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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 13-08-19Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>Monday, 19 August 2013 Issue No: 4437CONTENTS
[01] No easy solution to real estate auctions issue, Finance ministry stressesThe Finance ministry, in an announcement on Sunday, stressed that the issue of real estate auctions is very important and whatever decision necessitates the assessment of all factors, both social and economic."There is no easy solution for the issue and what is being sought today is the golden mean. Meaning, how those who are really unable to meet their commitments due to the economic conjuncture not to be harmed, but also on the other hand housing faith not to be harmed, an event which if were to happen would have equally negative social and economic results," the Finance ministry's announcement said. [02] SYRIZA party calls for substantive measures in support of weaker classes of populationThe main opposition Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA), in an announcement on Sunday, said that the Finance ministry's cynical notice that thousands of houses will come under the hammer ultimately comes to confirm what the government was denying for months."When they are even planning to throw families into the street, it is more than clear that they will stop at nothing to implement in full their memorandum commitments," SYRIZA added. The announcement further said "they will not think even for a moment of the results of their extreme measures and will continue to baptise as salvation a policy that only leaves ruins in its path". Lastly, SYRIZA stressed that "today that households are suffering from the austerity policy, the lifting of the ban on primary residence auctions is not only inconceivable, while substantive measures are required in support of the weaker classes of the population and of households". [03] Independent Greeks criticises FinMin comments on home foreclosuresIndependent Greeks (ANEL) parliamentary representative Notis Marias criticised Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras for "supporting once again the banks," with his policies, "throwing all burdens onto the shoulders of small-loan borrowers, who are in danger of losing their homes and get thrown out on the street, creating an army of homeless who will not accept their fate passively."Marias was responding to comments by Stournaras on going ahead with the lifting of a ban on foreclosing homes for outstanding bank debts. [04] KKE criticises FinMin over home foreclosure issueThe cynical admission of the finance minister that homes of working class families must be sacrificed to support the profitmaking of banks means the alarm should be sounded, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) said on Sunday, in order to leave no one unprotected before banks and courts.In an announcement, the KKE said that working class people should organise to demand wider relief measures concerning debts to banks; such measures are included in a draft bill tabled by the party in Parliament, it said. [05] FM Venizelos holds telephone conversation with Egyptian counterpartGovernment Vice President and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos expressed Greece's grave concern and its strong and longstanding interest in the stability of friendly Egypt in a telephone conversation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmi.Venizelos also referred to the great contribution of the Alexandria Patriarchate and of the Greek communities to the country's life and for whose security he expressed his trust to the Egyptian authorities. Venizelos reiterated to his Egyptian counterpart, with whom he had held a discussion again immediately after the formation of the present Egyptian government, that Greece, in the political framework of the European Union is always prepared to assist the Egyptian people, who are linked to the Greek people with close bonds of friendship. Fahmi, who requested to brief Venizelos on the situation prevailing in Egypt, placed special emphasis on the Egyptian government's decision to form an independent committee for the events of the past days. The Egyptian minister reiterated his government's commitment to the observance of the road map for the full functioning of democratic institutions and the holding of elections. [06] DM Avramopoulos says Greece returning to its geopolitical environmentDefence Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos, in an article in the newspaper "Kathimerini tis Kyriakis", stresses that despite the prolonged duration of the crisis in the Eurozone, Greece is returning to its geopolitical environment and claiming a new role.Avramopoulos also spoke of a new era in Greek-US relations that "coincides with the difficult but necessary seeking of a common course between the US and the EU, not only for the speedier exit from the economic crisis, but for the joint handling of all the challenges the West is facing as well". The Defence minister also referred to Greece's role in the past decades, as both an "embankment" of the countries of southeastern Europe to Europe and as a pole of stability in the wider region. [07] State privatisation agency head resignsHellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (TAIPED) president Stelios Stavridis tendered his resignation on Sunday evening, after an earlier announcement by Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras calling for the state privatisation agency's resignation."I warmly thank the wonderful team of TAIPED for the excellent and constructive collaboration we had," Stavridis said, "and I hope the government, with which I also collaborated perfectly, moves dynamically and with success in its extremely difficult by nationally imperative work of privatisations." [08] Privatisation programme will not face delays, official tells ReutersGreece's privatisation programme is not going to be affected by the resignation of Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF) head Stelios Stavridis, Fund chief executive Yannis Emiris told Reuters on Sunday.Emiris said he himself was keeping his post, adding that Stavridis' resignation was for "ethical reasons" and that there would be "absolutely no delays to the programme." [09] PASOK party leader Venizelos on last phase of negotiatingGovernment Vice President, Foreign Minister and PASOK party leader Evangelos Venizelos believes that the last phase of negotiating should take place with the greatest possible success without new fiscal measures that no one can bear and with substantive measures of protection for the weaker.In an article in the newspaper Ethnos tis Kyriakis, Venizelos added with the aim of supporting growth and employment and curbing unemployment and the sustainability of not only the national debt but of the national economy in its entirety. [10] PASOK party leader at Thessaloniki International Fair on September 8PASOK party leader Evangelos Venizelos will be discussing the "major issue of the restarting of the economy" at the meeting he will be having with production and social agency representatives and senior local administration officials during his visit to the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) on Sunday September 8, according to party sources.Venizelos, heading a PASOK delegation that will also include government members of the party, will refer to the main elements of the National Plan for the country's growth and reconstruction "that also constitute the basis of the Updated Programme Agreement with which the government will be proceeding for the coming period". Before visiting the TIF, Venizelos will be in Vilnius in Lithuania on September 6-7, in the capacity of Foreign Minister, for the informal foreign affairs council being organised by the European Union's Lithuanian presidency. [11] German Chancellor Merkel, FinMin Schaeuble reject new 'haircut' prospect for Greek debtBERLIN (ANA-MPA/F. Karaviti)German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble attempted to conclude the discussion on a new "haircut" for the Greek debt, in interviews over the weekend. "I see no 'haircut' for the Greek debt," Merkel said in an interview with "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" on Saturday. On his part, Schaeuble, in an interview with "Badische Neueste Nachrichten", rules out the possibility categorically, saying "this shall not happen" and acknowledging that "Greece is better than expected in economic development". The chancellor also expressed surprise over the thoughtlessness with which the relative discussion was taking place and warned that "such a step could cause insecurity in other parts of Europe". Merkel also said she was vindicated over the policy she followed in the effort to handle the crisis. "We are seeing today how correct our approach was and is, regarding each one's responsibility and solidarity. The reforms are beginning to produce results," the chancellor said. [12] KKE party says conflict over possible new Greek debt 'haircut' disorientating for peopleThe Communist Party of Greece (KKE), in an announcement on Saturday, said that "the conflict over a new 'haircut' or restructuring of the Greek debt is disorientating for the people, since they will pay dearly for whatever option or compromise between the imperialist centres, as they had paid for the previous 'haircut'".KKE stressed that the government, SYRIZA (the main opposition Radical Left Coalition) and the other parties, as well as the IMF with the EU that are maintaining the discussion, were deceiving the people. Lastly, KKE said that the only exit from the crisis for the benefit of the people "is the unilateral writeoff of the debt with disengagement from the EU, socialisation of monopolies and labour-working class power". Financial News [13] FinMin Stournaras on banking sectorFinance Minister Yannis Stournaras warned even of the banking sector's collapse unless a reconsideration takes place of the auction freeze for the primary home, for debtors whose loans are not being served."We have to do something, because the banks will collapse otherwise," Stournaras said in a statement to the Real News newspaper. The Finance minister, reassures however that "social and economic criteria will be set to protect those in real need and for bad payers not to find an opportunity to avoid the payment of instalments". [14] PPC announces full restoration of necessary production capacity on SantoriniThe Public Power Corporation (PPC) announced on Saturday the full restoration of the necessary production capacity to meet the needs of Santorini, while reserves will also be available on Sunday.The PPC also apologises and at the same time calls for the understanding of the island's inhabitants and visitors "for the upheaval caused by the failure of an unprecedented extent that occurred at the PPC's production unit on the island". [15] Nightclub on Crete shut down for 48 hours over tax violationsThe Finance Ministry's Financial and Economic Crime Unit (SDOE) on Sunday shut down a nightclub in the old section of Chania on Crete for 48 hours over tax violations.The store had not been issuing customers with bills for every order, as required. General News [16] Great wildfire risk in parts of the country on MondayThe General Civil Protection Secretariat warns of a great risk of wildfires breaking out on Monday in the regions of Attica, Evia and the Cyclades and the islands of Chios, Ikaria and Skyros.Inhabitants of regions having such a great wildfire risk are also advised to be very careful in the coming days since the risk of wildfires in many parts of the country will remain considerable. [17] Man arrested in Kapandriti for attempted arsonA 67-year-old man was arrested for attempted arson in Kapandriti shortly after midnight on Friday during a police patrol. Two cans and a bottle containing inflammable liquid were found in his car. Police, in cooperation with the Fire Brigade's Arson Department, are examining the possibility of the arrested man being involved in other similar cases.