Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 12-03-07

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece approves six energy investment projects worth 5.6 bln euros

[02] Rehn: Greece needs new investments to return to growth

[03] Government reshuffle announced

[04] PM receives PASOK leader, discusses latest developments

[05] PASOK leader hosts dinner for MEPs

[06] Papandreou briefed on progress of search for hydrocarbons in Greece

[07] Gov't on PSI participation; public sector redundancies; 'potato movement'

[08] Gov't spokesman: Election campaign period means nothing but work for gov't

[09] ND demands immediate solution to confusion over property surtax ruling

[10] PASOK cites scam with blogspot involving Papandreou

[11] Greece's oil sufficiency ensured, LAOS leader says after meeting with new Iranian ambassador

[12] Democratic Alliance party leader to meet Juncker on Wednesday

[13] FinMin Venizelos visits Archbishop Ieronymos

[14] Public consultation launched on policy for contemporary culture

[15] First witness examined in Parliamentary inquiry into alleged inflation of 2009 deficit

[16] FinMin chairs meeting on boosting liquidity, exit from recession

[17] Administrations of six biggest Greek banks meet FinMin Venizelos

[18] FinMin: tax audit subjects to be selected based on risk assessment methods

[19] Draft law on Helliniko, Helios project under discussion in parliamentary com't

[20] Central bank chief upbeat on economy, exit from crisis

[21] International tender launched for exploitation of property in Kassiopi, Corfu

[22] Culture minister to represent Greece at ITB International Tourism Exhibition in Berlin

[23] Greece raises 1.137 bln euros from T-bill auction

[24] Athens Polytechnic asks to be exempted from PSI

[25] Greek GDP shrinks by 7.0% in Q4 2011

[26] Greek Mediterranean Cuisine quality seal

[27] Greek distinction at Beijing travel awards ceremony

[28] PDO identification for Halkidiki green olives

[29] Tethys Ocean BV raises stake in Dias Aquaculture to 50.29%

[30] Bussiness Briefs

[31] Stocks end 2.77 pct higher

[32] Greek bond market closing report

[33] ADEX closing report

[34] Foreign Exchange rates - Wednesday

[35] Two arrested for illegal possession of antiquities

[36] Crew member of catamaran missing after falling into sea

[37] President Papoulias inaugurates exhibition of historic relics of Trikoupis family

[38] Authorities in Corfu report fraud in several cases of disability benefits

[39] Athens, Piraeus pharmacies open despite 48h nationwide strike

[40] Contraband cigarettes found on catamaran reporting missing sailor

[41] Prison staff announce rolling 24-hour strikes

[42] Burglars make away with 275,000 euros in cash from home in Thesprotia

[43] Rainy on Wednesday

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

[01] Greece approves six energy investment projects worth 5.6 bln euros

The Commission meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos, approved the six investment plans and agreed to resolve bureaucratic issues through fast-track procedures envisaged by Greek legislation, with the help of Invest in Greece.

Commenting on the six new investment plans, Development Minister Mihalis Chryssohoidis, said: "The benefits for the country from these investments will be multiple, both for local societies and the country in general, from new job positions which will be created, the development of renewable energy sources and economic growth in general".

The investment projects are:

-Investment in the mining sector to exploit a gold reserve field in the prefecture of Evros by Thrace Goldmines (budgeted at 129 million euros).

-Development of windpower parks, with a power capacity of 1,005 MW in Crete by Elica Group (budgeted at 1.99 billion euros).

-Building a solar power station, 70 MW in Lasithi, eastern Crete, by Solar Power Plant Lassithi Ltd (budgeted at 268 million euros).

-Building 12 photovoltaic power parks, 166 MW in central and western Greece by Spes Solaris-Solar Concept SA (budgeted at 332.284 million euros).

-Pump/reserve energy systems, 587 MW, in the Kastraki lake in western Greece by Terna Energy (budgeted at 501,830,000 euros).

-Windpower station, 1,077 MW in Crete, by Terna Energy (budgeted at 2.46 billion euros).

[02] Rehn: Greece needs new investments to return to growth

An economic recovery in Greece demands new investments, Greek and foreign, in order to have growth and new job positions, EU Commissioner for Economic Affairs Olli Rehn said on Tuesday.

