Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 16-10-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Tsipras meets French foreign minister in Athens on Tuesday

[02] Pavlopoulos, French FM, discuss migration and Greece's economic reforms in Athens

[03] France will back a swift solution for Greece's debt in the EU, Ayrault says

[04] Greece's next elections will be in 2019, PM Tsipras tells visiting EU journalists

[05] Tsipras chairs SYRIZA's political council meeting on negotiations with lenders

[06] White House statement on U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to Greece

[07] ESM Board of Directors approves 2.8 bln euro disbursement to Greece

[08] Regling to ANA: Greece could tap the markets before its aid program ends

[09] Greece will not discuss its sovereign rights, says Alt. Defence minister

[10] Avramopoulos says Greece doing the best it can on asylum procedure

[11] Labour Min Katrougalos meets with institutions' representatives on labour issues

[12] State Min Pappas: The Parliament drafts laws. Courts do not legislate, they judge

[13] Tsipras meets with Energy minister Skourletis

[14] TV licence law should be revoked, regardless of court rulings, ND's Koumoutsakos says

[15] Turkish authorities release six men detained while fishing between Chios and Turkish coast

[16] Teachers march in central Athens in protest to changes in education

[17] Eurobank earmarks 500 million euros to fund SMEs

[18] EIF, Pancretan Cooperative Bank sign microfinance guarantee agreement

[19] Electricity energy auction raises 150.5 mln euros for PPC

[20] Dimera express interest in buying 56 pct stake in Souroti

[21] Mid-season sales start on November 1

[22] Greek stocks end lower

[23] Greek bond market closing report

[24] ADEX closing report

[25] Three navy ships to open for the public during 'Ohi Day' celebrations

[26] Seven migrants charged over incidents at Moria hotspot

[27] Retired police officer charged with Ambelokipi shooting remanded in custody

[28] Toddler refugee seriously injured in car accident in Leros

[29] New ferry link between Thessaloniki and Izmir expected to start in 2017

[30] Minor earthquake shakes Zakynthos

[31] Fire burns low vegetation in Syros

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

[01] PM Tsipras meets French foreign minister in Athens on Tuesday

They also held talks on the prospects of the Greek economy, migration, the future of Europe and had a lengthy discussion on the issue of Greece's debt.

[02] Pavlopoulos, French FM, discuss migration and Greece's economic reforms in Athens

Pavlopoulos reiterated that Greece supports the constitutional rule of law in the neighbouring country, but added that Ankara must respect its obligations.

"We do not underestimate the difficulties facing Turkey and Mr. Erdogan right now; we are ready to support the constitutional rule of law in Turkey and have done so. But Turkey must also respect its obligations, exactly because we see it as an ally who's facing the same problems we are," Pavlopoulos told Ayrault.

"We have stated this in all tones and I am glad, because I know that and you've made it clear as well."

He also referred to the obligations of other member-states concerning the implementation of the EU-Turkey deal and condemned the phobias towards refugees.

On his side, the French official reiterated his country's support for Greece's efforts for economic recovery, as well as on migration and hailed the role played by the Greek President so that the country can continue in its European path.

Ayrault noted France's continuous commitment in supporting Greece with its reforms as well as in the relocation and resettlement policies for refugees.

"I would like to hail the very brave efforts and choices of the Greek people who, in their large majority, chose to remain in Europe, to remain in the common currency; something that requires great efforts. It was a very brave and right choice. And for this reason, France did not hesitate to offer every possible help to support Greece's efforts to recover," he said.

"Of course, many 'construction sites'- so to speak, if I'm allowed the term - remain in areas where work is being done, but Greece is in a very good path," he added and expressed French President Francois Hollande's commitment to support Greece.

He also said the European Union is not just the market but also its common values, such as solidarity, and mentioned his visit to Turkey, where he said he had the opportunity to express the EU's solidarity towards the country, while noting the value of the rule of law.

Concerning the Cyprus issue, he expressed hope that soon "we will all be in a position to say that we all managed to solve the Cyprus issue, so that Cyprus can quickly become in its entirety a full member of the European Union."

[03] France will back a swift solution for Greece's debt in the EU, Ayrault says

"A swift settlement on the issue of Greece's debt is something important for Greece and Greek authorities, because it is a precondition for Greece's return to the markets," Ayrault said. The European Central Bank (ECB) had expressed a similar position, he pointed out, warning that all sides had to be "especially careful".

