Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 16-09-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] FinMin Tsakalotos, EU institutions hold meeting on new Privatisation Fund

[02] PM Tsipras announces relief measures for Thassos fire victims

[03] PM Tsipras visits fire stricken island of Thassos

[04] PM Alexis Tsipras to attend Vienna 'mini-summit' on refugee issue on Sept. 24

[05] For the first time in 30 years, schools open without shortages in books and staff, says PM

[06] Centrists Union will not enter into coalition with anyone, Levendis says at TIF

[07] PASOK now knows how to turn the economy around, Gennimata says at TIF

[08] Gennimata to ANA radio: 'PASOK will not become a filler for either ND or SYRIZA'

[09] Mouzalas, Toskas meet French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve in Paris

[10] Jourova: Greece needs support on issue of unaccompanied minor refugees

[11] Athens Democracy Forum opens on Tuesday

[12] Top court postpones discussion on TV licensing tender annulment

[13] New fare system using smart cards on Athens public transport in 2017, OASA chief reveals in ANA interview

[14] Greek-Turkish trade relations better than ever, says Alt.FM Mardas

[15] Moody's says reduction of NPLs credit positive for Greek banks

[16] Greece ranks top in Europe in job insecurity, Nielsen report

[17] Energy ministry publishes bill on Greek energy market reforms

[18] Building activity down 26.1 pct in June

[19] Minoan Lines reports record profits in H1

[20] Greek stocks end 1.68 pct lower

[21] ADEX closing report

[22] Greek bond market closing report

[23] Wildfire on Thassos under partial control; PM Tsipras to visit fire stricken areas on Monday

[24] Recycled art sculpture gives new 'horsepower' to old engine parts at TIF

[25] Passenger ferry crashes on Andros port, no injuries reported

[26] Migrants and refugees continue to arrive on the northern Aegean islands; 269 new arrivals on the weekend

[27] Rock-climbers to gather again on Kalymnos for annual festival

[28] Partly cloudy on Tuesday

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

[01] FinMin Tsakalotos, EU institutions hold meeting on new Privatisation Fund

High-ranking sources within the finance minister later reported that no deal was reached during the two-hour meeting "but we are close." The meeting was part of the effort to complete milestones required to finalise the first review of the programme. The two sides were also "close" with respect to the allocation of 5 pct of Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (OTE) shares, a government source reported.

A new meeting between the government and institutions is planned on Tuesday, with Economic Minister George Stathakis taking part, while International Monetary Fund (IMF) Athens mission head Delia Velculescu will also join the negotiations.

[02] PM Tsipras announces relief measures for Thassos fire victims

Speaking after a meeting with local officials in Prinos during a visit on the island, Tsipras said affected farmers, livestock farmers and beekeepers will receive compensation from the ministry of agriculture and the farmers' insurance fund ELGA.

He also said the Infrastructure ministry will cover 80 percent of the cost for the reconstruction of the houses that were burned while the other 20 percent will be covered with a long-term loan. The government will also prepare studies on flood protection and for the swift reforestation of the land.

"The destruction is extensive, but Thassos has huge reserves of green areas and will remain a very important tourist destination," Tsipras said.

[03] PM Tsipras visits fire stricken island of Thassos

Thassos mayor Costas Hatziemmanouil welcomed Tsipras and briefed him on the course of the operation. Afterwards, Tsipras got on board the helicopter that flied over the fire stricken areas.

Tsipras is accompanied by Interior Minister Panagiotis Kouroublis, Transport Minister Christos Spirtzis, the general secretary of Civil Protection Yiannis Kapakis and the chief of the Fire Brigade Ioannis Karatzias.

Later, Tsipras will hold a meeting at the operation center at Prinos.

[04] PM Alexis Tsipras to attend Vienna 'mini-summit' on refugee issue on Sept. 24

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is expected to attend a "mini-summit" of EU leaders to discuss the refugee crisis, convened in Vienna on September 24 by Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern. Also to attend the same meeting are German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the prime ministers of Slovenia, Croatia and Bulgaria. Kern announced the date for the meeting on Monday, while visiting the Slovenian capital Ljubljana.

