Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-04-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece, Gazprom agree extension of natural gas supply until 2040

[02] Transparency non-negotiable, Alogoskoufis stresses after meeting PM

[03] Karamanlis-Sioufas meeting

[04] PM meets visiting Bavarian vice premier Beckstein

[05] Merchant marine minister visits Santorini in wake of Sea Diamond sinking

[06] Tourism minister comments on the Sea Diamond accident

[07] Press conference by Louis Hellenic Cruises on Sea Diamond shipwreck

[08] State Department says US policy regarding recognition of 'Macedonia' has not changed

[09] Ministers, PASOK deputy address event on combatting corruption

[10] Health minister visits Patras University Hospital

[11] DM Meimarakis, Deputy FM Valinakis, deputies due in US

[12] SYN leader meets Palestinian envoy

[13] Greek inflation slowed to 2.6 pct in March, yr/yr

[14] Greek CPI up 2.6% in March year-to-year

[15] Private sector's debt at 92 pct of Greek GDP

[16] DEH president meets Russian Rao Uesr official

[17] Deputy FinMin decides increase in international organisations credit allocation

[18] Five bidders for long-term lease of Aghios Kosmas sport facilities

[19] Pilot run for Proastiako to Piraeus

[20] New tourist development model for northern Greece

[21] Thessaloniki groomed for city break destination

[22] Sprider Group sells part of Sofia property for 4.0 million euros

[23] Titan Cement buys ready mix producer in US

[24] Alumil Rom Industry to debut in BSE on Monday, 16 April

[25] Vivartia acquires Bulgarian UMC for 18.7 mln euros

[26] Viohalco inaugurates new aluminium unit in Bulgaria

[27] Greek stocks end 1.0 pct higher

[28] ADEX closing report

[29] Greek bond yields up in March

[30] Greek bond market closing report

[31] Foreign Exchange Rates - Thursday

[32] Road accidents notably reduced during Easter holiday exodus

[33] Foreign ministry spokesman's house burgled

[34] Hospitality programmes for Greek origin children

[35] Tourism minister orders sealing of Corfu hotel complex

[36] Local cloud on Thursday

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

[38] Lavrov welcomes Greek Cypriot steps for implementation of July 8 agreement

[39] Cyprus' EU membership does not hinder Russian-Cypriot cooperation

[40] Cypriot FM briefs Russian companies on oil deposit exploitation

[41] Nicosia Mayor regrets statements by Turkish Cypriot side

[01] Greece, Gazprom agree extension of natural gas supply until 2040

The agreement was reached during a meeting between Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas and Gazprom's chairman Alexei Miller, currently in Athens.

The two sides are expected to begin talks immediately with the aim to reach a final agreement by the end of the year.

Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, the Greek minister stressed that Gazprom supplied 80 pct of the country's needs in natural gas according to a bilateral agreement reached in 1987 and terminating in 2016.

"We discussed the extension of the agreement by 2040 and confirmed the common will for the extension," Sioufas told reporters. He praised Gazprom's high level of credibility in supplying the country with natural gas and stressed that relations were expected to expand in oil supplies as Gazprom participated in a Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline project.

The Greek minister underlined that natural gas consumption was growing strongly, rising by 35 pct in the three-year period from 2003 to 2006 to a total of 3.1 billion cubic metres, and was expected to surpass 6.5 billion cubic metres by 2010.

Sioufas presented to Gazprom's head investment opportunities in Greece after the deregulation of electricity and natural gas markets in the country.

"Greece is a traditional buyer of Russian natural gas and the increase in consumption shows the country's economic upgrading," Alexei Miller told reporters after the meeting. Gazprom's chairman said the two sides discussed an extension of an existing bilateral agreement by 2040 and agreed to begin talks the soonest possible to reach an agreement by the end of 2007. He underlined that Gazprom's participation in the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline project would expand bilateral cooperation.

[02] Transparency non-negotiable, Alogoskoufis stresses after meeting PM

"Transparency and protection of public interest are non-negotiable for this government," Alogoskoufis stressed in statements to reporters.

The government had pointed out certain problems that exist and had set in motion processes to correct them in terms of the legal framework but also to find those responsible, he added.

The minister also asserted that a number of inaccuracies and stories had been uttered concerning the affair and that he had therefore asked Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki to inform the appropriate Parliamentary Committee, so as to put a stop to them.

According to Alogoskoufis, his meeting with Karamanlis had served as an opportunity to brief the premier on the results of his recent visits to Washington and Australia.

While in Washington, the Greek finance minister had discussed the Greek economy and Greece's role in southeastern Europe with the heads of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and of the World Bank.

He also stressed the important role of the Greek-Australian community in the country's political life.

FinMin and employment minister discuss social insurance funds' investments

Finance and Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis and Employment and Social Protection Minister Savvas Tsitouridis held talks at the finance ministry on Wednesday on safeguarding transparency and the institutional shielding of the framework of social insurance funds' investments. The meeting between the two ministers took place "following the decisions taken on March 20."

