Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 16-10-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] Tsakalotos says he's pleased with Eurogroup's decision releasing 1.1 bln euros

[02] Finance ministry: Remaining 1.7 bln euros of loan to be disbursed by ESM on Oct. 24

[03] Dijsselbloem: Greece has completed milestones, to get 2.8 bln sub-tranche in two installments

[04] Eurogroup's full statement on Greece

[05] Dijsselbloem says he's hearing 'optimistic news' about Greece

[06] Greece is on the right track; must press on 'to build success story', Moscovici says after Eurogroup

[07] Sapin says Greece has made great efforts, is implementing reforms

[08] ND backing channel owners 'attempted media coup against elected government,' Tsipras says

[09] Tsipras: The competition we created in TV licencing tender resulted in raising 256 mln euros

[10] ND will reverse law on television licences, Mitsotakis says in Parliament

[11] Trilateral Greece-Cyprus-Egypt summit on Oct 11

[12] Pavlopoulos: System of guarantees, occupation army not acceptable for Cyprus

[13] We must move to the Left of action, says Alt. Interior Minister Toskas

[14] Greece will be benefited from EU-Afghanistan agreement, says EC spokeswoman Bertaud

[15] Greece-Albania's relations of strategic importance, Albanian Parliament president tells ANA

[16] Ministers, EU officials, fund representatives to discuss Greek economy in Capital & Vision conference

[17] Tourism infrastructure project gives boost to Greek economy

[18] Greek inflation at -1.0 pct in September

[19] DEPA and SONATRACH seek ways to expand cooperation

[20] Consolidation trend in supermarket sector to continue in 2017

[21] Hellas Horse Races presents cooperation with GBI Racing

[22] Centaur Analytics attracts foreign investors

[23] Hellenic Sugar Industry begins operations in Orestiada factory

[24] Dixons says pre-tax earnings 6.7 mln euros in Greece

[25] Exports of fruit and vegetables up 31.1 pct in Jan-Aug

[26] Greek industrial production index down 0.3 pct in Aug

[27] Jumbo Group says profits up 15.67 pct

[28] Car registrations up 9.6 pct in Sept

[29] Greek stocks end 1.03 pct higher

[30] Greek bond market closing report

[31] ADEX closing report

[32] Storm hits Corfu; landslides cut the island in two

[33] School bell rings for children refugees in Greece

[34] New drug called luspatercept could help end transfusions for thalassemia patients

[35] Epigenetics, the conductor of the human orchestra

[35] Greek cinema travels to Sao Paulo

[37] Greece wins first prize in US Fireworks Show

[38] Greeks choose Belgrade as a city break destination

[39] Police presents priceless loot of antiquities smuggling ring bust

[40] 5th Olympus Rally of Classic Cars

[41] Rockfalls block Igoumenitsa-Ioannina highway after heavy rainfall

[42] Rain on Tuesday

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

[01] Tsakalotos says he's pleased with Eurogroup's decision releasing 1.1 bln euros

Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos said he's pleased with the result of Monday's Eurogroup as he spoke to the press after the meeting in Luxembourg.

"There was a very good Eurogroup for Greece. It was unanimously decided that Greece had completed the 15 milestones so that we can proceed to the 1.1 billion [euro] disbursement," Tsakalotos said leaving the meeting.

He explained that the 2.8 billion euros will be disbursed in two tranches, as Greece has not yet submitted data for the payment of arrears in September, since the figures were not yet available.

The disbursement of the 1.7 billion euros which correspond to the repayment of arrears in September will take place on October 24, the minister said, adding that since the country doesn't have any important payments due in the immediate future, "so whether the 1.1 billion is paid before and the 1.8 billion is paid on the 24th of October is a secondary issues."

Finance ministry sources said the Eurogroup had approved the immediate disbursement of the 1.1 billion euros, finding that Greece had completed all the prior actions for the first review of the Greek programme.

The sources said that the remaining 1.7 billion euros were linked to the payment of arrears, with figures for July and August showing that Greece had more than met its target. The official figures for September could not be issued before the end of October, they added.

"The 1.7 billion euros will be disbursed on October 24, in other words after the meeting of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), where the official figures for September will confirm that we are moving well above our target," the sources said.

[02] Finance ministry: Remaining 1.7 bln euros of loan to be disbursed by ESM on Oct. 24

According to the ministry, the data will show the target has been exceeded. The Eurogroup today approved the immediate disbursement of the 1.1 billion euros to Greece that will service the country's debt, recognizing that all the milestones of the first program review have been implemented.

[03] Dijsselbloem: Greece has completed milestones, to get 2.8 bln sub-tranche in two installments

"There's also been substantial progress on arrears clearance in July and August...technical work will continue to gather the September data. This always takes a number of weeks to complete, this cannot be helped, it cannot be done faster. We hope and presume that before the end of October those data are available. They will then be assessed by the institutions and on that basis, the ESM could decide on the disbursement of 1.7 billion euros. This is specifically for the clearance of arrears," he said.

