Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 14-07-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Samaras' call with US Vice President Biden

[02] Counter-terrorism squad seeking arrested terrorist Maziotis' hideout

[03] Police chief offers details of captured terrorist Maziotis' fake ID, appealing for information

[04] Captured terrorist Maziotis underwent orthopedic surgery, will probably need two more surgeries

[05] Tourism and health ministers visit Australian man injured in police shootout with terrorist

[06] Minimum guaranteed income to begin in September on a trial basis

[07] Gov't and the troika to meet again in September

[08] Independent Greeks on troika departure, Hellenic Sugar Company

[09] KKE on the government-troika talks

[10] Interior ministry circular on the voluntary inter-local administration employee mobility programme

[11] No layoffs in the public sector as of 2015, Administrative Reform minister says

[12] SYRIZA leader Tsipras sees an imminent "national disaster" in the coastal areas bill

[13] Gov't spokeswoman says SYRIZA's leader Tsipras is "seeking opportunities where there are none"

[14] SYRIZA slams gov't solution on private debt as 'bank-centred'

[15] Communist Party denounces ongoing bad loans discussions as "aiming at the reinforcement of bank groups"

[16] PASOK delegation to meet with Minister of State Dimitris Stamatis

[17] Democratic Left party leader meets Palestinian Authority ambassador in Athens

[18] Niarchos Foundation donates 10 high-speed inflatable boats to the Hellenic Coast Guard

[19] Education Minister Loverdos meets with Archbishop Ieronymos

[20] Greek environment minister pushes for 'ambitious targets' on climate change in Milan

[21] Ministerial decision on playground safety standards

[22] Intralot extends cooperation with Western Australia Lotteries until 2019

[23] Aegean Airlines wins Best Regional Airline in Europe Award for the fourth time

[24] GSEVEE president Kavathas calls for immediate measures in support of SMEs

[25] Greek stocks move higher for fourth successive session

[26] Greek bond market closing report

[27] ADEX closing report

[28] Search underway to find two women missing on Samothrace

[29] Myrtos beach accessible to visitors

[30] Cooperation memorandum signed by the Navy and the Foundation of the Hellenic World

[31] TEDxMonemvasia event to take place on July 27

[32] Nationwide strikes and work stoppages in Greek prisons next week

[33] 32-year-old Briton accused of possesion of ancient swords

[34] Second accident involving bear in 2014

[35] Powerful explosion in Nea Erythrea

[36] Businessman Koutsikos arrested

[37] Clouds, rain on Thursday Politics

[01] PM Samaras' call with US Vice President Biden

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras on Tuesday had a phone contact with US Vice President Jo Biden. The two officials discussed the prevailing conditions in East Ukraine and the Cyprus issue.

The White House in an announcement stated: Vice President Joe Biden spoke today with Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras about bilateral relations, the situation in eastern Ukraine, and Cyprus. The two leaders expressed their appreciation for the strong bilateral ties and alliance between Greece and the United States. On Ukraine, the leaders agreed that Russia's continued provision of heavy weapons and equipment to the separatists in eastern Ukraine required a firm and unified response from the European Union and the United States. With regards to Cyprus, the Vice President informed Prime Minister Samaras about his recent trip to the island in May, and the leaders discussed their strong support for a comprehensive settlement to the conflict that would reunify Cyprus as a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality.

[02] Counter-terrorism squad seeking arrested terrorist Maziotis' hideout

Sources within the police force said that the search was focusing on specific areas but also places that anti-establishment activists were known to frequent, as well as specific individuals that might yield clues regarding the identity of his accomplices.

Based on the account of police sources, meanwhile, the events leading up to Maziotis' arrest started at around 12:30 in the afternoon when officers taking part in a police crackdown on crime, illegal hawking and illegal migration in the Thissio and Monastiraki areas of Athens were ordered to make their way to a shop selling camping equipment on the corner of Athinas and Agia Irene streets, in order to check out a "suspicious individual".

This turned out to be the fugitive terrorist Maziotis, who had been on the run since July 2012 and was convicted as a terrorist in absentia, wearing a wig as a disguise and carrying a handgun. The wanted terrorist had alighted in Monastiraki from the Athens metro and entered the shop, though it is unclear if he intended to shop something or simply avoid police flooding the area due to the operation that was underway.