Liapis on the bonds issue

Transport and Communications Minister Michalis Liapis on Wednesday said that the furor over the bonds issue was a "storm" and warned against "hasty moves".

"A probe into this case is underway and those responsible will be made to pay," he stressed.

He also underlined that, when things clear up, the prime minister will have to undertake initiatives that will eradicate such morbid phenomena and are not just for show.

Asked whether a government reshuffle was needed, Liapis stated that he was not on the side of those who call for changes just to create impressions.

PASOK party spokesman criticises FinMin Alogoskoufis

Main opposition PASOK party spokesman Petros Efthymiou on Wednesday criticised statements made by Finance and Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis on the issue of social insurance funds after meeting the prime minister.

"Mr. Alogoskoufis, who has just returned from Australia, is evidently pretending to be in Australia still. One can only explain in this way what he said today, after his meeting with the prime minister, where he more or less showed that nothing is happening in the case of the looting of social insurance funds," Efthymiou said.

The spokesman added that the issue must be probed in-depth, as well as the attributing of responsibilities and the assuming "of the given sewrious political responsibility of the government and of the prime minister Mr. (Costas) Karamanlis himself."

Government spokesman replies to criticism by PASOK

Minister of State and government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, replying to criticism by main opposition PASOK party spokesman Petros Efthymiou on the social insurance funds issue, said on Wednesday that "the truth is indeed relentless because, in contrast to PASOK that has been identified with covering up and impunity, the Karamanlis government brings everything to light and leads everyone before Justice."

[03] Karamanlis-Sioufas meeting

Sioufas stated that this year will be very difficult due to the reduction of water reserves as a result of the limited rainfall during the winter and also because of the fact that the Bulgarian power plants that could supply Greece with electricity have been shut down.

The development minister stated that measures have been taken to limit energy consumption in public buildings and invited all citizens to participate in the energy saving effort.

Commenting on the measures taken to meet electricity demand during the summer months, Athanasopoulos stated that the PPC management will do everything possible to prevent any problems in electricity supply stressing that hydroelectric energy is down by 50 percent.

The development minister and the PPC chairman also briefed the prime minister on the course and the prospects of the company.

[04] PM meets visiting Bavarian vice premier Beckstein

No statements were made after either meeting.

[05] Merchant marine minister visits Santorini in wake of Sea Diamond sinking

The minister thanked local authorities on behalf of the government, as well as all those who had participated in the successful operation to rescue the people on board the cruise ship Sea Diamond that sank last Friday after striking a reef.

The meeting ascertained that thanks to the measures that have been taken the situation is under complete control, while the taking of additional measures was decided that will be discussed during a scheduled meeting at the merchant marine ministry with the aim of securing protection of the sea and of the island's beaches, also in view of the new tourist period.

Speaking after the meeting, Kefaloyiannis said that "we discussed the next steps with the agencies of Santorini today to enable us to give Santorini both to Greek tourism and the local population, as it was before the shipwreck."

[06] Tourism minister comments on the Sea Diamond accident

Everybody should realize that indifference, offhandedness and apathy have no place in a hospitable and safe country like Greece, stressed Petralia, adding that actions which hurt Greece's image will be met with severe penalties. Greek tourism has a good name and will not be affected by such incidents, she said, stressing, however, that questions have been raised that need to be answered.

PASOK spokesman on merchant marine minister, Sea Diamond

Main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) spokesman Petros Efthymiou on Wednesday attributed responsibility to Merchant Marine Minister Manolis Kefaloyiannis over the handling of the case of the Sea Diamond shipwreck in the Aegean island of Santorini.

Efthymiou spoke of "questions which remain unanswered and deepen" and made reference to the Government Gazette, of January 21, 2002, of Presidential Decree No. 11 on the National Plan for Urgent Need "for the confrontation of pollution cases from oil and other harmful substances."

As stated by the PASOK spokesman, "it is fully made clear in the Presidential Decree that created in the Merchant Marine Ministry, is the National Unified Centre for the Coordination of Search and Rescue, which, according to the Presidential Decree, has full responsibility over the nature of the work of towing and sea assistance."

Efthymiou said that if Kefaloyiannis "did not know his responsibilities, imposed on him by Presidential Decree No. 11, he should have at least known Article 16 of Law 3497, according to which, ships which are in danger and their sinking threatens sea environment, are led to a specific point of refuge, with responsibility of the Merchant Marine Ministry."

[07] Press conference by Louis Hellenic Cruises on Sea Diamond shipwreck

"We are trying to give as much as possible a fuller briefing about the shipwreck and we have no reason to hide. We need time to react. We were informed at 16:07 about the problem. In five minutes we gave an order for two tug-boats, the 'Megalohari 7' and the 'Alexander 5' to set off from Piraeus to Santorini. We assigned to a company to take all the anti-pollution measures and at the same time we sent a diver with the 'Perla' which left for Santorini. The ship was one of the best of our company, it was acquired last year and was in the Greek registrar which is very strict. The ship's inspections were concluded last month and included crew exercises. The ship's rescue means are sufficient for 2,111 passengers. The last abandonment exercise took place on April 4, 2007 in Rhodes while two days earlier, on April 2, 2007, a general evacuation of the ship exercise had taken place," Koubenas said.

