Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 14-06-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] Debate on fast-track spatial planning reform bill begins, ahead of Wednesday vote

[02] Last EU General Affairs Council under Greek presidency grants candidate status to Albania

[03] FM Venizelos' doorstep statement on arrival at the EU General Affairs Council in Luxembourg

[04] Deputy FM Gerontopoulos to participate in SEECP summit

[05] Development ministry's bill provides for major changes in land use, Alternate minister says

[06] Council of State: Memorandum II constitutional, except for arbitration clause

[07] Government to rephrase draft bill on 'small PPC' employees' rights

[08] Rights of 'small PPC' staff to be fully protected, gov't spokeswoman says

[09] No changes in deputy salaries, gov't says, as amendment raises judges' wages

[10] Athens City Council 'freezes' implementation of employee evaluation law

[11] Appeals Court Council rejects magistrates' recusal motion, 'unblocks' Golden Dawn investigation

[12] Meds coverage for uninsured by end of week, health minister tells conference

[13] Independent owners behind on insurance payments granted health coverage extension

[14] PDMA authorised to operate on behalf of the Greek state for public debt servicing

[15] SYRIZA issues open invitation against 'small PPC' plans

[16] AN.EL leader Kammenos meets with newly elected regional governor of Western Macedonia

[17] Legal documents can be filed electronically on a 24-hour basis all year round

[18] Lamda Development unveils detailed plans for Elliniko site

[19] Elliniko site development will bring one additional million of tourists, Lamda Development says

[20] Sale of National Bank's private equity business in London most likely to be done by end-September, deputy CEO says

[21] Greece reports 707-mln-euro primary surplus in Jan-May

[22] Millions of euros, proceeds of criminal activities against the state, deposited in a BoG special account

[23] 'hellas online has a healthy development,' its CEO tells shareholders

[24] Hellenic Railways shows positive results for third year in a row

[25] Head of OTE Michael Chamaz verifies interest in Forthnet group

[26] Aegean Airlines receives Athens Chamber's Corporate Responsibility Award

[27] Folli Follie announces launch of 249.5 mln euro exchangeable notes offering

[28] Intralot expands contract in New Hampshire

[29] Greek stocks in sharp decline for second consecutive session

[30] Greek bond market closing report

[31] ADEX closing report

[32] Foreign Exchange rates - Wednesday

[33] Six Indians alleged to be involved in major heroin smuggling case taken to the prosecutor

[34] Four tanker crew members in 2-tonne heroin case detained after testimony; rest of crew to testify Wed.

[35] Culture minister visits Athens archaeological dig that unearthed new finds last week

[36] Prime Minister Samaras honoured by the Asylum for Chronic Disease Patients

[37] Georgia Samaras picks up award on behalf of premier at Asylo Aniaton event

[38] Economic crisis threatens monuments

[39] Businessman Anastassios Pallis released from prison after posting bail of 500,000 euros

[40] Appeals Court rules the release of former banker Lavrentiadis

[41] Akis Tselentis new director at Institute of Geodynamics, Athens observatory

[42] Preliminary investigation into incident at Manu Chao concert in Thessaloniki

[43] Athens municipality to open up air-conditioned 'Friendship Clubs' to public in view of heatwave

[44] Small group of protesters stopped by riot police near the premier's residence

[45] Hot weather on Wednesday

[46] The Tuesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance Politics

[01] Debate on fast-track spatial planning reform bill begins, ahead of Wednesday vote

Alternate Environment, Energy and Climate Change Minister Nikos Tagaras announced that the government will withdraw the last two chapters of the bill, which are not included in the prior actions demanded of Greece, but insisted that the rest of the bill must be debated and passed using fast-track procedures since it included measures that should have been already been passed for Greece to receive EU bailout funds.

The sections removed refer to private spatial planning, building cooperatives and abandoned settlements, as well as the last section on "improvements in the framework of spatial and town planning rules". Their withdrawal cuts the draft bill down to 33 articles from the original 64.

It was still strongly criticised by main opposition Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) spokesman Panagiotis Lafazanis, however, who urged MPs to rebel and not accept the fast-track process, which he said "humiliated" the legislature and "abolished all trace of democracy," turning Parliament into a "committee for managing business interests".

The tabling of the bill as fast-track was also slammed by the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), which also said that it abolished "all form of defence for the protection of the environment and people's lives".

[02] Last EU General Affairs Council under Greek presidency grants candidate status to Albania

The last General Affairs Council held under the Greek presidency of the EU, which convened in Luxembourg on Tuesday with Government Vice-President and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos in the chair, decided to grant candidate-country status to Albania.

