Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 13-12-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't-troika close to deal on Hellenic Defence Systems, finance ministry source reports

[02] PM Samaras rules out government reshuffle

[03] Finmin Stournaras' comments on the unified property tax

[04] Tsipras nominated as European Left's candidate for EC president

[05] ND party on Tsipras' candidacy for EU Commission president

[06] Kouvelis reelected as DIM.AR party president

[07] Golden Dawn supporters protest against building of Athens mosque

[08] Justice minister meets judges, promises action on wage cuts

[09] Draft bill to give emergency powers, including seizure of deposits, to tax offices

[10] Bank deposits of up to 100,000 euros will always be protected, EU Commissioner Barnier tells Greek newspaper

[11] Gov't seeks to postpone tax on television advertisements

[12] Development minister: laws must not shield those able to pay

[13] NYSE to celebrate 9th annual Greek Day on Monday

[14] High levels of air pollution in Attica forces Environment ministry to ask citizens to limit fireplace use

[15] Pakistani traffickers that chained and beat their victims to extort money arrested

[16] Three charged with drug trafficking in prisons released pending trial

[17] No pollution by semi-sunk vessel 'Nour-M' detected in Rhodes port

[18] Remains of soldier killed in 1948 delivered to family 65 years later

[19] Man arrested for illegal possession of antiquities

[20] Five charged with copyright violations in Volos, Larissa and Karditsa

[21] Super League results

[22] Cloudy with some rains and lower temperatures on Monday

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

[01] Gov't-troika close to deal on Hellenic Defence Systems, finance ministry source reports

Reporting on the results of a three-hour negotiating session between Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras and the heads of the EU-IMF troika mission in Athens on Sunday evening, the source said that a deal on Monday would be "no surprise".

Defence ministry officials that also participated in the meeting, alongside Alternate Defence Minister Fofi Gennimata, seemed equally confident that the two sides were close to a deal, saying that a final deal on Monday was possible.

Sunday's meeting focused on technical aspects of a restructuring plan for EAS, which calls for the separation of the company into military and civilian parts and the retention of the former, though with fewer staff and an export-oriented character for a transitional period.

The two sides will put the final touches to the agreement on Monday, based on additional figures to be supplied by the defence ministry to the troika concerning the forecasts for the company's finances over the next 12 months. The deal will then be ratified, either in a further meeting with finance ministry officials or through an exchange of e-mails.

The next step is for the troika mission to submit its review saying that agreement was reached on all four prior actions to the Euro Working Group, which will convene on Tuesday morning in Brussels. This will either decide to disburse the 1.0 billion euro tranche of bailout loans to Greece, on hold since last July, or to refer the issue to the Eurogroup, which convenes later the same day. The disbursement is expected to take place next Thursday, pouring a much-needed injection of cash into the country's coffers, to be used for bonds worth 1.853-billion-euros that mature on January 11.

Concerning VAT for catering and restaurants and whether the lower 13 pct rate will continue to apply after January 1 after the end of the pilot phase, the finance ministry source said only "we will do what must be done, in a climate of cooperation and understanding".

The government aims to reach agreement before Stournaras and the heads of the troika depart for Brussels on Tuesday. The heads of the troika mission will then return in January, when discussion is expected to focus on the 2014 financial gap and the 2014-2017 Medium-Term Framework, which must be settled for the disbursement of a 4.9-billion-euro in bailout loans to be used to pay off bonds worth 5.593 billion euros that mature in May.

No breakthrough in deadlock over home foreclosures

In earlier talks with the development ministry leadership earlier on Sunday, however, the two sides came no closer to a breakthrough in the deadlock over property foreclosures. Following successive meetings held over the weekend, they were no closer to agreement on the criteria allowing protection from foreclosures in 2014.

"Of the 100m separating the two sides, only 20m have been covered," a senior development ministry official said, while adding that the disagreement centred on "the figures and the criteria for the transitional period." According to the same source, the distance separating the two sides was "substantial".