Regarding the time of the ship's evacuation, Koubenas said that "the 30 minutes are valid from the moment the captain orders the evacuation of the ship. However, the captain correctly never ordered evacuation so as not to cause panic."

As for the confusion existing about the two missing French nationals, a father and his daughter, when initially there seemed to be no missing person, Koubenas said that "there were three technicians to repair blinds of the bars and on one list they appeared as members of the crew and on the other as passengers."

On the danger of pollution, Koubenas said "we have brought two experts from abroad to see the ship's position and the way with which they can pump the oil."

[08] State Department says US policy regarding recognition of 'Macedonia' has not changed

US policy regarding the recognition of "Macedonia" has not changed, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack stated on Wednesday.

He was responding to reporters' questions which concerned the law which President George W. Bush signed for NATO's enlargement where next to the name "Macedonia" was added the term FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia).

"Since 2004 we have recognised Macedonia with its constitutional name, Republic of Macedonia, in our bilateral relations," McCormack said.

However, the spokesman added that the US "continues to encourage the negotiations which are in progress under the UN between Greece and Macedonia for the reaching of a mutually acceptable solution on the name issue."

Asked to clarify whether with the addition of the term FYROM, some sort of pressure is being exerted on Skopje to reach an agreement with Athens, McCormack replied that "we will encourage them to reach some sort of agreement with the Greek government on the issue."

Within this context, the spokesman stressed that it is a sensitive matter for both the sides, which was discussed during the recent meeting between US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis. The spokesman noted that Rice "encouraged the efforts being made by the Greek government for the issue to be solved."

[09] Ministers, PASOK deputy address event on combatting corruption

Bakoyannis stressed "the government's will to strengthen the legislative framework for combatting corruption, without fear of revealing the problem in its true dimensions."

The foreign minister also mentioned that the UN treaty will be brought to Parliament for ratification in the next 15 to 20 days and stressed the need for upgrading the domestic legal framework on combatting corruption and spoke of an "impunity culture that prevails in Greece and that supports corruption."

Pavlopoulos referred to the initiatives and measures taken by the government to crack down on corruption, as well as to the institutional shielding of auditing apparatuses and the intensification of checks aimed at protecting the citizen and upgrading the quality of the democratic form of government.

The interior minister also noted that Greece intends to ratify the UN treaty soon, since even the European Union has not ratified the Treaty, while also focusing on its basic principles as they appear in its 71 articles.

Venizelos said that "the phenomenon of corruption intercepts modernisation, intensifies social and economic inequalities and leads to disdain for politics and for the political world in general."

The former minister also said there is no need for wider political consensus since "revealing and cracking down on corruption is the legal obligation of every citizen, although the greatest responsibility is borne by those who are serving their tenure at government posts when phenomena of corruption are noted in its duration."

[10] Health minister visits Patras University Hospital

He was accompanied by Deputy Health Minister Athanassios Yiannopoulos and by Organisation Against Drugs (OKANA) president Kostis Ballas.

In an address, the health minister said that "the long-term users of narcotic substances will find the necessary substantial support in the wings for the granting of substitutes, which will operate throughout the country within the framework of the national health system."

[11] DM Meimarakis, Deputy FM Valinakis, deputies due in US

Hellenism of the metropolitan region of New York will hold its established annual parade at Manhattan's 5th Avenue on Sunday.

National Defence Minister Evangelos Meimarakis, Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis, Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Kalantzis and a parliamentary delegation will observe the parade, the service at Trinity Church and attend other events which will take place to honour the anniversary of Greece's National Independence Day, March 25.

The defence minister will have a series of contacts with officials of the Greek-American community, while on Thursday he will meet Archbishop of America Demetrios.

After the parade, Valinakis will visit Florida to inaugurate Greece's General Consulate.

[12] SYN leader meets Palestinian envoy

Alavanos said that peace cannot prevail in the Middle East without a just solution to the Palestinian problem, adding that Europe and the Greek government should effectively support the Arab peace plan.

He also termed as unacceptable the fact that the blockade against the Pelestinian Authority was continuing even after the formation of a government of national unity in the Palestinian territories.

Financial News

[13] Greek inflation slowed to 2.6 pct in March, yr/yr

The harmonised CPI in the same period increased 2.8%, it added.

Compared to February 2007, the general CPI increased 2.3% while the harmonised CPI increased 2.5%. The core inflation increased 2.7% in March 2007, down from 2.9% in February and 2.9% in March 2006.

NSS's secretary general, Manolis Kontopyrakis, commenting on the March inflation figure said it expected a further decline in April due to lower expectations of price increases in vegetable, fuel and heating oil compared with the same month last year.

