Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 13-11-30

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] 'EU door must remain open to Ukraine', Samaras says in Vilnius

[02] PM in round of meetings after return from Vilnius summit

[03] Finmin says troika to return to Athens after Eurogroup December 9 session

[04] Greek FinMin in teleconference meeting with EU's Rehn, IMF's Lagarde

[05] Home foreclosures and layoffs in the public sector the thorny issues in Athens-troika negotiations

[06] EU's Barroso invites Samaras and cabinet to commissioners meeting in Brussels

[07] Ambassador Sotiropoulos presents the priorities of the Greek EU presidency

[08] Health Minister warns 'government cannot be blackmailed'

[09] Doctors, healthcare staff protest against changes in health sector

[10] SYRIZA on Greek economy's prospects

[11] SYRIZA calls for education minister's resignation over handling of university mobility issue

[12] SYRIZA comments on negotiations between the gov't and troika

[13] Gov't spokesman slams SYRIZA for 'foolish and dangerous' claims about 'black labour' rates

[14] Property tax unfair and undemocratic, DIMAR's Kouvelis says

[15] Greek and Cyprus' Labour Ministers sign memorandum of cooperation

[16] Deputy Environment Minister discusses energy issues with US envoy

[17] Deputy Health Minister meets with WHO director general in Geneva

[18] Layoff targets to be met with voluntary departures also, deputy minister Christofilopoulou says

[19] ND MPs table amendment for lower retirement age for farmers

[20] Legislative act expands seizures of businesses to weekends and evenings

[21] Independent Greeks criticise government's stance with troika

[22] Defence minister hails successful execution of 'Night Lightning' exercise

[23] Meimarakis attends events marking Crete's unification anniversary, in Hania

[24] KKE party on International Day of Solidarity to Palestinian People

[25] German ambassador Dold on official visit to Peloponnese

[26] Finmin chairs meeting on hydrocarbon exploration issues

[27] National Bank request opens urgent investigation into 'haircut' allegations on blog site

[28] Authorities order urgent investigation into blogspot claim of imminent 'haircut' for deposits

[29] Eurobank reports losses in third quarter

[30] Piraeus Bank says profits totaled 3.2 bln euros in Jan-Sept

[31] IKA's losses from illegal pensions over 1 mln euros

[32] European Reliance says premium production up in Jan-Sept

[33] Thessaloniki to be promoted at Skopje event on Dec. 10

[34] Attica retailers propose opening last three Sundays in December

[35] Greek PPI down 1.6 pct in Oct.

[36] Retail sales volume down 5.4 pct in Sept.

[37] EYDAP reports higher 9-month profit

[38] ELGEKA reports lower nine-month results

[39] Greek stocks end significantly higher

[40] ADEX closing report

[41] Foreign Exchange rates - Saturday/Monday

[42] Greece promotional event travels to Amsterdam and beyond

[43] Academy of Athens feature to get facelift

[44] Christmas 'Dreamland' to open for 10th consecutive year in Drama

[45] Anatolia College holds charity run in support of disabled children

[46] Police seize 324 kg of hashish near Greek-Albanian border

[47] Police ban marches in central Athens after Saturday rallies

[48] Three Athens Metro stations closed as of 15:00 on Saturday

[49] Road accidents causing fatalities or injuries 1.6 percent up in September

[50] Woman stabbed to death; suspect turns himself in

[51] Rainy on Saturday

[52] The Friday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance Politics

[01] 'EU door must remain open to Ukraine', Samaras says in Vilnius

"From its inception in 2009 in Prague, the Eastern Partnership has gained an admirable momentum," Samaras said adding that "Eastern Partner States, with EU help, have been making decisive steps towards political, social and economic development, as their societies have been gradually transforming themselves."

Referring to Ukraine and its last-minute decision to join the agreement, the Greek premier said: "Ukraine was a front-runner in adopting and implementing reforms which paved the way for the initialing of the agreement in 2012.

We regret that Ukraine is not ready to sign the agreement today. But, at the same time, we respect its sovereign decision. EU's door has to remain open for an eventual signature of the agreement with Ukraine in the future."

Regarding the Greek EU presidency, Samaras stressed that Greece will work eagerly in implementing the decisions taken today, in order to promote the next phase of the Eastern Partnership agenda. "For us, the Eastern Partnership is a project of inclusiveness, not of drawing new divisive lines along the map of Europe. Each Partner's pace and geopolitical realities should be taken into account, avoiding dilemmas that can prove counterproductive. A strategy to engage all players in the region might be now in order," he said.

Samaras added that mobility is one of the priorities of the upcoming Greek EU presidency. "We therefore support an eventual network of Visa Liberalisation Agreements, on the basis of the effective implementation of the Action Plans," he noted.

