Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 13-12-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Samaras on health reform: 'Greece must stop wasting funds'

[02] Gov't approves report proposing restructuring of national health sector

[03] Health minister Georgiadis sees crisis as a reform opportunity

[04] Healthcare reforms must continue, says European Health Commissioner Tonio Borg

[05] An agreement with the troika is likely, Venizelos says

[06] Negotiations with troika in good climate, Stournaras says

[07] IMF spokesman: Second round of talks with troika mission in January

[08] New anti-popular measures planned in government-troika negotiations, says KKE

[09] Finance ministry tables draft bill on new real estate tax in Parliament

[10] Commissioner Hahn gives Greece high marks for NSRF absorption rate

[11] Hahn praises Greek regions prompt preparation for 2014-2020 period

[12] Energy Minister Maniatis outlines Greek EU Presidency priorities for energy

[13] Energy Minister Maniatis briefs EU counterparts on measures to reconnect power to poor households in Greece

[14] Foreign ministry presents plans, budget for Greek EU presidency

[15] Special 16-page report on Greek EU presidency in 'European Voice'

[16] 'Greek-German Assembly' a huge boost for cooperation at local level, Fuchtel tells ANA-MPA

[17] Finmin withdraws controversial amendment said to favour specific firms

[18] Main opposition leader Tsipras meeting with EU Commisioner Rehn

[19] Deputy FM, Russia's Meshkov dicuss 'strategic approach' to EU-Russia ties

[20] Deputy Dev't Minister to meet with US officials in Washington DC

[21] Power reconnections to start at indebted households this week, spokesman says

[22] Finance Ministry urges public utilities to tighten budgets, become more efficient

[23] SYRIZA asks for briefing on Greek ports' safety measures

[24] DIMAR opens four-day congress at Metaxourgio, Athens

[25] DIM.AR's Kouvelis presents? policy direction at party Congress

[26] Justice Minister dismisses report that troika put pressure on judges to rule in favour of banks

[27] Deputy minister Kegeroglou briefs parliament on the cost of 'phantom' pensioners to social insurance systems

[28] Deputy FM addresses 29th BSEC ministers' meeting

[29] Former minister's trial on Siemens contract expected to reopen Thursday

[30] EOPPY doctors to decide on Friday on strikes

[31] University of Athens (UoA) administrative staff union announces end of strike

[32] Hatzidakis, Varvitsiotis attend opening of Huawei pilot distribution centre in Piraeus

[33] Officials outline benefits of TAP pipeline as regional authority gives project the green light

[34] Four tenders in the government's privatisation programme enter final phase

[35] Greece registers primary surplus of 2.710 bln euros in Jan-Nov

[36] Agriculture minister completes EU presidency briefings after meeting with Commissioner Borg

[37] Commission claims back 78.8 mln euro agricultural funds from Greece

[38] Medical tourism a priority, Kefalogianni tells conference

[39] Stress tests will boost confidence in Greek banks, according to Black Rock

[40] Greek banks' dependence from ECB, ELA funding operations almost unchanged in November

[41] Staikouras address 7th CEO Summit in Athens

[42] Labour Minister sees lower unemployement as of end 2014

[43] Labour ministry-troika talks focus on reduction in non-labour cost, to help competiveness

[44] Dual education can increase young people's employment opportunities says German State Secretary Thomas Rachel

[45] OAEE healthcare coverage reinstated for special categories of beneficiaries

[46] Eurostat: Greece's per capita GDP at 75 pct of EU average

[47] Olympic Handling renamed to Skyserv Handling Services

[48] Call for expression of interest for TRAINOSE technical consultant

[49] Folli Follie sells remaining stake in HDF to Dufry for 328 million euros

[50] Greek stocks slide 0.84 pct lower on Thursday

[51] Greek bond market closing report

[52] ADEX closing report

[53] Athens Mayor Kaminis presents EU-funded urban development plan

[54] Professor Janko of the University of Michigan to given Athens lecture on Linear B inscriptions in Bavaria

[55] Attack on ship owner's son an attempted abduction, police believe

[56] Boat schedules to Aegean resume after gale-force wind cancellations

[57] Athens-Thessaloniki train link restored after derailment

[58] New metro station 'Aghia Marina' opens on Saturday

[59] Rain and sleet on Friday

[60] The Thursday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance Politics

[01] PM Samaras on health reform: 'Greece must stop wasting funds'

"Greece must stop wasting funds and the country must stop being paralysed by deficits," Samaras said, noting that "we had the highest expenditures in the health sector, while citizens were constantly being asked to pay out of pocket more and more. We have the highest number of private doctors' offices and yet everyone went to hospitals (for care). We have a lot of doctors, but citizens had to wait for months to get an appointment with a doctor. We have more MRIs done than the United States."

"It was a distorted system which needed a sweeping reform," the premier said, which "we are determined to carry through."

The reform "should have occurred years ago," Samaras noted. "It is not happening now because the troika (of lenders) has asked for it. We had to do it (anyway). Speaking of the National Health System (ESY), the premier said that "this giant with feet of clay must at last stand on its own two feet. There will be decentralisation, with every Greek having his or her doctor, as close to their home as possible...In all things we can disagree but in health, there is no room for disagreement among parties or for communication ploys."

Earlier in the day, the government's Administrative Reform Council approved a report calling for the overhaul of the health sector.

[02] Gov't approves report proposing restructuring of national health sector

The basic restructuring will turn EOPYY into an agency procuring health services, turning all health service provision over to ESY, the National Health System. EOPYY will then operate under a central authority and as a single funding source that may have branches in seven regions to be determined. As such, it will be responsible for demanding and acquiring the most advantageous contracts, the report said.

The changes will allow for improved primary health services to the public that will be available 24 hours each day, throughout the week, not from Monday to Friday and on a limited schedule, as they are today.

