Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 14-10-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] SYRIZA undermining the country, PM Samaras tells cabinet

[02] Gov't VP Venizelos: Opposition is to blame for problems in bond markets

[03] SYRIZA's Tsipras accuses the prime minister of 'scare-mongering' and 'destabilisation'

[04] Fiscal policy is the responsibility of the government, FinMin says

[05] PM Samaras' meeting with top London legal team completed

[06] Greece 'has not decided to go to trial' for Parthenon Marbles but continue UNESCO process, minister says

[07] Foreign Minister Venizelos meets with visiting Moldovan counterpart Natalia Gherman

[08] PM Samaras to meet Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang in Milan on Thursday

[09] PM Samaras tells new head of regional authorities' union he will support local government

[10] The 'Minimum Guaranteed Income' is the greatest social reform in modern history, Labour Minister says

[11] FM Venizelos expresses regret for death of persons of Greek origin in Ukraine

[12] FM Venizelos talks by phone with Greece's Consul General in Mariupol

[13] Parliament votes in principle for bill on audits into political parties' finances

[14] Health Minister Voridis briefs Parliamentary Committee for Social Affairs on Ebola

[15] Public order minister speaks of 'day of unspeakable grief' after deaths of two police officers

[16] Venizelos on stock market fall, presidential election

[17] FM Venizelos meets with former Swedish Prime Minister Persson

[18] Foreign Minister Venizelos deplores incident at Serbia-Albania match

[19] SYRIZA spokesman Skourletis on the Greek president's election

[20] Government spokeswoman Voultepsi on SYRIZA

[21] SYRIZA feeds off the people's suffering, government spokes woman says

[22] President Papoulias receives deputy sports minister

[23] Energy Minister Maniatis on political developments

[24] 'I had credible sources' journalist Emilios Liatsos told prosecutor on MPs' bribery allegations case

[25] ND secretary Papamimikos refutes that party received loan in 2013

[26] KKE's Sofianos on minimum guaranteed income, allegations of MPs 'on the take'

[27] Interior Minister Dinopoulos accepts changes in the draft law on political party fundraising via coupons

[28] SYRIZA leader Tsipras cancels meeting with Potami leader; meets judges unions

[29] ANEL Kammenos on a three-day visit to Crete

[30] KKE Gen. Sec and Attica Region governor discuss waste management issues

[31] Members of Athens' stock exchange warn political parties to cooperate on debt, growth

[32] Greek central government cash deficit down sharply in Jan-Sept

[33] Environment minister at seminar on exploiting Epirus hydrocarbons

[34] Shipping and Aegean minister attends presentation of EU's 'Perseus' research programme

[35] TAP consortium launches tender for pipeline's land section

[36] Project to upgrade port infrastructure in Katakolon is underway

[37] Swedish tourist market is important to Greece, Tourism Minister Kefalogianni says

[38] Grivalia Properties unveils 500-mln-euro investment plans

[39] Dep. Development Minister: PDO, PGI products constitute 'our competitive advantage'

[40] Greek stocks and bonds remain under heavy selling pressure

[41] Greek stocks plunge 11.62 pct in the last two sessions

[42] Greek bond market closing report

[43] ADEX closing report

[44] Foreign exchange rates - Wednesday

[45] Rebuilding of Saint Nicholas church at WTC to commence

[46] Fruit distribution programme to start in 13 schools on Oct 22

[47] PAME to hold protest rally on November 1 at Syntagma square

[48] Medically assisted reproduction authority reactivated

[49] Scattered clouds on Thursday

[50] The Wednesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance Politics

[01] SYRIZA undermining the country, PM Samaras tells cabinet

"For some time now, markets have noted that Greece is doing very well, while their only reservation is the political risk. In other words, the uncertainty about whether the country will continue on the road of reforms. The last few days, the stance of the main opposition has made this picture worse, directly undermining stability. And markets reacted at the expense of our country," he stressed.

Samaras underlined that the goverment would remain calm and "fully restore the climate of stability and confidence that Greece needs." He went on to accuse SYRIZA of seeking a confrontation with Greece's partners and of doing this from a position of weakness.

The prime minister also expressed confidence that the country would soon enter the post-memorandum era, once the results of bank stress tests and a final settlement for the country's debt were in.

He urged the coalition government's minister not to relax the pace, stressing the need for more and better coordination between ministries, better cooperation between ministers and more promotion of the government's work. Referring to a series of measures to reduce taxes and restore injustices, Samaras underlined that "all this will be lost if [the country] returns to reckless spending and populism."

As landmarks in the government's course, he cited a series of crucial legislative measures, such as an increase in the installments for settling debts to the public sector or those dealing with bad business loans.

"Our weapon is the truth. Our enemy is the lies and destabilisation attempted through lies," the prime minister said, stressing that the government's policies were daily being vindicated by measures such as tax cuts and others giving relief to the economy.

"This is an excellent omen and this is the best way to gauge what's happening, the course of the economy and the measures for society's relief that our economy now allows," he added.

According to Samaras, a "grey and hazy" period for Greece was now ending and the country could not be allowed to slip back into a crisis, since this would be devastating for all. He again accused SYRIZA of trying to prevent the course of recovery and return the country to memorandums by heedlessly promising handouts.

He promised that the greater part of the injustices created by the crisis would have been corrected by the end of the government's four-year term and stressed that elections would be held at the time set by the Constitution. "This is why some people want to trigger elections in any way right now, because they know that a little later will be too late for them. Greece will be going better and better from now on and this is what scares them," he said.