He also referred to Europe's unique historic experience of finding common ground within diversity, adding that "all these decades the EU has managed to build a common base uniting 28 European nations."

"I believe that we should follow the same pattern for the Eastern Partnership," the Greek prime minister concluded.

[02] PM in round of meetings after return from Vilnius summit

[03] Finmin says troika to return to Athens after Eurogroup December 9 session

In a statement as he was leaving, Stournaras said that there are still issues that have not been finalised with the representatives of Greece's lenders and technical delegations from the troika will come to Athens next week, when every effort will be made to reach an agreement.

Concerning the disbursement of the next tranche of bailout loans, the finance minister did not appear concerned and said that this will not be disbursed in sections. According to ANA-MPA reports, the main "hitch" in the negotiations remains the foreclosure auctions issue, where the government disagrees a troika proposal for a lifting of all current restrictions protecting home owners with mortgages.

[04] Greek FinMin in teleconference meeting with EU's Rehn, IMF's Lagarde

Finance ministry sources told ANA-MPA that the climate of the meeting was good, although there were moments of tension and disagreement over issues of the negotiations.

The meeting participants agreed that negotiations needed to be accelerated. Ministry officials said there was a possibility of postponing for one week the arrival of the troika's heads in Athens due to the heavy programme of the government's economic team next week.

Ministry sources said that Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, Stournaras and Bank of Greece's governor George Provopoulos have received a questionnaire from the European Parliament over Athens' "complaints" for the troika's stance during negotiations and implementation of the Greek fiscal programme. The same questionnaire was sent to all eurozone countries currently in a memorandum with the troika.

[05] Home foreclosures and layoffs in the public sector the thorny issues in Athens-troika negotiations

Consequently, Finance minister Yannis Stournaras -who after the end of a meeting with Prime Minister Antonis Samaras on Friday afternoon said that the target is to achieve a deal with the troika by the end of the year- would have to attend the Eurogroup meeting without an agreement in his hands.

The government wants to conclude talks with the troika before January 1, 2014 the date when it will take up the six-month EU rating presidency.

However, a positive review will have to be approved by January's Eurogroup at the earliest. It would then be determined when a one-billion-euro bailout loan tranche (pending since July) and another 4.4-billion-euro tranche (fourth quarter 2013) will be disbursed.

The government's financial staff believes that by then, the economy can use budget reserve funds, which two months ago stood at some 7.5 billion euros, the sources said.

[06] EU's Barroso invites Samaras and cabinet to commissioners meeting in Brussels

Samaras and a delegation of Greek ministers will be attend the regular session of EU College of Commissioners in Brussels which will provide an opportunity for an exchange of views ahead of Greece's assumption of the EU presidency on January 1, 2014.

The invitation "signals the restoration of Greece's credibility among among EU member-states and provides an institutional and fundamental briefing session for the successes, problems and perspectives Greece has; it will also send a positive message to international markets," head of the European Commission office in Athens Panos Karvounis told ANA-MPA.

The invitation "is politically very important," Karvounis explained, as Samaras's presence at the regular session of the college of 28 commissioners - which essentially serves as the European Commission's cabinet - shows that Greece's credibility is restored "at a time it is heading out of the crisis and is taking over the EU presidency."

The meeting, he said, "will provide an exceptional opportunity for representatives of the highest European Union body to meet with the political leadership of a country" and "can only be of benefit to Greece, while sending multiple positive messages to international markets."

It will allow an in-depth briefing of the EU by the prime minister and his ministers by the EU on the real situation in Greece and an exchange of views with the 28 commissioners, who are experienced politicians, represent a wide political spectrum, and are very strong conveyors of messages both in Greece and Europe-wide, he said.

"Greece at this time needs the 'external positive report'," Karvounis said," because this will attract investments, capital and visitors, all of which will allow Greece to revive, create growth and open new jobs. In all these efforts, the European Commission stands by Greece."

Karvounis said that Commissioners with portfolios critical to Greece include Olli Rehn (Economic and Monetary Affairs and the euro); Laszlo Andor (Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion); Johannes Hahn (Regional Policy); Michel Barnier (Internal Markets and Services, which includes banks); Joaquin Almunia (Competition); Cecilia Malmstrom (Home Affairs, which includes immigration); and Maria Damanaki (Maritime Affairs and Fisheries).

Each of the commissioners will be meeting with their Greek counterparts one on one, Karvounis said.

[07] Ambassador Sotiropoulos presents the priorities of the Greek EU presidency

The priorities of the Greek Presidency of the Council of the European Union were presented by Greece's Permanent Representative to the EU, Ambassador Theodoros Sotiropoulos, during a speech on Friday at the Institute of European Policy Center, in Brussels.

