Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 15-09-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras sworn in as prime minister

[02] Tsipras receives mandate to form government from President Pavlopoulos

[03] Tsipras says new government must correct weaknesses of previous seven months

[04] SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras meets ANEL leader Panos Kammenos

[05] SYRIZA's Pappas: 'Government must be formed immediately'

[06] PASOK rules out cooperation with SYRIZA

[07] Communist Party says result of elections shows decline of the labour movement

[08] SYRIZA-ANEL cooperation is unnatural, Centrists Unions leader Levenits says

[09] Greek industry body urges new government to push ahead with reforms

[10] Juncker congratulates Tsipras on winning elections, urges speedy implementation of reforms

[11] EU Council Tusk congratulates Tsipras

[12] EU's Moscovici says he's satisfied by Greek election result

[13] Chancellor Merkel congratulates Tsipras on his election win

[14] Germany will work closely with the new Greek government, Merkel's spokesman says

[15] Russian President Putin congratulates Tsipras

[16] Parliament President officially informs President of election results

[17] President Pavlopoulos receives delegation from U.S. Congress

[18] Greek state cash budget shows primary surplus in Jan-Aug

[19] Registered unemployment down in August

[20] Greece's liabilities to ECB payment system increase in July

[21] Greece to participate in Anuga trade fair in Cologne

[22] Premium production down 0.6 pct in Jan-July

[23] Taxpayers' overdue debt to the state up in August

[24] Greek stocks end moderately lower

[25] Greek bond yields fall after Sunday's election result

[26] ADEX closing report

[27] Tornado hits Kalamata causing serious damages

[28] Boat with refugees and migrants capsizes off Lesvos coasts

[29] Second boat with refugees and migrants sinks during crossing to Lesvos

[30] 2nd Athens World Poetry Festival

[31] Post-Minoan era grave discovered at Malevizi monastery

[32] Turkish tourists cancel holidays in Lesvos during Eid al-Adha because of 'migrant situation'

[33] Rain, thunderstorms on Tuesday

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

[01] SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras sworn in as prime minister

Tsipras was accompanied by former state minister Nikos Pappas and his former government spokeswoman Olga Gerovasili, both of which have been re-elected to Parliament.

Immediately after taking the oath of office, the president and prime minister signed the relevant protocol and Tsipras departed for the government headquarters at Maximos Mansion, for the handover ceremony from caretaker Prime Minister Vassiliki Thanou.

[02] Tsipras receives mandate to form government from President Pavlopoulos

In statements concerning Sunday's general elections, in which SYRIZA emerged victorious, Tsipras noted that they gave voters an opportunity to "draw their conclusions". Following the statement of support from Independent Greeks (ANEL) leader Panos Kammenos, he added, "I consider that the required majority exists to proceed with the formation of a government."

Pavlopoulos also commented on the overall atmosphere of the elections, noting that "the quality of our democracy is improving, despite the economic and social crisis, and that is comforting." He said that on the basis of the relative strength of the parties, as this was announced to him, there was no reason to give an exploratory mandate and would give Tsipras a mandate to directly form a government.

He also proposed that Tsipras be sworn in at a ceremony at 20:00 on Monday and that the new government be sworn in at a time that Tsipras will propose.

Tsipras thanked Pavlopoulos for his part in helping coordinate the handling of the refugee crisis with the caretaker Prime Minister Vassiliki Thanou and said that he would like the formation of the government to proceed swiftly, in light of Wednesday's European Council on the refugee issue, where Pavlopoulos was expected to participate representing Greece.

Tsipras arrived at the presidential mansion accompanied by former minister Nikos Pappas and the former head of his office as PM Dimitris Tzanakopoulos.

[03] Tsipras says new government must correct weaknesses of previous seven months

According to party sources, Tsipras emphasised that voters had delivered "a clear popular mandate for us to proceed united, in order to make deep changes and reforms and extricate the country from the crisis."

The immediate goal in the coming period will be to fully restore stability to the economy and the operation of the banks and to extend the ground won in the negotiation, Tsipras told the meeting, noting that the first crucial battle will be that on debt reduction.

