Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 13-12-23

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Samaras meets with SOCAR head and Azeri ambassador

[02] Single Real Estate Tax bill passed in parliament

[03] FinMin introduces amendments to home foreclosures bill in parliament

[04] FinMin : Next year we will discuss less painful issues

[05] FinMin: Opposition's reactions unreasonable

[06] Gov't throws the final blow to the society, SYRIZA says

[07] FM secretary general holds series of meetings in Washington DC

[08] Development Minister's visit in Kozani

[09] There is no political stability without PASOK, Venizelos says

[10] PASOK leader addresses Central Political Committee

[11] SYRIZA leading by 0.4 pct, poll shows

[12] Opinion poll shows SYRIZA lead over ND

[13] ND deputy Polydoras expelled from party's parliamentary group

[14] ND on Polydoras' expulsion

[15] Independent Greeks MP leaves the party

[16] Deputy FinMin expected to leave hospital on Monday afternoon

[17] DESFA's acquisition by SOCAR signed

[18] Aktor Concessions-HELECTOR contractor to Western Macedonia waste management project

[19] Golden Dawn protest and anti-fascist rallies in Thessaloniki

[20] Health ministry gives advice for atmospheric pollution

[21] Judicial Council called in to decide on detention of alleged Golden Dawn killers of Pakistani national

[22] Special guard injures fatally a woman, commits suicide

[23] Man sets fire to himself in Athens

[24] Three children hospitalised after apartment fire in Peristeri

[25] Licence plates and driving licences to be returned in light of holidays

[26] Journalist Agamemnon Farakos dies at 89

[27] Two arrested for contraband cigarettes

[28] Drug traffickers arrested on Greek-Albanian border

[29] Super League results

[30] Super League results

[31] Cloudy on Monday

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

[01] PM Samaras meets with SOCAR head and Azeri ambassador

Addressing Abdullayef at the Maximos Mansion, Samaras referred to the progress in the two countries' bilateral relations following the agreement for the construction of TAP (Trans-Adriatic) natural gas pipeline and now with the privatisation of DESFA. He also referred to the mechanical problem with the aircraft which prevented him from going to Baku and being present at the signing of the TAP agreement. "We will always be friends with the country (Azerbaijan) that has supported us during this difficult period for Greece", said Samaras.

Addressing Abdullayef at the Maximos Mansion, Samaras referred to the progress in the two countries' bilateral relations following the agreement for the construction of TAP (Trans-Adriatic) natural gas pipeline and now with the privatisation of DESFA. He also referred to the mechanical problem with the aircraft which prevented him from going to Baku and being present at the signing of the TAP agreement. "We will always be friends with the country (Azerbaijan) that has supported us during this difficult period for Greece", said Samaras.

The Greek prime minister along with President of Republic Karolos Papoulias sent an invitation to the Azeri president Ilham Aliyev to visit Greece in May. "It will be a period that Greece will have the EU presidency and we will be able to discuss more general issues concerning both countries as well as Europe", added Samaras.

On his part, SOCAR's president referred to a special chemistry between the leaders of the two countries that allows ground for the bilateral relations to extend. "It is not only TAP or DESFA but also the future plans", he noted and expressed his gratitude for Greece's support. "As SOCAR's chief I promise to do the best possible to further boost our cooperation", concluded Abdullayev.

Environment Minister Yiannis Maniatis and Deputy Minister Assimakis Papageorgiou were also present at the meeting.

[02] Single Real Estate Tax bill passed in parliament

The bill was passed by slim majority vote of New Democracy (ND) and PASOK deputies; ND deputy Vyron Polydoras, who voted against the bill and was later expelled from ND's parliamentary party by Prime Minister Antonis Samaras.

The Single Real Estate Tax bill was voted by a majority of 152 deputies of the 300 MPs of the Greek parliament.

First round of debate on home foreclosures bill concluded in parliament

The first round of the debate on the home foreclosures draft law was concluded on Saturday at the parliament plenum.

New Democracy (ND) and PASOK pointed out the need the bill to be voted and suggested some improvements.

On their part, the opposition parties charged the government that the articles are neither socially just nor objective and do not protect the first home.

Main opposition SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras accused the government of looting the Greek citizens' private wealth adding that they open the door to the home foreclosures and of giving the final blow to the Greek economy

[03] FinMin introduces amendments to home foreclosures bill in parliament

The changes relate to the controversial article 7 on outstanding debts of home owners.

They include the provision that a fine will be levied six months after the payment deadline has passed, instead of the original two, and they clarify that these fines relate only to income tax debts, not to debts related to building permits and such.

Payments for loans past deadline will include a fine and interest rates, as stipulated by the law currently in effect, the minister said.

[04] FinMin : Next year we will discuss less painful issues

Stournaras sternly attacked main opposition SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras saying that he supports contradictory things and is a sui generis intellectual who believes "in the creation of wealth from hot air" adding that "after two years I have not heard a creative proposal".

