Athens News Agency: News Bulletin in English, 07-02-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM addresses tourism forum; gov't eyes 'grand esplanade' in coastal Athens

[02] ND government and PM in world of myth, PASOK official says

[03] PM confers with Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos

[04] FM Bakoyannis begins tour of Thrace region

[05] PM meets with new EESC president

[06] President Papoulias to pay state visits to Bulgaria, Romania next week

[07] Roussopoulos slams Papandreou for 'backpedalling' on article 16

[08] PM a problem for the country with his policies, PASOK spokesman says

[09] Gov't refers to EU member Cyprus' sovereignty; Turkish reactions over oil exploration, bilateral pacts

[10] State Department spokesman on Continental Shelf around Cyprus

[11] Athens comments on Kosovo issue

[12] State Department says FYROM must resolve name issue with Greece first for NATO entry

[13] University access for vocational HS graduates

[14] U.S. Ambassador visits Macedonia-Thrace minister

[15] Cabinet to discuss finance ministry issues on Tuesday

[16] FinMin Alogoskoufis to head business mission to India

[17] Competition Commission imposes heavy fines on oil companies for cartel in jet fuel market

[18] Finmin meets members of Venizelos Foundation, AUEB professors

[19] PASOK spokesman refers to CNN Money website

[20] Farmers protest against high electricity rates

[21] Agriculture Minister Basiakos holds talks with Thessaly farmers

[22] Residents continue protests outside Kozani-area power station

[23] Eurobank buys 74.16% in Serbia's Prospera Securities

[24] Greek budget revenues up 8.4 pct in January, yr/yr

[25] Everest in franchise talks with Gloria Jean's Coffees

[26] Bank of Piraeus-MPB battle rages on

[27] Car registrations up 6.5 pct in January, yr/yr

[28] ASE surpasses 4,800-level on Monday

[29] ADEX closing report

[30] Greek bond prices fell 15-211 bps in January

[31] Greek bond market closing report

[32] Foreign Exchange Rates - Tuesday

[33] Snow, low temperatures prevail throughout Greece

[34] Thessaloniki mayor presents Key to the City to Melbourne counterpart

[35] Exhibition of scultures by Halepas

[36] Sharp increase of use of computers and Internet in Greece, survey shows

[37] Video contest for Galileo satellite navigation programme

[38] Search continues for illegal immigrants missing at sea

[39] Prison doctor charged over fake certificates for Bourboulia

[40] Archimandrite Iakovos Yiosakis arrested on Monday night

[41] Students to hold rally in Athens on Thursday

[42] Mount Athos at 'Wine and Religion' exhibition in Austria

[43] Police on trail of ATM scam ring, one arrest made

[44] Robbers arrested in Thessaloniki

[45] Drug arrest near Florina

[46] Banks torched in Athens

[47] UNESCO conference against doping

[48] Thessaloniki launches campaign against violence in soccer stadiums

[49] Weather forecast: Temperatures increasing on Tuesday

[50] Papadopoulos will meet with Talat once conditions of 8th July agreement are met

[51] Spokesman: Egypt and Lebanon have not reneged on oil agreements

[52] Spokesman:Policy of China and India towards Cyprus remains the same

[53] Chinese Ambassador: China's policy on Cyprus has not changed

[01] PM addresses tourism forum; gov't eyes 'grand esplanade' in coastal Athens

The forum also serves as the venue where the government's comprehensive po-licy for the expanded tourism sector will be detailed.

In opening the Forum, which is organised by the tourism development ministry, Karamanlis spoke of a model of tourism development revolving around the individual and aiming at generating prosperity.

"It is necessary for Greece to become competitive in the tourism sector as well, so that it can develop even further," the premier stressed.

Outlining the government's accomplishments in the tourism sector, Karamanlis said that Greece, for the first time, was acquiring a goal-oriented advertising campaign and specialised planning that ensured transparency in its tourism policy.

Tourism minister

On her part, Tourism Development Minister Fani Palli-Petralia announced that the government would accelerate work to transform coastal Athens' seafront -- from the Peace and Friendship indoor stadium of Faliro southeast to the upscale resort of Varkiza -- into a single 35-kilometer bike and pede-strian way next to the sea, what planners hope will turn into the congested Greek capital's "grand esplanade" and a magnet for out-of-town tourists.

Moreover, Palli-Petralia said the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) approved of plans for 22 conference centres, two golf courses, a ski resort and eight thalassotherapy spas over the past two years.

Finally, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas called on local hoteliers to treat domestic and foreign tourists in the same manner, warning that discounts extended to foreign tour agencies and out-of-country holiday-makers should apply to Greek tourists.

"The Internet, in fact, now allows Greeks to book reservations via foreign countries, so that they can now enjoy the same prices as, say, a German tourist," Sioufas added.

[02] ND government and PM in world of myth, PASOK official says

Papoutsis was referring to Monday's address by the prime minister and ministers of the government at the 1st Forum on tourism.

"The communication effort is good, we certainly want to contribute to the promotion of our country abroad but not, however, to reverse reality concerning the government's performances inside the country," he added.

On the question of mobilisation by inhabitants of Agios Dimitrios in the prefecture of Kozani, Papoutsis said in a statement that "we expect the government to assume its responsibilities, to take initiatives, to provide solutions for the problem because for as long as this situation continues serious risks are entailed for the operation of Public Power Corporation (DEH)and because we are entering severe winter conditions, great problems are being created for the country's energy supply."

