this. "It is important to stress that these benefits for Greece lead to no reduction of the nominal amount of Greek debt, so nominal haircut - you know that has been excluded for a long time - and therefore no cost for taxpayers," he said.

    Speaking at the same press conference, Eurogroup president Jeroen Dijsselbloem confirmed that the updated MoU between Greece and the Mechanism was approved by the board. The decision will be officially announced by the ESM on Friday morning, he added.

    Asked what the few remaining issues that remain to be resolved are, he said they mainly concern privatizations but noted these will not prevent the decision for the disbursement of the loan installment on Friday. "It concerns four small issues which we have left aside and we will resolve later," he added.

    [08] Lagarde reiterates IMF's support for Greek debt relief

    BRUSSELS (ANA-MPA/C. Vasilaki)

    The head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Christine Lagarde reiterated on Thursday her support for debt relief for Greece that will allow it to return to the markets and achieve growth, following a Eurogroup meeting on Thursday, during which she presented the Fund's annual report on the Eurozone.

    She said the IMF will re-evaluate the sustainability of the Greek debt and the actions that must be taken to relieve it on the basis of new forecasts for the Greek economy.

    Asked to comment of the Eurogroup's decision in May on debt, Lagarde said it was "encouraging" that Greece and its European partners had reached a deal and that the IMF expects Greece will fulfill its obligations in the next months.

    Responding to a relevant question, she said the Fund has not signed the aforementioned deal on the Greek debt, but accepted that Europeans have incorporates in their deal some of the IMF's suggestions.

    [09] New development law voted in principle

    The new development law was voted in principle by the Greek Parliament on Thursday.

    152 deputies of SYRIZA and Independent Greeks voted for the bill while all the other political parties voted against (101 votes) and the deputies of the Democratic Alliance said 'present'.

    The bill also includes an amendement submitted by Alternate Migration Minister Yiannis Mouzalas on the composition of the committees that will be examining the asylum applications.

    [10] EU Commissioner Avramopoulos on migration management

    BRUSSELS(ANA-MPA/Ch. Vassilaki)

    EU member states can provide up to 8 billion euros over the next five years in order to support the agreements with third countries on migration management, European Commissioner for Migration Dimitris Avramopoulos said on Wednesday.

    Avramopoulos was addressing an event on the European Development Days held in Brussels.

    "Last year we increased significantly the funding for the management of migration. We propose to further increase funding, starting with an aid of 500 million euros for the Africa Fund, an innovative tool that was founded last November in Valletta. We ask our member states to contribute to reach one billion euros," he said adding that "if EU member states join their forces, an amount of 8 billion euros can be allocated in order to support these agreements over the next five years."

    "We need to support the countries of origin, so that people are not forced to leave them," said the Greek Commissioner.

    Moreover, he said that the "traditional models of development cooperation" should be reviewed, giving a much greater role to private investors. "We will soon propose a new Foreign Investment Fund to boost private investments in these countries, starting with Africa and the EU neighborhood," he said, stressing also the importance of "structural, long-term solutions for countries affected by instability, and the countries of transit and destination, especially for those vulnerable people seeking refuge."

    Finally, he reiterated that the opening of legal routes for migrants is a necessary condition to combat undocumented migration. "This overcomes the relocation of those needing protection. Europe is not closing its borders to migrants. It has never done it and it will never do so," he said, adding that "an effective return and readmission policy is the most effective method of preventing the dangerous journeys of migrants and refugees."

    [11] Greek state strives for unity of Orthodox Churches, says FM

    The Greek state contributes in every way towards the unity of all the Orthodox Churches, Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias said on Thursday after his arrival at Cania, in Crete, where he will host a dinner for the Primates of the Churches that are participating in the Holy and Great Council.

    "Orthodoxy is a part of our country's history, of the identity of most of our citizens, and the Foreign Ministry and the Greek state are contributing in every way towards the unity and love of, and care for, the people and cooperation of the Orthodox Churches, of all the churches and of the secular," Kotzias said.

    On his side, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Ieronymos said Church leaders are in Crete to complete an important mission.

    [12] PM Tsipras expresses shock at murder of British MP Jo Cox

    Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras expressed his shock at the murder of British Labour MP Jo Cox who was shot and stabbed during an attack in her constituency on Thursday.

