Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 16-06-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Tsipras: 'We need a new vision for Europe'

[02] EU's 27 leaders are 'absolutely determined' to stay united, says Tusk

[03] PM Tsipras expresses solidarity with UK's Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn

[04] PM Tsipras to meet German Vice Chancellor Gabriel on Thursday

[05] Dragasakis to meet visiting German vice chancellor on Thursday

[06] Greece the most protected country from Brexit repercussions, claims Dijsselbloem

[07] Dijsselbloem tells Greece: Implement the program and at the end of 2018 we'll look again at the debt

[08] ND leader Mitsotakis stresses need for Europe to move on to after-populism era

[09] EU should reconsider its positions and take progressive decisions, Dep.FM Amanatidis tells ANA-MPA

[10] President Pavlopoulos unequivocally condemns terror attack at Ataturk airport; sends condolences to Turkish people

[11] PM Tsipras conveys condolences to Turkish president for deadly Ataturk airport attack

[12] ND leader Mitsotakis condemns terrorist attack in Istanbul

[13] FM Kotzias condemns Istanbul terror attacks in call to Turkey's Cavusoglu

[14] FM Kotzias expresses sadness and support for Turkish people after terror attack

[15] Foreign Ministry condemns attacks in Istanbul

[16] Foreign Min says there is no indication of Greek citizens among the victims of the terror attack in Istanbul

[17] Bill approving COSCO-OLP deal tabled in Parliament

[18] Skai applies to participate in tender for four national television licences

[19] New landscape for Greek tourism after Brexit

[20] Supermarket chain Marinopoulos says its stores remain open

[21] Greek stocks make modest gains amidst surge for European markets

[22] Greek bond market closing report

[23] ADEX closing report

[24] Dervenohoria blaze brought under control, pockets of flames remain, says fire brigade spox

[25] 22nd Kalamata International Dance Festival

[26] Rapid steps towards the construction of Zakynthos Archaeological Museum

[27] Thessaloniki - the city that satisfies both leisure and business travelers

[28] The 12th International Festival of the Aegean

[29] Mykonos to host 'Vanity' exhibition on Cyclades jewellery in August

[30] Mount Olympus headed for an Oscar

[31] Aegean's announcement for passenger to/from Istanbul until July 6

[32] Turkish Airlines cancels Athens-Istanbul flight

[33] 57,155 identified refugees and migrants in Greece on Wednesday

[34] Mostly fair on Thursday

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

[01] PM Tsipras: 'We need a new vision for Europe'

Europe is in a deep political crisis, created by harsh austerity and a piecemeal approach to the migration problem, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said in statements after a European Council of 27 EU member-states that was dominated by Brexit on Wednesday.

"We find ourselves before two paths: either to continue on as if nothing has happened or make a decision to create a new, better and more democratic Europe," he said.

The British people's vote was a "historic event" that sent shockwaves throughout the world, Tsipras noted, adding that the European Union was at a crucial turning point.

"For the first time in its history, the EU is becoming smaller, the map is changing," the Greek prime minister said.

Europe's leadership must understand the reasons that led to the British vote and ask themselves whether referendums with the same question in other countries were likely to yield the same result. "We have to wonder why the EU does not inspire its peoples and create a more 'attractive' EU," he said.

Tsipras noted that Greece had highlighted these EU dysfunctions and deficits in the most painful way during the summer of 2015. This "social and democratic deficit" in the EU was now confirmed, he added, and called for a change in course. Reporting on Tuesday's European Council meeting, he said the atmosphere had been "highly charged" and that Europe would soon find itself faced with a choice between two paths.

The need for a "new deal" on Europe with a social dimension that could once again inspire its citizens was "of existential importance" Tsipras underlined.

"In addition to the fiscal deficit there is the social deficit," he said, citing Greece as a classic example. Before the crisis, unemployment in Greece stood at 7 pct, the same as in Germany, but now it was now at 26 pct while that in Germany was 4.5 pct, he pointed out. There could be no future for Europe when there were such large inequalities, Tsipras said.

"Growth, employment, reducing joblessness and chiefly an effort to eradicate the democratic deficit of Europe. Reinforcing European institutions so that citizens feel that they have a say," were all part of a 'social agenda' that must be put on the table, the Greek prime minister added.

He ended by announcing that Greece was planning initiatives toward this end on a regional level and within member-states, to "form alliances on a geographic and political level."