[04] Eurogroup's full statement on Greece

Eurogroup's full statement on Greece after its meeting on Monday is the following:

"The Eurogroup welcomes the implementation by the Greek authorities of the set of 15 milestones in the context of the first review of the ESM programme. The Eurogroup commends the Greek authorities for adopting the necessary further measures to reform the pension system and the energy sector, to strengthen bank governance, to fully establish the new independent Revenue Agency and to proceed with the privatisation programme. The Eurogroup also notes the further progress in the set-up of the Privatisation and Investment Fund - the Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations (HCAP). The Eurogroup stresses that the appointment of the members of the Board of Directors of HCAP, including the Chairman and CEO positions, must be pursued as a matter of priority in order to make the fund fully operational before the end of 2016, in the context of the second review of the ESM programme. To this end, we welcome the commitment of the Greek authorities to ensure that the appointment process is in line with the requirements of the HCAP law to ensure that Board members are fully independent, professional and with clear experience and the corporate governance standards will be in line with international best practices.

The implementation of the milestones paves the way for the ESM Board of Directors to approve the remaining disbursement of EUR 1.1 bn under the second tranche for debt servicing needs.

The Eurogroup acknowledges that significant progress has been made towards the clearance of net arrears during July and August and notes the time required for completing the data for September, which would be later in October. The institutions' positive assessment of Greece's clearance of net arrears would pave the way for the ESM Board of Directors to approve the further release of EUR 1.7 bn, which will be disbursed to a dedicated account to be used for arrears clearance.

The Eurogroup will now turn its attention to the next stages of the ESM programme. We call on the Greek authorities to intensify their work with the institutions on the measures needed to complete the second review in a timely manner, and welcome the intention of the institutions to return to Athens in mid-October 2016."

[05] Dijsselbloem says he's hearing 'optimistic news' about Greece

If the institutions confirm the completion of the 15 so-called milestones by Greece, Eurogroup will approve the disbursement of an additional 2.8 billion euros to Greece, its president Jeroen Dijsselbloem said on Monday as he arrived for the meeting of Eurozone's finance ministers in Luxembourg.

"We're going to hear from the institutions (...) I'm hearing some optimistic news but I want to hear them directly from the institutions. On that basis the next disbursement can take place," he told journalists, adding that Greece is doing much better and is returning to growth.

Asked about the participation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the Greek program, Dijsselbloem referred to the Eurogroup decision in May, in which the Fund expressed its intention to participate on the funding part. He also said there will be no discussions on debt relief today and that this issue cannot "open" every month.

[06] Greece is on the right track; must press on 'to build success story', Moscovici says after Eurogroup

"Today's decision to disburse 1.1 billion is an important step in this heavily front-loaded programme and it also opens the door for the second review of the programme to start," he said. "I am happy that we have reached this point and we must absolutely go on, as I said, to try to build a 'success story' with Greece now. We are on the right path," the Commissioner added.

He noted that these milestones included reforms on a number of key issues, including pensions, bank governance, energy, privatisation and others, covering all parts the Greek economy, and he thanked Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos and Greek authorities for their efforts to complete this work.

"The measures will lead to budget savings of about 3 pct [of GDP] between 2016 and 2018," he said, adding that he shared the view of Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem about the state of the Greek economy. "We have quite good news from growth and also fiscal execution."

Moscovici also welcomed the significant progress that has been made in arrears, noting that this "must and will continue" since it was critical for relieving pressure on the real economy in Greece.

He announced that teams from the institutions will return to Athens in October to start the technical work of the second review, which will move the focus from legislation to implementation of the reforms.

ESM chief Klaus Regling explained that the Eurogroup's decision had approved the disbursement politically and that the official decision for the disbursement of the 1.1 billion euros will be taken at the next ESM Board of Directors meeting in two weeks, on October 24. Regarding the remaining 1.7 billion euros, Regling said that this could possibly be disbursed at the same time, provided the institutions have received the missing data for September, showing that the target for net arrears clearance has been met.

He said that Greece had submitted figures for July and August showing that the 1.8 billion euros ear-marked for arrears clearance has been fully used for the purpose intended.

"For net clearance we need to know whether there have been any new arrears accumulating so that is what we are waiting for," he added.

[07] Sapin says Greece has made great efforts, is implementing reforms

Greece has made great efforts and is implementing the necessary reforms, French Finance Minister Michel Sapin said on Monday as he arrived at the Eurogroup meeting in Luxembourg.

"Greece is continuing its efforts and is implementing the reforms, many more than those made in the last few years," Sapin told journalists, adding that Greece is implementing its part of the deal and when this happens, European solidarity follows.

He also said that the Eurogroup must recognize those efforts today and Europe must keep its promises to Greece.

Arriving after Sapin, his Finnish counterpart Petteri Orpo said Greece's economy is improving and expressed his hope that the implementation of all the prior actions has been completed, as agreed.

[08] ND backing channel owners 'attempted media coup against elected government,' Tsipras says

"In full cooperation with the publishers and channel owners, old and new, you have engaged in a vicious war against the elected government of the country," he said, noting that there was an "ongoing attempt to stage a post-modern media coup using propaganda as a weapon."

The first act of this attempt played out during the period of economic suffocation, the second was the disaster-mongering during the first and more difficult programme review and the third was "a frenzied effort of a bankrupt system to envelop the country in darkness," Tsipras added.