The differences are centred mainly on the transitional regime that will apply during 2014 concerning protection from foreclosures. The representatives of Greece's lenders were adamant with regard to the various criteria (income, property, tax-assessed value etc) that will determine whether borrowers will be eligible for protection under transitional laws in 2014.

Government sources said the two sides have agreed that the Katselis law on foreclosures should continue to apply with regard to judicial protection and for debtors up-to-date with payments. There is also initial agreement on the permanent system, along the lines of the Irish model, that will go into effect from 2015.

A ministry source said that troika officials will inform their superiors on the positions of the Greek side and that the goal is to reach agreement on Monday so that the government has time to pass the relevant legislation before Parliament shuts for the holidays on December 20. In spite of this, no time has yet been set for Monday's meeting.

Speaking on Saturday, sources noted that the Greek side, while wanting an agreement before it brings legislation, is also prepared to proceed on its own if an agreement proves impossible to reach. Protection afforded under current laws expires at the end of the year.

No real negotiation between the government and troika, SYRIZA charges

"In spite of the hackneyed assurances to the contrary, the government does not step back from its subordination to bailout memorandum commitments," a press release issued by the main opposition Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) said on Sunday.

It added that as shown by the bill on real estate tax, as wella as the plans to lift a ban on home foreclosures and allowing mass layoffs, the government was blindly fixed on the bailout memorandum.

SYRIZA charges that "there is no red line drawn by Mr. (Prime Minister Antonis) Samaras, no true negotiation between the government and the troika (of lenders), who in fact agree on the basics and only disagree on the details."

[02] PM Samaras rules out government reshuffle

As for the scenarios of forming another government under the present parliament, the premier gave a scathing retort: "I believe, and I'm saying it clearly, these are scenarios of political disorder" and "will lead to chaos."

Samaras says he currently spends his time and all of his energy on ways "to overcome the crisis, to turn deficits into surpluses, to reverse the bad image of the country abroad, to strengthen Greece's position in a increasingly restive international environment, to implement reforms against vested interests that are affected and do everything they can to render them vain, to achieve a further reduction in our debt and to achieve attracting new major investments."

So, if he had to consider such "moves" and "scenarios" of political disorder, he says, he would be doing a favour to those wishing to see the country down to its knees and in absence of government, "and I am not doing this favour to anyone and for no reason".

"I will not keep myself busy with those moving the dark," Samaras underlines, and launches a stinging attack on main opposition Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) leader Alexis Tsipras, accusing him of populism.

The Greek premier admits that in 2013 citizens were over-taxed, and reiterates his intention to protect the poor and weak against home foreclosures. He also believes that a deal on the Hellenic Defence Industries (EAS) will soon be agreed upon with the troika of international lenders.

Samaras does not appear worried about the results of crucial votes in parliament, noting that parliaments have shown absolute responsibility and have supported very tough bills that have already passed. "From now on, difficulties will be much smaller," he says, stressing that the government has open ears and minds and listens to deputies of all parties.

He also reiterates his point of view that there are many members of parliament who in spite of opposing the government's policy will not let a cycle of political disorder take over Greece.

"There is also the common sense, a sense of national interest, if you will, that requires the government to complete its work and be judged by results...instead being forced to leave its work in the middle, driving the country back into a lack of government. We are trying to move in top speed away from the brink of destruction, not to be returned there. And this is obvious not only to us in power, but also to many others," he stresses.

The premier says the decision to adjust the Greek debt should be taken by the EU partners no later than the spring, suggesting that there are disagreements within the troika and underlining that there will be no new bailout memorandum.

[03] Finmin Stournaras' comments on the unified property tax

At the same time, Stournaras rejected a publication having that Poul Thomsen, the International Monetary Fund envoy in the troika of lenders, had urged him to take further austerity measures since he was going to leave the ministry.

