Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 13-09-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] Prime Minister Samaras calls on Greek-American entrepreneurs to invest in Greece

[02] Samaras, Venizelos' brief meeting in NY

[03] FM Venizelos to UN assembly mtg: 'Greek people have restored country's credibility'

[04] The tough part is over, Prime Minister Samaras says

[05] PM Samaras: 'In a democracy, acts are prosecuted, not beliefs'

[06] "Elections in a democracy are a blessing and not a curse," SYRIZA's Tsipras says

[07] Only SYRIZA and Chryssi Avgi want early elections, government spokesman Kedikoglou says

[08] Public Order minister: 'A historic day for Greece and Europe'

[09] Public Order Minister: Golden Dawn a jumble of neonazis, pagans and people of the underworld

[10] Supreme Court Dep. Prosecutor Vourliotis' findings on the Chryssi Avgi structure, operation

[11] Ultra-right Chryssi Avgi MPs, party cadres to be formally charged

[12] Two more Golden Dawn deputies arrested

[13] Golden Dawn deputies and members arrests continue

[14] Golden Dawn deputy Michos turned himself in

[15] Golden Dawn MP Christos Pappas turned himself in

[16] Golden Dawn MP Christos Pappas: I have nothing to hide; nationalism will win

[17] Golden Dawn MP Christos Pappas led before a prosecutor

[18] Charges filed against Chryssi Avgi MP Christos Pappas; another arrest made

[19] Chryssi Avgi MP Christos Pappas to testify on Thursday

[20] Golden Dawn leader, 4 deputies and 15 followers appear before prosecutors Sat. night

[21] Police special guard arrested for involvement with Golden Dawn

[22] Protected witnesses testify against ultra-right Chryssi Avgi

[23] Search at Golden Dawn leader yields three unregistered guns; 19 arrested so far

[24] Access to Golden Dawn's offices in parliament blocked by security orders

[25] Three arrests near Golden Dawn offices in Loutsa

[26] Gov't spokesman: Democracy is protected by institutions

[27] Citizen Protection Minister: Greek police has done its duty

[28] Justice Minister: Fair trial for Golden Dawn's members if sent to court

[29] SYRIZA: Justice should be left undistracted to do its duty

[30] SYRIZA spokesman to ANA-MPA: The state does what it should have done long ago

[31] DIMAR: Legitimacy is the answer to the fascists-enemies of Democracy

[32] Independent Greeks leader: Justice is doing its duty

[33] KKE calls people to condemn and isolate Golden Dawn

[34] Deputies only lose status if found guilty of criminal acts, per constitution and parliamentary rules

[35] PASOK spokesman to ANA-MPA: Politicians and intellectuals must support justice's efforts

[36] European Commission expresses confidence in Greek justice

[37] EU Commissioner Damanaki: Greek political system protects democratic legitimacy

[38] Cohn-Bendit: Golden Dawn party should be banned

[39] Opinion poll: ND leads; drop in Golden Dawn's percentages

[40] FinMin, troika agree on fiscal 2013 closing, leaving major issues pending

[41] European Commission says progress in troika's negotiations with Greek gov't satisfactory

[42] Deputy Foreign Minister to pay three-day visit to Hungary

[43] FinMin: Primary surplus and positive growth the conditions for Greece to return to markets

[44] FinMin announces new president for privatisation agency (TAIPED)

[45] Tourism Minister Kefaloyannis to have series of meetings in USA

[46] Two dead after being struck by lightning

[47] Olympic Flame for Sochi 2014 lit in Ancient Olympia

[48] Clouds, rain on Monday

[49] The Sunday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance Politics

[01] Prime Minister Samaras calls on Greek-American entrepreneurs to invest in Greece

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras called on Greek-American entrepreneurs to invest in Greece in a meeting he had here on Sunday with Greek-American community representatives in the context of his visit to the United States.

"The country has a strong and stable government supported by two political parties that agree on its European prospect and I invite you to come and see for yourselves that the situation has changed," Samaras said, adding that the situation in the greater region is favourable for Greece as it is reflected in this year's tourist arrivals that are close to 18 million.