Addressing ND leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the prime minister accused him of "running away" during the last Parliamentary debate when this touched on issues of corruption. This time, Tsipras said, he would be held to account and forced to provide explanations.

"You immediately forged an alliance with the old and corrupt system of intertwined interests in this country, with those that were responsible for the country's bankruptcy," he said. According to Tsipras, the main opposition was "fighting a rear guard action" and running after the media establishment because this was "its last hope". ND should get used to being the main opposition, since the electorate knew them well and it would be a long time before it returned to government, Tsipras added.

"Your goal is to convince [voters] that everyone is dirty in this country...to undermine the left's moral advantage" the prime minister said. Unable to convince voters with its "so-called alternative programme," which consisted of nothing but cuts, lay-offs and a shrinking of the public interest, ND's only option was to "stand behind the channel owners that are paying into the public coffers for the first time," he said.

"The main message from the tender is that the law will be upheld," he said, noting that the government had followed the rules for all participants in the tender, even the supposedly "government-friendly" candidate. "As soon as one term was not met, he was eliminated from the tender procedure," Tsipras pointed out.

The prime minister also emphasised the outstanding debts still owed by ND and the PASOK party, noting that SYRIZA did not have any outstanding commitments to anyone. "No matter how hard you search, you will not find any SYRIZA kickbacks, or procurements scandals, or unbacked loans," he said.

Tsipras also pledged to "end the tax evasion party" and call those that had hidden money to account, making them pay. He announced that the government had received a new list of 475 Greeks that deposited money in 2010 from North Rhine Westphalia, noting that the offence of tax evasion was not statute barred for that year.

"This list has been handed over to the public prosecutor and prosecuting authorities will be given every assistance," he said.

"The government wants to align with the healthy forces of society. We want to put this country in order. The citizens know that we are the last chance to cleanse the country from the filth of corruption," Tsipras added.

[09] Tsipras: The competition we created in TV licencing tender resulted in raising 256 mln euros

"Because we limited the offer we created this intense competition. They were inside the General Secretariat for three days and they didn't know how high the amount was. This is why we collected the 256 million," Tsipras told parliament in his rejoinder during an off-the-agenda debate on corruption and intertwined interests.

"What we do has a great peculiarity: Other governments have tried it, but backed down. It is not an easy thing having them all against you, distorting everything from morning to night," he added, noting it takes some "bravery of the soul" to do it.

"We promised the Greek people we'll finish this. We are united by honesty. All you want is power."

The prime minister then accused New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis of bullying judges and judicial officials who are deliberating on the TV licensing tender. "From the start until the end of his speech today, Mr. Mitsotakis has attempted to buy judges," he said.

He also told parliament his government protected 95 percent of the primary residencies of Greeks valued up to 280,000 euros, thus protecting the weaker citizens.

[10] ND will reverse law on television licences, Mitsotakis says in Parliament

Speaking during an off-the-agenda Parliament debate on corruption and intertwined interests called by the government, Mitsotakis promised to reverse the law passed by Minister of State Nikos Pappas and "restore conditions of competition, increasing the number of licences."

ND's leader also alleged "government intervention in justice" in connection with the television licences tender process, focusing on a decision to postpone a planned session of the Council of State to discuss a related case on September 30.

"In no country where there is rule of law is the session of a supreme court cancelled. This did not even happen during the junta," he said, noting that the mission of the supreme court was to interpret the law, not public opinion.

"I appeal for this dissonance to be corrected. The court must resolve the issue of the constitutionality of the Pappas law as soon as possible," he said, noting that the job of judges was to apply the law.

Slamming the government for unreliability and reneging on past promises, Mitsotakis also criticised the process launched to discuss possible changes to the Constitution, noting that the revision of the Constitution was "the exclusive province of Parliament."

The country needs an overall strategy for fighting corruption and intertwined interests, which goes beyond the witch hunt currently being attempted by the government, Mitsotakis said.

"The government has no plan for dealing with intertwined interests. It is instead developing its own. The country cannot afford to add a crisis of democracy to the existing economic and social crisis," he noted.

SYRIZA's designs would come to naught, along with its government, Mitsotakis added, ending with a challenge to the prime minister to "call elections if you dare."

[11] Trilateral Greece-Cyprus-Egypt summit on Oct 11

On behalf of the Greek government will also participate: Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias, Environment and Energy Minister Panos Skourletis, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Networks Christos Spirtzis, Shipping Minister Thodoris Dritsas, Alternate Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura, government spokeswoman Olga Gerovasili, and Deputy Foreign Minister Dimitris Mardas.

The trilateral meeting is taking place on a critical period for the wider region of the eastern Mediterranean, which strengthens the importance of the summit for the stability and growth in the region.

Within the framework of trilateral cooperation schemes with third countries, Greece and Cyprus expand their dialogue and cooperation with Egypt, a benchmark country for Middle East and the Arab world and the key to stabilizing the eastern Mediterranean region.

The agenda of the trilateral meeting in Cairo includes:

Maritime cooperation aiming at maritime transport network development between the three countries

Tourism cooperation to boost tourism among the three countries and providing joint tourist product in other countries (eg cruises for tourists from countries such as China or France in Greece, Cyprus and Egypt)

Energy, mainly mining and natural gas that has been located in the sea area between Cyprus and Egypt

Regional security, with emphasis on the situation in Libya and Syria

Migration

Development of infrastructure, such as railways, highways, airports, etc.