The statistics service attributed the 2.6 pct inflation figure in March to a 4.0 pct increase in education prices, a 3.4 pct rise in hotel-coffee-restaurant prices, a 10.8 pct increase in alcohol-tobacco prices, a 4.4 pct rise in clothing and footwear and a 3.2 pct increase in healthcare prices.

Durable goods prices rose 2.4 pct, food and beverage were up 2.7 pct and other goods and services rose by 2.2 pct in March, compared with the same month in 2006.

[14] Greek CPI up 2.6% in March year-to-year

The harmonised CPI in the same period increased 2.8%, it added.

Compared to February 2007, the general CPI increased 2.3% while the harmonised CPI increased 2.5%.

Structural CPI increased 2.7% in March 2007, down from 2.9% in February and 2.9% in March 2006.

[15] Private sector's debt at 92 pct of Greek GDP

Banks' loans to the private sector (enterprises and households) recorded a 19.9 pct increase in January, compared with the same month last year, slightly down from a 20.6 pct growth rate recorded in December 2006.

Households' debt grew by 25.1 pct in January at 86.9 billion euros or 44.6 pct of GDP.

The central bank, in its monthly report, said mortgage loans recorded a slightly slowdown in January (21.8 pct) from 25.5 pct in December, totaling 57.9 billion euros.

On the other hand, consumer credit grew stronger in January (24.1 pct) from 23.9 pct in December to a total 26.8 billion euros of which 8.7 billion euros were credit card debt.

Savings deposits fell by 0.8 pct in January from December to 171.937 billion euros.

[16] DEH president meets Russian Rao Uesr official

Athanasopoulos referred on his part to DEH's activities in the Greek market, as well as in the Balkans in cooperation with SENCAP, in which DEH is participating with a 50 percent stake. Drachevsky and Athanasopoulos agreed to meet again to discuss issues of mutual interest.

Rao Uesr is the biggest electricity company in Russia with its production capacity amounting to 159.2 thousand MW, controlling 72.1 percent of the country's total production capacity in early 2007.

[17] Deputy FinMin decides increase in international organisations credit allocation

According to an announcement by the finance and economy ministry, Doukas, in accordance with relevant clauses, approved Greece's contribution for financing 18 Peacekeeping Operations of the UN and an increase from 50 percent to 100 percent of the allocation percentage for political and economic organisations for the year 2007.

Hellenic state gains 1.49 billion euros from five former Olympic facilities

The Hellenic state gains 1.49 billion euros from five former Olympic Games facilities rented to private persons, according to the plan to utilise Olympic heritage decided by the government and being implemented by the Olympiaka Akinita SA company.

In addition, the state was rid of maintenance, guarding and operational costs amounting to 12.5 million euros a year.

During the first year, the state will have revenues from rentals totalling about 29.5 million euros which, when adjusted, will amount to about 37 million euros a year in steady prices for 2007.

[18] Five bidders for long-term lease of Aghios Kosmas sport facilities

Olympic Properties on Wednesday published the names of the five bidders, which are: Sirios Car Station Operator SA, S.CAPE (a joint venture comprising of J&P Avax SA, GEK SA, Vioter SA, and Motodynamic SA), a joint venture by Intracom Constructions, Eltech SA, Akropol Haragionis SA and Lambert Smith Hampton Hellas SA, Waterfront SA and a joint venture by Aegean Oil, Hellenic Environmental Center SA, Majestic Marine Co, Oceanic Cruise Corp, Gantzoulas ATEE and Pantechniki SA.

An Olympic Properties commission will evaluate all bids before the board announce the winner of the tender. The lease contract will have a duration of 45 years.

The Olympic sport facilities in Aghios Kosmas covers an area of around 425,000 sq.m. with buildings of 8,945 sq.m. The contract will envisage the management of a marina, with a capacity of 1,170 boats, operation of shops and restaurants, building a five-star hotel complex of up to 30 rooms, developing cultural, athletic and entertainment parks and a heliport.

[19] Pilot run for Proastiako to Piraeus

The train departed from the station at 10:10 precisely, while it stopped along the way so that the minister could inspect the work still underway at the intervening stations in Lefka, Rendi and Rouf. Liapis expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far, while noting that the extension of the Proastiako railway to Piraeus was an "important and multi-faceted" project that would provide rapid access to Greek islands for Greek citizens and foreign visitors.

"Some people doubted whether this project would ever finish, but in a month and a half it will begin operating and by the end of June the extension of the Proastiako to Kiato will also be up and running," he said.

The minister also stressed that fares would not increase this year, even though fares on Greek public transport were the lowest in Europe, underlining that the government's goal was to ensure safe and cheap transport for the public.

The new line is due to be extended to Kiato to the southwest this summer and later to Halkida in the north.

The journey from Piraeus to the airport will take roughly 50 minutes and, at first, there will be two trains running each hour, one toward Corinth and one to the airport. Initially the trains will travel at an average speed of 80km per hour between Piraeus and the airport but average speeds are expected to increase dramatically when work to build an underground line is completed.

