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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 16-09-06Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>Tuesday, 6 September 2016 Issue No: 5240CONTENTS
[01] Greece's progress in meeting financial programme milestones to be discussed at EurogroupBRUSSELS (ANA/C. Vasilaki)Greece's progress in implementing the prior actions needed for the disbursement of further financial support under the Greek programme is one of the topics to be discussed by Eurozone finance ministers meeting in Bratislava on Friday, according to the official agenda published by the European Council website. The Eurogroup will be briefed by representatives of the institutions representing Greece's creditors and Greek authorities on the implementation of intermediate targets and progress in paying off the state's overdue debts. The agenda reflects the Eurogroup statements about Greece on May 25, which linked the disbursement of a second tranche of loans after the summer to milestones such as privatisations, management of the banks, the General Secretary of Public Revenues and the energy sector, as well as progress in paying the Greek state's overdue debts. Greece is due to receive another 2.8 billion euros from the 10.3 billion euro tranche of loans linked to successful conclusion of the first review. The remaining 7.5 billion euros was disbursed on June 21. [02] Public Administration Reform Council meeting concludedA meeting of the Government Council for Public Administration Reform, chaired by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, was held at the Maximos Mansion on Monday. In an announcement, the premier's office said the meeting had focused on the national strategic reform of public administra-tion and local government.During the meeting, the government confirmed its commitment to creating an efficient public administration, free from party intervention, which reflects the contemporary needs of Greek citizens and operates exclusively in support of the public interest, the announcement said. In this context, the ministers taking part discussed an update of the 2016-2018 National Strategy for Public Administration Reform Plan, immediate legislative initiatives to cut down on red tape and simplify bureaucratic processes and the mandatory electronic movement of administrative documents and the interaction and interconnection of public sector IT systems. Participating in the meeting were Interior and Administrative Reconstruction Minister Panagiotis Kouroumblis, Alternate Interior and Administrative Reconstruction Minister Christoforos Vernardakis, Economy, Development and Tourism Minister George Stathakis, Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos, Minister of State Alekos Flambouraris, and general secretaries Michalis Kalogirou and Dimitris Tzanakopoulos. [03] Minister of State meeting owners of four companies awarded TV licencesMinister of State Nikos Pappas on Monday had a series of meetings with the owners of the four companies provisionally awarded television broadcasting licences in last week's tender, pending the outcome of audits to determine the source of their funding.Pappas started by meeting ship and football club owner Vaggelis Marinakis, after which he entered a meeting with construction firm owner Christos Kalogritsas. He is next scheduled to meet the owner of ANT1 television Thodoris Kyriakou and then the owner of the SKAI broadcasting company Yiannis Alafouzos. According to ANA sources, Pappas congratulated them on obtaining licences and noted that the audits were pending, while also stressing their major responsibility for ensuring that the Greek people are informed of news and developments. [04] Meeting between GenSec Kretsos and four TV channels awarded licencesA meeting was held on Monday between General Secretary for News and Communications Lefteris Kretsos and representatives of the four television channels that submitted winning bids for licences to broadcast general content nationwide.Arriving for the meeting, SKAI representative Costas Kimbouropoulos expressed his full support for the staff of the channels that were not awarded a licence to continue operating but said, in response to questions, that the prospect of cooperating with other channels was "extremely hypothetical". The meeting focused on procedural issues in the new broadcasting environment created in the wake of the tender. Kimbouropoulos told reporters that an inspection of the wealth statements of the four channels awarded contracts will be completed by Friday, at which time the list of new television channel owners will be officially posted. The representatives of the channels asked Kretsos to postpone the first installment of their payment for the licences until after the Council of State's ruling in a request for interim measures made by television channels, in a session to be held on September 16. They also expressed concerns about a platform the government intends to impose on the management of advertising time, saying that this amounted to state control over a free market. [05] Networks Minister Spirtzis reassures that no jobs in TV sector will be lost"After the tender for the TV licences, those channels that were not granted a licence will stop operating," Infrastructure, Transport and Networks Minister Christos Spirtzis said in statements