Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-04-16

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis emphasises 'zero tolerance' for corruption; reforms undeterred

[02] FinMin cites 'institutional weaknesses' in management of funds' assets

[03] 'Politicians have no gender': FM's interview with Corriere della Sera

[04] Latest poll gauges public on funds affair; gives ND 3.5% lead over PASOK

[05] DM addresses Cypriot Federation of America conference

[06] Employment minister in Katerini

[07] Greek initiative on transferring inmates to countries of origin

[08] ND youth group head on latest political developments

[09] Athens Mayor to mediate at int'l fora for return of Famagusta

[10] Sunken cruise ship's 'black box' retrieved

[11] B'nai B'rith events on 'Odyssey of the Jews of Greece'

[12] Latest 'cyber-related' sex arrest reported

[13] Memorial service on occasion of WWII Roupel Fortress battle

[14] Memorial service in Thessaloniki for city's Holocaust victims

[15] Well-known Greek-Egyptian businessman dies

[16] Monument to the Worker to be temporarily relocated

[17] Orfanos discusses Grand Prix course during Bahrain visit

[18] Results of Greek Super League soccer matches played over the weekend

[19] Overcast on Monday

[20] The Sunday editions of Athens' dailies at a glance

[01] Karamanlis emphasises 'zero tolerance' for corruption; reforms undeterred

Karamanlis, speaking to ruling New Democracy party's affiliated youth group (ONNED), devoted most of his address to the issue of state-run pension funds, amid a barrage of criticism by the opposition and a portion of the local press.

"Those who think that the instances (of corruption) that passed unnoticed in the past will be repeated today are making a huge mistake; they are also making a huge mistake if think they can lessen their guilt with irresponsible shouting ... we are continuing our battle with corruption undeterred," Karamanlis said in reference to an almost daily cascade of statements by main opposition PASOK cadres, among others over the affair, which erupted after details of the bond purchase by the civil servants' supplementary fund were disclosed weeks ago.

With the focus expanding to practically all of the dozens of primary and supplementary pension funds partially or completely controlled by the state for several decades now, Karamanlis pointed to the urgent tabling in Parliament -- last week -- of changes aimed at precluding mismanagement at such entities.

"First off, we are ensuring that knowledgeable and experienced board members and directors will be selected by the bodies representing the funds, with approval by the Bank of Greece and the Capital Markets Commission also necessary. The government, at any given time, will have no involvement," he said, adding:

"Secondly, when instances of fraud are ascertained, these funds, with the immediate assistance of the state, shall demand damages so that losses are recovered" he said.

"Zero tolerance is a commitment for us, our conviction towards transparency is non-negotiable," Karamanlis added.

Turning to one of the government's most closely-watched initiatives since it took office in March 2004, Karamanlis said a recently passed framework for changes in higher education - laying down guidelines for universities' operation, institutions' autonomy, more representative faculty elections, stricter definition of the asylum law etc. - was a tangible measure for upgrading the long-depressed academic world.

Finally, the premier also reserved a counter-attack for rival PASOK, criticising the main opposition party for the major problems in the economy and society, as he said, that it "bestowed" on his government. Karamanlis reminded that Greece's fiscal adjustment programme is the largest, percentage wise, in the euro-zone, whereas GDP growth (currently standing at 4 percent) continues to outpace the EU average. He also pointed to substantially rosier pictures for Greece's all-important tourism industry and the emerging energy-related sector.

Opposition reaction

In a later response to Karamanlis' statements, a main opposition PASOK spokesman called the premier's statements a "monument in hypocrisy and transfer of responsibility", as well as an "organised plan by the government to raid pension funds' reserves".

Spokesman Petros Efthymiou, a former PASOK minister, also said Karamanlis "persistently refuses to assume his owe responsibilities" in the affair.

KKE

On its part, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) called the premier's comments an "apology towards plutocracy", with "no references for younger people of working-class families".

Gov't response

"PASOK, via its spokesman, puts forth intensification (in political rhetoric) and populism in the face of specific and responsible institutional initiatives by the government, ones that reinforce transparency and effective management," government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said in response to Efthymiou.

[02] FinMin cites 'institutional weaknesses' in management of funds' assets

Alogoskoufis, whose interview was published in the Sunday edition of the Athens daily "Kathimerini", nevertheless conceded that "there is some type of issue at certain pension funds", while he added the courts will decide where personal responsibility lies.