    "The murder of @UKLabour MP @Jo_Cox1 is shocking. Hatred and nationalism are common enemies of our people. #JoCox," the premier tweeted.

    A 52-year-old man was arrested in connection to her murder.

    [13] ND leader Mitsotakis announces start of public debate on ND's programme

    New Democracy (ND) leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis and ND vice president Costis Hatzidakis announced on Thursday the start of the public debate on ND's government programme.

    "It will be a comprehensive and realistic plan that will suprise positively the Greek society and our lenders. The proposal is already being drafted. Several parts of the plan have already been unveiled as the proposal for the migration and refugees issue", stressed Mitsotakis.

    He called on the citizens to participate in the debate via the e-platform and added that ND's aim is to lead Greece to the post-memorandum era.

    [14] Parliament allows prosecution of minister Pavlos Polakis, two MPs

    Greece's Parliament on Thursday voted for the suspension of immunity from prosecution for Alternate Health Minister Pavlos Polakis, who faces charges for town planning violations during his term as Sfakia mayor, as well as for SYRIZA MP Christos Bgiala and Golden Dawn MP Nikos Mihos.

    A majority of 93 MPs out of a total of 177 present at the vote were in favour of suspending Polakis' immunity, while 82 voted against and two abstained but voted 'present'.

    A total of 103 voted in favour of suspending immunity for Bgialas, who has been sued for insulting behaviour, with 70 voting against and four 'present', while an overwhelming majority of 173 in favour and only two against were in favour of stripping immunity from Mihos, who was accused of submitting an inaccurate wealth statement to Parliament.

    The plenum voted against removing immunity from SYRIZA MP Triantafyllos Mitafidis for a case related to his term as a Thessaloniki municipal councillor.

    [15] ANA-MPA launches new website with news from Macedonia and Thrace

    The Athens - Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA) is launching a new portal on June 21 titled "Praktoreio Macedonia-Thrace", which will focus on news from the two regions of northern Greece.

    Journalists will cover news on local government, agriculture, sports, culture, education and tourism for the region from Florina to Evros, focusing on events that concern the local population, and with an aim to both discuss problems and promote the region.

    Financial News

    [16] ECB to decide on accepting Greek bonds as collateral on June 22, ANA-MPA's sources

    The European Central Bank (ECB) is expected to give Greek banks direct access to cheap funding during its board meeting on June 22, according to ANA-MPA's sources in Frankfurt.

    According to Reuters news agency, the European Central Bank is almost certain to reinstate Greek banks' access to its cheap funding operations next week, two sources familiar with the situation said, allowing lenders to come off an expensive emergency lifeline after more than a year.

    "Regaining the funding would be a big step in normalising an economy still weighed down by capital controls and adjustments related to its bailout," Reuters said.

    [17] HRADF announces sale of real estate assets

    Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF) announced the sale of real estate assets through an e-auction procedure.

    HRADF announced the nomination of highest bidders for real estate assets that have been included in auction procedures with the right of counter offer through the website www.e-publicrealestate.gr.

    In particular, highest bidders have been nominated for the following real estate assets:

    - Xiradakis Mansion in Makrynitsa, Pelion, Magnesia the company FANALSIGHT INVESTMENT LTD, with a financial offer of 417,000 euros

    - Mouslis Mansion in Makrynitsa, Pelion, Magnesia the company FANALSIGHT INVESTMENT LTD, with a financial offer of 290,000 euros

    - Evagelinakis Mansion in Milies Pelion, Magnesia Mr. Panagiotis Garoufalias, with a financial offer of 198,600 euros

    - Former Magistrates Court in Limni, Euboia, Mr. Dimitrios Mastrokostas has been nominated as Highest Bidder with a financial offer of 170.690 euros

    - Katsanis Mansion in Sourada - Lesvos, the Municipality of Lesvos, with a financial offer of 405,000 euros

    - Former Magistrates Court in Sintiki, Kato Poroia - Serres, Mrs. Kalliopi Tsanteridou, with a financial offer of 132,000 euros.

