Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 16-02-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Tsipras expresses his discontent to Dutch counterpart Rutte

[02] PM Tsipras to meet UN envoy on refugees Grandi on Wednesday

[03] PM Tsipras rejects PASOK's call for political leaders' meeting

[04] We will toughen our stance towards neighbouring countries that do not accept refugees, says Migration Min Mouzalas

[05] Foreign Ministry's demarche to Austria regarding a meeting on refugees in Vienna

[06] Commission, Dutch presidency say they want to pursue 'European approach' to refugee crisis

[07] UN's envoy Grandi criticizes glacial pace of refugee relocation program during Lesvos visit

[08] Developments on refugees issue is an extremely complicated situation, says gov't spokeswoman

[09] The government examines possibility of new relocation centres, Defence Ministry sources say

[10] EU Commissioner Avramopoulos inaugurates new European Migrant Smuggling Centre

[11] Greece to provide any port to NATO for refuelling during patrols, says minister

[12] North Rhine-Westphalia FinMin Borjans' exclusive statement to ANA-MPA

[13] Gov't spokeswoman: Government's and institutions positions converge

[14] Greece, IMF decide the termination of Greek program

[15] Institutions' technical teams to arrive in Athens within the week

[16] PM accepts resignation of deputy Infrastructure minister

[17] Farmers to decide on their future stance on Tuesday

[18] Farmers close and alternative route at Tempi Valley

[19] Farmers close again border crossing of Promahonas indefinitely

[20] Farmers close Promachonas customs point

[21] SYRIZA MEP Papadimoulis: Refugee crisis, program review demand wider consensus

[22] ND leader Mitsotakis: Between ecumenical gov't and early elections I prefer the elections

[23] Alt FM, Montenegrin counterpart discuss refugee crisis, accession talks

[24] Greek consuls abroad to be allowed to hire local staff to handle visa applications

[25] Six Turkish fighter jets violate Greek airspace in the Aegean

[26] Government urges banks, financial sector, to publicize sponsorships and recipients

[27] Entrepreneurship may be the key to exit the crisis, say businesswomen

[28] BAT Hellas presents investment plan to State Minister

[29] Super market sector resisted the crisis, Icap report

[30] P.G. Nikas announces 30-mln-euro share capital increase plan

[31] Tech consumer product market up 1.6 pct in Q4 2015

[32] Building materials' prices down 2.3 pct in Jan

[33] Greek stocks end higher

[34] Greek bond market closing report

[35] ADEX closing report

[36] DNA testing points to convicted terrorits' wife as peretrator of attempted helicopter hijack

[37] New arrests expected in major company blackmailing ring

[38] Members of anarchist group disrupt ERT news program

[39] Refugee camp in Idomeni overcrowded with 4,000 people

[40] Afghan refugees transferred to Athens from Idomeni

[41] 1,130 refugees arrive at Piraeus port on Tuesday

[42] Deaths from flu rise to 129

[43] Partly cloudy on Wednesday

[44] The Tuesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance Politics

[01] PM Tsipras expresses his discontent to Dutch counterpart Rutte

Tsipras referring to Wednesday's meeting of the Interior and Foreign Ministers of Austria and the ministers of the countries of the eastern Balkans, underlined the need the decisions referring to the management of the refugees flows to be taken collectively and without exclusions.

The Netherlands is currently holding the EU presidency.

[02] PM Tsipras to meet UN envoy on refugees Grandi on Wednesday

[03] PM Tsipras rejects PASOK's call for political leaders' meeting

Earlier in the day, Gennimata proposed the meeting during a meeting with President Prokopis Pavlopoulos, arguing it could be useful for reaching a wider consensus on the refugee crisis. According to government sources, Gennimata called Tsipras to inform him of her proposal, but the prime minister said it may be held, if needed, before or after the EU-Turkey summit on March 7.

[04] We will toughen our stance towards neighbouring countries that do not accept refugees, says Migration Min Mouzalas

"Five police chiefs of the countries of Wisegrad and unfortunately of Austria abolished the EU prime ministers' decision that was taken 15 hours ago. These things are unprecedented for the European idea," said Mouzalas stressing that the refugees from Afghanistan that have blocked the railway tracks at the Greek-Fyrom borders at Idomeni were removed and are currently on their way to Athens where they will be hosted in special places.

