Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 12-07-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Samaras discusses negotiating policy in light of troika arrival, government's policy statements

[02] Greek FM received by Cyprus President Christofias

[03] SYRIZA's Tsipras harshly critical of coalition, stresses austerity must end

[04] Democratic Left party on Tsipras statements on direct recapitalisation of Greek banks

[05] KKE comments on Tsipras address at Economist conference

[06] SYRIZA spokesman: Greece will not become guinea pig of Europe

[07] Defence minister visits army and air force centres in Larissa

[08] Greeks less pessimistic after election, according to survey

[09] ECB's Asmussen: First priority for new Greek gov't is getting programme back on track

[10] German Finance ministry spokesman says everything up to Greece

[11] Greece to return to econ growth soon, financial stability fund head says

[12] Re-establishment of Merchant Marine ministry discussed with Task Force head

[13] German ambassador visits Patra

[14] Tourism Minister inaugurates Cretan nutrition festival

[15] National Bank confirms talks with Credit Agricole over Emporiki Bank

[16] Stocks end moderately higher

[17] Greek bond market closing report

[18] ADEX closing report

[19] Foreign Exchange rates - Tuesday

[20] Reports for online child porn material up, according to INHOPE

[21] 13 'kalashnikov gang' members remanded in custody

[22] Police raid in Thessaloniki targets occupied properties

[23] Dozens caught attempting to travel without valid documents in Kalamata, Patras

[24] Chopper Riders' annual meeting

[25] Handgrenade found by swimmer

[26] Wildfire breaks out in Lagonissi

[27] Wildfire, fanned by strong winds, reported in Aigialeia, Peloponnese

[28] Chinese student champions in Nanjing sports event awarded trips to Greece

[29] The Monday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

[01] PM Samaras discusses negotiating policy in light of troika arrival, government's policy statements

The party leaders discussed the negotiating policy in light of the arrival of the troika delegation in Greece and the government's policy statements. Speaking after the two party leaders' departure, government spokesman Simos Kedikoglou said that "an extensive and in depth discussion took place on the government's policy statements. The three leaders will continue to be in contact."

Also present at the leaders' meeting were the government's economic staff members Yiannis Stournaras, Christos Staikouras, George Mavraganis and Kostis Hatzidakis, as well as Kouvelis's associate Hatzisokratis.

Earlier the members of the economic staff had briefed Samaras on the interministerial meeting that took place at the Finance ministry. Stournaras and Staikouras stayed at Samaras's residence after the leaders' departure.

According to reports, the debate on the government's policy statements will begin in Parliament on Thursday or Friday. The swearing in of Finance Minister Stournaras has been scheduled for Thursday, as well as of government spokesman Simos Kedikoglou in the post of Minister of State who will have the state-run media in his duties.

[02] Greek FM received by Cyprus President Christofias

Greek Foreign Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos met here on Monday with Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and conveyed a message of support to the island republic.

Avramopoulos, who is on a two-day visit to Cyprus, said Athens will be at the Cypriots' side and will support the Cypriot government in its effort for a solution to the Cyprus issue. Referring to the Turkish stance on the Cyprus issue, he said it is regrettable because the positions of Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu do not leave ground for optimism on the Cyprus issue.

He mentioned that in the brief meeting he had with his Turkish counterpart in Istanbul recently, he conveyed to him Greece's position, namely, that Turkish actions must be such that will contribute positively to whatever concerns the Cyprus issue. The Greek government will proceed with Nicosia on the path leading to Cyprus' riddance from occupation.

The Greek foreign minister said that apart from the Cyprus issue, on which he had a full briefing by Christofias, he discussed the priorities of the current Cypriot European Union presidency, developments in the Middle East and issues regarding energy since Greece is also making procedures on the probing of the existence of hydrocarbons, always in relation to Turkish threats against Cyprus regarding the Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone.

Avramopoulos also expressed certainty that Cyprus will respond to the requirements of the European Union's presidency, which he termed a historic challenge in a crucial conjuncture due to the crisis that the European economies are experiencing.

[03] SYRIZA's Tsipras harshly critical of coalition, stresses austerity must end

"The longer the [Memorandum of Understanding] lasts, the faster the social and economic resilience of the country will be exhausted," he underlined, stressing that the programme must be abandoned in collaboration with Greece's EU partners.

According to Tsipras, it was an insistence on the austerity policies of the Memorandum that would finally lead to Greece being pushed into a voluntary exit from the Eurozone, which was the only legal way for this to be effected and an outcome that all parties should strive to avoid.