Replying on whether the UK must activate article 50, Tsipras said that this was not the only problem. "We must [also] admit the lack of democracy, the democratic and social deficit of Europe, understand why the British decided to leave. I think we have big discussions ahead of us but I believe that decisions are essential, not just discussions," he said.

Asked to outline his vision for the 'new Europe', he repeated the need to eradicate inequalities in Europe and the "vital need to replace unemployment with decent jobs and replace austerity with an agenda for growth."

[02] EU's 27 leaders are 'absolutely determined' to stay united, says Tusk

Leaders of the EU's 27 member-states are "absolutely determined" to remain united and work closely together to tackle the challenges of the 21st century, the head of the European Council Donald Tusk said on Wednesday, after the end of the second say of the summit meeting in Brussels, which focused on the results of the British referendum.

"We reconfirmed that Britain's withdrawal from the European Union must be orderly and there will be no negotiations of any kind until the UK formally notifies its intention to withdraw. We hope to have the UK as a close partner in the future," Tusk told journalists.

He also stressed that access to the single market requires acceptance of all four freedoms, including the freedom of movement. 'There will be no single market "? la carte'," he added.

Tusk also said the 27 states and will meet on 16 September in Bratislava to continue talks on the future of the EU.

On his side, Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission, said he informed EU leaders that he asked European Commissioners not to start any negotiations with Britain until the country starts the exit procedure.

[03] PM Tsipras expresses solidarity with UK's Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn

In two posts in his account on Twitter, Tsipras said: "I spoke earlier with @jeremycorbyn to express my solidarity for his country's difficult moments. Those responsible for the divisive and Eurosceptic rhetoric cannot blame the progressive forces."

[04] PM Tsipras to meet German Vice Chancellor Gabriel on Thursday

The meeting will take place, at Maximos Mansion, at 13.00.

[05] Dragasakis to meet visiting German vice chancellor on Thursday

[06] Greece the most protected country from Brexit repercussions, claims Dijsselbloem

"What is necessary is policy and financial stability. Moreover, the Greek government must implement the agreed programme to the detail and if the programme is followed at the end of 2018 we can restart the discussion for the Greek debt and the primary surpluses. If the programme is not followed the Greek economy will face a new damage" he stated and reassured that he has a very constructive discussion with Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos and with the Greek authorities in general.

[07] Dijsselbloem tells Greece: Implement the program and at the end of 2018 we'll look again at the debt

Greece should implement what was agreed with its creditors last summer and at the end of 2018 Greece's debt and primary surpluses may be discussed, the head of the Eurogroup, Jeroen Dijsselbloem, said on Wednesday during a meeting with Greek journalists in The Hague.

"The message is: Do what we agreed on", he said, summing up the attitude that will be followed the institutions with regard to Greece, following the completion of the first program review.

Asked by ANA-MPA on the consequences of the Brexit, Dijsselbloem said Britain's decision causes uncertainty and one cannot make guesses. He also said Brexit will have the least impact on Greece because the country is protected, "shielded" by the Europe's money and its adjustment program.

The parameters that Greece should focus on are political and economic stability and attracting investments. He also said Greece needs to rebuild trust which "leaves with a horse and returns by foot".

Dijsselbloem also clarified that last year's instability caused a lot of damage to Greece and if the program is not implemented, there will be more damage. "If a political game is played there will be an economic price," he noted.

[08] ND leader Mitsotakis stresses need for Europe to move on to after-populism era

Main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Wednesday stressed the need for Europe to move on to after-populism era.

ND leader was addressing the 215 EPP members of European parliament.

"The future is the end of populism. Populism does not solve problems, it multiplies the impasses and it is ultimately against the peoples of the European Union," said Mitsotakis, who was the keynote speaker in the plenary of the EPP summit.

Mitsotakis was welcomed by the president of the Parliamentary Group of the European center-right Manfred Weber. The leader of main opposition presented the alternative proposal of his party to exit the crisis and the need for a a new European Truth Agreement with the citizens following the shock outcome of the British referendum. He noted that the current Greek program will not lead anywhere and added that ND proposed growth rates of 4 pct of GDP and a primary surplus of 2 pct of GDP.

Asked on the issue of FYROM's name, he clarified that Greece has taken its own steps to resolve the issue, but the Skopje side does not follow and supported the Greek position on a complex geographical name applicable for all purposes (erga omnes), and underlined Greece's concern for stability, cooperation and peace in the Balkans.