In a speed delivered in Paris, Rehn said the necessary positive conditions to attracting investments - such as an effective and fair tax system, an efficient civil administration, better use of structural funds and competitive labour costs - must be created to have economic growth.

"We support Greece in its efforts with an unprecedented technical assistance," Rehn said, adding that resolving a debt crisis was the sustainable solution for Greece.

The Commissioner stressed that last week's deal on a second support package for Greece will contribute in restoring sustainability of public debt and boosting competitiveness in the country.

[03] Government reshuffle announced

Mihalis Chryssohoidis, until now development minister, replaces Christos Papoutsis, who resigned last week from the post of citizen's protection minister.

Eleftherios Economou was appointed citizen's protection deputy minister.

[04] PM receives PASOK leader, discusses latest developments

These included the results of the latest European Union summit, developments in Europe and the eurozone, Papademos' recent meeting with Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) premier Nikola Gruevski, the progress of PSI bond swaps, the loan agreement that Greece must sign with its Eurozone partners, including the actions that must be taken in advance of signing the agreement, and ways of boosting economic growth.

[05] PASOK leader hosts dinner for MEPs

According to PASOK sources, Papandreou briefed the MEPs on the situation currently prevailing in Greece.

[06] Papandreou briefed on progress of search for hydrocarbons in Greece

He also briefed Papandreou on the results of eight international tenders for the rights to eight geothermal fields in Greece, which are expected to yield immediate results and applications for agriculture.

[07] Gov't on PSI participation; public sector redundancies; 'potato movement'

Speaking to public radio, he said referring to small investors that "for now and for legal reasons all bonds should be treated the same way. Later on, an effort will be made for those who had invested their life savings. However, we should first let the PSI process be completed and not rush to open issues prematurely."

Responding to a question on the reduction in the number of public sector employees, he said that it is an issue that will be dealt with by the new government. He stressed that "being left without a job is tough. We need to find ways to support the unemployed in the private sector and those who will find themselves to be redundant public sector employees."

Referring to the so-called "potato movement" (a series of initiatives to cut out middlemen in the sale of farm products to consumers), he said that it is a positive move, underlining that it highlights the lack of sufficient initiatives on behalf of farm cooperatives in this area.

[08] Gov't spokesman: Election campaign period means nothing but work for gov't

Speaking in a press briefing, he said that "we are aware that election date will come at some point. The government will continue its work in the same pace as dictated by the state of the economy and the huge obligations we have undertaken and need to be met".

He said that this "will not be a routine election campaign period" and added that "will mean nothing but work for the government," pointing out that "very serious issues lie ahead and no relaxation is allowed."

As regards the election date, Kapsis repeated that there is an agreement between PASOK and New Democracy (ND) that the issue will be raised as soon as the government's mission is completed.

Responding to a question concerning the meeting of Prime Minister Lucas Papademos with his fYRoM counterpart, he said that he has nothing more to say than the statements already issued, adding that "we firmly support the process launched through the UN."

[09] ND demands immediate solution to confusion over property surtax ruling

The decision, which ruled that the surtax itself was legal but not the penalty of cutting off the electricity of those that fail to pay, has resulted in what ND described as "chaos" between the two ministries involved - the finance ministry that legislated for the tax and the environment and energy ministry, which supervises the Public Power Corporation (PPC).

Mihelakis noted that people were being forced to wait in endless lines at tax offices and the PPC, without being able to get a clear answer about what they must do.

"It is proved, finally, that for both [Finance Minister Evangelos] Venizelos and for [Environment, Energy and Climate Change Minister George] Papaconstantinou, the self-evident is a difficult affair. This situation cannot, however, continue. A responsible and clearcut solution is demanded. Today. Because the state cannot act like a tyrant but is obliged to respect and facilitate citizens, especially vulnerable groups," Mihelakis said.

[10] PASOK cites scam with blogspot involving Papandreou

The site aired recently and, among others, asks for contributions in US dollars, according to PASOK's press office.

"The (police) electronic squad is currently investigating the incident, following charges by citizens and the general secretary of PASOK's national council," an announcement read.

