Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 14-01-13

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] Venizelos: Government to form an Employment Council

[02] Stournaras: "Troika to Athens next week"

[03] Venizelos to meet Kerry in Washington on Thursday

[04] German FinMin: We will offer further support if Greece fulfils its commitments

[05] SYRIZA charges PM that he attempts to cover up TT scandal

[06] SYRIZA spokesman on TT case

[07] Former TT president Fillipidis arrested in Turkey

[08] Turkish court approves Fillipidis' deportation

[09] Two Golden Dawn MPs to be held in custody

[10] Third Golden Dawn MP also to be held in custody

[11] Decision to jail Golden Dawn MP before trial is 'tough', his lawyer says

[12] Golden Dawn's harsh criticism against government

[13] Deputy Foreign Minister's meeting with representatives of the Conference of Eur.Churches

[14] Russia's Rosoboronexport denies involvement in Greek scandals

[15] Time limit for former minister Papakonstantinou's offences has not expired

[16] National Healthcare Network draft law unveiled

[17] DIMAR elects new party secretary

[18] Independent Greeks to meet on Monday

[19] Deputy Foreign Minister calls on Turks to move from words to deeds

[20] George Papandreou not involved in Hell.Postbank, his aide says

[21] Small tension between Turkish and Greek Coast Guard vessel near Zourafa islet

[22] Defence Minister Avramopoulos to represent gov't at Ariel Sharon's funeral

[23] Development Minister's meetings on Monday

[24] Winter sales start on Monday

[25] Savvas Xiros leaves from hospital

[26] Light quake jolts Zakynthos

[27] Super League results

[28] Clouds, rain

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

[01] Venizelos: Government to form an Employment Council

Asked on Greece's assumption of the EU presidency, Venizelos noted that the foreign media showed great interest and this "is very good because we can pass our messages and to show the real picture of Greece" clarifying that "the presidency does not cover the problems or the crisis but it is an opportunity to promote Greece as a normal country, institutionally equal in EU".

Venizelos also sent the message that "Greeks must be united in order to certify what we have achieved and what we can achieve in the near future"

At a press question whether the Hellenic Postbank (TT) issue worries politically the government, he said that the issue was not discussed in the meeting and that it is a matter of justice.

[02] Stournaras: "Troika to Athens next week"

The meeting focused on the restart of negotiations with the troika of Greece lenders.

According to Stournaras, they discussed all issues given that Athens had send on Friday all the data regarding the fiscal gap to the troika representatives of Greece's lenders and is now awaiting their arrival in Athens. Stournaras expressed his opinion that the troika will probably come to Athens next week.

[03] Venizelos to meet Kerry in Washington on Thursday

Government Vice President and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos will meet with US Secretary of State John Kerry at the State Department on Thursday 16 January.

Venizelos who will fly to Washington from Paris on Tuesday is expected to have a series of meetings with US deputies and senators.

Venizelos and Kerry is expected to discuss issues regarding the Greek American as well as the Euro-Atlantic relations, Greece's EU presidency, the Cyprus issue and the Fyrom name issue.

Moreover, the two top officials will also focus on energy issues and on Greece's role in the wider region.

[04] German FinMin: We will offer further support if Greece fulfils its commitments

"If Greece fulfils all its commitments until 2015 and has succeeded a primary surplus and an additional financial support is necessary, then we are willing to do something, however, this is something that we will examine in the middle of the year " said German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble in an interview to "Rheinische Post".

The German Minister expressed his respect for Greece's progress and referring to Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras' statement that the crisis has passed, he said that "Nobody argues that Greece has made substantial progress and for this reason the Greek people deserve our respect and Greece's EU presidency will strengthen the confidence. However, he clarified that "the restructuring reforms must continue and Greece must meet its obligations".

At a press question whether the crisis in the eurozone has passed, Schauble stressed "we have proceeded but we have not completed the necessary reforms in the country-members and in the institutions" adding that "we do not want a German but a powerful Europe. For this reason we need to make changes in the European Union Treaty and we need the other country-members' support".

[05] SYRIZA charges PM that he attempts to cover up TT scandal

SYRIZA in an announcement on Saturday sets the question "Mr. Samaras, German Chancellor Angela Merkel's man in Greece and Mr. Stournaras, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble's man in Greece, continue to cover the chief of the Financial Stability Fund Anastasia Sakellariou who is charged for the TT case because she is troika's favourite? In this way they prove that they want to cover up the scandal".

[06] SYRIZA spokesman on TT case

Skourletis noted that the justice must do its duty undisrupted adding that the Greek society demands answers given that "the recapitalised with the Greek people's money banks do not belong to unsuccessful administrations but are part of the social wealth."