"There is still work to be done," the French minister said, while adding that "France wants all commitments to be honoured." Ayrault also assured Greeks of France's "solidarity with their efforts to effect Greece's recovery," noting that the early results of this effort were very encouraging.

He promised French support for the Greek authorities "determination to very quickly conclude the second review of the Greek programme in the next weeks." He praised Greece's efforts and said it must be helped to succeed, warning that there should be no delays. "We must consolidate all we have achieved so far," he said.

Kotzias said that all sides in Europe must honour their commitments. "There is no agreement that concerns only one country, such as Greece. The agreement concerns everyone and the implementation of the agreement that concerns everyone must take into account historical examples. Greece should not receive harsher treatment than that which the victorious allies in 1953 in London had dealt to a country that had caused the Second World War and owed two loans from the 1920s," he commented.

Ayrault also underlined the importance of implementing joint EU decisions, such as those for the refugee issue. "We mustn't only talk. We must decide and then act. It is on this that trust is based and the EU must provide specific answers to European citizens so that they are not tempted by euroscepticism," he said. France and Greece shared a common vision of Europe that acted to protect European citizens, encouraged prosperity and opened up paths and prospects for young people, he said.

"France and Greece together will contribute to creating such a Europe," Ayrault added.

[04] Greece's next elections will be in 2019, PM Tsipras tells visiting EU journalists

He also pointed out that opinion polls in the past two years had steadily put ND in the lead but the election results had shown something quite different. "I prefer winning elections to opinion polls," he quipped.

In the autumn of 2019, the government would call on voters to compare the state of Greece when the present government took over, with deep recession and high unemployment, and the state that Tsipras said he hoped his government would deliver, with strong growth rates and falling unemployment.

At that time, the prime minister said, voters would be able to judge the government on its work as a whole. He admitted that this was an ambitious goal but said he was optimistic.

According to sources, Tsipras had been asked about the possibility of a government reshuffle and whether this would take place in response to the government's poor showing in opinion polls.

Tsipras was meeting with EU journalists visiting Greece under the auspices of the EU Representation in Greece for talks dominated by the refugee crisis and European affairs. Posting in his Twitter account about the meeting, the prime minister noted that:

"In the framework of globalisation and the EU, a left strategy is to change the balance of power internationally, not only domestically. It is important to replace austerity with a growth-oriented agenda to the benefit of society and economy. It is necessary to replace irregular and dangerous migration routes with safe and regular ones."

[05] Tsipras chairs SYRIZA's political council meeting on negotiations with lenders

The rapporteur for the issue was Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos.

[06] White House statement on U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to Greece

"President Obama will travel to Greece, Germany, and Peru November 14-21, 2016. This trip will highlight the President's commitment to trans-Atlantic solidarity, a strong and integrated Europe, and to cooperation with our Asia Pacific partners. The President's schedule will underscore the linkages between our security interests and our economic agenda, our efforts to promote balanced, sustainable, and strong global economic growth, and our support for trade liberalization and economic reforms that reduce inequality and deliver opportunities for the middle class around the world as well as regional economic institutions that foster private sector growth.

The President on November 15 will arrive in Greece, where he will see President Pavlopoulos, meet with Prime Minister Tsipras, and reaffirm our support for ongoing efforts to place the Greek economy on a path to sustainability and renewed prosperity. In the birthplace of democracy, the President will also reaffirm the resilience of democratic values, which have done so much to deliver peace and prosperity to Europe and the wider world. Additionally, the President will make clear our appreciation for the remarkable generosity shown by the Greek Government and people to refugees and migrants."

[07] ESM Board of Directors approves 2.8 bln euro disbursement to Greece

The Board of Directors of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) today authorised the disbursement of 2.8 billion euros to Greece, which is the remaining amount of the second tranche of ESM financial assistance.

"Today's decision to disburse 2.8 billion euros to Greece is a sign that the Greek people are steadily making progress in reforming their country. The government has completed key milestones in the area of pension reform, bank governance, the energy sector, and revenue collection. It has also taken further steps in making the new privatisation and investment fund operational. If the government continues to implement the reforms agreed in the ESM programme, growth of the Greek economy could accelerate next year and the government may be able to start issuing bonds again next year," said ESM Managing Director Klaus Regling.

This 2.8 billion euro disbursement consists of two parts: 1.1 billion euro was approved for release following the full implementation of a set of 15 milestones by the Greek authorities, and is to be used for debt servicing. A further 1.7 billion euro can now also be disbursed after a positive assessment of the clearance of net arrears by Greece; this amount will be disbursed to a dedicated account for clearing arrears.