"Greece is emerging as a country that attracts entrepreneurship because it is necessary for us in order to survive in a competitive world," the prime minister said, noting that Greece's attitude toward entrepreneurship is changing and is not as reserved as it used to be.

"Investors are being met with a red carpet instead of the red tape that existed in the past," he underlined.

He noted that the government is making specific moves like, the investment law and the reduction of red tape thus offering incentives and lifting past obstacles and dysfunctions. He also said that his office is open to representatives of major companies from around the world, noting that he recently met with the head of IBM.

Samaras also said that there are difficulties as a result of the situation the country is in and repeated his goal for a 15 pct flat rate tax which for the time being is impossible because of the present circumstances.

He also said that a new real estate taxation law will be adopted that will favour the specific market and boost the construction sector which is a key factor for economic growth. He also said that 70 pct of the primary surplus that will be achieved will be used to support the financially weak.

[02] Samaras, Venizelos' brief meeting in NY

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras met with Government Vice President Evangelos Venizelos immediately after his arrival to New York.

Samaras and Venizelos discussed all the latest developments on extreme right Golden Dawn leader Nikos Mihaloliakos and deputies' arrests.

After the meeting, Venizelos speaking to the media ruled out the possibility of early general elections.

"The democracy has self-protection mechanisms" said Venizelos adding that the government supports the Justice which is also an institution that protects the Democracy" and did not hide his satisfaction on the latest developments and reminded that for a long period he insisted that the problem should be confronted more effectively.

Venizelos said that the new antiracist law will be tabled in parliament very soon.

Finally, he noted that the programme agreement between the two parties (New Democracy and PASOK) of the coalition government will be unveiled at the new session of the parliament.

After his brief meeting with Samaras, Venizelos left for Athens.

[03] FM Venizelos to UN assembly mtg: 'Greek people have restored country's credibility'

The Greek people have managed to restore the country's credibility, government Vice President and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos said on Saturday, addressing the new session of the United Nations General Assembly that opened in New York.

"Greece has already achieved the highest primary infrastructural surplus in the eurozone," Venizelos said, "or 5% of the GDP. It also achieved the historically highest rate of fiscal adjustment at a time of peace - or 19% of the GDP - for the years 2009 to 2013."

This was achieved in the climate of a six-year recession, he said, adding that "we have applied all necessary infrastructural reforms in public administration, education and the labour market, while the privatisation process is already paying off."

Venizelos covered several issues, reiterating Greece's position, and said that Greece is a stable supporter of European prospects in the western Balkans, observing that "the path to European integration means that (countries of the area) must leave behind them their old, divisive mentalities and move forward towards a time of close cooperation, on the basis of common values and principles."

The Greek FM was expected to meet, before heading back to Greece, in New York with Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, who is starting an official visit to the United States today, Saturday.

[04] The tough part is over, Prime Minister Samaras says

Addressing the faithful comprising members of the Greek-American community, he sent a message of optimism, underlining that Greece is going through difficult times but it will stand on its feet, noting that it has covered most of the distance and soon will exit the labyrinth.

"The Greek people have tasted the bitterness brought by the talk about our country's exit from the eurozone and felt the defeat on all fronts of the economy. With pride and sobriety they left the difficulties behind. Nobody talks about a Grexit anymore. Greece will set an example for Europe," he said.

The prime minister referred to the latest events and arrests of ultra-right Chryssi Avgi (GD) MPs and cadres saying "as the prime minister, I am interested in unity. Nobody has the right to hate the other person, to believe in violence, to be a racist and promote the extremes because they will be confronted by the Greek people as it happened back home in recent days".

Prime Minister Samaras sent a message of optimism, saying that a new era of prosperity begins for the country.

[05] PM Samaras: 'In a democracy, acts are prosecuted, not beliefs'

Referring to removal of police officers from their posts the past two days, he said that the police's credibility had been raised in the people's eys and said that he personally was against any form of violence, and that the government "will defend democratic legality from all sides."