KKE

"The rights of working-class families to go on holiday are completely overlooked in the tourism development policies following by the ruling New Democracy government and the PASOK governments that preceded it," the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) said in an announcement on Monday in reaction to the premier's comments at the Forum.

At the same time, KKE said employees in hotels and the tourist industry were required to work "in galley-like conditions for pitiful wages."

[03] PM confers with Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos

Speaking after the meeting, Pavlopoulos said that they discus-sed issues concerning his ministry and in particular the Pre-fectural Administration Code, the bill on expatriate voting that will be ratified by the present Parliament and will apply in the elections to follow the next elections, as well as the revision of the constitution.

Pavlopoulos said that the revision of the constitution falls on the shoulders of the government and of the parties of the left and termed the position of the main opposition PASOK party leader "morally and politically irresponsible".

Asked about the time that the next elections will be held -they are normally due in March 2008- the minister said that the government is elected for four years and that elections will be held at the end of its tenure, adding that the moves of PASOK leader George Papandreou "were dictated by his intraparty deadlocks".

Replying to another question on whether the ministry is ready to carry out elections, Pavlopoulos said that "the ministry is ready to carry out elections, but don't draw conclusions from this."

[04] FM Bakoyannis begins tour of Thrace region

"Equality before the law and state is an absolute and non-negotiable principle," she stressed.

Bakoyannis stated that the message she sends from Organi is that Thrace is a "top priority" for the government, stressing that the region has a significant development prospects within the wider Balkan environment.

Bakoyannis stressed that the government's and the prime minister's objective is a Thrace with non negotiable equality before the law and State, a Thrace where human resources will be its greatest asset enjoying the government's special attention.

Bakoyannis, who was accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister Evripides Stylianidis, Parliament deputy Ahmet Ilhan and eastern Macedonia-Thrace region general secretary Mihalis Angelopoulos, visited the Organi high school and was warmly received by the local population.

Earlier, the foreign minister held a meeting with local autho-rities in Komotini and later in the afternoon she will address the local chamber of commerce. On Tuesday, Bakoyannis will visit Xanthi.

FM announces measures for Moslem minority in Thrace

Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis announced a package of measures aimed at "widening and boosting political equality and equality before the law for the Moslem minority in Thrace", while speaking in the northern city of Komotini on Monday.

Speaking during an event at the Rodopi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, she announced the promotion, with a legislative arrangement by the finance ministry, of the lifting of mortgages and of debts of the managing committees of the minority's vakoufs.

She pointed out that this property will be excluded from the payment of large real estate tax and stressed that the interior ministry is promoting with a bill "the renewal of law 1091/80 that anticipates elected administrations for managing Moslem vakoufs in Thrace."

Bakoyannis also announced the government's decision "to open a new chapter in relations between public administration and the citizens of the Moslem minority", with the implementation of the status quo valid for admission to universities and techni-cal institutes, meaning the 5 in a thousand quota for the members of the minority also in nationwide tests by ASEP (the Supreme Staff Selection Council) for appointment to public administration posts.

"I want to underline that the new measures that we are taking constitute only a part of our government's actions and initiatives, since many more will follow," Bakoyannis said.

Referring to development prospects in Thrace, the foreign minister said that they are a top priority for Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and the government and provided data showing that the region is on such a path.

"With the measures and actions of our government, the development of Thrace has shown impressive signs of improvement," she added.

Asked during a press conference given later whether the government is considering the issue of the election of the minority's muftis, she replied negatively, saying that muftis will have judicial duties, they will be appointed by the state and Greek law will apply.

Asked further whether the country is entering a prolonged election period, following the latest political developments, the minister said "the government is obliged to respond to the mandate of the Greek people not to stop working and not to allow the creation of a climate that might lead to a slowdown in the work we have to do."

Bakoyannis was also asked whether developments on the issue of oil research in the sea region of the eastern Mediterranean might have repercussions for Greek-Turkish relations and replied that she does not see why there should be any tension in Greek-Turkish relations, pointing out that Cyprus is an inde-pendent country and has every right to sign agreements.

The foreign minister will be meeting with the Metropolitan and the mufti of Komotini on Tuesday and will be continuing her tour of Xanthi.

[05] PM meets with new EESC president

No statements were made after the meeting.

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is a consultative body that gives representatives of Europe's socio-occupational interest groups, and others, a formal platform to express their points of views on EU issues. Its opinions are forwarded to the larger institutions - the Council, the Commission, the European Parliament - and play a key role in the Union's decision-making process.

[06] President Papoulias to pay state visits to Bulgaria, Romania next week

Papoulias, accompanied by his wife, will pay a three-day state visit to Bulgaria from February 12 to 14, at the invitation of Bulgarian president George Parvanov.

From Bulgaria, he will head on to Romania for a three-day official visit from February 14 to 16, at the invitation of his Romanian counterpart Traian Basescu.

[07] Roussopoulos slams Papandreou for 'backpedalling' on article 16

Holding up a copy of the newspaper "To Vima" issued on December 10 last year, which headlined an interview where Papandreou explained his reasons for supporting a revision of article 16 in order to allow the foundation of private universities in Greece, Roussopoulos accused PASOK's leader of lacking "seriousness and responsibility".

"The Greek people need ... leaders who mean what they say and put it into action, not those that beat a disorderly retreat within a short space of time," Roussopoulos added.