Although details were not provided, the proposal said that the changes would do away with double services and superfluous units that operate while shortages are creating problems of available service, such as the institution of the family doctor, which it hopes to reintroduce.

The report also included suggestions that doctors become full-time work at primary health service centre, but no specific provisions were included about their transfer from EOPYY to ESY.

[03] Health minister Georgiadis sees crisis as a reform opportunity

Georgiadis said that the country had the most money in its history in the decade 2000-2010 but did not make any reforms, adding that he viewed the economic crisis as the greatest opportunity for changes that the country had in decades.

"It is up to you to decide whether what has happened to you is a catastrophe or a opportunity.

[04] Healthcare reforms must continue, says European Health Commissioner Tonio Borg

"There is still much to be done in the healthcare sector but compared to the situation two years ago there has been a lot of progress. Today, 100 pct of medical prescriptions are electronic, which means that Greece saved billions of euros," Borg said.

"Healthcare system reform does not concern only Greece. Germany and Austria had received recommendations from the Commission regarding the need to reform their healthcare systems. There is no healthcare system in Europe that is sustainable without reform. Reforms in health must be encouraged and proceed not beacuse troika or Task Force says so or because they are prior actions required by the memorandum, but because it is the right thing to do," he added.

[05] An agreement with the troika is likely, Venizelos says

"The results are impressive for Greece. The international private sector has made clear shift in favour of Greece and all political contacts at a high level understand what has happened," Venizelos noted.

Regarding the issue of home foreclosures - which is one of the outstanding issues to reaching agreement - he said that if there is no agreement, the government will extend the protection of poor and average income households; he added that no bank is willing to chase after anyone for debts.

[06] Negotiations with troika in good climate, Stournaras says

"I hope to have a solution to all issues as soon as possible," he added.

Earlier, Prime Minister Antonis Samaras had a meeting with EU Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn.

[07] IMF spokesman: Second round of talks with troika mission in January

He gave no date for the completion of talks in the framework of the 5th review of the Greek programme, and refused to comment on whether the two sides were near agreement on home foreclosures, noting only that this was an important issue that must be resolved in a fair and balanced manner.

Asked about the IMF's intentions, Rice referred to statements made by the IMF's representative in the Greek mission Poul Thomsen during an interview with a Greek newspaper, where he expressed opposition to 'horizontal' measures and advised targeted cuts that did not place an undue burden on vulnerable social groups.

Rice commented that Greeks were living through "difficult times" and said the IMF was helping Greece deal with the problem of high unemployment and with creating new jobs so that the country could recover and overcome the crisis.

On the prospect of another 'haircut' of Greek debt, the IMF spokesman said that there were no specific proposals at present, adding that discussion on this issue is expected to take place some time in the summer of 2014.

[08] New anti-popular measures planned in government-troika negotiations, says KKE

"Another round of negotiations between the government and the troika led to another round of anti-working class measures, with layoffs, tax-stealing and foreclosure auctions of working-class residences," KKE said. It added that "the people have yet more proof in their hands that the pro-European forces of capitalist recovery, such as the government and (Radical Left Coalition) SYRIZA, cannot stop the downhill slide for the working class."

"The people have nothing to expect from euro-focused governments and pro-European forces. They need to organise their own working-class main opposition, with a strong KKE, and take the situation into their own hands," KKE underlined.

KKE also commented on the statements made by Prime Minister Antonis Samaras regarding health-care reforms, underlining that "prime minister's statements on the so-called health-care reforms being prerequisites of development, confirm that the government's plans serve the profitability of large health-sector corporations, making health a luxury good for the majority of the people, who will have access to only a few health services."

[09] Finance ministry tables draft bill on new real estate tax in Parliament

Sources said that the first reading of the bill will take place before Parliament's Economic Affairs Committee on Saturday and the debate will be wrapped up the following day, in continous morning-afternoon sessions. A second reading will before the committee will then take place next Tuesday, while it will go before the plenum for a discussion and final vote next Thursday and Friday.

The tabling of the draft bill and the procedure to be followed will be announced in Parliament on Friday.

The new tax provides for a basic taxation rate ranging from 2.0 to 13 euros per square metre for residential buildings, 3.0 to 9,000 euros per 1,000 square metres for building lots and 1.0 euro per 1,000 square metres for agricultural land. Along with a supplementary tax for tax-payers with total property valued above 300,000 euros, it will start to apply from January 1, 2014.

It will replace the emergency special levy on property collected via electricity bills and the Real Estate Tax (FAP) paid until now, broadening the tax base by extending taxation to agricultural land as well. For most property owners, the new tax is expected to be lower than the two previous taxes when combined, based on the ministry's calculations and the examples it has released.

Indicatively, a 90-square-metre flat in the west Athens district of Agia Varvara will pay 52 euros less, or 20.8 pct less, in 2014 than in 2013, while a 16-year-old 180-square-metre detached house in the resort of Kavouri, with a surrounding plot of land of 500 square metres will pay 25,508 euros in 2014, 1,145 euros (4.7 pct) more than in 2013.

The tax will be calculated on the basis of a number of parameters, including its position, size, usage, age, storey and the number of detached sides of the building. The tax rate will be gradated based on the zone price for tax assessment purposes, multiplied by a gradated coefficients depending on its age (1.0 - 1.25) , storey (0.98-1.03), whether it is a detached house (1.2), and number of detached sides (1.0-1.02).

There are separate, smaller coefficients for storage spaces, unfinished buildings, farm buildings, etc.

Similar coefficients are used to multiply the basic tax rate on land, such as access to one or more roads, a square. For farming land, the multiplying coefficents include position, usage, irrigation, expropriation and whether there is a farm house on the land, while there are also special rates for land used for mining or quarrying, open-air parking lots and recreational spaces.

If the tax-payer, his spouse or dependent children do not own any other residence, the residence coefficients are not applied for homes smaller than 150 square metres. Residence coefficient are applied for the entire piece of land occupied by a residential building, up to 10,000 square metres.