He was also harshly critical of the three-party coalition government under Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, which he accused of ensuring that Greece was excluded from the "initially positive" decisions of the lastest EU summit for the debt-burdened European south. In doing this, Tsipras argued, Samaras "had sent a clear message that he has given up on Europe before he has even started".

The head of SYRIZA repeated that no discussion on any issue can begin with the troika before there is an express commitment to uphold the agreements made at the EU summit of 29 July 2011 concerning Greece.

SYRIZA had also strongly criticised the government's stance in an announcement issued earlier on Monday, saying it was going back on its pre-election pledges and postponing renegotiation of the harsh bailout terms until after their implementation, unaffected by the election result and the message sent by the Greek people.

It noted that Greek citizens were finding themselves "watching from the sidelines" as they became targets of new blackmail to speed up implementation of the memorandum measures, privatisations, the firing of public sector staff and the dismantling of the social state in a new vicious cycle of austerity and recession that led to ever harsher measures.

[04] Democratic Left party on Tsipras statements on direct recapitalisation of Greek banks

Papadopoulos said that for "Greece's accession to the arrangement to be achieved now, as the Democratic Left is seeking, a mutually acceptable revision is necessary which necessitates the general strategy of renegotiating and not of the unilateral denouncement. It necessitates the policy of the Democratic Left and not the pre-election rhetoric of SYRIZA."

[05] KKE comments on Tsipras address at Economist conference

It was added that "the direct loaning of banks by the EU's support mechanism will also bring this and this is in the interest of banks, not the peoples, because they will continue to pay for the crisis with harsh sacrifices."

"In any case with the decisions of the latest EU Summit, that SYRIZA considers positive, (France's) Hollande, (Italy's) Monti and (Spain's) Rajoy returned to their countries announcing and implementing new harsh antipopular measures such as cutbacks of tens of billions of euros, dismissals of tens of thousands of employees from the public sector etc," the statement concluded.

[06] SYRIZA spokesman: Greece will not become guinea pig of Europe

Skourletis criticised the government on its stance and the Summit, calling it one of national subjugation.

Explaining why SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras called on the government not to accept the Troika in Athens, he said that this was the least that the government could do at this time, in an effort to correct its stance of the previous days, which he called one of total absence from the discussion taking place in Europe, and its new submission of a disposition to full acceptance of the Memorandum policy.

"It is much easier and less painful to have some changes in relation to dealing with the case of Greece. If we do not put this (having the Summit decisions apply to Greece as well) forward now, what will we be? The fall guy of Europe? I do not understand this policy of national subjugation," he said.

[07] Defence minister visits army and air force centres in Larissa

He was accompanied by the chief of the Hellenic Armed Forces General Staff General Mihail Kostarakos and the head of the Army General Staff Lieutenant General Konstantinos Ziazias, who briefed him on the mission and work of the two formations.

In talks with military personnel during the visit, Panagiotopoulos stressed that the crisis must not be allowed to affect issues of national independence and national integrity. While sympathising with the problems they face as a result of pay cuts, he avoided giving a specific date by which their salaries will be restored to their previous levels, saying only that this will happen once the economy starts to improve, while stressing that these problems should on now account affect the military's performance of their duties.

It is the state's duty to do what we can to make their daily lives less difficult and to offer them, to the extent possible, all the best once the Greek economy starts to improve," he added.

[08] Greeks less pessimistic after election, according to survey

The pessimism index showed improvement as regards both public and private finances compared with the survey results of the last four months. A total of 84 pct of the respondents stated pessimistic as regards the course of the Greek economy, down 9 pct compared with the last two months. Eight percent are optimistic and other 8 pct chose not to respond.

As regards their private/family finances, 85 pct stated pessimistic down 8 pct compared with the previous two months. Eight percent stated optimistic and 7 pct chose not to respond.

The pessimism percentage records a notable decline combined with a small increase in the optimism percentage for the first time in a year since the ACCI Economic Barometer was first conducted.

Responding to a question on how satisfied they are with the composition of the economic staff, public opinion appeared divided. According to the results, 19 pct of the respondents are very satisfied, 28 pct fairly satisfied, 25 pct little satisfied, 20 pct not satisfied and 8 pct did not respond.

Forty seven percent responded positively to the question "how likely is the government to have positive results in the renegotiation of the memorandum". Thirty two percent responded negatively and 21 pct did not give a response.

To the question "what should be the top priority for the new government, choosing between security, economy and institutional reforms", 38 pct said security, 36 pct chose economy and 22 pct were in favour of institutional reforms. The remaining 4 pct chose not to respond.

The nationwide telephone survey concerned the third bimestrial of 2012 and was conducted on June 28-30 on a sample of 1,000 people over the age of 18.