Acting on orders, the police officers ordered Maziotis to surrender as he was leaving the shop but instead he turned and fired on them, prompting the start of a shootout. At one point, the terrorist got into a taxi in an attempt to flee but became trapped in traffic, so he left the taxi and attempted to run for Mitropoleos Street. There was a second shootout with police near Kapnikareas church, where Maziotis and one of the police officers in pursuit were injured.

The special guard, who was participating in the 'Theseus' operation and was in the group that pursued the fugitive, was shot in the leg and taken to the 401 Army Hospital. The injured special guard received a visit in hospital from Kikilias and the chief of police earlier on Wednesday.

The minister then visited a 19-year-old Australian tourist, who was also injured in the fray and taken to Erythros Stavros Hospital to have shrapnel removed from his leg. A German tourist who suffered very minor injuries in the shootout was given first aid but declined to be taken to hospital. Maziotis was shot in the shoulder and taken to Evangelismos Hospital, where he remains under heavy guard.

Police are now hunting for his partner Pola Roupa, who also violated the terms of her release from custody and fled with Maziotis 21 months earlier. Both had been imprisoned on remand pending trial and released after the maximum 18-month period for detention on remand had expired.

Counter-terrorism squad detectives also managed to find the taxi driver whose taxi Roupakiotis had used in his attempt to escape, tracking him down in the west Athens district of Peristeri.

[03] Police chief offers details of captured terrorist Maziotis' fake ID, appealing for information

According to announcements made by the Greek Police chief, lieutenant general Dimitris Tsaknakis in a Press briefing offered jointly with the Citizen's Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias on Wednesday evening, Maziotis was carrying a fake ID under the name Michail Michelakis of Nikolas and Archontia, born on the 16th of April, 1977 in Athens, showing the photograph of another person, who the police are seeking for questioning.

With this specific ID, a silver Hyundai Accent car was bought in 2013 in Athens under the plate "YHT 2959", which seemingly was being used by Maziotis and appears similar to the car used by him and his accomplices in the bloody armed robbery of Klitoria, Kalavryta, in the mountainous area of north-western Peloponnese.

Tsaknakis appealed to the public to provide any meaningful information related to the false identity assumed by Maziotis - which is possible to have been used for renting houses or other areas - or to the aforementioned car, by calling the counter-terrorism squad at the numbers 1014 and 10414.

The police chief underlined that there were no victims from today's events at central Athens, other than the light injuries of two tourists from Australia and Germany, a fact owed to the composure of policemen, who did not return Maziotis' gunfire in the midst of the crowd. It is noted, that the young Australian man suffered a minor injury at his ankle from a bullet's ricochetting, while the German tourist already continued with his cruise.

Tsaknakis said that Maziotis shot eight shots using a USB handgun, while policemen fired a single shot wounding him only when they were away from busy areas. The chief said that according to police investigations, it has been confirmed that Maziotis took part in a robbery at Methana Trizinias, eastern Peloponnese.

Maziotis had been arrested on the 11th of April 2010 charged with participating in the terrorist organization "Revolutionary Struggle" and with other offenses, such as possession and use of explosives materials. He had been convicted to 50 years' imprisonment. Maziotis will also be charged with April's terrorist attack outside the Bank of Greece offices at Amerikis Street downtown Athens, for which Maziotis has already assumed political responsibility.

Tsaknakis publicly thanked every single policeman involved in the identification and apprehension of Maziotis, especially for their professionalism and high sense of responsibility.

Kikilias congratulated the police on behalf of the government and the Premier Antonis Samaras, who is away in Brussels on an EU summit meeting.

[04] Captured terrorist Maziotis underwent orthopedic surgery, will probably need two more surgeries

According to his surgeons, Maziotis will likely need a follow-up operation next week, and possibly a third - neurosurgical - operation later on. They estimate that the injured man will have to remain hospitalised for at least 15 days.

Maziotis will remain heavily guarded on the eigth floor of Evangelismos hospital, in a specially adapted hospital room for inmates.