Water Management projects such as desalination, flood protection and land reclamation

Finally, as part of the trilateral summit, the Prime Minister will meet with the two communities of the Greek-Egyptian in Cairo and Alexandria, the oldest expatriate groups in the world.

[12] Pavlopoulos: System of guarantees, occupation army not acceptable for Cyprus

"In the sacred memory of those killed during the Turkish invasion we pledge that the final solution of the Cyprus problem would be a solution which fully secures the Republic of Cyprus as a member of the international community and the European Union and in the core of the Eurozone," Pavlopoulos said.

"In this framework, we state that any 'discounts' are not conceivable, especially with respect to the strict compliance with the European acquis. In any event, it is not conceivable in the context of the Republic, any 'guarantor' forces of subordination or occupying forces, since it is completely contrary to the non-negotiable sovereignty of Cyprus," he added.

He also said that Greece will continue to look into the crimes committed by Turkey until the issue of missing soldiers is resolved.

[13] We must move to the Left of action, says Alt. Interior Minister Toskas

"We have no illusions; it is easy to talk about growth, but it is very difficult in practice. We can't continue with paper 'swords', we must move to the Left of action, growth and social justice," he said and called on the left forces of the country to rally in order for stability to prevail in the country.

Toskas stressed the importance of SYRIZA giving a boost to the society and not to be cut off from the society. "The big battles are won with broad fronts," he said and expressed the wish for a wider democratic basis for cooperation with the social forces.

Asked on the IMF's participation in the Greek programme he said: "We have seen this play again but in the end the wise views will prevail. Destabilisation in Europe will benefit neither the US nor the international markets."

[14] Greece will be benefited from EU-Afghanistan agreement, says EC spokeswoman Bertaud

"It is an agreement that sets a framework for speeding up the procedures for the return, readmission and reintegration of migrants, as well as combating human trafficking," he added.

This agreement is part of a coordinated European effort currently underway in order to address the migration issue with a series of agreements and intense deliberations between EU and Afghanistan. 180,000 Afghans entered Europe in 2015, most of them seeking asylum in Germany.

[15] Greece-Albania's relations of strategic importance, Albanian Parliament president tells ANA

"All the Albanian parties respect Greece and its territorial integrity and of course its citizens as neighbors and partners of social, economic and European growth. I think it would be wise to stay away from speculative reports that deliberately attempt to create misperceptions," Meta said.

"I believe that there is nothing we cannot discuss as good neighbors," he said adding that the relationship between his country and Greece has potential for further cooperation.

"We are not just good and old neighbors. Both countries are members of NATO and share the responsibility of ensuring the strengthening of peace, stability and security in the region," stressed the president of the Albanian Parliament.

"We are facing common challenges in economy and security and our bilateral relations should be based on an open and honest dialogue," he stressed and added: "The neighbors talk, cooperate, solve problems and face challenges together."

?Regarding the accession process of the country, Meta said: "Albania became a candidate country in 2014 and we have been working hard in order to move forward in implementing the ambitious agenda of reforms we have undertaken, especially as regards the reform of our judicial system and the strengthening of the legal system. The implementation of such reforms should open the way for a positive recommendation from the European Commission so that accession negotiations start, something that is expected in the coming months."

"All this complicated and long process of EU accession is accompanied by Greece's continuous and substantial support; support for which we are very grateful," he concluded.

Financial News

[16] Ministers, EU officials, fund representatives to discuss Greek economy in Capital & Vision conference

The conference is organized by the German-Hellenic Chamber of Industry and Commerce, "Capital" newspaper and the website Capital.gr, and is focusing on six main sessions:

Ensuring the financial requirements of the Greek State

-Unlocking liquidity - how to finance the Greek economy and its enterprises

Privatisation as a driver for growth - the determining role of HRADF (Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund)

The new development law and the necessity of creating an advantageous investment environment

Best practices and the need for a developmental strategic plan

The consequences of Brexit for the Greek and the European economy

Innovation

Among the speakers who have confirmed their attendance are: Economy Minister Giorgos Stathakis, Hans-Joachim Fuchtel, Parliamentary State Secretary in the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Alexis Charitsis, Deputy Minister for for NSRF Issues, Dimitris Papadimoulis, Member of the Bureau, European Parliament, Nikos Mantzoufas, Special Secretary of PPP Unit in Greece and Giorgos Kyrtsos, New democracy MEP.

[17] Tourism infrastructure project gives boost to Greek economy

Spanoudis said that a series of significant investments on tourism infrastructure made in 2016, boosted both tourism and the quality of the country's tourism product and the construction sector as well. "This framework creates an environment upgrading two sectors simultaneously, two pylons of the Greek economy, tourism and constructions. 2016 has become a landmark year in this sense, with investment interest for tourism infrastructure rising strongly, leading to a new building activity and boosting the building materials' market as well," he said.

Kraft Paints participated in the Paros airport and the Electra Metropolis Hotel products as a supplier of external heat insulation products and paints.