to public broadcaster ERT.The minister underlined that no jobs in the TV sector will be lost due to the quality criteria provided by the law. [06] 52 ND lawmakers ask PM, ministers questions on winner of TV licencing tenderFifty-two New Democracy lawmakers submitted to parliament on Monday five questions directed to the Prime Minister and the State and Justice Ministers concerning allegations made by ANEL leader Panos Kammenos about one of the winners in tender for the sale of four broadcasting licenses last week.Kammenos claimed that businessman Yannis Kalogritsas had attempted to use "black money and false press reports in his news site" to pressure the government for a TV license. The questions are the following: 1. What is the government's position on the public statements made by Kammenos for Kalogritsas? Does the minister still have the same view? Shouldn't Justice intervene? 2. Has the prime minister been briefed about the evidence known to Kammenos, which led to his statements on "black money"? 3. Shouldn't the government wait for the Council of State to decide first and then examine Kammenos' comments before starting the TV licensing tender? 4. When, from whom and with what procedure will the audits on the wealth statements of the four winners be conducted? Why wasn't this audit conducted before the tender? When will the results of the audits be publicized? 5. Is the participation of Kalogritsas Group in the tender legal, considering it submitted its letter of guarantee after the deadline? [07] ND charges ministerial contradictions over jobless from shut television channelsMain opposition New Democracy on Monday strongly criticised government ministers regarding the statement on those that will be made jobless when current television channels are forced to close, following the government's decision to issue licences for only four nationally broadcasting channels throughout the country."They don't know what they are doing and can't coordinate even in telling a lie," ND's announcement said, citing Minister of State Nikos Pappas, Infrastructure, Transport and Networks Minister Christos Spirtzis and Labour Minister George Katrougalos. "Pappas, speaking to 'Sto Kokkino' claimed that government had taken steps to protect jobs. Spirtzis, talking to "Real" claimed that jobs would not be lost but that even more will be created while Katrougalos, fully contradicting his comrades, confessed that there will be a wave of unemployment and that OAED is drawing up a programme for the jobless from the shutdown of channels," the announcement said. [08] Gov't optimism over latest developments is 'realistic', Deputy FM Amanatidis saysDeputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Amanatidis in an interview with Praktorio 104.9 FM on Monday said that the government's optimism over the latest developments is 'realistic.'"And this is because this optimism is based on specific data and not just intentions," he explained. After referring to a series of measures that the government implemented based on the parallel programme, Amanatidis said that a review of the last year's developments will be made in the 81st Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) and the 246 million euro revenues collected from TV licences. He stressed that emhasis should be given on growth and the support of weaker citizens. Regarding the implementation of those agreed with the EU, Amanatidis said: "the growth model will be implemented as of May. It takes time, but there is also the agreement with the ESM and EU Commissioner Pierre Moscovici, the ECB and IMF for debt settlement and lower surpluses as of 2018, and the government is struggling for this. I also believe that the political forces of the country will agree to that." [09] Disbursement of next sub-tranche moving according to timeframe, say FinMin sourcesThe disbursement of Greece's next sub-tranche of its bailout loan, totaling 2.8 billion euros, is proceeding according to official timeframe and will be dispersed after the completion of the "compliance report" which will be drawn up by the representatives of institutions, who will return to Athens on September 12, finance ministry sources told Athens-Macedonian News Agency on Monday.Therefore, the issue of the disbursement of the sub-tranche would not have been discussed at the informal Eurogroup which will take place in Bratislava, on September 9, the same sources added. They were responding to a report by German newspaper "Handelsblatt", which cited a European diplomat who said finance ministers at the upcoming Eurogroup in Bratislava will only briefly discuss Greece's progress and will not approve the disbursement of its sub-tranche. The same press report claimed the loan will not even be approved in the regular Eurogroup meeting on October 10, and possibly not within the year. Finance ministry sources said that to disburse the 2.8 billion euros, the "compliance report" will have to be completed. The second program review is expected to start in October and its completion is directly linked to the discussions on debt relief and primary surpluses and a new loan installment totaling 6.1 billion euros. [10] Greece should implement existing Dublin Regulation until it is reviewed, Commission spox saysBRUSSELS (AMNA/M. Aroni)The Dublin Regulation for refugees is reviewed, but until that happens, the Greek