[05] Tourism and health ministers visit Australian man injured in police shootout with terrorist

Replying to questions about the police officer that was also shot, the minister said that the bullet had gone through his leg and he was not considered to be at risk. The injuries suffered by Maziotis, who was shot in the shoulder, were more serious and would require surgery but were not life threatening, he added.

Kefalogianni said the young man's condition appeared to be good and that he would have the full support of the Greek State after his ordeal. "We are in constant contact with the Australian embassy and are keeping them briefed in detail regarding the incident," the minister said.

A second tourist injured during the shootout, a German national, returned to his cruise ship after receiving first aid.

[06] Minimum guaranteed income to begin in September on a trial basis

This was agreed during a meeting to settle the final details of the programme between a troika technical team and the Labour, Social Security and Welfare Deputy Minister Vassilis Kegeroglou.

The minimum guaranteed income, a novelty by Greek standards, will first be applied in 10 municipalities to be announced shortly. More than 20 million euros will be made available to the programme's first (trial) phase, with the government planning to register an appropriate expense of up to 1.0 billion euros in the draft budget on October.

According to labour ministry sources, a four-member family with two underage children can expect to receive 400 euros a month under the programme, of which 100 euros will correspond to housing costs, 200 euros will correspond to the two adult family members, while another 100 euros will be offered for the two children. Families with only one underage child will receive 350 euros, while single-parent families' children will receive 100 euros each, as if they were adults.

In deciding whether or not to grant the allowance of the minimum guaranteed income, the welfare services will take into consideration the family income in the current year (rather than the previous year), with upper limits set at 4,800 euros for four-member families with two underage children, increasing up to 6,000 euros for four-member families with adults only. In the cases of wage earners, only 80 pct of their incomes will be taken into account.

The welfare services will also be adding up all the allowances, subsidies and unemployment benefits that a family is entitled to.

[07] Gov't and the troika to meet again in September

After a meeting between Finance Minister Gikas Hardouvelis and the representatives of Greece's international lenders, a senior Finance Ministry official said that "there is a list with issues that need to be speeded up" adding that "August will be a month of hard work."

The same official said that the troika and the government had a "constructive and productive discussion without conflicts. It was a rather friendly discussion. They wanted to have an idea of where we stand and we discussed the progress of the programme."

However, the Greek side considers that its main "weapon" towards its lenders is the smooth execution of the budget, which gives the government the opportunity to raise issues regarding the citizens' relief.

The troika's announcement on the completion of the mini-evaluation of Greek economy is expected as early as Thursday.

[08] Independent Greeks on troika departure, Hellenic Sugar Company

"It is considered certain that its return in September will be even more painful for Greeks, in combination with the storm of bills that will come at the orders of the second recess section of Parliament," he added.

Regarding the closure of the Hellenic Sugar Company, Kouik scathingly referred to this as "the success story of wiping out Hellenic Sugar and farmers continues. The last working chimney in Evros has gone out and Serres have received one more blow of deindustrialisation."

[09] KKE on the government-troika talks

According to KKE, even the much-advertised minimum guaranteed income is a vehicle for allowance cuts and further income reduction.

[10] Interior ministry circular on the voluntary inter-local administration employee mobility programme

The circular underlines the voluntary nature of inter-local administration employee mobility programme and that the rights of all participating parties will be fully safeguarded.

Based on the inter-local administration mobility programme, employees will be on reserve for only a month and those participating will not be characterized as redundant personnel in the future.

A total of 945 employees have already been transferred within the context of an earlier stage of the programme.

[11] No layoffs in the public sector as of 2015, Administrative Reform minister says

"We want a public sector that works with less money, but more effectively," he said on Ant1 TV referring to his targets and the government's negotiations with the troika.

He made an extensive reference to taxes, noting that in some cases of ineffective taxation changes should be made, citing the increase of the special consumption tax on heating oil as an example.

Mitsotakis also spoke of the organizations that have not fully registered their personnel and payments, despite the ministry's warnings.

He made clear that the ministry would not give a third extension to the whole process adding that there would be sanctions for those who fail to comply.

[12] SYRIZA leader Tsipras sees an imminent "national disaster" in the coastal areas bill

Tsipras fiercely attacked the government by underlining "they understand growth as surrendering to speculators and gamblers of countries and souls".