[05] FinMin: Opposition's reactions unreasonable

[06] Gov't throws the final blow to the society, SYRIZA says

According to SYRIZA, the government has been left alone to defend the memorandum when the EU Parliament adopts a negative stance against the troika and the impasses of the neoliberal policy.

SYRIZA also accused Prime Minister Antonis Samaras for not using the Greek EU Presidency for the benefit of the country.

"The prime minister has understood that despite his effort to present himself as 'savior of the country', he can not convince anyone, and day by day, he gets isolated both politically and socially, while Greeks increasingly recognize SYRIZA as a reliable alternative for a fair exit from the crisis," it concludes.

[07] FM secretary general holds series of meetings in Washington DC

Foreign Ministry secretary general Anastasios Mitsialis had a series of meetings with US officials in the framework of the regular political deliberations at top administration level, during his visit to Washington, DC on December 18-20.

Mitisialis held talks with US Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs Victoria Nuland, Assistant Secretary of Defence Derek Chollet and with the senior director of European Affairs and special assistant to US President Karen Donfried.

Moreover, Mitsialis had the opportunity to meet with Congress members, the secretary general of the Organisation of American States Jose Miguel Insulza, leaders of the Greek-American community and think tank representatives.

The Greek official briefed the US officials on Greece's large effort against the economic crisis and also presented the Greek position on bilateral issues as well as on issues of Greek interest.

[08] Development Minister's visit in Kozani

"The NSRF is not just numbers. The NSRF are works aiming at local development," Hatzidakis noted, adding that local development and regional development is not just roads and civil works, but innovation, new technologies and extroversion.

[09] There is no political stability without PASOK, Venizelos says

"Without PASOK, there is not exit from the crisis, nor the legacy created by the sacrifices of the Greek people", Venizelos said adding that the main priority is the country to recover its national dignity and sovereignty as it is coming out of the crisis. "It is not an issue of national security, but economic strength, national independence and development are the fundamental factors of sovereignty," he noted.

Venizelos also underlined that people do not want elections and made mention of the government's popularity. Referring to the Greek EU presidency, he said that the primary surplus will stabilize, and the debate on debt sustainability, development and banks restructuring will commence.

[10] PASOK leader addresses Central Political Committee

Venizelos said that since March 2012 when he assumed leadership not even one decision was implemented, intact and integrated, despite the fact that all the decisions were taken collectively.

He clarified his stance for those disputing his strategy, defending the political option of PASOK's participation in the coalition government with the New Democracy party.

Venizelos referred to the centre-left and the Euroelections, stressing that the "58" are not forming a party but took an initiative in order to become the catalyst in developments for the reorganising of the sector of the democratic progressive party. He added that the call he has made for participation in the dialogue is still valid today for all and for the cadres of PASOK that left it.

Replying, in essence, to all disputing his strategy, he stressed that he has great deposits of endurance and that "we shall meet with those sharing with us the same historic sense of responsiblity".

[11] SYRIZA leading by 0.4 pct, poll shows

The derby between the New Democracy party and SYRIZA is continuing according to the newspaper, and as it appears from analyses, while Prime Minister Antonis Samaras is clearly ahead on the question of suitability for the premiership and confidence indicators.

Samaras is 12.4 percent ahead in the race for premiership suitability. More specifically, Samaras received 47.6 percent of respondents' preferences compared to 35.2 for SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras.

SYRIZA is leading on the question of which party shall win the next elections with 48.9 percent and ND garners 44.3.

[12] Opinion poll shows SYRIZA lead over ND

According to the poll results, SYRIZA leads with 25 percent, followed by ND with 22.5 percent, ultra-right Golden Dawn

(Chryssi Avghi) with 13 percent, PASOK and the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) with 6.5 percent; Independent Greeks with 5 percent and Democratic Left (DIMAR) with 3.5 percent. The unidentified vote was 10 percent while 5.5 percent said they will vote another party.

[13] ND deputy Polydoras expelled from party's parliamentary group

Polydoras was expelled after refusing to vote the single real estate tax bill in parliament on Saturday.

[14] ND on Polydoras' expulsion

Prime Minister and ND leader Antonis Samaras on Saturday expelled Polydoras after going against the party line and voting against the Single Real Estate Tax bill.

[15] Independent Greeks MP leaves the party

[16] Deputy FinMin expected to leave hospital on Monday afternoon

Financial News

[17] DESFA's acquisition by SOCAR signed

SOCAR agreed to pay 400 million euros for DESFA's shares according to the contract signed between TAIPED (Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund) and Hellenic Petroleum and the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR).

The contract was signed at an event held at a downtown Athens hotel in the presence of Environment, Energy and Climate Change Minister Yannis Maniatis, Deputy Environment Minister Asimakis Papageorgiou and SOCAR's president Rovnag Abdullayev.