In statements afterward, Venizelos stressed the significance of the decision, which he said stabilised the Western Balkans and promoted bilateral relations between Greece and Albania, which was able to perceive the importance of the Greek presidency's contribution.

Noting that the meeting essentially wrapped up the six-month Greek presidency, he said the meeting had agreed on a new European Strategy for Maritime Security and a new policy for the Adriatic and Ionian macroregion.

"Both of these are very important for a maritime, marine country like Greece. This is very important because it was our main, horizontal priority for the semester of the Hellenic Presidency," he noted.

On the decision for Albania, Venizelos pointed out that other countries of the region, like FYROM, have had candidate-country status since 2005.

"We are sending a message of friendship, cooperation to Albania, to the Albanian government, to the Albanian political system, and we are certain that our Albanian friends understand that there is an institutional and political frame of reference. This frame of reference is the Copenhagen political criteria, respect for the European acquis, respect for international law, including the principle of good neighbourly relations. This message is a joint message of the 28 member states of the European Union and of the European Commission. I believe that this will be capitalized on in the best possible manner, so that at some point, as soon as possible, the accession negotiations can begin," he said.

Venizelos also pointed to the opening under the Greek presidency of the accession negotiations with Serbia and to promote Montenegro's European course, saying that Greece has "demonstrated its role, its credibility and its effectiveness in the Western Balkan region - but not just in this region: throughout the southern neighbourhood, throughout the region of the Middle East and North Africa, with everything that we hosted during our Presidency, like the Ministerial Meeting between the countries of the EU and the countries of the Arab League. So it is very important that these things took shape today."

He said the meeting had also focused on the European Council to convene later in the week, which would be called up to decide "the new personnel of the main European organs".

"The European Council will make a very important decision on who will be the new President of the European Commission. This is very important institutionally and democratically, because it respects the terms of the Lisbon Treaty and the will of the citizens of the EU. But this is also very important, in essence, because the European Commission is taking on responsibility for introducing measures, policies, initiatives that respond to European citizens' needs for growth, for competitiveness, for the creation of new jobs, as the great danger is that there should cease to be a European social state - we cannot accept this. The problem is always unemployment - and youth unemployment in particular. And on these two major issues there needs to be a response; a response that the new European Commission is being called upon to provide," Venizelos concluded.

[03] FM Venizelos' doorstep statement on arrival at the EU General Affairs Council in Luxembourg

"Our main target mission today is to elaborate and prepare the upcoming European Council of this week", he noted, according to a ministry statement.

"The next main topic is the debate on the granting of candidate status to Albania, Venizelos said adding that this is also a very important issue for the Western Balkans and for the stability and the Euroatlantic perspective of the countries of our region," he added.

"The third very important topic," he said "is the adoption on the European Maritime Security Strategy as well as on the so-called macro-region of the Adriatic and Ionian. The Foreign Minister underlined that the main, horizontal priority of the Greek presidency was the so-called Comprehensive Maritime Policy of the European Union. From this point of view, the last and final session of the General Affairs Council is a very official and productive verification of this main topic of our presidency."

Asked on whether a compromise on Albania has be found, he replied: "I hope so. This is always the target and the institutional mission of the presidency of the Council."

[04] Deputy FM Gerontopoulos to participate in SEECP summit

The SEECP is the only "indigenous" cooperation formation coming exclusively from the countries of Southeastern Europe;12 countries are participating in it.

During his stay in Romania, Gerontopoulos, responsible for overseas Greeks at the Foreign ministry, will visit and meet members of the Greek communities in Ploiesti and Brasov.

[05] Development ministry's bill provides for major changes in land use, Alternate minister says

The bill, which is part of the country's memorandum obligations, provides for significant changes in the use of land.

"The goal of the reform is to update the previous plans and clear overlaps, conflicts and ambiguities, which had serious consequences for citizens, public administration and investments," Tagaras noted.

He underlined that the planning levels will be reduced to four from seven, and decentralised administrations will be given the right to approve the new urban plans and their amendments so that the process is completed within a few months.

The ministry intends to maintain the role of the coordinator in the spatial and urban changes through the use of new technologies and the creation of an electronic database connected with the ministries, so that it is automatically updated with any new information.