The leader of SYRIZA stressed that "we have a battle coming, which concerns all of us", adding that "The legislative monstrosity that is hidden under the falsified title 'delimitation, management and protection of coastal areas and beaches'... allows, prepares and regulates a national disaster".

Tsipras said that the government "sells aways the beauty, the soul, the civilization, the prospects of our country".

[13] Gov't spokeswoman says SYRIZA's leader Tsipras is "seeking opportunities where there are none"

Voultepsi noted, that it is hereby amply confirmed what the government has revealed and publicly denounced from the very first moment "that Mr. Tsipras is seeking opportunities where there are none, in his desparate efforts to set-up alliances and encircle parties and MPs in view of the Presidential election" next Spring.

She added that the plan of Tsipras remains the same, namely "to save himself from his intraparty controversy, by causing a political anomaly in the country".

[14] SYRIZA slams gov't solution on private debt as 'bank-centred'

A SYRIZA announcement claimed to have information that the government's plan for out-of-court settlements that will cover all of a borrower's creditors, both state and private, will seek to facilitate such settlements by forcing all creditors to acquiesce to any business plan approved by at least 35 pct of a borrower's private creditors.

Since banks tended to hold the lion's share of any given company's debt, the party's economists said, in practice this would mean that banks would be in a position to decide how a businesses debts will be settled, giving priority to improving their portfolios over other considerations and taking precedence over social insurance funds, the state, employees and suppliers.

The announcement stressed that the move no longer gives priority to debts to the state and social insurance funds, as previously, but instead seeks consensus on capitalising a part of the debt corresponding to the share held by all creditors, so that banks do not have to carry the entire weight.

According to SYRIZA, the only solution was a SYRIZA government that would implement policies based on growth through the abolition of austerity and complete its proposal for managing private debt, the announcement added. The party said its position called for bank reform by clearing the portfolios from risky and bad debt and a return to providing loans "on terms of social justice, which are an end to austerity and the liberation of society and the economy from the burden of NPLs".

The party's proposal for managing such business and household loans calls for an interim public body for managing private debt, which will undertake to establish and supervise a simple, effective, transparent and fair programme for settling non-performing or so-called "red" loans using objective social criteria that protect the weakest and those hit by the crisis. That programme could then be extended to manage overdue debts to the state, social insurance funds and public utilities.

The loans that could not be paid off and for which a settlement via banks would be unsustainable would then be transferred to this interim body, SYRIZA said.

[15] Communist Party denounces ongoing bad loans discussions as "aiming at the reinforcement of bank groups"

"The proposals which differ in relation to a more active involvement of the State, such as the one by SYRIZA, are bowing to the aforementioned targets", noted KKE, adding that "In all cases, the people will be called to pay the price, while a large part of the heavily indebted popular households will not be absolved from the burden of bank loans".

[16] PASOK delegation to meet with Minister of State Dimitris Stamatis

As regards the likelihood it would be tabled in the Parliament's summer session, Karidis said that "this has not been clarified, it is not a prior action but it is a memorandum obligation".

On the protest event prepared by main opposition Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) against the coastal development plans, he said that such moves, "in protest to a draft bill that does not exist and has not been unveiled yet, constitute major irresponsibility that fuels opportunism, populism and demagogy".

Karidis noted that a PASOK delegation will meet with the prime minister's assistants, Minister of State Dimitris Stamatis and the competent government ministers on Thursday afternoon to give solutions to crucial issues like tax relief, a heating oil allowance and the number of installments for settling outstanding debts.

Referring to the developments in the centre-left, he said that a founding congress is scheduled to take place by the end of October with the participation of PASOK and all the political forces making up the Elia movement, while all political movements, forces and parties of the centre-left will also be invited.

[17] Democratic Left party leader meets Palestinian Authority ambassador in Athens

In statements after the meeting, Kouvelis called for an end to hostilities and attacks against the Palestinian people.

[18] Niarchos Foundation donates 10 high-speed inflatable boats to the Hellenic Coast Guard

Each of the 10 "System 33" inflatable boats is 10.35 metres long with a horsepower of 2X250 HP and conforms to special standards and safety requirements. Their donation to the Greek State cost the Niarchos Foundation 1.0 million euros.