In his speech, the ambassador said that the current economic and financial crisis demands that the Greek Presidency work towards the protection of the common currency and further integration of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), while combatting recession and unemployment and addressing the phenomenon of migration.

As he said, the first priority of the Greek Presidency is the effective implementation of the Growth and Employment Pact. Specifically, the promotion of development through better access to loans for small and medium enterprises, the implementation of an initiative to tackle youth unemployment, the promotion of labour market mobility, the support of talks with US and other strategic partners for a free trade agreement as well as actions to address the social impact of the crisis.

The second priority of the Greek Presidency is the further integration of the Economic and Monetary Union. Within this framework, it will promote negotiations for a banking union. As Sotiropoulos noted, the Greek Presidency will seek to promote legislative measures to combat tax evasion and tax fraud, and tackle the issue of a tax on financial transactions. Moreover, the Greek Presidency aims to contribute to the further integration of the EMU by ensuring the balance between stability and solidarity, and the institutional autonomy of the eurozone member states. Particular attention is also given to the EMU's social dimension, and measures to enhance transparency, accountability and the principle of representation in the operation of the eurozone.

The third priority is the effective tackling of illegal immigration, with respect for human rights, the promotion of legal migration and mobility, and the promotion of synergies between migration and development. Given the completion of the "Stockholm Programme 2010 - 2014 ", the Greek Presidency intends to work towards the adoption of a successor programme for the period 2014 - 2018, with a focus on cooperation with third countries on the issue of migration, increasing funding for the EU countries with serious migration problems and promoting a common asylum policy.

Finally, the Greek Presidency will work on EU Maritime Policy, Sotiropoulos said. He stressed its importance for EU growth and prosperity, as well as Greece's traditionally strong linkes with the sea. As he said, the Greek presidency aims to redesign EU maritime policy so as to include issues such as security, energy, transport, tourism and the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian seas.

[08] Health Minister warns 'government cannot be blackmailed'

Georgiadis warned that "if doctors continue, EOPYY will take other steps so as not to deprive citizens of the constitutionally guaranteed right to primary care."

"What is happening with the doctors-employees of EOPYY, who in the morning are on strike at EOPYY health units and in the evening receive those insured by EOPYY in their private practices with payment from EOPYY, cannot continue," he added.

He concluded that the Health Ministry is working on an overall plan in case strikes continue.

[09] Doctors, healthcare staff protest against changes in health sector

Doctors and staff from state hospitals and EOPYY, as well as private doctors, gathered outside the ministry and later marched to Parliament.

The federation of EOPYY staff also attacked Deputy Health Minister Antonis Bezas over his announcement that roughly 600-1,000 doctors employed by EOPYY were striking but running their private practices with fees from EOPYY at the same time and threatening to terminate contracts with the private practice in what they said was a bid to "intimidate the strike front".

[10] SYRIZA on Greek economy's prospects

"Is the OECD a 'Cassandra' as well?" the announcement asked, stressing that it was not the need to mount an opposition that imposed that SYRIZA separate its position from the government's "but reality itself".

SYRIZA also replied to Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras and his statement that taxation in Greece is below the average in the eurozone's countries, stressing that statistics do not reflect reality, because in Greece "the middle and lower economic classes are overtaxed, while the super-rich evade taxes unimpeded".

On the occasion of the OECD's report, SYRIZA said that the international organisation also came to dispute the government's optimistic forecasts, even though it is a true believer in neoliberal ideas and agrees with the policy of the memorandums.

[11] SYRIZA calls for education minister's resignation over handling of university mobility issue

The party stressed in an announcement that it will not "recognised any of the fait accomplis created by the government in universities, none of the anti-Constitutional measures that change their nature and downgrade their function."

SYRIZA slammed the staff cuts in university administration as "catastrophic" for universities and society and stressed that the government and education minister bear sole responsibility for the deadlock that has arisen and kept universities closed.

[12] SYRIZA comments on negotiations between the gov't and troika

"It could not have been otherwise, since it expresses the same permanent strategic stalemate over the ruins of the memorandum," the main opposition said in an announcement, adding that "it does not matter when the troika comes or leaves as long as the government strictly complies with the commitments of the memorandum despite its destructive consequences for the economy and society."

[13] Gov't spokesman slams SYRIZA for 'foolish and dangerous' claims about 'black labour' rates

The spokesman noted that Stratoulis, after doing a u-turn and saying he would vote in favour of an article that he had previously denounced, was now accusing the government of allowing uninsured labour to increase to 40 percent.

Thus, Kedikoglou added, SYRIZA was now claiming that Greece did not have even one real unemployed person, since those in employment exceeded 3,360,000 and the uninsured and undeclared workers exceeded 1,450,000.

