Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-04-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis: Reforms continuing in all sectors,

[02] KKE, Synaspismos on PM's speech at symposium

[03] PM briefed by EU Ombudsman

[04] Bakoyannis opens 'Diplomatia' conference, announces plans for Middle East tour

[05] Deputy FM Stylianidis addresses debate on Greek-US ties

[06] Inner Cabinet meeting on Tuesday

[07] Health minister visits university hospital in Iraklio

[08] Athens press conference on secret CIA flights in Europe

[09] Roussopoulos defends government response over bonds issue

[10] PASOK, Coalition parties criticise government over bonds issue

[11] Gov't flatly dismisses press claim over lack of liquidity in funds

[12] Greek inflation slowed to 2.8 pct in March, Eurostat

[13] Minister, MPs discuss Louis Corcyra Beach resort closure

[14] Meeting to safeguard employees of Corcyra Beach Hotel

[15] METKA best bidder in tender to build new power station

[16] Govt measures to ensure competition in fuel market

[17] Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas holds talks with prefectural administration union

[18] Tech, research exhibition opens

[19] Alogoskoufis addresses seminar in Thesprotia

[20] Symposium in Lucerne on purchase of real estate in Greece

[21] Greek stocks jump 1.20 pct on Monday

[22] ADEX closing report

[23] Greek bond market closing report

[24] Foreign Exchange Rates - Tuesday

[25] Dukakis received by mayor of Thessaloniki

[26] Annual Greek Parade in New York postponed due to bad weather

[27] Interior minister on European Year of Equal Opportunities for All

[28] Map exercise on combatting human trafficking

[29] Meeting on fire protection in the summer chaired by minister

[30] No information whether Greeks among victims at Virginia university

[31] Fire destroys Asia Minor collection in Ptolemaida

[32] Central Athens jeweller arrested for antiquities smuggling

[33] Sworn inquiry into suicide of detainee

[34] Light earthquake jolts Amaliada

[35] Labor accident at SES Megalopolis

[36] Balkan breakdance festival in Thessaloniki

[37] Greek boys' team wins int'l basketball championship

[38] Overcast on Tuesday

[39] The Monday edition of Athens' newspapers at a glance

[40] Cyprus government hopes UN will intensify efforts for 8 July agreement

[41] Accession to 'Partnership for Peace' not within Cyprus' immediate plans

[42] Slovak President to pay official visit to Cyprus Politics

[01] Karamanlis: Reforms continuing in all sectors,

"We are obliged to dare making the necessary reforms and prepare ourselves in order to take advantage of all the opportunities," Karamanlis said, warning that inertia, conservatism and persistence on outdated models constituted "recipes for failure".

The new age demands reforms," he added, speaking in the auditorium of the Evgenidios Foundation.

Karamanlis noted that privatisations are continuing, making special mention of the further privatisation of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) and the Post Office Bank, the better use of the public sector's assets, and preparation for the Public Gas Corp.'s (DE.PA) listing on the Athens Stock Exchange (ASE).

He further made an extensive reference to the achievements of the Greek economy, placing emphasis on the reduction of the fiscal deficit by give percentage points over the last few years, while at the same time maintaining high growth rates of over 4 percent, and the containment of unemployment to below 9 percent for the first time.

The premier also spoke of the role played by Greece as a commercial and transit hub in the wider region of Southeast Europe.

"Greece is attracting today new and dynamic investments. It is providing significant opportunities for business initiatives in sectors such as tourism, renewable sources of energy, and in general, energy infrastructure," Karamanlis told the gathering.

Karamanlis pointed to the unprecedented activity in the country in the energy sector with the signing of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline deal and ongoing construction of a Turkey-Greece natural gas pipeline and its extension, the Greece-Italy underwater pipeline.

In focusing on the massive role played by Greek-owned shipping interests in the economy, the prime minister said development of an international shipping and business centre on 64 hectares of land in a former Piraeus port area translates into a one-billion-euro investment.

Regarding the equally crucial tourism sector, Karamanlis said the long-term strategy aims at offering significant subsidization and increased incentives for all forms of tourism in tandem with the establishment of new zoning and town planning guidelines for tourism investments.

Finally, the premier said Greece backs the German EU presidency's proposal regarding a new Euro-constitution.

"There is no doubt, furthermore, that all of the Union member-states owe a great deal of their economic and social achievements to the coordination of our forces and efforts, within common trans-national bodies," he added.

[02] KKE, Synaspismos on PM's speech at symposium

"The prime minister said thousands of truths in his speech to the capitalists and ship-owners, referring to his government's work for them, regarding their profits, which are mythical, about the motives and tax exemptions, and perhaps he has not said enough" the KKE announcement said.