[07] Former TT president Fillipidis arrested in Turkey

Police found on his possession 311 Turkish lire, 5,615 euros, 1,005 English pounds, 18,090 Hong Kong dollars, 220 Swiss Francs and 1,514 US dollars.

Moreover, on Fillipidis' possession police found a residence permit for Switzerland and driver licences issued by foreign authorities as well as two Greek passports, the one had expired.

According to police, Fillipidis has left Greece for Istanbul on 3 January 2014 where he remained until his arrest.

Fillipidis against who was pending an international warrant is facing charges for corruption offenses relating to malpractice, fraud and money laundering, associated with TT loans.

[08] Turkish court approves Fillipidis' deportation

A Turkish court approved on Saturday former Hellenic Postbank president Angelos Fillipidis' deportation to Greece.

The court decision will be completed after the Greek Justice Ministry sends to the Turkish authorities the relevant documents. This procedure, said the Greek Consulate, may last from two to forty days. Fillipidis will be held in custody, probably at Maltepe prison.

[09] Two Golden Dawn MPs to be held in custody

Iliopoulos and Germenis are facing charges of participating into a criminal organisation and will be held at Korydallos prison.

Golden Dawn Mp Stathis Boukouras is currently testifying to the examining magistrates.The three deputies had requested and received an extension to testify after the Greek parliament decided to lift their parliamentary immunity.

It is reminded that Golden Dawn leader Nikos Mihaloliakos and MPs Christos Pappas and Giannis Lagos are also held in custody at Korydallos prison.

[10] Third Golden Dawn MP also to be held in custody

Giorgos Germenis and Panagiotis Iliopoulos were also remanded in custody on Saturday.

Boukouras, Iliopoulos and Germenis are facing charges of participating into a criminal organisation and will be jailed at Korydallos prison.

The three deputies had requested and received an extension to testify after the Greek parliament decided to lift their parliamentary immunity.

Golden Dawn leader Nikos Mihaloliakos and MPs Christos Pappas and Giannis Lagos are also held in custody at Korydallos prison.

[11] Decision to jail Golden Dawn MP before trial is 'tough', his lawyer says

"I have never seen politics through justice," Kougias said. "I hope this is not the case because that would threaten democracy. When justice collapses, everything collapses," he added.

[12] Golden Dawn's harsh criticism against government

"The junta of betrayal jailed a sixth member of the Golden Dawn, overthrowing the regime," the far-right party said in its announcement. "Without any evidence, another Golden Dawn's MP, Stathis Boukouras, was remanded in custody following a testimony - parody," they added.

Golden Dawn also accused Prime Minister Antonis Samaras of having given weeks ago an order to the judicial authorities to jail the three deputies. "It is the biggest judicial coup in the modern political history of Greece," they noted.

[13] Deputy Foreign Minister's meeting with representatives of the Conference of Eur.Churches

They discussed issues of social cohesion, social exclusion, combating unemployment and youth unemployment, issues of immigration policy, refugee issues and human trafficking.

They also discussed the contribution of the churches in efforts made to deal with the social crisis and the need to strengthen the social dimension and the European social model.

[14] Russia's Rosoboronexport denies involvement in Greek scandals

The representative of the Russian anti-tank missile systems "Cornet-E" explained that they were sold to Greece, under a contract with another Russian company-producer of armament systems in the period 2000-2002, while the anti-aircraft missile systems "Osa" were delivered to Greece as part of the sale of equipment from Germany, that belonged to the National People's Army of East Germany (GDR).

According to Davidenko, "unfortunately, the successes of Rosoboronexport in the Greek market have often been involved in unfair competition," and the company is confident that "mutual beneficial cooperation with Greece will continue to grow successfully."

The Russian official noted that Rosoboronexport continues to develop defense-technical cooperation with Greece, even amid the international economic crisis, while "flexible approaches" have ensured the provision of spare parts for the systems, which have already been acquired by Greece, "allowing, in this way, the Greek armed forces to remain on alert as required, and this was proved by the successful testing of the antiaircraft system S-300 PMU-1 in December 2013."

Rosoboronexport has now joined the Russian state group "Rostechnologies" and covers 80 percent of Russia's armament systems and munitions, representing or working with about 700 relevant companies in Russia and having representative offices in more than 50 countries worldwide. According to Davidenko, this activity is developed,"with strict adherence to the Russian and international law."

[15] Time limit for former minister Papakonstantinou's offences has not expired

Papakonstantinou faces charges of infidelity in service and falsification of document as well as breach of duty.

[16] National Healthcare Network draft law unveiled

According to the draft law the doctors that will be included in PEDY will be in suspension for a month in order to close their private offices immediately.

Former EOPPY health units and health centers will be included in PEDY and will be open seven day a week throughout the day.

One of the new draft law's priority is the 'family doctor' who will be responsible to filter the incidents that must be sent or not to hospitals or to the secondary healthcare.