The spokesman stressed that after 20-odd years of being a lone voice of support for revising article 16 within PASOK, Papandreou was now backing down at a time when he was a party leader and had the power to turn his views into action, forced into retreat due to internal party problems.

In response to questions, Roussopoulos said he had brought attention to the interview in an attempt to demonstrate the discrepancy between the PASOK leader's words and deeds.

"Three years ago, Mr. Papandreou used sweet, mellifluous rhetoric to promise Greek citizens a new philosophy, a new character and a new political discourse. Now he appears to have abandoned them. As the prime minister so rightly said last night, Mr. Papandreou has not succeeded in changing his party, his party has changed George Papandreou," Roussopoulos added.

In a surprise move on Friday, Papandreou had tabled a motion of no confidence in the government, demanded early elections and also announced that his party was withdrawing from the debate on revising key articles of the Constitution. In many quarters, this was seen as a way for PASOK's leader to back out of voting for a revision of article 16, which is a controversial dividing the PASOK party.

[08] PM a problem for the country with his policies, PASOK spokesman says

Efthymiou said that Karamanlis "did not speak about any substantive issue in Parliament on Sunday, during the debate on the vote of censure against the government.

Replying to a question on the time that elections will be held, the PASOK spokesman said that "fear leads to spasmodic moves," adding that for this reason Karamanlis should have accepted PASOK's "direct proposal".

The spokesman, referring to the three-day debate held in Parliament on the vote of censure, said that PASOK's position on elections was substantiated during the debate, while on the question of the revision process he mentioned two reasons why PASOK walked out:Firstly, it was the first time that in a process for the revision of the constitution no proposal by the opposition was accepted. Secondly, he spoke of unprecedented moments in the 33-year post-junta era and the falsification of the verdict by the ruling New Democracy deputies who voted according to conscience on article 24 of the constitution.

Focusing on statements made on Monday by the government spokesman, he accused Theodoros Roussopoulos of pretending not to understand all that PASOK's leader said and of trying to cover up everything with communication handling.

On the question of PASOK's programme, Efthymiou said that its announcement is a matter of a short period of time, while the process to be followed will be its discussion at the Political and National Council and then at the Programming Council, whose date has not yet been set.

[09] Gov't refers to EU member Cyprus' sovereignty; Turkish reactions over oil exploration, bilateral pacts

The issue arose late last month in the wake of belligerent statements by Ankara to the island republic and EU member-state's bilateral agreement with Lebanon, following a similar agreement with Egypt.

Roussopoulos also reiterated that Athens and Nicosia are in constant contact.

[10] State Department spokesman on Continental Shelf around Cyprus

The legal service of the U.S. State Department is analysing the aspects of the exploitaion of oil in the sea area of Cyprus and is expected to soon submit the position of the U.S. on the issue.

U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack on Monday responded to a question about the delimitation of the Continental Shelf around the island of Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean and for clarification of the U.S. position on the Continental Shelf of the Republic of Cyprus, a part of which is under Turkish invasion and occupation.

McCormack said:"We'll have to -- we'll have to get you an expert on the Continental Shelf in the eastern Mediterranean. I can't tell you exactly what our position is. This stuff gets very quickly into complicated issues related to Law of the Sea and so forth. I'm not going to try to jump into those waters."

[11] Athens comments on Kosovo issue

Asked about repercussions from the recently unveiled Ahtisaari proposal for Kosovo, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos merely noted that "Greece has played a serious role in Balkan developments; our effort aims at preventing flare-ups, and it has proved satisfactory, such as over the issue of Serbia's accession in the Partnership for Peace (PfP) initiative, or, for the accession process of Balkan countries."

[12] State Department says FYROM must resolve name issue with Greece first for NATO entry

U.S. State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack said on Monday that in order for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (FYROM) NATO entrance to advance, the country should resolve its difference with Greece concerning its name issue.

This U.S. position is the most clear official stance by Washington on the issue.

"Well, you asked a question about membership in NATO. That's how this whole question came about. 'Macedonia' is part of the Membership Action Plan, MAP, so there is some interaction ongoing between NATO as an organization, its individual member states and 'Macedonia'. We ourselves have made a decision with respect to the name of 'Macedonia'. Now, eventually, as we have said that NATO has an open door and we clearly have -- are engaged in discussions with other nonmember states right now about the potential for membership down the road, one of those issues between 'Mace-donia' and Greece would have to be the name issue. And in -- if you were ever to get to membership for Macedonia in NATO, you would have to get all member NATO states agreeing that Macedonia should enter. So it was a reference to the fact that if you ever do get to that point, it's an issue that would need to be resolved between Macedonia and Greece, since NATO is a consensus organization," McCormack said responding to a relevant question.

"As an organization and as a member state, we have -- this issue is not an issue for us, but clearly it is for the Greek government. It would need to be resolved if 'Macedonia' were ever to proceed further down the pathway to NATO membership," the spokesman added.

[13] University access for vocational HS graduates

Yiannakou, meanwhile, again expressed displeasure over the existing situation in universities and technical institutes around the country, referring to another strike declared by the union representing university professors as well as various takeovers of tertiary campuses by mostly leftist student groups opposing the government's reforms in the sector. Her comments follow a meeting on Saturday by the country's rectors, where a large majority of school presidents issued a decision calling for universities to remain open.

[14] U.S. Ambassador visits Macedonia-Thrace minister

The U.S. envoy was later shown around the Byzantine Museum in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki.