[09] EU should reconsider its positions and take progressive decisions, Dep.FM Amanatidis tells ANA-MPA

The 27 member states should deal with the situation with unity after Britain's decision to leave the EU, Amanatidis stressed adding that "unity should be based on the idea of social Europe. Above all Europe is for its people."

He also said that the negotiation on Britain's leave is a very important issue that, as he said, should be attributed to the European parliament and to the European Committee and sternly criticised those who say that populism prevailed in Britain but did not found ground in Spain with Mariano Rajoy's victory in the elections.

Moreover, Amanatidis sternly condemned the terror attack in Istanbul and noted that a message should be sent so that the procedures for a solution in the Middle East are accelerated.

He also underlined that Turkey should comply with its agreements with the EU in order to leave from the isolation.

[10] President Pavlopoulos unequivocally condemns terror attack at Ataturk airport; sends condolences to Turkish people

Following Pavlopoulos' order, the general secretary of the Greek Republic Presidency Giorgos Gennimatas had a phone contact late Tuesday with Turkey's ambassador to Greece Kerim Uras and asked him to convey to the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan and to the Turkish people Pavlopoulos' firm condemnation as well as his and the Greek people's condolences to the families of the victims and to the Turkish people.

[11] PM Tsipras conveys condolences to Turkish president for deadly Ataturk airport attack

[12] ND leader Mitsotakis condemns terrorist attack in Istanbul

[13] FM Kotzias condemns Istanbul terror attacks in call to Turkey's Cavusoglu

Kotzias expressed to Cavusoglu his firm conviction that terrorism can have nothing to do with Islam and nor can it be linked with religious faith and the values of charity and tolerance that such faith professes.

The two Foreign Ministers agreed to meet during the NATO Summit meeting on 8 and 9 July, in Warsaw, where they will review bilateral relations and schedule an exchange of visits for the coming time.

[14] FM Kotzias expresses sadness and support for Turkish people after terror attack

Speaking to radio station Alpha 98.9, Kotzias said Greece supports the Turkish government in tackling this problem and added: "Greece is not pleased with such attacks. On the contrary, they are inhuman; they are against the very nature and the lives of people and the whole world. It is the result of blind ideology, passion and extremism."

[15] Foreign Ministry condemns attacks in Istanbul

[16] Foreign Min says there is no indication of Greek citizens among the victims of the terror attack in Istanbul

The Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks in an announcement posted on Twitter. "Disgusted and appalled by the new terrorist attack in Istanbul. We stand by our neighbours, our friends, against terror."

"Immediately after the explosion," according to the statement "a delegation of the Consulate General Istanbul went to the airport and provided assistance to Greek citizens who were at the airport and needed support for their safe transport to Istanbul hotels. The Consulate General has taken all the necessary steps to facilitate the repatriation of Greek citizens."

[17] Bill approving COSCO-OLP deal tabled in Parliament

The aim is to approve the deal in the plenum by Friday, ahead of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras' official visit to China.

[18] Skai applies to participate in tender for four national television licences

More applications to submit bids are expected from Star channel, ANT1 and a Thessaloniki-based television station on Thursday. Each station has paid 30,000 euros for the required stamp duty, ANA-MPA sources said.

The tender process will be concluded next Monday, July 4 and the short-listed candidates will be announced on July 14.

Financial News

[19] New landscape for Greek tourism after Brexit

The British pound/euro exchange rate and a possible negative impact on the GDP of Great Britain are seen playing a critical role, SETE added.

SETE Intelligence collects, assess and analyzes all incoming data to have a more complete picture for this unprecedented situation, and work on the possible scenarios for the next day and the risks and problems that can cause in the Greek tourism sector.

The Greek Tourism Confederation advises all involving parties to stay calm in order to deal with the current highly volatile situation, show professionalism and promote Greece's competitive advantages in the British market and the 2.5 million euro Britons who choose Greek destinations for their holidays.

"We are convinced that the British people will continue to choose Greece for their holidays because of its high quality services and unique experiences it offers," it underlined.

[20] Supermarket chain Marinopoulos says its stores remain open

"The stores and their employees make every effort for a smooth operation and excellent service to consumers. At the same time, we are continuing discussions with the banks to produce a framework that will allow the long-term viability of the company," Marinopolos said in a statement. It also added that the company's entry under a consolidation procedure is the only way to keep the chain open and secure jobs.

Marinopoulos is Carrefour's exclusive franchisee in southeastern Europe with stores in Albania, FYROM and Bulgaria.

