Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 16-10-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM to meet EU leaders, top officials on sidelines of European Council

[02] The Dublin Regulation must essentially change, Alternate Migration Min Mouzalas says

[03] Migration minister urges Schulz to boost EP's role in refugee issue

[04] Thousands of refugees trapped on the islands due to EU policy insufficiency, says Lesvos mayor Galinos

[05] Tsakalotos: No evidence IMF wants Greece to accept fourth bailout for debt relief

[06] We must avoid a fourth memorandum, says Energy Minister Skourletis

[07] The 2017 budget may cause a recession, parliamentary budget office says

[08] Parties once again fail to agree on new National Council for Radio and Television

[09] Council of State to convene on TV licencing law on October 24 and 26

[10] Council of State agrees to discuss injunction petitions of TV channels

[11] ND leader levels against government on TV licences

[12] Parliament approves in principle bill on social economy

[13] Sustainable growth discussed in minister's meeting with Greece Solidarity Campaign

[14] Health ministry revising prices of diagnostic tests downward to cut costs

[15] Justice minister orders investigation into judge's personal data leak

[16] Greece, S. Korea close to signing four economic cooperation agreements, Mardas says

[17] 557 mln euro funds to be chanelled to Greek tourism, EC spokesman Schinas says

[18] Greece has met arrears target for final 1.7 bln in bailout loans, central bank figures indicate

[19] Greek central gov't cash balance in deficit of 1.144 bln euros in Jan-Sept

[20] Employment flows in the private sector positive in September

[21] Registered unemployment down 2.74 pct in Sept

[22] Greece is fourth largest foreign investor in Bulgaria

[23] MIT Enterprise Forum in Greece

[24] Marriott International returns in Athens

[25] Greek Food Festival in Tirana

[26] Large Greek participation in SIAL Paris food fair

[27] Greek wine shows resistance to the crisis

[28] Lengthy drought plagues Rhodes; olive oil producers in despair

[29] Athens Xclusive Designers Week on Oct 21-24

[30] Olympic Air to increase Athens-Kalamata flights to 12 per week next summer

[31] Egypt to add new destinations in Greece

[32] Book sellers outside Greek capital call for return of uniform book prices

[33] Greek stocks end slightly lower

[34] Greek bond market closing report

[35] ADEX closing report

[36] Diving into the mystery of multiple sclerosis

[37] Light quake jolts Ioannina

[38] Athens Law School protesters continue sit-in for second week, demand abolition of postgraduate fees

[39] Clouds, rain on Thursday

[40] The Wednesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance Politics

[01] PM to meet EU leaders, top officials on sidelines of European Council

Tsipras' meetings on Thursday, at times yet to be announced, will include one with French President Francois Hollande, as well as President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. The Greek premier is to participate in the European Council on Thursday afternoon, including the "Exchange of Views with the President of the European Parliament" and the working dinner in the evening.

The Greek premier will return for the European Council on Friday morning and have a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel before the Council begins its second working session at 10:00.

EU leaders will meet on 20 and 21 October to discuss three major issues: migration, trade and Russia, including its role in Syria.

[02] The Dublin Regulation must essentially change, Alternate Migration Min Mouzalas says

He outlined Greece's positions on the EU migration issue and reiterated the Greek government's requests for EU contribution.

The minister briefed them on the situation after the closure of northern borders early March and added that despite its weaknesses, the EU-Turkey agreement is the sole legitimate migration path to Europe.

Mouzalas called on everyone to assume their responsibilities and stop the 'creative criticism.' He explained that the European Union does not act collectively to the refugee issue and the support to Greece is mostly expressed through bilateral relations with European countries.

Referring to the impending revision of the Dublin Regulation, Mouzalas said that it is "European risk" and unless it essentially changes, it will have the same fate as the existing Regulation on the examination rules for asylum claims (Dublin III).

[03] Migration minister urges Schulz to boost EP's role in refugee issue

According to a ministry press release, Mouzalas described the situation in Greece by asking Schulz's support on the following issues:

-Ensuring the EU-Turkey deal is implemented by all sides as "it's the only way for a legal and safe transport of refugees to Europe."