"I am also pleased to note that the Greek government has fulfilled its commitment to clear arrears, as this will have a positive impact on the country's economy. I hope our good cooperation with the Greek government continues, so that the second review of the programme can be completed in a timely manner," said Regling.

After the disbursement approved today, ESM financial assistance for Greece will reach 31.7 billion euros, out of a total programme volume of up to 86 billion euros. The ESM and the EFSF together have so far disbursed 173.5 billion euros to Greece (including the amount approved today), making the rescue funds by far the largest creditor of Greece.

[08] Regling to ANA: Greece could tap the markets before its aid program ends

If the Greek government implements vigorously its reform program, investors' trust in the country will return, the European Stability Mechanism's (ESM) Managing Director, Klaus Regling, told exclusively the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA) in an interview on Tuesday.

The ESM chief also said it will be good for Greece to start connecting gradually with the markets before its aid program ends in 2018 - sometime in 2017 - adding that this aim is achievable if the government sticks to its reform agenda.

The full interview is as follows:

ANA: Following today's decision by ESM to disburse 2.8 billion euros to Greece, you stated that "If the government continues to implement the reforms agreed in the ESM program, growth of the Greek economy could accelerate next year and the government may be able to start issuing bonds again next year". Why is it necessary for Greece to try to finance itself in the markets before the end of the program?

Regling: "Greece has not been on the market much since 2010. Therefore it would be good that the government starts to connect progressively with investors before the ESM program ends in 2018 and new ESM loans are not available anymore. If the government implements the agreed reform agenda of the ESM program in a determined manner investors will regain confidence in Greece. This is what happened in the middle of 2014 when the Greek government of that time was able to successfully issue a 3-year and a 5-year bond."

ANA: When do you think it is reasonable for Greece to start issuing bonds next year and with what kind of maturities?

Regling: The precise timing in the course of 2017 and the maturities of the bonds will be decided by the Greek debt management office in Athens.

ANA: By the end of the program Greece will have to finance itself completely in the markets? Do you think that this is realistic?

Regling: "It is the aim of all programs that borrowing countries are able to finance themselves completely on the market again. This has worked well for Ireland, Portugal and Cyprus. These countries reentered the market well before the end of their respective programs. I am convinced that this is also realistic for Greece, provided the government shows strong ownership in implementing the reform agenda it agreed to under the ESM program. The government will be helped by the fact that around two thirds of the Greek public debt will be held by the rescue funds ESM and EFSF at the end of the ESM program in 2018. That means that our very favorable lending conditions will apply to the overwhelming part of Greek public debt for a long time to come because of the very low interest rates and the very long maturities of our loans to Greece."

[09] Greece will not discuss its sovereign rights, says Alt. Defence minister

"At any case, we do not put on any table for talks or negotiations issues concerning the country's sovereignty. We call on everyone who uses irredentist rhetoric either for domestic or foreign use to avoid referring to Greece which, as a sovereign state does not claim anything, but neither does it discuss any such issues pertaining to its national sovereignty," Vitsas told parliament, responding to questions raised by a main opposition MP on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's recent statements which appear to question the Treaty of Lausanne.

The minister's statement was made during a debate to ratify the country's agreement with NATO.

[10] Avramopoulos says Greece doing the best it can on asylum procedure

The European Commission will not send an ultimatum to Greece concerning its handling of the asylum procedure for refugees, the EU's Commissioner on migration Dimitris Avramopoulos told journalists in Strasburg on Tuesday, adding Greek authorities are doing their best.

The Commission proposed the extension of the temporary internal border controls in five member-states for an additional three months.

"Greek authorities are doing their best, with the full support of our services and the Commission generally. I hope and believe that the current situation will not continue in the coming months. No, we will not send an ultimatum to Greece, because they're doing all they can; we are helping and supporting them and we hope than soon, even the asylum procedure will be fully normalized," he responded when asked if the prolongation of the border controls is related to Greece's delays in the handling of migration.

He also said that the 60,000 refugees and migrants currently in Greece will not stay there forever.

[11] Labour Min Katrougalos meets with institutions' representatives on labour issues

In statements to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA), Katrougalos expressed his optimism over a positive outcome of the negotiations. He underlined that the negotiations will be hard as the IMF is an "extreme player." However, he estimated that the outcome will be positive since both sides are willing to come to an agreement.