Mouzalas called on all Greek citizens to assist and estimated that the condition will be very soon under control. "We have a plan and we are fighting, we will succeed," he said.

[05] Foreign Ministry's demarche to Austria regarding a meeting on refugees in Vienna

Greek Ambassador Petros Mavroidis delivered the demarche to the ambassador of Austria in Athens Andrea Iki
-Boehm on Monday.

Mavroeidis stressed through this unilateral move, which is not at all friendly towards our country, an attempt is being made, in the absence of Greece, to take decisions that directly concern Greece and the Greek borders.

He also stated that it is surprising that this initiative was announced just a few hours after the completion of the European Council meeting that looked in detail at the refugee issue, adopting relevant conclusions.

Finally, he underscored that Greece, which is shouldering a disproportionate burden of a refugee and migration crisis caused by the actions of others, will continue to defend the principles, the values, the vision and the name of the United Europe, and will refute all those who undermine in practice the cohesion and vision of the European Union.

A corresponding demarche was delivered by our Embassy in Vienna to the Foreign Ministry of Austria.

[06] Commission, Dutch presidency say they want to pursue 'European approach' to refugee crisis

The European Commission and the Dutch EU presidency issued a joint statement on Tuesday expressing their determination to pursue a "European approach" to the refugee crisis.

"We understand the pressure the different countries concerned are facing. We are concerned about the developments along the Balkan route and the humanitarian crisis that might unfold in certain countries especially in Greece," the statement by Dutch Minister for Migration Klaas Dijkhoff and European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, Dimitris Avramopoulos, reads.

The Dutch Presidency of the Council and the Commission are in constant contact with all relevant actors and countries along the Western Balkans and are closely following the developments in the region and on the ground at the border crossings, they said, adding however, that all countries involved have a responsibility and obligation to respect the European rules and put an end to the 'wave through' approach.

"While doing so, Governments should take into account the effects in neighbouring countries," the two officials added, while prompting all countries and actors along the route to "prepare the necessary contingency planning to be able to address humanitarian needs, including reception capacities". In parallel, they said, the Commission is coordinating a contingency planning effort, to offer support in case of a humanitarian crisis both outside and within the EU, as well as to further coordinate border management.

"All Member States should act in a joint spirit of solidarity and responsibility, especially in times when unity and common solutions are needed," the statement concludes, noting that the Commission and the Presidency, as well as the EU as a whole stand ready to assist.

[07] UN's envoy Grandi criticizes glacial pace of refugee relocation program during Lesvos visit

"We see countries like FYROM closing their borders leaving refugees without the possibility of legal transportation," Grandi told journalists during his visit. "The resettlement program agreed between the European Union countries has not progressed. We have repeatedly stressed to member-states and other countries of Europe that they will have to participate in these resettlement programs to welcome refugees legally and not to leave them at the mercy of traffickers. And I'm also talking about relocation from Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan and other countries," he added.

The UN envoy, who was accompanied by Alternate Minister for Migration Policy Yiannis Mouzalas, first visited the port of Lesvos where the coast guard and Frontex vessels had just disembarked hundreds of refugees. He spoke with many of them and heard their stories.

"Europe may not have shown the solidarity it should have shown, but Lesvos showed Europe's good face," Grandi noted, who then went on to visit the refugee camp of Kara Tepe and the identification and registration center at Moria. There. He was briefed on the identification procedure and spoke with many refugees waiting to be registered.

In an interview later in the day, he said that the local community has suffered huge consequences because of the financial crisis and despite this fact, it has continued to support the refugees arriving daily on the island. "As a high commissioner, I state my full support and sympathy for what you're doing here for the refugees," he said.

[08] Developments on refugees issue is an extremely complicated situation, says gov't spokeswoman

She did not rule out the possibility of Athens setting a veto in the future depending on the conditions.

Gerovassili referred to the Greek Foreign Ministry's demarche to the Austrian Foreign Ministry and said that the government is in open contact with the EU Dutch presidency stressing that unilateral moves and practices against EU decisions violate the principles, the values and the institutional bodies' decisions.

The government spokeswoman said that NATO's operational plan for the Aegean Sea is not ready yet underlining that Turkey is responsible for the delay because it retreated in relation with the NATO Defence Ministers decision that envisaged the readmission to Turkey by the NATO forces.

The government is awaiting the decision on NATO's participation on the refugees issue, said Gerovassili and noted that the Greek government is ready to deal with the refugees inflow problem.