On Monday evening, Ries will attend a reception for the cutting of the traditional Greek New Year cake by the Hellenic-Ame-rican Chamber of Commerce.

[15] Cabinet to discuss finance ministry issues on Tuesday

Financial News

[16] FinMin Alogoskoufis to head business mission to India

He will be accompanied by 46 business representatives.

Taking part in the mission will be representatives of businesses active in the sectors of foods and beverages, plant cosmetics, machinery, appliances and plastics.

The aim of the business mission is to utilise in the best possible manner, the business opportunities presented in the Indian market in the sector of exports and of cooperation in general.

India recently gained third place on a global scale in the preferences of international investors, after China and the United States.

[17] Competition Commission imposes heavy fines on oil companies for cartel in jet fuel market

The Commission imposed fines totalling 4,890,609 euros on Hellenic Petroleum, 2,453,812 on Petrola Hellas (absorbed by Hellenic Petroleum) and 1,591,219 on Motor Oil Hellas.

The Competition Commission completed an inspection in the jet fuel market after a complaint by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

[18] Finmin meets members of Venizelos Foundation, AUEB professors

Entitled "Economic Leadership in Small Countries: Lessons from the 20th century Experience", the conference will take place on July 13-14, 2007 with Nobel laureate Prof. Joseph Stiglitz as keynote speaker. The ministry will fund the publication of the conference minutes.

The Eleftherios Venizelos Foundation was set up in 2000 as a centre to archive, coordinate and promote research into the life and work of Eleftherios Venizelos, one of Greece's most influential statesmen in the early 20th century. The aim is for the foundation to evolve into a major European research and educational centre.

[19] PASOK spokesman refers to CNN Money website

Efthymiou said that the website contains a list showing the 101 most stupid moments in the economy in 2006, at international level.

Greece appears in 39th position (the country's flag also appears in the relevant "window") on the occasion of the 25 percent increase in GDP. In this way, the website stresses, "Greece will pay 600 million dollars every year," Efthymiou added.

The PASOK spokesman accused the government of making two "big tricks" in the economy, "the inventory, which had an incalculable cost for the people and, secondly, the operation to exit from supervision, presenting a 25 percent increase in GDP."

He pointed out that "instead of making jokes, ND should apologise to the people for its options."

[20] Farmers protest against high electricity rates

On its part, the Public Power Corporation (DEH), citing a relevant court ruling, maintains that the electrical power supplied to the protesting farmers' regions was illegally used for purposes other than farming.

[21] Agriculture Minister Basiakos holds talks with Thessaly farmers

Meanwhile, the farmers are continuing their planned moblisa-tions with rallies, without however taking extreme action such as the blockade of roads.

After a meeting with a farmers delegation, which lasted four hours, Basiakos in statements said that:

Within the week there will be a meeting with Deputy Economy and Finance Minister Antonis Bezas for the farmers' demands which includes the increase of the returned Value Added Tax (VAT).

By the end of February the payment of the unified support (EU subsidies) to Thessaly's four prefectures will be completed.

Over the next two-month period compensation will be paid for the qualitative and quantative downgrading of production.

[22] Residents continue protests outside Kozani-area power station

Protesters decided to continue mobilisations despite a warning by a Kozani prosecutor.

Meanwhile, the director of the lignite fields that supply the power station with fuel, warned that there is a high risk of nationwide power outages as a result of the protest while, at the same time, he expressed optimism that a solution will be found soon.

Local residents have prevented the operation of at least one conveyor belt transporting lignite from open pits to the PPC power station.

Finally, protesters rejected a proposal by western Macedonia region general secretary Andreas Leoudis for a meeting with Development Minister Sioufas in Athens on Tuesday, calling on the minister to visit the region in person.

Increased use of hydroelectric plants leading to exhaustion of reservoir reserves, DEH says

The increased use of hydroelectric plants in replacement of thermic production is leading to the exhaustion of reservoir reserves, which is due to the curbing by about 550 MW of the production capacity of the Steam Electric Plant of Agios Dimitrios in Kozani, as a result of the takeover of conveyor belts taking ash from the Plant, at times apart from those that are compulsory for reasons of water supply and irrigation, according to an announcement by the Public Power Corpo-ration (DEH) Monday.

The reserves in reservoirs, as a result of the prolonged drought of past months, have reached emergency limits, the announce-ment said.

DEH points out that the continuation of the takeover is leading to the obligatory replacement of thermic energy by the hydroelectric plants.

"In a year during which inflows in reservoirs are extremely low, serious risks are entailed not only for meeting peak demand during the summer months, but also for failure to fulfill basic commitments for water supply and irrigation for entire regions that rely on the reserves of DEH's reservoirs," it said.

[23] Eurobank buys 74.16% in Serbia's Prospera Securities

Prospera was one of the three largest securities firms in Serbia last year, with a market share of 6.29 pct. Eurobank said the Serbian company would continue operating under its current administration and noted that the acquisition was part of its strategic plan to further expand activities in capital markets abroad and in particular in Southeastern Europe.

The Serbian stock market is a dynamic market in Southeastern Europe. The BELEXfm index rose 22.7 pct last year to reach 2,000 points, while the BELEX15 index soared 59 percent, exceeding the performance of MSCI Emerging Markets Index (33 pct) last year. Daily average turnover totalled 5.2 million euros in 2006, from 2.4 million in 2005. The market's capitalisation is currently 11 billion euros.