authorities should implement the existing one, European Commission spokeswoman for Refugees Issues Natasha Bertaud said on Monday when asked to comment on statements of German officials on the return of asylum seekers from Germany to Greece. She said that by the end of December Greece must return to the current Dublin Regulation, which has been suspended for the country since 2011. "Greece must return to Dublin standards and be an integral part of the system," she said, adding that in the coming months the Commission will publish its progress report on where things stand on this issue. "The Dublin Regulation is a European legislation and member-states commit to comply with the implementation of European legislation which is in force, as well as all the traditional enforcement measures that the Commission reserves the right to use," Bertaud added. She also referred to EU Commissioner for Migration Issues Dimitris Avramopoulos, saying he has sent letters to EU member-states, asking them to accelerate the absorption of refugees currently in Greece who are entitled to relocation. Bertaud admitted that the program of resettlement is proceeding very slowly. On September 2, 40 refugees were relocated from Greece to Finland and some more were relocated before that date to France and Cyprus. [11] President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe Jean Claude Frecon in AthensPresident of the Congress of the Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe Jean Claude Frecon is paying a three-day visit to the perfecture of Attica following an invitation by regional governor of Attica Rena Dourou.Frecon will be briefed on the role and the local and regional authorities intitiatives in their effort to confront the multiple dimensions of the migration and refugees issue. The president of the congress will visit the refugees reception center in Eleonas and Skaramangas and on Tuesday he will meet with Dourou. [12] Defence minister, armed forces chiefs of staff in KastellorizoDefence Minister Panos Kammenos, accompanied by Hellenic Army General Staff (HAGS) chief Lieutenant General Vasilios Tellidis, Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS) chief Admiral Evangelos Apostolakis and the head of the Hellenic Coast Guard Vice-Admiral Stamatis Raptis, on Monday visited the Greek island of Kastellorizo to inaugurate 17 huts built on the island for the use of armed forces personnel.The minister and armed forces' chiefs were accompanied by South Aegean Region governor Giorgos Hatzimarkos and Rhodes Mayor Fotis Hatzidiakos. The huts were handed over to the armed forces, after which the defence minister visited the islets Stroggyli and Ro. [13] Defence minister rules out further paycuts for armed forces, security forces personnel"We will not allow any further [salary] cuts for personnel of the armed forces and security forces. We will do everything that should be done to restore constitutional order and implement the Council of State ruling regarding armed forces pay," Defence Minister Panos Kammenos stressed on Monday.He was speaking from the island of Kastellorizo, where he was inaugurating 17 huts built to house armed forces personnel. [14] '4th Athens Democracy Forum' to discuss threats to liberal democraciesIs democracy good for business? Is liberal democracy compatible with religion? Should the major institutions of global governance be reformed, or scrapped? Do terrorist attacks justify giving greater powers to security forces? These and many more questions will be raised and discussed during the 4th Athens Democracy Forum, which will be held in the Greek capital on September 14-18.The forum will bring together politicians, policy makers, journalists, scholars and experts from the fields of business, finance and technology to explore the challenges to liberal democracy and ways to face them. Staged among the Greek capital's historic landmarks, it will tackle themes relating to religion, migration, power and money. The Athens Democracy Forum will be hosted and moderated by New York Times editors, and is presented under the auspices of President Prokopis Pavlopoulos. It also has the endorsement of United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who sent a letter of support. "In too many places, democracy is in recession. Authoritarian rule has deepened. Civil society and media are coming under attack, with increasing restrictions across every continent. In some cases, calls for rights and freedom have produced the opposite result," Ban says in his message. "I thank all of you for using your creativity and influence as you discuss how to turn the democratic tide." Some of the keynote speakers include: Dimitris Avramopoulos, European Commissioner for Migration, Paul Krugman, Op-Ed columnist of the New York Times, Emmanuel Macron, French former Economy minister and President of "En marche", Christiane Amanpour, Chief International Correspondent at CNN, Mario Monti, Economist and Former prime minister of Italy, Dr. Jennifer N. Riria, Group CEO of Kenya Women Holding Company, Geoffrey Robertson QC, Founder of Doughty Street Chambers, , Giorgos Kaminis, Athens mayor, Olga Kefalogianni, New Democracy MP and former Tourism minister, Kenneth Roth, Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, Lucas Papademos, Vice President of the Academy of Athens and former prime minister, Edward