Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 13-10-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] Stournaras: No new bailout if additional austerity measures required by creditors

[02] PM Samaras to visit Malta and Italy on Monday

[03] FM Venizelos to attend EU Foreign Affairs Council on Monday

[04] The countdown for the 'big toppling' has started, Tsipras tells SYRIZA Central Committee

[05] Gov't spokesman: 'Tsipras has lost his temper again'

[06] SYRIZA leader addresses letter to EP President Martin Schultz

[07] Venizelos: Debate on viability of Greek debt, offensive to people's sacrifices

[08] KKE: Negotiation with troika not done in people's interests

[09] ND party official on SYRIZA leader's European Commission president candidacy

[10] DIMAR rules out electoral partnerships, Kouvelis tells Ta Nea

[11] ND leads SYRIZA, Metron Analysis opinion poll shows

[12] Pulse RC Opinion poll: SYRIZA leads ND, Golden Dawn percentage drops

[13] Cyprus Republic president speaks to ANA-MPA TV

[14] Interior Minister Mihelakis visiting Nuremberg on Monday

[15] Shipping minister says united we can succeed

[16] Public Order minister speaks of the successes of the Greek Police

[17] Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomeos arrives in Thessaloniki

[18] Venizelos meets with Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos

[19] President Papoulias attends memorial event for benefactor Panayiotis Triantafylidis

[20] Charakopoulos hails EU-Canada trade deal on feta cheese

[21] Hunter shot dead by brother during hunting expedition

[22] Charakopoulos congratulates Greek police on Roma child case

[23] Big interest shown for 4-year-old Roma child

[24] Forest fire in Halkidiki's Lagomadra location

[25] Fair on Monday

[26] Athens Sunday Newspaper Headlines Politics

[01] Stournaras: No new bailout if additional austerity measures required by creditors

On the other hand, Stournaras was positive on accepting to implement new "structural measures."

The finance chief also stressed that realism and calmness was needed to be shown by all sides, as irrational requirements could only harm the country, especially at a time when financial markets are starting to trust Greece again.

Commenting on the course of negotiations with the troika, Stournaras told a separate interview with To Vima tis Kyriakis newspaper, that "it will be hell until June, all issues are open and on the negotiating table with our creditors."

To Vima also reveals a 35-point list containing the entire range of troika's requirements from Greek ministers.

[02] PM Samaras to visit Malta and Italy on Monday

The prime minister will be meeting his Maltese and Italian counterparts Joseph Muscat and Enrico Letta respectively on shaping a clear European policy on the issue, with emphasis on the countries in the South facing the biggest problems.

Samaras will be accompanied by Citizen's Protection Minister Nikos Dendias.

In another development, the prime minister's scheduled interview on Monday October 21 with the MEGA TV channel's "Anatropi" programme has been postponed for Monday November 4.

[03] FM Venizelos to attend EU Foreign Affairs Council on Monday

The Council's agenda includes such issues as the situation in Syria, Egypt and Libya, as well as preparations for the summit of the Eastern Partnership Relation that will be taking place in Vilnius, Lithuania, at the end of November.

Lastly, in the wake of the tragic events in Lampedusa and Sicily, as well as Monday's visit to Valetta and Rome by Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, the Foreign minister will be raising the issue of the handling of illegal immigration at the EU's Foreign Affairs Council on Monday.

[04] The countdown for the 'big toppling' has started, Tsipras tells SYRIZA Central Committee

Tsipras referred for the first time publicly to his nomination by the European Left as candidate for European Commission president, stressing that the nomination would be an honor for him, but it mostly vindicated SYRIZA politically, morally and ideologically. He also noted that "we will fight in Greece on behalf of all Europe to change conditions" and create a front against austerity policies.

In a rather extensive analysis of the government, the SYRIZA president estimated that its failure to convince Greek people for the need of new austerity measures makes it more and more authoritarian and more and more dangerous for the people and for democracy.

Tsipras said that SYRIZA sought in peaceful, democratic means and in respect for the constitution to change conditions to achieve more democracy and freedom. "We are the largest and most reliable power of normality," he said and vowed that his party would uphold democracy "as a pupil of the eye," as the left had always done in Greece and in very difficult times.

"We shall protect both democracy and orderliness", he stressed.