Athens is ready to move towards whatever direction and will exhaust whatever possibility, stated Gerovassili asked on whether Greece can set a veto to the EU.

She rejected speculations over Alternate Migration Minister Yiannis Mouzalas' resignation and said that the minister is very annoyed.

[09] The government examines possibility of new relocation centres, Defence Ministry sources say

The same sources said that these camps will not be hotspots, but relocation camps.

Regarding the operational plan for the supervision-control of the refugees and migrants flows in the Aegean, Greek General Staff sources pointed out NATO's fundamental principle to take decisions unanimously.

In case of lack of unanimity at military committee level, then the issue will be sent to NATO's standing representatives committee at ambassadors' level.

In case there is no agreement at ambassadors' level then the issue will be referred to the NATO' Defence Ministers Council.

[10] EU Commissioner Avramopoulos inaugurates new European Migrant Smuggling Centre

Avramopoulos said that "the Commission has pledged to support the European Migrant Smuggling Centre in order to become the information exchange hub in the fight against migrant smuggling".

As he said, the EU has declared war against smugglers and expressed the view that the fight would be victorious. According to the Greek Commissioner, more than 1 million people sought refuge in the EU in 2015 and as he noted "the smuggling of migrants is a phenomenon that transcends national borders and for this reason can only be eliminated effectively by a collective effort."

"With the establishment of the European Centre, we extend the Mediterranean region covering all the EU area all forms of trafficking and their routes," he added.

[11] Greece to provide any port to NATO for refuelling during patrols, says minister

The decision follows a request by NATO to be allowed to refuel at Heraklion and Chania in Crete, with Greece also proposing -among others - the ports of Leros and Lemnos.

The minister also said that NATO has so far engaged four ships: The German and Canadian ships have docked at Souda, while a Greek and a Turkish ship await directions in the Aegean. A firth Italian ship is currently participating in a navy exercise in Italy and will join the NATO force once it is concluded. The Greek navy has also involved 11 ships in the Aegean, while more could be deployed if NATO makes such a request, he added.

Concerning a document submitted by Turkey to the general secretariat of the top military commander of allied forces in Europe, which Kammenos says it includes "illegal and irrational demands", it has not been taken into account, he noted.

[12] North Rhine-Westphalia FinMin Borjans' exclusive statement to ANA-MPA

He underlined, however, that it lies within each government to decide whether or not to accept such cooperation.

"I can only repeat what I said during my visit to Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and to deputy ministers Tryfon Alexiadis and Dimitris Papangelopoulos last month: In 2012 I repeatedly offered cooperation to the representatives of the Greek government. It was specifically on the exchange of know-how on tax administration as well as tax audits, nothing more and nothing less. There was no interest from the then government - in contrast to the current government - although German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble had clearly expressed his support to such a cooperation. But it lies within each government to decide whether or not to accept such a cooperation," North Rhine-Westphalia Finance Minister Norbert Walter-Borjans stated.

[13] Gov't spokeswoman: Government's and institutions positions converge

She said that on Europe's part, both at political and institutional level, has been repeatedly noted that the program review must be completed as soon as possible.

On the so-called Borjans list, the government spokeswoman referred to the Finance Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia Norbert Walter-Borjans' statement to ANA-MPA on Tuesday and noted that after the recent revelations it is crystal clear that in 2012 the then government rejected Rhine-Westphalia Finance Ministry's proposal for cooperation and offering of know-how in matters related to tax evasion and money laundering. She also said the involvement of the director of former prime minister Antonis Samaras' office is proven and this is something of high importance and proves that the refusal came from the highest posssible post.

[14] Greece, IMF decide the termination of Greek program

IMF press officer for Greece Andreas Adriano said: "The IMF confirms that the 2012 program has been terminated since January 2016 after a demand of the Greek authorities."

This program expired at the end of March and the government has already applied for a new program. In case of an agreement, the IMF will prepare a new detailed plan under the name Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies (MEFP), or Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies.

Meanwhile, the technical staff of the institutions are expected to come to Athens for discussions on the fiscal gap, pensions reforms, tax issues and the bad loans.

[15] Institutions' technical teams to arrive in Athens within the week

European Commissioner for Financial Affairs Pierre Moscovici spokesperson Annika Breidthardt announced on Tuesday the return of the European Commission's technical teams to Athens within the week.