[11] Greece's oil sufficiency ensured, LAOS leader says after meeting with new Iranian ambassador

Behnam said that the Iranian people consider the Greeks a "friendly people" and reiterated that the government of Iran is prepared to contribute to the improvement of their bilateral relations to the benefit of both countries.

Karatzaferis welcomed the new ambassador to Athens and expressed his certainty that Greece is secure with respect to energy.

"I am optimistic that Iran knows who its friends are, and I am certain that the Iranians, true the Arab principles and traditions, do not betray their friends," Karatzaferis said, to which Behnam replied "definitely".

[12] Democratic Alliance party leader to meet Juncker on Wednesday

Bakoyannis will be travelling to Luxembourg where she will meet the Eurogroup president at 13:00 (Greek time), while she will also be meeting with the EFSF's managing director, secretary general and research and institutional relations director.

Before returning to Athens on Thursday, Bakoyannis will also be meeting the Luxembourg Foreign minister while, according to reports, in all her meetings she will be presenting the Democratic Alliance's positions on the handling of the economic crisis and the need for implementing a second "Marshal plan."

[13] FinMin Venizelos visits Archbishop Ieronymos

Last Sunday the Archbishop had stated his position in public on the problems facing the Church regarding its plans to create a photovoltaic park in a region of the Penteli Monastery.

[14] Public consultation launched on policy for contemporary culture

The proposal unveiled by the minister was drawn up by a working group set up at the culture ministry last autumn, which was instructed to write a "White Book" on this issue.

"Until now, ministry policy and actions for modern culture are implemented in a fragmentary way due to a lack of structures," Geroulanos said, noting that contemporary Greek culture was the great 'loser' in terms of the management of cultural heritage.

Among the proposals put forward are the creation of an 11-member Council for Contemporary Culture whose members will be appointed by the minister, along the lines of the Central Archaeological Council but having an advisory role.

Other changes envisaged are the splitting of the ministry's current General Directorate for Contemporary Culture into five separate directorates.

The proposal also addressed issues such as the funding of cultural bodies supervised by the ministry, which currently absorb 90 percent of the money spent by the ministry on contemporary culture, and also called for action to ensure a uniform framework for the management and operation of such bodies that also allowed them sufficient freedom and took into account their special needs relative to other state organisations.

[15] First witness examined in Parliamentary inquiry into alleged inflation of 2009 deficit

In his testimony before a Parliamentary examination committee, Georgiou defended his actions as head of the authority and said that he had faithfully applied the rules followed by all EU statistical authorities supplying figures to Eurostat, without coming under any pressure or political intervention.

He repeated that credibility issues due to the flawed statistics generated by Greece were corrected under his leadership, following 10 visits by members of Eurostat to provide clarifications. He also repeated accusations that his work had been undermined by other members of ELSTAT's board and that his e-mails had been spied on.

Georgiou did not, however, deny authorship of an e-mail sent to the head of the EU-IMF troika mission in Greece Poul Thomsen, which was revealed to the committee by independent MP Panagiotis Kouroublis.

In this, Georgiou asked Thomsen to intervene in order to change laws governing ELSTAT's operation and to clarify "the powers of the chairman and board members given the continuous misinterpretation of the existing law by specific members of the authority."

The Parliamentary committee had also called Georgiou's predecessor Manolis Kontopyrakis to testify but the latter did not appear, claiming reasons of poor health. The head of the Parliament committee Christos Protopapas advised Kontopyrakis' lawyer that his client's must come forward to testify, by force if necessary, since he was a key witness in the case and Kontopyrakis later replied that he would appear before the committee next Tuesday.

The committee has also sent letters to Joaquin Almunia, who was EU economic and monetary affairs commissioner in 2009, and the head of Eurostat, asking them to testify.

The investigation was launched following allegations made to the press by former ELSTAT board member Zoi Georganta, who said that the country's public deficit for 2009 had been deliberately and artificially inflated in an attempt to pave the way for harsh austerity measures.

Greece's 2009 deficit was revised upward in November 2010, from 13.6 percent of GDP to 15.4 percent of GDP, making it the worst fiscal deficit in Europe. Georganta told Greek media that this was achieved by including the spending of several utilities under general government data, under German pressure.