"This means that unemployment has not only 'disappeared' but SYRIZA has also discovered a 'surplus' of employees," the spokesman noted, adding that SYRIZA's position, apart from showing lack of respect for the unemployed, was also extremely dangerous since it was voiced by SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras and the party's officials abroad.

"[It is particularly dangerous] during this period when our country is fighting a hard battle in Europe to ensure fast and effective solutions for dealing with unemployment, especially among young people," Kedikoglou added.

Replying to government spokesman, Stratoulis dismissed the criticism and accused Kedikoglou of being "entirely ignorant on these issues".

He urged Kedikoglou to consult with the labour minister so that he can explain that the rate of uninsured labour is not calculated on the basis of total employment but only salaried employment and is announced by the appropriate department of the Social Insurances Foundation (IKA), whos last official announcement of the rate of uninsured labour estimates following inspections was 38 percent.

"As for who does or does not respect the unemployed, this is proved by the 1.5 million unemployed generated by the government's memorandum policy and the fact that the unemployment benefit is only given to 15-18 percent of the jobless and has been cut from 461 to 361 euros a month since February 2012 until today," he said.

In an announcement earlier, Stratoulis had accused Kedikoglou of "inventing false statements" to attribute to SYRIZA and denied that the party had proposed abolishing fines for "black and uninsured labour, which the Samaras-Venizelos government has brought to 40 percent". He said the party would vote in favour of the specific article and propose measures for its substantial improvement.

[14] Property tax unfair and undemocratic, DIMAR's Kouvelis says

Expounding on his opposition party's positions, Kouvelis said that it had been argued even from the start that the specific tax should not be a unified property tax, but a landed property tax. "That is, the tax should not apply on a specific property, but on the entire landed property owned by natural persons and legal entities of private law," he explained.

Commenting on the 2014 state budget, the DIMAR leader stressed it "lacked any growth dimension" and included measures which "exacerbate the economic and social reality." It was only through enhancing the primary sector that a growth process could be laid dawn, Kouvelis noted, stressing that his party had opposed and still opposes taxing farm land.

He further described lifting a ban on first home foreclosures as "a major threat to Greek society," adding that DIMAR was entirely against lifting the ban.

In Karditsa, Kouvelis had a number of meetings with local bodies and associations, while on Saturday he is scheduled to visit the district of Trikala for similar contacts and a political rally at Frourio.

[15] Greek and Cyprus' Labour Ministers sign memorandum of cooperation

"We have a lot in common with Cyprus, and now it is the economic crisis," Vroutsis said, stressing that "it is necessary to join forces to overcome common problems."

During the meeting, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Labour ministries of the two countries for the exchange of knowledge and experience, and the harmonisation of policies to combat unemployment and streamline social benefits.

[16] Deputy Environment Minister discusses energy issues with US envoy

Papageorgiou also presented the Greek EU presidency's priorities in the energy sector along with the government's growth policies and action plans.

[17] Deputy Health Minister meets with WHO director general in Geneva

Makri confirmed the Greek government's intention to continue its constructive cooperation with WHO, in view of Greece's EU presidency, and presented the institutional changes and reforms being promoted by the government in the health sector, which the WHO is already aware of.

Also brought up by Makri was a WHO report that used inaccurate data to describe the health sector in Greece. Dr Chan agreed to look into the sources of the data used by the organisation.

The meeting was also attended by Greece's permanent representative at the United Nations.

[18] Layoff targets to be met with voluntary departures also, deputy minister Christofilopoulou says

She stressed that such voluntary departures would not in any way resemble the "gilt-edged" early retirement packages offered in the past, however, which the Greek state and tax payers ended up paying more in the end.

"Many ministries are in the final phase of an assessment of their organisations and whether these perform their mission efficiently and whether the purpose of their existence continues to exist, since there are phantom-organisations," she said.

Christofilopoulou also pointed out that several mergers had been voted in Parliament but the restructuring of their services at an administrative level had not actually take place. She noted that the administrative reform ministry could contribute to the process and offer opinions but the assessment must be done by the competent ministries.

The deputy minister also repeated that for every one of the 15,000 departures from the public sector there would be an equivalent number of new staff hired.

"Roughly 11,000 young people of various specialisations, who have been through the processes of the Supreme Council for Staff Selection" will be hired as a priority in positions not covered by reappointments," she said.

[19] ND MPs table amendment for lower retirement age for farmers

The measure had already been promised a month earlier by Labour Minister Yiannis Vroutsis, who said it would be included in a draft bill on social insurance.

[20] Legislative act expands seizures of businesses to weekends and evenings

The legislative act amends a wider act passed in August that exempted these businesses from either being seized or shut down.