Tsipras' participation, as leader of a country severely impacted by the refugee crisis is considered especially important, while the German chancellor's presence will also strengthen the Austrian chancellor's position, which are similar to her own. The discussion at the summit, according to Kern, is expected to focus on plans to protect the EU's Schengen borders.

Kern noted that erecting barriers along Schengen borders was a "second-best" solution and the primary target must be to protect the EU's external borders.

[05] For the first time in 30 years, schools open without shortages in books and staff, says PM

He said that despite fiscal limitations, the government is "responding to the needs of society" and noted the increase in the number of all-day schools for children of working parents. He also wished a good and productive year to all students and their families.

[06] Centrists Union will not enter into coalition with anyone, Levendis says at TIF

"I will not betray 40 years of struggle for the people and our youth," Levendis said, repeating that his proposals concerned the formation of a grand coalition of all parties, which would facilitate the investments the country desperately needs to attract.

The prospects of a coalition between ruling coalition party SYRIZA and main opposition New Democracy's President Kyriakos Mitsotakis were much higher, according to Levendis.

"Do not doubt that in the future, whatever the outcome of the next elections, we might see a Mitsotakis-SYRIZA government. Mitsotakis might join in a government. Levendis never," he added.

[07] PASOK now knows how to turn the economy around, Gennimata says at TIF

Greece cannot continue "to watch the trains of growth and opportunity pass by and disappear," she said, but needed a stable government that was able to convince the country's partners that it was capable of carrying out bold reforms to the state and within society, based on a specific plan.

Also present at the meeting was the head of the Democratic Left (DIMAR) party, PASOK's coalition partner, Thanasis Theocharopoulos and MPs of both parties.

Outlining the party's plan, Gennimata said that Greece needed a "growth shock" that would come about by attracting large investments and continuing privatisations, as well as measures to ensure the survival of small and medium-sized enterprises.

[08] Gennimata to ANA radio: 'PASOK will not become a filler for either ND or SYRIZA'

The head of the Democratic Alliance coalition in Parliament, Gennimata also made it clear that the PASOK party would not become a "filler" for either ruling coalition leader SYRIZA or main opposition New Democracy, calling for the formation of an autonomous political body in the centre-left.

She noted that progressive reforms should be a lever to push for further debt restructuring and a revision of the current target for primary surpluses. "We cannot achieve the target agreed to by Tsipras, for primary surpluses of 3.5 pct...this means that the fiscal adjustment mechanism will be activated and fall on wages and pensions," she warned.

Gennimata, who gave the interview during her tour of the 81st Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), also attacked the speech delivered by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras at TIF, saying that "all he has to present are lies".

[09] Mouzalas, Toskas meet French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve in Paris

Alternate Migration Policy Minister Yiannis Mouzalas and Greek Alternate Minister for Citizen Protection Nikos Toskas on Monday had a meeting with French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve in Paris, focusing on the migration and refugee crisis.

In an announcement issued after the meeting, Cazeneuve noted Greece's efforts to handle the migration crisis and repeated France's support for the European refugee relocation mechanism and the handling of the migration situation in Greece.

Cazeneuve pointed to France's participation in actions organised by the EU border agency Frontex and the European Asylum Support Office (EASO), by contributed numerous expert personnel to main hotspots, as well as all 36 French experts supporting Frontex to help control the borders.

In light of the terrorist threat facing Europe, such support for security controls on the external borders of the Schengen area, especially by cross-checking European and international files, was judged necessary, the announcement said.

The announcement said that 130 French experts had offered their services to Greece in the context of the EU-Turkey agreement and France will contribute a staff of 170 to the future European border and coast guard. It further highlighted France's contribution to the relocation and resettlement programmes, noting that 3,800 places had already been proposed while 1,656 asylum seekers were already residing in France, while a further 700 will be received by the end of October.