The prime minister renewed his attack on the main opposition regarding the presidential election, accusing SYRIZA of trying to intimidate MPs into voting a certain way through its statements and creating insecurity in the markets.

Stressing that the government will overcome these disruptions, he called on ministers to "hold a steady course".

"It is in our hands whether we will finally defeat the populism and irresponsibility that has plagued our country for so many decades. Now is the most crucial time. We have Parliament's confidence and I have absolute confidence in you, that we will now take the last steps of a great marathon to bring the country out of the crisis. That we will not let anyone bring the crisis back," he told cabinet ministers.

[02] Gov't VP Venizelos: Opposition is to blame for problems in bond markets

Venizelos said two important issues need to be stressed: "The first is that what we're living now are scenes from the future, scenes from a future the country must avoid. Destabilisation and uncertainty are the biggest hurdles we face in the road towards the exit from the crisis."

The second, the minister said, is what the Prime Minister Antonis Samaras explained in his own speech, that the government is facing a "Stalinist method of preventive slander."

"This has never happened before, not in the '60s, not in the '50s. Someone may be accused of something after an event, based on some assumptions, but before anything happens - this has never happened, not even during the hardest times of Greek political life," Venizelos said.

The minister also said the government chose to start the process of voting for a new president of the republic in February has "deeply disturbed" the opposition because it "cancelled its scenarios and disproved their entire strategy."

[03] SYRIZA's Tsipras accuses the prime minister of 'scare-mongering' and 'destabilisation'

Addressing his party's Political Secretariat, Tsipras said that "the government leads the country to an unprecedented dead end" and underlined the need for early elections.

He said that "after the Paris fiasco and the Berlin fiasco now is the turn of the Washington fiasco to confirm the virtual reality of the 'success story' and reveal the dramatic failure of the Samaras government".

Tsipras said that he asked the prime minister in parliament "to stop the tension escalation plans and the destabilisation efforts and called for elections held in a coordinated and orderly manner".

"Instead, the prime minister preferred to extend the tension and the destabilisation scare tactics for another four months," Tsipras said.

He also added that government officials are bringing back scenarios that place people's bank savings at risk and expressed certainty that "the government effort to undermine SYRIZA will not destabilise the country".

[04] Fiscal policy is the responsibility of the government, FinMin says

Kammenos had tabled a question to Prime Minister Antonis Samaras following comments made by Finance Minister over the solution sought by the government in the aftermath of court decisions on special payrolls. Hardouvelis had said, during a speech at the Association of Hellenic Enterprises annual assembly, that "politicians decide on fiscal policy and not the judicial authority," adding that "Justice has a word on what it right and not right, but it cannot decide on fiscal policy". Kammenos had strongly criticized these comments.

"Court decisions on judicial and uniformed men pay have a significant impact on the public sector's payroll cost and on the fiscal policy of the country," the Finance Minister said in its response submitted to Parliament, adding that "fiscal policy was the responsibility of the government, much more during the crisis, when all relative decisions have to do with the survival of the country".

"Our parliamentary democracy offers the possibility to every government that has won the general elections to draft its own fiscal policy through the execution of the state budget," Hardouvelis said, adding that "in any case the government respects judicial decisions and uses every means offered by the law to deal with issues related with the smooth execution of the budget".

[05] PM Samaras' meeting with top London legal team completed

The Greek premier welcomed the valuable support given to Greece at its efforts for the return of the Parthenon Marbles.

[06] Greece 'has not decided to go to trial' for Parthenon Marbles but continue UNESCO process, minister says

Tassoulas said a decision was made to continue with the mediation process that has been accepted by UNESCO regarding Greece's demand for the reunification of the Parthenon sculptures, "having at our side, in addition to Greeks, also foreign legal experts for advice, such as these three distinguished lawyers."

The press conference in the new Acropolis Museum was given after in-depth discussions with UK barristers Amal Alamuddin, a celebrity following her recent marriage to George Clooney, who came to Athens accompanied by the founder of the London-based legal firm Doughty Street Chambers where she works, Geoffrey Robertson QC, and cultural property law expert Norman Palmer QC.

Also present at the press conference were the president of the International Association for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles David Hill and Culture Ministry General Secretary Lina Mendoni.

The three barristers stressed that the issue of the reunification of the Marbles was a "unique case" and that their reunification was imperative. They also outlined their intentions concerning a legal bid for the sculptures' reunification.

"The Greek government is right to ask for the return of the sculptures 200 years after their removal. It is an injustice that has lasted a very long time, an issue that is among the 10 most urgent regarding works of art. The time has come for the British Museum to return the Sculptures to Greece, while the problem can be resolved for the benefit of both peoples," Alamuddin said.

Robertson stressed that the issue did not just concern Greece: "The Marbles are important for all the world. The fact that these sculptures are in two separate places, with 60 pct in Greece and 40 pct in Britain, is a terrible barbarity. If they are reunited, all the world will have the opportunity to see the start of civilisation."

The British Museum could keep some works of art, such as the Egyptian mummies, but it was obliged to return the Parthenon Sculptures, he added.

According to Tassoulas, the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee unanimously decided to recommend to the United Kingdom that it take part in the mediation process requested by Greece. In the six months given to Britain to reply, he added, Greece would receive legal advice from the Doughty Street Chambers team, as well as its own legal counsel at the ministry.