He also cited what he called "institutional weaknesses" in the system for managing the funds' assets and an "institutional problem" in the way the boards of such primary and supplementary funds are selected, since it is not anticipated board members should necessarily "know about complex financial products and investments."

This weakness of administrations also emerged in the case of the purchase of structured bonds, Alogoskoufis said, because, as he explains, "these investments also have risks."

However, the minister defends the institution of structured bonds which, as he says, "secure good performances with small risks," while urging social insurance funds to continue to invest in ordinary or structured bonds of the public sector because "it is a very good form of investments."

[03] 'Politicians have no gender': FM's interview with Corriere della Sera

The introduction to the interview noted that Bakoyannis, in her 18-year-long political career, has served as minister of culture, and as Mayor of Athens, before taking on the helm of the foreign ministry. It said that no one has disputed her abilities throughout her career in the murky waters of international diplomacy, where she displayed durability and stability that many would envy. she cultivated friendships with almost all her colleagues while, in the EU's council of ministers -- in which there are only five women out of 27 foreign ministers -- Bakoyannis has stood out, the article said.

"Did you at the beginning feel any awkwardness? Is it really hard to be a woman when you have political authority," journalist Antonio Ferrari asked in his opening question, to receive the reply from Bakoyannis that "No. Perhaps in the past it was like that, but today things have changed. Besides, I have always been of the conviction that politicians, like angels, have no gender".

Noting that in Italy much is being discussed about a quota (minimum number) of women in key positions in public life, Bakoyannis was asked whether things were better in Greece. The foreign minister replied that "we have made steps in that direction, but I am not satisfied, they are not enough".

"A woman, in a very complex and complicated world, can bring greater sensitivity and a big dose of insight as her dowry. Look at (chancellor) Angela Merkel in Germany, an excellent leader and an example for all," Bakoyannis said.

Asked to comment on Hilary Clinton's ambitions to win the Democratic Party's nomination for US President and the prospect of her choosing Barak Obama as her vice-president, introducing the new element of 'woman-black man' for the US leadership, Bakoyannis said that although she, personally, had a deep respect for Hilary Clinton "who is cautious, determined, capable of tackling problems", nevertheless "I don't believe that gender or color will play a decisive role. I believe that every goal is achieved, above all, with ability".

Asked to clarify what she meant by 'ability', Bakoyannis replied: "Ability of vision. My generation dreamed of imagination in authority. I don't, therefore, believe that only good and capable technocrats are sufficient. Vision is needed".

To a question on how many Greeks acknowledged that she had the ability of vision, for example, given her encouragement of Turkey's EU course, Bakoyannis explained: "My 'yes' (to Turkey's eventual EU membership) is conditional. I don't believe that the problem lies in the fact that Turkey is a large Muslim country. I consider the crucial point to be Turkey's sharing of the common principles and values. When, in 10, 15 or 20 years' time Turkey will have made all the necessary steps, there will be no problems in its becoming accepted into the great European family. Finally, the reforms process (in Turkey) has slowed down. But, we all have the duty to encourage Ankara to proceed more quickly and more decisively".

With respect to Turkey, and asked to assess the positions of French presidential candidate Nicolas Sarkozy, which differed from her own, and whether therefore she preferred Segolene Royal, Bakoyannis replied that "Sarkozy is a friend. Every time we meet we discuss, and have a lively discussion in fact, on Turkey. He remains firm in his positions, and I in mine, in the framework of mutual respect".

To a related question regarding Italy, Bakoyannis said: "With Italy, we agree on many things. With Massimo D'Alema (Italian foreign minister) we have undertaken commitments and initiatives on many fronts. Let me mention the European Constitution, Kosovo, and naturally all the problems of the Middle East. We must find the way to ease the excessive tensions, which are rampant in that region. I believe, for example, that the Palestinian national unity government must be encouraged".

To a comment that the European Union was still weak and divided to exercise a credible political influence, Bakoyannis said that she was "enraged by this ongoing incantation of the European Union's weakness, of what it is not in a position to do".

"I would like us to speak more about what the European Union has done. I believe that the Union has a looser approach on the issues. This is not weakness, it is an advantage. The US is more decisive. Together with the US, we can achieve significant results," she said.