"At the same time, we must proceed decisively to make major changes, fight the system of graft and restore a sense of justice in Greek society," he said.

SYRIZA's leader also referred to the need for an organisational restructuring of the party and its youth group in order to reflect SYRIZA's organisational base and the thousands of people that actively support the party. In this framework, he added, the party needed to function more collectively and without groupings and mechanisms, as a modern, pluralist agent of the European Left.

[04] SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras meets ANEL leader Panos Kammenos

Emerging from the meeting, Kammenos said that procedures to form a government were underway and that its final composition will be announced on Tuesday or Wednesday morning at the latest. Tsipras will be sworn in as prime minister within the day, he said.

"It will be a progressive government that will continue the work we began in six months," Kammenos said. He also expressed hope that MPs will hear the message for national unity that the Greek people sent via the ballot box.

In earlier statements before entering the meeting with Kammenos, Tsipras had noted that "the most important thing is that we now have a chance to plan for the long term."

He said events and primarily the Greek people had proved wrong all those predicting a "leftist interlude", showing their desire to make a break with the past and move forward.

"Now we have a great opportunity with steady steps and over the course of four years to implement our basic commitment, which is to wage an honest struggle and bleed if we have to, so that our people stop bleeding any more," he said.

Kammenos expressed confidence that they will soon succeed and said that the first priority was to ensure stability and restore people's hope. "After that, things will go much faster than we expect," he added.

[05] SYRIZA's Pappas: 'Government must be formed immediately'

"We have no time for delays and minced words. The government must be formed immediately and we must get to work," Pappas told the radio station.

Asked whether the 155 lawmakers of the government majority will be enough to implement the difficult agenda of the new government, or whether cooperation with more parties should be considered, Pappas said the possibility must not be abandoned.

"The expectation and the possibility of broader alliances should not be abandoned, after we ensure stability, of course, by sending a clear message that there is a formal parliamentary majority ... but the other option should always, in my view, be exhausted," he added.

[06] PASOK rules out cooperation with SYRIZA

"We categorically deny rumours about a supposed cooperation proposal extended by [SYRIZA leader Alexis] Tsipras to PASOK," a PASOK press office announcement said.

It said the rumours had been fuelled by statements made by Independent Greeks (ANEL) leader Panos Kammenos after a meeting with Tsipras on Monday afternoon "that were unworthy of comment".

[07] Communist Party says result of elections shows decline of the labour movement

"[The result] expresses the total negative correlation of class forces, the overall decline in the labor grassroots movement in conditions of a deep capitalist economic crisis, and the level of the class struggle in our country and internationally," the party said.

It also welcomed those who voted for the Communists noting that the party will utilize its political power to strengthen the labor movement.

[08] SYRIZA-ANEL cooperation is unnatural, Centrists Unions leader Levenits says

He called the cooperation between SYRIZA and Independent Greeks (ANEL) "unnatural" and raised doubts over its efficiency.

He cleared out that the Centrists Union does not seek ministerial positions and will not participate in the coalition government. He predicted that the new government will soon collapse if it interprets the verdict of the people as a reward. He stated that his party will not consent to the adoption of implementation laws and asked for changes in the required reforms.

Regarding the privatisations, he said he will only agree with the leasing of land for 30 years and not its sale, adding, however, that he agrees in principle with the sale of loss-making companies. Nevertheless, he added that he will vote for laws that he considers positive.

[09] Greek industry body urges new government to push ahead with reforms

"The result of the elections reflects the will of the overwhelming majority of Greeks to remain in the eurozone, abolishing in practice the division between 'pro-' and 'anti-bailout' forces," SEV said in a statement on Monday, commenting on Sunday's elections.

"The new government has a clear mandate to push ahead in the framework of the commitments made to Europe and Greek citizens. We hope the national need for growth will serve as a guide both in the selection of the people, as in the implementation of effective policies," it added.

The body also cited three main objectives for the economic policy of the new government: The effective and timely implementation of the reform program, the planning of a new industrial policy for the revival of manufacturing in our country and the fight against corruption and tax evasion by electronic means to dramatically improve public revenues.