Tsipras noted that the government had waged a dirty war against those who do not want bailout programmes (memoranda), stressing that the government Samaras "because it cannot proceed with its plan to disintegrate society without the people's consent, it is therefore becoming more prone to authorita- rianism, gray propaganda, and undermining democracy."

Referring to the inner-party situation, Tsipras called for "less nagging and more action," stressing the need "to preserve the ethos of the left and hold up the elements of selflessness and offering."

[05] Gov't spokesman: 'Tsipras has lost his temper again'

He added that the president of SYRIZA is disturbed by the government's strong stance and its internationally-acknowledged successes. He also accused Tsipras of "shamelessly" repeating arguments used against Greece by the country's worst opponents.

"Even though he was told that he should gradually start showing that he is changing, Tsipras is trapped in his bad self," Kedikoglou added.

[06] SYRIZA leader addresses letter to EP President Martin Schultz

The letter reads as follows:

Dear President,

We were informed, that the Deputy Minister of Radio and Television Broadcasting of the Hellenic Republic, Mr Kapsis has formally requested the termination of granting the satellite capacity, which is required for the broadcasting of the ERT employees' programs (NET and ET3 channels), something which is out of his jurisdiction.

We firmly believe that such a request should be rejected for a number of reasons, associated with the defense of democracy, the freedom of speech and the respect of the contracts between POSPERT (as the legal representative of ERT employees) and SES ASTRA.

More concretely:

1. On June 11th, 2013, the Greek Government, with an entirely unprecedented decision terminated the operation of Hellenic Public Broadcasting Organization (ERT), generating a massive outcry in national and international outcry. We should also mention that there is an appeal against that decision, which is still pending before the plenary of Supreme Abrogative Court of the Hellenic Republic. Since then, the employees of ERT continue to produce full TV and radio program on a completely voluntarily basis, which receives a wide acceptance from the Greek audience.

2. The Greek Government has attempted to establish an improvised TV channel (the so-called "Public Television) which is already discredited by the audience as a biased, pro-government entity, serving and promoting the government's position. For this reason, not even one of the political parties of the opposition have accepted the participate in the broadcastings.

3. An interruption of the satellite transmission of NET and ET3 broadcasting, through the ASTRA 23.5E (ASTRA 3 B) satellite, will silent any alternative political voice, which disagrees with the government, not only in Greece but also for the Greek speaking audience abroad.

For all these reasons, and while still expecting the final decision from the Council of the State, we request your institutional intervention in order to maintain the the provision of satellite capacity for the ERT employees' program.

The President of SYRIZA

Alexis Tsipras

[07] Venizelos: Debate on viability of Greek debt, offensive to people's sacrifices

Venizelos was speaking after meeting Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos in the northern city of Thessaloniki, and before departing for Luxembourg to attend Monday's European Union Foreign Affairs Council.

The latest debate that is likely to place Greece again in the centre of a global debate fueled by the uncertainty of the viability of its debt and its fiscal and funding gap "is offensive to the sacrifices of the Greek people, it undermines our efforts and damages the Eurozone overall," Venizelos stressed.

He added that "everything is now based on growth, job creation, supporting the real economy and social cohesion. Those who pretend not to understand the obvious, are doing harm to Europe and the upcoming European elections.

[08] KKE: Negotiation with troika not done in people's interests

It added that "the hope of the people is not in the negotiations of the current or another government which will be bound by EU and IMF, but in the (country's) release from these organisations, the unilateral debt write-off, the socialisation of wealth and choosing a radically different path of growth that serves the needs of the people and not the profits of monopolies."

[09] ND party official on SYRIZA leader's European Commission president candidacy

He added that "it appears, finally, that Mr. Tsipras never abandons his favourite habits. Following the domestic extreme components, he is now investing in overseas extreme components as well".

The Secretary also said "it will be very interesting for Mr. Tsipras to present to the Greek citizens the parties that support him".

[10] DIMAR rules out electoral partnerships, Kouvelis tells Ta Nea

He said that, objectively, the government's conservative political framework and choices, such as the partnership between the New Democracy and the PASOK parties, did not allow for debate on electoral cooperation.

Commenting on the idea of re-establishing a centre-left movement, Kouvelis said that DIMAR had its own proposal for the establishment of a progressive pole - the pole of democratic socialism - and the party was open to constructive dialogue aimed at hammering out an alternative plan.