If Britain responded to UNESCO's invitation, Robertson clarified, the mediation process would begin and "the three of us will be at the negotiating table". He pointed out, however, that the British government has so far adopted the position that this is a matter for the British Museum, which has ruled out their return.

"Our aim is not to empty the museums but the Parthenon Sculptures are a unique case," he underlined, adding that his team was not planning any legal action at present and would only provide legal advice. At the same time, he pointed out that there were avenues, such as international courts or alternative mechanisms for settling disputes like mediation, that needed to be explored.

"Great Britain is great because it takes international law and its decisions into account," he stressed.

Palmer, the third member of the team, stressed that the world was changing, its laws evolving and museums needed to adapt to these changes: "If international laws change, museums must also change," he pointed out.

All three noted changes in British law, such as Parliamentary decisions allowing the return of cultural artifacts to the Australian aborigines and others forbidding acceptance of stolen cultural treasures, stressing that if some exceptions were made then others could also exist.

Hill also highlighted the role of Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras for his initiative in bringing the legal firm to Greece: "I want to give a big thank you to Antonis Samaras, who has taken this matter much further forward than at any time in the past." He praised the premier's bravery and stressed that Greece was not alone but had a great many friends, who would not rest until the sculptures had been returned.

Replying to reporters' questions, Tassoulas stressed that the Greek government would do its utmost to arrive at a friendly settlement with Britain on this issue, repeating that Greece would await the completion of the UNESCO process and not proceed with legal action at this time, while continuing to look into other options.

Prior to the press conference, the three London barristers were shown around the Acropolis Museum by its curator, the well-known archaeologist Dimitris Pantermalis.

"The tragic part of this story is that half the frieze is what we see here and the other half is abroad," Hill had commented to Alamuddin as they stood in the third-floor gallery, where the segments of the frieze remaining in Athens are on display.

They were accompanied by Tassoulas, Mendoni and the author Nicholas Gage, as well as a host of TV crews and photo-journalists that had earlier gathered outside for a shot of the newly wed Mrs. Clooney. The one-hour tour took in the sculptures on the lower floors, such as archaic korae that still bear traces of the pigments that decorated their originally colourful garments, before moving on to the caryatids and the Parthenon gallery.

[07] Foreign Minister Venizelos meets with visiting Moldovan counterpart Natalia Gherman

Venizelos referred to his visit six months ago to Chisinau and to the Memorandum of Understanding signed to provide know-how and expertise on European issues. He also said that Moldova made very important steps toward its EU accession with the signing of an EU Association Agreement and the abolition of the visa requirement for Moldova passport holders.

He underlined that Greece was always a stable and warm supporter of the country's European prospect, noting that Greece worked toward this end in a very unstable regional environment when it held the rotating EU presidency.

Venizelos also referred to the Executive Programme in the sectors of culture, education and science for 2015-2016 signed with his Moldovan counterpart and expressed hope that new boost will be given to bilateral cultural contacts.

He made a special reference to the importance attributed by Greece to the respect of Moldova's territorial integrity and sovereignty, underlining that the inviolability of the borders and regional stability are the main axes of Greece's policy in the region. He said that for this reason, Greece supports the 5+2 Talks on Transnistria and the programme of confidence-building-measures implemented with the support of the European Union.

The meeting also focused on issues of regional interest, the latest developments in Ukraine, the Cyprus issue, Greek-Turkish relations and the situation in southeastern Mediterranean.

On her part, the Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration confirmed the excellent bilateral relations and thanked the Greek government and the Greek people for their support of her country's European prospect.

She referred to bilateral cooperation with Greece and underlined the need to forge closer cooperation in the sectors of energy, trade, education and science focusing on the common past shared by the two countries and expressing hope for a common European future.

Referring to the efforts made by the Greek government to lead the country out of the crisis, she said that this effort and experience is valuable to Moldova.

[08] PM Samaras to meet Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang in Milan on Thursday

Samaras will travel to Italy on Thursday morning.

[09] PM Samaras tells new head of regional authorities' union he will support local government

According to sources, the premier told him "the government will support local government and help with its problems."

[10] The 'Minimum Guaranteed Income' is the greatest social reform in modern history, Labour Minister says

Vroutsis pointed out that the current pensioners would not be affected by the new system of minimum pension to be applied as of January.

The Labour minister underlined that the minimum guaranteed income "is the greatest social reform in modern history" adding that a new mechanism is set up so that the provision of social benefits will not be "blind" and money can go directly to those in need.

Vroutsis stressed that the minimum guaranteed income would cover around 700,000 persons, taking into consideration their family and financial situation. Moreover, unemployed people living with their parents can also be beneficiaries of the minimum guaranteed income, he added.

[11] FM Venizelos expresses regret for death of persons of Greek origin in Ukraine

Seven people were killed during a mortar attack against Sartanas on Tuesday.

"It was with great sadness that I learned from the Greek Consul General in Mariupol and the President of the Federation of Greek Communities of Ukraine, Mrs. Alexandra Prochenko that persons of Greek origin were among the victims who lost their lives in artillery shelling yesterday in the village of Sartana, near Mariupol," Venizelos said.

"I express my deep and sincere condolences to the families of the victims. Our support will be direct."

The minister also said instructions have already been issued to the Greek Consul General in Mariupol to provide any possible assistance to the families of the people who lost their lives and those who were injured.