Financial News

[09] ECB's Asmussen: First priority for new Greek gov't is getting programme back on track

"The first priority for the new Greek government should be getting the programme back on track, he told the "16th Round Table with the Government of Greece - Transforming uncertainty into stability, wisdom and growth", which began Monday.

Application of the Memorandum has essentially stalled in the last two months (with the inconclusive April general elections and repeat elections in mid-June and the efforts to form a coalition government), said Asmussen, a member of the ECB's Executive Board.

Further delay in achievement of the fiscal targets is dangerous, he said, warning that if the target for the debt/GDP is not achieved by 2020, Greece will require additional funding.

Asmussen said that delay in the fiscal adjustment is dangerous as it would increase the country's debt to above the targeted 120 percent of GDP in 2020, which is the maximum percentage considered manageable for the country, and urged the new Greek government to implement the reforms contained in the fiscal adjustment programmed agreed with its creditors.

He said that the new government should not waste precious time trying to avoid, or ameliorate, the programme and instead focus on was to maximise the impact of the reforms.

With or without the Memorandum, Asmussen said, any Greek government would have to follow a similar adjustment in order to bring the economy back to front state and restore the confidence of the money markets.

He cited the example of Latvia, which implemented a strict adjustment programme to reduce its deficits, and the reforms in the labour market that were advanced by Germany in the early 2000s.

In Germany, it was very difficult, with the unions opposed, he said, adding that now, years later, everyone acknowledges that the reforms in the labour market, which are contained in the Agenda 2010+, are one reason for today's powerful German economy, he added.

[10] German Finance ministry spokesman says everything up to Greece

German Finance ministry spokesman Martin Kotthaus claimed that "everything is up to Greece" and stressed that the times and means of the Greek programme remain unchanged. He called on the new Greek government to observe the commitments of the previous governments and pointed out that "the issue is what can Greece do and is doing and less what the German government is doing."

Asked to state his position on statements by European Central Bank high ranking official Joerg Asmussen on the possibility of the changing of isolated measures without the targets of the programme changing, Kotthaus said that "the Greek programme is what it is and must be implemented", but clarified that "a new government can, as occurred in Ireland and Portugal, say that it wants to implement austerity, but instead of measure A prefers measure B, with the result remaining the same."

[11] Greece to return to econ growth soon, financial stability fund head says

Addressing an Economist conference in Athens, Thomopoulos underlined the need for cooperation between banks in order to remain competitive and stressed that the financial stability fund has disbursed 18 billion euros to Greek banks as part of a bank recapitalization programe. Thomopoulos noted that Greek banks have already cut their operating costs, while he added that the Greek economy was dynamic but needed reforms.

[12] Re-establishment of Merchant Marine ministry discussed with Task Force head

The strengthening of the ministry's structures in the direction of the preparation of projects and actions for financing by the European structural funds, the external borders fund, was also discussed.

Island policy issues were also discussed as well as the national strategy and the new regulating framework of ports, the dynamic activation of the European Social Fund and the European Regional Development Fund, the issue of unemployment, the problems of the coastal shipping sector and maritime training.

[13] German ambassador visits Patra

A presentation by local officials of Western Greece was made during the visit, the region's comparative advantages and its production profile. Mention was also made of the issue of illegal immigration that Western Greece is facing.

During his stay in the city, Dolt also visited the Achaia Police Department.

[14] Tourism Minister inaugurates Cretan nutrition festival

[15] National Bank confirms talks with Credit Agricole over Emporiki Bank

In an announcement to the Athens Stock Exchange, National Bank reported that "there were discussions between the managements of National and Credit Agricole regarding the potential for future strategic alliances, which are at an initial phase," adding that it would inform investors over developments in the talks.

Press reports over the previous days alleged that Credit Agricole was in talks with potential buyers to sell its Greek unit, Emporiki Bank. Another Greek institution, Alpha Bank, dismissed these reports, saying it was not in talks to buy all or part of any other financial institution. Alain Strub, Emporiki Bank's chief executive, speaking to AMNA two weeks ago had said: "It is obvious that the Greek economy passes through a very unstable period, while inevitably will lead to changes in the structure of the banking system in the country."

Emporiki Bank was founded in 1907.

Credit Agricole gradually acquired 100 pct of the Athens-based bank, which operates a branch network of 340 units in Greece.

Later on Monday, Emporiki Bank confirmed that it has engaged in discussions with Greek banking organisations and competent regulatory authorities.

Preliminary discussions are not yet at a stage where a decision can be taken. Discussions take place within the context of the process for the consolidation and restructuring of the Greek financial sector, the bank stated.