The announcement added that the main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) "has every reason to protest, the prime minister covered-up that in the work of the enormous profit by capitalists and ship-owners, it (PASOK) too had a great contribution."

According to the KKE, the government "is obliged to explain, given as it claims, that working people also gain from the profit of capital, as the profits are mythical, 8.5 billion euros, were the profits only from the entrants at the Bourse for 2006, why the workers received an increase of 77 cents and the working class family is in heavy debt?"

"Mr. Karamanlis made clear in the most unpretentious way that the policy he is implementing and intends to escalate, in the name of 'reforms' aims solely to turn the country even further to a 'paradise' of general asylym for domestic and mainly foreign capital," Synaspismos Political Bureau member Panagiotis Lafazanis announced.

"However, a government which reaches the point of giving away to ship-owners even the insurance contributions and seeks at all cost the praise of the London's financial circles, it is natural for it to receive, with its options, maritime tragedies, such as that of Sea Diamond, and scandals of the type of 'structured bonds," Lafazanis said.

[03] PM briefed by EU Ombudsman

Diamandouros said he briefed the prime minister on "developments concerning the reform of European public administration and on how the European Ombudsman is trying to contribute in that direction, as well as the specific initiatives that I have undertaken, so as to improve the relations between the European citizen and public administration".

He said he had discussed the same issues with German chancellor Angela Merkel and German president Horst Koehler during his visit to Germany last month.

Diamandouros noted that the prime minister was very interested in the initiatives being undertaken to improve the relations between citizen and public administration at EU level and, by extension, at national level.

Replying to questions, the European Ombudsman said he will also meet with employment minister Savvas Tsitouridis to discuss issues concerning social insurance matters, noting that "we will discuss issues concerning social insurance at European level".

Event marking ombudsman's 10th anniversary

Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos, main opposition PASOK party Deputy Alekos Papadopoulos and the Parliamentary representative of the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) party Fotis Kouvelis praised the usefulness of the independent authorities, particularly that of the ombudsman in the framework of improving the quality of democracy in the country, during an event held by the ombudsman at a downton Athens hotel on Monday on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of his functioning.

Pavlopoulos said that the ombudsman constituted a successful institution and assured that he will do all in his power to strengthen it, while stressing that the ombudsman's duties were extended over the past three years.

Papadopoulos said that the '90s were one of the most important times for the country and pointed out that the institution of independent authorities forged ahead with the steadfst support of the prime minister at the time, Costas Simitis.

Kouvelis said that independent authorities, that also enrich our democracy, constitute a considerable innovation for the functioning and organising of the state.

[04] Bakoyannis opens 'Diplomatia' conference, announces plans for Middle East tour

She also anticipated that "important talks" would be held between the Greek government and Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas, who is due to visit Athens in the coming days.

The first section of the conference was on "The present and future in the Middle East", while scheduled speakers after Bakoyannis included U.S. Ambassador to Athens Charles Ries, Israeli ambassador to Athens Ali Yahya, and Egyptian Ambassador to Athens Hamdi Loza.

Ries focused mainly on the issue of energy security and the role of the Middle East as a major energy supplier, pointing out that consumer countries risked becoming "hostage" if they did not differentiate their energy sources.

The Israeli ambassador spoke of a conflict between moderates and extremists in the region and stressed the dangers of Iran's suspected nuclear arms programme, while the Egyptian ambassador focused on the Palestinian problem, contrasting the swift resolution sought by the international community in Kosovo with the 40-year-long ongoing crisis in Palestine.

Greek minister calls for "comprehensive strategy" for Middle East

Bakoyannis said the various problems in the Middle East could not be addressed separately but needed a comprehensive strategy, with the participation of all the players, including Iran and Syria.

She also underlined the need for realism, positive signals and presenting a vision for the peoples in the region, saying the international community had to strengthen the international call for stability and peace while isolating "extremist voices" that sabotaged dialogue.

The minister emphasised the potential role of the European Union in the region, saying that it could play an important political, humanitarian and economic role in resolving the Palestinian problem, which lay at the heart of the problems in the Middle East.

She also noted the role of EU High Commissioner for Foreign Policy and Defence Javier Solana in Iran and referred to the EU as a "gentle power" that could act in complement to the other powers, such as the U.S., build bridges and inspire trust.

Referring to Iraq, Bakoyannis pointed out that instability remained after four years of conflict, with massive human casualties that included many non-combatants. Commenting on projectios that saw Iraq fragmenting, she underlined that Greece and the other EU countries staunchly supported territorial integrity and cohesion for Iraq.