[10] Jourova: Greece needs support on issue of unaccompanied minor refugees

"I pledge to do everything possible to support the most vulnerable groups of refugees, such as unaccompanied minors," Jourova said during a press conference after her visit to the refugee center in Eleonas.

The Commissioner said that according to data from the Greek authorities, 1,500 new positions will be created, noting there are currently 800 minors in open refugee centers, 323 in closed centers and 305 in reception centers. From January to date, 3,517 non-registered underage refugees have entered Greece, she added. To achieve this goal, the country will receive funding, human resources and experts, she Commission official said in her first visit to Athens.

Jourova also stressed that child refugees must not be subjected to violence and must have access to education. "The prospects of these children are a continuous challenge," she said.

Jourova admitted that EU decisions on the resettlement of refugees are not being implemented, noting that Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos is taking the necessary steps to tackle the issue, which include the opening of infringement proceedings against member-states and, as a last resort, the European Court of Justice.

Earlier, the Commissioner met with Greek Justice Minister Nikos Paraskevopoulos and discussed the reforms promoted by the government, but also the difficulties and limitations resulting from austerity. "The European Commissioner and we share a common understanding that Justice is of paramount importance to the general, political, economic and social conditions we're leading and with this viewpoint we continue," Paraskevopoulos said.

On her side, Jourova said it is a common duty to tackle issues of Justice and recognized that although Greece benefits from the European programs, these do not always support justice and security.

[11] Athens Democracy Forum opens on Tuesday

The President of UN Fund for Democracy, Annika Savill, the president of the International New York Times, Stephen Dunbar Johnson, as well as the ambassadors of France, Christophe Chantepy, of Norway, Jorn Gjelstad, and Britain, John Kittmer, will deliver a speech.

The forum will run until 18 September.

[12] Top court postpones discussion on TV licensing tender annulment

The same court will also discuss on September 16 a separate series of requests for interim measures filed by TV channels on the licensing issue.

[13] New fare system using smart cards on Athens public transport in 2017, OASA chief reveals in ANA interview

Tastanis said the new system will allow zone-based charges, with passengers swiping their card across a special card reader to be installed on the metro system, buses, trolley buses and trams. The 'smart card' can be topped up with money using credit cards, the internet and ticket booths, with the correct fare charged each time the card is swiped over a public transport reader. In addition to cards, OASA will sell new paper tickets that incorporate a small circuit and operate in the same way as the card.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras was the first person to make symbolic use of a 'smart card' during his visit to the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) on Saturday, where he passed through a demonstration gate of the type to be installed in the Athens metro while visiting the OASA pavilion.

Tastanis said the installation of the new system would start in early 2017, while the paper tickets would be gradually phased out, while card readers will be installed in the metro system by next summer. This would greatly help reduce fare-dodging, while also creating savings by eliminating the cost of printing paper tickets, he said. The system would also allow OASA to set up a new fare policy and new products, such as weekly cards, family cards, and an easier system for occasional clients and tourists.

It will also help improve transport planning based on real needs and improve the distribution of revenues between transport agencies.

Financial News

[14] Greek-Turkish trade relations better than ever, says Alt.FM Mardas

"Our relations are better but there is room for further improvement and that is our intention", Mardas said addressing the Turkish enterpreneurs, the Turkish Consul in Thessaloniki Yalman Okan and other guests.

Mardas noted that during the last 10 years the Greek-Turkish trade relations have gained spectacular ground and noted that the general secretariat of International Economic Relations of the Foreign Ministry supports the efforts and the cooperation between Greek and Turkish businessmen.

"Turkey and Greece need friendship and cooperation more than ever before" said Turkish Consul Okan and expressed his certaintly that the further strenghthening of trade relations between Greece and Turkey will be an example of good neighbourhood in the region.