[16] Stocks end moderately higher

Buying activity focused on blue chip stocks, such as PPC, OPAP and Hellenic Petroleum. The composite index of the market rose 0.71 pct to end at 615.47 points, off the day's highs of 621.73 points. Turnover remained a low 35.618 million euros.

The Big Cap index rose 0.22 pct and the Mid Cap index ended 0.60 pct higher. The Technology (8.32 pct), Utilities (6.46 pct) and Travel (4.69 pct) sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day, while Financial Services (2.81 pct), Health (2.35 pct) and Banks (2.29 pct) were top losers.

PPC (8.56 pct), OPAP (5.05 pct), Hellenic Petroleum (3.39 pct) and Viohalco (1.74 pct) were top gainers among blue chip stocks, while Alpha Bank (4.76 pct), Cyprus Popular Bank (4.71 pct), Eurobank (4.38 pct) and MIG (3.78 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 69 to 50 with another 20 issues unchanged. Hellenic Sugar (29.96 pct), Spider (20 pct) and 3A (20 pct) were top gainers, while PC Systems (19.57 pct), Naftemporiki (9.76 pct) and Xylemporia (9.57 pct) were top losers.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Industrials: -0.03%

Commercial: -0.79%

Construction: +0.90%

Oil & Gas: +0.49%

Personal & Household: +1.07%

Raw Materials: -1.54%

Travel & Leisure: +4.69%

Technology: +8.32%

Telecoms: Unchanged

Banks: -2.29%

Food & Beverages: +0.78%

Health: -2.35%

Utilities: +6.46%

Financial Services: -2.81%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 01/01/20

Public Power Corp (PPC): 02/03/12

HBC Coca Cola: 14/10/12

Hellenic Petroleum: 01/04/88

National Bank of Greece: 01/01/41

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 0.72

OPAP: 01/05/20

OTE: 01/02/00

Bank of Piraeus: 0.25

Titan: 14/10/12

[17] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates were largely unchanged. The 12-month rate was 1.21 pct, the six-month rate 0.92 pct, the three-month rate 0.65 pct and the one-month rate 0.37 pct.

[18] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 33,913 contracts worth 4.999 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Alpha Bank's contracts (14,499), followed by National Bank (8,731), OTE (1,178), PPC (1,800), OPAP (1,584), Piraeus Bank (863), Cyprus Bank (1,407), Cyprus Popular Bank (2,406), Intralot (292), Hellenic Postbank (114), Mytilineos (113), MIG (121) and Eurobank (169).

[19] Foreign Exchange rates - Tuesday

U.S. Dollar 1278

Pound sterling 816

Danish kroner 7545

Swedish kroner 8875

Japanese yen 102.02

Swiss franc 1219

Norwegian kroner 7638

Canadian dollar 01/03/12

Australian dollar 1246

General News

[20] Reports for online child porn material up, according to INHOPE

According to the 2011 annual report by the International Association of Internet Hotlines (INHOPE) all of the reports submitted concerned foreign websites. The majority of them, 57 pct, originated in the United States, 13 pct in the Netherlands and 10 pct in Russia and the Czech Republic followed by the UK, Cyprus, Hungary, Luxembourg, Switzerland, India and Panama.

The reports submitted to INHOPE for websites with child sexual abuse material increased 24 pct and the time needed to remove the illegal content has been reduced (58 pct was removed in two days and 82 pct in seven days).

Reports in respect to illegal content seen online can be submitted by filling in the online form; by email, sending a message to [email protected] and by using SafeLine's Android Application.

SafeLine is Greece's formal representative to INHOPE hotline network that numbers 41 members in 36 countries. INHOPE coordinates a network of Internet Hotlines all over the world offering the public a way of anonymously reporting Internet material including child sexual abuse material they suspect to be illegal.

[21] 13 'kalashnikov gang' members remanded in custody

By agreement of magistrate and public prosecutor, the 13 were remanded, nine were released on restrictive conditions and one was released without restrictions.

The 13 were remanded on felony charges of participation in a criminal organisation.

The remanded suspects are temporarily being held at the lock-up facility of the Kavala police headquarters and together with the nine released with restrictions will be sent back to the examining magistrate to testify separately on specific charges.

Police are still searching for another alleged gang members, eight of whom have police records.

New arrests are expected in the immediate future, police sources told AMNA.

[22] Police raid in Thessaloniki targets occupied properties

Those arrested are charged with forming a criminal ring, aggravated assault and grand larceny in relation to recent disputes between rival anti-state gangs.