-The relocation of refugees from Greece to other member-states, especially concerning unaccompanied minors, as the procedure essentially has stopped. By the end of 2016, 33,000 people must have relocated, but so far only 5,000 have done so.

-The resettlement of refugees for humanitarian reasons from Turkey to Europe so as to send the message of a legal transport to Europe.

-The creation of a European return mechanism - instead of the system implemented today, whereby each member-state returns people separately. This will facilitate the return of migrants to their country of origin.

-The amendment of the Dublin regulation concerning the asylum petition process in a way that doesn't burden solely the countries of first entrance.

On his part, Schulz expressed his solidarity with Greece, noting that many member-states have essentially abandoned Greece, noting that authorities must speed up relocation. At the same time, he criticized Greece for delaying returns to Turkey.

[04] Thousands of refugees trapped on the islands due to EU policy insufficiency, says Lesvos mayor Galinos

The mayor of Lesvos Spyros Galinos in statements to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency on Wednesday underlined the insufficiency of the EU policy in the management of the refugee problem in Greece that traps thousands of people on the Greek island and burdens the local societies.

Galinos proposed the establishment, initially in Greece, of a municipalities network with small hosting facilities for refugees and afterwards this example to be followed by European municipalities. "There are some thousands of municipalities, so if each one of them had a small facility we could face the problem without substantial burden on our societies and put an halt to the racist and fascist voices" he noted.

Lesvos mayor is currently in Brussels for "Cities of Solidarity-Solidacities" event held on Tuesday at the European parliament. During the meeting Galinos tabled a proposal on a "fair distribution of the refugees problem" in Greece and in Europe.

[05] Tsakalotos: No evidence IMF wants Greece to accept fourth bailout for debt relief

"It is not obvious that the IMF wants another program in addition to the existing," he said, adding he disagrees with PASOK's former finance minister Nikos Christodoulakis on this issue.

"The government does not have a success story to promote. Our view is we can restore development in a sovereign way, by incorporating social forces which the dominant elite has abandoned," he added.

[06] We must avoid a fourth memorandum, says Energy Minister Skourletis

"If we have additional measures and a new memorandum, then this programme will fail," Skourletis said.

According to Skourletis, if Greece's lenders are positive to a quantitative easing, the primary surpluses and the debt then the economy will skyrocket and noted that there are no margins for more measures.

Asked if he would resign in case the developments are not positive, he replied that "the last that interests the citizens is what Skourletis will do" adding that "the most important is the decisions that will be taken."

Referring to the possibility of a government reshuffle, he noted that he is not interested in the reshuffle of persons "but there should not be a reshuffle in our programme."

Finally, he admitted that initially SYRIZA understimated the political corrolations and the influences existed on the international stage adding that SYRIZA gave its battle and appealed to the people that supported the party for second time.

[07] The 2017 budget may cause a recession, parliamentary budget office says

The draft budget is currently being discussed at the parliament's economic committee.

"The 2017 budget, as it is being prepared, will have on the short-term an intensely recessionary character although the recessionary effects may be partly offset by the change in economic climate after the completion of the program reviews," the report states.

The budget office proposes a downward revision of the targets for primary surpluses and a redistribution of the burden between taxes and expenses in favour of the latter. The report also notes the need to reduce the primary surplus targets until and after 2018.

"Therefore, in the coming months, the downward revision of primary surpluses targets and the final settlement of the debt will become increasingly important. The government and the opposition seem to agree on this goal and they have the IMF as an ally [on this]," the report adds.

[08] Parties once again fail to agree on new National Council for Radio and Television

Parliament President Nikos Voutsis finally went ahead with the vote after the majority of members rejected the opposition parties' request to postpone but his own proposal for the new NCRTV were rejected, since it did not get the 4/5 majority required to be carried.

Votes in favour were cast only by the ruling coalition parties SYRIZA and Independent Greeks (ANEL), while main opposition New Democracy (ND) and far-right Golden Dawn voted against and the remaining four opposition parties (Communist Party of Greece (KKE), Democratic Alliance, Potami and Union of Centrists) abstained.