[18] Man arrested for Katsimidi wildfireThe Arson Prevention Crime Department has arrested a 56-year-old man in connection with the wildfire that broke out in Katsimidi, in the municipality of Oropos, on Friday. The arrested man will be brought before a prosecutor to face charges of intentional arson.[19] Kallirahi wildfire still ragingThe wildfire in Kallirahi, on the island of Thasos, that broke out at noon on Friday was continuing to rage on Saturday and according to initial assessments by local authorities it has laid waste more than 1,500 acres of pine tree forest and scrubland.Firefighting aircraft and a firefighting helicopter began tackling the blaze at first light, while throughout the night firemen made great efforts to prevent the blaze from endangering the two settlements of Kallirahi and Marioi. [20] Bus heading for Kavala bursts into flamesA bus travelling along the Egnatia motorway, near the tollgate of the Profitis village, and heading for the northern city of Kavala burst into flames through unspecified causes on Sunday. The passengers got out of the vehicle in time together with the luggage. Fire engines were rushed to the scene to extinguish the blaze.[21] Police operation in Aghios Panteleimonas district to crack down on unauthorised tradePolice carried out an operation in a street market in the Athens district of Aghios Panteleimonas on Saturday, holding 25 persons for questioning and confiscating a large number of unauthorised items.The checks took place in the morning and the afternoon and included police of the "Xenios Dias" groups and groups for combatting unauthorised trade in downtown Athens. The confiscated goods were removed to be destroyed. [22] Police make 20 arrests in Corinth prefecture in crackdown on crimeAn extensive police operation was carried out on Saturday in the region of Agioi Theodoroi and Loutraki, in the prefecture of Corinth, in the framework of cracking down on crime.During the operation 78 vehicles and 115 people were checked, 37 were held for questioning and 20 were ultimately arrested. One of the persons arrested was for drug-related offences, one for abusive language and bodily injury, six foreigners for illegal outdoor trade, six for Hygiene Regulation violations, three for Traffic Code violations and three foreigners staying in the country illegally. [23] Traffic accident fatalities decreased in Western Greece in first half of 2013The number of fatalities in traffic accidents taking place in Western Greece in the first half of 2013 has decreased, compared to the corresponding period in 2012, as well as the number of people who were seriously injured.According to police data, 31 traffic accidents occurred in the first half of 2013, compared to 30 recorded in the corresponding period of 2012, 30 traffic accidents involving the serious injury of people, as against 44 in the first half of 2012, and 159 traffic accidents involving the slight injury of people, compared to 126 in the corresponding period last year. According to the police data, in the first half of 2013 32 people lost their lives, compared to 37 in the first half of 2012, 38 people were seriously injured, as against 60 in the corresponding period last year and 247 people were slightly injured compared to 217 in the first half of 2012. The data also revealed that over the past four years a steady decrease in traffic accidents and fatalities has been recorded in Western Greece. [24] Two fishermen rescued southwest of SounioA speedboat rescued two men, aged 64 and 68, when their fishing boat half sank 6.5 nautical miles southwest of Sounio. A harbour corps vessel and a freighter ship had sailed to the location to provide assistance. The two fishermen were taken to the port of Lavrio and to the Health Centre for preventive reasons.[25] Illegal immigrants found in north of Chios islandHarbour Corps officials have rounded up 81 illegal immigrants on three different beaches in the north of the island of Chios. Thirteen of them were trapped in a rocky and inaccessible region and assistance by the Fire Brigade and a Super Puma helicopter was required to rescue them.It was not yet known how they reached the island, however, according to reports wrecked dinghies have been detected in the sea region. Sports [26] Super League resultsGames played at the opening of the new Super League season on Saturday had the following results: PAOK Thessaloniki - Xanthi 3-0, Atromitos Athens - Ergotelis Crete 2-2 and Platanias Crete - Veria 2-2.The results of the Super League games on Sunday, are as follows: Atromitos-Ergotelis 2-2 Platanias-Veria 2-2 PAOK-Xanthi 3-0 Apollon-Aris 2-1 Asteras Tripolis-PAS Giannina 3-3 Levadiakos-Panthrakikos 2-2 OFI-Panionios 0-0 Panathinaikos-Panaitolikos 2-0 Kalloni-Olympiakos (playing 19/8, 21:30) Weather Forecast [27] Fair on MondayFair weather and northerly winds are forecast in most parts of the country on Monday. Winds 3-7 beaufort. Temperatures between 15C and 36C. Fair in Athens with northerly 4-7 beaufort winds and temperatures between 23C and 34C. Local cloudiness in Thessaloniki with temperatures between 21C and 33C.[28] The Sunday edition of Athens' dailies at a glanceKATHIMERINI: "Which homes, when and how will be auctioned".ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "With two signatures the employee goes for suspension". RIZOSPASTIS: "Mobilisation for health on Friday August 23". LOGOS: "Salaries decreasing prices increasing". PROTO THEMA: "The 5 files of the judges". TO ARTHRO: "The surplus double edged knife". TO VIMA: "German civil war over Greek debt". TO PARON: "US embassy sees early elections". ANGELIOFOROS: "The Church refuge for thousands of families". REALNEWS: "In prison even if you pay". 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: ANTONIS SKYLLAKOS Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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