Spanoudis said 2016 recorded a significant increase in Kraft's sales compared with the previous year, with significant share credited to increased investments in tourism infrastructure, while the regions with the biggest demand were Crete, Athens, Chalkidiki, Mykonos and Paros.

[18] Greek inflation at -1.0 pct in September

The statistics service, in a report, attributed this development to declines of 1.6 pct in food/beverage, 4.1 pct to housing prices, 1.9 pct in durable goods/ 1.3 pct in transport prices, 1.4 pct in entertainment, 1.0 pct in education prices and an 1.5 pct fall in other goods and services.

The consumer price index grew 1.8 pct in September from August, reflecting a 43.2 pct rise in clothing/footwear after the end of the summer sales season, while durable goods prices rose 0.8 pct and the hotel/restaurant group rose 0.2 pct.

The average inflation rate in the October 2015-September 2016 period eased 0.9 pct, after a 2.0 pct decline recorded in the 2014-2015 period.

[19] DEPA and SONATRACH seek ways to expand cooperation

The issue was discussed during a meeting in Algiers between SONATRACH chairman and chief executive Amine Mazouzi, SONELGAZ chief executive Mustapha Guitouni and other SONATRACH high-ranking officials, with visiting DEPA chief executive Theodoros Kitsakos.

Mr Kitsakos also attended the 15th International Energy Forum on "Global Energy Transition: an enhanced role for energy dialogue", which brought together government officials, business officials and high-ranking officials from international organizations.

The forum discussed issues related with the oil and natural gas markets, renewable energy sources and energy security.

[20] Consolidation trend in supermarket sector to continue in 2017

Addressing a forum on the supermarket sector, Korkidis said: "It is important that Marinopoulos group avoided bankruptcy at the last minute and that 12,500 job positions were saved, but equally important was to ensure that thousands of small suppliers of the supermarket company would be saved as well."

He added that the retail commerce sector was characterized by the collapse of Marinopoulos SA and the fact that all other companies in the sector, large and small, shared the company's sales. Korkidis noted that these developments could continue in 2017.

"There is an estimate that in 2017 the situation in the market will stabilize and based on this estimate, there is a prediction that large enterprises will draft their investment and business strategies from this year. If the situation stabilizes, the question coming from several sides is what will be the strategy of large retail commerce groups. The first estimate, looking more probable based on current data, is to have a merciless "price war" moving beyond any known practices. In my opinion, a competition battle will erupt but in a war that no one would want to lose, since a price war would mean losing profits and turnover for everyone. Sklavenitis Group, by acquiring Marinopoulos' network, it is obvious that it would claim to take back lost turnover -if not all, at least a part of it. From their side, other supermarket groups, particularly large ones, will try to preserve turnover gained this year, or to lose as less share as possible. Each side will use every weapon available in this battle. It is clear that in such a pressing environment a tremendous amount of pressure will be exercised on medium-sized supermarket companies -with sales less than 300 million euros- while estimates does not exclude the scenario with foreign players taking a larger share in the market and a "bloody" consolidation of the market to continue in 2017," Korkidis said.

He noted that the supermarket sector fell, so far, this year, with revenue down around 8.0 pct and volume down 12 pct, a huge rate meaning a loss of hundreds of million of euros. Korkidis added, however, that there were estimates that the fall was around 3-5 pct as some supermarket chains managed to report higher sales levels. A latest report by IRI for 2016 showed 11 categories to consumer products to ease, led by the dairy sector (-12 pct in value and -13.6 pct in volume), followed by packaged foods (-9.4 pct), frozen food (-8.3 pct), personal hygiene (-8.4 pct), household items (-7.5 pct), cooking (-6.6 pct), detergents (-6.4 pct), alcohol (-6.3 pct), snack (-5.2 pct), cosmetics (-4.0 pct), while private label products saw their market share to drop from 19 pct to 16.6 pct with total consumption less than 1.0 billion euros.

The supermarket sector is one of the most dynamic sector of the Greek economy. In the 2010-2016 period, the domestic market recorded negative growth rates, after a decade of positive growth, with the last six years the sector recording an average contraction rate of -2.4 pct despite a positive growth rate recorded in 2014.

[21] Hellas Horse Races presents cooperation with GBI Racing

The presentation of the cooperation was made at the Horse Race track in Markopoulo with guest star Mrs Hayley Turner, the top woman rider of all times.

The cooperation between the two companies unofficially began in early 2016 and offers to Greek horse racing lovers and betting enthusiasts the opportunity to bet on the 12,000 horse race events organized in the UK and Ireland.

"We are certain that from this cooperation, Greek horse racing have nothing else but to gain," Odysseas Christoforou, vice-president of Hellas Horse Races SA told ANA and welcomed Mrs Turner to Greece. "Turner's achievements are impressive and I am a big fan of her career. GBI Racing is a raw model company and will help Greek horse racing in their effort towards the rebirth and development of horse racing," Christoforou said.

"It is the first time to visit Greece and the facilities I have seen so far are impressive and could become world-class level. This place look wonderful," Hayley Turner told ANA, adding that her sex never played a role in her career. "I did not feel any difference, but surely women must train properly to strengthen their bodies and to compete with men. It is a wonderful sport and I would recommend to Greek women to begin," she said.