The management of Proastiakos SA predicts that the new line will double the number of passengers using the suburban railway, increasing it from 15,000 passengers daily to 30,000 passengers a day. The fare from Larisis Station to the airport will be the current flat fare for urban transport, which is 0.70 euros per journey.

[20] New tourist development model for northern Greece

The Central Macedonia Region is being distinguished by four strong points in the sector of tourism, stressed the minister and referred to the monastic community of Mount Athos and the hundreds of Byzantine churches and monasteries that can turn it into a popular religious tourism destination.

Petralia also mentioned the region's easy access to the sea and referred to the 560 km-long coastline in Halkidiki and the 70km-long coastline in Pieria and Thessaloniki.

The city of Thessaloniki can emerge as a popular destination for short vacations, said Petralia stressing that the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair in September and a total of 21 small exhibitions can play a major role toward this goal.

The minister also referred to the region's proximity to the Balkan states and stressed that an effort is being made to increase the tourist flow from those countries.

[21] Thessaloniki groomed for city break destination

Thessaloniki is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Greece, in addition to being a crossroads of civilizations with many comparative advantages, said Petralia. It deserves to be on the European tourist map and become a stopover for tourists visiting Greece.

City break or urban tourism involves the promotion of the cultural or historical dimension of a city as well as the different forms of tourism it offers, religious or spa, while a basic element is also the life-style of local people, she added.

On his part, the mayor referred to the evolution of Thessaloniki into a major urban centre, stressing characteristically that a total of 179 conventions were held in the city in 2006 alone, corresponding to a 34 percent rise in convention tourism compared to the previous year.

[22] Sprider Group sells part of Sofia property for 4.0 million euros

Under the agreement, Sprider Bulgaria will sell 86 unfinished apartments in its Sprider Eurocity block which includes shops, homes and parkings.

The Greek company expects an extraordinary capital gain of 0.13 million euros from the transaction.

[23] Titan Cement buys ready mix producer in US

Mechanicsville Concrete Inc. operates five production units in the wider Richmond area, Virginia, and will continue to operate autonomously after completion of the takeover in May.

[24] Alumil Rom Industry to debut in BSE on Monday, 16 April

Alumil Rom Industry will begin trading on its 31,250,000 common nominal shares at an entry price of 4.6 RON (around 1.37 euros) in Tier 2 Equity Securities of the Bucarest Stock Exchange.

[25] Vivartia acquires Bulgarian UMC for 18.7 mln euros

The company said completion of the transaction was subject to approval from Bulgaria's Competition Comission.

UMC is a leader in milk market and second in the yoghurt market in Bulgaria. BSF (a fund by Global Finance) completed a wide-spread restructuring programme with investments in production equipment and promotion of new products in spring 2003. UMC reported sales of 17.5 mln euros last year, EBITDA of 1.0 million euros and assets totalled 18.4 million euros. Net borrowing was 7.0 million euros.

Vivartia, said the acquisition was part of a strategic plan to expand in Southeastern Europe.

[26] Viohalco inaugurates new aluminium unit in Bulgaria

The Greek-listed company has established as one of the largest investors on the metals industry in the last 16 years with investments more than 300 million euros, while it is consider a strategic factor in the restructuring of Bulgarian industry.

Stilmet, a subsidiary of Viohalco in Bulgaria, exports 70 pct of its production to the European market using advanced technology in aluminium production while also adhering to tradition. Athanasios Athanasopoulos, head of Viohalco's investment programme told ANA-MPA that Stilmet was established as a leading player in Bulgarian metal industry and set the standards for other companies in the sector.

Viohalco Group employs around 2,500 workers in its Bulgarian facilities.

[27] Greek stocks end 1.0 pct higher

All sector indices ended higher with the exception of Travel and Food/Beverage which fell 0.81 pct and 0.38 pct, respectively. The Oil (3.57 pct), Industrial Products (2.81 pct) and Healthcare (2.81 pct) sectors scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day.

The Big Cap index rose 1.02 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 0.98 pct higher and the Small Cap index jumped 1.25 pct.

Ideal (19.81 pct) and Desmos (19.35 pct) were top gainers, while ANEK (8.33 pct), Vivere (8.0 pct) and Tria Alpha (6.45 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 173 to 67 with another 65 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +2.16%

Industrials: +2.81%

Commercial: +0.39%

Construction: +1.21%

Media: +2.72%

Oil & Gas: +3.57%

Personal & Household: +1.00%

Raw Materials: +0.14%

Travel & Leisure: -0.81%

Technology: +0.19%

Telecoms: +1.22%

Banks: +1.21%

Food & Beverages: -0.38%

Health: +2.81%

Utilities: +0.58%

Chemicals: +0.33%

Financial Services: +2.09%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank, OTE, OPAP and Alpha Bank.