Georganta went public with her allegations after ELSTAT's entire board, with the exception of Georgiou, were summarily dismissed by Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos in September 2011.

Financial News

[16] FinMin chairs meeting on boosting liquidity, exit from recession

Sources told AMNA that the talks focused on absorption of the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) funds and on completion of programmes and projects financed by EU funds.

The meeting was attended by development minister Michalis Chryssohoidis, environment, energy and climate change minister George Papaconstantinou, transport, infrastructure and networks minister Dimitris Dollis, and representatives of several other ministries.

[17] Administrations of six biggest Greek banks meet FinMin Venizelos

According to an announcement by the ministry, the administrations briefed Venizelos that either they have already decided or will propose to their boards on Wednesday and Thursday the full voluntary acceptance of the Hellenic state's offer regarding the PSI.

[18] FinMin: tax audit subjects to be selected based on risk assessment methods

The document was issued in response to a question by PASOK MP Maria Skrafnaki referring to revenues collected following the arrests of individuals owing large amounts of money to the state.

The minister of finance underlined that the selection of the cases to be audited will be made based on qualitative characteristics related, among others, with the debtor's business sector and credibility, in collaboration with ELENXIS risk management system targeting taxpayers who should be checked because they might be evading.

Venizelos stressed that an electronic crosschecking plan is in the works aimed at combating tax evasion, adding that a private real estate property registry will also be created.

The finance minister stressed that a total of 69 individuals owing large amounts to the state have been arrested so far and in 29 instances they paid part of their debt to avoid arrest sending a total of 8,446,000 euros to state coffers.

[19] Draft law on Helliniko, Helios project under discussion in parliamentary com't

Addressing the responsible parliamentary committee, the environment minister referred to Helliniko, stressing that the time has come for decisions in support of initiatives that will boost development.

As regards the Helios project, he stated that the country imports petrol and natural gas but is unable to export its primary renewable energy resource, the solar energy-generated electricity.

Speaking before the committee, PASOK rapporteur MP Giorgos Haralambopoulos referred to the multiple benefits stemming from the Helios project and the exploitation of Helliniko.

New Democracy (ND) MP Miltiadis Varvitsiotis said that in principle he sees both projects positively adding, however, that clarifications, improvements and further dialogue, are necessary.

The Communist Party (KKE) and the Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) repporteurs expressed opposition to both initiatives, while the Popular Orthodox Rally (LA.O.S) saw positive elements.

[20] Central bank chief upbeat on economy, exit from crisis

The central Bank of Greece (BoG) chief described as positive the fact that Greece's partners were supporting the country with their recent decisions, adding that this is a big success, and expressed hope that the completion of the PSI on Thursday night will also be a successful step.

He said that, following the above positive signs, a more hopeful page was turning for the Greek economy.

Of course, Provopoulos added, the climate is still negative, but "it is up to us to change it, the fate of the country is in our hands and we won't let everything go to waste".

[21] International tender launched for exploitation of property in Kassiopi, Corfu

The Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF) announced on Tuesday the launch of the international tender process for the exploitation of the property located in the Kassiopi area of Corfu for a period of up to 100 years.

The international tender offers the exploitation potential of the property, through the sale of the right of surface which will be extended up to one hundred (100) years. The sea-front property of approximately 500,000 m2 is located in the north-eastern coastline of Corfu, just 38 km from the city centre, with significant development potential, according to the HRADF

Corfu has an international airport which serves domestic and international flights, as well as charter flights from the largest European cities, as well as a port with ferry crossings to other islands of the Ionian Sea, to Patras and to Italy, the HRADF added in its announcement.

The property's touristic development will enhance the local economy and create new prospects and new jobs in the area, the HRADF continued.

The first phase of the tender requires potential investors to submit their expression of interest by April 10, 2012 and demonstrate they fulfil certain financial and legal criteria described in detail in the Invitation to submit an Expression of Interest. Pre-selected investors will be invited to submit a Binding Offer, according to the regulations and transparency standards of the European Union, the HRADF explained.

Eurobank EFG Equities Investment Firm S.A. is acting as financial advisor to the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund on this tender.

Further information is available on the website: www.hradf.com.