Snowden, Former U.S. Intelligence Officer and whistleblower, and many more. [15] Labour unions protest in Thessaloniki ahead of TIFA series of protests have been scheduled ahead of the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) that will peak on Saturday, September 10, in Thessaloniki.The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) will hold a protest at 6 pm, at Venizelos statue, followed by a rally with the slogan "it's enough with illusions, we put an end to experiments, unemployment and poverty." The public sector employees organisation (ADEDY) call a rally also at 6 pm, at Venizelos statue. PAME affiliated to the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) will hold a separate rally on Aristotelous square, at 6 pm. PAME calls on protests against policies and new measures that lead to more poverty. Financial News [16] TIF 2016 reflects trends in Greek economy, HELEXPO-TIF CEO tells ANAThe 81st Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) that opens its doors later this week provides a 'map' of the basic trends and developments in the Greek economy, showing which sectors have best weathered the ongoing crisis, HELEXPO-TIF CEO Kyriakos Pozrikidis said in statements to the ANA on Monday.After successfully resisting capital controls and a bank holiday in 2015, with 800 participants at TIF during that year, the fair had 1,000 exhibitors taking part in 2016, in a sign that the economy was stabilising, he said. According to Pozrikidis, the very small number of construction companies and building material providers taking part in the 81st TIF reflects the deep crisis of the construction sector since the start of the seven-year crisis. Conversely, the number of exhibitors reflects a much rosier picture for the food and beverage sector and agricultural sector, while furniture manufacturers, energy and technology appear to be more resistant to the effects of the crisis and more export oriented. Pozrikidis also referred to what he called the "TIF paradox": whereas TIF had in the past "tracked" GDP growth in the same way as trade fairs throughout the world, in recent years TIF seemed to show greater growth than Greek GDP. He particularly emphasised the trade fair's importance for the local economy, citing a Macedonia University study showing that the city of Thessaloniki would lose some 2.8 pct of its GDP if TIF should cease, while for every 1.00 euro of demand for exhibition product the local economy "rose" by 1.86 euros. This year's TIF is further notable for the return of Iran and the European Commission, after an absence of several years, with the latter intending to present its humanitarian aid programme in Thessaloniki, while neighbouring Turkey will this year occupy an entire pavilion. In recognition of 2016 as the Year of Russia in Greece, Russia will be the Guest of Honour, with more than 100 Russian companies participating in the Russian Pavilion. These will include Russian giants such as Gazprom or the Russian Railways, both of which have expressed interest in the privatisations taking place in Greece. As part of the Russian participation, there will be a conference on entrepreneurship and alternative energy sources issues, as well as tourism and industry forums and workshops on transport and communica-tions. Among domestic participants, only 10 pct are state-sector companies, while the public sector does not account for more than 20 pct of the space occupied by exhibitors, Pozrikidis said. Among those taking part are 46 chambers of commerce and industry throughout the country, bringing several of their member-companies. [17] Competition Commission to be upgraded, Economy minister tells ECR Hellas on MondayThe Competition Commission will be upgraded so that it is able to give advice to associations and companies in advance of cooperative ventures, Economy, Development and Tourism Minister George Stathakis announced on Monday. The minister made the announcement after a broad-ranging discussion with the board of Efficient Consumer Response ECR Hellas, attended by Trade and Consumer General Secretary Antonis Papaderakis.Stathakis also welcomed an agreement for the sale of "Marinopoulos SA" as a positive development. ECR Hellas underlined the necessity of simplifying bureaucratic procedures, standardising inspections and further clarification of the laws governing the market to ensure that this runs smoothly and fight law-breaking, with respect for the needs of consumers. They said the Competition Commission must be able to act in an advisory capacity toward businesses, before any collaborative venture is planned, such as in supply chain or logistics matters. The government side outlined steps taken to reduce red tape and an upcoming draft bill on inspection procedures. [18] Power utility PPC to announce first half results on September 28Greece's power utility PPC will release its economic results for the first half of 2016 on September 28, before the start of the trading session at the Athens Stock Exchange, the company announced on Monday.PPC also denied reports it had announced September 22nd as the date of the announcement. [19] 38 Greek enterprises pass first stage of European Business Awards 2016/17RSM of Greece, a member of RSM International, announced the 38 Greek businesses that successfully passed the first stage of this year's European Business Awards and were named National Champions.The European Business Awards sponsored by RSM are the largest and most important enterpreneurship awards in Europe and are open to all business regardless of size or field of activity. 