Such an alternative plan, he stressed, was clearly opposed not only to left populism, but also to neoliberal choices.

[11] ND leads SYRIZA, Metron Analysis opinion poll shows

SYRIZA retains its strength without so far recording any upward trend, the survey shows.

The ultra-right Golden Dawn (Chryssi Avghi) party is losing ground, following the revelations for its suspected criminal activity, with 7.6 pct, as opposed to 11.6 pct last month.

PASOK steadily holds fourth place with 7.2 pct, followed by Independent Greeks (ANEL) 6.4 pct (from 5.2 pct).

The democratic Left (DIMAR) and the Communist party of Greece (KKE) are very close to the 3-pct-point required to enter parliament, while the Eco-Greens garnered more than 3.0 pct and LAOS (Popular Orthodox Coalition) just about 2.0 pct.

[12] Pulse RC Opinion poll: SYRIZA leads ND, Golden Dawn percentage drops

The poll, conducted on September 10, shows that both major political parties have moved up in the rate of preference, but the difference between them is 1.5 percentage units, with SYRIZA in the lead.

The ultra-right Golden Dawn (Chryssi Avghi) party has lost about one-third of its preference rate, but holds third place, followed by a slightly reinforced PASOK, Independent Greeks (ANEL) and Democratic Left (DIMAR).

[13] Cyprus Republic president speaks to ANA-MPA TV

The talks were scheduled by the United Nations to begin in October between negotiators of the two communities on the island, with the two leaders only meeting when major decisions were to be taken or obstacles to be overcome.

Anastasiades said that before meeting with Eroglu the negotiators must agree on the content of a joint statement that will cover substantive issues and the methodology to be followed in negotiations. The Turkish side objects to this, therefore talks may be delayed.

"I am not willing to enter a dialogue for the sake of dialogue," Anastasiades told ANA-MPA, and said that his insistence on a joint statement is because he wants to know from the very start that the Cyprus Republic will become a bizonal, bicommunal federal state - as UN resolutions stipulate - with a single international character, a single sovereignty and a single nationality, which will be able to operate within the European Union and guarantee the same human rights enjoyed by citizens of other EU member-states.

"That is why good preparation is needed," said President Anastasiadis and denied that he was urged by the UN to begin talks without joint statement. "Our position on good preparation has been understood by the UN."

Anastasiades also pointed out that the state, after the solution, should not paralyze, bringing as an example the case of Belgium, where the state operated normally although the country had no government for 18 months.

Commenting on Eroglu's position, i.e. "I do not want two states, but a federation, which should however take into account the realities on the territory," Anastasiades indicated that "there are UN resolutions that determine how the Republic of Cyprus will be transformed from a single state to a federal, bicommunal and bizonal one, without overlooking EU principles and values and human rights."

On the Turkish side's position that the return of the fenced city of Famagusta to its lawful owners and residents under the auspices of the UN "is part of the overall solution," President Anastasiades argues that his proposal on Famagusta highlights the benefits that the return will offer all Cyprus residents.

"Beyond the fact that the return of the fenced city of Famagusta to its lawful owners and residents under the auspices of the United Nations will give hope to the Cypriot people in relation to the prospects for a solution," he said, "it will provide additional and significant advantages." In particular, he listed the following:

- The reconstruction of the infrastructure of a city, which remains uninhabited for the past 39 years, will undoubtedly lead to the creation of new jobs in a broad range of occupational fields, while giving a big boost to the economy.

- At the same time, by working together to rebuild the city and by enjoying the results, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots will come closer, realizing the benefits and advantages that can be derived from a common prosperous future, just as we had done in the past.

To the question as to whether he accepted the "loose federation," President Anastasiadis replied that "the specific term does not exist in legal science," adding that what he is interested in was the functionality and viability of the state, which will result from the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Other points stressed by Anastasiades are:

- We should not "raise the bar" in the negotiations because of the natural gas deposits.

- The natural gas (deposits) strengthens the Greek Cypriot side's negotiating position. With a solution of the Cyprus problem, the gas will belong to the citizens of the federal state, and, proportionately, both the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots will benefit. But this is not to be discussed before a solution.

- If Ankara and the Turkish Cypriot leadership change their position, it is possible that a solution may be achieved in the first half of 2014.