Asked whether a strong Europe caused fear, Bakoyannis said "it certainly causes worry".

To a question on whether politicians' appearances on the electronic media was excessive, and given that "in Italy, there are three such communications channels: parliament, Senate and TV talk shows", Bakoyannis responded: "The latter are more vivid. If I need to speak to the Greeks, television allows me to approach them directly. Perhaps there is some excess with appearance in the media. In the future, there will inevitably be corrective measures. But for the time being, things are fine".

FM to address event on Mon.

Bakoyannis on Monday will address a conference on the issue of "Security and Defence in the 21st Century", organised by an Athens-based magazine at Zappeion Hall.

Gov't condemns attack against Dep. FM's political office

Minister of State and government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos on Sunday sternly condemned a firebomb attack against the political office of Deputy Foreign Minister Theodoros Kassimis over the weekend.

[04] Latest poll gauges public on funds affair; gives ND 3.5% lead over PASOK

According to the poll carried out by the VPRC firm for a local television station and published in the Sunday edition of "Kathimerini", 73 percent of respondents believe illegal gains were made, while 23 percent either declared ignorance of the case or made no comment; only 4 percent of respondents said they did not believe a questionable profit was gain.

The same poll gave ruling New Democracy party a 42.5-percent of respondents' preference, followed by PASOK with 39; the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) 7 percent; the Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) 4.5 percent, and the out-of-Parliament Popular Orthodox Rally (LA.OS) party 4 percent.

Regarding the most suitable for prime minister question, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis polled 49 percent, followed by PASOK leader George Papandreou with 24 percent.

[05] DM addresses Cypriot Federation of America conference

Defence Minister Evangelos Meimarakis addressed Saturday's Cypriot Federation of America conference here, saying that "we are proud of our history, but we also aspire to be proud of the history we shall write, preventing any possible action by our wayward neighbours."

Referring to cooperation between Greece and Cyprus, particularly in the military sector, he underlined the success of the Toxotis exercise, adding that "we are sending a message to all, as well as to the citizens of Greece and Cyprus that we are here and we can protect our countries whenever necessary. And this message must go everywhere and be crystal-clear."

Meimarakis also said that "I believe that this cooperation helps us a great deal to develop our relations with international organisations as well and to pressure in the direction of just causes. Because it is understood by all that we are in the right and it is understood that at some time this issue must be raised. That the solution that will be given to Cyprus must be viable and just and I believe that as time goes by we can move in this direction."

The conference of the Cypriot Federation of America was attended by MPs Ioannis Tragakis, Panayiotis Skandalakis,

Evgenios Haitidis, Grigoris Niotis, Dimitris Tsiongas and Stelios Papathemelis, as well as the ambassador of Cyprus in Washington Andreas Kakouris, the permanent representatives of Greece and Cyprus at the UN, ambassadors Adamantios Vasilakis and Andreas Mavroyiannis, respectively, and the general consuls of Greece and Cyprus Ekaterini Boura and Martha Mavromati.

[06] Employment minister in Katerini

Turning to the bonds affair, Tsitouridis said that the government has imposed a regime of transparency, adding that there were "interests" that were disgruntled because in the past they had benefited from the "regime of lack of transparency".

Replying to accusations by main opposition PASOK party officials that the bonds affair also included cases of graft, Tsitouridis said that "those who speak of kickbacks must know something from the past".

[07] Greek initiative on transferring inmates to countries of origin

Justice Minister Anastasis Papaligouras outlined the benefits resulting from this process, saying it will improve both detention conditions and possibilities of social re-integration for inmates after their release.

According to the announcement, Papaligouras cited increased cooperation in the criminal justice sector and in reference to the initiative at the European Union level.

According to the latest figures, the ministry noted, roughly 40 percent of inmates in Greek prisons being foreign nationals, with the overwhelming majority coming from Council of Europe member-states, especially other Balkan countries.

[08] ND youth group head on latest political developments

"The governance of the country has now entered its most crucial phase and tolerance for corruption is zero," he said.

[09] Athens Mayor to mediate at int'l fora for return of Famagusta

Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis on Saturday announced he was undertaking the role of mediator at all European and international fora for the return of Famagusta to its legal residents.