GBI Racing brings top quality UK and Irish racing to betting shop operators around the world. With exclusive international rights to all 58 UK racecourses and all 26 Irish tracks, GBI Racing has over 1,800 race fixtures a year available for simulcast.

[22] Centaur Analytics attracts foreign investors

The Greek company aims to bring a small revolution in the sector of logistics and management of wheat by monitoring "insects threatening products located in warehouses". For this reason, Centaur Analytics, has manufactured special sensors "that breathe, taking gases from warehouses and analyzing their quality". This innovative platform uses cloud computing, offering access to any personal computer, tablet, smartphone, covering all procedures until the product reaches a shelf.

"It wasn't easy," P.Sotiroudas, co-founded of the company told Praktoreio FM radio. "Usually, start ups are designed by younger people, we are already 20 years in the business," he said adding: "I think when you have designed something good and you have the patience and the courage to go for it, you finally find the ears willing to hear".

[23] Hellenic Sugar Industry begins operations in Orestiada factory

The factory in Orestiada is expected to operate for more than 20 days. Speaking to ANA, Petros Hastanidis, president of the Labor Center of Orestiada and a member of the workers' union in Hellenic Sugar Industry, said that production of beets will surpass 80,000 tons since weather conditions in the wider area did not create significant problems to the around 100 producers. He noted that if Hellenic Sugar Industry's management adhered to its pledge and pay beet growers by Christmas, next year's production could more than double covering an area from 15,000,000 sq.m. this year to more than 40,000,000 sq.m. in 2017.

"We are progressing very well and we process around 8,000 tons of beets daily," Sofocles Minopoulos, manager of the factory in Plati told ANA.

In Central Macedonia, this year's production covers an area of 60,000,000 sq.m., yielding 6 tons 1,000 sq.m. Pavlos Boyiannidis, president of beets growers union in the region, said that if payment was made by Christmas, next year's production could surpass 150,000,000 sq.m..

[24] Dixons says pre-tax earnings 6.7 mln euros in Greece

A company announcement stressed that a dynamic upgrading of Kotsovolos' network and a continuous improvement of infrastructure was a significant factor for last year's very successful performance, as proven by a 2.4 pct increase in market share. The targets for next year are a further expansion and upgrading of network, raising and training workforce and a full digitalization of operating systems. Dixons said the investment plan for the year 2015-2016 was 5.0 million euros, "proof of Dixons Carphone Group confidence in the Greek market".

For the year 2016-2017, investments are expected to reach 8.5 million euros, with the company is planning to open new stores in Chalkidiki, Aigio, downtown Athens, Chalandri-Cholargos and Patras.

[25] Exports of fruit and vegetables up 31.1 pct in Jan-Aug

In an analysis of official statistical data released by Hellenic Statistical Authority, Incofruit-Hellas said the exports of fruit grew 31.9 pct in volume and by 17.4 pc tin value to 1,031,344 tons and 561.63 million euros, respectively. Exports of vegetables grew 26.1 pct in volume to 162,837 tons and by 14.5 pct in value to 119.345 million euros.

Top export sellers in volume were tangerines with an increase of 103.3 pct, oranges (82.7 pct), peaches (23.5 pct), apricots (61.4 pct), cherries (41.5 pct) and plums (460 pct), strawberries (12.6 pct) and apples (20.6 pct). Lemons also grew reflecting lower imports. Among vegetables, cucumbers (32.1 pct) and tomatoes (20.2 pct) scored the biggest percentage increases in volume.

Greece has raised its exports in the last decade to around 1.6 million tons and 1.2 million euros in 2016 from 1,027,568 tons and 718.847 million euros in 2007.

Incofruit-Hellas said the domestic market of fruit and vegetables was relatively small in Greece. In addition, Greek consumers' purchasing power has been severely hit by an economic crisis and the industry has turned largely to exports, initially in the Balkans as a low cost supplier, but lately to western European markets.

Greek exporters have not been deterred by the loss of Russia, the third largest market for some products and they have raised their sales to other EU countries and third countries.

Imports fell 7.3 pct in the eight-month period, with vegetables down 13.2 pct in volume and 3.5 pct in value, while fruit imports rose 0.6 pct in volume and rose 3.4 pct in value.

George Polychronakis, special advisor to Incofruit-Hellas said the federation expected export trends to continue as this year's crop in winter fruit were favorable.

[26] Greek industrial production index down 0.3 pct in Aug

The statistics service, in a report, attributed this development to a 13.7 pct decline in the mining production index and a 4.6 pct decline in electricity production.

The average industrial production index in the January-August period grew 2.0 pct, after a 0.3 pct increase recorded last year, while the seasonally-adjusted industrial production index rose 0.4 pct.

[27] Jumbo Group says profits up 15.67 pct

In an announcement, the company said efforts were made to absorb an increase in VAT without burdening consumers, which led to a slight fall in gross profit margin to 53 pct from 53.16 pct in the previous year. EBITDA soared to 183.71 million euros, up 15.35 pct from the previous year, while consolidated profits rose 15.67 pct to 121.26 million euros.