As for the bill on the unified real estate tax and the observations made by bodies and associations, Stournaras presented comparative data from the EU, stressing that the tax amounts to 1.6 percent of GDP, whereas in the rest of Europe it was at higher levels.

Responding to persistent demands for major deductions for vacant properties, the minister said that this was out of the question, as it was "hard to differentiate between properties for rent and properties used as holiday homes." He added that taxpayers "did not have to declare uncollected rents."

[04] Tsipras nominated as European Left's candidate for EC president

In a press conference following his nomination by a majority of 84.1 pct, Tsipras stressed that the upcoming European Parliament elections in May were more than a conventional political contest but a "crucial political battle" to reestablish Europe on a new foundation that put people first.

"Europe and especially the European Union is at a historic crossroads. The dilemmas before it are existential and concern social cohesion, the future of the peoples of Europe," Greece's main opposition leader underlined.

The neoliberal policies favoured by the popular right and social-democratic forces dominating European politics had built a Europe bearing little resemblance to the shared visions of solidarity and progress, according to Tsipras. They had created a Europe that redistributed wealth toward the rich and powerful, while sinking the poor and weak into increasing poverty and destitution.

"In this framework, the EL's decision to launch a campaign backing a candidate for the European Commission presidency has more than just a symbolic significance," he added. "We want to submit the only realistic alternative proposal in the Europe of poverty, neoliberalism and autocracy that the dominant forces have built," he said.

Commenting on his nomination, Greece's main opposition leader highlighted the special symbolism of the choice and the fact that he came from a country that had become the guinea-pig for the crisis and suffered the repercussions of harsh, neoliberal austerity policies. At the same time, he stressed that his will not be a candidacy exclusively concerned with the European south but one representing all peoples in the EU.

"It will be an alternative candidacy, the candidacy of the Left for all of Europe, because in our opinion the dividing lines are not geographic but political. A Europe of social cohesion, solidarity and democracy is a Europe that concerns all people, whether they live in the north, south, east or west," he said.

In earlier statements at the EL Congress, Tsipras said that the time had come to work and struggle for a Europe of hope and solidarity.

"The battle was waged between citizens and market interests, between citizens and neoliberal forces...We represent the forces of progress and work and we will win," he said.

Pierre Laurent was reelected president of the European Left with a majority vote of 78.6 percent.

[05] ND party on Tsipras' candidacy for EU Commission president

It added "Communist and Stalinist fossils with extreme positions, descendants of the cruelest regimes humanity has ever known, found in the person of Mr. Tsipras a 'worthy candidate.'"

The ND press release further stressed that "it is not surprising to anyone that the majority of these parties have been unable to elect even a member of parliament in their own countries, and most of them hold extreme anti-European positions."

[06] Kouvelis reelected as DIM.AR party president

After the result was announced, Kouvelis stressed that DIM.AR will continue to be "present and stronger, with a reponsible political voice and positions, since the country and society have a right to move forward, to reorganise and face all those things that led to the very deep crisis for Greece and the Greeks."

He said the party will continue to offer solutions for the major problems, in order to change politics and to move politics in a progressive direction in Greece and all of Europe.

The party's new Central Committee is due to issue an announcement late on Sunday night after its first session, during which it will elect the party's secretary.

[07] Golden Dawn supporters protest against building of Athens mosque

The protest was addressed by GD MPs Ilias Kassidiaris, Ilias Panagiotaros, Giorgos Germenis, Eleni Zaroulia and the party's municipal councillor Ioannis Vouldis, who referred to the plans as "treason" on the part of the coalition government.

[08] Justice minister meets judges, promises action on wage cuts

"Redressing this injustice is one of my main priorities and I hope to succeed in this soon," he said, noting that the pay and pensions of justices were protected by the Constitution.=

He also promised to set up a court police force, as well as legislative and other interventions to help speed up the delivery of justice and clear the backlog of cases before the courts.

The head of the union Vassiliki Thanou once again raised issues troubling judges, stressing that if the state continued to ignore these problems, the damage would soon become "irreversible".