Apart from fighting illegal migration, the inflatables will be used in search and rescue operations, in fighting drug trafficking and smuggling, as well as in enforcing fishing regulations.

Varvitsiotis thanked the Niarchos Foundation for yet another generous donation, calling on anyone who can to support the multi-faceted and significant work of the Hellenic Coast Guard. He also thanked everyone working in the Coast Guard for their tireless daily efforts to succeed in their mission.

[19] Education Minister Loverdos meets with Archbishop Ieronymos

Welcoming the minister at the Archdiocese, the Archbishop noted that the Church and the State focus their joint efforts on helping the people.

Loverdos referred to the two draft bills on the organisation of religious communities and the improvement of ecclesiastical education that will be tabled in Parliament soon and briefed the Archbishop on his recent visit to the monastic community of Mount Athos.

Financial News

[20] Greek environment minister pushes for 'ambitious targets' on climate change in Milan

Environment, Energy and Climate Change Minister Yiannis Maniatis on Wednesday attended an informal council of EU environment ministers held in Milan, which focused on preparations for the upcoming climate change conference being organised by the United Nations and policies to combine energy production with climate change conditions.

"Our goal is to achieve a globally binding agreement against climate change in Paris, in 2015. I underlined that the EU must set ambitious targets," Maniatis said in statements to ANA-MPA.

According to Maniatis, Europe must maintain its lead in the battle against climate change and pointed out that emissions in Europe had fallen by about 18 pct in the last 20 years, even through Europe's GDP had increased by 50 pct.

Concerning Europe's energy future, he said that Greece supports the European Commission's proposals for a 40 pct reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030 and also wanted to go further.

"In relation to the 27 pct set as a target for the share of renewable energy sources, we want this to be 30 pct," he said.

Maniatis said that he had added his signature, along with six of his EU counterparts, to a letter sent to outgoing European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso to make energy efficiency in buildings a mandatory European target. He said the planned energy savings in Greece would be around 30 pct and lead to 70,000 jobs in the next years.

The Greek minister also asked for special policies to reduce energy costs for industry and poor households, particularly emphasising the need to support heavy industry.

"Our heavy industry, which includes steel and cement manufacturers, is subject to restrictions under the EU emissions trading system. From now on it will be supported, however, via the 'carbon leakage' policy. The European Commission, in other words, has accepted a proposal emphatically promoted by Greece, on the basis of which financial assistance will be given to heavy industries of EU member-states that border with third countries. In this way, the advantage of countries such as Egypt and Turkey, which are not subject to the limits set by the system for restricting emissions, will be significantly reduced," he said.

Under the 'carbon leakage' list, introduced to address the competitiveness of industries covered by the EU emissions trading system (EU ETS), production from sectors and sub-sectors deemed to be exposed to a significant risk of 'carbon leakage' will receive a higher share of free allowances so they can face competition from industries in third countries, which are not subject to comparable greenhouse gas emissions restrictions.

[21] Ministerial decision on playground safety standards

The ministerial decision sets children's playgrounds construction, restoration and maintenance specifications guaranteeing the children's safety. The playground equipment manufacturers' responsibility is clearly defined, while the equipment used will need proper certification by an accredited inspection authority.

Municipal playgrounds should have a certification of operation and municipal authorities will have to appoint inspection commissions.

Existing playgrounds with equipment installed after November 1998 will operate based on the standards in effect at the time, while playgrounds with equipment lacking the necessary certificates will have to be upgraded.

[22] Intralot extends cooperation with Western Australia Lotteries until 2019

The amendment of the contract includes the upgrade of INTRALOT's flagship Central System, LOTOS O/S"!, and the provision of the new version of its interactive platform, B-On as well as the Horizon interactive multimedia platform.

INTRALOT will also provide Lotterywest with its newly launched interactive solution, the Mobile Lottery, a patent pending, independent end-to-end solution developed for native iOS and android, mobile and tablet devices.