According to the minister, Athens' assessment of the Baghdad conference - carried out with the participation of Iran, Syria and the UN Security Council - had been positive, while it also viewed the upcoming ministerial in Egypt and the anticipated signature of an international agreement for Iraq's reconstruction as "hopeful".

The national unity government formed in the Palestinian territories was a "positive development" that avoided the worst-case scenario of civil war, Bakoyannis told the conference and emphasised the important contribution made by Saudi Arabia to this effort, alongside the mobilisation of Egypt and Jordan, that proved the value of "regional sovereignty".

She stressed the need to reinforce the institutions of the Palestinian Authority and to support the Palestinian economy, which had deteriorated rapidly, so that the younger generation in Palestine was left with no way out except violence.

Greece's position was that the final goal should be to end the occupation of Palestinian territory with a return to the status quo before 1967 and the creation of a viable and functional Palestinian state that will coexist peacefully and harmoniously with Israel.

On other regional problems, the minister noted that tension were once again rising in Lebanon and urged support for the government of Lebanese premier Fouad Siniora and general economic support, while for Iran she said a possible development of a nuclear weapons programme would upset the balance of power beyond the borders of the Middle East.

The EU calls on Iran to participate in dialogue with the terms set by the international community, as these have been expressed by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the resolutions of the UN Security Council, she added.

[05] Deputy FM Stylianidis addresses debate on Greek-US ties

"Greece would hail every effort by the United States which will encourage the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) to show flexibility in the settlement of the pending matter of the name," Stylianidis said.

He stressed that "despite the upgraded relations between the business communities of the two countries, FYROM is showing a negative uncompromising position in the negotiations," noting that "Greece supports the Euro-Atlantic prospects of the neighbour on the condition that the pending matter of the name will have been solved by then."

The deputy foreign minister also reiterated Greece's support to Turkey's European prospects, clarifying however that the neighbouring country's accession to the European Union depends exclusively from its ability to implement all the terms and prerequisites which have been set within the framework of its pre-accession process.

Stylianidis stressed the-non implementation of the Additional Protocol of the Ankara Agreement, which foresees the opening of Turkish ports and airports to ships and planes of the Republic of Cyprus, noting that "the Turkish government seems to find it difficult to go along with the Greek one in our efforts for the consolidation of a new era of bilateral relations," adding that "Turkey's allies are aware that it would be to the benefit of all to encourage the Turkish government to distance itself from its current behaviour."

On the Cyprus issue, Stylianidis stressed that "it is necessary for the finding of a viable and mutually acceptable solution within the framework of the decisions of the Security Council."

On Kosovo, he underlined that "it is necessary for all the involved sides to abstain from any unilateral action which could destabilise the region."

On Greek-US relations, Stylianidis noted that "over the past two-year period, the traditional good relations between the two countries have led to a strategic cooperation," stressing, however, that "a new impetus must be given in bilateral economic and trade relations, as, despite the fact that the US is the biggest importer on a world scale, it absorbs only 5.27% of the total of Greek exports."

"Greece can become a 'gateway' for American businesses which wish to invest in the region," stressed Stylianidis, noting that the bilateral cooperation could be strengthened further with the inclusion of Greece in the Visa-Waiver Program, allowing Greek citizensto visit the US without a visa.

[06] Inner Cabinet meeting on Tuesday

[07] Health minister visits university hospital in Iraklio

The minister announced that a series of commitments he had made in the past to solve problems faced by the hospital are in the stage of implementation.

On the question of hirings, the minister announced that the relevant procedures have entered their final stretch, while stressing that 72 people have already been hired and the process of hiring another 85 is underway. By the end of this year 200 people will be hired, he added.

Lastly, he disclosed that procedures for the operation of a cardiosurgical clinic are entering their final phase, as well as a rehabilitation unit in the framework of the hospital's operation.

Avramopoulos will be visiting the cities of Rethimno and Hania on Thursday and in about 20 days he will be visiting the prefecture of Lasithi, also on the island of Crete.

[08] Athens press conference on secret CIA flights in Europe

In a press conference in Athens on Monday, Papadimoulis stated that the European Parliament did its job but unfortunately, the European Commission and the European Council were acting as if they know nothing, as they did in response to the Council of Europe report on the same issue. Papadimoulis added that the governments and secret services of certain member states have a share of the responsibility in the illegal flights affair.

He also stated that 64 of the 1,245 such flights carried out in the period 2001-2005 originated from Greek airports.

Papadimoulis added that the Greek Parliament has not responded yet to a SYN proposal to form an investigation committee, in spite of the fact that the European Parliament resolution was backed by all Euro-deputies, including the ruling ND and main opposition PASOK Euro-deputies.