[21] Greek stocks make modest gains amidst surge for European markets

The composite index ended 0.60 pct up at 541.88 points, with a modest turnover of 72.989 million euros in a volume of 151,375,441 trades.

The Large Cap index rose 1.60 pct and the Mid Cap index eased 0.90 pct lower.

OPAP (6.00 pct), Jumbo (4.96 pct) and Grivalia Properties (3.24 pct) were the top gainers among blue chip stocks, while Piraeus Bank (-5.49 pct), EYDAP (-3.93 pct) and Lamda Development (-2.08 pct) recorded the heaviest losses.

The Travel (4.99 pct), Personal Products (3.83 pct) and Commerce (1.64 pct) sectors made the greatest gains, while Public Utilities (-1.6 pct) and Raw Materials (-1.58 pct) lost ground.

National Bank and Piraeus Bank were the most heavily traded securities of the day. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 49 to 39 with another 21 issues unchanged. Intrakat (29.21 pct), Bitros Holdings (23.75 pct) and Epilektos (13.86 pct) were top gainers, while Varvaressos (-19.44 pct), Forthnet (-19.00 pct) and Dionic (-11.63 pct) were top losers.

[22] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates were largely unchanged. The 12-month rate fell to -0.052 from -0.049 pct, the nine-month rate fell to -0.117 pct from -0.112 pct, the six-month rate fell to -0.18 pct from -0.176 pct, the three-month rate was -0.286 pct from 0.281 pct and the one-month rate was -0.369 pct.

[23] ADEX closing report

Volume on the Large Cap index totaled 1,954 contracts with 6,022 open positions in the market.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 90,272 contracts with investment interest focusing on Piraeus Bank's contracts (32,065), followed by National Bank (23,447), Alpha Bank (15,388), Eurobank (10,330), MIG (5,789), PPC (820), OPAP (667), OTE (463), Mytilineos (315), Hellenic Petroleum (304), Viohalco (265), METKA (85), GEK (58), Motor Oil (29) and Ellaktor (21).

General News

[24] Dervenohoria blaze brought under control, pockets of flames remain, says fire brigade spox

He said the area of pine wood that has been incinerated is probably smaller than initially thought, as large parts appear to have remained unscathed. Tsongas estimates that out of a total of about 2,718 acres included in the 16-kilometer periphery of the fire, about half has been burned, however an accurate evaluation of the destruction can only be made after the fire has been put out completely.

The spokesman also said the fire-fighting operation may last some days as crews have been told to stay until every pocket has been put out, adding that no lives or property was at risk.

Asked about the causes of the fire, Tsongas said an arson crimes unit is already in the area to assess whether this was a deliberate action or an accident. He hailed the "superhuman" efforts of the firefighters, saying the units struggled to prevent the flames from spreading to Parnitha Mountain and opened new paths to stop new the blaze from moving to other directions.

Tsongas also warned citizens against any activities that could start a fire in the coming days, when winds are expected to pick up again in Attica, Boeotia, Aegean and Ionian Islands, the prefectures of Lasithi and Heraklion in Crete and the prefectures of Thessaloniki, Kilkis and Chalkidiki.

[25] 22nd Kalamata International Dance Festival

It is the key event of the city's International Dance Centre, founded in 1995, aiming at supporting and promoting the art of dance through research, education, and creativity.

A number of influential artists have made their first Greek appearance at Kalamata.

The 22th Kalamata International Dance Festival focuses on two key issues: the return to the origins of modern dance, "in terms of feeding contemporary art with fundamental ideas, philosophies and practices" while special emphasis is also given on the promotion of "diversity" and the simultaneous presence of artists with and without disabilities.

The budget, as the new artistic director of the festival Katerina Kasioumi said, is the same as last year (400,000 euros) and is financed by the Ministry and the Municipality of Kalamata as well as sponsors.

[26] Rapid steps towards the construction of Zakynthos Archaeological Museum

Deputy Sports and Culture Minister Stavros Kontonis said to ANA-MPA that "one of the top priorities for the island of Zakynthos is the operation of the Archaeological Museum in which will be displayed all the finds of the 16th century's Spanish wreck as well as parts of the ship that will be recovered. Moreover, all the finds from 1970 that are currently in Zakynthos archaeological service's warehouses will be displayed in the new museum."

[27] Thessaloniki - the city that satisfies both leisure and business travelers

According to a survey conducted by the Hotel Association of Thessaloniki and"GBR Consulting," the city of Thessaloniki achieved high satisfaction scores both for leisure travelers and business travelers.