[23] Aegean Airlines wins Best Regional Airline in Europe Award for the fourth time

The 2014 Skytrax World Airline Awards are based on 18.85 million completed surveys by customers from over 160 countries, who chose Aegean Airlines among roughly 245 airline companies worldwide for its high quality services.

Accepting the award Aegean Airlines vice chairman Eftichios Vassilakis underlined that "it is of great importance for a Greek airline to be honoured with the award for Best Regional Airline in Europe for the fourth consecutive year and to receive the acknowledgment of passengers worldwide. We are well aware of the fact that there is always room for improvement in order to maintain our passengers' devotion and trust in the future. This continuous distinction of Aegean Airlines is yet more proof of the fact that Greece has companies able to pass muster in a highly competitive environment, offering high quality services and attracting tourism of similar level".

On his part, Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted noted that "this award recognizes the front-line service quality being delivered by Aegean Airlines staff across all customer-facing areas, both in airport and on board environment".

[24] GSEVEE president Kavathas calls for immediate measures in support of SMEs

Referring to the major problems faced by the sector, namely, the lack of cash flow, the non-performing loans, the social insurance issue and the opening of retail shops on Sundays, Kavathas noted that "the measures taken so far have slowed the market down".

He said that retail businesses employ 85 pct of the workers in the private sector, noting that 57 pct of them are employed in small businesses with up to 9 employees producing 70-75 pct of the country's value-added. "In the past four years, no measure was taken for their support or protection, on the contrary...," he underlined.

On the opening of retail stores on Sundays, he said that it is a major issue for the confederation, underlining that according to available figures, only 4.2 pct of the businesses that opened on Sundays since November 2013 have recorded an increase in turnover with the remaining 95 pct recording an increase in expenditures, noting that the experience is same in other countries as well, like Spain.

As regards the lack of liquidity, the GSEVEE president noted that the problem has plagued the sector since 2008, with 80 pct of businesses having no access to the banking system. Referring to the stance of the banks, he underlined that 15 pct of the money they received as a result of the recapitalisation should be returned to the real economy.

Another major issue is the future of social insurance, he said, noting that the Self-employed Professionals Insurance Organization (OAEE) is on the verge of collapse.

The proposals put forth by GSEVEE and National Confederation of Hellenic Commerce (ESEE) include the recapitalisation and "freeze" of outstanding debts to OAEE until retirement time and giving the option to those insured in OAEE to choose a contribution category.

"We have estimated that if 200,000 of the 360,000 professionals, who are currently unable to pay their contributions, are given the opportunity to repay their debts the revenues that will be collected within a year will be roughly 540 million euros, approximately the size of the 2013 deficit," he underlined.

[25] Greek stocks move higher for fourth successive session

The Large Cap index rose 0.93 pct and the Mid Cap index was up 0.40 pct. Eurobank Properties (7.56 pct), Hellenic Petroleum (4.01 pct), Piraeus Bank (3.85 pct) and National Bank (2.36 pct) were top gainers among blue chip stocks, while Athens Water (3.13 pct), Intralot (3.0 pct), OPAP (2.44 pct) and Motor Oil (2.0 pct) suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day.

The Real Estate (5.46 pct), Insurance (3.10 pct), Banks (2.24 pct) and Media (2.08 pct) sectors were top gainers, while Travel (2.09 pct), Health (1.85 pct) and Raw Materials (1.30 pct) suffered losses.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 62 to 59 with another 17 issues unchanged. Dromeas (21.83 pct), Perseus (19.54 pct) and Forthnet (12.58 pct) were top gainers, while Spider (20 pct), Boutaris (19.05 pct) and Dionic (17.89 pct) were top losers.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Banks: +2.24%

Insurance: +3.10%

Financial Services: +0.44%

Industrial Products: -0.86%

Commercial: +0.12%

Real Estate: +5,46%

Personal & Household: -1,01%

Food & Beverages: +1,42%

Raw Materials: -1,30%

Construction: -0,71%

Oil: +0,83%

Chemicals: -0,42%

Media: +2,08%

Travel & Leisure: -2,09%

Technology: -1,07%

Telecoms: +1,61%

Utilities: -0,43%

Health: -1,85%

The stocks with the highest turnover were Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (OTE), Alpha Bank, National Bank of Greece, and Eurobank Properties.