    [18] Greek budget primary surplus at 2.267 billion euros in Jan-May

    Greek state budget recorded a primary surplus of 2.267 billion euros in the January-May period this year, up from a primary surplus of 1.506 billion in the corresponding period last year and a budget target for a deficit of 820 million euros, official figures showed on Thursday.

    A report by the General Accounts Office on provisional budget execution, showed that in the five-month period, the general government's deficit was 828 million euros, from a shortfall of 1.399 billion in the same period last year and a budget target for a deficit of 3.880 billion euros.

    State budget net revenue was 19.194 billion euros in the January-May period, up 1.7 pct from budget targets, while regular budget net revenue amounted to 17.249 billion euros, up 4.6 pct from targets. Tax returns totaled 1.206 billion euros, while Public Investment Programme revenue was 1.945 billion euros, down 445 million from targets. In May, net revenue totaled 3.180 billion euros, up 462 million from targets, while regular budget net revenue surpassed targets by 437 million euros to 3.145 billion. Revenue returns totaled 228 million euros, up 66 million from monthly targets.

    State budget spending amounted to 20.022 billion euros in the January-May period, down 2.738 billion from targets. Regular budget spending totaled 18.908 billion euros in the five-month period, down 2.367 billion from targets because of a 2.056 billion euros decline in primary spending. Regular budget spending were down 145 million from 2015 levels. Public Investment Programme spending totaled 1.114 billion euros, down 371 million from targets.

    In May, state budget spending totaled 3.854 billion euros, down 460 million from monthly targets, while regular budget spending fell 290 million euros from targets to 3.659 billion euros. Public Investment Programme spending totaled 195 million euros, down 170 million from monthly targets.

    [19] Greek unemployment rate at 24.9 pct in Q1

    Greek unemployment rate rose to 24.9 pct of the workforce in the first quarter of 2016, from 24.4 pct in the fourth quarter of 2015, but fell compared with a 26.6 pct rate recorded in the same period last year, Hellenic Statistical Authority said on Thursday.

    The statistics service, in a monthly report, said that the number of unemployed people totaled 1,195,084 at the end of the first quarter, with unemployment among young people (up to 24 years old) at 50.9 pct, long-term unemployment at 70.3 pct of total unemployment (840,145) and six out of the 13 regions of the country recording an increase in unemployment.

    The number of unemployed people grew 1.7 pct compared with the fourth quarter of 2015, but fell by 6.1 pct compared with the same period in 2015. The unemployment rate among women was 29.5 pct (30.6 pct in 2015), while among men it fell to 21.2 pct from 23.5 pct.

    The unemployment rate in the 15-24 age group eased to 50.9 pct in the first quarter from 51.9 pct last year, in the 25-29 age group it fell to 35.9 pct from 39.7 pct, in the 30-44 age group it fell to 23.4 pct from 25.7 pct, in the 45-64 age group it remained unchanged at 20.4 pct and in the above 65 age group it rose to 12.3 pct from 9.3 pct.

    Among the country's regions, Western Macedonia recorded the highest unemployment rate (33 pct in Q1 from 29 pct in Q1 2015), followed by Western Greece (30 pct from 29 pct), Crete (28.3 pct from 27.2 pct), Thessaly (27.8 pct from 26.8 pct), Central Greece (27.7 pct from 26.4 pct), Epirus (25.7 pct from 25.5 pct), Central Macedonia (25.4 pct from 27.4 pct), Eastern Macedonia-Thrace (23.9 pct from 24.8 pct), Attica (23.4 pct from 26.7 pct), Southern Aegean (21.2 pct from 25.4 pct), Peloponese (20.6 pct from 23.9 pct), Ionian Islands (19.6 pct from 28.9 pct) and Northern Aegean (18.5 pct from 20.2 pct).

    A 12 pct of unemployed people were seeking exclusively full-time jobs, a 83.3 pct was willing to work as part-time and a 4.7 pct was seeking part-time jobs. Long-term unemployment totaled 70.3 pct of total unemployment, while unemployment among foreigners surpassed those of Greek citizens (34.1 pct against 24.2 pct).

    The number of employed people was 3,606,344 at the end of the first quarter, down 1.0 pct from the previous quarter but up 2.9 pct from the same period last year. A total of 139,609 people found work in the January-March period, after being unemployed a year ago.