- Greece's moral and legal support is certain, and so are its moves in the international arena to help the Cyprus government in the efforts to achieve a solution. Greece is a natural ally (of Cyprus).

Finally, regarding the state of the economy, President Anastasia-des said that the implementation of the support programme has so far been successful, while he believes that it is possible to "reverse the negative indicators" within 2015.

[14] Interior Minister Mihelakis visiting Nuremberg on Monday

Mihelakis will be meeting during his visit to Germany his Bavarian Interior Minister counterpart Joachim Herrmann, Germany's Deputy Labour Minister Hans-Joachim Fuchtel and representatives of the Greek church as well as expatriates.

A total of 191 local administration representatives from Greece will be attending the sessions and 197 German local administration officials.

Mihelakis said that the sessions concern crucial issues such as renewable energy sources, accession to the labour market, and mainly by young people, agricultural growth and refuse management. It also concerns immigration and social accession and anti-racist and anti-fascist action at local administration level.

[15] Shipping minister says united we can succeed

The events were also attended by representatives of the governments of France, Russia and Britain, the Metropolitan of Messinia Chrysostomos, the Greek Parliament and local agencies, as well as officers of the Armed Forces.

[16] Public Order minister speaks of the successes of the Greek Police

Addressing events held at the installations of the former Greek Police Officers School, the minister said that there was "an abysmal disproportion between what Greek society provides as a salary to the women and men of the Greek Police, compared to what it asks for and receives from them. What you have achieved over the past 15 months is impressive," he said addressing the cadres of the Corps.

Dendias also referred to a self-cleanup in the police. "You have started a deep self-cleanup effort through your institutional organs so that the few violating perjurers will be expelled from the Corps, who under the cover of the neo-Nazi phenomenon are marring the image and the prestige of the Greek Police," Dendias said.

[17] Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomeos arrives in Thessaloniki

A procession will move to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Neapolis (Strempenioti area), and a reception will be held for the Holy Icon of Virgin Mary of Soumela.

An unveiling ceremony of a Refugee Monument will be held in the church's courtyard following a doxology.

The Ecumenical Patriarch will be in Thessaloniki until October 27 as he is scheduled to attend the celebrations for the liberation of the city and St. Demetrios Church.

[18] Venizelos meets with Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos

Venizelos briefed Patriarch Vartholomeos on a series of meetings he has had with Patriarch of Alexandria, Patriarch of Jerusalem (Ierosolyma) and Archbishop of Albania during his recent visits to Cairo, Jerusalem and Tirana, respectively.

[19] President Papoulias attends memorial event for benefactor Panayiotis Triantafylidis

The Agricultural School of Tirintha was created withe the money from the Triantafylidis legacy, the present Agriculturalist University, as well as the Agricultural School of Vytina.

President Papoulias said he felt that he was in his village, for those wonderning what a person from Epirus was doing in Vytina.

"I was born in a village on the Greek-Albanian borders, I grew up there," he said, adding that "if I was saved and I am alive it is from the land, from those few farm products of the mountainous land up there in the mountains".

President Papoulias further said "today we are honouring a great benefactor Panayiotis Triantafylidis and this constitutes a common element with us Epirites because beneficence was the primary virtue. There were the Zapas brothers, Averof, Sinas and many others who were patriots first, unselfish patriots, who never placed themselves first".

Agricultural Development Minister Athanassios Tsaftaris announced the creation in the city of Yiannena of the first Mountain Growth Centre that will have a training character and model stations in Vlasti in Kozani, Metsovo and Vytina under the name of "Trantafylidis Model Mountain Economy Station".

The Vytina station, that concerns in essence the utilisation of the State Estate, will include a model vineyard and a nursery garden for forest plants and the first apiculture museum in Greece with a structure enabling the training of new apiarists.

Financial News

[20] Charakopoulos hails EU-Canada trade deal on feta cheese

Commenting on the EU-Canada trade deal on feta cheese, which is seen as positive for Greece's interests on the issue, the minister said the positive outcome of what he called "the feta battle," was to be credited to the coordinated efforts by Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, who personally intervened to European Commission President Jos? Manuel Barroso, as well as to the actions of EU Commissioner of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Maria Damanaki.

General News

[21] Hunter shot dead by brother during hunting expedition

According to reports, the 26-year-old fired his weapon while the hunters were searching for wild boars, resulting in his brother being hit.