"The protection of citizens of Greek origin in Mariupol and the wider region is our number-one concern. What is needed is respect for the ceasefire and a practicable politico-diplomatic solution," he added.

[12] FM Venizelos talks by phone with Greece's Consul General in Mariupol

Venizelos gave Papandreou instructions regarding the immediate investigation of the veracity of reports to the effect that a member of the Greek Ukrainian community was among the victims of yesterday's bomb attack on the village of Sartana, Ukraine, and the provision of all necessary assistance to the families of the residents of Greek origin of the affected village.

[13] Parliament votes in principle for bill on audits into political parties' finances

New Democracy, PASOK and the Democratic Left (DIMAR) supported the bill in principle, while main opposition SYRIZA expressed reservations saying that if the government did not proceed immediately with substantial changes, it would vote against it. Independent Greeks, communist KKE party and Golden Dawn voted against it.

The voting followed a highly heated debate between the government and SYRIZA on New Democracy and PASOK loans, while there were a lot of counter-accusations regarding the election of the President of the Republic.

New Democracy and PASOK said there was nothing reprehensible on the loans they had taken, with the main opposition accusing the coalition government of not giving sufficient explanation on the issue.

Interior Minister Argyris Dinopoulos said SYRIZA was blackmailing deputies and spoke of slander while SYRIZA deputy Zoi Konstantopoulou referred to usurpation of power.

Tension escalated when the secretary of SYRIZA's parliamentary group Nikos Voutsis raised the issue of the loans granted to the two parties, accusing New Democracy and PASOK of not giving any explanation on the 300-million-euro loans they have received and on their servicing.

"The bill is a goodwill effort. The big issue is that there is an attachment to specific economic interests of certain political groups," DIMAR leader Fotis Kouvelis said.

"New Democracy got all the loans with absolute transparency; those loans and any other debt are being serviced," Dinopoulos said.

Konstantopoulou accused the government of being morally and politically deposed. She said that the prime minister's statement that there are 180 deputies should have caused a prosecution intervention as it denotes a usurpation of the Parliament's powers.

PASOK parliamentary spokesman Kostas Triantafyllos accused the main opposition of criminalizing the political system by going back to 1998. He replied to the accusations concerning PASOK loans, speaking of populism and noting that the issue should be terminated. He acknowledged there was mismanagement in PASOK as far as spending was concerned and called on SYRIZA to give answers on how much money it owes.

Independent Greeks rapporteur Yiannis Dimaras criticized what has been heard on bribery, saying that having suspicions is one thing and proving them is quite another.

Golden Dawn rapporteur Antonis Gregos, on his part, asked for New Democracy and PASOK to give explanations on their loans.

New Democracy rapporteur Simos Kedikoglou and PASOK rapporteur Yiannis Koutsoukos referred to a bill that enhances and secures the substantial control of the parties' funding, legislating strict rules on their revenues and spending.

According to SYRIZA rapporteur Olga Gerovassili, the bill renders the under-the-table transactions and vested interests legitimate.

"This should be called a bill of legitimizing the transaction of parties and businessmen," KKE rapporteur Yiannis Giokas said asking for the withdrawal of the bill.

[14] Health Minister Voridis briefs Parliamentary Committee for Social Affairs on Ebola

Doctors in hospital emergency departments will also be further trained to deal with such cases, while a drill will take place next Friday in cooperation with the Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention (KEELPNO) and the National Health Operations Center (EKEPY).

In view of EU Health ministers' meeting on Thursday in Brussels on the possible emergence of Ebola virus and measures to tackle it, Voridis along with KEELPNO and EKEPY are currently briefing the Parliamentary Committee on Social Affairs.

Voridis informed the deputies-members of the Committee that a questionnaire will be distributed by the airliners and will also be handed out in ports, on which passengers should fill in their country of origin, the time of departure from their country of origin, as well as details on their health condition. The aim is to increase the level of alertness of the travelers themselves, as he said. Voridis added that this questionnaire has already been distributed in the USA.

Voridis also stated that a measure proposed by several countries is the installation of thermal cameras at the entrance gates. "But it is considered a controversial measure because it indicates fever from any cause. Instead a milder screening seems to be more adequate," he noted.

Greece does not face any financial trouble in dealing with possible cases of Ebola and taking all necessary measures, Voridis said commenting on talk about the risk of Ebola virus transmission in Greece due to the austerity and economic crisis.

Voridis made clear that the Health ministry has informed the relevant services that any needs in staff, that will be trained to deal with suspected and confirmed cases, and possibly in medical supplies will be met.

He also said that the relevant services will define the places where specialised health officials will be sent in order to deal with possible suspicious cases, adding that the Defence Ministry will also provide soldiers with instructions on the issue.

[15] Public order minister speaks of 'day of unspeakable grief' after deaths of two police officers

The first death, of a 30-year-old special guard in a DIAS motorcycle police patrol, occurred just before midnight on Tuesday. Earlier on Wednesday, a 23-year-old policeman on his way to a seminar at the Immigrations Department and a woman were both killed near central Athens when a driver lost control of his vehicle and hit them, as he was trying to flee the scene of an accident. A second woman was seriously injured and is now in critical condition after amputations to her lower limbs. The driver of the vehicle suffered minor injuries and is now in hospital under police guard.

The first victim was hit and fatally injured by two passing cars on Kifissos avenue, while trying to flag down a suspect car for inspection, and thrown several metres down a side street.