[15] Moody's says reduction of NPLs credit positive for Greek banks

In its Moody's Credit Outlook, the credit rating agency said that the four largest Greek banks reported their second quarter results at the end of August, which showed a decline in the formation of new NPLs, after a significant slowdown in the previous two quarters. This development, combined with a reduced spending base, is credit positive although bad loan provisions continued to absorb a big part of pre-provision earnings, Moody's said.

Lower NPLs and a smaller spending base will help banks to return to profitabiity, after big losses suffered in the last few years, Moody's noted, adding it expected the percentage of NPEs to improved with a delay of at least one year compared with NPLs. The credit rating agency stressed that the sale of loan portfolios will play a critical role in lightening the burden of NPLs on Greek banks' balance sheets and said that participation of foreign funds in such transactions depended on the Greek government's ability to successfully complete and timely the reviews of the Greek bailout programme.

[16] Greece ranks top in Europe in job insecurity, Nielsen report

The report said that four out of 10 Greeks are worried about their job, while a 34 pct of Greek are concerned about the economy, while concern about the refugee crisis and conflicts returned to last year's levels.

The consumer optimism index in Greece fell to 52 points in the second quarter, one point down from the previous quarter. The percentage of Greeks expecting the country to remainin an economic recession next year remained high at 82 pct (-2.0 pct compared with the previous quarter, but up 18 percentage points compared with the second quarter of 2015). A 76 pct of Greeks seem to worry about their personal finances, while a 33 pct said they had no money left. Eight out of 10 Greeks are constantly trying to cut their household expenses, focusing on outdoor entertainment (72 pct), buying cheaper food (67 pct) and clothing expenses (62 pct).

[17] Energy ministry publishes bill on Greek energy market reforms

The bill provides for the creation of new energy markets that will enable suppliers and producers to better plan and manage risk and with the ultimate aim of reducing the cost of electricity for consumers. It also shields the powers of the Energy Regulatory Authority and specifies the roles of supervisory bodies and market operation.

"The purpose of the bill is the reorganization of the Greek electricity market, in accordance with the provisions of the European Parliament and Council in order to enable the completion of the single European electricity market," Environment and Energy Minister Panos Skourletis said in a statement accompanying the bill.

The public consultation will last until September 16.

[18] Building activity down 26.1 pct in June

The statistics service, in a report, said that building permits issued in June totaled 1,072, down 21.3 pct compared wih the same month last year, while in volume building activity fell 26.1 pct.

In January-June period, building activity fell by 17.3 pct in permits and 22.2 pct in volume, compared with the corresponding period last year.

[19] Minoan Lines reports record profits in H1

Turnover amounted to 72.4 million euros, while EBITDA totaled 20.8 million euros, up 5.6 million euros compared with the same period last year. Net after tax profits totaled 12.2 million euros, up 6.4 million compared with the first half of 2015. Bank borrowing was 162.4 million euros at the end of June, while cash reserves was 15.3 million.

In February, Minoan Lines decided to raise its equity participation in Hellenic Seaways and purchased more shares from shareholders, raising its share to 48 pct. Minoan Lines said the share buying programme in Hellenic Seaways will continue.

[20] Greek stocks end 1.68 pct lower

The composite index of the market fell 1.68 pct to end at 557.25 points, off the day's lows of 550.62 points. The Large Cap index dropped 2.46 pct and the Mid Cap index ended 0.88 pct lower. Turnover was a low 34.736 million euros in volume of 68,807,596 shares.

Titan (2.38 pct), Folli Follie (0.96 pct) and Ellaktor (0.85 pct) scored the biggest percentage gains of the day, while Piraeus Bank (8.51 pct), Eurobank (6.86 pct) and National Bank (5.13 pct) suffered the heaviest losses among blue chip stocks. Among market sectors, Construction (1.71 pct) and Commerce (0.96 pct) scored big gains, while Banks (3.98 pct), Food (3.31 pct) and Telecoms (3.28 pct) suffered losses.