According to Breidthardt, the return of the institutions' technical teams to Athens is "an important step" to prepare the visit of the heads of the institutions in the near future.

[16] PM accepts resignation of deputy Infrastructure minister

In a letter, Sgouridis thanked Tsipras and the leader of coalition partner ANEL, Panos Kammenos, for the trust they showed in him by placing him at the ministry, adding that he "honored their choice by giving his heart, soul, and work."

Sgouridis had submitted his resignation a few days back saying he felt insulted, after a negative comments about Tsipras was picked up by various media.

[17] Farmers to decide on their future stance on Tuesday

General meetings will be held on Tuesday at the majority of the blocks of northern Greece during which they will decide on their future stance. The heads of the blocks have called for wide participation in order for a final decision to be reached.

Currently, the traffic at the customs of Promachonas and Exochi on the Greek-Bulgarian borders is conducted smoothly.

[18] Farmers close and alternative route at Tempi Valley

Twenty five tractors from Tempi Valley blockade on the Athens-Thessaloniki motorway moved to Stomio bridge and blocked the alternative route indefinitely. Farmers said that they will not block the regional roads in the area adding that Larissa-Kozani road at Argyropouli will also close from 16:00-24:00. The proposal for the blocking of the railway tracks is also on the table.

The member of the coordination committee of Tempi Valley blockade, who also participated at the meeting with Tsipras, Panagiotis Kaloyiannis stated to ANA-MPA "we are waiting for the government's proposals on the requests we tabled and not on the proposals the government made us yesterday that do not allow us to cultivate".

On their part, the farmers of Nikea blockade are still waiting the government to respond to their request for a separate meeting with the prime minister.

[19] Farmers close again border crossing of Promahonas indefinitely

The move comes after traffic was restored in both border crossings on Sunday afternoon, which had started on February 16, after Bulgarian truckers staged counter-blockades to protest Greek protests which were hurting their business.

[20] Farmers close Promachonas customs point

The decision was taken at a meeting held at 14:30 where they decided to initially close the crossing point only to trucks and lorries.

At the customs point of Exochi, the farmers will hold a meeting at 19:00 and according to information the Greek-Bulgarian border will close at 22:00 on Tuesday.

[21] SYRIZA MEP Papadimoulis: Refugee crisis, program review demand wider consensus

Papadimoulis was commenting on a proposal by PASOK leader Fofi Gennimata to convene the council of political leaders, chaired by the President, on the refugee crisis.

"It's positive that leaders of opposition parties realize the need for the maximum possible agreement and consensus on the refugee issue," the MEP said. "Despite our differences, there's s need right now to rationalize political competition and invest in large, tough issues; to those that demand the wider possible consensus. This is the government and the prime minister's line and any party move that moves in this direction is positive," he added.

[22] ND leader Mitsotakis: Between ecumenical gov't and early elections I prefer the elections

"We said 'yes' from the beginning,but we have also said: specify from the beginning the operational details, who goes where...," he said and accused of fatalism those that are certain that the borders will close.

"I went to Brussels and did not criticise the Greek government's delays in the last six months. I said that the government is trying while Europe has not done what it should have. I did my job and kept a responsible stance," said Mitsotakis noting that "we are sitting on a bomb. It is imperative to consider alternative scenarios."

Regarding his relations with President of Republic Prokopis Pavlopoulos, whom he did not vote for President, Mitsotakis said that he does not regret for his decisions and said Pavlopoulos is a good president.

He sternly rejected speculations that he was pressed by members of the European People's Party as well as during his meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, noting that particularly on the refugees issue the German Chancellor fought for the Greek positions.

On the economy, Mitsotakis stressed that a Grexit would be a disaster for the country.

Referring to the broadcasting licences, he said that the relevant law will not be applied and will have huge constitutional problems and wondered why the TV licences are only four accusing the government of controlling the media sector.

On the possibility of early elections, Mitsotakis said that "between an ecumenical government and early elections I prefer the elections. Our economy can withsrand another election round."

"I will not provoke them and I do not want them," he said and rejected the possibility of a coalition government with another prime minister.

At a question if he is neoliberal, Mitsotakis said that he is a central-right neoliberal adding that the central-right can speak of social policy better that the so-called left. "The most important social policy is the creation of job positions," he said adding that prime minister Alexis Tsipras' programme lacks social awareness.

On the Borjans list, Mitsotakis claimed that the names of Greek depositors were included in early 2015 and quoted Borjans' statements.