[17] DIMAR elects new party secretary

Theoharopoulos who was the only candidate for the post was voted by 64 members of the party' central committee, 42 members cast a blank vote while two votes were considered not valid.

The 35 year-old new secretary has served as special secretary of the European programmes at the Agriculture Ministry from July 2012 until June 2013 and resigned when DIMAR left from the coalition government.

[18] Independent Greeks to meet on Monday

"Everyone will be invited to express his opinion," party leader Panos Kammenos said on Sunday at private radio station Real FM.

[19] Deputy Foreign Minister calls on Turks to move from words to deeds

"I think it is time that the words and promises of the Turkish side be translated into tangible results, with specific acts," Gerontopoulos said at an event of the Association of Imvrians.

Gerontopoulos expressed his satisfaction over developments on the island, adding that there are still open issues in Imvros such as "the protection of Imvrians' property and the issue of giving Turkish citizenship to the beneficiaries."

[20] George Papandreou not involved in Hell.Postbank, his aide says

Elenopoulos dismissed reports that Papandreou is involved in the case, saying it is another effort to involve him in "sinful stories."

"Thanks to the institutional framework, initiated by the PASOK government, the authorities can investigate cases of all kinds of sins," he noted.

[21] Small tension between Turkish and Greek Coast Guard vessel near Zourafa islet

Greek and Turkish fishing boats were in the area at the time of the incident while Samothrace Port Authority vessels along with a Coast Guard helicopter were patrolling the area.

According to witnesses, the Turkish vessel and the Greek patrol vessel came extremely close and even touched each other.

It is noted that recently fishermen from Samothrace and Alexandroupolis are complaining that Turkish fishermen with the Turkish Coast Guard's assistance are fishing near Zourafa islet which is within the Greek waters.

The Turkish vessel and the Greek patrol vessel left from the spot on Saturday afternoon.

[22] Defence Minister Avramopoulos to represent gov't at Ariel Sharon's funeral

Financial News

[23] Development Minister's meetings on Monday

At 5.30 pm, Hatzidakis will meet with the head of the Task Force for Greece, Horst Reichenbach.

[24] Winter sales start on Monday

General News

[25] Savvas Xiros leaves from hospital

Larissa University hospital chief Thanassis Mitsios in an official announcement on Saturday said "after the completion of the necessary and thorough check up, Savvas Xiros was given permission to leave from the hospital. His health was in good and stable condition throughout his stay".

Xiros has already left from the hospital for Korydallos prison under strong police guard.

[26] Light quake jolts Zakynthos

According to the National Observatory of Athens, the quake's epicenter was located at the sea region between Zakynthos and Kyllini and its depth was 5km.

Two aftershocks, 3.1 and 2.5 Richter have been recorded.

No injuries or damages have been reported

Soccer

[27] Super League results

In other action:

OFI-Veria 0-1

Levadiakos-Ergotelis 2-0

Panathinaikos-Panionios 1-0

PAOK-Panetolikos 1-0

Apollon-PAS Yiannena 4-0

Asteras Tripoli-Platanias 3-0

Panthrakikos-Xanthi 2-1

Atromitos Athens-Olympiakos 19:30

Kalloni Mytilini-Aris 13/01

Standings after 19 weeks of play:

1. Olympiakos 52

2. PAOK 45

3. Atromitos Athens 35

4. Panathinaikos Athens 33

5. Asteras Tripoli 32

6.Panthrakikos 27

7. Xanthi 24

8. Panetolikos 24

9. PAS Yiannena 23

10. OFI Crete 22

11. Panionios Athens 21

12. Ergotelis 20

13. Levadiakos 20

14. Apollon Smyrnis 20

15. Platanias Hania 19

16. Kalloni Mytilinis 19

17.Veria 18

18. Aris Thessaloniki 11

Weather forecast

[28] Clouds, rain

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

ETHNOS: Handcuffs to "Angelos"(Fillipidis, former TT president)- Rapid developments over Hellenic Postbank's (TT) major looting.

KATHIMERINI: TT gave 300 million euros 'red loans' in one year.

KYRIAKATIKI ELEFTHEROTYPIA: Greece of briberies and easy money - Rotten system and impunity feed the corruption.

KYRIAKATIKOS RIZOSPASTIS: The popular opposition against EU will be fruitful with Communist Party's strengthening.

PROTO THEMA: The wolf of TT.

Realnews: What a coincidence...

TO ARTHRO: SYRIZA in state of dissolution.

TO PARON: Samaras: I have done my duty to history and to Greece. I do not care if I will be re-elected.

TO VIMA: The trick with TT - How the major looting with the loans was set up.

TYPOS TIS KYRIAKIS: New arrangement for debts to social security funds.

VRADYNI: How to avoid the 'knife' to supplementary pensions and lump sums

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