The meeting was also attended by New Democracy Parliamentary group general secretary Thanassis Bouras, a number of MPs from all parties and representatives from the other unions of the Greek legal community.

Financial News

[09] Draft bill to give emergency powers, including seizure of deposits, to tax offices

The new laws will allow tax authorities to seize both salaries "held by third parties" and deposits, in order to collect overdue unpaid debts to the state. In addition, they will be able to impose provisional seizure on both bank accounts but also cash and valuables held by tax payers in safe deposit boxes at their banks in cases where the tax payer has been proved to have evaded more than 150,000 euros in taxes or failed to issue required tax documents for sums exceeding 300,000 euros.

Other measures included in the draft bill are the "preventative" seizure of deposits before the due date of tax debts, in cases where the tax office deems there is risk of non-payment.

Through these measures, the finance ministry aims to increase the efficiency of current policies for collecting overdue debts to the state, which are estimated at around 62 billion euros, of which 15 billion euros are collectable.

The ministry considers this measure a top priority and has already set up the electronic system through which banks will be obliged to seize and send the amounts owed to the State from their clients' bank accounts, upon receiving a relevant request from tax offices.

Discussion of the draft bill began before Parliament's Economic Affairs Committee on Saturday, which voted in favour of using emergency fast-track procedures to process the draft bill (20 votes in favour and 17 against). As a result, the second reading of the bill will be brought forward to next Tuesday.

The proposal prompted incensed reactions from the opposition parties, which argued that this left insufficient time for discussion and to make changes.

Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras insisted on the fast-track process, however, on the grounds that the property tax measures had already been extensively discussed. This was disputed by the opposition, which said the debate had taken place with the troika representing Greece's lenders and the parties supporting the government only. Both the opposition but also the junior coalition party PASOK, meanwhile, objected to the inclusion of measures not related to the new property tax system, urging the finance ministry to withdraw them.

The committee will meet in two sessions on Saturday, while on Sunday morning it will hear the testimony and observations of relevant agencies, followed by a discussion of the articles in the evening.

The debate continued with radically different appraisals of the draft bill from the government and the opposition parties, with the former noting that "more people will pay less" for their property and the latter stressing that the sums involved exceeded the ability of citizens to pay.

Speaking in defence of the new property tax, Stournaras pointed out that taxes on property were imposed in all advanced countries and were considered "least damaging" for growth, while the percentage of the tax as a proportion of GDP would remain slightly lower than the European average (1.6 pct versus 1.8 pct). He also pointed out that the 2.65 billion euros in revenue that the tax was expected to raise had already been approved in the 2014 budget.

[10] Bank deposits of up to 100,000 euros will always be protected, EU Commissioner Barnier tells Greek newspaper

"A bail-in will never affect deposits of up to 100,000 euros, which will always be protected," Barnier says, stressing that the bail-in cost for European banks will be borne by shareholders and creditors.

Barnier adds that "conclusions are drawn by the economic crisis and its spread to member-states, of which Greece was the first to really suffer." He adds: "We offer support to banks through more capital of better quality and we ensure better monitoring and governance of banks."

"The progress we see today in the area of bank unification is good news both for the countries mostly affected by the debt crisis and the eurozone as a whole," the Commissioner underlined.

[11] Gov't seeks to postpone tax on television advertisements

The amendment was tabled by Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras and Minister of State Dimitris Stamatis, who said that the tax needed to be postponed because of the effect of the economic crisis on all the players involved, including television stations, advertising firms and their clients.

Originally envisaged to go into effect in 2010, the start of the measure was initially postponed until January 1, 2012 with a subsequent 2010 law, and then postponed by one year in each subsequent year.

Stournaras noted that the reasons for postponing still applied and its application might jeopardise the ability of television stations and advertising firms to stay afloat, costing hundreds of jobs and depriving the state and social insurance funds of sizeable revenue.