"All murderers deserve the same punishment," he said.

On other topics, he vehemently denied that wages and pension would be further slashed, "because the economy and the Greek people can't support that, and because the memorandum foresees that as long as targets are met, no such measures are necessary." He also pledged to "give 70% of the surplus to lightening the burden of financially weaker strata."

Samaras expressed his optimism over Greece's attracting new investments and rising in importance strategically, while he criticised main opposition SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras as "maintaing a climate of political instability," which however is constantly being contradicted every time.

[06] "Elections in a democracy are a blessing and not a curse," SYRIZA's Tsipras says

Addressing SYRIZA's youth movement festival, Tsipras underlined that "we are not being anxious to govern. It is Greece that can no longer stand to be governed by those who led it to disaster".

Tsipras welcomed the arrests of the ultra-right Chryssi Avgi (GD) leadership and noted that Prime Minister Samaras was forced to dismantle Chryssi Avgi as a result of the international pressure exerted.

He said that the murder of Pavlos Fyssas will be written in history with the murders of Petroulas, Lambrakis and Temponeras, adding that the blood shed became a river that drowned the neo-Nazi monstrosity.

Tsipras also underlined that there are major interests that financed, supported and beautified Chryssi Avgi to use it against the labour movement and the Left.

The SYRIZA leader noted that Prime Minister Samaras' kind of justice "can tolerate passing legislative acts and limit freedoms and rights. It can tolerate authoritarianism and oppression practices, the camps set up for immigrants and can show tolerance toward the Nazis... Can tolerate everything but cannot tolerate elections".

He also said that elections will be a salvation and bring relief and liberation in view of the memorandum-caused asphyxiation and loss of sovereignty, noting that SYRIZA is set for a sweeping election victory.

[07] Only SYRIZA and Chryssi Avgi want early elections, government spokesman Kedikoglou says

Kedikoglou said that Tsipras was in a state of unacceptable, divisive delirium, proving that slander, political degradation and extreme behaviour are in the DNA of SYRIZA's leadership.

He also noted that in a period when a measure of responsibility is needed "the monotonous demand for immediate elections confirms that the only goal of the SYRIZA leadership is to cause political anomaly".

[08] Public Order minister: 'A historic day for Greece and Europe'

At a press conference after the arrest of the 20, who were led before prosecutors on Saturday night, Dendias said he had orders from Prime Minsiter Antonis Samaras to continue investigations "in all directions".

Calling Saturday "a historic day for Greece and Europe," Dendias said that events "proved to all, especially young people, that the rule of law is not bare or infirm against the crude threat of irrational violence."

"In Greece there is no place for criminal organisations which hide under the mantle of a political party to try to conquer the country's life, undermine the state's institutions, incite ethnic hatred, cast doubt on human rights and disturb the peace," Dendias said, adding that from the very beginning of assuming his duties as minister he told parliament that Greece cannot tolerate assault battalions.

"Despite this," he added, "Golden Dawn attempted to test the strength of democracy. It is now collecting its answer from the rule of law," and referred to his report to the Supreme Court asking for all pending suits against Golden Dawn members to be examined in totality in order to deal with the party as a criminal organisation, a neo-Nazi phenomenon. "Greek justice and Greek Police acted swiftly and decisively, and I express my deep gratitude," the minister said.

Of the 32 warrants issued, the anti-terrorism squad is still looking for 12 people, including Golden Dawn deputy Christos Pappas, whom the Supreme Court has named as "second in command of a criminal organisation."

[09] Public Order Minister: Golden Dawn a jumble of neonazis, pagans and people of the underworld

[10] Supreme Court Dep. Prosecutor Vourliotis' findings on the Chryssi Avgi structure, operation

The Supreme Court deputy prosecutor referred to the background of the organization, stressing that it has a pyramid structure, with a powerful leader modeled after the Nazi organizations. He noted that GD recruits individuals with martial arts knowledge who undergo training in Attica regions such as, Malakassa, Mandra and Salamina.