[06] Council of State: Memorandum II constitutional, except for arbitration clause

Otherwise, the plenum said that the rest of the Memorandum II provisions, including other measures for employees in the private sector, are not contrary to the constitution, international labour agreements and the European Human Rights Accord. These measures include the reduction of wages by 22 percent (by 32 percent for young people below the age of 25), the abolition of the marriage bonus and the abolition of the signing of national general collective labour greements (setting out minimum wages) following negotiations between employers and working people (as for example, between the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises and GSEE, the umbrella union for private sector employees).

The State Councillors rejected as groundless for "reasons of higher social interest" all the claims by GSEE and several other unions which had resorted to the Council of State, except those related to arbitration.

GSEE, the bank employees union (OTOE), the Panhellenic Federation of Journalists' Unions (POESY) and other unions had resorted to the Council of State in January 2012. The issue was discussed before the Council's plenum in December 2012, before a total of 31 judges. Following that, the case remained in the hands of the rapporteur for 19 months, with the controversial decision published on Tuesday.

In a decision on Memorandum I in 2012, the Council's plenum had included 55 judges.

[07] Government to rephrase draft bill on 'small PPC' employees' rights

"All employees' labour and insurance rights will be fully transfered and there will be no change," Papageorgiou said, about PPC staff affected, and underlined that a new company will be established whose size will approximate 30 pct of PPC's current size, with no other changes involved.

"Some hydroelectric sectors will be included in the new organisation, which will be privatised, while the remaining 70 pct will stay in the parent company, PPC," he noted. "All earnings from the privatisation will go to PPC," Papageorgiou added, "We are close to the target set by the EU, which is the market's liberalisation, with a second player in the market across the board and with an organised privatisation, without changing something in the PPC. At the same time we will have two sustainable companies, a public and private."

The draft bill to privatise the "small PPC" will be tabled in Parliament on July 2.

[08] Rights of 'small PPC' staff to be fully protected, gov't spokeswoman says

She stressed that the job of trade unionists was to protect the rights of workers and trade union members and not to interfere in political decisions, where the legally elected political leadership had a more rounded picture. In any event, she added, since the rights of the workforce would be fully protected, strike action would be pointless.

Voultepsi said the PPC will be modernised and become more open to the markets to southeastern Europe, while reducing its borrowing with the Greek State's guarantee.

[09] No changes in deputy salaries, gov't says, as amendment raises judges' wages

The announcement came in the wake of questions on compared sectors' salaries raised after an amendment was tabled by the Finance and other ministries in Parliament earlier in the day that calls for an increase in judges' salaries and bonuses, and a retroactive increase of pensions for a specific number (2,469) of former judges.

If passed, the amendment will raise base salaries for the following judiciary officials: for a judge at the county court or eirinodikeio, class 4 (from 1,369 euros to 1,488 euros per month); first-instance court judge (from 1,778 to 2,067); first-instance presiding judge (from 2,009 to 2,480); Supreme Court or Areios Pagos judge (from 2,525 to 3,307); Supreme Court vice president (from 2,880 to 3,721); and Supreme Court president (from 3,023 to 4,134).

They are also getting a raise for professional journals and books (130-188 euros per month), based on grade, and an increase in the bonus on seniority that can reach up to 60 pct of the base salary.

The pensions of nearly 2,500 judges will be readjusted as of August 1, 2012 to the date the bill is passed in Parliament.

The annual cost to the state budget is calculated at 170 million euros.

[10] Athens City Council 'freezes' implementation of employee evaluation law

The resolution adopted by the Athens City Council expressed its opposition to the promoted evaluation system for municipal employees and proposed instead the evaluation of structures and employees "through the implementation of a fair and objective evaluation system that will contribute to the efforts aimed at upgrading public administration and the services provided."

[11] Appeals Court Council rejects magistrates' recusal motion, 'unblocks' Golden Dawn investigation

The motion filed by Golden Dawn secretary general Nikos Mihaloliakos, who is remanded in custody, against magistrates Ioanna Klapa and Maria Dimitropoulou as well as against prosecutor Isidoros Doyiakos essentially "froze" the investigation for about 10 days.

The Appeals Court Council issued a decree rejecting Mihaloliakos' motion clearing the way for the depositions of the accused.

According to the information available so far, GD deputy Eleni Zaroulia, who is Mihaloliakos's wife and is charged with participating and leading a criminal organization, as well as accused GD deputy Costas Barbaroussis are expected to testify on Wednesday.

[12] Meds coverage for uninsured by end of week, health minister tells conference

He referred to a need to increase the budget for health by redistributing available funds, without diverging from fiscal targets, and repeated the need for reforms in the health sector that will allow better use of tax-payers' money.