German Left Euro-deputy Sylvia-Yvonne Kaufmann, responding to questions during the press conference held at the Athens Bar Association offices, referred in detail to the European Parliament resolution and pointed out that the European Parliament defended the honor of the European Union but, unfortunately, the measures it suggested have not been adopted by either the European Commission or the European Council.

Kaufmann added that the European Left should raise the issue of human rights protection in European countries to avert more expulsions, and combat terrorism in accordance with criminal law and international law, while a related dialogue should begin between the United States and the EU partners.

Financial News

[09] Roussopoulos defends government response over bonds issue

"A government that moves at such a swift pace and in such a transparent manner shows that it is aware of its political responsibility and proves this in practice," he told reporters.

He pointed out that the government had already referred the issue to justice, asking for a full investigation, to the independent authority against money-laundering that it had itself set up and ensured that the appropriate Parliament Committee was briefed on the issue by Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis.

It had also established rules that had not existed until now - with an amendment soon to be voted by Parliament - regarding the appointment and selection of pension fund managements by the Capital Markets Commission and the central bank.

If more initiatives proved necessary, the government would not hesitate to implement those as well, Roussopoulos added.

Responding to questions about the structured bonds issued by the state, Roussopoulos said that a large percentage of these had been bought by private investors and noted that the contract with JP Morgan for the bond in question would be shown to Parliament.

He also dismissed a front-page headline in the newspaper "Ta Nea", which claimed that funds were selling their bonds early in order to raise money to pay pensions, saying that the newspaper had actually contradicted itself, since the article said that funds "may proceed to sell structured bonds" within the year but had not yet done so.

Stressing that the government daily proved its policy of zero tolerance for corruption, Roussopoulos also rejected criticism that fund reserves had been plundered, pointing out that the value of their assets had actually increased by 42.5 percent since New Democracy took over power.

"This cannot be called 'plundering'," the spokesman underlined.

[10] PASOK, Coalition parties criticise government over bonds issue

PASOK spokesman Petros Efthymiou said that "the operation to cover up ths scandal with the looting of social insurance funds is collapsing."

Efthymiou further said that the issue of the social insurance funds "is a major political issue with global originality, since it concerns the seizure of money by one part of the public sector from another part."

Lastly, commenting on a statement by Employment Minister Savvas Tsitouridis that employees must not be concerned about their pensions, which the government guarantees, Efthymiou said that Tsitouridis should have explained why it did not guarantee the property of the social insurance funds.

Referring to the same issue, Coalition party leader Alekos Alavanos said that Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis "is not convincing us", adding that the prime minister and the New Democracy party government have hot questions to answer to.

"Why is there such unaccountability? How will the money be returned which some have looted from the social insurance funds? Will it (the government) agree to the creation of a Factfinding Committee that the Coalition party has requested and the other opposition parties have also accepted?" Alavanos added.

[11] Gov't flatly dismisses press claim over lack of liquidity in funds

Speaking to reporters, the minister said reports were offering misleading information to citizens and underlined that there was no worry over pension payments, since the government guaranteed pensions and the funding of the system.

"The government earmarked around 10 billion euros for the pension system, around 5.2 pct of the country's Gross Domestic Product for the financing of the system," Tsitouridis said.

The reports were also dismissed also by executive officials from two major pension funds.

The employment ministry plans to offer additional funding to pension funds this year, if necessary, while it was currently implementing a triple inspection of pension funds: an internal control of management, an independent control and an evaluation of all transactions made by pension funds in the last three years.

[12] Greek inflation slowed to 2.8 pct in March, Eurostat

The EU executive's statistics agency said Eurozone's inflation rate rose to 1.9 pct in March, from 1.8 pct in February, but was down from a 2.2 pct figure in March 2006. In the EU-27, the inflation rate rose to 2.2 pct in March, from 2.1 pct in February and 2.1 pct in March 2006.

Malta (0.5 pct), France (1.2 pct) and Cyprus (1.4 pct) recorded the lowest inflation rates in March, while Hungary (8.5 pct) and Estonia (5.6 pct) the highest rates. The inflation rate rose in 15 member states, it was unchanged in six and fell in five member states. There were no figures for the UK.

[13] Minister, MPs discuss Louis Corcyra Beach resort closure

"The hotel is sealed given that it opened illegally over Easter, without having submitted the necessary documentation," she said.

Talking of a "painful decision", the minister also underlined the government's concern for the hotel employees that were left out of work, saying that they ministry would do everything in its power to ensure that they would not be deprived of their income and insurance contributions.

"The state has an obligation to uphold the law, as it has an obligation to care for workers," she added.