33,000 enterprises from 34 European countries participated in this year's competition and 636 were named National Champions and passed to the second stage. The 38 Greek companies that were named National Champions and will represent Greece in the 10 categories of the competition are the following. - The RSM Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Green Colla Hellas, iSquare, Nice n Easy Farm-to-Table Restaurants, Spetses Mini Marathon. - The Business of the Year Award with Turnover ? 0-25M: Bright Special Lighting, KAFSIS Bio-Industries, Mobile Technology, TODAY Group of Companies, VIOKYT Packaging. - The Business of the Year Award with Turnover ? 26-150M: Accenture, ELTON Group of Companies, GREEN - Greek Environmental & Energy Network, LOUX Marlafekas, Printec Group, VIKOS. - The Business of the Year Award with Turnover ? 150M+: AB Vasilopoulos, ANEK LINES, D. MASOUTIS. - The UKTI Award for Innovation: Apifon SMPC, NanoPhos, Raymetrics. - The ELITE Award for Growth Strategy of the Year: Coffee Island, Megas Yeeros, Upstream. - The Award for Environmental and Corporate Sustainability: Cana Laboratories, MINETTA Insurance, OK Anytime Market, OTE / COSMOTE. - The Employer of the Year Award: ELBISCO. - The Award for Customer Focus: Bioiatriki. - The Import/ Export Award: Arabatzis Greek pastry, Arivia, Astir Vitogiannis Bros, KLEEMANN, Medbest, N. Tsatsaronakis - To Manna, Palaplast, Palirria. All the companies will be evaluated by the judges who will decide on the 100 top enterprises of Europe which will be bestowed with the honourary title "Ruban d' Honneur" according to the 10 categories. The final results will be announced in February 2017 the third and final stage of the competition with interview before the judges will follow. [20] Greek oil product retail companies' sales down in 2015, IOBE surveySales by Greek oil product retail companies fell in 2015 for the fourth successive year to 9.06 billion euros, from 10.7 billion euros in 2014, a decline of 15.3 pct, the Foundation of Economic and Industrial Research (IOBE) said on Monday.IOBE, in a survey conducted on the results of 13 enterprises in the sector -excluding Mamidoil-Jetoil- said the volume of sales grew 4.4 pct to 11.008 million metric tons from 10.547 mln mt in 2014 and noted that a decline of the value of sales reflected a drop in oil product prices. Total cost of sold oil products fell 16.1 pct to 8.7 billion euros, from 10.3 million in 2013, with 60.3 pct of cost covering CIF import cost. Duties and taxes (39 pct) accounted for the second biggest factor, followed by direct purchase expenses (0.7 pct). Gross profitability grew 5.9 pct to 408.7 million euros in 2015, from 384.9 million in 2014, while spending (operating expenses and personnel pay) fell for the sixth successive year to 432.5 million euros, 3.9 pct down from 2014. The sector presented net earnings (after tax) of 16.8 million euros in 2015, from a loss of 65.9 million in 2014, for the first time after six successive years of losses. This result reflected a decline in net interest by 25.3 pct paid by the companies in the sector (57.4 million in 2015 from 76.9 million in 2014). Employed capital grew 1.2 pct, while the net position of companies in the sector grew 16.2 pct to 634.7 million euros from 546.1 million euros in 2014. Long-term obligations fell 5.7 pct to 431.1 million euros, while dependence from short-term foreign capital fell and short-term bank borrowing fell 7.3 pct to 557 million euros. In contrast with a negative climate prevailing in the Greek economy, other investments by enterprises in the sector doubled from 42.5 million in 2014 to 85 million in 2015, an increase for the second successive year. Total investments grew 96.6 pct to 86.03 million euros. [21] Tax arrears to the state up by 800 mln euros in JulyTax arrears to the state eased to 800 million euros in July, after an 1.2 billion euros increase recorded in June, the General Secretariat of Public Revenue said on Monday.In a report, the general secretariat said that the amount of new tax arrears was 7,618 billion euros so far this year, while the number of taxpayers with overdue debt to the state grew by 125,000 to 4,128,962. [22] Environment ministers unveils draft bill on building permits, unauthorised buidlingsEnvironment and Energy Minister Panos Skourletis and Alternate Environment Minister Yiannis Tsironis unveiled a new draft bill on the town planning code during a press conference on Monday, saying it was the start of an effort for a new comprehensive framework of rules and a new "social understanding" of building.Skourletis said the bill puts prevention, transparency and protection of the environment first and aims to address the causes that led to the anarchic and unauthorised built environment in Greece. One of the main goals of the new bill is to create an electronic record of the building space in Greece, introducing an observatory of the built environment and an electronic identity for buildings, including records of what is legal and what is not. Regarding plans to reduce fines for unauthorised buildings and introduction of social criteria, the