    Part-time employment accounted for 9.8 pct of total. Wage employment was 65.8 pct of total employment, the lowest in the European Union (an 83.9 pct average).

    [20] Greek inflation at -0.2 pct in May, Eurostat

    BRUSSELS (ANMA/Chr.Vasilaki)

    Greek annual inflation rate slowed to -0.2 pct in May this year, from -0.4 pct in April and -1.4 pct in May 2015, Eurostat said on Thursday.

    The EU executive's statistics agency, in a report released here, said that the inflation rate in the Eurozone was -0.1 pct in May from -0.2 pct in April and 0.3 pct in May 2015. In the EU, the annual inflation rate was -0.1 pct in May, from -0.2 pct in April and 0.3 pct in May last year.

    A total of 16 EU member-states recorded negative inflation rates in May, with Romania (-3.0 pct), Bulgaria (-2.5 pct) and Cyprus (-1.9 pct) recording the highest deflation rates. Belgium (1.6 pct), Malta (1.0 pct) and Sweden (0.8 pct) recorded the highest inflation rates.

    [21] Greek stocks remain under heavy selling for seventh session

    Greek stocks remained under heavy selling pressure for the seventh successive session in the Athens Stock Exchange on Thursday, pushing the composite index of the market below the 560-point support level. Traders said bank shares were at the focus of selling activity, with the index losing more than 30 pct in the last seven sessions.

    The composite index dropped 3.31 pct to end at 556.48 points, off the day's lows of 553.07 points. The index is down 14.86 pct in the last seven sessions and the bank index down 31.14 pct in the same period. The Large Cap index fell 4.24 pct and the Mid Cap index ended 1.93 pct lower. Turnover was an improved 86.471 million euros in volume of 155,439,660.

    Jumbo (1.25 pct) and Titan (1.13 pct) were the only blue chip stocks to end higher, while Piraeus Bank (13.13 pct), National Bank (10.18pct), Viohalco (9.70 pct) and Lamda Development (7.69 pct) suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day. Among market sectors, Personal Products (0.78 pct) and Constructions (0.45 pct) scored gains, while Banks (9.64 pct) and Raw Materials (5.13 pct) suffered losses.

    National Bank and Piraeus Bank were the most heavily traded securities of the day. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 71 to 30 with another 13 issues unchanged. Domiki Crete (16.28 pct), Lazaridis Estate (9.89 pct) and Intertek (9.88 pct) were top gainers, while Kepenos Mills (30 pct), Attica bank (15.86 pct) and Piraeus Bank (13.13 pct) were top losers.

    [22] ADEX closing report

    The June contract on the FTSE/ASE Large Cap index was trading at a premium of 0.36 pct in the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Thursday. Volume on the Big Cap index totaled 12,501 contracts with 14,044 open positions in the market. Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 156,158 with investment interest focusing on National Bank's contracts (58,323), followed by Alpha Bank (10,774), Piraeus Bank (34,775), Eurobank (15,276), MIG (13,347), Viohalco (972), Mytilineos (2,383), Hellenic Petroleum (1,018), Motor Oil (436), Metka (111), GEK (3,555), Ellaktor (1,031), Intralot (405), Folli Follie (229), Jumbo (317), Piraeus Port (109), Korinth Pipeworks (548) and Terna Energy (555).

    General News

    [23] Poros village declared "European Stork Village"

    The village of Poros in the region of Evros, was declared "2016 European Stork Village" by the EuroNatur Foundation for its commitment to the protection of storks and the preservation of Greek natural landscapes rich in storks.

    The nomination was made by representatives of the European Agency for the environmental protection at a special ceremony held in Poros.

    According to the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator, the declaration of Poros as a European Stork Village was achieved thanks to many years of monitoring the species as well as installing transmitters and repairing artificial nests.

    [24] "Matala Festival 2016" promise a musical journey in the years of the hippies

    The sixth "Matala Festival 2016" will open on June 17-19 at Matala, Crete, and will offer unique moments to the visitors.

    It is a journey through time with a lot of music and other events, which will be held next to the caves of Matala, on the seashore, where dancing and fun will have a leading role.

    Matala is well known for its man-made caves carved out of the rock thousands of years ago in the steep cliffs that rise above the north side of the bay. Hippies from all over the world used to come to Matala during the 60's and 70's for its laid-back lifestyle.