According to the vice-president of the Corfu hotel employees union - himself a Corcyra Beach employee - the meeting with the minister had not brought results for the now jobless hotel employees, who wanted the ministry to cover their wages for six months.

PASOK MP for Corfu Angela Gerekou stressed that the hotel's staff should not be punished for the closure, while ND MP for Corfu Nikos Georgiadis said the hotel should be given an licence to operate if it fulfilled legal safety requirements.

After the meeting with Petralia, the Corfu prefecture tourist bodies also visited Deputy Employment Minister Gerassimos Giakoumatos.

Petralia had ordered that the hotel be shut down last Wednesday after learning that it had opened over the Easter holiday, even though its operating licence had been temporarily revoked after a tragic accident in October last year, in which two British children died of carbon monoxide poisoning inside the bungalow rented by their family.

The hotel had been ordered to shut down at the time until the end of an investigation into the causes of the accident.

[14] Meeting to safeguard employees of Corcyra Beach Hotel

Yiakoumatos said that the Labour Inspection Corps will submit a report by Friday containg details regarding the safety and sanitation of the hotel and pointed out that provided that the law is observed to the letter, the hotel will be able to operate and from then on it will be up to the tourist development ministry to issue an operation licence once again.

"Public opinion, local administration, the deputies, the agencies of the city, the labour centre and above all the employees, with these preconditions that I told you previously, desire and want, and it is an obligation, the opening of the hotel," the deputy employment minister said.

[15] METKA best bidder in tender to build new power station

The company said the contract, by Public Power Corporation, envisages the construction and a 12-year maintenance of turbines of the 420MWatt power station. METKA's bid offered a guaranteed cost of 62,209 euros/Mwh, down compared with a 62,530/Mwh by competitor bids.

The new power station will use natural gas as fuel and will be the largest natural gas unit with the highest performance (57.5 pct) from any other power station operated by PPC in Greece.

[16] Govt measures to ensure competition in fuel market

The Greek minister issued a ministerial decision over a regulatory intervention on the operation of the fuel market, aimed to ensure a smooth operation of competition in the oil products market.

Under the decision, domestic refineries are obliged to inform trading companies over the sale price of oil products (petrol, heating oil and diesel) by 10.00 am of delivery dates. It also calls for stricter inspections around the country to ensure price competition.

Speaking to reporters, Sioufas said a total of 8,500 petrol stations were operating in Greece, while in Germany to number of petrol stations totaled 4,000.

[17] Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas holds talks with prefectural administration union

Speaking after the meeting, Sioufas said that for the development ministry and the government first and second stage local administration is a basic pylon for the country's development.

He added that in this context the principles and axes on which the two sides will be cooperating from now on have been arranged.

"Cooperation between Prefectural Administration and the development ministry will move in the direction of more development in every prefecture, more concern for citizens at every level and systematic cooperation for the functioning of markets to enable citizens to choose, to select food and other products with safety," Sioufas said.

[18] Tech, research exhibition opens

The exhibition showcases the hi-tech and scientific works of EKETA, a primary research centre in Northern Greece that carries out basic and applied research in chemical engineering, telematics, transportation, agrobiotechnology and integrated technologies for the exploitation of solid fuels and alternative energy sources.

[19] Alogoskoufis addresses seminar in Thesprotia

Alogoskoufis was speaking at a seminar organized by the local Port Organization in the prefecture's port-town of Igoumenitsa, which focused on the increasingly busy local port and Greece's nearest gate-way to Europe.

[20] Symposium in Lucerne on purchase of real estate in Greece

The symposium, which is organised with the support of the Economy and Finance Ministry, the Macedonia-Thrace Ministry and the Tourism Development Ministry of Greece, and is held under the auspices of the mayor of the city of Lucerne, aims at the projection and promotion of the Greek real estate market in Switzerland as well as the briefing of Swiss investors in the sector of tourism and coastal resort real estate.

The symposium is not only directed to Swiss businesses and agencies but also to private individuals who are interested in buying real estate in Greece.

[21] Greek stocks jump 1.20 pct on Monday

Most sector indices moved up, with the Food/Beverage (1.91 pct), Insurance (1.89 pct) and Media (1.83 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while the Healthcare (1.24 pct), Raw Materials (0.40 pct) and Constructions (0.27 pct) suffered losses.

The Big Cap index rose 1.39 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 1.07 pct higher and the Small Cap index fell 0.79 pct.