He also underlined that GD uses weapons hidden in places that are still unknown, a fact allegedly confirmed in testimonies given by the two protected witnesses, both former GD members.

According to the findings, "Chryssi Avgi first appeared in the early 1980s in the form of a small closed group of Nazi sympathizers and later it turned into a political formation. Its operational and political sections were separated with the first carrying out actions, such as, violent attacks against those regarded as the organization's enemies".

The Deputy Prosecutor referred to the organization's charter which clearly separates the two sections that fall under a common leadership group, noting that the leader has absolute power under the Nazi 'Fuhrer Principle' and his orders are sacred and non negotiable.

According to the ideology of Chryssi Avgi, "those who do not belong to the popular community of the race are subhumans. In this category belong foreign immigrants, Roma, those who disagree with their ideas and even people with mental problems. Violence for Chryssi Avgi is the message and not the means to achieve its objectives".

As regards the way the organization operated, Deputy Prosecutor Vourliotis noted that the order is given by the leader down to the deputy leader and the rest of the hierarchy until it was implemented.

[11] Ultra-right Chryssi Avgi MPs, party cadres to be formally charged

They will study the case file and indict each of the defendants on specific charges in the context of the charges already filed by the prosecutor for directing and being members of a criminal organization.

According to information, the examining magistrates have enough evidence to "link individuals with facts" and prove the role of each of the defendants in specific cases, namely, at least three homicides, the murder of Pavlos Fyssas, attacks on foreign nationals and the latest attack on Communist Party (KKE) members in Perama.

Depositions will be given on on Thursday morning by 3 GD party cadres, to be followed at 14:00 by the depositions of party leader Nikos Mihaloliakos and MPs, Ilias Kassidiaris, Yiannis Lagos, Ilias Panagiotaros and Nikos Mihos. The rest of the 21 people arrested on Saturday, among them three women, will testify on Wednesday.

Christos Pappas, the sixth GD MP who turned himself in at noon on Sunday, will give his deposition later in the week, while still pending are the arrests of other 12 individuals.

Crucial evidence is included in the testimonies given by two former GD members before Supreme Court Deputy Prosecutor Haralambos Vourliotis, as well as, in recorded discussions between GD members, court sources say.

According to the findings of the prosecutor, this "ideological formation existed since 1980" while "since 1987 it existed as political formation". The "Fuhrer Principle" is mentioned to show its pyramid organization structure and that it was structured after a Nazi formation.

An investigation into bank accounts of individuals involved is already underway to collect evidence for money laundering.

The arrested GD MPs have rejected all charges against them maintaining that they are being prosecuted for their beliefs.

[12] Two more Golden Dawn deputies arrested

Earlier, Golden Dawn deputy elected in Athens Ilias Panagiotaros who turned himself in to police, stated "Shame on them, the people are watching and will elevate Golden Dawn, under the same name or another'.

[13] Golden Dawn deputies and members arrests continue

President of Golden Dawn's local organisation in Nikaia Giorgos Patelis and other party members alleged to be involved in the murder of Pavlos Fyssas were also arrested.

According to information, the arrested are being charged with setting up a criminal organisation

[14] Golden Dawn deputy Michos turned himself in

"I came by myself, long live democracy" while entering into Police Headquarters building in Athens.

Golden Dawn deputy of State Christos Pappas is the only one that still remains at large.

[15] Golden Dawn MP Christos Pappas turned himself in

Pappas who being wanted from Saturday, went to Attica Police Headquarters building and said 'Long live Golden Dawn'.

[16] Golden Dawn MP Christos Pappas: I have nothing to hide; nationalism will win

"I appeared voluntarily, I have nothing to hide, the truth will come out, nationalism will win" said Christos Pappas who was at large from Saturday morning.

Pappas, who arrived to police headquarters by taxi, referred to political persecutions and said to reporters "I am totally free".

According to some witnesses, Pappas appeared to make a Nazi salute.

[17] Golden Dawn MP Christos Pappas led before a prosecutor

Pappas, who was wanted by police in the criminal organization case, turned himself in earlier in the day.