[24] Greek budget revenues up 8.4 pct in January, yr/yr

A ministry announcement said budget revenues totalled 4.8 billion euros in January, from 4.430 billion euros in January 2006. Revenues in customs and tax agencies rose 8.1 pct (customs 11.1 pct, tax agencies 7.2 pct) in the first month of the year, while VAT revenues rose 9.1 pct.

[25] Everest in franchise talks with Gloria Jean's Coffees

Everest, in a letter to the Athens Stock Exchange, said it would inform the public and market authorities in a timely manner on the course of the talks.

[26] Bank of Piraeus-MPB battle rages on

MPB proposed that the two banks disclose more details over a possible tie-up between them, but noted that Piraeus Bank's proposed share swar was totally unacceptable. MPB said it was ready to offer any data it would need to help Piraeus Bank finalize its evaluation of Marfin Popular Bank. MPB said it believed mutual disclosure and exchange of views would contribute in forming a 'serious view' on a fair share swap ration.

Bank of Piraeus, late on Monday, issued a statement defending its public offer for Marfin Popular Bank, saying the offer was fair.

Marfin Popular Bank replied to this statement noting that Bank of Piraeus' denial to an offer for cooperation and mutual disclosure of data was proof of its real intentions and justified MPB's reservations over the proposed public offer.

[27] Car registrations up 6.5 pct in January, yr/yr

The statistics service, in a report, said car registrations (both new and used ones) totalled 42,087 in January, while registrations of motorcycles totalled 5,922 in January, up 32.4 pct from the corresponding month in 2006.

[28] ASE surpasses 4,800-level on Monday

Sector indices moved higher with the Insurance (3.44 pct), Chemicals (1.43 pct) and Financial Services (1.37 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while the Media (1.22 pct), Utilities (1.07 pct) and Industrial Products (0.64 pct) suffered losses.

The Big Cap index rose 0.65 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 0.44 pct higher and the Small Cap index was 0.19 pct up.

Vis (18.91 pct) and Kego (13.14 pct) were top gainers, while Tasoglou (19.82 pct), Tria Alpha (14.63 pct) and Evik (6.87 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 145 to 113 with another 53 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +3.44%

Industrials: -0.64%

Commercial: -0.49%

Construction: +0.58%

Media: -1.22%

Oil & Gas: +0.04%

Personal & Household: -0.11%

Raw Materials: +0.17%

Travel & Leisure: -0.22%

Technology: -0.49%

Telecoms: +0.13%

Banks: +1.07%

Food & Beverages: +0.11%

Health: -0.82%

Utilities: -1.07%

Chemicals: +1.43%

Financial Services: +1.37%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank, Piraeus Bank, Eurobank, OTE and Greek Postal Savings Bank.

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

Alpha Bank: 25.10

ATEbank: 4.30

Public Power Corp (PPC): 21.24

HBC Coca Cola: 32.20

Hellenic Petroleum: 11.14

Emporiki Bank: 22.70

National Bank of Greece: 40.36

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 31.50

Intralot: 26.00

Cosmote: 23.40

OPAP: 28.80

OTE: 23.70

Titan Cement Company: 44.18

[29] ADEX closing report

The February contract on the FTSE 20 index was traded at a discount of 0.70 pct and on the FTSE 40 index at a discount of 0.58 pct.

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index totalled 4,967 contracts worth 64.292 million euros with 21,091 open positions in the market, and on the FTSE 40 index totalled 379 contracts worth 10.783 million euros with 1,678 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totalledl 8,905 contracts worth 7,432 million euros with investment activity focusing on ATEbank's contracts (1,578), followed by Eurobank (189), PPC (245), Piraeus Bank (566), Hellenic Exchanges (282), National Bank (782), Alpha Bank (525), Intracom (751) and GEK (1,411).

Volume in stock repos totalled 5,730 contracts and in reverse stock repos totalled 3,551 contracts.

[30] Greek bond prices fell 15-211 bps in January

Greek bonds' returns rose across the yield curve, particularly in medium-term securities, following a similar trend in other Eurozone markets. The three-year bond return rose 9 bps to 4.06 pct at the end of January, from 3.97 pct a month earlier, while the 30-year bond returned 4.58 pct from 4.45 pct over the same periods, respectively.

Greece issued a syndicated 10-year benchmark bond (July 20, 2017) carrying a coupon of 4.30 pct. Its return on the security's debut in the secondary market was 4.32 pct rising to 4.36 pct in end January. The yield spread between the 10-year Greek and German bonds was unchanged at 26 bps.

Turnover in the Greek state bond market totalled 64.31 billion euros in January, up from 45.01 billion in December and 54.92 billion in January 2006. Daily average turnover also rose to 2.92 billion euros from 2.37 billion euros in December. Investment activity focused on seven- and 15-year bonds, which accounted for 42.86 billion euros, or 67 pct of total turnover in the market.

The 10-year benchmark bond was the most heavily traded security with a turnover of 18.1 billion euros.

[31] Greek bond market closing report

The 10-year benchmark bond (July 20, 2016) was the most heavily traded security with a turnover of 915 million euros, followed by the 10-year (July 20, 2015) with 575 million euros. The yield spread between the Greek and German bonds was unchanged at 0.25 percent, with the Greek 10-year bond yielding 4.30 pct and the German 4.04 pct.

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates were mixed. National Bank's overnight rate eased to 3.57 pct from 3.58 pct on Friday, the two-day rate was 3.58 pct, the one-month rate at 3.60 pct and the 12-month rate eased to 4.06 pct from 4.09 pct on Friday.