Voutsis criticised the request to postpone the vote until after a court ruling on the constitutionality of the media law, on which a television licences tender was based. If the parties had asked for a delay in order to consider the proposal and return better informed, he added, "we would have been obliged to listen" but the work of justice and legislative authority should not be mixed.

"I do not see the reason for an extension in the name of the judicial aspect since, under the Constitution, its is their total obligation to make a decision. Justice, for its own part, makes its decisions and these are respected," he said. The law had already started to generate legal effects, he noted, and for the political system to postpone and stand by awaiting developments "would send a wrong signal."

[09] Council of State to convene on TV licencing law on October 24 and 26

The sessions have been scheduled for 17:00. Next Monday, judges will hear from the case rapporteur, Giorgos Papageorgiou, who will complete his recommendation which started on Tuesday night but was interrupted.

Papageorgiou argued in favour of the law which sidestepped the National Council for Radio and Television (NCRTV) in the granting of TV licenses. Other judges will then take their turn and develop their arguments on its constitutionality.

[10] Council of State agrees to discuss injunction petitions of TV channels

With 16 votes in favour and 9 against, judges ruled that the injunction petitions are well-founded and broadcasters have a legal interest in appealing to the CoS. Following this decision, the case rapporteur, Giorgos Papageorgiou started presenting the proposal to his colleagues but the session was interrupted for the day in order to continue at another date which wasn't specified.

The next session will decide on the constitutionality and legality of the law prepared by State Minister Nikos Pappas which transferred the powers of regulator ESR to the relevant government bodies.

[11] ND leader levels against government on TV licences

Mitsotakis was speaking in parliament ahead of the presidents meeting on the NCRTV. He began his speech by recalling that in his previous speech warned that the country cannot afford to experience a crisis of justice along with the financial crisis.

"The country is experiencing an unprecedented institutional degeneration, undermining the quality of democracy. Efforts to manipulate the judges were recorded that remind conditions of lawlessness rather than the rule of law," he said.

[12] Parliament approves in principle bill on social economy

All parties voted in favour of the bill except the Communist Party and Golden Dawn. Lawmakers will vote on Thursday on each article of the bill.

[13] Sustainable growth discussed in minister's meeting with Greece Solidarity Campaign

According to the ministry, the two sides focused on environmental issues which arose mainly after the Greek economic crisis, as well the abandonment of the railroad, which could be the most environmentally friendly solution for transport.

[14] Health ministry revising prices of diagnostic tests downward to cut costs

Among the procedures subjected to savage recosting was diagnostic arthroscopy, initially priced at 1,500 euros in 2014, where the compensation has been revised downward five times. The state healthcare insurer EOPYY will now pay a fee of 150 euros to the doctor and another 150 euros for consumables for the test.

The estimated cost of a positron emission tomography or PET-CT scan has been halved from 800 euros initially to 400 euros now.

In addition to procedures recosted downward, the announcement noted the pricing of 86 medical procedures and tests that were previously paid for by the patients in full and for which EOPYY will now give compensation.

The more significant of these are digital mammagrams, Nuchal Translucency (NT) ultrasound scans for Down's Syndrome, Prenatal genetic testing for cystic fibrosis, HPV, vaginal ultrasound, coronary CT angiogram and PCR for A/H1N1 flu.

[15] Justice minister orders investigation into judge's personal data leak

Earlier this morning, the minister also ordered an investigation into the perpetrators who intercepted the private emails of the judge. The prosecutor who will handle the case is Spyridonas Pappas.

Financial News

[16] Greece, S. Korea close to signing four economic cooperation agreements, Mardas says

The minister met his counterpart and co-chairman of the Greek-Korean Joint Ministerial Committee, Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs Lee Tae-Ho, and discussed the progress made in issues agreed during the committee's last meeting in May.