As Deputy Finance Minister Dimitris Mavraganis explained, the amendation was necessary because the law did not allow seizure during evenings, weekends and throughout the summer tourism peak month of August, thus allowing these businesses to evade taxes and the repercussions.

"We set the minimum of 50,000 euros to prevent abuse of the measure and to avoid targeting small businesses with low debts - and to protect them," Mavraganis said, adding: "In no way does the specific regulation leave the business in question unprotected by the general regulations in existence" and stressed that seizures called for included only cash and other movable assets found inside the stores themselves.

[21] Independent Greeks criticise government's stance with troika

"The government, in trying to show good behaviour to the lenders in order for the troika to return to Athens and restart the so-called negotiations, is proceeding with mass layoffs in the National Healthcare Organisation (EOPYY), initiating cutbacks in pensions and putting on its tax sight thousands of professionals and workers while at the same time massive tax evaders, known by all, continue (their actions) without repercussions."

[22] Defence minister hails successful execution of 'Night Lightning' exercise

"Greece can feel safe because the country's Armed Froces are a guarantee of safety, security, independence and the integrity of the country in these difficult times - when all think that Greece is on its knees - and contribute to our collective effort for the country to once again find its orientation and its pace, sending their own strong and loud message: that Greece is upright, proud and always ready to respond to its duty, meeting its obligations arising from international law," he said.

Avramopoulos had observed the final phase of the exercise, accompanied by Hellenic Armed Forces General Staff chief Gen. Mihkail Kostarakos, Deputy National Defence Minister Athanassios Davakis, MPs from Parliament's foreign affairs and defence committee, Army General Staff chief Lieut. Gen. Athanassios Tselios, Navy General Staff Vice Admiral Evangelos Apostolakis and Hellenic Air Force General Staff chief Lieut. Gen. Evangelos Tournas.

The minister assured the officers of the armed forces that he was fully aware of the difficulties they faced and, jointly with the military leadership was ensuring that all these problems were gradually resolved and "chiefly, to make it a priority, beyond your training, education and equipment, the exercise of your right to a life with conditions of dignity."

'Night Lightning' was an Hellenic Army exercise with the participation of Air Force planes for a counterattack by a tank squadron in defence of an infantry troop of the 31st Motorised Brigade, with the support of artillery fire, parachute troops, Apache attack helicopters, a Chinook transport helicopter and four F-16 fighter planes.

The scenario included overcoming a water obstacle by a tank with the aid of a bridging tank, the transportation of a wounded soldier by an armoured personnel carrier and retrieval of a damaged tank, as well as the neutralisation of a minefield.

[23] Meimarakis attends events marking Crete's unification anniversary, in Hania

In a speech he delivered in Hania, Crete, Meimarakis referred to the difficult decisions that have to be made during the current period, which however he described as necessary to help the country exit the economic crisis. He placed special emphasis on the role and operation of the Greek Parliament.

Meimarakis presided over a meeting of the Board of the Foundation, while at a press conference immediately after the meeting he referred to the efforts made by the local authorities of Crete to support the body.?

He also underlined the Prime Minister Antonis Samaras' special interest on the Foundation, noting that a special subsidy of 200,000 euros had been the result of an initiative by the premier to help it deal with its operation problems. He added that efforts will be made to restore the Foundation's regular funding by the state.

Events will continue on Saturday with laying wreaths at the statue of Eleftherios Venizelos at Eleftherias Square and a special function at the city's cultural centre, and will culminate on Sunday with a divine service at the Hania Cathedral and a raising of the Greek flag ceremony at Firkas Fortress, in the old port of Hania.

[24] KKE party on International Day of Solidarity to Palestinian People

The announcement further said that KKE "demands that the military agreement and cooperation between Greece-Israel be abolished. It rejects the characterisation of the popular struggle as 'terrorism', the logic of equal distances from the victimizer and victim that the imperialists are promoting and is adopted by the bourgeoisie political forces, the Socialist International and forces of the so-called 'Party of the European Left'."

[25] German ambassador Dold on official visit to Peloponnese

On Thursday (yesterday), Dold met with Tatoulis and other local administration officials and mayors and expressed his belief that the Peloponnese offers a large number of development opportunities.

At the meeting the German envoy said the "the Greek people's sacrifice is huge" and referring to the immigration wave of young Greeks, calling it "a major political issue".

Referring to the main growth avenues in the Peloponnese, Tatoulis said that priority went to investments in the primary sector - especially targeting innovations and "smart" expertise - the protection of the environment with an emphasis on waste management, energy development from renewable energy sources and promoting tourism.

Dold said the 40 percent increase of German tourists visiting the Peloponnese is hopeful, as was the fact the region was second in Greece in exports.

Finally, Dold expressed the opinion that Europe is not only a "union of accountants" but also a union of culture and tradition and a society of the citizens.