[22] Culture minister to represent Greece at ITB International Tourism Exhibition in Berlin

Culture and Tourism Minister Pavlos Geroulanos and Deputy Minister George Nikitiadis will represent Greece at Berlin's International Tourism Exhibition (ITB) that will be taking place between March 7-11. The Greek participation's pavilion is also expected to be visited by German Economy Minister Filipp Roesler on Wednesday.

The Greek delegation will be giving a press conference on Thursday, while interviews have been scheduled with major German and international media, contacts with travel agents and meetings with tourist industry officials.

The ITB 2012, with over 10,000 exhibitors from 187 countries and over 110,000 visitors from all over the world, constitutes a leading exhibition for the tourism sector worldwide.

[23] Greece raises 1.137 bln euros from T-bill auction

The Public Debt Management Organization, in an announcement, said the interest rate on the issue was set at 4.80 pct, down from 4.86 pct in the previous auction of same T-bills, while bids submitted were 2.63 times more than the asked sum (875 mllion euros), totaling 2.298 billion euros. The organization will also accept non-competitive bids up to 30 pct of the asked sum.

[24] Athens Polytechnic asks to be exempted from PSI

NTUA rector Simos Simopoulos said that the NTUA special account holds bonds worth 37.6 million euro, while various trust accounts hold bonds with a nominal value of 4.0 million euro, which would lead to losses amounting to tens of millions if the university participated in PSI.

The rector also highlighted the risk of possibly serious repercussions for the functioning of its special account, which might result in an inability to carry out externally financed projects and possibly activate penalty clauses in contracts signed with public and private bodies or the EU. He underlined the very unfavourable repercussions that such a development would have for the NTUA's ability to produce innovations and its contribution to economic growth.

Concerning the bonds held by trusts and bequests, Simopoulos noted the disruption that this would cause to student scholarships, prizes etc.

[25] Greek GDP shrinks by 7.0% in Q4 2011

The Greek economy shrank by 7.0 pct in the fourth quarter of 2011, compared with the corresponding period in 2010, Eurostat announced on Tuesday.

The EU executive's statistics agency, in a report published here, said the Eurozone economy grew by 0.7 pct in the same period, while the EU-27 economy grew by 0.9 pct in the October-December period last year. Portugal (-2.7 pct), Slovenia (-1.5 pct), Holland (-0.7 pct), Italy and Cyprus (-0.5 pct each) also recorded a shrinking Gross Domestic Product in the fourth quarter.

On the other hand, Lithuania (5.4 pct), Latvia (5.3 pct) and Poland (4.3 pct) recorded the biggest percentage GDP growth rates in the October-December period.

[26] Greek Mediterranean Cuisine quality seal

According to a DHW announcement, the agreement provides for the post-graduate training of graduates of German culinary schools in the "Greek Mediterranean Cuisine" at the Gastronomy and Hotel Studies Center "Les Chefs" run by the Hellenic Chefs Club.

The "Greek Mediterranean Cuisine" quality seal aims to showcase Greek gastronomy internationally, familiarise the international public with the healthy Greek Mediterranean cuisine and the Cretan diet, and promote not only the Greek hospitality but also the quality products of the Greek earth through dining establishments.

The seal will be awarded to selected restaurants, after relevant applications are submitted, provided they fulfill all the terms and conditions for the seal, while their menu must receive approval by the Hellenic Chefs Club.

[27] Greek distinction at Beijing travel awards ceremony

The event was sponsored by the tourism magazine "Travel & Leisure".

The Indian Ocean island nation of Mauritius was honored as the best tourism destination for the Chinese market.

The prize for the best travel article was awarded to journalist Marco Zoe for his 10-page article entitled "Greece: The Most Fabulous Place for Cruise", published in November 2011 edition of the magazine.

The writer's Greek isle cruise was organised by the Greek embassy in China's press & communication office, in cooperation with the Secretariat General of Information and Communication, the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) and Louis Cruises.

[28] PDO identification for Halkidiki green olives

The PDO identification process for the green olives produced in Halkidiki was temporarily delayed following objections raised by producers in Belgium and Canada in an effort to protect their own interests.