[12] Development minister: laws must not shield those able to pay

The minister stressed that the laws could not be allowed to protect those seeking to exploit protective legislation so as to avoid paying debts they were capable of meeting, while others did their utmost to meet payments.

He also noted that if the banking system became destabilised as a result, either tax payers or depositors would be asked to foot the bill. "We do not even want to think about this. That would be the greatest social injustice," he underlined.

On foreclosures, the minister said the solution will be a system with three pillars. The first would be the protection from the courts afforded under a 2010 and 2013 law that was not disputed by the troika of Greece's lenders, the second would be a transitional system for 2014 with regard to out-of-court settlement and the third a permanent solution applying from 2015, based on the Irish model of out-of-court settlement.

[13] NYSE to celebrate 9th annual Greek Day on Monday

The NYSE will hold an official reception in honour of the Greek mission, Greek-owned companies listed on the NYSE Euronext, as well as the companies participating in the forum.

Organisers said the NYSE will again raise a Greek flag on Wall Street and issue special commemorative medals, while Greek businessmen and executives from the U.S. and Greece will attend the exchange's Closing Bell ceremony.

During Tuesday's forum, meanwhile, there will be a tribute to the Greek-American businessman John Calamos, who according to the magazine "Forbes" is among the 400 richest Americans. The forum's keynote speaker will be Greek Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras, speaking live via webcast from Athens, while there will also be a webcast address by Prime Minister Antonis Samaras.

General News

[14] High levels of air pollution in Attica forces Environment ministry to ask citizens to limit fireplace use

Based on forecasts by the National Weather Service, there will be favourable weather conditions for further accumulation of suspended particles in the air until Monday morning, the announcement said.

The ministry appealed to citizens to limit the use of fireplaces, thus contributing to protecting Greek capital residents' health.

[15] Pakistani traffickers that chained and beat their victims to extort money arrested

In a carefully coordinated operation involving several departments on Saturday, police arrested four Pakistani nationals found on the scene and are looking for three of their suspected accomplices.

Authorities were alerted to the ring's action when two of the originally 10 imprisoned migrants managed to break free and report what happened to them to the authorities.

Based on an investigation, it transpired that the ring was systematically involved in the trafficking and abduction of illegal migrants, who were held against their will and forced to pay money through the use of violence.

The ring members had initially approached the 10 Syrian nationals and offered to transport them illegally to Italy for the sum of 2,000-3,000 euros each. They picked up their victims from various locations in Athens on December 12 and took them to the house in Koropi, where they bound their hands and feet in chains.

After removing their cell phones and any money they had on them, the ring members then used physical violence and threats against their victims' lives in order to persuade them to contact family members and arrange for the agreed sums to be handed over. Throughout the period of their captivity, they were subjected to beatings and given hardly any food or water.

The ring was dismantled in a operation involving the Attica Aliens Directorate Coordination Department, in collaboration with Koropi Security police and DIAS motorcycle patrols. The four suspects are arrested were charged with abduction, robbery, grievous bodily harm, violation of laws on organised crime and migration and led before an Athens Misdemeanours' Court Prosecutor.

[16] Three charged with drug trafficking in prisons released pending trial

Among those released was a 39-year-old police officer stationed in Achaia, now suspended from duty, a 33-year-old prison employee and a 34-year-old civilian.

The fourth suspect in the case, aged 42, was remanded in custody.

[17] No pollution by semi-sunk vessel 'Nour-M' detected in Rhodes port

The Sierra Leone-flagged freighter "Nour-M" was being held by the coast guard on Rhodes since early November, as it was found carrying large quantities of ammunition destined for warring areas in the Mediterranean.

[18] Remains of soldier killed in 1948 delivered to family 65 years later

They were accepted by his 89-year-old sister Agathi, who said she had lost hope that she would live to see her brother's bones returned.

"Today we feel both joy and sorrow," she said to the ANA-MPA, after taking her brother's remains from a military honour guard sent by the army.