"Words are just not enough," Kikilias said. "For the Greek police force, this day is a day of unspeakable grief. In less than 12 hours we lost two young police officers in two tragic car accidents. I express my deepest grief for police officer Anastasios Christoulides, a young man who lost his life at a car accident while going to attend a police seminar. Along with Christoulides, another person lost her life. My sincere condolences to the families of the victims of these tragedies," he added.

By order of the minister, flags on all police stations and services, as well as the public order ministry, will be flying at half-mast on Wednesday and Thursday.

[16] Venizelos on stock market fall, presidential election

After meeting with Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Natalia Gherman, he said that "we watch scenes from a future the Greek people will have to avoid. We see how fragile the situation is and how important it is to be united to be able to exit the memorandum. Turning petty-partisan disputes into an argument that can be used against us by the markets is even more dangerous. Therefore, everybody should realise that what we say and do here in Greece is exported immediately and works either in favour or against the country. Unfortunately, now it works against it."

Responding to a question on rumors concerning allegations on MP bribery and buyout of consciences ahead of the vote in parliament for the election of a new president of the republic, Venizelos spoke about "sordidness" and noted that it is a "Stalinist-type operation of preventive slander targeting the independent, transparent and according to a conscience vote of MPs", adding that an investigation is already underway by justice.

He also said that these "Stalinist-type approaches" have no place in European democracies and European states ruled by law, noting that the election of the new president of the republic takes place openly through a roll call vote and before the eyes of the Greek people.

[17] FM Venizelos meets with former Swedish Prime Minister Persson

Venizelos briefed Persson on the state of the Greek economy and the efforts Greece is making to exit the crisis. The meeting also included a discussion of the main issues the European Union and the Eurozone are facing, as well as of the latest international developments.

[18] Foreign Minister Venizelos deplores incident at Serbia-Albania match

Replying to a question by the ANA-MPA regarding the appearance of a remote-controlled flying object with the flag of "Greater Albania" at the match in Belgrade, Venizelos said he was confident that the government's of both countries would react in the appropriate manner.

"In the Balkans, we have had many unpleasant historical experiences, and I am certain that the governments of both of these two neighbouring and friendly countries, Albania and Serbia, not only disapprove of these incidents, but will also seize this opportunity, through statements and actions, to impart a strong sense of regional stability, of respect for the existing borders, and of the common European perspective of all the countries of the region," he said.

Members of Albania's Greek minority from the village Dervitsani, meanwhile, reported to local media that they had been targets of threatening behaviour in the aftermath of the interrupted EURO championship match. They claimed that residents of a neighbouring village had come in convoys of cars, shouting slogans such as "We will burn you, Christians" and had attacked, injured or otherwise intimidated villagers.

[19] SYRIZA spokesman Skourletis on the Greek president's election

"I think each of the 300 deputies should mainly consider if he or she can give (prime minister Antonis) Samaras' government a 'green light' to continue leading the country downhill," he said referring to the election of a new president of Greece.

Skourletis said that no one in SYRIZA referred to "venal deputies" and added: "To the best of my knowledge, this is what officials from the government's side say. Who said that? Have you heard anyone in SYRIZA saying that?"

"I heard government deputies saying such things...The tension in the government's statements shows, however, that this is a hypocritical stance with different purposes. It is trying to create artificial tension to cover up the new fiasco in the IMF case and in the narrative of a withdrawal from the memorandum."

Regarding SYRIZA's statements on a New Democracy loan in 2013, amounting to around 13 million euros, he said: "If I am not mistaken, the amount derives from its balance sheet. If the increased amount is the result of a new loan or the non-servicing of a loan - meaning interests were capitalised - they must explain it to us...I did not raise the issue, I am simply responding to your question."

[20] Government spokeswoman Voultepsi on SYRIZA

Voultepsi underlined that after repeated comments by SYRIZA alleging bribery of MPs, party spokesman Panos Skourletis "had the unbelievable nerve to mumble that no one from his party had spoken about venal MPs and that only government officials had made such comments".

"Aside from being ridiculous, SYRIZA poisons the country's political scene with the exclusive aim of causing political anomaly, upsetting the markets and condemning the country to instability," Voultepsi said.

[21] SYRIZA feeds off the people's suffering, government spokes woman says

Speaking on ALPHA 989 radio, she noted "reality is constantly distorted. Now, that our country should be calm and move toward an exit from the memorandums and the crisis, the opposition chooses to engage in an attack using all available means, namely, lies, slander, personal attacks, and digging up the past, using a language of hate and constant threats against our partners and the markets".

Voultepsi reminded SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras' warning in parliament that he will not accept any agreement reached without the consensus of the main opposition.

Referring to SYRIZA, the government spokeswoman noted that "they feed off memorandums, poverty and the people's suffering and now, they are alarmed because a very serious effort is being made - with our partners' assistance and consent - to exit the memorandum and proceed with our own programme made by us and based on our country's needs. Seeing that we are moving toward the exit they do everything they can to prevent it."

Voultepsi also referred to the foreign media reports, noting that "they talk about political instability and early elections that scare the markets...I do not need to say more when we have the example of Argentina and Cyprus. We have the examples".

The government spokeswoman said "the country has to be calm to be able to exit the memorandum and move on to the day after...It will be a day of hope when the country, with its own programme, will benefit from everything it should benefit from, namely, its tourism, exports, natural gas, oil...".