[32] Foreign Exchange Rates - Tuesday

U.S. dollar 1.302

Pound sterling 0.666

Danish kroner 7.513

Swedish kroner 9.189

Japanese yen 157.1

Swiss franc 1.629

Norwegian kroner 8.185

Cyprus pound 0.583

Canadian dollar 1.543

Australian dollar 1.681

General News

[33] Snow, low temperatures prevail throughout Greece

The snow caused traffic congestion on roads in Attica, while roads on Mount Parnitha and Mount Penteli were closed.

Authorities also found a pair of hikers that had been missing since Sunday when they were cut off by the snow while walking in the countryside around Oinofyta.

The snow also caused problems in the mountainous regions of Hania prefecture on Crete, cutting off roads and the electricity supply in the Selinos region.

In west and central Macedonia in northern Greece, meanwhile, temperatures were just 1 degree Celsius within Thessaloniki and the city of Katerini and -1 degree Celsius in Veria, while the lowest temperatures were in Florina at -6 degrees Celsius and Kastoria, with -7 degrees Celsius.

[34] Thessaloniki mayor presents Key to the City to Melbourne counterpart

He stressed So's major contribution toward developing ties between the two cities, which have been twinned for the past 23 years, and his constant and earnest support for Melbourne's Greek community, which numbers some 300,000 people in a city of 1.3 million.

Papageorgopoulos asked So to continue supporting the efforts of the Greek community, among others, to defend "historic truth" regarding the dispute between Greece and its northern neighbour, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), regarding the use of the name 'Macedonia'. Greece objects to FYROM's adoption of the name 'Republic of Macedonia', which is also shared by a large geographical area spanning northern Greece that has shared borders with FYROM, and in which Thessaloniki is the largest city.

So thanked the Thessaloniki municipality for the honour bestowed on him and its warm hospitality, inviting Papageorgo-poulos to visit Melbourne and expressing conviction that the 25th anniversary since the two cities were twinned in 2009 would be a "milestone" in their relations.

[35] Exhibition of scultures by Halepas

The exhibition presents 95 out of 117 works which have been salvaged and 125 sketches by Halepas and is considered to be the most important ever organised.

President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias will inaugurate the exhibition at the Alsos Stratou.

[36] Sharp increase of use of computers and Internet in Greece, survey shows

The survey was conducted by the National Research and Technology Network (EFET), a body supervised by the Development Ministry.

Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas, Deputy Development Minister Yiannis Papathanassiou and Research and Technology Secretary-General professor Yiannis Tsoukalas on Monday declared:"These results are encouraging on the rate of new users of new technologies and of the Internet. There has been a marked increase these past years of the broadband links and use of computers and of the Internet in the Greek population."

According to the results of the survey:

ü 31.0% (38.9% aged between 15-65) of the Greek population uses computers.

ü 24.6% (31.1% aged between 15-65) of the population use the Internet.

ü The increase observed in comparison to 2005, is 14% and 26% respectively.

ü The possession and use of mobile phones touched 77.6% of the Greek population, continuing its upward trend (73.1% in 2005 and 69.4% in 2004).

[37] Video contest for Galileo satellite navigation programme

More information regarding the contest, which is open to groups or individuals aged 15-25, can be found at the web-page http://ec.europa/dgs/energy_transport/galileo/contest/index_en.htm.

[38] Search continues for illegal immigrants missing at sea

The search is based on the testimony of an illegal immigrant that survived and managed to swim ashore, where he was picked up by coast guard officers. He said that there had been another 19 people and a Turkish immigrant smuggler on the boat when it sank.

Though a Super-Puma all-weather helicopter was immediately sent out to look for survivors, gale force winds blowing in the area all weekend prevented a search party by coast guard vessels or other craft. Rescue workers that began combing the shoreline on Saturday have so far retrieved seven bodies, while coast guard vessels have now joined the search at sea.

[39] Prison doctor charged over fake certificates for Bourboulia

Doctor Nikos Lagonikas is charged with issuing falsely certifying a medical condition and Bourboulia with morally instigating someone to issue false certificates and using a fake document.

The charges were made based on the findings of an investigation ordered by Supreme Court prosecutor George Sanidas, who asked the Piraeus prosecutors' office to determine whether the health grounds cited by Bourboulia for her release were real.

Lagonikas had provided a document saying that Bourboulia, then a remand prisoner, was suffering from organic and psychosomatic ailments that the prison doctors were unable to treat.

A former investigating magistrate accused of involvement in a major judicial corruption scandal, Bourboulia was released for health reasons on December 19 after putting up a bail of 70,000 euros. The court also forbid her to leave the country and ordered her to report to a police station twice a month.

[40] Archimandrite Iakovos Yiosakis arrested on Monday night

The arrest of the archimandrite was ordered following the decision of the Crime Department of the Supreme Court to accept the revoking of Supreme Court deputy public prosecutor Athanasios Kontaxis against the ruling of the Athens Appeals Court Council, with which Yiosakis was released from prison with restrictive terms. Yiosakis is allegedly involved in the para-judicial ring.

The archimandrite was led to the Attica Police headquarters where he will stay overnight, while on Tuesday morning he is expected to be led to Athens' Korydallos prison.

It is expected that the Athens Appeals Court Council will convene to again judge the request for the release of Yiosakis.