Selected shares from the FTSE/ASE-20 index closed in euros as follows:

Alpha Bank: 23.30

ATEbank: 3.82

Public Power Corp (PPC): 17.94

HBC Coca Cola: 31.40

Hellenic Petroleum: 11.44

Emporiki Bank: 21.50

National Bank of Greece: 42.30

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 31.78

Intralot: 22.50

Cosmote: 23.00

OPAP: 27.80

OTE: 21.10

Titan Cement Company: 43.60

[28] ADEX closing report

The June contract on the FTSE 20 index was traded at a discount of 1.38 percent, while the April contract on the FTSE 40 index at a discount of 0.76 pct.

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index totaled 8,714 contracts worth 109.125 million euros, with 27,912 open positions in the market, while volume on the FTSE 40 index was 460 contracts worth 13.746 million euros, with 1,269 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 8,912 contracts worth 6.665 million euros, with investment interest focusing on ATEbank's contracts 1,045 contracts, followed by OTE (1,037), OPAP (368), National Bak (764), Alpha Bank (741), Intracom (547), Viohalco (690) and Attica Bank (687).

Volume in stock repos was 7,710 contracts and in reverse stock repos 4,092 contracts.

[29] Greek bond yields up in March

The three-year bond yield also rose by 12 bps to 4.08 pct from 3.96 pct, while the 10-year benchmark bond yield rose by nine bps to 4.20 pct from 4.20 pct, over the same period, respectively. The average monthly yield spread between the 10-year benchmark Greek and German bond was unchanged from February at 25 bps.

Benchmark bond prices recorded losses ranging from 21 to 233 basis points, with the 30-year bond ending at 99.92, from 102.25 in February, while the three-year bond fell by 21 bps to 98.56 on March 30.

Turnover in the Greek bond market totaled 62.51 billion euros in March, from 45.29 billion in February and 64.40 billion euros in March 2006. Average daily turnover rose to 2.84 billion euros, from 2.38 billion a month earlier.

Investment interest focused on bonds with a duration between seven and 10 years, which attracted 36.42 billion euros or 58 pct of total turnover. The 10-year benchmark bond was the most heavily traded security with a turnover of 23 billion euros.

[30] Greek bond market closing report

The 10-year benchmark bond (July 20, 2017) was the most heavily traded security with a turnover of 1.295 billion euros. The yield spread between the 10-year Greek and German bonds fell to 0.22 percent, with the Greek bond yielding 4.36 pct and the German Bund 4.14 pct.

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates were largely unchanged. National Bank's overnight rate was 3.83 pct, the two-day rate was 3.83 pct, the one-month rate 3.85 pct and the 12-month rate 4.23 percent.

[31] Foreign Exchange Rates - Thursday

U.S. dollar 1.352

Pound sterling 0.684

Danish kroner 7.514

Swedish kroner 9.331

Japanese yen 161.28

Swiss franc 1.651

Norwegian kroner 8.157

Cyprus pound 0.585

Canadian dollar 1.547

Australian dollar 1.639

General News

[32] Road accidents notably reduced during Easter holiday exodus

According to a Public Order Ministry statement, a total of 368 road accidents were recorded in the period of April 1-10, 2007 compared to 434 recorded during the 2006 Easter exodus.

More specifically, the number of deadly road accidents dropped to 39 from 41 in 2006 (decline of 4.9 percent), serious accidents dropped 30.9 percent from 55 to 38, while minor accidents dropped 13.9 percent from 338 to 291.

The road accident-related deaths or injuries dropped 21.7 percent to 509 from 650 in 2006.

The road accident-related deaths recorded a 21.8 percent drop to 43 from 55 in 2006, serious injuries dropped 41.3 percent to 44 from 75, while light injuries were reduced by 18.8 percent from 520 to 422.

Three of the deadly accidents were recorded on the main national road network, 11 in the rest national road network, 13 in the provincial road network and 12 in residential areas.

According to the statement, the increased Traffic Police measures during the Easter holiday exodus have contributed greatly to the notable drop in road accidents. A total of 2,500 officers (police officers, special guards, border guards) were dispatched daily on the road network backed by a fleet of 1,200 support vehicles (patrol cars, conventional cars, motorcycles, tow trucks).

[33] Foreign ministry spokesman's house burgled

They gained entry into his house in Nea Erithrea, Athens through an unsecured kitchen window and got away with roughly 2,500 euros.

[34] Hospitality programmes for Greek origin children

The General Secretariat's programmes, which also have an educational character, combine the children's entertainment with Greek language lessons, traditional dances and songs, as well as visits to archaeological sites.

[35] Tourism minister orders sealing of Corfu hotel complex

Specifically, on October 10, 2006, on orders by the tourism development minister, the official responsible for the Ionian Island revoked the hotel's operation until a report is issued of the investigation by the judicial authorities into the cause of the death of two British children who were at the Corfu hotel with their parents.

Weather Forecast

[36] Local cloud on Thursday

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

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "The 12,000 staff with indefinite contracts put on an equal footing as those with permanency in municipalities. They will also be able to get occupy directorial posts ".

APOGEVMATINI: "10,428 job opportunities. The specialisations - the qualifications - the deadlines".