A supplementary tax ranging from 0.1 pct to 1.0 pct is charged on the portion of a tax-payer's property that exceeds 300,000 euros, based on tax-office assessed values.

[10] Commissioner Hahn gives Greece high marks for NSRF absorption rate

"It is outstanding, in terms of the reputation, name and image of the country, the fact that in the present circumstances the rate of National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) funds is constantly improving - that Greece, in other words, from what it appears, has exceeded the targets set within the framework of the (loan) memorandum," Hahn said.

Hahn also congatulated the minister and the Greek government for the programme they submitted two days ago covering the next NSRF funding session (2014-2020), "which truly follows the outlines we discussed in the past," he said. The programme, he noted, gives emphasis to strengthening regional policy, meaning that all 13 of Greece's districts will have their own business programmes. "Until recently, only 22 percent of the funding related to regions, but now this amount will rise to 35 percent," he said.

"Yesterday I was on Crete, where I saw that the regional manager, who does not belong to the same party, nevertheless expressed his thanks to the minister for the initiative undertaken, which proves that there truly is progress," said Hahn, who is paying visits to Greek regions to brief them about the new programme and review ongoing works.

The commissioner said that Greece's absorption rate could serve as an example to other eurozone countries: "If we classify countries according to their performance on issues of EU fund absorption, Greece would be classified fourth, which means it is by far much higher than the average of the European Union."

Hatzidakis said among other things that the major roadworks contracts, approved by Parliament, would contribute to the absorption rates and added that the new NSRF programme presented by the government is different than the current one in that it focuses on entrepreneurship and on social cohesion actions.

[11] Hahn praises Greek regions prompt preparation for 2014-2020 period

In a press conference at the offices of the EU permanent representation in Athens, he said his visit to Crete on Wednesday had been very successful. He particularly praised the progress of a strategy for "smart specialisation", where each region sought to capitalise on its unique competitive advantages.

The Commissioner, who earlier held meetings with Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and Development Minister Costis Hatzidakis, also commented on the fact that the Commission has received the plans for the 2014-2020 Partnership Agreement before the start of the Greek EU presidency, noting that this will give emphasis on boosting the economy.

He especially hailed the agreement for concession to continue highway construction, saying that one of his priorities on returning to Brussels will be to approve these projects.

[12] Energy Minister Maniatis outlines Greek EU Presidency priorities for energy

Environment, Energy & Climate Change Minister Yiannis Maniatis outlined the Greek EU Presidency's priorities on energy issues, while addressing the EU Energy Council held here on Thursday.

He referred to three milestone deadlines, namely, the 2014 goal as regards the completion of the internal energy market, the 2015 goal to link all member-states with the European natural gas and power networks and the anticipated 2015 International Climate Change Agreement.

As regards energy and climate change, the Greek EU Presidency will promote the EU policies with a horizon beyond the year 2020, based on the European Commission proposal on the 2030 framework for climate and energy policies to be discussed in the Energy Ministers' Council on March 4, 2014 and then in the European Council also in March.

Energy rates and the competitiveness of the European economy constitute another priority of the Greek EU Presidency. The issue will be discussed in the Energy Ministers' Council on March 4 and will be adopted in June 2014.

Maniatis said that the Greek EU Presidency will give priority to energy conservation and the improvement of energy efficiency to benefit consumers in vulnerable households.

The completion of the internal energy market is another priority, while energy security and energy infrastructure issues will be discussed in the informal meeting to be held in Athens in May.

The issue of international relations in the sector of energy and the value of multilateral international cooperation will be tackled in the June 2014 Council meeting.

Referring to nuclear energy, Maniatis said that Greece acknowledges the importance of nuclear safety and supports relevant initiatives.

[13] Energy Minister Maniatis briefs EU counterparts on measures to reconnect power to poor households in Greece

Environment, Energy & Climate Change Minister Yiannis Maniatis, speaking on the margins of the EU Energy Ministers' Council held here on Thursday, briefed his counterparts on the implementation of a package of measures aimed at reconnecting power to poor households in Greece that are unable to pay their bills.

Maniatis underlined that the energy ministers agreed that combating energy poverty, which affects roughly 50 million Europeans, among them several hundred thousands of Greek citizens, is a top priority and noted that he briefed his counterparts on the recent measures taken in Greece.

He said that all responsible agencies were mobilized within five days and already the Public Power Corporation S.A. (PPC S.A.) has reconnected power to 2,000 households free of any change.

[14] Foreign ministry presents plans, budget for Greek EU presidency

Kourkoulas said that the principle of keeping costs low was observed throughout the preparation phase, with emphasis on actions rather than events. He stressed that the staff employed for the presidency would mainly be transferred from within the public sector, including the 65 drivers that will be needed to transport foreign delegations and the staff that will escort them.

The deputy minister said that existing facilities at the Zappion building, now being suitably upgraded, will be used for nearly all the meetings held in Athens and that much of the necessary equipment, including cars, was donated by sponsors. He also clarified that the EU Permanent Representation in Athens had tried to keep the increase in staff to a minimum and that the management of the presidency's unusually low 50-million-euro budget was being carefully monitored.

Outlining the costs involved, Kourkoulas said these included security accreditations, increased transportation costs (for trips to Brussels, Strasbourg and other EU member-states) by ministry officials, as well as the need to sometimes step in for EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Baroness Catherine Ashton.

Kourkoulas said there will be 14 informal ministers' council, 35 meetings of high-level officials, 57 working groups and 33 conferences and seminars taking place in Greece over the next six months.

Finally, there will also be a cultural aspect to the Greek presidency, such as a musical event at the Athens Concert Hall taking place on the sidelines of the College of Commissioners' meeting in Athens on January 8, or the 'launch' concert by the Camerata orchestra in Brussels on January 14, which is to be combined with the exhibition "Nautilus - navigating Greece". In addition to the above, the Hellenic Post Offices (ELTA) are planning to issue a special-edition stamp and various exhibitions, screenings and festivals will take place in the framework of the Greek presidency.