Financial News

[26] Finmin chairs meeting on hydrocarbon exploration issues

The main issue outstanding before the concessions are signed is the finalisation of the tax status that will apply during exploration and then the exploitation of deposits. According to reports, the government is considering extending the "model" used for the TAP pipeline the oil exploration contracts as well. This would mean a revision of tax rates every decade but with a "ceiling" on the margin of increase or decrease.

These contracts, provided they are finalised, will be tabled in Parliament for ratification. The contractors for the land region of Ioannina are the Energean Oil & Gas/Petra consortium, while the ELPE/Edison/Petroceltic consortium is proposed for the Gulf of Patras.

According to the environment ministry, estimated extractable deposits in the Gulf of Patras are in the region of 200 million barrels and in Ioannina around 50-80 million barrels. The state's anticipated total revenues from the two regions over 25 years are assessed at about 11 billion euros.

[27] National Bank request opens urgent investigation into 'haircut' allegations on blog site

The investigation follows a formal request filed by the National Bank following the upload of a story on a popular blog claiming that a haircut of all bank deposits, including those under 100,000 euros, is to be expected soon.

The bank asked for proceedings against any persons guilty of the offences of jeopardising confidence in the country's currency, manipulating the capital market by spreading false information, and attempt at fraud.

The prosecutor ordered an investigation by the relevant services of the Greek Police headquarters.

[28] Authorities order urgent investigation into blogspot claim of imminent 'haircut' for deposits

The inquiry was prompted by a suit filed by the National Bank of Greece in response to the blog's claim, seeking the prosecution of all parties responsible for the offences of shaking faith in the currency, manipulating capital markets by spreading false news reports and attempted fraud.

Fakou had ordered an urgent police investigation into the affair.

[29] Eurobank reports losses in third quarter

Deposits totaled 42.3 billion euros, with New Hellenic Postbank and New Proton Bank adding to Eurobank's deposit base by 11.3 billion euros. Deposits in Greece totaled 33.8 billion euros with the remaining 8.5 billion euros abroad.

Loans in delay of more than 90 days accounted for 27.7 pct of the bank's loan portfolio, up from 26.4 pct in June, although the rate of new loans in delay continued slowing.

Christos Megalou, Eurobank's chief executive, commenting on the results said: "A legal and operating integration of New Hellenic Postbank and New Proton Bank are progressing according to plan, with the aim of achieving synergies worth 200 million euros annually in 2015. A voluntary retirement program, recently successfully completed, will lead to a further reduction of costs by 61 million euros annually. Building on these steps and based on the high quality of our staff we believe that Eurobank will enhance its position in the Greek banking system".

[30] Piraeus Bank says profits totaled 3.2 bln euros in Jan-Sept

Mihalis Sallas, commenting on the results, said that "the Greek economy was gradually improving strengthening the prospect of exiting the recession. Additionally, there was strong evidence of investment interest for specific activities, from foreign funds. Greek banks, following a consolidation and recapitalization of the sector, are in the focus of this investment interest, a development that could be exploited to speed-up privatization process, attracting new capital in the country and effectively support an economic recovery effort. A precondition for continuing this positive course is to maintain a climate of economic and political stability."

The Greek banker said that "following a recent share capital increase plan and the completion of an operating unification of acquired banks, Piraeus Bank gives immediate priority to achieving synergies and to a more efficient management of non-performing loans with innovative solutions. At the same time, the bank is focusing on expanding its sources of liquidity looking at international markets and of course funding the recovery of the Greek economy".

Piraeus Bank Group said its assets fell 2.0 pct to 93 billion euros at the end of September, compared with three months earlier. Pre-provision loans fell 1.0 pct to 75 billion euros (business loans accounted for 65 pct, mortgage 25 pct and consumer 10 pct) in the same period. Deposits were stable at 55 billion euros, with savings and option deposits accounting for 39.5 pct of total.

The loan/deposits rate fell to 113 pct in September, from 116 pct in June, while the bank's use of an Emergency Lending Assistance mechanism was zero in September.

The accumulated provisions/loans rate was 17 pct, while the delayed loans rate was 35 pct. Piraeus Bank Group equity capital totaled 9.2 billion euros, while the capital adequacy rate was 13.6 pct. The group operates a network of 1,653 branches (1,218 in Greece and 435 in nine countries abroad). The group's workforce was 24,495 (18,440 in Greece and 6,055 abroad).

The bank was currently implementing a voluntary retirement program.

[31] IKA's losses from illegal pensions over 1 mln euros

IKA along with the Interior ministry are investigating another 11,255 cases, according to the announcement.