AVGHI: "Credibility of [Merchant Marine Minister Manolis] Kefaloyiannis and ship-owner founders. They led to the 'Sea Diamond' to sinking".

AVRIANI: "Karamanlis deciding to hold elections. All the background regarding consultations with top members of government".

CHORA: "Western Greece did not get a wink of sleep after the waking of the quake. Repeated earthquake swarms".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "Justice should take over here and now because for some...the worst 'shipwreck' is that the question marks have not sunk!"(plays on the alternate meaning in Greek, meaning disaster or fiasco)

ELEFTHEROS: "Grumbling in PASOK over the candidates".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "17 ports in the red. Survey by the National Technical University of Athens".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "10 unconfessed holes. Bonds: For which the government has not yet given answers".

ESTIA: "PASOK gall over shipwreck. They have forgotten their own responsibilities for the 'Samina' (ferry boat that sunk in 2000, in which 81 people were drowned)".

ETHNOS: "160 million euros missing from LAEK (Employment and Professional Training Fund). Illegal transfer of huge sums to OAED (Manpower Employment Organisation)".

KATHIMERINI: "Questions multiply over sinking of ship. Struggle using all means to avert pollution of Santorini".

LOGOS: "Light on the questions. Autopsy in the area of the shipwreck using modern technology equipment".

NIKI: "Responsibility and seriousness plunged to the depths. Embarrassment after government 'shipwreck' in Santorini".

RIZOSPASTIS: "Unanswered and unrelenting questions over ship's sinking. Many dark points that require answers remain for the shipwreck of the tourist vessel 'Sea Diamond', aged 21 years old, built in 1986".

TA NEA: "Earthquake swarm rocks half of Greece. Residents spent the night in town squares. Alert for the next 48 hours".

TO VIMA: "Pension Funds' scandal. [Head of independent authority against money-laundering] Zorbas seeking the secret shareholders".

VRADYNI: "8,300 to be hired in hospitals, social security funds and culture. Three new STAGE programmes by OAED".

Cyprus Affairs

[38] Lavrov welcomes Greek Cypriot steps for implementation of July 8 agreement

Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov welcomed here on Tuesday the steps taken by the Greek Cypriot side towards the implementation of the July 8 agreement, stressing that his country will be active in the efforts to achieve a solution to the Cyprus problem, mutually accepted by both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

Lavrov was speaking after a meeting with his Cypriot counterpart George Lillikas, who said that he requested the Russian Federation's assistance, as a UN Security Council permanent member, for the implementation of the agreement, which provides for a process of bicommunal discussions on issues that affect the day-to-day life of the people and concurrently those that concern substantive issues, both contributing to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.

In statements after the meeting, Lillikas said that he requested Russia's assistance in the framework of the Security Council for the implementation of the July 8 agreement, stressing that ''only through the implementation of this agreement could we open new prospects for the solution of the Cyprus problem.''

According to Lillikas, Russia, due to its permanent seat in the Security Council, the good relations it has with Turkey and the outstanding relations with Cyprus, is in position to have an important role in the solution of the Cyprus problem, particularly after Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat's letter to the UN Secretary General.

''I consider the Security Council as the body which will have the decisive role on the future course of events. Russia's position, as expressed in public by Mr. Lavrov, is that this agreement should be implemented and that we should remain firm in the UN resolutions regarding the solution of the Cyprus problem,'' Lillikas added.

In his remarks, Lavrov pointed out the need for further strengthening confidence between the two communities in Cyprus and welcomed ''the steps taken by the Cypriot government towards that direction.''

He specifically referred to the Cypriot government's decision to knock down a wall in Ledra Street in the capital, Nicosia, as well as the Greek Cypriot side's proposals for the implementation of the July 8 agreement.

''If this proposal is supported by the Turkish Cypriots, then we could commence the procedure of mutual work for certain issues and this is what precisely assists towards strengthening the confidence and we believe that this procedure will begin,'' Lavrov said.

Replying to a question regarding the efforts to reinvigorate the Annan plan, approved by the Turkish Cypriot community and rejected by the Greek Cypriot community during referenda in April 2004, the Russian Minister said that the developments of the past years have confirmed two fundamental principles, ''that the solution could be reached only in the framework of the UN, according to the relevant Security Council resolutions, and that the settlement can exist only on the basis of voluntary agreement of all Cypriots, Greek and Turkish.''

''We are in favour of a fair and viable solution of the Cyprus problem on the basis of voluntary agreement of the Cypriots, Greek and Turkish, themselves and Russia will participate actively in the future in international efforts to achieve such a comprehensive settlement,'' Lavrov concluded.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat agreed on 8 July 2006, during a meeting in Nicosia in the presence of UN official Ibrahim Gambari, to begin a process of bicommunal discussions on issues that affect the day-to-day life of the people and concurrently those that concern substantive issues, both contributing to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.

[39] Cyprus' EU membership does not hinder Russian-Cypriot cooperation

During the talks, Lillikas also extended to Lavrov a letter announcing the decision of the Cypriot government to join the global initiative for the combating of nuclear terrorism, which was initiated in 2006 by US President George Bush and the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.