The assurance was made by Kaklamanis during the commencement of the Famagusta Municipality's campaign for the signing of a Declaration demanding the return of the Turkish-occupied town to its lawful residents.

Kaklamanis and Famagusta Mayor Alexis Galanos placed the first two signatures on the Declaration for the return of Famagusta.

The commencement of the campaign and signature ceremony took place at the Famagusta Cultural Centre in Derynia, which is situated at the foot of the occupied town.

Addressing the event, Kaklamanis said he conveyed the solidarity and support of the citizens of Athens "who wish to unite their forces and voice with yours in the struggle to vie the town of Famagusta life once again".

"Many call Famagusta, due to its abandonment for 33 years, as a 'ghost town'," Kaklamanis noted, adding, however, that "personally, I prefer to see it as a visition-town, a destination-town, a symbol-town...I prefer to see it as the 'Ithaca' of our struggles and demands for the integration of Cyprus".

Galanos, in turn, stressed that in order for Turkey's accession negotiations with the EU to move on to new chapters, the 'chapter' of Famagusta's return to its rightful inhabitants must be first settled.

The campaign for the Famagusta refugees' signatures to the Declaration for the return of the town, under the slogan "Give your town a voice", will run through April 22.

Kaklamanis further said that no plan for a Cyprus solution could succeed so long as occupation troops remained on the island republic, adding that "I, today, put forward again the demand of all the free people that the occupation force leaves" Cyprus.

General News

[10] Sunken cruise ship's 'black box' retrieved

The cruise ship sank into the deep waters of the scenic Caldera -- an underwater depression created by a massive volcanic eruption 3,500 years ago -- just off the popular Aegean holiday island of Santorini last week after it struck a reef.

The 'black box' was located by a deep-sea robot craft on Friday on the bridge of the sunken cruise ship, but the robot was unable to retrieve the data recorder due to difficulties posed by the formation of the sea bed and the wreck's condition, and a professional diver was called in after more than four failed attempts by the robot.

The black box's contents -- a recording of all data particularly during the ship's collision with a charted reef -- will be examined by prosecutors with the assistance of an expert and representatives of the Cyprus-based ship-owner and its insurance companies.

Two passengers out of the roughly 1,500 people on board -- a French man and his daughter -- went missing after the boat sank and are still unaccounted for.

Experts said data on the recorder will shed ample light on the causes of the accident and will be turned over the investigating authorities as evidence. The 'black box' - actually painted a bright orange so that it can be easily located - will have recorded everything from the time of the impact, including the towing and eventual sinking of the ship.

Efforts to recover the data recorder were chiefly conducted with the two robot craft supplied by the Greek Centre for Marine Research, which are equipped with electronic arms.

Meanwhile, the Naxos public prosecutor in charge of the investigation into the shipwreck has asked to be given access to the records for mobile phones owned by the skipper of the 'Sea Diamond' and company representatives that spoke with him around the time of the accident.

In a related development, International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Efthimios Mitropoulos congratulated the merchant marine ministry on its handling of the "Sea Diamond" maritime accident, in a letter sent to Minister Manolis Kefaloyiannis on Friday.

According to a ministry announcement, Mitropoulos praises the ministry and noted that the rescue of so many passengers and crew confirms the high efficiency of the ministry's search-and-rescue services, as well as the support provided by local seafarers.

[11] B'nai B'rith events on 'Odyssey of the Jews of Greece'

The historic Jewish organisation B'nai B'rith International is organising a series of cultural events, in cooperation with the Greek Embassy in Washington, titled "The Odyssey of the Jews of Greece...A Journey Throughout the Ages".

An official dinner marking the opening of the events was held in Washington on Friday night, attended by the B'nai B'rith leadership, Greek ambassador to the US Alexandros Mallias, members of the diplomatic corps and members of the American-Jewish community.

B'nai B'rith vice-president Dan Mariaschin spoke of the great improvement and strengthening of relations between Greece and Israel in the past decades, and noted that Israel was Greece's biggest trade partner in the Middle East.

He also stressed that during the German occupation of Greece, the Church of Greece, prominent and anonymous Greek citizens had provided refuge to their Jewish counterparts.

Mariaschin presented the Greek ambassador with an honorary distinction for the cooperation he has developed with American-Jewish organisations.