[10] Juncker congratulates Tsipras on winning elections, urges speedy implementation of reforms

"Greece now needs broad support across parties, institutional stability and timely delivery of the reforms so that confidence can return both among the Greek people and to the Greek economy," Juncker said.

He also referred to the need to "operationalise the management of the refugee crisis," noting that this will be discussed at Wednesday's European Council.

"As you know well, you can count on the European Commission and on me personally, to stand by Greece and support the new government in its efforts," the European Commission president concluded.

[11] EU Council Tusk congratulates Tsipras

European Council President Donald Tusk congratulated SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras and invited him to the EU summit on the refugee issue to be held on Wednesday in Brussels.

In his letter, Tusk referred to the challenges that the new Greek government will have to face, adding that he hopes to offer the country the "political stability" needed. He also stressed the need to remain committed to implementing reforms.

"Many of the biggest challenges facing the European Union as a whole are the same as those faced by Greece as a country, such as the refugee crisis and creating sustainable growth and jobs," Tusk noted in his letter and concluded: "I am confident that Greece, with the new government will contribute constructively to find solutions to all these challenges. The dedication and your leadership in the implementation of the economic adjustment program is vital in order to make a difference in the recovery of the Greek economy."

[12] EU's Moscovici says he's satisfied by Greek election result

"Confident in future of Greece. Three fourths voters support economic and social reforms. Looking forward to start work swiftly with new government," he posted on his Twitter account.

[13] Chancellor Merkel congratulates Tsipras on his election win

German Chancellor Angela Merkel congratulated SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras on his win on Sunday's general elections and discussed with him issues of bilateral and European policy, ahead of the emergency Summit meeting on Wednesday, her spokesman said on Monday.

"Chancellor Angela Merkel phoned today Syriza chairman Alexis Tsipras and congratulated him on his election victory in yesterday's Greek elections," Steffen Seibert said in a statement.

"On this occasion, the Chancellor and Alexis Tsipras already exchanged views about the upcoming special meeting of the European Council next Wednesday (23/09) and agreed to a closer cooperation on the issues which will be discussed, as well as other bilateral and European issues," the spokesman added.

[14] Germany will work closely with the new Greek government, Merkel's spokesman says

Germany will work closely with Greece's newly elected left-wing government under SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras, the German Chancellor's spokesman Steffen Seibert said on Monday. Replying to reporters' questions, he noted that Greeks had made their decision in fair and democratic elections.

"Of course the government will work closely and in a spirit of partnership with the new Greek government. This offer applies both to jointly overcoming the debt crisis, and to the challenges posed by the refugee situation, for which we need common answers," Angela Merkel's spokesman said.

He said the chancellor will also congratulate Tsipras in person, either in a letter or by contacting him directly.

Asked about the prospects of a debt haircut for Greece, Seibert pointed out that the agreements for the third financial assistance package to Greece laid out a "very clear basis for dealing with the debt crisis" and that these were not drawn up with any particular government but with the Greek state itself.

"This means that it remains in full force even after an election and after the formation of a new government," he said.

Seibert explained that the agreement drawn up between Greece and its European partners was a mixture of financial aid and a demanding reform programme, "which over the next three years will help so that Greece enters a sustainable course."

"This is the basis of our cooperation. We consider, of course, that a prime minister that negotiated and signed the programme, if he becomes prime minister again, will take steps in his country so that its implementation is carried out as foreseen. This is what all the European partners expect and this is the spirit of our cooperation," he added.

[15] Russian President Putin congratulates Tsipras

In an official telegram of the Kremlin, the Russian president said he "hopes to continue the constructive dialogue and beneficial cooperation" with Athens.

Moscow wants to "strengthen the Russian-Greek cooperation which is beneficial for both sides in many areas, particularly trade, economy, energy and humanitarian (sector)", stressed Kremlin's telegram.

[16] Parliament President officially informs President of election results

[17] President Pavlopoulos receives delegation from U.S. Congress

The delegation included Republican congressman Steve Scalise, the Majority Whip, Democrat congressman Henry Cuellar, and Republicans Lynn Westmoreland, Patrick Meehan, Kristi Noem, Martha Roby and Mike Bishop.