Ideal (19.61 pct), Vivere (18.92 pct) and Ippotour (16.88 pct) were top gainers, while Desmos (20 pct), Lavipharm (9.65 pct) and Informer (7.50 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 129 to 120 with another 56 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +1.89%

Industrials: +0.76%

Commercial: +0.36%

Construction: -0.27%

Media: +1.83%

Oil & Gas: +0.62%

Personal & Household: +0.67%

Raw Materials: -0.40%

Travel & Leisure: +1.75%

Technology: +0.38%

Telecoms: -0.18%

Banks: +1.83%

Food & Beverages: +1.91%

Health: -1.24%

Utilities: +0.40%

Chemicals: +0.48%

Financial Services: +1.61%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 24.40

ATEbank: 3.90

Public Power Corp (PPC): 18.10

HBC Coca Cola: 32.50

Hellenic Petroleum: 11.44

Emporiki Bank: 21.46

National Bank of Greece: 43.50

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 31.48

Intralot: 24.40

Cosmote: 23.94

OPAP: 28.30

OTE: 21.52

Titan Cement Company: 43.50

[22] ADEX closing report

The June contract on the FTSE 20 index was traded at a discount of 1.47 pct and the April contract on the FTSE 40 index at a discount of 0.16 pct.

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index totaled 6,908 contracts worth 88.5 million euros, with 30,220 open positions in the market, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 915 contracts worth 27.872 million euros, with 1,406 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 13,580 contracts worth 8.835 million euros, with investment interest focusing on ATEbank's contracts (7,317), followed OTE (470), Piraeus Bank (300), National Bank (631), Alpha Bank (918), Intracom (562), Viohalco (319), Intralot (307) and Mytilineos (550).

Volume in stock repos was 47,868 contracts and in reverse stock repos 20,927 contracts.

[23] Greek bond market closing report

The 10-year benchmark bond (July 20, 2017), was the most heavily traded security with a turnover of 1.834 billion euros. The yield spread between the 10-year Greek and German bonds eased to 0.223 percent, with the Greek bond yielding 4.45 pct and the German Bund 4.23 pct.

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates were mixed. National Bank's overnight rate eased to 3.685 pct from 3.70 pct on Friday, the two-day rate rose to 3.73 pct from 3.70 pct, the one-month rate was 3.85 pct and the 12-month rate was 4.26 pct.

[24] Foreign Exchange Rates - Tuesday

U.S. dollar 1.365

Pound sterling 0.685

Danish kroner 7.514

Swedish kroner 9.297

Japanese yen 163.26

Swiss franc 1.656

Norwegian kroner 8.157

Cyprus pound 0.585

Canadian dollar 1.547

Australian dollar 1.637

General News

[25] Dukakis received by mayor of Thessaloniki

In brief comments to reporters, Dukakis, one of the best-known Greek-American leaders, noted that the war in Iraq was "a major mistake". He pointed out that the invasion was the "worst choices" ever made in US foreign policy, as it divided the United States from the rest of the world and prevented the US administration from dealing with other problems -- such as ones affecting Greece, the Balkans or eastern Mediterranean, as he said.

Commenting on Greek-Turkish relations, he pointed out that they had considerably improved compared to the past, adding that there was no reason to stop Greece and Turkey from cooperating with each other.

Regarding the even bigger promotion of Greece as a tourism destination, he said the 2004 Olympic Games were a major boost for the country's tourism sector, noting that the number of American tourists visiting Greece has risen 10-15 percent.

Papageorgopoulos, commenting on Dukakis' 1988 presidential run, said the course of humanity would have been different had the former Massachusetts governor sat in the Oval Office.

[26] Annual Greek Parade in New York postponed due to bad weather

The tradiotional Greek-American parade held annually in New York commemorating the March 25 Greek Independence Day, originally scheduled for April 15, was postponed to the following Sunday, April 22, after an appeal by Mayor Michael Bloomberg calling for limited movement due to an inclement weather forecast predicting heavy rainfall and gale-force winds.

Greece's Defense Minister Evangelos Meimarakis, in New York for talks and to take part in the parade, announced Sunday that the Greek Navy Philharmonic will extend its visit to New York to be present in the parade next Sunday expressing certainty that the Presidential Guard Evzones will also postpone their departure.

A doxology was held as scheduled, however, on Sunday at the Holy Trinity Cathedral officiated by Archbishop of America Demetrios in the presence of Greek officials and representatives of the Greek-American community.

Meimarakis, who represented the Greek government in the celebrations, said after the doxology that Greece, being a member of the EU and NATO is a factor of stability and peace in the Balkan region.

He added that Greece tries to persuade even those who react that they will have to honor their signatures and that the threat of a casus belli is not consistent with good neighborly conditions, adding that peaceful coexistence will benefit the entire region.