Ambassador Mallias stressed that the younger generations needed to learn from the Holocaust, noting the importance of History for both the Greek and Israeli peoples and the need to divert efforts aimed at distorting history, regardless of where those efforts originated.

He stressed that Greece paid a heavy price in blood throughout the Occupation, during which Christians and Jews alike were killed, and made special mention of the massacre of the Jewish community of Thessaloniki and the need to attribute historic justice to the Jewish communities of Macedonia, of which there is no official mention in the Holocaust Museum.

Mallias further expressed appreciation for B'nai B'rith's adoption of his proposal to honor, at the events, Panos Spiliakos, president of the Pan-Macedonian Association of the US and the son of Dimitris Spiliakos who has been recognised with the Righteous among the Nations distinction for saving the lives of many Jews in Thessaloniki during the Occupation

Since 2003, the B'nai B'rith International Klutznick National Jewish Museum has presented in-depth programs on Jewish Spanish, Indian, Romanian, and Turkish life. Throughout April, May, and June, B'nai B'rith International's Center for Jewish Culture will feature a series of programs to illuminate Jewish culture in Greece entitled "The Odyssey of the Jews of Greece."

Jews are believed to have lived in Greece as far back as the Babylonian Exile (586-530 BC). Over time, distinctive Jewish communities formed-the Romaniote Jews, who were numerous during the Roman Empire, and a flourishing Sephardic merchant community in the Ottoman period, as just two examples. The Nazi arrival in Thessaloniki in 1941, led to the extermination of virtually the entire Jewish community.

Today's Greek Jewish traditions are hardly monolithic. Jewish Greek communities incorporate a diverse variety of dress, music, food, and non-Jewish Greek customs into their every day lives.

The "Jews of Greece" program series is a veritable "odyssey" of events. Programs such as a professional theatrical production focused on a Greek Jew's memories from the Holocaust, a photographic essay of Jewish Greek communities, Jewish Greek cooking demonstrations, and an evening of Jewish music will highlight this diversity from ancient times through today. The programs are designed to pique participants' interest so they may seek out additional understanding of related cultural phenomena.

Some of the events, which will run through April, May and June, include:

"Golgotha: Sephardic Memories of the Holocaust", a one-person play that relates the experiences of a Greek Jew from Thessaloniki, who recounts the loss of his family in Auschwitz and Birkenau in 1943. Play by Dr. Shmuel Refael of Bar-Ilan University, Tel Aviv, directed by Geula Jeffet Attar and performed by Victor Attar. The play is made possible with the generous support of the Embassies of Israel and Greece.

Keeping the Legacy Alive: the Jews of Ioannina. Filmmaker Ed Askinazi talks about his mission to keep alive the intensely original legacy of one of the world's oldest Jewish communities through his film "A Synagogue on Broome Street". Following the movie, there will be Greek dancing, music, and food.

Kosher Holiday Cooking � la Grecque: Professional chef Nina Kaplanides will have participants rolling (and eating!) dolmas by the end of the lesson.

Apo Pou Eisai? (Where Are You From?): An evening of conversation and sharing experiences among Greek Jews,

recollections of a Righteous Greek Gentile as related by his son, and Greek Jewish Geography.

"Portraits of Our Past: The Sephardic Communities of Greece and the Holocaust": A photographic essay compiled by Robert Bedford and produced by the Foundation for the Advancement of Sephardic Studies and Culture

[12] Latest 'cyber-related' sex arrest reported

According to reports, the woman, a Greek national, traveled from Germany and met the teen at a local hotel. Police said she also sent money and gifts to the unidentified youth.

[13] Memorial service on occasion of WWII Roupel Fortress battle

Local officials, office-holders, military officials and local residents attended the event.

The Roupel fortress was the largest independent cluster along the so-called "Metaxas Line". Defenders held out against surrounding Wehrmacht forces until April 23.

[14] Memorial service in Thessaloniki for city's Holocaust victims

The memorial service was held at the ancient metropolis' Monastirioton Synagogue, under the auspices of the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki.

Macedonia University rector Ilias Kouskouvelis, who served as the keynote speaker during the event, outlined the historical course of Greek Jews in Thessaloniki and their significant contributions to the city and the entire region.