[23] Dozens caught attempting to travel without valid documents in Kalamata, Patras

Those arrested in Kalamata were three Afghan men aged 26, 19 and 24 years old, respectively, one Afghan woman aged 26 and two Nigerian women aged 26 and 19 years old.

The four Afghans had presented fake Japanese passports and the two Nigerians had one fake Swedish ID card and one fake Belgian ID card.

The fake documents were confiscated and the six arrested were taken before a Kalamata public prosecutor.

The 30 illegal migrants caught in Patras, nine of whom were minors, were caught while attempting to get aboard ferries heading for Italy as stowaways hidden in trucks or by displaying fake travel documents. Also arrested was one 28-year-old truck driver that had four illegal migrants hidden among crates of watermelon in his truck.

Three foreign nationals were caught when they attempted to board an Italy-bound ferry with forged travel documents and another 13, of which nine were minors, were found hidden in two trucks at the port. A short while later, another seven foreign nationals again attempted to board a ferry using fake documents and were caught.

All nine minors were later released from custody by order of a public prosecutor.

Meanwhile, four migrants were intercepted at Araxos airport when they also tried to board a plane heading for Bergamo in Italy using fake passports. Three of those arrested were Syrian nationals, a man and two women, who presented fake Egyptian passports and one was a 39-year-old Nigerian man with a fake Sierra Leone passport.

Immigration authorities say the latest arrests confirm that migrant trafficking gangs are chiefly using fake travel documents to move illegal migrants and also indicate a return to the old method of hiding migrants among freight in trucks. They also report that measures taken by authorities around the new port in Patras are deterring migrants from 'storming' passing trucks in order to get aboard and estimate that recent training received by coast guard and police officers in identifying fake passports and IDs is starting to pay dividends based on the number of arrests.

[24] Chopper Riders' annual meeting

The motorcycle riders from Greece, Germany, Bosnia and other countries gathered at a camping ground near Litohoro and provided a spectacular show to visitors and fans during their expeditions in the area. Rodeo events, concerts and other 'happenings' took place during the 14th Chopper Riders' meeting, that also included acrobatics and motorcycle riding skills shows as well as a motorcycle 'beauty contest'.

A 63 year-old rider won the title of the oldest rider as well as of the ugliest motorcycle.

"Our motorcycles are neither the quickest nor the most modern technologically, however they have something special because their owners fix them and paint them by themselves," explained the President of the Chopper Riders of Thessaloniki, who was responsible for the organisation of the event.

[25] Handgrenade found by swimmer

According to authorities the handgrenade was not active.

[26] Wildfire breaks out in Lagonissi

Another wildfire at Lykorema in Karystos, on Evia, is also under way, that broke out in the afternoon, and is laying waste an expanse of farm and forestland. Winds of up to 8 beauforte force are blowing in the region but no residential is in danger. Sixteen firemen backed by 12 vehicles are participating in the effort to extinguish the blaze while a firefighting helicopter was also taking part until nightfall.

[27] Wildfire, fanned by strong winds, reported in Aigialeia, Peloponnese

A strong fire-fighting force made up of 22 firemen, 11 fire engines and a team of 24 men on foot was sent to put out the blaze from the ground, assisted by a helicopter and two water-bombing aircraft from the air. Firefighters said that the high winds were hampering efforts to control the flames.

Sports

[28] Chinese student champions in Nanjing sports event awarded trips to Greece

The purpose of the sporting event was to promote the Hellenic culture in Nanjing, the capital city of Jiangsu province, which occupies a high standing in China in terms of economic growth and direct investments. The city of Nanjing will be the host of the 2nd Summer Youth Olympic Games to take place on Aug. 16-28, 2014 under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

A total of 360 students, representing 30 schools, competed in four track and field sports. Twelve winners (the top three in all four events) will be awarded a seven-day holiday to Greece in August.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Greece's consul general in Shanghai, Evgenios-Dimitrios Kalpyris, underlined the excellent relations enjoyed by Greece and China and the two countries' special place in the western and eastern civilisations.

[29] The Monday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "Reduction of salaries, benefits is unconstitutional".

AVRIANI: "Germans blackmailing in order to block revision of Memorandum".

DIMOKRATIA: "Tough July".

ETHNOS: "Pupils with bogus dyslexia certificates".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Retirement up to 7 years earlier".

ESTIA: "Why the European funds are being lost".

IMERISSIA: "Battle on 3 fronts".

NAFTEMPORIKI: "No 'gift' to Greece if programme does not run".

TA NEA: "What we're giving (again) to the Troika - What we are asking".

VRADYNI: "Salary reductions in public sector illegal, according to Athens court ruling".

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