Financial News

[18] Greek state cash budget shows primary surplus in Jan-Aug

The central bank, in a report on the country's budget on a cash basis, said that the state budget deficit shrank to 2.0 billion euros in the eight-month period from 2.5 billion in 2014.

The central government cash budget showed a deficit of 1.7 billion euros in the first eight months of 2015, from a deficit of 2.6 billion euros last year. This development reflected both a decline in regular budget revenues and a decline in spending over the January-August period.

[19] Registered unemployment down in August

The number of registered unemployed totaled 815,434 in August, down from 817,787 in August last year, of which 456,285, or 55.96 pct, were registered unemployed for more than 12 months, while the remaining 359,149 were registered unemployed for less than 12 months.

The number of unemployed people not seeking work fell by 3.01 pct in August to 130,703, while the number of unemployed people receiving unemployment benefit grew 5.03 pct to 106,350 in August from 101,257 in July, of which 38.08 pct were men and 61.92 pct women. The 30-54 age group recorded the highest unemployment rate at 62.81 pct.

[20] Greece's liabilities to ECB payment system increase in July

The Bank of Greece's net liabilities towards the European Central Bank totaled 106.13 billion euros at the end of July, data from the Target 2 payment system showed on Monday.

The Target 2 system facilitates payments between banks in the Eurozone by channeling payments through each national central bank's account at the ECB. Greece's net liabilities totaled 107.7 billion euros at the end of June when the Greek government imposed capital controls in the country.

[21] Greece to participate in Anuga trade fair in Cologne

The trade fair will be held in Cologne from 10 to 14 October 2015 with the participation of 270 exhibitors, in an area of 5,000 square meters and Greece as the honored country.

Greece aims at the promotion of its exports and the establishment of contacts with international trade partners. Apart from its traditional products, Greece will present high quality raw materials as well as semi-finished products with high demand from the food and beverage industry worldwide. These products include olive oil, olives, dairy, alcoholic beverages, water, honey, sandwiches, sweets and snacks, dried fruits, spices and herbs, frozen foods and organic products.

[22] Premium production down 0.6 pct in Jan-July

The report, based on figures offered by 57 insurance companies representing 95.8 pct of total premium production, said that premium production in life insurance contracts grew 10.5 pct in the seven-month period, while damage contract production fell 9.6 pct over the same period. In July, premium production in life insurance contracts fell significantly (-17 pct), hit by the imposition of capital controls in the country.

[23] Taxpayers' overdue debt to the state up in August

The report said that the rate of collecting revenue from new overdue debt was 14 pct, meaning that from every new debt worth 100 euros the state was collecting only 14 euros.

The report added that tax authority controls in the domestic market slowed in August, totaling 11 inspections, from 35 in July and 68 in June.

[24] Greek stocks end moderately lower

The composite index fell 0.58 pct to end at 693.54 points, off the day's highs of 703.01 points. The Large Cap index fell 0.36 pct and the Mid Cap index eased 0.63 pct. Turnover was a low 41.191 million euros in volume of 211,133,086.

OTE (4.23 pct), Athens Water (3.13 pct), Motor Oil (3.06 pct) and Aegean Airlines (2.89 pct) scored the biggest percentage gains of the day, while Eurobank (11.90 pct), Alpha Bank (9.66 pct), National Bank (7.54 pct) and Jumbo (4.53 pct) suffered heavy losses.

Among market sectors, Telecoms (4.23 pct), Oil (2.27 pct) and Food (1.64 pct) scored big gains, while Banks (8.32 pct), Personal Products (4.47 pct) and Financial Services (3.73 pct) suffered losses.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 47 to 44 with another 12 issues unchanged. Selonda (29.33 pct), Teletypos (20 pct) and AEGEK (18.75 pct) were top gainers, while Audiovisual (29.84 pct), PC Systems (17.86 pct) and Eurobank (11.90 pct) were top losers.

[25] Greek bond yields fall after Sunday's election result

Diego Ferro, from Greylock Capital Management, said he was considering raising its Greek state bond portfolio following the election win by Alexis Tsipras. "The Greek election result is the best for the market. It shows that the same government will continue implementing the policies it has pledged," Ferro added.