On the pharmaceutical spend, he said there were no margins for further reductions, though interventions to rationalise spending without further compressing it were possible.

[13] Independent owners behind on insurance payments granted health coverage extension

Kegeroglou said these individuals could apply to the self-employed and professionals' funds of OAEE and ETAA in order to update their health-sevices booklets.

The necessary funds will be covered by 20 million of the primary surplus which is available for the Greek National Organization for Health Care Provision (EOPYY), while the PASOK party asked for a special regulation and further extension of the instalments for those who cannot afford to pay their debts.

[14] PDMA authorised to operate on behalf of the Greek state for public debt servicing

The amendment, tabled by Finance Minister Gikas Hardouvelis and Alternate Finance Minister Christos Staikouras, provides that the accounts of the central government in banks or financial institutions regarding the issue, the servicing and the management of public debt as well as the management of the central government's cash reserves are carried out following a PDMA order. PDMA is also in charge of the budget and accounts' update of the central government.

The same amendment stipulates that a provision already been voted providing the PDMA the right to issue, hold and manage Greek government securities, with the sole purpose of using them to conclude sales transactions under repurchase agreements (repos) or to provide collateral in hedging based on the total debt of the Greek government would be valid as of March 1, 2014. The provision was originally valid as of April 7, 2014.

[15] SYRIZA issues open invitation against 'small PPC' plans

The party called on all social agencies, local government representatives, political forces and deputies to join the action, which follows a recent decision by its Central Committee on furthering a policy of alliances, to protest the planned spinoff of the PPC into a "small PPC", through a draft bill in Parliament.

[16] AN.EL leader Kammenos meets with newly elected regional governor of Western Macedonia

In a meeting with Western Macedonia Regional Governor-elect Thodoros Karypidis, they discussed issues of local interest, focusing on developments in the Public Power Corporation S.A. (PPC S.A.), the so-called "small PPC", as well as, on issues of water and mineral reserves.

Kammenos said that he agreed with Karypidis that energy policy is a national issue and cannot be exercised by private companies.

[17] Legal documents can be filed electronically on a 24-hour basis all year round

The option is included in Law No 4267/2014 (article 19, paragraph 5) already published in the Government Gazette.

Financial News

[18] Lamda Development unveils detailed plans for Elliniko site

According to Lamda Development CEO Odisseas Athanassiou, the company was ready to begin the works on the site "starting tomorrow morning" but the project had to first be approved by the Court of Audit. He estimated that work would most likely begin in 2016, immediately generating 10,000 jobs, while the number of jobs created during the construction phase would exceed 30,000 and the permanent jobs upon its completion were estimated at around 50,000.

He appeared confident that the project, the contract for which must also be ratified by Parliament, would not be jeopardised by any political change since it was "for the benefit of the country, the environment and local communities".

Presenting the company's plans, Athanassiou said the central idea of the investment was to create and maintain a metropolitan park of 2.0 million square metres - larger than Hyde Park in London - that would be open to the public, while also redeveloping the seafront, again with free access to the public. This seafront redevelopment will include the creation of a sandy beach over one kilometre long at Agios Kosmas, a new marina for yachts, a international-standard aquarium and other recreational activities.

It also envisages the building of two hotels of about 270 beds and a shopping mall, sports facilities at the naval club and housing developments - including a high-end 'landmark' architectural building for luxury apartments but also detached houses and apartments.

The metropolitan park will have multiple entrances from surrounding municipalities, retain and highlight the "historic" buildings of the former airport, Olympic Games facilities and buildings such as the exhibition centre and national aviation museum, while converting the former runways to paths for walking and recreation. The greenspaces will feature vegetation typical of the Attic landscape, which is expected to improve the area's microclimate and local quality of life.

Other planned uses include educational institutes, campuses for housing students, international health and research institutes and a model business park that is planned to be Attica's largest commercial centre, with hypermarkets, large hotels, conference facilities and even a new golf course.

Lamda Development also presented detailed assessments on how the completed project is expected to improve quality of life in Attica and in surrounding areas in a number of ways, promising to implement principles of sustainable development and environmental certification standards in all facilities and works carried out.

It described the project as a "model" urban development with a low construction coefficient of just 0.5 pct.

[19] Elliniko site development will bring one additional million of tourists, Lamda Development says

According to Lamda Development's CEO Odysseas Athanassiou, with the completion of this investment, Athens will attract one additional million of tourists, which is a 50 percent rise compared to current data, as it will create more than 2,500 hotel beds, as well as marinas and sports facilities.