Mardas said his visit had included meetings exploring the potential for increasing Greek exports to Korea and attempts to attract investors, with meetings held at the Korean firms Hanwha Corporation and Samsung Electronics. In a meeting with the management of the Korea imports association KOIMA it was agreed that a KOIMA delegation will visit Athens in the near future to meet with Greek exporters in selected sectors.

The minister also visited the Hyundai shipyards, where a number of Greek ship owners have currently placed orders for newbuilds.

[17] 557 mln euro funds to be chanelled to Greek tourism, EC spokesman Schinas says

Schinas referred to COSME programme that aims to encourage entrepreneurship and promote the creation and development of enterprises including SMEs in the tourism sector.

Last year the Juncker Commission added an innovative new financing instrument, the Juncker investment plan totaling 315 billion euros that has already produced tangible results through the leverage of EU funds with private investment capital.

[18] Greece has met arrears target for final 1.7 bln in bailout loans, central bank figures indicate

In its report on the central government's net borrowing requirement on a cash basis from January-September, the central bank reported an expenditure of 2.029 billion euros for the repayment of arrears. Based on the target set by the Eurogroup in order to sign off on the disbursement of the final part of a sub-tranche of loans, Greece had to show use of at least 80 pct of 1.8 billion euros given for the payment of arrears. Earlier this month, Eurogroup ministers decided to withhold approval for the final 1.7 billion euros until figures for September were finalised.

This is to be confirmed at a Eurogroup Working Group meeting before the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) board meeting on October 24.

In an announcement on Wednesday, the Bank of Greece said the central government cash balance recorded a deficit of 1.144 billion euros in January-September 2016, compared to a deficit of 2.499 billion euros in the same period in 2015. During this period, ordinary budget revenue amounted to 34.851 billion euros, compared to ? 31,463 million in the corresponding period of last year. Revenue of 43 million euros regarding Securities Markets Programme (SMP) income transfers from the Bank of Greece was excluded. Ordinary budget expenditure, including expenditure of about 2.029 billion euros for the repayment of arrears, amounted to 36.051 billion euros, from 33.832 billion euros in January-September 2015.

[19] Greek central gov't cash balance in deficit of 1.144 bln euros in Jan-Sept

The central bank, in a report, said that during this period, ordinary budget revenue amounted to 34,851 million euros, compared to 31,463 million in the corresponding period of last year. Revenue of 43 million euros regarding Securities Markets Programme (SMP) income transfers from the Bank of Greece is excluded. Ordinary budget expenditure, including expenditure of about 2,029 million euros for the repayment of arrears, amounted to 36,051 million, from 33,832 million euros in January-September 2015.

[20] Employment flows in the private sector positive in September

A monthly report by Ergani, the IT system of the labour ministry, said that the hirings/dismissals balance was positive by 7,788 job positions in September, with 230,580 new hirings and 222,792 job dismissals in the month.

Compared with September 2015, the balance showed 7,788 more job positions this year after a negative 13,003 job positions in September 2015. The balance in wage employment flows in the nine-month period from January to September was positive (245,604 job positions), the highest nine-month performance since 2001.

[21] Registered unemployment down 2.74 pct in Sept

In a monthly report, OAED said the number of registered unemployed people totaled 871,981 in September, down from 896,562 in August, of which 54.95 pct were registered unemployed for more than 12 months, while 63.01 pct were women and 36.99 pct men.

In September, unemployed people receiving unemployment benefits totaled 136,123, from 117,042 in August, an increase of 19,081 or 16.3 pct. The 30-44 age group recorded the highest rate of registered unemployment (more than 40 pct).

[22] Greece is fourth largest foreign investor in Bulgaria

Greek investments totaled 2.49 billion euros in 2014, 2.58 billion in 2013 and 2.75 billion in 2012. Greek investments show a wide sectoral and geographical distribution led by the financial sector (three banks), while large investments have been made in manufacturing, energy, constructions, food and services. In the 2014-2015 period, Greece was the second most popular travel destination for Bulgarian travelers after Turkey.