[15] Special 16-page report on Greek EU presidency in 'European Voice'

In addition, there are eight articles on the priorities of the Greek EU presidency, covering various aspects from politics to the economy.

[16] 'Greek-German Assembly' a huge boost for cooperation at local level, Fuchtel tells ANA-MPA

The 'Greek-German Assembly' has given a huge boost to Greek-German cooperation on a local government level, the German chancellor's envoy to Greece Hans Joachim Fuchtel said in an interview with the ANA-MPA.

Speaking in Vienna on Wednesday, Fuchtel presented the goals and significance of this form of cooperation, which he described as unique" at an event organised by the United Nations and the Austrian Society for Foreign Policy.

During the interview, he noted that the institution was also enlisting the help of Greek expatriates who had lived in Germany and, returning as pensioners, set up the organisation "Hellenic Silberstars", using them to assist in translations, interpretation or professional training and other areas.

The last Greek-German Assembly in Nuremberg took place on October 21-23 and was attended by nearly 400 local government officials from Greece and Germany, as well as Interior Minister Yiannis Mihelakis and Rural Development and Foods Minister Athanassios Tsaftaris.

[17] Finmin withdraws controversial amendment said to favour specific firms

Presenting the amendment in Parliament, Stournaras said it was necessary and explained that the second article related to raw materials purchases for which the law had changed and for which industrial firms might have to pay large fines, while article three governed the transfer of bank branches in the framework of restructuring and the regime under which these were carried out, where banks could again be burdened by unnecessary additional costs.

According to main opposition Radical Left Coalition Parliamentary spokesman Dimitris Stratoulis, however, the amendment was "made to order" and designed to favour oil companies and Piraeus Bank, specifically in the takeover of Cyprus Bank branches. Similar arguments were expressed by the opposition parties Independent Greeks, Democratic Left and the Communist Party of Greece, who also opposed the tactic of attaching the amendment to an unrelated bill.

[18] Main opposition leader Tsipras meeting with EU Commisioner Rehn

Rehn's spokesman Simon O'Connor said that there was an exchange of views on economic and social situation as well as the challenges for Greece, and especially how to ensure economic recovery and job creation, both in Greece and the eurozone as a whole.

According to O'Connor, Olli Rehn underlined that Greece's adjustment program helps to create the conditions for sustainable growth and jobs. He also noted that the program provides a framework for addressing the structural problems that have remained unresolved for many years and which are at the root of the current crisis.

The European Commissioner also argued that the bailout prevented a disorderly Greek default, which would have devastating economic and social consequences for the Greek people.

According to O'Connor, Rehn and Tsipras agreed to the need to stimulate growth, combatting unemployment and boosting the eurozone.

[19] Deputy FM, Russia's Meshkov dicuss 'strategic approach' to EU-Russia ties

The aim of the meeting was to create a framework of understanding ahead of the more frequent contacts between the EU and Russia in the next six months.

These will include Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's attendance of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on Monday and the EU-Russia summit meeting at the end of January.

Talks between Kourkoulas and Meshkov took in a broad range of EU issues, as well as regional developments. The Russian side asked to be promptly informed by the EU on a series of initiatives, such as that with relating to the Ukraine, and the two sides agreed to strive to find a 'common denominator' in EU-Russian positions on energy issues.

[20] Deputy Dev't Minister to meet with US officials in Washington DC

The deputy minister departed for the US capital on Thursday and on December 13 will represent the Greek government as a keynote speaker in an open discussion hosted by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in cooperation with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation on Greece's priorities for its upcoming EU presidency and on how the trans-Atlantic partnership can be strengthened to restore economic growth.

Mitarakis will also meet with Special Assistant to the US president at the White House Christopher Smart and with Deputy United States Trade Representative Ambassador Miriam Sapiro to discuss issues concerning the TTIP negotiations during the Greek EU Presidency.

[21] Power reconnections to start at indebted households this week, spokesman says

Reconnections will begin Thursday and be completed by end-week, depending on progress and the reconnection applications, Kedikoglou told private Skai TV. Home owners will be called to pay a reconnection fee according to their means.

Hundreds of thousands of Greek homes were left with no power and heat after the Public Power Corporation (DEI) cut their supply off for not being able to pay their bills.

The spokesman said that all DEI bills would be levied with an additional 0.50 cents per year, as contribution to the reconnection of power in 10,000 to 15,000 homes. If there are more families applying, the levy may reach a maximum of 1 euro a year, he said.

Kedikoglou said that of 350,000 cut service cases, 60 percent had been resolved after debt settlements. About 500,000 families have already been approved for lower DEI rates, he said, under the so-called social price rate, and debt settlement for any of them will be done with favourable terms.

He added that the lower price rate programme is also open to anyone who has lost his or her job within 2013 or whose wages have been severely cut back, by application directly to DEI, as long as they meet all criteria.

[22] Finance Ministry urges public utilities to tighten budgets, become more efficient

Papakonstantinou, who is also head of the department of fiscal policy at the ministry, urged public utility companies' management to look for new customers, expand the services offered, keep tight control of the hiring of contractors and renegotiate rents.

Other things management should look out for, according to the memo, are a more efficient management and sell-off of inventory and useless material, renegotiation for lower purchase prices for raw materials and for cost of maintenance, a reduction of transport and marketing costs, and a reduction in sponsorships and outright donations.

[23] SYRIZA asks for briefing on Greek ports' safety measures

SYRIZA's shipping department referred to an incident that took place last Wednesday in Piraeus port, when containers marked as carrying pollutants leaked in the process of being loaded onto a ship. The captain postponed the ship's departure until the cleaning process was complete. The announcement refers that a similar incident occured in Thessaloniki's port.