Moreover, Katrougalos reiterated that he seeks the return of the country to the European social model, adding that the report of the Committee of Independent Experts strengthens the Greek positions because they aim at Greece's reintegration to the European normality.

[12] State Min Pappas: The Parliament drafts laws. Courts do not legislate, they judge

Asked whether judges can impose a decision on the government, he replied: "The government will respect the Constitution and the court decisions. What cannot be done is to have the provisions written in the courts. Courts can neither write the provisions nor draft laws. The parliament drafts the laws. Courts judge, they do not legislate. Anyone who might have such ideas should get rid of them. The tender on TV licences was necessary to put in order the TV landscape."

[13] Tsipras meets with Energy minister Skourletis

According to a government source, the meeting "ends the prevailing atmosphere of an alleged rift in relations between the prime minister and the minister".

[14] TV licence law should be revoked, regardless of court rulings, ND's Koumoutsakos says

"There are two possibilities: Either the law will be judged unconstitutional and [Minister of State Nikos Pappas] will have to face up to the situation he has created for himself and his government, or it will be judged constitutional. But given our view that this law essentially presents problems of democracy, a new majority, as happens in democracies, changes the laws, cancels the laws, amends the laws. We say, whatever the result of the decision of the Council of State, we believe that this law must be withdrawn," he said.

In ND's opinion the law created problems of authoritarianism and pluralism, Koumoutsakos added, and only revoking the Pappas law will "free up all the procedures for the formation of a National Council for Radio and Television (NCRTV)". Once this "interlude of lawlessness and shady handling" was over, he said, "we can see where we go from there, because the broadcasting scene does need regulating."

[15] Turkish authorities release six men detained while fishing between Chios and Turkish coast

The six men were taken to Cesme on the Turkish coast on Monday night and transferred to Izmir on Tuesday morning, where the Turkish coast guard asked to verify their identities after their craft allegedly entered Turkish territorial waters.

Based on the information available, the vessel belongs to a company owned by the Greek-American detainee while the Greek foreign ministry has been alerted to the incident and the Greek General Consulate in Izmir had stepped in to secure the release of the six men.

They were released at around 15:00 and will return to Cesme from Izmir and depart on their boat, heading back to Chios, after they go through the necessary customs and administrative processing.

[16] Teachers march in central Athens in protest to changes in education

Protesters gathered at Propylea earlier in the day and ended their march outside parliament.

Financial News

[17] Eurobank earmarks 500 million euros to fund SMEs

Eurobank became the first Greek bank to participate in two initiatives by the European Investment Fund, the InnovFin and EaSI program, included in an Investment Plan for Europe and focusing on the support of innovative, very small, small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Eurobank will also participate in a Cosme program, included in an Investment Plan for Europe, allowing Eurobank to offer a full funding programme to Greek enterprises, with easier access and reduced requirements for guarantees.

The agreement, worth 230 million euros, signed between Eurobank and the European Investment Fund is the largest invested in Greece in the framework of the Investment Plan for Europe.

Eurobank began in 2010 - at the heart of Greek economic crisis - a "Greece Innovates" contest, promoting and supporting every innovative scientific activity, turning new ideas into enterprises. It also runs an egg (Enter, Grow, Go) programme, currently in its fourth cycle and has signed an agreement with Action Finance Initiative in April to offer micro-credit to very small enterprises and self-employed.

Eurobank has also signed an agreement with IFC, worth 100 million euros aimed to support companies in the commerce sector.

EIF and Eurobank Ergasias (Eurobank) have signed two guarantee agreements worth in total 230 million euros to enhance access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Greece. These agreements benefit from the support of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the heart of the Investment Plan for Europe. This is the largest amount of funding channelled to Greece under the Investment Plan for Europe so far.

The new COSME agreement will allow Eurobank to provide EUR 130 million of loans to over 1,000 small businesses in Greece over three years. EIF will provide Eurobank with a guarantee under the COSME programme backed by the European Commission, allowing the bank to substantially reduce its collateral requirements.

Under the new InnovFin agreement, Eurobank will provide loans and leases at favourable terms to innovative SMEs and mid-caps for two years. EIF's guarantee is provided under the "EU InnovFin finance for Innovators" initiative with the financial backing under Horizon 2020, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. The EU's support for innovative Greek companies under this transaction is expected to generate a portfolio of EUR 100 million of loans and leases.