[41] Students to hold rally in Athens on Thursday

Despite the fact that university rectors voted overwhelmingly on Saturday for universities to remain open, the Federation of Greek Universities Teaching and Research Staff Associations (POSDEP), on Monday declared a continuous strike, demanding for Article 16 of the Constitution not to be revised and for the bill by the Education and Religious Affairs Ministry for changes in universities to be withdrawn.

The students also have the same demands. As they said, they are continuing their take-over of tens of universities' faculties, despite the fact that there is a danger that the six-month period will be blown sky high, something which is more than visible. The students have planned a series of events on February 14-15, when Article 16 will again be debated in Parliament.

During the same period, secondary school teachers will also take strike action. Thus, they have planned to strike on February 15 and February 27, the day when the first voting in Parliament will take place on the under revision Articles.

[42] Mount Athos at 'Wine and Religion' exhibition in Austria

The basies of a type of 'twinning" of Mount Athos' wine producing monastery of Mylopotamos with Austria's most known wine producing city, Poysdorf, north of Vienna near the border with Czechia, were placed at the inauguration of an exhibition there titled "Wine and Relgion".

The inauguration of the exhibition over the weekend was attended by many representatives of Poysdorf's authorities, of the federal state of Lower Austria and economy and tourism officials.

[43] Police on trail of ATM scam ring, one arrest made

According to police, a "break" in the case came on Saturday with the arrest of a 26-year-old Romanian man in Athens as he was attempting to withdraw 1,000 euros from an ATM machine using a fake cash card.

Authorities said the suspects manufactured cash cards using encoded information they copied from the real card's magnetic strip, before subsequently making cash withdrawals.

The scam came to light some six months ago after complaints were filed by the Union of Greek Banks.

The crime ring was also reportedly active in Germany, Bel-gium, the Netherlands and Italy, responsible for stealing roughly 450,000 euros from a single bank alone.

[44] Robbers arrested in Thessaloniki

The man held employees and customers at gunpoint and removed 2,000 euros from the cash desk.

In a separate incident, a 27-year-old man was arrested for attempting to rob a small store in the eastern district of Analipsi, Thessaloniki. The culprit was armed with a knife and was arrested by patrolling police in the process of committing the robbery.

[45] Drug arrest near Florina

Acting on information concerning the trafficking of narcotic substances, and after several days of surveillance, police arrested the man, a Greek, after finding 28.975 kilos of hashish hidden in his truck.

[46] Banks torched in Athens

The device was placed at the arcade of a two-storey building housing the two banks.

Sports

[47] UNESCO conference against doping

A conference of UNESCO against doping in sport is taking place in Paris with the participation of 41 countries. The conference, due to last three days, is being attended by the countries that have ratified by December 31, 2006, the agreement against doping implemented as of February 1.

Greece is being represented by Deputy Culture Minister for Sport George Orfanos.

Speaking during the morning session, the Greek deputy minister said "in a really short period of time by international standards, a common effort has produced results. The Interna-tional Treaty against Doping in Sport has been in force over the past five days. What really appeared to be a romantic vision is becoming a reality and we can all enjoy its fruits."

He further stressed that as a result of the Treaty what becomes a goal is "the harmonisation of activities at a global level," while at the same time governments are allowed a relevant "flexibi-lity" concerning legislative policies and administrative options for its implementation.

Referring to Greece, Orfanos spoke of the National Council for Combatting Doping and of the National Doping Control Centre which plays "a role of vital importance in the entire region of southeastern Europe and the Mediterranean."

[48] Thessaloniki launches campaign against violence in soccer stadiums

Over the coming months visits will start to schools of well known athletes.

On Monday, Thessaloniki Deputy Prefect Dionysis Psomiadis visited a secondary school to discuss the problerm and made proposals for the prevention of violence.

"It is an issue to which a solution must be found. No one wants violence in the stadiums. This leads sport very much behind. Only through briefing and proper education can the problem be overcome," Dionysis Psomiadis said.

[49] Weather forecast: Temperatures increasing on Tuesday

Cyprus Affairs

[50] Papadopoulos will meet with Talat once conditions of 8th July agreement are met

Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos does not have a problem to meet with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, as long as the preconditions set out by the 8th July Agreement will be met, Government Spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardes said on Monday, noting that such a meeting will not take place just for the sake of creating impressions.

Asked if President Papadopoulos will meet with Talat in the framework of the Forum for Security Cooperation of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), currently chaired by Cyprus, Pashiardes said that the President will meet with the Turkish Cypriot leader according to the provisions of the 8th July agreement.

Asked if the meeting will take place around the end of March, the spokesman said that "if by the end of March the preconditions set out by the 8th July agreement are met, the President has absolutely no problem to meet with the Turkish Cypriot leader".

On July 8th 2006, Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat met in the presence of senior UN official Imbrahim Gambari and agreed to begin a process of bicommunal discussions on issues that affect the day-to-day life of the people and those that concern substantive issues.

The Republic of Cyprus is an EU member state since 2004. Cyprus is divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.

[51] Spokesman: Egypt and Lebanon have not reneged on oil agreements

Egypt and Lebanon have not reneged on the agreements they have signed with the Republic of Cyprus on research and hydrocarbon exploitation in the sea area of Cyprus, Govern-ment Spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardes assured on Monday.

Invited to comment on Turkey's stance and the statements made by Turkish politicians on the oil issue, Pashiardes said that "there is no back-out on behalf of Egypt or Lebanon regarding the agreements we have signed with these countries".