Almost one out of two tourists that has visited the city said he was extremely satisfied and would like to visit it again.

Cypriot visitors increased 12 percent compared to 2014 while Turks and Americans rank second and third followed by Germans, Serbians, Bulgarians, Romanians and Russians. However, Russian tourists were down 29 percent compared to 2014.

Tourists first choose to stroll at the beach and then visit the White Tower. At least half of them would also take a walk to the Upper Town and the castles, the survey said.

[28] The 12th International Festival of the Aegean

The Festival attracts noted musicians, dancers, and actors from countries all over the world and constitutes a top summer destination for lovers of the arts.

A total of 240 artists from 20 countries will participate in this year's festival. The programme includes 18 concerts and other performances to be held at the Apollo Theatre, St. Nicholas Church and Della Grazia. The keynote event of the festival is Italian opera "Pagliacci" by Ruzzero Leoncavallo.

The programme also includes concerts of famous symphonies by Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Brahms, Haydn, Chopin, Berlioz, string concerts as well as concerts for children.

In 2011, the Festival was named "Best cultural organization operating in the wider region of Greece" by the Awards Committee of Music Critics of the Union of Greek Theatre and Music Critics. In December 2014, the Festival was awarded the Gina Bachauer Award as Festival of the Year.

[29] Mykonos to host 'Vanity' exhibition on Cyclades jewellery in August

More than just an archaeological exhibition, it will display jewellery dating from the neolithic era right up to the present day, with 12 pieces by modern Greek jewellers custom-made for the occasion, as well as two murals and a post-Byzantine icon. Among those contributing their work, which will be on display in Mykonos for a year before touring the rest of the Cyclades islands and Athens, are internationally acclaimed designers Lito Karakostanoglou, Nikos Koulis, Ileana Makri, Ioanna Souflia and Minas.

"We chose the title because... vanity is the most fundamental parameter of the exhibits. We also wanted a snappy and easily understood title with references to the present, through which the visitor perceives something familiar," said curator Dimitris Athanasoulis, talking to the ANA-MPA.

"Pieces of jewellery are objects that not only show vanity but are often also magical, have the qualities of a talisman, hide many meanings and make multiple statements," he added.

[30] Mount Olympus headed for an Oscar

"We could not imagine how it was possible students of Classics not knowing that Olympus is real!" Krikeli explained to the Athens News Agency adding that this is how it all started.

"We decided to create 12 documentaries in English, which will be accessible on the internet, so that everyone can learn about Olympus. In addition, once the documentaries are completed, they will be broadcast by National Geographic," she underlined.

After the world premiere of the second documentary entitled "Mount Olympus, the creation" last Friday, at the ancient Dion, it now heads for the 2017 Oscars.

[31] Aegean's announcement for passenger to/from Istanbul until July 6

In case of date change rebooking fee will be waived and reissue fee will not be charged.

For cancellations/modifications please call on +30 2106261000.

[32] Turkish Airlines cancels Athens-Istanbul flight

Moreover, Aegean Airlines in a statement on Wednesday said it would like to inform its passengers who have booked to/from Istanbul with travel date till/and with July 6, 2016 for tickets issued on/before June 28, 2016, that Aegean will grant either full refund or date change.

In case of date change rebooking fee will be waived and reissue fee will not be charged.

For cancellations/modifications please call on +30 2106261000.

[33] 57,155 identified refugees and migrants in Greece on Wednesday

According to the Refugee Crisis Management Coordination Body's figures, 23,675 of the refugees are in northern Greece, 10,198 are hosted in the region of Attica, 8,643 on the Greek islands and 1,943 are hosted in different areas in central and southern Greece. 6,281 refugees and migrants are hosted in several facilities rented by the UNHCR, 4,915 are staying in non-organised facilities while approximately 1,500 persons are living outside organised facilities.

Weather forecast

[34] Mostly fair on Thursday

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

DIMOKRATIA: Ghost company in Avghi

EFIMERIDA TON SYNTAKTON: The law of the jungle

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: They cut the pension benefit EKAS more than required by the memorandum

ESTIA: The new taxes is Tsipras' choice

ETHNOS: The secrets for transfers

IMERISSIA: Bomb in the market

KATHIMERINI: Anxiety in the market over Marinopoulos company

NAFTEMPORIKI: EU: Divorce without discounts

RIZOSPASTIS: Protest outside the Labour ministry on Monday

TA NEA: Embarrassment and improvisations

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