[23] Alt FM, Montenegrin counterpart discuss refugee crisis, accession talks

The Montenegrin politician had beforehand held consultations with high-ranking diplomats, heads of the competent directorates, during which there was an in-depth discussion of the course of Montenegro's accession negotiations.

During Xydakis' meeting, a review was carried out of the country's course towards accession, while the discussion also covered current European affairs, including the European Union's relations with the UK and the refugee crisis.

[24] Greek consuls abroad to be allowed to hire local staff to handle visa applications

In a press release, the foreign ministry notes that with this legislation consuls will be able for the first time to hire seasonal employees locally for the staffing of its visa issuing services, with short-term contracts lasting a few months.

This way, the ministry says, the country will be prepared to receive tourists from Russia and other countries that do not belong to the Schengen Area, considering that as of this year, the issuing of a tourist visa is done via collection of applicants' biometric data and digital vetting of applications, in order to enhance security. The new Visa Information System (VIS) is being implemented in all Schengen Area countries and is very demanding as regards management of applications.

"Tourism is perhaps our economy's most dynamic sector. Any increase in revenues from tourism, particularly during the period we are going through, has exceptionally positive repercussions for society and the reduction of unemployment," Alternate Foreign Minister Xydakis said.

"The Foreign Ministry is doing its job, so that the country does not lose even one potential tourist in 2016. Beyond that, it is in the hands of our tourism industry to work qualitatively and productively - as it knows how to do, that is - so that these tourists leave with excellent impressions and become the country's best advertisements for the future," he added.

The ministry also decided to reinforce the Moscow consulate general with experienced personnel seconded from the foreign ministry and the ministry of citizen protection. Additionally, the consular authorities in Moscow and Saint Petersburg have been instructed to ask that the country's local provider increase by 50 pct the number of centers where Russian citizens can apply for visas, thus even further facilitating those who wish to visit Greece. In the same direction, optimum use is being made of the mobile visa application units the "provider" already has in Russia.

[25] Six Turkish fighter jets violate Greek airspace in the Aegean

The 17 of the airspace violations were done by one out of the two CN-235 aircraft which moved from north to south.

In all incidents, the Turkish aircraft were recognized and intercepted by Greek fighter jets, while in two cases the interception developed into a dogfight. The dogfights took place west of the island of Psara, in the eastern Aegean. Two of the Turkish aircraft were armed.

Financial News

[26] Government urges banks, financial sector, to publicize sponsorships and recipients

The move comes after a case of alleged blackmailing of bankers and executives of utility companies by a newspaper owner and two journalists came to light on Monday, the announcement said, adding that the government will prepare a draft bill to increase transparency in the financial sector.

"Following the publication of the alleged extortioners' ring of journalists, the government vice-president calls, once again, the management of banks and other entities of the financial sector to publicize all their spending on sponsorships and advertising, up to the final recipient," the statement read.

[27] Entrepreneurship may be the key to exit the crisis, say businesswomen

The complex tax system, gaps in the regulatory framework and the uncertainty in government policies affecting enterprises are the main problems faced by women entrepreneurs - and not only in Greece - according to Pavlina Protaiou, founder and CEO of BeyondCSRnet, the organization that transforms corporate social responsibility in investment tool, focusing on projects and start ups dealing with one of the four pillars of sustainable development (social, environmental, cultural and financial innovation).

"Greek governments have not 'embraced' entrepreneurship," Protaiou said. "The existing fiscal framework is after you since day one, if not since the day you decide to become an entrepreneur," she noted.

"In a hostile environment for private initiative, there is another opponent, ageism, that women after 40 mainly suffer from, as well as the stereotypes of the Greek society," she stressed.

Protaiou underlined that entrepreneurship can lead to a gradual recovery of the economy, "in a society, however, where women and men go together for the creation of added value, without age criteria."

[28] BAT Hellas presents investment plan to State Minister

State Minister Nikos Pappas in a meeting with BAT Hellas chief executive Gianpiero Pazzanese, presented the positive developments recorded in the Greek economy during the last 12 months (almost zero change in GDP, falling unemployment, higher tax revenue, etc) which established Greece more and more an internationally attractive investment destination.

Pazzanese underlined his confidence to the Greek economy outlook and welcomed the strong commitment of the Greek government to combat tobacco smuggling.