    "This celebration of love, freedom, carefree, song, dance, will last three days and provide magical moments that will remain unforgettable to all," according to the announcement of the organizers who promise "a wonderful weekend musical journey in the years of hippies."

    The festival features Filippos Pliatsikas, Koza Mostra, Billi Merziotis & After Hours, Soul Fire, Alone Together, Tonis Sfinos, Onirama, Sgt. Pepper's Beatles, Kulamacus The Band, Crossroads the band, Maraveyas Ilegal, Dub Pistols, Moka Band, Shade & the Soul Gig and Pulse.

    [25] Greek developers design app on Brexit

    Greek app developers One9six and SOFTWeb on Thursday announced the release of a mobile app on Android and iOS platforms for smartphones, in which the public express their opinion about a possible "Brexit" in the upcoming British EU referendum on June 23.

    Users can take part in the "vote" right up to 22:00 on June 23, when polling stations in the UK will close.

    The app is available for download at:

    Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gr.softweb.exitpoll&hl=en

    App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/exit-poll/id531079400?mt=8

    [26] Boat with migrants and refugees runs aground

    A vessel with approximately 100 migrants and refugees on board ran aground earlier on Thursday in the area of Tshihliondas, northwestern Lesvos.

    Coast Guard patrol vessels are rushing to the area while according to sources the passengers are not in danger.

    [27] Six migrants sent back toTurkey

    Six Algerian migrants left on Thursday from the port of Mytilene for the port of Dikili, Turkey. The readmission process is held within the implementation of EU-Turkey agreement.

    The migrants waived their right for political asylum which they had initially requested.

    [28] Iranian woman accuses Afghan man of rape in Chios hotspot

    A 45-year-old Iranian woman living in the hotspot of Halkios in Chios told police on Thursday she was raped by an 18-year-old Afghan migrant, authorities announced, adding that an investigation has been launched.

    According to the law, refugees or migrants who are found guilty of any crime are deported within days of their conviction by a court.

    [29] 56,622 identified migrants and refugees in Greece on Thursday; no new arrivals in the last 48h

    56,662 identified refugees and migrants were on the Greek territory on Thursday while no new arrivals were recorded in the last 48 hours.

    According to the Refugee Crisis Management Coordination Body's figures, 23,881 of the refugees are in northern Greece, 9,947 are hosted in the region of Attica, 8,319 on the Greek islands and 2,420 are hosted in different areas in central and southern Greece. 5,632 refugees and migrants are hosted in several facilities rented by the UNHCR, 4,923 are staying in non-organised facilities while approximately 1,500 persons are living outside organised facilities.

    [30] Sailing boat carrying family of Italians issues distress call east of Kythnos

    A sailing boat carrying an Italian family of five, including three small children, issued a distress call after it started taking on water on Thursday afternoon. The boat, which was sailing in waters east of the Aegean island of Kythnos, may have run aground on rocks, according to initial reports.

    A Navy ship and helicopter have been dispatched to the area, while a coast guard rescue vessel and private vessels in the vicinity have also responded to the call. The weather is reported to be good.

    Weather forecast

    [31] Sunny and hot on Friday

    Hot weather and winds from variable directions are forecast for Friday. Wind velocity will reach 4 on the Richter scale. Mostly fair in the northern and western parts of the country with temperatures ranging from 18C-37C. High temperatures in the eastern parts that will reach 39 on the Richter scale. Sunny over the Aegean islands and Crete, 22C-34C. Hot in Athens, 21C-38C. Mostly fair in Thessaloniki, 20C-35C.

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

    AVGHI: Spurious opposition

    DIMOKRATIA: The memorandum is killing

    EFIMERIDA TON SYNTAKTON: Searching the big bad loans

    ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: Phone bullying by the Tax Bureau

    ESTIA: Lost expectations for 65 billion euros

    ETHNOS: Heavy penalties for undeclared illegal documents

    IMERISSIA: Taxes strangle

    KATHIMERINI: Banks of Greece recipe for growth

    NAFTEMPORIKI: Overtaxation threatens the economy

    TA NEA: Rough landing

    TO PONTIKI: The institutions and the blackmails

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