The 24-year-old was rushed to hospital where his death was ascertained. His brother is being held at the Nafpaktos police station, together with the other three hunters, for the conditions of the victim's death to be fully clarified.

Investigations continuing on little girl found in Roma camp

Police in the city of Larissa, in central Greece, are focusing their attention on Monday's publicising of photos of the two Roma who presented themselves as being the parents of five-year-old Maria, in the framework of coordinated efforts being made to locate her real parents.The publicising will be taking place at the order of a prosecutor to facilitate the operation to establish the identity of the little girl found in a Roma camp in Farsala.

International interest on the issue is continuing unabated, while foreign media workcrews are expected to arrive in Larissa. Calls to Larissa police and the "Children's Smile" society, where the girl is being kept, are also continuing by persons interested in the child's identity.

The police are continuing investigations in all possible directions, also in cooperation with international organisations involved in the disappearance of children. Police, in cooperation with hygiene authorities, have started investigations in hospitals and services. Certificates and documents will be examined and suspicious cases will be investigated thoroughly. Special DNA medical tests cannot be ruled out in this framework.

An urgent message has also been sent to Interpol in the framework of cooperation with the Balkan countries to enable the investigation to be extended in the effort to find the child's biological parents.

The possibility of the existence of a ring bringing pregnant women to Greece from Bulgaria to give birth in Greece and then taking their children for sale is also being examined.

Cases are also being examined, according to reports, that had been reported in the past in Athens on babies of foreign women that had supposedly been born dead and when coffins had been opened they had been found empty.

The couple keeping Maria in the Roma camp will be brought before an investigator on Monday. A file of proceedings has been prepared against them that is of a criminal character.

[22] Charakopoulos congratulates Greek police on Roma child case

The girl was found by police during a routine search of a Roma camp and has now been turned over to the children's charity "Smile of the Child" after DNA tests showed that she was genetically unrelated to the couple posing as her parents, as police found out.

[23] Big interest shown for 4-year-old Roma child

The girl was found by police during a routine search of a Roma camp in Farsala, Larisa, central Greece, and was turned over to the "Smile of the Child" after DNA tests showed that she was genetically unrelated to the couple posing as her parents, as police announced on Friday.

Thousands called up the organisation on the SOS line to express their interest in little Maria, but also to help in the investigation with information or facts that are considered relevant to the little girl.

[24] Forest fire in Halkidiki's Lagomadra location

Efforts to control the blaze are being made by 22 firemen on foot, 11 fire-engines and two water-bombing aircraft.

Weather Forecast

[25] Fair on Monday

[26] Athens Sunday Newspaper Headlines

ANGELIAFOROS: "New round of mobility in health sector. Jobs wanted for 10,363 employees"

ETHNOS TIS KYRIAKIS: "Troika blackmail for new, harsh bailout"

ELEFTHERI ORA TIS KYRIAKIS: "'Hong Super-Lodge', the secret priesthood of the Far East"

VRADYNI TIS KYRIAKIS: "Pension now at 50 for mothers of underage children"

AVGI: "Gov't in air pocket. Merkel postpones decisions for after European elections"

EPOCHI: "At instable balance. Gov't in tight spot, owing to its failures"

KATHIMERINI: "Stournaras: No bailout if more cuts demanded"

KYRIAKATIKI DIMOKRATIA: "Stournaras a suppliant. Tragedy without solution"

KYRIAKATIKI ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Salaries, pensions seized...as deposits"

KYRIAKATIKOS RIZOSPASTIS: "Gov't-troika negotiations. Confrontation irrelevant to people's interests"

LOGOS: "Gov't vs. troika on mobility, layoffs"

PROTO THEMA: "Unbelievable troika demand from Stournaras. Seal the fissures to keep warm"

ARTHRO: "Samaras pays for his choices"

VIMA: "'Thriller' over debt and troika's bill"

PARON TIS KYRIAKIS: "Prescription a crime. Using the Lagarde list as an excuse to give forgiveness to Papandreou and Papademos governments"

TYPOS TIS KYRIAKIS: "Double 'no' to austerity measures, elections"

FREE SUNDAY: "Auctions, forfeitures disintegrate society"

REAL NEWS: "He even drove Stournaras mad. The 'sizzling' dialogues between the FinMin and the IMF inspector on the new austerity measures"

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