Greece is a peace-loving country, he said, but being understanding should not be mistaken for a sign of weakness as the country always prepared to defend its principles, values, ideals, visions and the Greek flag.

Referring to the Greek-American community, Meimarakis underlined that in the era of globalization it is important to preserve the national heritage, faith, identity, language, traditions and all those things that can keep the Greek community alive.

[27] Interior minister on European Year of Equal Opportunities for All

Pavlopoulos stressed that "in essence, it concerns a campaign of dialogue and briefing in the direction of the consolidation of fundamental values of European culture, upon which was based the European integration, that is, the principles of equality, respect of diversity and the combating of every type of discrimination."

[28] Map exercise on combatting human trafficking

The event was inaugurated by Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis who termed human trafficking as the "most hideous crime of our times that offends human values, civilisation and democracy."

He stressed that Greece joined the International Alliance immediately and dynamically after 2004 with the aim of combatting the phenomenon.

Stylianidis further pointed out that eight ministries have prepared an integrated National Action Plan for the implementation of law 3064 and the coordination of joint initiatives with specialised non-governmental organisations.

The deputy foreign minister also noted that Greece's work is recognised by the international community as a systematic effort that has been taking place in past years to confront the phenomenon.

[29] Meeting on fire protection in the summer chaired by minister

Afterwards, Polydoras said he was satisfied with the numbers of available fire-fighters, noting that he had already taken on 650 and had been given approval for another 1,300 to be hired over the next two years.

[30] No information whether Greeks among victims at Virginia university

The foreign ministry's press office said that "once the tragic events were known at the technical university of Virginia, in the US, a region which is under the competency of the Consular Office of the Greek Embassy in Washington, the Greek diplomatic and consular authorities communicated with the competent American ones so as to be briefed on the fate of Greeks or students of Greek origin at the university in question."

[31] Fire destroys Asia Minor collection in Ptolemaida

Since the summer of 2006, the association had been housed in a new building, which was seriously damaged in the blaze.

Damages are estimated at 300,000 euros.

[32] Central Athens jeweller arrested for antiquities smuggling

According to police, the 48-year-old shop owner and the Menidi merchant sold antiquities in the jewellery shop and also illegally produced exact replicas of ancient artifacts and coins in a goldsmiths workshop next door.

While searching the suspects' homes, the jewellery shop and workshop, police found 54 ancient gold coins, 162 ancient silver coins, 370 ancient copper coins, 8 ancient silver bracelets, two ancient copper rings, 3 medallions made out of ancient copper coins, two bracelet made with 14 ancient copper coins and 90 ceramic Colombian statuettes.

Also in the workshop were dozens of replicas of ancient artifacts, 12 moulds for making modern replicas of ancient coins and 272 photographs of various ancient artifacts.

The suspects are to appear before a public prosecutor.

[33] Sworn inquiry into suicide of detainee

The victim was found hanged late Sunday evening with a belt-pouch strap around his neck.

The inquiry was ordered after his mother testified that he did not own such a pouch and probably found the strap in the holding cell.

The Albanian and a Greek female accomplice were arrested on Saturday accused of robbing minors.

[34] Light earthquake jolts Amaliada

The earthquake was recorded at 7:40 a.m., with its epicentre in the sea area 220 kilometres southwest of Athens.

[35] Labor accident at SES Megalopolis

A similar accident was recorded two months ago at the plant's number 1 unit.

[36] Balkan breakdance festival in Thessaloniki

Participants come from Greece, Cyprus, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, Romania and Turkey. The winner will represent the Balkan region at the worldwide Battle of the Year (BOTY) competition held in Germany.

Basketball

[37] Greek boys' team wins int'l basketball championship

This championship was organised by the International School Federation or L'union National du Sport Scholaire. A total of 48 teams representing 27 countries were represented.

The girls' team from Greece, representing the 2nd General High School of Ano Liosia, west Athens, came in sixth.

Weather Forecast

[38] Overcast on Tuesday

[39] The Monday edition of Athens' newspapers at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "The new pensions in the public sector - Tables for each category".

APOGEVMATINI: "ND leading by 3.5 percentage points - VPRC opinion poll, on behalf of SKAI (private tv and radio station), gives ruling party 42.5 percent against 39 percent for PASOK (main opposition party)".

AVRIANI: "All the crooks who set up the scam with the structured bonds to be dragged by the ear before the prosecutor - Karamanlis, livid, calls for in-depth investigation without 'discounts' ".

CHORA: "This year's nationwide (university entrance) examinations with new conditions - More anxiety over the base (passing grade) of 10".