"We did not start the discussion on the alleged 'bribery of MPs'. It was not started by the government. The instability, intimidation, the threats against individuals and political parties; this is not democracy," she underlined.

[22] President Papoulias receives deputy sports minister

After praising the ministry's efforts, Papoulias also referred to serious incidents during a match between Serbia and Albania, noting that some people exploited sports. Adrianos agreed and stressed the need for caution, stressing that problems were created by precisely these kinds of actions.

[23] Energy Minister Maniatis on political developments

Maniatis, who is paying a two-day visit in Epirus, said: "It is not possible to have conditions of extreme polarization, because of a small two-party system," he said.

"The national effort is being undermined, the national economy is being undermined, and mainly the country's negotiation ability is being undermined during the crucial moments we are going through," he said adding that seriousness, responsibility and commitment are required at this national effort.

[24] 'I had credible sources' journalist Emilios Liatsos told prosecutor on MPs' bribery allegations case

Liatsos invoked the reporter's privilege to protect and not to name sources.

Liatsos, who was summoned to testify as the issue was published in his newspaper, said his information came from credible sources.

"The judicial investigation was rightly ordered. The truth will be sought after and I hope we have results. This is an ongoing judicial investigation and I cannot reveal what I testified. I invoked the reporter's privilege, but I consider my source completely reliable" he said.

The legal representative of the paper Mihalis Dimitrakopoulos, who accompanied Liatsos to the prosecutor, said: "Everything in the report comes from credible people". He added that Liatsos did not violate the principles of journalism and did not reveal his sources.

A prosecution investigation has been ordered into the issue following statements by main opposition SYRIZA spokesman Panos Skourletis citing a report of "Kontra news" paper on an attempted deputies' bribery, in order to ensure the election of the new President of the Republic.

SYRIZA spokesman Panos Skourletis has been summoned to testify on Thursday while the former leader of Synaspismos party Nikos Konstantopoulos, who had made similar allegations in the past, will testify on Monday.

[25] ND secretary Papamimikos refutes that party received loan in 2013

"ND has not taken out any loan in 2013. I speak about the specific period, before that we all took out loans," he said. "If one reads the accounts, one sees that the 14 million [euros] are the unpaid interest from 2013, on our side. That is absolutely clear and that is what the chartered accountants are checking," Papamimikos said.

He also challenged SYRIZA to produce any evidence in its possession and prove its allegations that ND had taken out loans. "Let them tells when, how much and from which bank we received this loan," he said in statements on the radio station Vima FM, adding his belief that SYRIZA was well aware that this was not the case but "wanted to trigger destabilisation".

[26] KKE's Sofianos on minimum guaranteed income, allegations of MPs 'on the take'

Speaking on the an ANT1 TV breakfast show, he said the MGI was a "guaranteed sharing of poverty" while the SYRIZA-government skirmish was "the new version of the well-worn and old scene of polarisation".

He stressed that KKE's proposal was unemployment benefit for the entire period of employment and restoring the 13th and 14th 'bonus' pensions that had been 'forgotten' in a draft law tabled by SYRIZA.

On the accusations about the bribery of MPs, Sofianos said that both the government and main opposition had "open relations with business circles" and the discussion sought to cover up the current policy and those that benefited from it.

[27] Interior Minister Dinopoulos accepts changes in the draft law on political party fundraising via coupons

Interior Minister Argyris Dinopoulos appeared open to reparative changes, accepting riders or proposals on the facilitation of political parties in debt and their use of fundraising coupons.

The minister accepted a rider sponsored by ND MP Kostas Karagounis and PASOK MP Yiannis Koutsoukos for a minimum guaranteed revenue for political parties that meet the preconditions for state financing as provided by law to safeguard their sustainability

Following the strong reactions of MPs from all political parties in parliament, he proceeded with a reparative change on the issue of anonymous coupons. According to the regulation introduced, political parties will be allowed to use up to 150,000 euros worth of anonymous coupons a year for fundraising purposes.

A vote on the draft law is expected to take place later today.

[28] SYRIZA leader Tsipras cancels meeting with Potami leader; meets judges unions

The presidents said that they briefed Tsipras on issues related to the operation of justice, such as security in courts and job vacancies. They also briefed him on the major issue that has arisen as a result of the executive power's failure to enforcement court decisions regarding the judiciary officials, but also other sectors, such as uniformed services personnel and the finance ministry cleaners.

Meanwhile, the scheduled meeting between Tsipras and Potami leader Stavros Theodorakis for Thursday has been cancelled.

"We do not have a common programme with Tsipras-Kammenos," Theodorakis' close associates said adding that this decision was taken because of a climate of polarisation in the political scene, after the vote of confidence and the meeting between Tsipras and Independent Greeks (ANEL) leader Panos Kammenos.

[29] ANEL Kammenos on a three-day visit to Crete

Kammenos, currently on a three-day visit to the island of Crete, said that the support given by main opposition Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) to ANEL's proposal on "bad loans" is important, adding that he has contacted the Democratic Left (DIMAR) leader Fotis Kouvelis, with whom he will seek to have a meeting in the next few days. He also said that he will have contacts with independent MPs as well, noting that independent MP Vyron Polydoras has already given his support.

Referring to the likelihood of entering a government alliance with SYRIZA after the elections, he repeated that ANEL has drawn certain "lines in the sand" on issues of national interest, religion and migration, noting that they are non negotiable.