In addition, EIF signed an EaSI microfinance guarantee transaction with Eurobank, supporting EUR 1.1 million of loans to micro-borrowers who have difficulties in accessing credit across the Attika region via a dedicated microfinance product. The EaSI Guarantee scheme was launched in June 2015 and is funded by the European Commission and managed by the European Investment Fund.

[18] EIF, Pancretan Cooperative Bank sign microfinance guarantee agreement

The EaSI agreement allows Pancretan Cooperative Bank to provide a total of 15 million euros to over 1,000 micro-entrepreneurs over five years, many of whom face difficulties in accessing credit from traditional banking sources. Pancretan Cooperative Bank will primarily target unemployed borrowers aiming to start a new business. Micro-borrowers will be able to benefit from loans at a reduced interest rate, without providing collateral under the EU-supported programme.

Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility, Marianne Thyssen, said: "With this agreement, we show our commitment to contributing to the Greek economic recovery, by giving more than 1,000 small enterprises the tools to develop their activity and create jobs."

EIF Chief Executive, Pier Luigi Gilibert said: "Creating jobs and growth lies at the heart of EIF's strategy and this new microfinance transaction with Pancretan Cooperative Bank helps us to achieve this aim. Access to finance is often the missing piece of the puzzle for micro-businesses and I am confident that Pancretan Cooperative Bank will be successful in giving aspiring entrepreneurs an opportunity to achieve their goals."

Vice President of Pancretan Cooperative Bank, Nikos Myrtakis, said: "With the first pilot cooperation between Pancretan Bank and the European Investment Fund, through a 2.5 million euros program for guarantees to micro-enterprises, we succeeded in significantly contributing to the creation or continuation of almost 200 viable and competitive enterprises and simultaneously acquired valuable knowhow for their support. Through the new program of 15 million we are ready to reach out to more than 1,000 small enterprises which face difficulties in accessing bank financing. Our target is to support innovative ideas and competitive business plans. We thank once again the European Commission and EIF for their trust in our Bank."

[19] Electricity energy auction raises 150.5 mln euros for PPC

The offered quantity was 460 MWh per hour for one year (8,760 hours). Bids submitted totaled 12 suppliers for 473 MWh per hour, with 11 bids accepted covering 460 MWh per hour. The proceeds of the auction - to be collected by PPC - totaled 150.5 million euros. These auctions were designed and are implemented with the aim to speed up the deregulation of the electricity power market and to limit PPC's market share, replacing a plan envisaging the sale of PPC's electricity production units. Under the plan, PPC's market share will fall below 50 pct by 2020, with intermediate goals. Energy officials said the low prices set during the auction - as compared with wholesale market prices - allow suppliers to offer competitive electricity rates for households and enterprises, or to ensure lower prices for the supply of industrial units.

[20] Dimera express interest in buying 56 pct stake in Souroti

In an announcement, Dimera said it decided to move towards acquiring a majority stake in Souroti following similar requests made by the local community, workers and small shareholders of the company.

"The goal of the investment is to further develop Souroti, with full respect of its Greek origin, local characteristics and its contribution to the prosperity of the region. With respect to the 100 years of its history, with faith in the value and international growth potential of its products, that will create multiple synergies in the wider spectrum of Ivan Savvidis' group of companies and in countries with established activities," the announcement said.

Starting Tuesday, November 1 and until November 8, the company's shareholders will be able to visit the Macedonia Palace hotel in Thessaloniki - also owned by Ivan Savvidis - to transfer their shares if they wish. The process of share purchase will be completed with payment in cash. The purchase offer covers around 56 pct of the company's shares, currently owned by 1,200-1,400 individuals.

Coca Cola HBC acquired 15 pct in Souroti after a liquidation of a stake owned by Mystras SA. The auction was made by Piraeus Bank.

Ivan Savvidis has invested around 130 million euros in Northern Greece in the last three-and-a-half years and plans to invest another 250 million euros in the region.

[21] Mid-season sales start on November 1

The stores in the Greek capital will optionally open on Sunday 6 November from 11:00 to 20:00

[22] Greek stocks end lower

The composite index of the market fell 0.70 pct to end at 588.95 pct, off the day's lows of 588.21 points. The Large Cap index fell 0.91 pct and the Mid Cap index ended 0.40 pct higher. Turnover was an extremely thin 19.377 million euros in volume of 30,132,686 shares.