Jumbo Group said the management will seek shareholders' approval to a plan to pay an extraordinary dividend to shareholders worth 0.27 euros per share (0.2430 euros after taxes).

Jumbo said its network in Greece and Cyprus recorded turnover increases of around 4.0 pct and 5.0 pct, respectively. In Romania, turnover almost doubled, while in Bulgaria sales were up 12 pct on average. The Group launched a seventh store in Romania (Pitesti), raising its total network to 71 stores, of which 51 in Greece, five in Cyprus, eight in Bulgaria and seven in Romania. The group operates an e-store.

Sales in the first quarter of the new year (July-September 2016), totaled 170.23 million euros, up 11.53 pct from the previous year, with sales in Greece and Cyprus rising 4.0 pct and sales in Bulgaria and Romania recording a double-digit growth rate.

Jumbo Group expects this year's sales to grow by 4-7 pct and profits to remain flat at last year's levels. The group will launch a new superstore in Bulgaria this year and another two in Romania (expected by Christmas 2017).

[28] Car registrations up 9.6 pct in Sept

The statistics service, in a monthly report, said that car registrations totaled 9,044 vehicles (new and used ones) in September from 8,249 in the same month last year, an increase of 9.6 pct). New car registrations totaled 5,014 in September from 5,509 last year, a decline of 9.0 pct.

In the January-September period, car registrations totaled 101,296 vehicles (new and used ones), up 12.7 pct from 89,891 in the same period last year. New car registrations totaled 67,778 in the nine-month period, from 62,236 last year, an increase of 8.9 pct.

Motorcycle registrations totaled 3,510 in September, up 6.6 pct from the same month last year, while new motorcycle registrations totaled 3,282, up 5.1 pct. In the January-September period, motorcycle registrations totaled 28,834, up 12.1 pct from 2015, while new motorcycle registrations grew 11.2 pct to 30,146.

[29] Greek stocks end 1.03 pct higher

The composite index rose 1.03 pct to end at 583.27 points, off the day's highs of 587.35 points. The Large Cap index rose 1.99 pct and the Mid Cap index eased 1.19 pct. Turnover was a low 35.713 million euros.

Piraeus Bank (5.63 pct), National Bank (4.74 pct), Eurobank (3.97 pct) and Alpha Bank (3.77 pct) scored the biggest percentage gains of the day among blue chip stocks, while Titan (1.12 pct), PPC (1.11 pct) and Motor Oil (0.47 pct) suffered losses.

Among market sectors, Banks (4.32 pct), Telecoms (2.98 pct) and Food (2.38 pct) scored big gains, while Construction (0.82 pct) and Utilities (0.52 pct) suffered losses. National Bank and Piraeus Bank were the most heavily traded securities of the day. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 48 to 34 with another 27 issues unchanged. Attica Bank (25 pct), Levenderis (20 pct) and Lavipharm (16.09 pct) were top gainers, while Evrofarma (17.03 pct), Medicon (16.95 pct) and Elastron (7.85 pct) were top losers.

[30] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates were largely unchanged. The 12-month rate was -0.064 pct, the nine-month rate was -0.132 pct, the six-month rate rose to -0.202 pct from -0.203 pct, the three-month rate fell to -0.304 pct from -0.302 pct and the one-month rate was -0.371 pct.

[31] ADEX closing report

General News

[32] Storm hits Corfu; landslides cut the island in two

The storm is receding but according to the National Weather Service the bad weather will also continue in the following days.

[33] School bell rings for children refugees in Greece

The children, from Derveni's refugee camp, arrived shortly after 15:00, accompanied by Thessaloniki mayor Yiannis Boutaris and municipal councilors. The mayor's team had brought along buns and pastries to distribute them among the children. "I'm sad about the reactions seen in other schools, which are based on baseless mentalities, as all kids have been inoculated," Boutaris said.

"We tried to prepare accordingly and we already have teachers here who will teach the children," the school's principle Dimitris Goulis said.

At the 81st elementary school in the area of Kato Petralona in Athens, 30 children refugees from the camp of Eleonas were welcomed in their school by their new classmates and teachers. Another 60 children are expected to attend the same school in the coming days.

About 10 teachers volunteered to teach the children Greek, math and art during their four-hour school-day. "We will embrace the children of the refugees. They are just like all other children," the school's representative said.

A Greek woman, mother of three children said "education is for all the children, without discriminations. Our society here is open and we have embraced the world." A grandfather standing nearby, waiting to pick up his grandson, said all children in the world are the same. "Why shouldn't they come to school? There's no problem."

"Apart from some isolated exceptions which tried to create a negative climate but were dealt with immediately from representatives of the ministry, the welcoming of children refugees by Greek students and teachers was enthusiastic," the Education ministry said in a statement, adding that Greek society responded warmly to the introduction of refugees in school.

[34] New drug called luspatercept could help end transfusions for thalassemia patients

Speaking on the sidelines of a Balkans Thalassemia Conference taking place in Thessaloniki, Angastiniotis said that clinical trials were now in their third phase and are expected to be completed in roughly 18 months.