Bulgaria is an attractive investment destination for Greeks because of its geographical position, low taxation, cheaper -in some cases- labor cost and lower operating costs. According to official Bulgarian data, registered companies with a Greek participation totaled around 15,000 in the first four months of 2016, up from 13,500 at the end of 2015 and around 9,000 in 2013, employing 53,000 workers. Based on the nationality of participants, companies with a Greek participation ranked second in Bulgaria, after UK (around 15,500) and ahead of Russian (11,900).

The report noted, however, that several of these companies have been set up with the unique purpose to buy a real estate property or a car, while the majority of enterprises with commercial or productive activity are small- and medium-sized enterprises. The embassy report said that despite the rising number of new companies with Greek participation in Bulgaria, the value of Greek investments in the country remained unchanged.

Accumulated revenue by Greek enterprises in Bulgaria totaled 5.0 billion euros annually, while profits amounted around 100 million euros at the end of 2014. Most of these companies (around 5,900) were located in the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia.

Bilateral trade between Greece and Bulgaria showed a small deficit for our country as Greek exports fell in 2015 for the third successive year, while Bulgaria exports grew in the 2012-2014 period to ease slightly in 2015. This development mainly reflected a large fall in international oil prices, the economic crisis in Greece, competitive prices of Bulgarian products and the production of products by Greek-owned enterprises in Bulgaria exported to Greece.

[23] MIT Enterprise Forum in Greece

The conference aims to inspire, interconnect, educate and inform the Greek technological business community and to actively contribute to its further development.

Successful businessmen usually have two common characteristics: create innovative products or services and do not allow any failure to interrupt their course. In reality, in most cases failure is a catalyst for future success. StartSmart Greece 2015 will try to shed a light on the parameters determining the success of a business effort, to positively contribute in cultivating, improving and further developing Greek technological business eco-system.

In the framework of the conference, winners of MITEF Greece Startup Competition 2016 will present their business plans, while 10 rising enterprises, participating in the contest, will participate in the Startup Expo fair.

[24] Marriott International returns in Athens

When the 15 million dollar planned renovation of the existing building is completed in 2018, the Marriott hotel in Athens will feature 366 rooms and offer world-class services.

"We are excited to work with the Chandris Hotels, which have a long history in the accommodation industry and share our vision for innovation. We are also proud that they chose us for their first cooperation with an international brand," said Carlton Ervin, Director General for Development of Marriott International in Europe. "Their plan for a major renovation at this hotel underlines our common confidence in Greece's dynamic travel and tourism industry," he added.

[25] Greek Food Festival in Tirana

According to the embassy, the agenda includes:

- 15 days of promotion of Greek products in the 85 stores of the supermarket chain BIG MARKET from November 21 to December 4, 2016

- the organisation of an event on November 22, 2016 at the PLAZA TIRANA HOTEL, that will focus on the presentation of the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, and the quality and safety of Greek food and drinks. In parallel guests will have the change to attend a gastronomy seminar, visit an exhibition of Greek food and beverage products, as well as a tasting and cooking corner

- two Greek nights on 23 and 24 November 2016, during which the visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy gourmet creations by a Greek chef, listen to Greek music and be informed about tourist destinations in Greece.

[26] Large Greek participation in SIAL Paris food fair

SIAL Paris brings together all factors in the production and distribution of food, revealing trends and innovations that will set the food industry of tomorrow. This year's fair attracted 7,000 enterprises from 104 countries.

From the 240 Greek enterprises, 100 participated in the framework of the Greek pavilion organized by Enterprise Greece. The remaining -most of which have a history of experience and contacts with SIAL- exhibit their products in theme halls. The Greek pavilion is promoting to motto "Greece, invest in taste", a motto chosen by Enterprise Greece.

"We come to the world's largest food fair, coordinating a national effort to promote the agro-food sector," Christos Staikos, president of Enterprise Greece told ANA. "Our main slogan is "invest in taste", in life quality, to the good life that Greek products offer. We show there are opportunities for investments in the agro-food sectr in Greece, which has high added value and it is one of the basic sector we want to strengthen as a national strategy," he said.