Before entering the prosecutor's office he shouted to journalists and television crews "don't believe them, they are liars. They are occupation government. Long live nationalism".

[18] Charges filed against Chryssi Avgi MP Christos Pappas; another arrest made

He appeared before an examining magistrate and was charged of being a leading member of a criminal organization and of illegal gun possession. He will be given a date for his deposition later in the week.

Meanwhile, it was announced that GD leader Nikos Mihaloliakos will give his testimony on Wednesday instead of Tuesday as it was originally scheduled.

Another individual, whose identity has not been revealed yet, was arrested on Sunday afternoon by the counter-terrorist squad in connection with the Chryssi Avgi case raising the number of those arrested to 22.

[19] Chryssi Avgi MP Christos Pappas to testify on Thursday

Exiting the magistrate's office he stated that "they are persecuting us to intimidate you, Greek people. Ideas cannot be imprisoned".

Pappas will be remanded in custody at the Greek Police headquarters in Athens pending his testimony, like his co-defendants in the case.

[20] Golden Dawn leader, 4 deputies and 15 followers appear before prosecutors Sat. night

Those arrested were transferred from the Athens Police headquarters on Alexandras Avenue to the courts late Saturday in two batches. Michaloliakos and the other four deputies went first, to be followed about an hour later by the rest, or 15 people, including a policeman and a policewoman.

Alexandras Avenue, which saw a lot of activity today between party followers blocked from crossing the street to the HQ by riot police and being shut down to traffic, was opened up on Saturday night.

Judicial authorities issued a total of 32 arrest warrants, and the police is looking for the remaining 12 individuals.

Besides Michaloliakos, the Golden Dawn deputies arrested include Elias Kasidiaris, Ioannis Lagos, Elias Panagiotaros, and Nikos Michos, the last two of whom turned themselves in. The party currently has 18 members in parliament.

[21] Police special guard arrested for involvement with Golden Dawn

An arrest warrant has been also issued for another police officer.

According to information, the police guard's involvement with Golden Dawn was revealed after the lifting of his telephone secrecy.

[22] Protected witnesses testify against ultra-right Chryssi Avgi

The witness testified before the Supreme Court deputy prosecutor that the defendant in the murder case and other four individuals formed the core of the Nikea organization and were in direct contact with GD MP Yiannis Lagos arrested in the criminal organization case.

According to the testimony, one of the defendants in the criminal organization case, who was a leading member of the Nikea organization and is involved in the Fyssas murder case, had been advising its members that in case something happened they should say that they are not GD members and declare ignorance.

The witness said that the specific GD member kept his co-defendant MP Lagos informed about everything and allegedly Lagos was in direct contact with the "leader" to receive his approval or orders.

Also, the witness allegedly has named a Nikea Police Station officer implicating him in the case.

"The organization was notified in advance by a Nikea Police Station officer every time a police raid was ordered. In every event organized we had police backing," he said.

Referring to the structure of the Nikea organization, the witness said that teenage children aged between 14 and 17 were being recruited and their supervisor was an individual named "Tassos".

Another witness, also under protection, testified that soon after becoming a GD member realized that it was not a regular political party and that it was an organization that used violence, "they were determined even to take lives if they thought that the victim was their opponent".

The witness also referred to protection provided by members of the organization to street vendors in open-air markets in Piraeus and Schistos in return for a fee in the form of commission.

[23] Search at Golden Dawn leader yields three unregistered guns; 19 arrested so far

The search was conducted by police in the presence of judicial authorities, as part of a series of home searches.

As of Saturday, 5:00 pm, 19 people were arrested on 32 arrest warrants issued. The 19 include five Golden Dawn deputies - Nikos Michaloliakos (also party leader), Elias Kasidiaris, Ioannis Lagos, Elias Panagiotaros, and Nikos Michos - a police special guard (Dias unit), and 12 individuals who are supporters of the organisation. Two deputies - Panagiotaros and Michos - turned themselves in, while state deputy Christos Pappas, considered by the Supreme Court as second in command of a criminal organisation comprising Golden Dawn members and supporters, is still at large.