On his part, the president of Thessaloniki's Jewish Community, David Saltiel, noted that despite the unprecedented devastation brought on by the Holocaust, the remaining Jewish population of Thessaloniki was able to persevere and now records a significant presence in the city's life.

The memorial service was attended by Deputies Stavros Kalafatis, Tassos Spiliotopoulos, Evangelos Venizelos, Yiannis Magriotis, Thessaloniki Prefect Panayiotis Psomiadis, Thessaloniki Mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos, foreign diplomats and representatives of local organizations and entities.

[15] Well-known Greek-Egyptian businessman dies

One of the ethnic Greek community best-known entrepreneurs and benefactors here, Ioannis Kyriazis, passed away this week at the age of 42. A funeral service in the Egyptian capital was officiated by Patriarch of Alexandria Theodoros, while represented of Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak also attended the service, among others.

[16] Monument to the Worker to be temporarily relocated

The monument, originally situated at the corner of Egnatia and Venizelou streets, is being relocated due to construction work on the Thessaloniki Metro.

The monument's original location had been selected in 1997 by the Thessaloniki Labour Centre due to its close proximity to the spot where a strikers' march was violently dispersed on May 9, 1936.

The monument, which depicts the mother of the first person to die in the May 1936 mobilisations, bending over the body of her child, will be temporarily relocated opposite the Centre until completion of the Metro works.

Sports

[17] Orfanos discusses Grand Prix course during Bahrain visit

Deputy Culture Minister George Orfanos, who holds the sports portfolio, was received here on Sunday by his Bahraini counterpart, Sheikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, with talks focusing the exchange of know-how, particularly on the prosperous Gulf State's operational plan for hosting an annual Formula 1 race, both in terms of infrastructure and financial planning.

Efforts to build a world-class F1 course in Greece have steadily increased over past years.

[18] Results of Greek Super League soccer matches played over the weekend:

Apollon Kalamaria - Panathinaikos Athens 1-1

Atromitos Athens - Panionios Athens 0-1

Kerkyra - Iraklis Thessaloniki 0-0

Larissa - Olympiakos Piraeus 0-0

OFI Crete - Ionikos Piraeus 2-1

PAOK Thessaloniki - Xanthi 1-0

Aris Thessaloniki - Ergotelis Crete (Match to be played on April 18)

Standings after 27 weeks of play:

Olympiakos 64 points

AEK 58

Panathinaikos 52

PAOK 42

Panionios 39

OFI 39

Aris (26 games) 37

Atromitos 34

Ergotelis (26 games) 33

Xanthi 32

Larissa 32

Apollon Kalamaria 32

Kerkyra 31

Egaleo 27

Iraklis 26

Ionikos 4

Note: Ionikos has been deducted five points for disciplinary reasons.

Weather Forecast

[19] Overcast on Monday

[20] The Sunday editions of Athens' dailies at a glance

APOGEVMATINI: "Private sector wages increasing by 5.1 percent".

AVGHI: "How they're 'stealing' the bonds".

AVRIANI: "Freeze of bank accounts of man involved in pension fund furor and North Principal firm".

CHORA: "An end to unequal pension rates".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "Shock for (main opposition) PASOK from revelations by (LA.OS party leader) George Karatzaferis".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Escape from pension funds issue with eight (government) initiatives".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Silence of the lambs at (ruling) ND. No answers yet to questions regarding major pension fund scandal".

EPOCHI: "Structured ... cover-up (in bonds issue)"

ETHNOS: "(PM) Searching for life raft in reshuffle".

KATHIMERINI: "Dirty war between banks, brokerage firms over bond - FinMin George Alogoskoufis' interview".

LOGOS: "Clash over funds' reserves escalating".

NIKI: "Complacency in government until further notice".

PARON: "They're now investigating 11 new bond purchases".

RIZOSPASTIS: "Sea Diamond sinking a crime waiting to happen - Pro-business policies of ND, PASOK guilty".

PROTO THEMA: "Government collusion with Mr. Louis (a reference to K. Louis, the head of the company that owned and operated the sunken Sea Diamond cruise ship)".

VIMA: "A government of the shipwrecked - Prosecutor investigating 20 heads of pension funds".

VRADYNI: "Pension increases of up to 200 euros".

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

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article