[32] European Reliance says premium production up in Jan-Sept

The insurance company said premium production in the life and general insurance sectors grew by 7.7 pct and 7.8 pct respectively, while premium production in the car insurance sector fell 2.9 pct in the nine-month period.

Pre-tax earnings totaled 7.27 million euros in the January-September period, down from 8.67 million in the corresponding period in 2012, reflecting higher provisions. The company's net position grew by 8.6 pct to 56.13 million euros, while assets grew 7.0 pct to 297.98 million euros.

European Reliance said it held no bank or other form of debt.

[33] Thessaloniki to be promoted at Skopje event on Dec. 10

An event promoting the northern city of Thessaloniki will take place in Skopje on December 10, at the Economic Chamber of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (Fyrom).

The event will promote the city's economic, growth, tourism and cultural opportunities. Highlights will include the city as tourist destination, its port and the annual Thessaloniki International Fair, its International University and the city's role as European Youth Capital for 2014. All of the agencies and businesses will be sending representatives to the event.

[34] Attica retailers propose opening last three Sundays in December

This means that Attica shops will launch holiday opening hours on December 12, saying open from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. every day from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays and from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on the last three Sundays of the month.

Shop opening hours on Christmas Even and New Year's Eve will be from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and all shops will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day (December 26), New Year's Day and January 2.

Normal shop opening hours will resume from January 3.

The Athens Commerce Association issued an announcement saying that staff that work on Sunday, December 15 will be given another day off in rotation.

[35] Greek PPI down 1.6 pct in Oct.

The statistics service, in a report, attributed this development to a decline of the domestic market index by 1.3 pct and a fall of the external market index by 2.6 pct.

The composite index fell 0.9 pct in October from September, after a decline of 1.0 pct recorded in the same period last year.

[36] Retail sales volume down 5.4 pct in Sept.

On the other hand, the volume of sales fell in department stores (27.6 pct), super markets (6.5 pct), food/beverage/tobacco (4.0 pct), clothing/footwear (3.3 pct), fuel (3.1 pct) and pharmaceutical/cosmetics (0.7 pct) in September.

The retail sales volume index (turnover in fixed prices), including fuel, fell 6.4 pct in September, compared with the same month last year, after a 10.4 pct decline recorded in September 2012.

[37] EYDAP reports higher 9-month profit

Pre-tax profit amounted to 64.1 million euros, compared with 63.2 million in the corresponding period last year, up 1.3 percent, while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) amounted to 82.9 million euros, compared with 95.8 million in the first nine months of 2012, down 13.5 percent.

Turnover amounted to 264.1 million euros, versus 268.6 million euros last year, down 1.7 percent, due to lower revenues, which is a result of the general economic downturn. Despite the reduction in turnover, gross profit increased 3.8 percent to 132.1 million euros vesrus 127.3 million euros in the same period last year.

According to the announcement, the company has fully repaid its loan obligations thanks to its high liquidity.

[38] ELGEKA reports lower nine-month results

Consolidated EBITDA fell to 3.8 million euros from 5.5 million euros last year, while pre-tax losses rose to 6.2 million euros this year from 5.4 million euros in 2012. Losses after tax and minorities jumped to 9.4 million euros in the nine-month period from 6.1 million euros in 2012, hit by a deferred tax burden and a loss from terminating some activities.

Sales fell 3.4 pct in the third quarter of 2013, while operating results showed a loss of 204,000 euros this year, from a loss of 35,000 in 2012. Pre-tax results showed a loss of 2.002 million euros in the July-September period.

[39] Greek stocks end significantly higher

Turnover rose to 98.99 million euros. The Large Cap index ended 0.99 pct higher and the Mid Cap index rose 1.54 pct. Terna Energy (6.27 pct), Folli Follie (4.59 pct), MIG (4.19 pct), Hellenic Petroleum (3.87 pct) and Piraeus Bank (3.18 pct) were top gainers among blue chip stocks, while Eurobank Properties (2.25 pct), OTE (0.86 pct) and GEK Terna (0.58 pct) suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day.

The Commerce (4.56 pct), Oil (3.56 pct) and Financial Services (2.54 pct) sectors scored the biggest gains, while Technology (1.09 pct) and Telecoms (0.86 pct) suffered losses.