He said that luspatercept acts on the red blood cells during their formation, increasing the number of healthy red blood cells in the circulatory system. In mild cases of thalassemia, where a patient was not fully dependent on transfusions, it could eliminate the need for them entirely. In more severe cases, where a patient was fully dependent, the number of tranfusions necessary are reduced by 40 pct on average but this can rise to as much as 80 pct for some individuals.

Fewer transfusions would mean fewer complications, thus also reducing the necessity for the close monitoring that thalassemia patients normally need and greatly improve their quality of life, he added.

Angastiniotis noted that gene therapy was also entering the third phase of clinical trials at this time, with 25 patients having undergone treatment throughout the world. The first patient that started the treatment seven years ago did not need transfusions but also suffered some negative side-effects, which Angastiniotis said was "not strange, given that it is the first time a treatment of this kind was administered."

More recent cases had given "relatively good results," he said and there were signs of further improvements in the future.

Thessaloniki will be among the first cities in the world where trials for both luspatercept and gene therapy for thalassemia will take place, at the Papanicolaou Hospital's Gene and Cell Therapy Centre, which is among the most advanced in Europe.

[35] Epigenetics, the conductor of the human orchestra

Dr. Giannis claimed that the scientists have understood that the "genetic information, the DNA, is the music score and the epigenetics the conductor that performs and controls the orchestra."

Referring to his experience in Greece where he has served as member of the Committee of the University of Patras, he said "unfortunately many people consider the universities a ground for union exercises and not as a field for research, creation, knowledge and innovation" and underlined that due to insufficient funding of research a large number of Greek scientists go abroad.

Professor Giannis was born in the city of Drama in 1954 and studied chemistry and medicine at the University of Bonn.

The main field of his research is biological and pharmaceutical organic chemistry and biochemistry of natural products while his research covers also the epigenetics, immunomodulatory medicines, angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis and their use against several diseases as cancer and rheumatic diseases.

The scientist will be in Athens on October 11 to inaugurate a series of events of the Hub Science. His speech will focus on "Epigenetics: challenges, opportunities and prospects". He will also present new epigenetic medicines against cancer and other diseases.

[36] Greek cinema travels to Sao Paulo

The festival, which will run until October 16, is organized by the Cin?math?que of Brazil in cooperation with the Greek Film Archive and the Greek Film Centre, under the auspices of the Consulate General of Greece in Sao Paulo.

Director Tassos Boulmetis will participate in the festival with the film 'Notias.'

[37] Greece wins first prize in US Fireworks Show

"It is a great pleasure and honour that we won an international distinction in the art that we love" Pavlos Nanos said in statements to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency.

"Some Greeks came from Ohio to congratulate us personally and meet us after our victory. Children and elderly people who have not visited Greece for 45 years!" he added.

More than 20,000 people attended the event. Every country participated with an eight-minute show. The Greek participants had to compete with the Philippines, which was the winner of the 2013 World Competition in Germany and South Africa which has won 7 international awards.

[38] Greeks choose Belgrade as a city break destination

"Belgrade has become a city break destination for the Greeks, with the number of Greek visitors growing each month," the director of the Tourist Belgrade Agency Miodrag Popovi
said in an event held in Thessaloniki.

#GoBelgrade Is the motto of the Belgrade Tourist Organization for the promotion of Serbia's capital as an ideal travel destination that the Greeks seem to prefer.

"The nights that Greek visitors and tourists spend in Belgrade are expected to fivefold by the end of 2016 - from 22,000 in 2015 to 100,000 nights," Popovic said.

Two years ago, the Greek visitors were not in the top 10 or even the top 20 of tourists in Belgrade.

From the Greeks traveling to Serbia, 70-75 percent chooses Belgrade.

[39] Police presents priceless loot of antiquities smuggling ring bust

The most important pieces rescued from the smugglers include a golden wreath which dates from the Hellenistic times, two religious icons and a large number of ancient Greek and Roman coins. The rest of the artifacts will be presented to the relevant museums, authorities said.

Speaking at the presentation at the ministry for Civil Protection, Culture Minister Aristidis Baltas said it was an important day and that he's happy these objects will be added to the other museum collections.

[40] 5th Olympus Rally of Classic Cars

The "Classic Olympus Rally" is an important rally of high standards that gives the opportunity to the owners of classic cars to participate in a breathtaking race and to visit the wonderful region of Thessaly.

This year the rally's route started from Larissa to Farkadona, Karditsa, Plastiras' Lake, Mouzaki, Pili, Elati, Pertouli, Kalambaka, Meteora and ended in Trikala.

The main attractions of this route were the tour around the Plastiras' Lake, the all green landscapes and a special visit to the world-famous Meteora, a monument of geological and religious interest, which gathers millions of visitors every year from all around the world.

[41] Rockfalls block Igoumenitsa-Ioannina highway after heavy rainfall

The fire department of Thesprotia also said large quantities of water have pooled inside the villages of Nea Selefkia and Mavroudi closing off streets, adding that crews are working to restore traffic in the municipality.

Weather forecast

[42] Rain on Tuesday

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

EFIMERIDA TON SYNTAKTON: Corruption; the same old story

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: Pension at 55

ESTIA: Self-trap with the referendum

NAFTEMPORIKI: Hard negotiation

TA NEA: German Foreign Minister Wolfgang Schaueble's bomb on debt and programme review

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