Athens Water (1.12 pct), Motor Oil (0.82 pct) and Grivalia Properties (0.58 pct) scored the biggest percentage gains of the day among blue chip stocks, while Eurobank (3.01 pct), PPC (2.31 pct) and National Bank (2.08 pct) suffered heavy losses. Among market sectors, Technology (0.56 pct) and Personal Products (0.56 pct) scored big gains, while Commerce (1.97 pct), Constructions (1.92 pct) and Banks (1.83 pct) suffered losses.

Piraeus Bank and National Bank were the most heavily traded securities of the day. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 50 to 36 with another 28 issues unchanged. Sidma (19.75 pct), Dionic (10.28 pct) and Epilektos (9.68 pct) were top gainers, while GE Demetriou (15.79 pct), Unibios (10.48 pct) and Viokarpet (10 pct) were top losers.

[23] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates were largely unchanged. The 12-month rate fell to -0.071 pct from -0.070 pct, the nine-month rate was -0.131 pct, the six-month rate was 0.212 pct, the three-month rate rose to -0.312 pct from -0.313 pct and the one-month rate was -0.371 pct.

[24] ADEX closing report

General News

[25] Three navy ships to open for the public during 'Ohi Day' celebrations

'Ohi Day' commemorates the rejection by Greek dictator Ioannis Metaxas of the ultimatum made by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on 28 October 1940, the counterattack against the invading Italian forces during the Greco-Italian War, and the Greek Resistance during the Axis occupation.

The navy ships will be docked at the quays 11 and 12 and will be open for the public at the following days and hours:

-Friday (Oct. 28): Between 15:00-19:00

-Saturday (Oct. 29): Between 09:00-19:00

-Sunday (Oct.30): Between 09:00-17:00

[26] Seven migrants charged over incidents at Moria hotspot

The incidents at the hotspot on Monday culminated in a fire that caused extensive damage to facilities and equipment, fully destroying eight huts used by the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) containing electronic equipment and causing damage to another three.

[27] Retired police officer charged with Ambelokipi shooting remanded in custody

In his testimony to the magistrate, the 60-year-old claimed he was acting in self-defence and that he had been the target of an unprovoked attack. He said the victim had assaulted him with an aluminium pipe and an improvised wooden shield, hitting his gun hand, and that he then turned and shot him as a "reflex action". According to sources, he also claimed that the first shot was fired into the air.

The accused said the argument with the victim was over a set of cameras that the gym owner had installed. His lawyer said that his client and the victim had fallen out after the retired police officer reported the installation of the cameras to the appropriate authorities and that his client had received threats from the gym owner.

The retired officer shot the gym owner last Friday evening, on the corner of Panormou and Vatopediou streets in Ambelokipi.

[28] Toddler refugee seriously injured in car accident in Leros

According to the local police, the exact circumstances of the accident are not yet clear, but the seriousness of the boy's injury led to his air transfer at the general hospital of Iraklion.

The local police station has opened an investigation on the incident.

[29] New ferry link between Thessaloniki and Izmir expected to start in 2017

Boutaris said the new route could start in the first months of 2017 and will bring significant economic and touristic benefits to the city. He made the announcement after a two-day visit to Ankara where he held talks with the Turkish Transport ministry, along with representatives of "Hellenic Seaways".

"We started the effort to link Thessaloniki with Izmir in 2011. A lot of talks took place at the level of experts, but the issue was delaying because of the port charges, because in Thessaloniki they totaled 8,000 euros and in Izmir 19,000 euros," he explained.

Eventually Turkey lowered its port fee and in the coming days the two sides are expected to sign the MoU. It will be followed by an agreement with the company that will make the route, which will be twice a week and will last 12 hours.

[30] Minor earthquake shakes Zakynthos

[31] Fire burns low vegetation in Syros

Twenty foremen with four vehicles and four water tank vehicles have been deployed in the area but strong winds are hindering their efforts, it added. The wider area is scattered with several houses but so far there is no danger from the blaze.

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

KATHIMERINI: The government is divided in the negotiation

ETHNOS: Extreme demands from the creditors

IMERISSIA: On collission course

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: Civil war over the ministries

NAFTEMPORIKI: Recommendation for the abolition of 15 social benefits

RIZOSPASTIS: The anti-labour framework is the basis for future changes

36, TSOCHA ST. ATHENS 115 21 GREECE * TEL: 210 64.00.560-63 * FAX: 210 64.00.581-2 INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.ana.gr * e-mail: anabul@ana gr * GENERAL DIRECTOR: MICHALIS PSILOS

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