Broadly, advancers narrowly led decliners by 67 to 65 with another 20 issues unchanged. Minerva (19.36 pct), NEL (13.33 pct) and Papoutsanis (11.51 pct) were top gainers, while Medicon (19.95 pct), Pegasus (15.58 pct) and Boutaris (15.19 pct) were top losers.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Industrials: +0.54%

Commercial: +4.56%

Construction: +0.75%

Oil & Gas: +3.56%

Personal & Household: +0.14%

Raw Materials: +0.10%

Travel & Leisure: +1.51%

Technology: -1.09%

Telecoms: -0.86%

Banks: +2.06%

Food & Beverages: -0.06%

Health: +1.51%

Utilities: +0.79%

Financial Services: +2.54%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 0.660

Public Power Corp (PPC): 10.80

Coca Cola HBC: 20.64

Hellenic Petroleum: 8.85

National Bank of Greece: 4.58

Eurobank Properties : 8.27

OPAP: 9.79

OTE: 9.17

Piraeus Bank: 1.62

Titan: 22.00

[40] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 12,019 contracts worth 6.659 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Piraeus Bank's contracts (2,357), followed by National Bank (1,154), Alpha Bank (1,936), OTE (1,269), PPC (1,436), OPAP (566), Mytilineos (419), GEK (302), Motor Oil (344), Hellenic Petroleum (492), Mytilineos (419), Ellaktor (333) and MIG (216).

[41] Foreign Exchange rates - Saturday/Monday

U.S. dollar 1.381

Pound sterling 0.845

Danish kroner 7.570

Swedish kroner 9.041

Japanese yen 141.3

Swiss franc 1.248

Norwegian kroner 8.444

Canadian dollar 1.461

Australian dollar 1.515

General News

[42] Greece promotional event travels to Amsterdam and beyond

An audience of over 550 people attended a concert at the Kerkzaal performance area in Amsterdam to hear Greek singers Filippos Pliatsikas, Kostis Maravegias, Cretan lyre player Georgia Dagaki, Nouvelle Vague group singer Lisette Alea and Dutch group The Nits.

The event, hosted by the national tourist organisation (EOT), aimed at strengthening contacts with the Dutch tourism market and media, but also to recognize their contribution in the increasing tourist bookings for 2013.

"The great interest of the tourism industry in the event confirmed that Greece has once again conquered their hearts," EOT noted in the announcement.

[43] Academy of Athens feature to get facelift

The Council unanimously approved the drawing up of a study to determine the state of the exterior paintings, which mostly run in bands along the top of the building. The decoration in colour and gold-leaf includes floral and animal motifs such as griffins, floral motifs, meanders, and other geometric features.

A combination of strong sunlight, pollution, humidity and pigeons have contributed to the deterioration of the decoration.

[44] Christmas 'Dreamland' to open for 10th consecutive year in Drama

The Municipal Garden of Drama along with the whole city will be transformed into a Christmas village, attracting visitors of all ages, and will transport them into a different world.

Over 200 different events and activities will be held within the Dreamland, which will open its gates at 7:00 pm on December 4.

The previous day, the children of Drama will follow the long tradition of floating their handmade 'wish boats' on the lake of Saint Varvara, protectress of the city, sending the message that "Earth is our home".

[45] Anatolia College holds charity run in support of disabled children

The charity run raised money to support the Hellenic Society for Disabled Children (Elepap), which is the only organisation to run a centre in northern Greece for the rehabilitation of people with physical and developmental disabilities.

[46] Police seize 324 kg of hashish near Greek-Albanian border

The four Albanians arrested were "guarding" the illegal "merchandise." According to police sources, the hashish had been brought from Albania and other persons were to arrive at the location to collect it.

[47] Police ban marches in central Athens after Saturday rallies

The GD rally will be held at 7:00 p.m. in Syntagma and the anti-fascist rallies at 4:00 p.m.

[48] Three Athens Metro stations closed as of 15:00 on Saturday

The stations will remain closed until police issue new instructions.

[49] Road accidents causing fatalities or injuries 1.6 percent up in September

The total number of such accidents in the month came to 1,104 and resulted in 97 deaths (a 3.2 percent increase relative to 2012), 134 serious injuries (0.8 percent increase relative to 2012) and 1,255 lighter injuries (2.7 percent increase relative to 2012).

[50] Woman stabbed to death; suspect turns himself in

Patras police are conducting an investigation.

Weather forecast

[51] Rainy on Saturday

[52] The Friday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

EFIMERIDA TON SYNTAKTON: Block to reserve labour.

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: Employers ask the government for changes in labour relations.

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: 2014 tax changes.

ESTIA: Country of creators and not of employees.

ETHNOS: The tax changes for 1 million professionals.

IMERISSIA: Prosecutor's investigation for the natural gas.

KATHIMERINI: IMF (International Monetary Fund) chief Christine Lagarde and European Commission Vice President Olli Rehn's intervention on acceleration of government's negotiations with the troika.

LOGOS: 1,000 doctors kicked out from EOPYY (National Organisation for the Provision of Healthcare Services).

NAFTEMPORIKI: Troika demands clear agreement framework to resume negotiations with government.

RIZOSPASTIS: Stop persecution against working classes.

TA NEA: Blatant coercion with victims 78,000 students.

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