"We call the government and any relevant entity to inform Greek society and especially the employees whose job is related to the transportation and loading of goods, about the dangers and origin of cargoes, and the security measures that are required during their transportation, to avoid such 'accidents'," SYRIZA said.

[24] DIMAR opens four-day congress at Metaxourgio, Athens

The congress will end on Sunday, Dec. 15 with the election of a president and a new central committee.

[25] DIM.AR's Kouvelis presents? policy direction at party Congress

Kouvelis underlined that "the progressive pole must either be truly progressive or not exist at all. It will either focus on the problems of the many, of society and the new generation or it will end up as a supplement to the Right."

A coalition of progressive forces, the DIM.AR leader said, "should play a catalytic role in the country's new direction. A politically strong and socially progressive force means the ability to intervene in the course of politics."

Kouvelis made it clear that his party will have its own ballot in the European elections, along with those forces and movements that agree with a progressive development of Europe.

He also proposed that the congress decide on the party's affiliation with the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats group in the European Parliament, which it would probably join after the elections.

Commenting on the government's current negotiations with the troika of Greece's lenders and Europe's stance, Kouvelis described the fiscal consolidation programme as ineffective and socially unjust, saying that the time had come for "disengagement from the bailout memorandum, but in real terms, not just for communications purposes."

He explained that disengagement from the memorandum did not mean either a return to the pre-crisis era nor greater ease of borrowing, but a new deal with EU partners: "a 'Growth Pact' placing emphasis on employment and social cohesion."

[26] Justice Minister dismisses report that troika put pressure on judges to rule in favour of banks

According to the report, a Russian International Monetary Fund official called on two senior judges and court officials to issue decisions in favour of banks, Independent Greeks deputy Chryssoula Giatagana charged.

The Justice Minister admitted that indeed there was a meeting in the ministry, which two judges attended, but the aim was to inform the troika of lenders on the pending cases of indebted households which totalled around 78,000.

Athanassiou stressed that no troika official is entitled to express an opinion on the judicial work of judges and that "it is ridiculous to say they were advised to issue decisions in favour of banks," given the fact that the judiciary is independent and not even the minister himself is entitled to intervene.

[27] Deputy minister Kegeroglou briefs parliament on the cost of 'phantom' pensioners to social insurance systems

Responding to a current question posed by opposition Independent Greeks (AN.EL) MP Marina Chryssoveloni, he said that losses amounted to roughly 200 million euros a year.

Kegeroglou noted that crosschecks conducted by the IKA-ETAM social insurance fund have revealed 3,569 undeclared deaths of pension beneficiaries in 2011 and 904 in 2012, with an estimated cost of 19,677,000 for the social insurance fund.

The cases of beneficiaries failing to register in a census of primary and auxiliary pension recipients number 5,161, with an estimated cost of 16.6 million euros in 2011 and 2012, while crosschecking for the year 2013 has not been completed yet.

A total of 289 unregistered pensioners were detected in the Seamen's Pension Fund (NAT) and 46 in the seamen's auxiliary fund KEAN but the financial loss has not yet been calculated.

The journalists' social insurance fund ETAP-MME tracked down 28 unregistered pensioners, while the undeclared deceased pensioners and the unregistered pensioners in the Self-employed Professionals Insurance Organization (OAEE) are 1,731 costing the organization roughly 14 million euros. The unregistered pensioners in the farmers' social insurance fund OGA are 3,014 but the cost for the fund has not been calculated yet.

The AN.EL MP noted that "since 2010, the memorandum governments have repeatedly spoken about so-called 'fake pensioners' but the allegation was never backed by specific figures. Greece was defamed internationally, a practice that continues to this day, following Labour Minister Yiannis Vroutsis' statements on annual money waste of 500 million euros, illegal pensions numbering 46,000 and overall losses of 5.0 billion euros over a period of a decade".

[28] Deputy FM addresses 29th BSEC ministers' meeting

"Greece has actively participated in the Black Sea countries' cooperation from the first and will continue to do so with equal effectiveness," he said, noting that Athens had been among the first initiators and supporters of the BSEC.

He noted that Greece, both during the Bulgarian BSEC presidency and during its own presidency of the European Union in the first half of 2014 will actively contribute to enhancing regional economic cooperation between the BSEC member-states.

During his visit to Armenia, Gerontopoulos visited the Greek Language Centre at Brusov University and met the head of the Greek communities federation at the Greek embassy.

[29] Former minister's trial on Siemens contract expected to reopen Thursday

Mantelis and four other defendants are charged with laundering kickbacks from a contract awarded to Siemens to digitise the Greek state telecom's systems. The charges relate to 1998 and 2000 and amount to 450,000 German marks (approximately 230,000 euros, by today's rates). Mantelis maintains that the money was a campaign contribution to PASOK.

On trial with Mantelis are the businessman Georgios Tsougranis, tax office employee Antonia Markou, former Siemens executive Ilias Georgiou and his associate Aristidis Mantas.

The first postponement was called because of a strike by judges and court staff, and the second one by Mantelis' defence lawyers, who claimed inability to attend. In the second instance, the court had rejected a postponement request filed on Mantelis' behalf.

[30] EOPPY doctors to decide on Friday on strikes

Georgiadis has made clear that the reform will go ahead even "without them" if they continue the strike, essentially showing them the way to the exit, but inviting them to discuss how they can contribute to the national health system.

Doctors have decided to continue their strikes up to December 19 against the prospect of losing their jobs under the mobility scheme, which aims to cut down the size of the public sector and foresees that clinics will operate with skeleton staff.

[31] University of Athens (UoA) administrative staff union announces end of strike

The institution is expected to re-open on Friday and be fully operational by Monday, December 16 according to a UoA senate decision.

A UoA administrative staff union announcement underlined that there was no quorum in yesterday's general assembly meeting during which the roughly 200 people present had decided in favour of two new 24-hour strikes.