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

Alpha Bank: 0.648

Public Power Corp (PPC): 10.47

Coca Cola HBC: 17.70

Hellenic Petroleum: 5.71

National Bank of Greece: 2.60

Eurobank Properties : 9.82

OPAP: 12.00

OTE: 10.70

Piraeus Bank: 1.62

Titan: 22.72

[26] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates moved slightly lower. The 12-month rate eased to 0.486 pct from 0.487 pct, the nine-month rate fell to 0.393 pct from 0.394 pct, the six-month rate eased to 0.304 pct from 0.306 pct, the three-month rate fell to 0.202 pct from 0.203 pct and the one-month rate was unchanged at 0.091 pct.

[27] ADEX closing report

General News

[28] Search underway to find two women missing on Samothrace

The two went missing after going trekking with friends in the region of Ano Meria.

The search was launched late on Tuesday night, after one of their friends, a Spanish woman, notified authorities that they cannot be reached on their mobile phones.

[29] Myrtos beach accessible to visitors

The ferry line that links Argostoli with Lixouri are held normally and the restoration works on the island's road network are expected to be completed until the end of the autumn.

[30] Cooperation memorandum signed by the Navy and the Foundation of the Hellenic World

The signing ceremony took place on board the Floating Naval Museum "Averof".

[31] TEDxMonemvasia event to take place on July 27

People, who dared to create and bring about a change, will address TEDxMonemvasia "Reclaim your Identity". Active citizens, authors, businessmen, researchers will leave their mark in an effort to disseminate creative practices, while offering ideas for opportunities and changes leading to a new model of life.

The event will be held in a Monemvasia hotel and admission will be free.

[32] Nationwide strikes and work stoppages in Greek prisons next week

A Federation announcement warned that anyone believing that the creation of high-security ("type C") correctional facilities "will even partially solve the problems in prisons, is seriously mistaken and overlooks the very serious repercussions that will follow."

"The violence, exploitation and wretchedness which permeate the correctional facilities; the murders, deaths and suicides of inmates, the congestion, the under-staffing and dismantling of the personnel, as well as the hygiene conditions in prisons," appear not to have convinced the State that the Greek prison system has collapsed and "urgently needs measures for its organisational, operational and administrative reform," according to the Federation.

The union federation additionally protested against the State's decision to turn the Domokos prison to a high-security correctional facility.

During the strikes and work stoppages by correctional officers there will be no prison visits, either by inmates' relatives or their lawyers, and no prisoner transfers or admissions. Among other cases, scheduled prison releases will not be affected.

The planned labour action includes two three-hour work stoppages each day on Tuesday and Thursday next week (7:00-10:00 and 15:00-18:00) and two 24-hour strikes on Wednesday and Friday.

The demands made by prison employees include immediate payment of hazard pay and implementation of cabinet decisions for the hiring of an additional 500 prison staff.

[33] 32-year-old Briton accused of possesion of ancient swords

Police investigated his house following a complaint against him and seized an ancient type of sword, two ancient types of knives, three ancient daggers, two sharpening rods and a statuette. The Briton, who fled from his house when he saw the police officers at his doorstep, is still at large.

[34] Second accident involving bear in 2014

An announcement by the bear conservation society Arcturos said that the bear probably entered at a nearby junction and was run over by a heavy goods vehicle and instantly killed.

The problem of road accidents involving bears in Greece will be discussed at an International Conference on Bear Management and Protection that will be organised by Acturos in October, in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki.

[35] Powerful explosion in Nea Erythrea

Sbokos, responsible for armaments supply at the National Defence ministry when Akis Tsochatzopoulos was minister, has been charged with being an accessory to breach of trust.

The explosion provoked serious damages to the restaurant and to at least five parked cars. No injuries have been reported.

Police has cordoned off the area and the bomb squad are searching the area for remains of the explosive device.

The first explosion was recorded on May 15 and totally destroyed the restaurant.

[36] Businessman Koutsikos arrested

Koutsikos is the ex-husband of former New Democracy (ND) minister Marietta Giannakou.

Weather forecast

[37] Clouds, rain on Thursday

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