Enterprise Greece covers 30 pct of cost for each businessman participating in the national pavilion, with each basic participation costing around 5,000 euros.

[27] Greek wine shows resistance to the crisis

Speaking to reporters, Boutaris noted: "I dare to say that the crisis has done good to the Greek wine, despite problems and an unfair and counter-development tax imposed...During the crisis, Greece was at the front page of news around the world and we see that in the last few years people abroad are searching for good Greek stories. Greek wine is one of these good stories. The quality of Greek wine has risen sharply, at this point you don't see any bad wines, you can find non interesting wines, but not bad".

Particularly in the category of 10-20 euros per bottle, especially white wines, Greek wine producers have made huge steps and Greece can now compete any country in the world. Northern Greece is moving at the same direction, since the region grows a wide range of wine varieties.

"We are at an era when nice things happen and wine makers have become extrovert, travelling around, speaking about Greek wine from Tokyo to Australia and Canada, almost everywhere. It is very important that we all speak the same language abroad. I believe we are facing a great opportunity for Greek wineries and that we will see a lot of things in the future," Boutaris said.

Presenting the goals of ENOABE, Boutaris said it had five goals: financial strength and independence, promoting wine tourism, promoting and protecting wines, education and creating a "Wine House" in Thessaloniki.

[28] Lengthy drought plagues Rhodes; olive oil producers in despair

Rhodes is facing an unprecedented drought with major consequences on every sectory and activity and particularly at this period for the olive oil producers that do not optimistic over the quantity of oil they will produce this year.

[29] Athens Xclusive Designers Week on Oct 21-24

The event, under the auspices of the Athens Traders Association, is held twice a year. It presents the proposals of Greek and foreign designers and provides opportunities for business cooperation while contributing to the wider cultural progress and gradual promotion of Athens as a fashion destination.

The aim of the event is also to showcase and reward young designers. Regardless of studies and employment, designers have the opportunity to share their own plans and claim the vote, which will ensure their participation in the institution of New Designers Awards.

Apart from the development of domestic trade relations, AXDW brings together potential buyers from competitive markets in the world, through a network of partnerships developed with a view to exports. For example, the 18th AXDW organization managed to secure the visit for the first time in Greece of Danube Fashion Office (DFO), the largest showroom representing international fashion brands in Asia. DFO is the biggest Fashion Showroom in China and the Southeast.

[30] Olympic Air to increase Athens-Kalamata flights to 12 per week next summer

The airline also launched flights between Kalamata and Thessaloniki in October, taking off three times each week during the winter and rising to six a week during the summer months.

Kalamata airport has been linked to seven new European destinations in 2016, significantly increasing the number of visitors in the area, with passenger arrivals up 23 pct compared with the same period in 2015. The upward trend is expected to continue in 2017 due to the additional Olympic Air flights.

[31] Egypt to add new destinations in Greece

The Egyptian airline, linking Athens with Cairo for the past 60 years, flies twice a day between Athens Cairo and has two weekly flights between Athens and Alexandria. Egyptair held 42 charter flights between Santorini and Cairo during the summer.

Egyptair's manager for Greece and Cyprus, Salah Taufi, told reporters that Egyptair plans to begin four weekly flights all year round from Thessaloniki to Cairo, probably starting from next summer, while it does not exclude seasonal flights from Cairo to Santorini and Mykonos for the 2018 summer season.

Egyptain carries around nine million passengers each year and owns a fleet of 76 aircraft.

[32] Book sellers outside Greek capital call for return of uniform book prices

[33] Greek stocks end slightly lower

Viohalco (5.38 pct), Hellenic Petroleum (2.73 pct) and GEK Terna (2.40 pct) scored the biggest percentage gains of the day among blue chip stocks, while Metka (2.85 pct), Eurobank (2.57 pct) and Folli Folile (1.73 pct) suffered heavy losses.

Among market sectors, Chemicals (2.95 pct), Personal Products (1.95 pct) and Telecoms (1.66 pct) scored big gains, while Commerce (1.73 pct) and Banks (1.18 pct) suffered losses.