Also arrested were Giorgos Patelis - the director of the Golden Dawn branch offices in Nikea, Piraeus district, implicated in the murder of Pavlos Fyssas, 34, on September 17 - along with other branch members.

According to the Supreme Court records, Golden Dawn, as an organisation, has been active in Greece the last 26 years, starting in 1987.

[24] Access to Golden Dawn's offices in parliament blocked by security orders

According to information access to parliament's first floor has been banned

[25] Three arrests near Golden Dawn offices in Loutsa

According to police, the suspects had in their car nine helmets, 70 sticks and 11shields and a folding metal club.

[26] Gov't spokesman: Democracy is protected by institutions

At a query whether the country will be led to early elections, Kedikoglou answered negatively noting that the procedures foreseen by the electoral law will be activated.

[27] Citizen Protection Minister: Greek police has done its duty

"The only thing I have to say is that the Greek police under the orders of the independent Greek Justice has done its duty to protect the Democracy" noted Dendias

[28] Justice Minister: Fair trial for Golden Dawn's members if sent to court

[29] SYRIZA: Justice should be left undistracted to do its duty

SYRIZA also said that it had pointed many times in the past the need those involved in criminal activities to be sent to justice.

It also noted that Justice should be left undistracted to perform its duty without other delays and with respect to the existing legal framework in order the responsible to give account for the murder of Pavlos Fyssas as well as for a series of other criminal actions.

[30] SYRIZA spokesman to ANA-MPA: The state does what it should have done long ago

Skourletis noted that "the vigilance we are seeing in the last days should have existed long ago, because, as it appears, the criminal activity of Golden Dawn's cadres was known".

Moreover, the SYRIZA spokesman noted that "the necessary response to the neo-fascist monster of Golden Dawn should not turn into an object used for political schemes by various sides, schemes that can't and will not resolve the major problems that the country is facing today which derive from the disastrous policy of the memorandum".

Skourletis supports the calling of early elections, noting that this "emerges from the need of the Greek people to choose a different way, which will finally become a bulwark to stop the country's downhill".

[31] DIMAR: Legitimacy is the answer to the fascists-enemies of Democracy

In the announcement in is also underlined that the Greek Justice will do its duty against the Golden Dawn's criminal activity. The investigation must continue towards all directions.

DIMAR reiterated the need for the establishment of a common front of all democratic forces in order to eradicate the criminal organisation and its inhuman ideology. "Petty politics and other calculating do not serve the Democracy" concluded DIMAR's announcement.

[32] Independent Greeks leader: Justice is doing its duty

[33] KKE calls people to condemn and isolate Golden Dawn

The bourgeois state has the necessary legal framework to deal with Golden Dawn's criminal activities, said KKE, adding that "the fact this has not been why this have not been done until today was the responsibility of the former governments".

[34] Deputies only lose status if found guilty of criminal acts, per constitution and parliamentary rules

Michaloliakos has threatened that all Golden Dawn deputies - numbering 18 - resign. In that case, their seats will be filled by procedures set out in electoral law.Their positions can be filled in by their alternatives, unless they refuse the seat in writing.

The Greek constitution and parliament's rules stipulate that deputies may lose their privileges without prior permission by parliament. According to constitutional article 62, "Parliamentary approval is not required for the prosecution, arrest, and detention of a deputy for flagrant criminal acts." This article allowed the arrest of the Golden Dawn deputies.

Based on article 55, the arrested deputies retain their status and lose it only if they are found guilty of an act that is serious enough to lead to their losing their status. "For anyone to be elected deputy, he or she must be a Greek citizen, have the legal ability to be elected and have completed the 25th year of age on election day. A deputy who lacks one of these qualities automatically loses his deputy status."