The union, considering "complaints made by colleagues as regards the attitude of the strikers' committee," decided to notify its members that the industrial action has ended and those who choose not to appear for work will have to assume the responsibility of their actions.

The strikers' committee had tabled a censure motion against the union board members on Wednesday but a vote scheduled for today gave no result because participation in the procedure was too small.

Financial News

[32] Hatzidakis, Varvitsiotis attend opening of Huawei pilot distribution centre in Piraeus

The opening of the distribution centre is the fulfillment of a Huawei commitment made in May 2013 to the Greek government, during Prime Minister Antonis Samaras' visit to China.

Hatzidakis added the company's hi-tech products will be distributed to European markets through Greece, stressing that this new investment amounted to a confidence vote for the country by a powerful multinational company.

Attending the event was also Shipping minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, who said that "what is happening here today is that Piraeus will be Mediterranean's number one harbour and we are dedicated to this commitment."

On his part, China's ambassador, attach? at the Chinese Embassy in Greece Du Qiwen described the pilot operation of Huawei's distribution centre as "an event of great importance for the companies involved, for the future of Piraeus and the country as a whole, which will contribute to progress and long-term growth."

Jeffrey Zhou, CEO of Huawei Technologies Greece said that the pilot programme started recently and "the first container with Huawei products arrived in Greece in November, marking the start of this new cooperation with our partner PCT. We believe our presence in the country will contribute to the Greek economy. With the launch of this programme, we will confirm the potential for future expansion."

Huawei Technologies is a leading global provider of technology and communications solutions (ICT), serving more than one-third of the world's population. In 2012, the company's turnover amounted to some 35.4 billion dollars, 66 percent of which came from sales outside of China.

[33] Officials outline benefits of TAP pipeline as regional authority gives project the green light

Addressing an event at the International Relations Institute held in the presence of Norwegian Ambassador to Athens Sjur Larsen and TAP country manager for Greece Rikard Skoufias, he underlined that the implementation of the project will turn Greece into a trans-European energy hub, noting that the country's participation in this major project constitutes a proof of the trust it inspires in the international energy and economic community.

The project's section that passes through Greece is a 1.5-billion-euro private investment that will create 12,000 direct or indirect jobs; beginning in 2017 it will gradually carry 10 billion square metres of natural gas.

According to the state General Accounting Office, the annual public revenues from the consortium's taxation in the period 2015-2018 will be 390,000 euros, while in the period 2019 -2042 they will amount to 15,600,000 euros a year.

Michalos said that the creation of vertical natural gas axes and corridors to link the project with the Balkans and Central Europe is in the government's plans.

Meanwhile, the Western Macedonia Regional Council in northwest Greece gave the green light to the pipeline project, which will pass through the region, by issuing a positive opinion on its environmental impact study and its support facilities, it was announced on Thursday.

The region's governor, Giorgos Dakis, said that informative meetings with TAP executives had preceded, where local authorities and residents had the opportunity to outline their views and raise any objections.

He said that the region of Western Macedonia will benefit both during the pipeline's construction phase and during its operation, as "according to a study by the Institute for Economic and Industrial Research (IOBE), Western Macedonia will absorb 12 pct of the overall positive outcome for northern Greece; speaking in value-added terms, this will correspond to roughly 2.4 billion euros".

Dakis clarified that aside from the activation of technical companies in the region, prospects are good for the founding and operation of companies that will provide support services directly or indirectly linked with the project.

He also commented that the technical potential leading to the upgrading of the region's power production capacity opens the way to the post-lignite era and contributes in a decisive manner to the preservation of the region's energy production character.

[34] Four tenders in the government's privatisation programme enter final phase

The four tenders regard regional airports, TRAINOSE, the Greek Rolling Stock Company and the tourist marinas in Chios and Pylos.

In addition, the HRADF approved the opening of a public international tender for the sale of real estate owned by the Greek state outside of Greece.

[35] Greece registers primary surplus of 2.710 bln euros in Jan-Nov

The general government deficit for the same period came to 3.223 billion euros, compared to a deficit of 12.852 billion euros last year and a target of 4.290 billion euros.

"The execution of the budget confirms and reinforces our estimates for this year. The country, after many years, will achieve this year, earlier than expected, a primary surplus, which in structural terms, is the highest in Europe," Staikouras noted.

[36] Agriculture minister completes EU presidency briefings after meeting with Commissioner Borg

The two discussed the priorities the Greek EU presidency will give to legislation promoting safety on the agricultural and nutritional chain and to improving EU competitiveness on the issue. The legislation package will include five regulations, one each for the health of plants; animal health; propagation material; official controls; and expenditures.

"We had a very good talk about the priorities of the Greek EU presidency on issues related to the jurisdiction of the commissioner," Tsaftaris said.

The meeting completes the minister's rounds of meetings with EU commissioners on agriculture and fisheries issues. He has already met with Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Dacian Ciolos and Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki.

[37] Commission claims back 78.8 mln euro agricultural funds from Greece

However, because some of these amounts have already been claimed back, the fiscal impact of today's decision will be about 66.6 million euros. This amount will be claimed back because of non-compliance with EU rules or inadequate control procedures on agricultural expenditure.

The total amount to be claimed back from 15 EU member states comes to 335 million euros, while the real fiscal impact will be 304 million euros.

[38] Medical tourism a priority, Kefalogianni tells conference

Kefalogianni expressed support for existing schemes and reforms, while stressing that the state ought to ensure and guarantee citizen's access to health.

The minister added that medical tourism contributed to enhancing the level of tourism services, improving the quality of the domestic tourism product and to the expansion of the tourist season, which is "one of the biggest challenges for Greek tourism."

Referring to the objectives set by the tourism ministry on medical tourism, she noted that Greece should become a destination for medical tourism, not just for medical travel. "Namely, to combine a leisure trip to Greece with medical care, of primarily mild medical cases," she said.