According to the family, they had long known that the young soldier had fallen in the mountains of Souli but had never been able to find additional information in order to seek his body, believing for 65 years that he was lost and possibly never given a funeral.

Throughout that time, however, his remains had lain buried in a grave marked 'Haralambos Korkovis, soldier' in the small chapel of Aghios Dimitrios, in the village of Ardosi near the location where he had fallen, in the Lakka region of the mountains of Souli. Fifteen days ago, during work to restore subsidence caused by soil erosion, the grave opened and the bones were revealed, prompting the local priest to transfer them to an ossuary in the village.

This opened the way for returning the remains to the family, since the priest and the head of the village looked up the archives of the 8th Brigade to find information about the unlucky soldier, tracing him back to his family in Kerasochori, Evritania. Of his six siblings, only Agathi remained alive and arrived, accompanied by other members of the family, to pick up his bones from Ardosi and return them to the family tomb in Kerasochori.

[19] Man arrested for illegal possession of antiquities

After a search of his house and a shed, Thessaloniki police officers found 68 coins dating to the Roman and Byzantine eras, eight copper bracelets and 14 copper rings dating to the Byzantine period, an iron nail and an iron arrow head.

They also confiscated a metal detector and other tools used to search for buried antiquities.

According to the archaeological service in Thessaloniki, the items found fall under the auspices of laws for the protection of antiquities.

[20] Five charged with copyright violations in Volos, Larissa and Karditsa

Acting on a complaint, police tracked down the pirate signal to the 29-year-old's house in Volos on December 11, where he ran a website allowing users to view, download and share material protected by copyright from his laptop.

Sports

[21] Super League results

In other action:

Platanias-Xanth 3-0

PAS Yiannena-Ergotelis 2-0

Panathinaikos-Atromitos 1-2

OFI-Levadiakos 1-0

Asteras Tripolis-Panionios 1-0

Veria-Panetolikos 1-0

Apollon Smyrnis-Panthrakikos 3-2

Kalloni-PAOK 2-5

Standings after 15 weeks of play:

1. Olympiakos 43

2. PAOK 35

3. Atromitos Athens 28

4. Panathinaikos Athens 24

Asteras Tripoli 24

6. Xanthi 21

7. PAS Yiannena 20

8. Ergotelis 18

Panthrakikos 18

Kalloni Mytilini 18

Panetolikos 18

OFI Crete 18

13. Panionios Athens 17

Levadiakos 17

15. Platanias Hania 15

16. Veria 13

Apollon Smyrnis 13

18. Aris Thessaloniki 10

Weather forecast

[22] Cloudy with some rains and lower temperatures on Monday

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

ELEFTHERI ORA TIS KYRIAKIS: "Alogoskoufis family's rattling good trade with Siemens!"

AVGI: "The secret deal for mass layoffs"

VRADYNI TIS KYRIAKIS: "Retirement at 55 without reduction in pay"

EPOCHI: "Between two fires"

KATHIMERINI: "Samaras: I don't concern myself with those moving in the dark"

KYRIAKATIKI DIMOKRATIA: "The great anger - Stir by secret opinion polls"

KYRIAKATIKI ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "We paid 73 billion euros, they want more"

KYRIAKATIKOS RIZOSPASTIS: "Join the struggle with KKE"

LOGOS: "One-fifth of Greeks go without basic goods"

PROTO THEMA: "Gang of tax officials entrap public figures"

ARTHRO: "After the storm, time for reshuffle"

VIMA TIS KYRIAKIS: "Cries of agony - Amidst troika and elections scenarios"

PARON TIS KYRIAKIS: "4-billion-euro bonus to pimps"

TYPOS TIS KYRIAKIS: "New kind of inferences for taxpayers - Interview with Haris Theoharis"

REALNEWS: "Risk of explosion! Troika pouring oil on fire..."

ANGELIAFOROS: "Court "shield" on first home"

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