ELEFTHEROS: "Premier Karamanlis pointed to handcuffs for those guilty in the bonds scam, speaking at the ONNED central committee".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "I'm cleaning up the landscape - Karamanlis commitment on the bonds affair".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Gambling with 4 billion euros - The big scan in the Funds had central coordinator".

ESTIA: "Marginal majority in the new parliament - The risk visible, based on the opinion polls".

ETHNOS: "Cover-up with Karamanlis seal - The disappeared prime minister appeared and...disappeared the responsibilities over the scandal".

TA NEA: "Two funds 'breaking' (liquidating before maturity) the bonds, with loss of 25 percent".

VRADYNI: "Everything changing in public sector promotions - What the new grade scale system provides".

Cyprus Affairs

[40] Cyprus government hopes UN will intensify efforts for 8 July agreement

The Cyprus government hopes that the UN Security Council and Secretariat will intensify their efforts to implement the 8 July agreement, which was a product of UN efforts, Cyprus Foreign Minister George Lillikas has said here Monday.

He expressed hope that the hardening of the Turkish stance on the Cyprus question is merely due to elections in Turkey and is not a planned policy.

To a question on the Cyprus problem in relation to the pre-election period in Turkey, Lillikas said that "there are issues which are pre-election and there are issues that I don't know whether they are pre-election or constitute Turkey's long-standing policy."

"It is a fact that during recent months Turkey appears to be rather aggressive and is staging a show of provocative intransigence towards Cyprus and in the issue of the implementation of the 8 July agreement and on other issues as well," he added.

He said that "on the part of the Cypriot government, what we hope, wish and work for is the implementation of the 8 July agreement the soonest possible, at least to implement it in 2007, despite the fact that logically due to the elections, no one can expect that there will be progress or major steps towards the settlement of the Cyprus problem, but at least not to lose more time."

"Let's hope that the hardening of Turkey's stance is due to elections in the country and does not constitute a policy that is scheduled to take an extreme form," he added.

Lillikas said the government hopes the UN Security Council and Secretariat "will intensify their efforts for the implementation of the 8 July agreement, that was a product, not only an agreement between the leaders of the two communities, it was a product of theeffort of the UN General Secretariat and consequently it expressed that approach which the General Secretariat had put on the table after the meeting of February 2006 in Paris between President Papadopoulos and former UN SG Kofi Annan".

"The agreement, as formed and signed by the two leaders came as a suggestion by the United Nations. So we hope that this effort by the UN will continue," he added.

Invited to comment on reports that that the UN believe that both sides in Cyprus do not exhibit any flexibility, Lillikas said that "our intention has not and will not be to allocate responsibilities," adding that "the allocation of responsibilities that could lead to the termination of this effort, would not satisfy us."

"What is important for us is to achieve progress and there may be progress only through the implementation of the agreement," he added.

[41] Accession to 'Partnership for Peace' not within Cyprus' immediate plans

Cyprus' accession to "Partnership for Peace" is not within the immediate plans of the government, Foreign Minister George Lillikas said here Monday, adding that Cyprus maintains excellent cooperation at the EU level with the organization.

He added that such issues are decided according to the facts which the government has at its disposal and according to the policy it follows in certain areas.

Replying to questions as regards Cyprus' accession to Partnership for Peace, Lillikas said that "at this moment it is not within the immediate plans of the government, we have however and maintain excellent cooperation at the EU level with the organization and we participate in informal meetings between NATO and the EU in the event of joint operations."

Invited to say whether it is not within the government's plans, Lillikas said that "things are decided on the basis of the facts which the government has at its disposal and on the basis of the policy it follows in certain areas".

"Turkey is exposed, not only in this case, but also as far as the informal meetings are concerned," Lillikas said, stressing that Turkey even objects to Cyprus' participation in these meetings.

The minister further said that Cyprus consents to a possible cooperation between the EU and NATO when necessary in some operations, to which both institutions participate.

[42] Slovak President to pay official visit to Cyprus

President of the Slovak Republic, Ivan Gasparovic, will pay an official visit to Cyprus 18-20 April, at the invitation of Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos.

According to an official press release, the Slovak President will hold a meeting with President Papadopoulos followed by official consultations between the Cypriot and Slovak delegations during which they will discuss bilateral relations, the Cyprus issue as well as other international matters.

The Slovak President will also meet President of the Cypriot House of Representatives Demetris Christofias, Archbishop Chrysostomos and Nicosia Mayor Eleni Mavrou.

President Gasparovic will be accompanied by Slovak government officials, as well as by a multi member delegation of Slovak businessmen and journalists.

During his official visit here, President Gasparovic will give a lecture at the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry on "Investment opportunities in Slovakia".

Cyprus and Slovakia entered the EU in May 2004. Cyprus is divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.

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