[29] Tethys Ocean BV raises stake in Dias Aquaculture to 50.29%

Dias Aquaculture, in an announcement, said that Tethys Ocean BV, owned by Georgian investor Kakha Bendukidze, raised its equity stake in the company to 50.2894 pct from 30.40 pct after a transaction made in March 1, 2012.

Tethys Ocean BV is a fully-owned subsidiary of Linnaeus Capital Partners BV, which is fully owned by IIHC Industrial Investments Ltd. in which Bendukidze has a 74.30 pct majority stake.

[30] Bussiness Briefs

-- K.P. Marinopoulos SA, a subsidiary of Alapis Group, on Tuesday applied for court protection from its creditors, submitting a new restructuring business plan based on the Article 99 of a bankruptcy code.

[31] Stocks end 2.77 pct higher

Bank shares were at the focus of buying activity, which pushed the composite index of the market 2.77 pct higher to end at 755.06 points. Turnvoer was an improved 70.447 million euros.

The Big Cap index jumped 4.21 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 1.14 pct higher and the Small Cap index rose 1.70 pct. Banks (8.30 pct), Telecoms (5.45 pct) and Financial Services (2.92 pct) scored the biggest percentage gains of the day, while Personal Products (0.95 pct), Chemicals (0.05 pct) and Food (0.02 pct) suffered losses.

Eurobank (20.41 pct), Alpha Bank (19.23 pct), Hellenic Postbank (14.67 pct), Piraeus Bank (10.74 pct) and National Bank (7.79 pct) were top gainers among blue chip stocks, while Jumbo (2.17 pct), Marfin Popular Bank (1.61 pct) and Cyprus Bank (0.74 pct) ended lower.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 101 to 52 with another 32 issues unchanged. Newsphone Hellas (27.66 pct), Eurobank (20.41 pct) and Douros (19.92 pct) were top gainers, while Attikat (19.35 pct), Kordellos Bros (18.52 pct) and Evrofarma (14.04 pct) were top losers.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Industrials: +2.43%

Commercial: +2.00%

Construction: +0.83%

Oil & Gas: +0.84%

Personal & Household: -0.95%

Raw Materials: +2.36%

Travel & Leisure: +2.58%

Technology: +1.33%

Telecoms: +5.45%

Banks: +8.30%

Food & Beverages: -0.02%

Health: +1.83%

Utilities: +0.39%

Chemicals: -0.05%

Financial Services: +2.92%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank, Alpha Bank, Eurobank and Bank of Cyprus.

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

Alpha Bank: 1.55

Public Power Corp (PPC): 3.40

HBC Coca Cola: 14.30

Hellenic Petroleum: 5.47

National Bank of Greece: 2.49

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 1.18

OPAP: 7.00

OTE: 2.32

Bank of Piraeus: 0.50

Titan: 13.61

[32] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates continued moving lower. The 12-month rate was 1.56 pct, the six-month rate 1.22 pct, the three-month rate 0.92 pct and the one-month rate 0.51 pct.

[33] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 72,208 contracts worth 11.367 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Alpha Bank's contracts (26,321), followed by Cyprus Bank (14,875), OTE (2,130), PPC (833), OPAP (649), Piraeus Bank (3,567), National Bank (18,261), Marfin Popular Bank (1,757), Hellenic Postbank (1,322), GEK (679), Mytilineos (547) and Hellenic Exchanges (91).

[34] Foreign Exchange rates - Wednesday

U.S. dollar 1.335

Pound sterling 0.845

Danish kroner 7.545

Swedish kroner 9.024

Japanese yen 108.26

Swiss franc 1.223

Norwegian kroner 7.563

Canadian dollar 1.333

Australian dollar 1.260

General News

[35] Two arrested for illegal possession of antiquities

Investigating officers carried out the arrests after finding the ancient coins in a car used by the suspects. Further investigation showed that the two men had carried out an illegal archaeological dig in the Makri-Mesimvria region.

The coins will be sent to the Komotini archaeological service for an assessment of their value, while police have also confiscated the car, the metal detector and excavation tools used by the suspects.

The two men will be led before an Alexandroupolis first-instance court prosecutor to be charged with violating laws on antiquities and protection of cultural heritage.