In statements after the talks, Lavrov said that he accepted with satisfaction an invitation to visit Cyprus extended to him by Lillikas, expressing hope that by the time the visit will take place, a series of new agreements for the promotion of the relations between Cyprus and Russia will be concluded.

He added that Russia ''never felt any difficulties since Cyprus' accession to the EU,'' noting that the current of visits to Cyprus by Russian nationals were not affected.

The head of the Russian diplomacy also praised the Cypriot government as well as the Cypriot Embassy in Moscow for the ''positive results'' regarding the establishment of the visa regime, ''giving an example to other EU member states' embassies.''

Lavrov noted that ''we will try to expand this positive experience to other consular foundations, operating in Moscow.''

''We are grateful to Cyprus for its firm support in the development of strategic and partnership associations between Russia and the EU and we cooperate closely in the framework of other European organisations, of which Cyprus and Russia are members,'' Lavrov said.

Lillikas said that ''bilateral relations develop on all levels very well and I believe that our accession to the EU creates new prospects and new opportunities for cooperation.''

Replying to a question, Lillikas said that the relations between Russia and Cyprus were not affected negatively by Cyprus' accession to the EU, noting that with the launch of the visa granting regime for Russian nationals visiting Cyprus, the Cypriot government tackled the issue of visits from Russia to Cyprus.

''The economic and trade relations have not been affected negatively at all, on the contrary, I believe that with the Cypriot government's position for the development of a strategic cooperation between Russia and the EU, significant benefits both for Russia and the EU members can be created,'' he added.

Replying to a question, Lavrov said that the decisions of Russian financial entities will be taken for the interested parties themselves on the basis of corporate evaluations.

[40] Cypriot FM briefs Russian companies on oil deposit exploitation

Welcoming at the Cypriot Embassy in Moscow the representatives of 25 Russian energy and hydrocarbon exploitation companies, Lillikas said ''the government of the Republic of Cyprus believes that the time has come for Cyprus to join the research for hydrocarbons in its exclusive economic zone, an activity in which neighbouring countries have been engaged for some decades.''

Lillikas referred to research so far and announced that the Republic of Cyprus ''is offering eleven sections of research to interested oil companies,'' and called on friendly countries, such as Russia, to show an interest through their companies.

Referring to existing agreements with Egypt and Lebanon for the delimitation of their exclusive economic zones, Lillikas said ''they are an example of respect of the independence and sovereignty of states, which is an element of modern political understanding.''

He added that ''Cyprus is expecting the other neighbouring countries to show a similar modern political behaviour and proceed with respective agreements.''

[41] Nicosia Mayor regrets statements by Turkish Cypriot side

Nicosia Mayor Eleni Mavrou has expressed disappointment over statements by the so-called mayor of Turkish occupied Nicosia Cemal Bulutoglulari, with regard to joint projects that affect the capital.

Bulutoglulari said it was not possible for the Turkish Cypriots to proceed with the implementation of joint projects with the Greek Cypriots, after Mavrou's decision not to participate in the Fourth World Mayors' Summit, to be hosted in Istanbul from April 12 to 15, because the invitation to the meeting addressed her as ''the Mayor of the Greek Cypriot Municipality".

Mavrou, who was received Wednesday by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, said that so far she has had a series of meetings with Bulutoglulari on various issues concerning Nicosia, which can be settled through the cooperation of the two sides, underlining that "our goal is to continue the contacts and cooperation between the two sides."

She said "tension harms efforts for cooperation" and that she believes that cooperation is for the benefit of both sides.

"Both sides gain from such cooperation and I am sure that more dispassionate thoughts will prevail in the future," she added.

Mavrou noted that "we have the will to cooperate with full respect to the other side", noting however that issues that have to do with respect to international law cannot be ignored.

Following this latest development, the need to intensify efforts for a settlement of the Cyprus problem is even more pressing, she said, stressing that "it is only through this framework that these issues will be settled."

Mavrou said that there was no change with regard to the invitation to the meeting in Istanbul, adding that she will not participate.

"We want to attend the meeting, we believe in cooperation especially among members of civil society. We cannot however close our eyes to ignorance of international law," she added.

On her meeting with Cyprus president, Mavrou said they discussed issues concerning the development of Nicosia, including the opening of a crossing at Ledra Street, in the capital Nicosia.

"It is an issue which the political leadership is handling, in addition to the restoration of nearby buildings and security concerns in the area," she added.

Mavrou said that Nicosia Municipality has made preparations for the opening of a crossing into the Turkish occupied northern part of the island in cooperation with the Turkish Cypriot side.

"There are still difficulties, especially as regards the position of the soldiers. I hope there will be an outcome," she added.

On March 8th, the National Guard, Cyprus' army, removed the wall at Ledra Street which was erected soon after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974.

However, the government of Cyprus clarified that the demolition of the wall does not mean the opening of the crossing point to and from the Turkish occupied areas, unless security issues are addressed.

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