National Bank and Piraeus Bank were the most heavily traded securities of the day. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 69 to 21 with another 22 issues unchanged. Nakas (9.93 pct), Mermeren (8.02 pct) and Inform Lykos (6.38 pct) were top gainers, while Sfakianakis (19.95 pct), Levenderis (14.86 pct) and Alpha Astika (11.62 pct) were top losers.

[21] ADEX closing report

[22] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates were mixed. The 12-month rate rose to 0.057 pct from -0.059 pct, the nine-month rate rose to -0.127 pct from -0.129 pct, the six-month rate rose to -0.198 pct from -0.202 pct, the three-month rate fell to -0.308 pct from -0.303 pct and the one-month rate was -0.371 pct.

General News

[23] Wildfire on Thassos under partial control; PM Tsipras to visit fire stricken areas on Monday

Firefighting aircrafts resumed operation early Monday and according to estimations all fronts are under control.

The fire has completely destroyed hundreds of hectares of olive trees and hundreds of beehives, as well as a still unknown area of virgin forest, creating fears for winter flooding in coastal areas. Some homes were burnt on the fringes of mountain villages that had already been evacuated, so there were no deaths or injuries. The nuns at the Agios Panteleimonas and Archangelos nunneries returned after being evacuated on Saturday.

[24] Recycled art sculpture gives new 'horsepower' to old engine parts at TIF

According to Aeiforos sales director Anne Surville, the horse "is probably one of the most-photographed spots in this year's fair, since many people stand next to 'Kokkinis' - as we named him - and pose for a photo."

Surville said it was the second horse that Kontoulis had made for the company, using materials of his own choosing taken from scrap yards. Components of the specific sculpture include used shock absorbers, parts of old engines, spoons and other discarded domestic items and appliances.

"We wanted to send a message that recycling is not something boring but can be made into something beautiful, an art object," she said.

Aeiforos is a subsidiary of "Sidenor", a company that recycles metals and manages industrial wastes with facilities at Almyros and Nea Ionia, Thessaloniki, where the metallic sculpture is usually on display.

[25] Passenger ferry crashes on Andros port, no injuries reported

The captain of the "Super Ferry II", which was conducting the route Mykonos-Tinos-Andros-Rafina, said the vessel took in small amounts of water at the steering wheel compartment but no sea pollution has been observed.

The ferry will stay docked at Andros until the damage has been inspected and fixed. All passengers were sent to their destinations with the ferry "Theologos".

[26] Migrants and refugees continue to arrive on the northern Aegean islands; 269 new arrivals on the weekend

84 arrivals were reported on Lesvos, 103 on Chios and 82 on Samos.

According to northern Aegean police, the number of refugees and migrants that sought asylum in Greece and are trapped on Lesvos reached 5,159, 3,596 on Chios and 1,095 on Samos.

[27] Rock-climbers to gather again on Kalymnos for annual festival

Kalymnos?has turned into a climbers' community due to its excellent quality of the rocks and some 2,700 safe climbing routes pre-equipped with permanent drilled-in bolts, as well as easy access to the climbing routes with varying degrees of difficulty. These advantages are combined with some spectacular sea views, dramatic caves, a good climate, an abundance of cheap air fares and the island's suitability for family holidays.

This year, the annual Rock Climbing festival will be held from October 7 to 9 with the participants expected to reach 500. "The island is already in festival mood while a large number of visitors are expected on the island; but visitors will not face accomodation problems," George Hatzismalis, representative of the muncipality of Kalymnos, told Athens-Macedonian News Agency.

Weather forecast

[28] Partly cloudy on Tuesday

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

EFIMERIDA TON SYNTAKTON: Low key, high expectations

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: The secret reductions in pensions.

ESTIA: The growth illusion.

ETHNOS: The secrets of the 'freeze on arrears'.

NAFTEMPORIKI: "24-month checks"- Optimism over the course of the economy without tangible arguments.

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