[29] Super market sector resisted the crisis, Icap report

Sales by super markets and cash & carry companies fell by an average annual rate of 4.1 pct in the 2010-2013 period, but rebounded 1.6 pct in 2014 to fall by around 3.0 pct in 2015, Icap said. Market officials expect sales to decline further in 2016 (at a slower pace compared with 2015) and to record changes between -1.0 pct and +1.0 pct annually in the 2017-2018 period.

Stamatina Panteleou, director of Economic Surveys, commenting on the report said that the economic crisis has affected negatively the super market sector, as a continuing recession of the domestic economy led to a significant contraction of consumers' available income, reducing their purchasing power.

The top five companies in the sector accounted for around 60 pct of market value in 2014. The super market sector is one of the most dynamic sectors in the Greek economy, with a large number of companies operating in the country. Intense competition, combined with lower demand led companies to seek new growth strategies. The main impact of the crisis is reflected in the change of consumer behaviour and a reduction in the average basket of purchases.

The 42 companies included in the survey reported an increase in total assets by 4.2 pct in 2014, compared with 2013, while own capital grew 3.3 pct. Sales grew 1.0 pct and gross earnings rose 3.7 pct in the same year. Net profits rose 12 pct and EBITDA rose 9.4 pct. Of the 42 companies in the survey, 35 with profitable in 2014 up from 33 in 2013.

[30] P.G. Nikas announces 30-mln-euro share capital increase plan

In an announcement P.G. Nikas said it will proceed with a 30-million-euro share capital increase plan after a final agreement was reached and the deal was approved by competition authorities. Chipita and Impala Invest BV (each holding a 50 pct equity in the investment vehicle) will fully cover the new equity capital.

GCI Food Enterprises Ltd, main shareholder of P.G. Nikas, will not participate in the agreement nor the share capital increase plan. Chipita and Impala Invest BV agreed with Alpha Bank and Eurobank Ergasias to boost P.G. Nikas equity capital and to restructure its bank debt.

[31] Tech consumer product market up 1.6 pct in Q4 2015

The IT product market continued falling for the second successive quarter in the October-December period. With the exception of tablets, where the average price remained unchanged at 2014 levels, all other categories of IT products recorded an increase in average prices with consumers focusing on products with better technical characteristics.

The office equipment category recorded a small decline at the end of 2015, after recording a strong decline in the previous two quarters, helped by a recovery in multi-purpose machines.

White appliances recorded a significant increase in the last quarter of 2015, led by refrigerators, freezers, ovens, washing machines and dry machines.

Small home appliances recorded a significant increase -after a negative third quarter-, led by vacuum cleaners, breakfast preparation machines and hair styling.

The photo product market continued falling in the last quarter of 2015 but at a slower rate compared with previous quarters.

The telecoms sector remained on an upward trend for the sixth successive quarter, led by smart phones and ear phones. Smart phone prices remained unchanged at 2014 levels.

TV sales declined in the fourth quarter of 2015, but video cameras, hi-fi speakers, sound bars, memory cards, USB and game consoles recorded positive sales growth rates.

[32] Building materials' prices down 2.3 pct in Jan

Hellenic Statistical Authority, in a report released on Tuesday, said that diesel oil price fell 12 pct in January, steel pipes dropped 7.1 pct, iron fell 6.5 pct, window prices fell 3.4 pct, garage doors fell 2.9 pct, tiles eased 2.7 pct, lifts were down 2.7 pct, cement prices eased 2.4 pct, plastic pipes fell 2.2 pct, interior doors eased 2.1 pct.

The composite index of new home building materials' prices fell 2.3 pct in January compared with the same month last year, and eased 0.3 pct compared with December 2015.

[33] Greek stocks end higher

Piraeus Bank (11.57 pct), Eurobank (5.56 pct) and Ellaktor (5.0 pct) scored the biggest percentage gains of the day among blue chip stocks, while Hellenic Exchanges (3.15 pct), Aegean Airlines (2.28 pct) and Alpha Bank (1.52 pct) suffered heavy losses. Piraeus Bank and National Bank were the most heavily traded securities of the day. Among market sectors, Banks (3.18 pct) and Personal Products (3.01 pct) scored big gains, while Health (1.90 pct) and Financial Services (1.39 pct) suffered losses.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 54 to 48 with another 20 issues unchanged. Kyriakoulis (29.41 pct), Hatzikraniotis (23.29 pct) and Vioter (19.57 pct) were top gainers, while Nafpaktos Spin Mills (27.83 pct), Akritas (20 pct) and AEGEK (15.91 pct) were top losers.