The parliament's rules, especially article 5, stipulates that "any deputy can resign at any time. The resignation is completed by the submission of a written statement to the president of Parliament and which, according to article 60, paragraph 2 of the constitution, cannot be rescinded. The resignation is announced in Parliament. The filling of deputy seats vacated during the Parliament's session is carried out according to election law.

[35] PASOK spokesman to ANA-MPA: Politicians and intellectuals must support justice's efforts

"The events are satisfactory, but from now on justice must do its duty in its own way,as it feels is right... We are happy that even with such delay the things we were saying were applied. We will await developments".

At a question on the possibility of early elections, PASOK spokesman answered negatively: "The government has clarified that the constitution has an answer in case of Golden Dawn deputies' resignations".

[36] European Commission expresses confidence in Greek justice

The full text of the announcement said "The European Commission is closely watching the latest developments in Greece (that took place after the murder of a 34 year-old citizen in Athens). The rules of the law and of democracy are fundamental values of the EU and member-states should defend them. The implementation and the respect of these values is left to the judicial authorities of member-states and under this spirit the European Commission states that it has total confidence that Greek justice will undertake all the necessary measures according to legal procedures".

[37] EU Commissioner Damanaki: Greek political system protects democratic legitimacy

European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Maria Damanaki on Saturday made a statement to the press on the latest developments with the arrests of Golden Dawn's leadership. "Greece is a European and democratic country. It has institutions that function according to the rules of law. Greek justice is perfoming its duty. The Greek political system responds to challenges and protects democratic legitimacy", she said.

[38] Cohn-Bendit: Golden Dawn party should be banned

"I want to see in Greece a peaceful demonstration of 500,000 people that will protest against Golden Dawn's violence" said Cohn-Bendit in an interview with Ethnos newspaper on Sunday.

[39] Opinion poll: ND leads; drop in Golden Dawn's percentages

In the opinion poll, conducted after the stabbing death of Pavlos Fyssas by a Golden Dawn (Chryssi Avghi) member but before the arrests the party's deputies and members, New Democracy (ND) is leading with 22.2 percent; SYRIZA is following with 21 percent; Golden Dawn got 6.8 percent;; PASOK 5.5 percent, Independent Greeks (ANEL) 5.3 percent; Communist Party (KKE) 5 percent and Democratic Left (DIMAR) 3.3 percent.

[40] FinMin, troika agree on fiscal 2013 closing, leaving major issues pending

According to high-level sources from the Finance ministry, following Saturday's meeting between the troika and ministry officials, negotiations will continue for the next 15-20 days through email. The Greek side must show it's proceeding in the implementation of its commitments and the lender representatives must coordinate their stance.

Pending issues include the following:

The state budget for 2014, on which there is a three-prong disagreement between Greece and the troika: the draft law setting out the amount expected to be collected under the unified real estate tax, including its collectability; the initiatives needed for the health and pension funds; the General Accounting Office's assessment on "tax conformity" (meaning an increase in tax revenues because of the economy's resetting).

The four prior actions for the release of the 1-billion-euro tranche, which is pending since July; according to the Finance ministry source, it is already too late to place the issue of the tranche on the agenda of the Euro Working Group convening early in October.

These include the defence industries and Larco; the mobility scheme for the public sector, especially university staff; the translation of the lawyers' code in English so the troika may review it; the state's payment of debts to the Athens and Thessaloniki water companies (which is expected to be completed within a fortnight).

The promotion of infrastructural changes Greece has committed to

The completion of the recapitalisation of the banking system and liquidity improvement in the market

The privatisation schedule, which the troika is requesting be accelerated and become more flexible

General regulations affecting health and pension funds

The new state budget will be tabled in Parliament on October 7 and will essentially reflect mostly the closing of the 2013 financial year, with an expected a recession of 4% (it is assessed that 2014 will show a slim rise of 0.6% in the GDP). The primary surplus is expected to come to about 100 million euros. Finance ministry sources said agreement had been reached that there will be no emergency fee levied on businesses in support of OAEE, the self-employeed and professionals insurance and pension fund, and that individuals in the armed forces and police and security personnel will not come under the unified wage regulations.