National Bank and Cyprus Bank were the most heavily traded securities of the day. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 51 to 50 with another 24 issues unchanged. Motodynamic (29.63 pct), Lavipharm (17.24 pct) and Trastor (14.62 pct) were top gainers, while Evrofarma (29.69 pct), Kepenos Mills (9.56 pct) and Moda Bagno (9.40 pct) were top losers.

[34] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates were largely unchanged. The 12-month rate was -0.073 pct, the nine-month rate rose to -0.132 pct from -0.133 pct, the six-month rate fell to -0.210 pct from -0.209 pct, the three-month rate fell to -0.313 pct from -0.312 pct and the one-month rate was -0.371 pct.

[35] ADEX closing report

General News

[36] Diving into the mystery of multiple sclerosis

The new finds are the result of the analysis of genomes of over 110,000 people (47,351 suffering from the disease) conducted by researchers from 30 universities and research centres in 18 countries.

After comparing the genomes of thousands of patients with the genones of thousand of other people without MS, the scientists reached to very important conclusions on the genetic profile of the disease. Most involved genes are related with the cells and the operation of the immune system, something that was expected.

The results of the research were presented by the representative of the international research consortium at the annual meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics in Vancouver, Canada. "It is the largest research globally. Due to the large sample size we found areas of the genone that can be involved with multiple sclerosis among them some less known genetic variations that, apparently, seem to have considerable effect in development of the disease, stated Patsopoulos.

The multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory neurodegenerative disease in which the patient's immune system turns against itself and destroys the brain's ability to contact with the body through the signals of the nervous system. The new genetic research reaffirms that the disease can be 'triggered' through a complex interaction of different cells and other factors of the immune system. Despite the substantial progress that brings the new research, at a high level the biological mechanisms that lead to the attack against the patient's nerves, remain still unknown.

Very important for the scientists was the discovery that many of the involved cells appear to be also involved and in other auto-immune diseases as rheumatoid arthritis, the type 1 diabetes and ulcerative colitis. The specific discovery raises the question, why if these genes are common, the diseases attack different organs and have other clinical symptoms.

"The similarities and differences between MS and other auto-immune diseases are part of our research that is in progress. Many of these diseases affect the cells of the immune system but we believe that they change them in different ways which lead to different kind of diseases" estimated Patsopoulos.

Patsopoulos was born in the central Greek city of Larissa in 1980 and graduated from the Medical School of Thessaly University. He got his PhD in Genetics Epidemiology at the Medical School of Ioannina University in 2008 and made a post-doctorate research on Statistic Genetics at Broad Institute of Boston and at the hospital Brigham &Women's of the Medical School of the University of Harvard where he is currently associate professor in the department of neurology.

[37] Light quake jolts Ioannina

Meanwhile, experts that checked the damages provoked by the moderate quake that hit the city Ioannina late Saturday, found no serious damages in public building and schools.

[38] Athens Law School protesters continue sit-in for second week, demand abolition of postgraduate fees

Starting this academic year, students enrolling in postgraduate studies will be asked to pay 1,200 euros to attend the one-year program. "[It] introduces a single postgraduate degree with 22 directions, fully specialized and adapted to the needs of the labour market. This implies the fragmentation of professional rights and the deterioration of the quality of studies," the occupation committee said.

In contrast, other students are reacting to the closure of the school and are instead proposing an increase in the number of scholarships granted for postgraduate programs, noting that the sit-in is the wrong way to pursue a solution and asking protesters to allow the school to open.

Weather forecast

[39] Clouds, rain on Thursday

[40] The Wednesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

DIMOKRATIA: Out of control

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: Justice is not blackmailed

ESTIA: Public sector employee fired

ETHNOS: Express bankruptcies with second chance

IMERISSIA: Express bankruptcies

KATHIMERINI: US President Obama to come in Athens in November

KONTRA NEWS: PM Alexis Tsipras brings Obama to Athens for the debt issue

NAFTEMPORIKI: 21,400 master degree holders unemployed

TA NEA: Judges accuse of blackmail

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