[18] Aktor Concessions-HELECTOR contractor to Western Macedonia waste management project

Contractor of the project is Aktor Concessions - HELECTOR. The 45 million euro project is expected to create more than 120 permanent positions and more than 150 temporary positions.

[19] Golden Dawn protest and anti-fascist rallies in Thessaloniki

Golden Dawn's spokesman Ilias Kasidiaris and three more deputies held a speech accusing the government and Prime Minister Antonis Samaras of "political conspiracy" against the party.

At the same time, two anti-fascist rallies were also organised in Thessaloniki.

In a statement, main opposition Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) said that the Golden Dawn members are "undesirable" in Thessaloniki.

General News

[20] Health ministry gives advice for atmospheric pollution

[21] Judicial Council called in to decide on detention of alleged Golden Dawn killers of Pakistani national

Dionyssis Lakopoulos and Christos Stergiopoulos are charged with stopping Lukman Shahzat, 27, who was riding a bicycle to work on January 17, 2013 in the Petralona district of Athens and stabbing him several times. A search of their homes yielded weapons and pamphlets by Golden Dawn, a connection the two have denied, along with Shahzar's death, which they claim was the result of fighting during an argument.

Lawyers for the victim have called for racism to be recognised as a motive. llowing testimony by the two defendants, the magistrates recommended that they must be detained, while the prosecutor recommended they be set free on conditions.

[22] Special guard injures fatally a woman, commits suicide

When the 28-year old special guard realized the elderly woman was dead, pulled his service weapon and shot himself in the head.

[23] Man sets fire to himself in Athens

According to initial information the man was probably a foreign national.

An eye witness said to police that the man poured a flammable liquid over himself and set fire to it. The witness called an ambulance and the man was sent to hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

A small wallet with documents of an Iranian national was found at the site of the incident. Police are investigating whether it belonged to the victim.

[24] Three children hospitalised after apartment fire in Peristeri

Smoke from the blaze, that started in a bedroom, spread to other partments, while firemen managed to place the fire under control at dawn.

[25] Licence plates and driving licences to be returned in light of holidays

They concern licence plates and licences removed or submitted to Police Authorities up to 19.12.2013.

Driving and vehicles' circulation data regarding driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, ignoring red traffic lights, the circulation of uninsured vehices and the non-payment of tolls are excluded and will not be returned.

The administrative fine anticipated must be paid previously for the return.

[26] Journalist Agamemnon Farakos dies at 89

[27] Two arrested for contraband cigarettes

Police carrying out a search of their car found and confiscated a total of 1,000 packets of cigarettes that lacked imported cigarette tax markings.

The contraband cigarettes will be sent to the Finance ministry's relevant service, while the two will be brought before a prosecutor in Corinth.

[28] Drug traffickers arrested on Greek-Albanian border

Korce police authorities arrested five people on Saturday who were carrying large quantities of hashish, from Gjirokaster and Fieri, that they intended to bring into the Greek market through the border checkpoint of Krystallopigi.

Soccer

[29] Super League results

In other action:

OFI-Panetolikos 2-1

Atromitos-Panthrakikos 3-1

Apollon Smyrnis-Olympiakos 0-5

PAOK-Levadiakos 3-0

Kalloni-Ergotelis 0-0

Asteras Tripoli-Veria 0-0

Platanias-Panionios 1-0

PAS Yiannena-Aris 23/12

Standings after 17 weeks of play:

1. Olympiakos 49

2. PAOK 39

3. Atromitos Athens 32

4. Panathinaikos Athens 30

5. Asteras Tripoli 26

6. Xanthi 24

7. Panthrakikos 21

8. Panetolikos 21

9. OFI Crete 21

10.PAS Yiannena 20 - 16 weeks

11. Panionios Athens 20

12. Ergotelis 20

13. Kalloni Mytilini 19

14. Platanias Hania 18

15. Levadiakos 17

16. Apollon Smyrnis 14

17. Veria 14

18. Aris Thessaloniki 11 - 16 weeks

[30] Super League results

The games between PAOK Thessaloniki - Levadiakos Livadia, Kalloni Lesvos - Ergotelis Crete, Asteras Tripoli - Veria, Platanias Crete - Panionios Athens and Panathinaikos Athens - Xanthi will be played on Sunday, while PAS Yiannina and Aris Thessaloniki will be playing on Monday December 23.

Weather forecast

[31] Cloudy on Monday

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

VRADYNI: "Fictitious: Triple trick for you to be pensioned off earlier"

AVGHI: "Crime and punishment. Government wounded politically and socially"

KATHIMERINI: "2.5 billion euros the cost of a law that was not ratified"

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "They got their hands on 600,000 deposits"

RIZOSPASTIS: "Government-EU-capital policy in Health must be overturned"

TO ARTHRO: "Slide towards populism"

TO VIMA: "The secret flirt of Mr. Tsipras with Europe"

TO PARON: "Who is Kantas burning"

REALNEWS: "New scandal in armaments with mammoth kickbacks"

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

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