"We will find a solution because what matters most is to be able to build the government of tomorrow by respecting each other's limits," he added.

[30] KKE Gen. Sec and Attica Region governor discuss waste management issues

Koutsoumbas briefed Dourou on KKE's positions on waste management issues and other matters of concern to the region.

Financial News

[31] Members of Athens' stock exchange warn political parties to cooperate on debt, growth

SMEXA also warned that if rates stay at their current level, Greece will not be able to raise capital from the markets, saying politicians must understand that we need markets on the country's side, not against it.

"Markets are made up of capital that belongs to insurance funds, private investors and pensioners. All these people are trying to secure the best possible yield with the least possible risk - they cannot be blackmailed and they don't blackmail," SMEXA said.

"If they see good conditions, they buy and they invest. If they see adverse conditions or if they start doubting, because of any uncertainty (political, economic), they sell. Ignorance of how markets operate is disastrous for the country, as has been proven in the recent past," it added.

[32] Greek central government cash deficit down sharply in Jan-Sept

The central bank, in a report, said that during this period, ordinary budget revenue amounted to 34.459 billion euros, compared to 32.740 billion in the corresponding period of last year. It includes revenue of 1.310 billion euros from repayment of preference shares, while revenue of 62 million regarding Securities Market Programme (SMP) income transfers from Eurosystem central banks is excluded. Ordinary budget expenditure, including expenditure of about 312 million euros for the repayment of arrears, as well as 451 million euros for Greece' s contribution to the European Stability Mechanism, amounted to 36.447 billion euros, from 42.680 billion euros in January-September 2013. The cash primary balance of the state budget (surplus 2.757 billion euros) remains a surplus if revenue regarding Securities Market Programme (SMP) income transfers from Eurosystem central banks is included and revenue from repayment of preference shares, as well as expenditure for the repayment of arrears and for Greece's contribution to the European Stability Mechanism are excluded, the central bank said.

[33] Environment minister at seminar on exploiting Epirus hydrocarbons

He stressed that Greece was exploiting its mineral wealth and generating new revenues and new jobs, adding that the discussion that began symbolically in Ioannina will continue in other areas of the country.

[34] Shipping and Aegean minister attends presentation of EU's 'Perseus' research programme

In an address that followed, Varvitsiotis stressed that Greece's coast guard had contributed actively to the specific project and he underlined the need for new electronic systems in order to combat illegal migration.

"This is why we take part in these exercises, which highlight the particularities of each system. We have, in any case, included procurements programmes in the next period linked to electronic surveillance," he said.

He also emphasised the great efforts made by the coast guard to stem the tide of illegal migrants, saying that this would many times its present level if they did not and that the country would be "literally overrun".

[35] TAP consortium launches tender for pipeline's land section

Shareholders in the TAP consortium are BP (20 pct), SOCAR (20 pct), Statoil (20 pct), Fluxys (19 pct), Enag?s (16 pct) and Axpo (5 pct).

[36] Project to upgrade port infrastructure in Katakolon is underway

The upgrade is designed to create a reception and servicing area for tourists disembarking from cruise ships, restore old warehouses and regenerate the surrounding area. Construction also includes extending the coastal platform and the central pier.

"With development projects we enhance the cruise infrastructure that would allow Katakolon to become an important port in the Mediterranean," Apostolos Katsifaras, the prefect of Western Greece, said after visiting the port.

When the construction is completed, Katakolon will be a safe harbor able to serve cruise ships longer than 300 meters, while offering a better service to thousands of visitors who disembark, he said.

Construction is also underway for a new motorway that will link the road from Pyrgos to Katakolon to the motorway of Patras-Pyrgos-Ancient Olympia and the northwestern road between Patras-Pyrgos-Tsakona.

The project has already been included for co-financing in the investment plan for Western Greece, with a total budget of 10,898,640 euros.

[37] Swedish tourist market is important to Greece, Tourism Minister Kefalogianni says

Addressing the 1st Greece-Sweden Business Forum hosted by the Hellenic-Swedish Chamber of Commerce, she pointed out that the tourism sector is a basic pylon of the economy and noted that it supports more than 700,000 jobs, aside from the revenues it generates.

Kefalogianni said that, according to figures by IKA, the largest social insurance fund in the country, a total of 120,000 jobs were created in the tourism sector in the first half of the year corresponding to more than 650 million euros in social insurance contributions.

She also said that the Swedish tourist market is very important to Greece, noting that a total of 368,834 Swedes visited the country in 2013 compared with 319,756 in 2012 - up 15.3 pct - while a further increase was recorded in 2014. Specifically, a total of 8,795 Swedes visited Greece in the first quarter of 2014 compared with 4,546 in the same period last year, up 93.5 pct.

[38] Grivalia Properties unveils 500-mln-euro investment plans

Presenting its plans, during a new conference, George Chrysikos, Grivalia's chief executive, said the investments will focus on commercial property, logistics units and state-owned properties due for exploitation, with the aim to raise the value of its asset portfolio to more than 1.3 billion euros in the coming years.

Chrysikos expressed his optimism over the course of the real estate development market in Greece and over the inflow of new capital from domestic and foreign sources. Fairfax is the largest shareholder in Grivalia with an equity stake of 41.5 pct. Eurobank holds a 20 pct equity stake.