[39] Stress tests will boost confidence in Greek banks, according to Black Rock

He noted that Bank of Greece has taken all necessary measures to restore the credibility of the Greek banking system, adding that "the results of the first test laid the foundations for the successful recapitalization of Greek banks, significantly boosting transparency."

Provopoulos said that despite the greater than expected deterioration of the macroeconomic situation in the time span of the last stress test, bank losses were within the range that was forecast by BlackRock, which proves that these tests were efficient. He also stressed that the restructuring of the banking sector is a cornerstone in the effort of Greece to exit the crisis and become a modern and competitive economy.

[40] Greek banks' dependence from ECB, ELA funding operations almost unchanged in November

More specifically, lending through the ECB?dropped to 60.68 billion euros from 62.5 billion euros, while Bank of Greece's Emergency Lending Assistance (ELA) mechanism totaled 9.42 billion euros in November, from 7.86 billion euros in October.

[41] Staikouras address 7th CEO Summit in Athens

He said the country's economic recovery in 2014 will be based on the implementation of investment plans using funds from the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), completing a process for paying off the state's overdue debts to the private sector, completing privatisations and structural reforms and boosting competitiveness in the products and services markets, as well as completing a restructuring and recapitalisation of the banking system.

"The positive signs seen in the economy are a springboard for continuing the effort, not a cause to be complacent," he added, stressing the need for policies that will address both the structural and cyclical dimensions of the fiscal effort, so as to ensure that Greece emerges for a six-year recession with a deficit below 3 pct of GDP.

[42] Labour Minister sees lower unemployement as of end 2014

Vroutsis stressed the need for changing the legal framework for mass layoffs, adding that this should have been completed - based on Greece's commitments against the troika - by the end of the year.

He also said that the new legal framework will provide among others the commitment by the employer to support and retrain the laid-off workers in order to allow their reintegration into the labour market.

[43] Labour ministry-troika talks focus on reduction in non-labour cost, to help competiveness

"They are listening to our proposals," Labour minister Yiannis Vroutsis said after the end of the meeting.

A central issue was the reduction of non-labour cost by 3.9 percentage units, which in addition to a 1.5 pct drop that had been legislated in 2012, the overall reduction of employers' social security contributions would amount to 5.0 percentage units.

However, it has not yet been specified how the estimated annual cost of 800 million euros would be offset.

The Labour ministry regards that a reduction in the non-labour cost in Greece, which is among the highest in Europe, would help enhance Greek companies' competitiveness and reduce unemployment.

Vroutsis said that the troika responded positively to the ministry's positions without however the two sides reaching agreement.

[44] Dual education can increase young people's employment opportunities says German State Secretary Thomas Rachel

"With the dual education programme we would like to send a message that practice-oriented education can increase young persons' employment opportunities in Greece," Rachel said. The programme was jointly established by the Greek-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Manpower Employment Organisation (OAED) and DEKRA company.

MENDI is a pilot programme of dual education in the tourism sector. An initiative supported by Greek and German ministries and institutions. Among others adressing the event were the Education Minister Konstantinos Arvanitopoulos, Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, the Greek-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Michael Mailis, OAED's head Theodoros Ampatzoglou and DEKRA's representative Dietmar Metzger.

[45] OAEE healthcare coverage reinstated for special categories of beneficiaries

The measure affects OAEE beneficiaries who are currently unemployed and those who have no social insurance either because they have interrupted it or because they are not eligible.

[46] Eurostat: Greece's per capita GDP at 75 pct of EU average

Actual individual consumption expressed in purchasing power standards came to 85 percent in 2012 versus 92 percent in 2011 and 98 percent in 2010.

[47] Olympic Handling renamed to Skyserv Handling Services

Skyserv Handling Services is also planning a share capital increase of approximately 38 million euros fully covered by MIG. According to the announcement, the purpose of the company's recapitalization is optimizing its capital structure, increasing competitiveness as well as the smooth implementation of the new business plan, based on the strategy dictated by the recent major changes in the area of domestic aviation.

The company's business plan for the next three years is the increase of its market share as well as broader international strategic synergies and return to profitability in the short term.

[48] Call for expression of interest for TRAINOSE technical consultant

[49] Folli Follie sells remaining stake in HDF to Dufry for 328 million euros

Dufry will pay 175 million euros in cash and 1,231,233 ordinary shares, valued at 153 million euros, that Dufry will issue to Folli Follie Group from its authorised capital.

Dufry had bought a 51 percent stake in the Greek travel retailer in April 2013, with an option to acquire the remaining 49 percent in the future.

"We are very excited, as this is a landmark transaction for the Group and a vote of confidence not only for the Greek activities of Duty Free, but also for the Greek business climate. Such actions support the country's efforts to attract new investments," Folli Follie managing director Dimitris Koutsolioutsos commented on the agreement.

[50] Greek stocks slide 0.84 pct lower on Thursday

The Large Cap index ended 1.08 pct lower and the Mid Cap index fell 0.15 pct. GEK Terna (2.35 pct), Terna Energiaki (2.24 pct), Mytilineos (2.13 pct), and Ellaktor (1.84 pct) were top gainers among blue chip stocks, while MIG (-3.78 pct), NBG (-2.77 pct), Hellenic Exchanges (-2.64 pct), Hellenic Petroleum (-2.00 pct) and OLP (-1.79 pct) made the biggest losses.

The sectors with the biggest percentage gains in the day were Raw Materials (1.53 pct) and Construction - Materials (0.22 pct). The biggest percentage losses of the day were in Financial Services (-2.99 pct), Foods (-1.87 pct) and Banks (-1.81 pct).