[36] Crew member of catamaran missing after falling into sea

Coast guard vessels and helicopters have mounted a search and rescue operation in the area to locate the missing man.

The catamaran, with the remaining five crew members (three Greek and two foreign nationals), was led to Argostoli port on the island of Cephallonia.

[37] President Papoulias inaugurates exhibition of historic relics of Trikoupis family

The archives, the library, historic relics, personal and family items donated by Rita Frei-Trikoupis, the widow of Constantine Sp. Trikoupis to Parliament's library, in 2010, are being presented, while the exhibition is supplemented with printed material, pamphlets, books, newspapers and magazines.

[38] Authorities in Corfu report fraud in several cases of disability benefits

Some 2,500 case files are under scrutiny, with the most glaring instances showing that between 30,000 to 70,000 euros in benefits were illegally paid out to bogus beneficiaries over the past decade.

According to Corfu Mayor Yiannis Trepeklis, there were instances where beneficiaries receiving disability benefits, i.e. for blindness, failed to submit any necessary medical documentation.

Officials said some people illegally receiving benefits returned the money to the Corfu municipality's coffers, while in at least three instances, illegally received benefits have not been returned.

"There was one case involving a blind person who died five years ago, and where a relative (of the deceased) illegally pocketed 38,000 euros. In another instance, which we discovered 10 days ago, we had an individual with a power-of-attorney (document) who collected a sum of 70,000 euros for a blind person who died a decade ago ... In the first place, this a great injustice for those who are truly eligible for these benefits," the relevant deputy mayor, Alekos Poulis, said.

[39] Athens, Piraeus pharmacies open despite 48h nationwide strike

Pharmacies in Athens and Piraeus will remain open, however they will not give medicine with credit to those insured in all the overdebted social security funds.

In the rest of the country the pharmacies will remain closed if the all the local associations comply with the central association's decision.

The pharmacists disagree with the deregulation of the pharmacies' working hours and the cut in their profit percentage, and demand from the social security funds the money they owe them.

[40] Contraband cigarettes found on catamaran reporting missing sailor

Earlier, its captain had informed a Coastguard patrol boat that a 40-year-old crew member, the ship's second engineer, was missing after falling overboard in unclear circumstances. A search and rescue operation was immediately launched in the area, with the participation of ships and a helicopter, but had not found the missing man by Tuesday evening.

The catamaran and its five-member crew, 3 Greeks and 2 foreigners, was led to the port of Argostoli. All five crew members are being detained following the orders of a prosecutor.

[41] Prison staff announce rolling 24-hour strikes

Prison guards are striking in protest against the poor conditions in the country's correctional facilities and over the non-payment of night-shift bonuses.

The union federation stressed in an announcement on Tuesday that prison overcrowding can only be relieved if the prisons in Serres, Chania and Drama are opened and if additional prison staff are hired.

[42] Burglars make away with 275,000 euros in cash from home in Thesprotia

Police have launched an investigation to track down the burglars.

Weather forecast

[43] Rainy on Wednesday

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

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "Cooperation memorandum among Greece, Cyprus and Israel".

AVGHI: "Setback with the surtax".

AVRIANI: "Evangelos Venizelos (Finance Minister) sweeping prevalence in PASOK party elections".

DIMOKRATIA: "George Papandreou (PASOK president) should go to jail for what he did".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "56,000 euros bonus to former interior minister Yiannis Ragoussis from Labour Housing Organisation".

ESTIA: "Why the bipartisanism is collapsing".

ETHNOS: "Super profits for the wholesalers' and intermediaries' club".

IMERISSIA: "Positive messages for the PSI".

KATHIMERINI: "Agreement for an energy triangle".

LOGOS: "30 percent haircut to the households' debts".

NAFTEMPORIKI: "Banks say yes to the bonds swap".

RIZOSPASTIS: "511 euros gross salary for the young regardless of contract".

TA NEA: "The huge trick with the 'golden' invoices".

VRADYNI: "Tax on field plots, too".

36, TSOCHA ST. ATHENS 115 21 GREECE * TEL: 64.00.560-63 * FAX: 64.00.581-2 INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.ana.gr * e-mail: anabul@ana gr * GENERAL DIRECTOR: ILIAS MATSIKAS

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article