Troika representatives will return to Greece on October 14. The troika's technical experts, however, will remain in Greece to continue negotiations with ministry officials.

[41] European Commission says progress in troika's negotiations with Greek gov't satisfactory

Moreover, it was noted that "the delegation that reviews the Greek government's economic programme comprised by European Commission, European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund's officials made a substantial progress. The negotiations in Athens will be temporarily interrupted and is expected to restart within the next week after the completion of the technical issues. Meanwhile, the contacts between the officials and the Greek authorities will continue.

[42] Deputy Foreign Minister to pay three-day visit to Hungary

Gerontopoulos who will participate in a conference organised by "TOM LANTOS' Institute on the issue "Jewish Life and antisimetism in modern Europe", will have the opportunity to meet with all the reprsentatives of the Greek community in Hungary.

Financial News

[43] FinMin: Primary surplus and positive growth the conditions for Greece to return to markets

[44] FinMin announces new president for privatisation agency (TAIPED)

Maniatopoulos was president of the Public Properties Company (EAD) up to now and member of the supervisory council for DESFA, the Greek natural gas transmission system operator. His appointment must be ratified by parliament.

He has extensive experience as energy consultant on Greek companies and international bodies, including serving as former director general for Energy of the European Commission (1986-1995), and serving as Greece's representative abroad, according to a curriculum vitae posted by the Finance ministry.

Maniatopoulos has an electrical production engineering degree from the National Polytechnic University (Metsovion) and has completed graduate studies in business administration and research, as well as economy and statistics, in Athens and Paris.

[45] Tourism Minister Kefaloyannis to have series of meetings in USA

Tourism Minister Olga Kefaloyanni had a series of meetings with members of the tourism industry in New York aiming to the further promotion of the Greece in the US market, the strengthening of 2013 positive results and the improvement of the climate for Greece in the American media and the tourist organisations.

Kefaloyanni participated in the Concordia Summit held in Manhattan and had the opportunity to meet with foreign officials and representatives of major companies.

During her stay in USA, she will attend a Hellenic Initiative event chaired by former US president Bill Clinton and will meet with the organisation's president and with the board of United States Tour Operators.

Moreover, a meeting will be held with US insurance companies as well as with a selection of New York based doctors to brief them on Greece's new framework regarding medical tourism. Finally, she will meet with high-ranked cadres of airline companies and will give a series of press conferences to US media.

General News

[46] Two dead after being struck by lightning

The 74 year-old was struck while being outside a pen in a mountainous area in Rodopi and the 43 year-old was struck while being hunting in a forest near Ehinos settlement.

Olympic Games

[47] Olympic Flame for Sochi 2014 lit in Ancient Olympia

The flame was lit from the direct rays of the sun and using a concave mirror to focus the rays, from which lit a silver torch in a traditional ceremony in front of the ruins of the 2,600 year old Temple of Hera.

The Torch for the Winter Olympics was then lit from the Flame, which was handed over by the priestess to the first torch-bearer.

On Sunday the torch relay will pass from Ancient Ilida, the cities of Pyrgos and Tripolis and will spend the night in Kalavryta.

Weather forecast

[48] Clouds, rain on Monday

[49] The Sunday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

EFIMERIDA TON SYNTAKTON: The Greek Reich dismantled.

EPENDYTIS: Elections scenarios after the thunderous strike.

EPOCHI: Before the law and society.

ETHNOS: Golden Dawn's holocaust.

KATHIMERINI: Handcuffs to Golden Dawn.

KYRIAKATIKI ELEFTHEROTYPIA: Handcuffs to 6 heads of the monster.

KYRIAKATIKOS RIZOSPASTIS: The developments after Golden Dawn's murderous strike.

PROTO THEMA: They smashed the snakes and burn their nests.

Realnews: They have tied up and the leader.

TO PARON: The monster takes revenge - Those who fed it are responsible for the impasse.

TO VIMA: Democracy devastates the neonazis.

TYPOS TIS KYRIAKIS: Handcuffs to Golden Dawn's gang.

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