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 82 to 51, with another 25 issues unchanged. G.E. Dimitriou (25.00 pct), Tria Alfa (19.93 pct) and Geniki (19.70 pct) were top gainers, while Sidma (-19.91 pct), PC Systems (-18.97 pct) and Vioter (-17.04 pct) were top losers.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Industrials: -0.047%

Retail: +0.19%

Construction-Materials: 0.53%

Oil & Gas: -1.76%

Personal & Household: 0.14%

Raw Materials: 1.53%

Travel & Leisure: -0.15%

Technology: -0.65%

Telecoms: -1.55%

Banks: -1.81%

Food & Beverages: -1.87%

Health: -1.31%

Utilities: -0.68%

Financial Services: -2.99%

The stocks with the highest turnover were GE Dimitriou, Tria Alfa, Geniki and Pegasus.

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

Alpha Bank: 0.605

Public Power Corp (PPC): 10.68

Coca Cola HBC: 19.74

Hellenic Petroleum: 8.35

National Bank of Greece: 4.22

Eurobank Properties : 8.41

OPAP: 9.80

OTE: 9.54

Piraeus Bank: 1.52

Titan: 20.20

[51] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank rates, interest rates posted a marginal rise. The 12-month rate rose to 0.549 pct from 0.54 pct on Wednesday, the nine-month rate rose to 0.47 pct from 0.4590 pct, the six-month rate rose to 0.374 pct from 0.366 pct, the three-month rate rose to 0.27 pct from 0.267 pct and the one-month rate rose to 0.219 pct from 0.212 pct.

[52] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 16,058 contracts worth 7.834 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Mytilineos contracts (3,189), followed by Alpha Bank (1,944), Piraeus Bank (1,523), Intralot (1,240), OTE (1,172), GEK (1,155), Ellaktor (1,046), MIG (984), PPC (790), OPAP (682), NBG (539), Sidenor (468), Motor Oil (173), Hellenic Petroleum (153), and Hellenic Exchanges (118).

General News

[53] Athens Mayor Kaminis presents EU-funded urban development plan

Kaminis noted that this was the first comprehensive development plan, which is based on boosting entrepreneurship, improving the quality of life, revitalizing the urban web and managing the social crisis.

Referring to the direct funding by the European Commission with 120 million euros, he underlined that Athens is set to become a metropolitan municipality.

On his part, Hahn commented that the development of youth entrepreneurship is a priority, noting that in Greece's case there is a need for new enterprises, while the existing ones will have to become more competitive.

[54] Professor Janko of the University of Michigan to given Athens lecture on Linear B inscriptions in Bavaria

Professor Janko will present the topic: "Linear B in Bavaria? From the Bernstorf treasure to the kingdom of Pylos" where he will discuss how the Bernstorf citadel was destroyed in 1300 B.C. and how it has yielded treasures of Aegean appearence, among them two amber seals bearing inscriptions in the Linear B script. Based on a translation of these inscriptions, there is a connection between an enslaved group of women called Ti-nwa-si-ja or Ti-nwa-ti-ja appearing in translated Linear B archives discovered in Pylos and Knossos.

According to Professor Janko, the seals and the treasure were the symbols of the authority of a Mycenaean city called Tinwanthos, which ceased to exist and whose women were enslaved after it was taken over by the kingdom of Pylos. The rulers of Pylos would have sent these valuable artifacts to remote trading partners, so that they could not be used by anyone.

The lecture will be held in English, on Thursday December 19th 2013, at 19:00 in the British School of Athens, 52 Souedias St. 10676 Athens, Greece.

[55] Attack on ship owner's son an attempted abduction, police believe

Unidentified individuals tried to immobilise and trap the ship owner has he was coming out of the shipping firm's parking lot at around 15:30 in the afternoon, trying to block his exit using a van and a car that drove up behind him.

The 33-year-old managed to evade them, however, by backing and ramming the car behind him, so that it caught fire. The 33-year-old was then able to get back into the parking lot and evade his would-be captors, who fled the scene.

Police later also found the van used in the attempted abduction, which had been torched and abandoned a short distance from where the incident occurred.

An investigation has been launched by Attica Security Police.

[56] Boat schedules to Aegean resume after gale-force wind cancellations

The only exception is the Blue Star Paros ferry, which will leave Piraeus for Paros, Naxos, Ios and Thira (Santorini) islands at 12:00 noon instead of 07:25.

[57] Athens-Thessaloniki train link restored after derailment

[58] New metro station 'Aghia Marina' opens on Saturday

It is part of Line 3, known as the "Blue Line". The station is expected to be used by around 15,000 passengers on a daily basis.

Weather forecast

[59] Rain and sleet on Friday

[60] The Thursday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

DIMOKRATIA: "A sorry Parliament" over the less-than-stellar behaviour of MPs

EFIMERIDA TON SYNTAKTON: "1,676 schools to shut down" by mergers and transfers of staff

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "No job, no bill paying" is the current state of Greeks without a job, while unemployment keeps climbing

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Stormy reaction to troika (of lenders) email over pension amounts," claiming it wanted a ceiling as of 2014.

ESTIA: "Political mobilisation over unemployment," which it said Greece had at similar levels in December 1933 because of a global crisis.

ETHNOS: "Tough bargaining with troika over everything," and demands by the troika for lower salaries.

IMERISSIA: "Double blow to Athens Stock Exchange," with the double taxation levelled on transactions as of 2014.

KATHIMERINI: "18,000 applicants for 390 job openings" at state telecoms OTE by people desperate for employment.

LOGOS: "A race to fulfil prior actions" by the government before the end of the year and Greece's assumption of the EU presidency in Jan.

NAFTEMPORIKI: "The return of home foreclosures, special grace period of a year" as a plan the government and troika appear to settle on.

RIZOSPASTIS: "Relief measures for working-class families must be taken now," especially in terms of electricity supply at homes.

TA NEA: "Jobs for 75,000 unemployed youth" through a Labour Ministry programme paying a total of 3,700 euros for four months.

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