ministry's aim is to obtain a full record of the building stock of the country and enable all buildings to become legal, though not after the July 28, 2011 cut-off date. Unauthorised buildings erected after that date will be immediately demolished if still in the construction phase, while the fines will equal 100-150 pct of the tax office valuation of the property if they found after completion. For buildings constructed before 2011 there will be a two-year extension of the time given to pay fines and legalise the building, as well as other measures to make the package more appealing. Tsironis noted that buildings on beaches, forests, archaeological sites and other 'sensitive' areas will continue to be barred from legalisation. The draft bill will undergo a period of public consultation lasting until September 22. [23] Greek gov't to present new legislation on licensing of internet bettingThe Greek government will present next month a new legislation on the licensing status of internet betting companies, Alternate Finance Minister Tryfon Alexiadis said on Monday.Speaking in Parliament, Alexiadis said that government was determined to put this market in order and to clash to promote a new status. "We have now the know-how to proceed with licensing, to put an end to unlawfulness and to implement the law," Alexiadis said, adding that the ministry was at the final stages of preparation of a new legislation. He said that 24 companies of internet betting were currently under examination by the secretariat general of Public Revenue, other agencies of the Finance ministry and financial police and said that these inspections offered significant results during the Euro 2016. [24] Cretan food & drink businesses to discuss exports with Bahraini companiesHeraklion's Chamber of Commerce is organizing an event on September 23 to promote bilateral trade between Cretan businesses in the Food & Drink sector and the Bahraini market and businesses, who are interested in importing products from the island.During the event, the head of the international exhibition "Bahrain Garden Show" will present the Bahraini market, mentioning the successful introduction of Terra Creta in the country. Accoring to the Chamber, companies from Bahrain have expressed interest in agricultural and food products (non-alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, water, jams, processed food, confectionery, pastries, spices and herbs, nuts, dairy products, processed meat - except pork), and products related to the care, design and landscaping of gardens. [25] Intralot says turnover up 2.9 pct in H1Intralot on Monday said its consolidated turnover totaled 636.9 million euros in the first half of 2016, up 2.9 pct compared with the same period last year.Intralot said its systems managed 12.3 billion euros of total turnover in the global lottery games market in the first six months of 2016 (continued activities), an increase of 0.8 pct compared with the same period last year. Africa recorded a 21.1 pct increase, North America recorded a 15.4 pct rise, Eastern Europe recorded an increase of 3.1 pct, South America recorded a decline of 13.6 pct, Asia a decline of 7.6 pct and Western Europe a decine of 1.3 pct. EBITDA totaled 88.9 million euros in the first half, an annual increase of 10.9 pct. Pre-tax earnings amounted to 19.6 million euros, from 25.7 million in the first half of 2015 negatively affected by increased foreign exchange volatility. Net investments eased to 26.4 million euros in the January-June period from 34.4 million last year. The most significant investments were made in the US (9.7 million euros) and in Research and Development (3.8 million euros). Commenting on the results, Intralot Group's chief executive Antonios Kerastasis said the second quarter results reflect a positive impact of our successful efforts for reorganization of our portfolio through a dynamic road map of designing new products and services and a geographical restructuring of our international presence, enhanced from the completion of organizational changes and cut-costing measures. [26] National Insurance says Solvency II hit earnings in H1National Insurance on Monday reported pre-tax earnings of 31.2 million euros in the first half of 2016, down from 59.9 million in the same period last year.The company attributed this development to the creation of increased technical reserves for the life insurance sector and reduced investment revenue. National Insurance raised its technical reserves in the life insurance sector by 54.5 million euros to meet the demands of a new supervisory framework (Solvency II). The company's supervisory capital totaled 549.2 million euros in June 30, raising its Solvency II rate to 157.9 pct from 118.2 pct previously. Premium insurance turnover totaled 265.2 million euros in the first half, down from 368.4 million in the same period last year. Premium production for the life and general insurance sectors was 171.9 million euros and 93.3 million euros, respectively. [27] Alibaba delegation to visit Athens in Sept 13-14More than 400 professionals from the export and tourism sector will participate in a series of meetings with representatives of Alibaba, the largest e-commerce company in the world, during an event organised by the Athens Chamber of Tradesmen in September 13.Alibaba's high-ranking officials will present the "miracle" of e-commerce in China, the ways Greek exporters could promote their products directly to Chinese consumers and the possibilities of attracting more Chinese visitors. The event will be held in parallel with talks between Alibaba and the Greek government, after a meeting held between Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Alibaba's founder and chairman Jack Ma in China in July 6. Alibaba's officials will hold a meeting with government officials in September 13 to promote these discussions. [28] Tourist arrivals in Lesvos plummet 51.30 pct in AugustTourist arrivals in Lesvos dropped 51.30 percent in August compared with the same month last year, according to data released by the island's airport on Monday.Fifty-eight charter flights carrying 8,078 passengers arrived to Lesvos this August, versus 124 charter flights with 16,588 passengers last year. The massive drop in tourism had already become apparent this winter. In April, the season opened with a 58 percent slide, which in May increased to 65 percent. In June, the loss grew even further, climbing to 68 percent, while July registered a 62.77 percent drop. In absolute numbers, Lesvos has lost about 40,000 tourists this year, after welcoming 75,000 tourists in the summer of 2015. [29] Greek stocks end lower on MondayGreek stocks ended slightly lower in the Athens Stock Exchange on Monday, after a four-day rally last week which pushed the composite index of the market 3.64 pct higher. Traders said investors took profits in bank shares after a 15 pct rally last week. The composite index eased 0.66 pct to end at 578.27 points, with the Large Cap index falling 0.98 pct and the Mid Cap index ending 0.48 pct lower. Turnover was an extremely thin 18.301 million euros in volume of 36,772,600 shares.Piraeus Port (1.52 pct), Aegean Airlines (1.28 pct) and Ellaktor (0.78 pct) scored the biggest percentage gains of the day, while Eurobank (3.23 pct, Alpha Bank (2.72 pct) and Piraeus Bank (2.63 pct) were top losers among blue chip stocks. Among market sectors, Chemicals (3.95 pct) and Constructions (0.47 pct) scored gains, while Banks (2.74 pct) and Telecoms (1.63 pct) suffered losses. National Bank and Piraeus Bank were the most heavily traded securities of the day. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 51 to 33 with another 22 issues unchanged. Alpha Astika (19.91 pct), Sfakianakis (18.69 pct) and Boutaris (18.18 pct) were top gainers, while Nexans (19.62 pct), Inform Lycos (10 pct) and Attica Holdings (9.31 pct) were top losers. [30] Greek bond market closing reportThe yield spread between the 10-year Greek and German benchmark bonds widened slightly to 8.23 pct in the domestic electronic secondary bond market on Monday, from 8.21 pct on Friday, with the Greek bond yielding 8.18 pct and the German Bund yielding -0.05 pct. There was no turnover in the market.In interbank markets, interest rates moved lower. The 12-month rate fell to -0.053 pct from -0.052 pct, the nine-month rate fell to -0.125 pct from -0.122 pct, the six-month rate eased to -0.198 pct from -0.193 pct, the three-month rate fell to -0.305 pct from -0.301 pct and the one-month rate fell to -0.378 pct. [31] ADEX closing reportThe September contract on the FTSE/ASE Large Cap index was trading at a discount of 0.05 pct in the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Monday. Volume on the Big Cap index totaled 767 contracts with 5,438 open positions in the market. Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 23,894 contracts with investment interest focusing on National Bank's contracts (8,139), followed by Alpha Bank (2,693), Piraeus Bank (6,339), Eurobank (5,115), MIG (1,105), OTE (106), PPC (150), OPAP (113), Mytilineos (53), Hellenic Petroleum (16), Hellenic Exchanges (13) and Piraeus Port (11).General News [32] Clashes among groups of different nationalites in Moria hotspotClashes were reported throughtout the night at the hot spot of Moria on Lesvos among groups of migrants and refugees of different nationalities. The brawl started around midnight in the area where underage refugees are hosted.According to witnesses, children from Afghanistan moved against children from Syria who on their part, as they claimed being blackmailed by other national groups as the Iraqis. Approximately 40 people escaped when the doors in the area where the underage are being held and a container was destroyed. Many children were injured and five of them were sent to the hospital. Police intervened at 04:00 am and the condition returned to normal. [33] Doctors of the World urge authorities to place underage refugees in seperate accomodationThe Greek division of Doctors of the World (MdM-Greece) urged the government on Monday to resolve the issue of unaccompanied minors who are held at Moria's detention center in Lesvos.In a press release, the organization notes its concern over a fight that broke out between minors in Moria on Sunday night. About 140 youngsters continue to remain in detention beyond the four month limit, while new migrants are added to these numbers, MdM-Greece said. "Despite continued efforts to include more activities in the program for unaccompanied minors, their prolonged stay in conditions of confinement has significantly deteriorated their psychology. The increase in panic attacks among minors is indicative," the NGO said and urged authorities to intensify efforts to plan and develop new centers for minors at a local or central level, or adopt different forms of accommodation, such as foster case, as is the case in Europe. [34] 59,569 identified migrants and refugees in Greece on Monday59,569 identified refugees and migrants were on the Greek territory on Monday while 110 new arrivals were reported in the last 24 hours.According to the Refugee Crisis Management Coordination Body's figures, 16,774 of the refugees are in northern Greece, 9,097 are hosted in the region of Attica and 2,672 are hosted in facilities of central and southern Greece. 