Despite the good outlook for the Greek state bond market, trading remains volatile, with turnover totaling only 1.0 million euros in the domestic electronic secondary bond market in August. In September, turnover has risen to 19 million euros so far and was expected to record its highest level since March. The volume of transaction fell to zero in June for the first time since October 2011.

[26] ADEX closing report

General News

[27] Tornado hits Kalamata causing serious damages

"This tornado was a morning devil. During its passage it dragged trucks, cars, roofs of factories, power poles, heavy machineries; it destroyed shop windows and uprooted trees," the mayor of the city Panagiotis Nikas told ANA-MPA.

Major damages and problems were also caused by the tornado in the prefecture of Lakonia. It ripped off roofs from houses, overturnedcars, uprooted trees and destroyed stores. Public Power Corporation (PPC) employees are restoring the damage caused by the bad weather and the blackouts. Four people were slightly injured and transferred in a nearby health center.

[28] Boat with refugees and migrants capsizes off Lesvos coasts

The number of the persons that were in the dinghy is not known.

The Turkish coast guard has already rescued 45 persons and sent them to Turkey.

Greek coast guard vessel and a Super Puma helicopter are currently in the area to rescue any missing migrants.

[29] Second boat with refugees and migrants sinks during crossing to Lesvos

The second dinghy carried 52 refugees and had also set sail from the shores of Behramkale (ancient Assos) on the north coast of the Adramyttian Gulf.

Authorities have no information regarding missing persons on the boat and all those rescued are reported in good health. They were taken to Molyvos harbour on Lesvos.

The incident occurred roughly an hour after a boat carrying approximately 45 migrants and refugees capsized in Turkish waters around noon. They were rescued by the Turkish coast guard and taken to Turkey.

[30] 2nd Athens World Poetry Festival

50 poets from 21 different countries will take part in the festival. Greece will be represented by Nanos Valaoritis, Titos Patrikios, Kiki Dimoula, Evgenios Aranitsis, Giannis Dallas, Dimitra Christodoulou and Kostas Stergiopoulos. Poets from other countries such as Adonis, Carolyn Forch, Rikardo Areggi, Gerhard Falkner and Fernando Rendon will also participate.

"The continuous and public communication of poetry with the wider public is one of the main goals," according to the Poets' Circle.

During the next few days, poetry will travel everywhere through fifteen events to be held in cultural centres of various municipalities around Athens, such as bookstores, cafes and bars, galleries, public squares and even prisons. Poetry will meet the "simple man" in his every day life, to show its presence, in the difficult times we are experiencing.

[31] Post-Minoan era grave discovered at Malevizi monastery

The new archaeological find is a medium size group grave that includes two sarcophagus of terra cotta, pottery and other smaller objects.

[32] Turkish tourists cancel holidays in Lesvos during Eid al-Adha because of 'migrant situation'

"Those who have arrived in the last week for two-three days leave on the same day, cancelling their overnight stays and everything else they had arranged to do during their stay on the island. Everyone says that they cannot stay in Lesvos for holidays because of the situation created in the city center, especially the port," Aris Lazaris, who transfers about 80 pct of tourists from the Turkish coast to the island, told the agency.

He also added that, even from those 1,000, it is not clear how many will remain on the island.

Lazaris cited a letter he received from a tourist agency in Izmir, owned by the vice-president of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB), in which it is stated that the sale of trips to Lesvos have plummeted in Turkey "because of the large number of immigrants and the impact of their presence in the life of Lesvos."

Weather forecast

[33] Rain, thunderstorms on Tuesday

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

EFIMERIDA TON SYNTAKTON: "All weather" winner with a 35.5 pct

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: Last chance for the country and Tsipras

ESTIA: Elections for what reason?

ETHNOS: Tsipras' clear victory

KATHIMERINI: Second mandate to Tsipras-Kammenos

NAFTEMPORIKI: Tsipras was given a second chance

RIZOSPASTIS: KKE will make use of its power to restructure the party for the popular coalition

TA NEA: Tsipras' era

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