In statements during his daily briefing, Pashiardes said that if the pseudostate in Turkish occupied Cyprus, "which has no territorial waters or continental shelf, begins to exploit any reserves, this act will constitute another illegality that will be added to other such illegalities, which have been committed so far".

"The territorial waters and the continental shelf belong to the legal Republic of Cyprus", he stressed.

Regarding the European Union's stance on the issue, he described it as positive, since the EU "refers to the respect of the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus and to its inalienable right to sign agreements with any state on any issue".

Referring to the opening up of tenders for research and hydrocarbon exploitation, he reiterated that the first round for the submission of applications will begin on February 15th and end on July 16th. He noted that the whole procedure is expected to be concluded by Autumn.

Pashiardes was asked whether the government is examining the possibility to amend the legislation on tenders, so that the government could choose the company to explore and exploit gas and oil reserves. He replied negatively, saying that the procedure regarding tenders will be followed according to the law.

Asked if the government of Cyprus has a clear view regarding the US stance on the oil issue, the spokesman said that "surely, the US, like any other country, does not question the Republic of Cyprus' sovereign rights".

Asked whether the government is concerned over the forthcoming meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Turkey and the US, he replied negatively.

"In principle, we are not concerned by any meetings of the Turkish Foreign Minister. Secondly regardless of any discussion he may have in the US on the oil issue, we will not change our position and decision to proceed as scheduled", he noted.

The Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state since 2004, has signed agreements with Egypt and Lebanon regarding the determination of their exclusive economic zones in the Mediterranean.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey occupied its northern third.

[52] Spokesman:Policy of China and India towards Cyprus remains the same

The official policy of China and India regarding Cyprus has not in the least changed, reassured here Monday

Government Spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardes, noting that the pseudostate in the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus is not recognized by the governments of China and India.

Invited to comment information that an aircraft which took off from China with its reported destination being Adana, in Turkey, landed at the illegal airport in Turkish occupied Cyprus, Pashiardes said that the government of Cyprus is making all necessary investigation to assert ''whether the mistake was made during the take off procedures of the aircraft in New Delhi, where the plane made a stop over''.

Pashiardes said that if the aircraft landed first at Adana and from Adana flew to the illegal airport ''this constitutes a usual illegality of the Turkish authorities'', adding that if the aircraft landed directly at the illegal airport of the pseudostate, then this ''constitutes an illegality by deception'', on behalf of Turkey.

Expressing the view that it is a mistake to rebroadcast news items coming from Turkish Media without checking them, he said that ''at principle, these news do not cover the actual facts and thus can not lead to safe conclusions".

"The flippant and baseless conclusion of some people that the Turkish airplane took of from China and landed, via India, to the illegal airport in occupied Tympou, is that both countries recognize and legalize an illegal airport. This is a flippant and baseless conclusion", he said.

The spokesman added that "such a conclusion does not reflect the reality", noting that "the reality is that the policy of China and India towards Cyprus has not in the least changed".

Pashiardes noted that "for the governments of India and China, the pseudostate is not recongnized, its airports are illegal and this is what matters".

"We are in constant contact with the competent authorities and services of China and India to investigate in full the real facts. According to reliable information, the airplane, which is of Turkish interests, left Shanghai, reporting Adana of Turkey as its final destination with a stop over in New Delhi", he said.

The spokesman explained that ''during the plane's take off from New Delhi, Adana was reported again as the final destination, with alternative airports, in case of an emergency, Attalia in Turkey and the illegal airport in occupied Tympou, which of course was not specified by name, only by its code".

'We have to examine whether the aircraft landed first at Adana, and from there it reached the Tympou airport, or whether instead of landing at Adana, it landed directly at the illegal airport of the pseudostate", Pashiardes said.

He noted that ''if we have the first case, then we talk about a usual illegality of the Turkish authorities, but if we have the second then what we have is an illegality by deception".

Answering to questions, he said that the illegal airport has a code which is not recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

"If a mistake was made, because there has been a mistake, probably the mistake was made at the New Delhi Airport. Anyway, this is an issue that we are trying to investigate through our contacts with the Indian High Commission in Nicosia, as well as with the competent authorities and services of New Delhi through our High Commission there".

Asked why it constitutes an illegality if the aircraft landed first at Adana, Pashiardes said "Both are illegalities. Firstly because an illegal airport was used, and secondly because the actual final destination of the airplane was not reported, because its final destination was the illegal airport in Tympou and not the Turkish airport of Adana".

Pashiardes said that the Chinese exporters were not aware of the final destination of their goods, because the pseudostate was not reported as their final destination.

Answering to questions, Pashiardes said that the aircraft belongs to a private Turkish company of Turkish interests. Turkish Media reported last week that a cargo flight from China carrying 300,000 electric bulbs landed at the illegal airport in occupied Cyprus.

The Republic of Cyprus entered the EU in 2004. Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey occupied its northern third and proclaimed a pseudostate which is only recognized by Turkey.

[53] Chinese Ambassador: China's policy on Cyprus has not changed

The government of China respects and supports the United Nations resolutions on Cyprus, the Ambassador said, in statements at Larnaca airport prior to the departure of President of the House of Representatives Demetris Christofias to China where he will pay an official visit.

The Chinese Ambassador explained that the Civil Aviation of China had approved a flight plan of a Turkish interests' aircraft, which took off from Shanghai with Adana being its final destination.

Investigations are under way to find out what exactly happened and the destination of the aircraft during the flight changed, he added.

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