8,207 refugees and migrants are hosted in several facilities rented by the UNHCR, 2,524 in non-organised facilities 7,800 persons are living outside organised facilities. 12,515 refugees and migrants were recorded on the eastern Aegean islands. [35] HRW head Kenneth Roth to be awarded City of Athens awardThe Executive Director of the Human Rights Watch, Kenneth Roth, will be awarded the City of Athens award by the city's municipality in a ceremony on September 15, for his tireless work in promoting democracy and human rights.The award will be presented by Athens mayor Giorgos Kaminis with the opportunity of the International Day of Democracy. The city of Athens presents this award to international people and bodies who are democratically active and contribute through their work to the defence of democracy and human rights. Roth has worked to defend the rights of women, children, refugees and homosexuals, as well as bringing about justice for victims of war crimes and abuse. He has highlighted issues such as domestic violence, trafficking, recruitment of children as soldiers and the spread of AIDS, while he led the efforts for the creation of an International Criminal Court. The ceremony will be part of the 4th Athens Democracy Forum (Sept. 14-18) which will focus on "Religion, Migration, Power and Money". [36] Twelve foreign nationals arrested on Greek airports for attempting to travel with fake documentsNine foreign nationals that attempted to travel illegally to EU countries were arrested at airports of northern Aegean islands while three more foreign nationals were arrested for assisting foreign nationals to travel abroad without legal documents.Three Polish nationals aged 36, 36 and 61 years old were arrested at Rhodes airports because they issued boarding cards with the aim to hand them over to four Afghan nationals who wanted to get on board a international flight with destination Germany and the Czech Republic. An Ivory Coast national aged 22 was arrested on Santorini alleged to have attempted to travel to Germany with a fake French identity card. Finally, Mykonos police arrested a 36 year-old woman from Syria, a 30 year-old woman from Ethiopia and two Afghan nationals aged 25 and 23 who used fake Dutch, Japanese and French passports to get on board a flight to Switzerland. [37] Sports and Tourism in 'Santorini Experience'The ultimate sports experience comes for a second consecutive year in one of the most significant touristic destinations in the world, in Santorini, on Oct 7-9 2016.Santorini Municipality, Municipal Sports Cultural & Environ-mental Organization in Santorini (DAPPOS) and the award-winning Group of Active Media co-organize "Santorini Experience" which includes activities like running and swimming. This year's event program includes open water swimming from the volcano to the old port of Fira. The swimming route has been designed by the Federal Technical coach of Swimming, with Olympic and World medals in open water swimming Nikos Gemelos, who will be the Technical Director of the event in swimming, while great names of our national team, such as Olympic and World Champion in open water swimming, Spyros Gianniotis and World Champion in open water swimming, Kelly Araouzou, along with a variety of leading open water swimming athletes like Antonis Fokaidis, Giorgos Arniakos and Dimitris Negris will take part in this year "Santorini Experience". Respectively, various running routes will be held at the magical path that connects Oia with Fira overlooking the Caldera. This year' s routes have been selected by the former marathon runner, holder of national best performance on the classical route, running coach, manager of All About Running and technical director of the event in running, Nikos Polias. The event will be held under the auspices of the Hellenic Swimming Federation (KOE). Weather forecast [38] Rain on TuesdayChange of weather with rain, thunderstorms and strong winds is forecast for Tuesday. Winds from variable directions will reach 7 on the Beaufort scale. Clouds and rain in the northern and western parts of the country with temperatures ranging from 16C to 30C. Rain in the afternoon in the eastern parts of the country with temperatures between 18C and 33C. Clouds with a chance of rain over the Aegean islands and Crete, 21C-29C. Rain in Athens, 19C-32C; the same for Thessaloniki, 19C-28C.[39] The Monday edition of Athens' newspapers at a glanceETHNOS: Changes in social security issuesELEFTHEROS TIPOS: New pensions limits ESTIA: The refugee issue divides the EU EFIMERIDA TON SYNTAKTON: Rescue with guidelines TA NEA: Take the refugees back NAFTEMPORIKI: Puzzle over the settlement of bad loans 36, TSOCHA ST. 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