[39] Dep. Development Minister: PDO, PGI products constitute 'our competitive advantage'

"We discussed with my counterparts the strategic direction the EU has to take on issues of external trade...Concerning the agreement under discussion between the EU and the United States, I stressed the importance of protecting PDO and PGI products which constitute our comparative advantage and heritage," Mitarachi said.

"I stressed the need to respect PDO and PGI products not just by third countries but by European businesses that are active outside the EU," he added.

[40] Greek stocks and bonds remain under heavy selling pressure

Bond prices also came under pressure in the domestic electronic secondary bond market, with the yield spread between the 10-year Greek and German benchmark bonds widening to 6.75 pct. The Greek bond yielded more than 7.6 pct in midday trading.

[41] Greek stocks plunge 11.62 pct in the last two sessions

The composite index fell 6.25 pct to end at 888.93 points, after falling as low as 852.87 points. The index is down 23.54 pct so far this year. Turnover soared to a heavy 263.04 million euros.

The Large Cap index dropped 6.32 pct and the Mid Cap index ended 4.64 pct. All blue chip stocks suffered heavy losses, led by GEK Terna (16.67 pct), Terna Energy (14.55 pct), Athens Water (14.04 pct), National Bank (11.06 pct), Viohalco (10.46 pct), OPAP (9.68 pct) and PPC (9.67 pct).

All market sectors ended lower, led by Utilities (10.99 pct), Travel (9.09 pct), Personal Products (7.23 pct), Industrial Products (7.22 pct) and Banks (7.00 pct). Broadly, decliners led advancers by 113 to 21 with another 12 issues unchanged. Domiki Crete (19.64 pct), Viokarpet (14.94 pct) and NEL (12.50 pct) were top gainers, while Minerva (29.91 pct), Mermeren (21.10 pct) and ANEK (20 pct) were top losers.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Banks: -7.00%

Insurance: -4.35%

Financial Services: -6.44%

Industrials: -7.22%

Retail: -2.94%

Real Estate: -4.62%

Personal & Household: -4.26%

Food & Beverages: -1.94%

Raw Materials: -6.68%

Construction: -6.92%

Oil: -4.26%

Chemicals: -4.32%

Mass Media: unchanged

Travel & Leisure: -9.09%

Technology: -3.32%

Telecoms: -5.10%

Utilities: -10.99%

Health: -0.46%

?

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

Selected shares from the FTSE/ASE Large Cap index closed in euros as follows:

Alpha Bank: 0.538

Public Power Corp (PPC): 6.54

Coca Cola HBC: 16.00

Hellenic Petroleum (ELPE): 4.36

National Bank of Greece: 1.85

OPAP: 8.58

OTE: 9.30

Piraeus Bank: 1.10

Titan: 17.00

Eurobank Properties: 8.00

[42] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates moved lower. The 12-month rate eased to 0.338, the nine-month rate eased to 0.254 pct from 0.255 pct, the six-month rate was unchanged at 0.182 pct, the three-month rate was stable at 0.082 pct and the one-month rate eased to 0.006 pct from 0.008 pct.

[43] ADEX closing report

[44] Foreign exchange rates - Wednesday

U.S. dollar 1.2666

Pound sterling 0.7957

Danish kroner 7.4453

Swedish kroner 9.2003

Japanese yen 135.5

Swiss franc 1.2072

Norwegian kroner 8.38

Canadian dollar 1.4405

Australian dollar 1.4527

General News

[45] Rebuilding of Saint Nicholas church at WTC to commence

The small Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas destroyed on September 11, 2001 when it was crushed under the falling Twin Towers will be rebuilt based on designs by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.

A ground blessing ceremony for the Saint Nicholas National Shrine at the World Trade Center is set for Saturday, October 18.

Established in 1916, the small Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas was the only house of worship destroyed on September 11, 2001. The new Saint Nicholas National Shrine will be rebuilt only a short distance away from its original location, at 130 Liberty Street and will be overlooking the 9/11 Memorial.

The new church will be a modern evolution of a Byzantine style church with a dome and will fit in with the steel and glass structures of the surrounding area. The upper level of the church will include a non-denominational bereavement space open to all.

Archbishop Demetrios of America will preside at the ground blessing ceremony with the participation of the hierarchs of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Among those attending will be local authorities, chaplains and interfaith representatives, family members of victims of 9/11, representatives of Archdiocesan institutions and organizations and many faithful.

[46] Fruit distribution programme to start in 13 schools on Oct 22

The programme aims at familiarising children with the nutritional value of fruit, which will be distributed together with informative material.

[47] PAME to hold protest rally on November 1 at Syntagma square

PAME demands include the restitution of minimum wage to 751 euros, an unemployment benefit of 600 euros for all the unemployed, a minimum pension of 600 euros, the restitution of the 13th and the 14th salaries as well as the annulment of taxes that hurt wages and pensions.

[48] Medically assisted reproduction authority reactivated

Weather forecast

[49] Scattered clouds on Thursday

[50] The Wednesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

EFIMERIDA TON SYNTAKTON: They are going down and are getting delirious

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: Signs of collapse

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: Wage increases of 12-232 euros for uniformed personnel

ESTIA: A referendum for the President

ETHNOS: Sweeping law for doctors and the National Healthcare System

IMERISSIA: Dangerous games

KATHIMERINI: Markets in the swirl of political risk

LOGOS: Stock market collapse

NAFTEMPORIKI: Uncertainty causes tremors in the markets

RIZOSPASTIS: A "Guaranteed" sharing of poverty

TA NEA: The bug of uncertainty

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