[34] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates were mixed. The 12-month rate rose to -0.016 pct from -0.018 pct, the nine-month rate was -0.071 pct, the six-month rate rose to -0.125 pct from -0.126 pct, the three-month rate fell to -0.20 pct from -0.199 pct and the one-month rate fell to -0.261 pct

[35] ADEX closing report

General News

[36] DNA testing points to convicted terrorits' wife as peretrator of attempted helicopter hijack

An armed woman attempted to hijack a helicopter she had leased at the municipality of Ermionida, in the Argolis regional unit of the Peloponnese on Sunday. The helicopter pilot managed to land the aircraft and avoid being injured by the three shots she fired towards him with her gun. The anti-terrorism squad believes Roupa wanted to use the helicopter to help Maziotis escape from Korydallos prison.

[37] New arrests expected in major company blackmailing ring

On Monday, police arrested the three men for allegedly threatening listed companies, among which banks and public organizations, with the publication of news that were negative for their firms, in exchange for large amounts of money.

The case came to light after an executive from Greece's water utility EYDAP filed a complaint with the police, arguing that one of the accused asked her to pay money to his publisher so that "he wouldn't start writing negative comments about EYDAP."

Following the complaint, police taped the conversations of the people involved, from which authorities concluded that the accused publisher and journalists controlled or influenced several newspapers and news websites which they intended to coordinate to achieve their aim. According to the information collected so far, their tactic was to write negative articles about a company listed in the Athens Stock Exchange and then, after blackmailing them into paying advertising money, to write positive articles. The recording of a conversation with the EYDAP employee shows the ring intended to make a team which would control print and online media that would write in favour of the government, in order to receive money from state advertising.

In the same meeting, one of the accused is heard saying that once her company approves 60,000 euros for the publisher, they could cooperate to gain annually 550,000 euros - 20,000 from EYDAP, 80,000 euros from Hellenic Petroleum, 80,000 euros from power utility PPC, 100,000 euros from the National Bank etc.

All the data from the case will be submitted to the examining magistrate before whom the three accused will appear on Friday.

[38] Members of anarchist group disrupt ERT news program

ERT newscaster Panos Haritos was talking to Communist Party MP Liana Kanelli when the members of "Rubicon" insisted on reading a document on live TV. After reading their text, Haritos and Kanneli described what happened in the studio noting that a cameraman had been injured. The members of Rubicon remain inside the building.

[39] Refugee camp in Idomeni overcrowded with 4,000 people

Police said it sent 1,260 Afghanis with buses to Athens, as FYROM has forbidden entry into the country.

[40] Afghan refugees transferred to Athens from Idomeni

The place where the refugees will be hosted in Athens will be decided a few while before their arrival to the Greek capital and, said Migration Ministry sources.

Currently, the refugees hospitality centers at Eleonas, Elliniko and Schisto are full, however, the Afghans will be sent to the centers depending on the vacancies after the departures that will take place on Tuesday.

The same recipe will be applied for refugees that have arrived at Piraeus port and do not have the necessary documents in order to move towards the Greek borders.

[41] 1,130 refugees arrive at Piraeus port on Tuesday

Another ferry "Diagoras" with 10 refugees will dock at Piraeus within the day.

[42] Deaths from flu rise to 129

Moreover, 101 patients are hospitalized in intensive care units, the country's center for disease control and prevention (KEELPNO) said.

According to KEELPNO, a total of 363 persons have been hospitalized in intensive care units since the outbreak of the influenza.

Weather forecast

[43] Partly cloudy on Wednesday

[44] The Tuesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

DIMOKRATIA: Battles in blockades

EFIMERIDA TON SYNTAKTON: Back to the blockades with small promises

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: The 40 keys for the NSRF funds

ESTIA: Farmers more powerful than scientists

ETHNOS: The dark actions of the ruthless blackmailers

IMERISSIA: Decisions to be taken at the blockades

KATHIMERINI: Suffocation at Idomeni, Piraeus

KONTRANEWS: Alexis (Tsipras) was discussing with farmers for five hours

NAFTEMPORIKI: A two-speed social security system

RIZOSPASTIS: Measures that do not solve the problems of small and medium size farmers

TA NEA: They close the borders

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