Russel Kett, on behalf of HVS, a company active in hotel advisory services, pointed out that the project will contribute to the extension of the tourist season in Athens as he expects a significant rise in nights and incoming tourist flows. He also estimated that more airliners will come to the Athens Airport to cover the increased demand.

[20] Sale of National Bank's private equity business in London most likely to be done by end-September, deputy CEO says

"We are now going through the second round of the secondary sale process. We believe that this is an imminent thing," Christodoulou said. "It's most likely that it will be done by end-September."

He would not specify how many bidders were left, but said it was about a quarter of those who had initially shown interest.

National Bank's private equity business in London manages about 900 million euros in assets.?

Christodoulou added that the bank may issue further debt soon, to follow a 750 million euro five-year bond it issued in April.

[21] Greece reports 707-mln-euro primary surplus in Jan-May

The finance ministry, in a report on the final figures of budget execution, said that the state budget reported a deficit of 1,990 billion euros in the January-May period, from a deficit of 3.843 billion euros last year and from an updated budget target for a deficit of 2.559 billion euros.

The budget showed a primary surplus of 707 million euros from a primary deficit of 970 million euros in the year-ago period and from a budget target of a primary surplus of 208 million euros.

Net state budget revenues totalled 19.600 billion euros, up 0.2 pct from budget targets, while net regular budget revenues totalled 17.300 billion euros, up 0.3 pct compared with budget targets. Tax revenues amounted to 16.060 billion euros, up 0.9 pct from targets.

State budget spending totalled 21.590 billion euros, down 529 million euros compared with targets. Regular budget spending amounted to 19.810 billion euros, down 641 million euros from budget targets reflecting a decline in primary spending by 459 million euros. Regular budget spending was down 9.4 pct compared to the same period last year.

[22] Millions of euros, proceeds of criminal activities against the state, deposited in a BoG special account

A rider tabled in Parliament by Finance Minister Gikas Hardouvelis and Staikouras defines the amounts deposited in the special bank account as state budget revenues that can be allocated to fund various programmes or actions in the sectors of education, research, health or social solidarity.

The rider provides that four times a year, in the beginning of each quarter, the ministries of education, labour, social insurance and health can submit detailed proposals to the State Accounting Office, including cost analysis, for the funding of relevant programmes.

[23] 'hellas online has a healthy development,' its CEO tells shareholders

"The strategic direction we are following goes with the latest requirements of the telecoms sector. hellas online is customer-oriented and invests in a consistent and targeted way in new generation infrastructure, integrated value-added telecoms and entertainment services as well as services that differentiate us... This strategy has given hellas online a leading role in the developments in the Greek telecoms market," Kokkalis said.

According to a company statement, hellas online last year saw its operating profit rising to 68.4 million euros and its profit margin rising to 30 percent. In 2013 it posted a turnover of 224.2 million euros while its investments rose by 26.5 percent to 36.7 million euros.

[24] Hellenic Railways shows positive results for third year in a row

According to results, EBITDA for 2013 came to 52.6 million euros, a 76.54 pct improvement, while those of the Group overall came to 45.2 million euros, up by 119.55 pct.

Structurally, 2013 saw the breakoff of the section related to maintenance of railways materials that was then absorbed by newly-founded Hellenic Company for the Maintenance of Railways Material (EESSTY). The new entity also received a transfer of all GaiaOSE state-owned shares held by OSE.

In an announcement, the OSE Group said that it now includes OSE and its subsidiary, ErgOSE, "having a clear goal of designing and developing the country's railway network through the construction of new projects and the maintenance of the existing network, thus guaranteeing the reputation and quality of transportation."

[25] Head of OTE Michael Chamaz verifies interest in Forthnet group

Forthnet is a large privately owned group especially strong in triple play services, providing broadband and satellite pay-TV services with a multitude of dedicated TV channels.

Chamaz also said that "OTE's transformation into a modern technology provider is a fact", adding that "OTE's ability to overcome obstacles, address its weaknesses, view crises as growth opportunities, as well as plan and implement a focused strategy to the benefit of the customers, sets new standards for the market as a whole".

The head of OTE predicted, that the Greek telecommunications market will gradually be dominated by "two-three players", noting the benefits of a concentrated market with companies able to invest in growth.

In reference to financial year 2013, Chamaz stressed that OTE saw significant progress at all levels, emphasizing the reduction of operational costs achieved and the sizable decline in net borrowing to around 1.5 billion euros, comparable to OTE's yearly EBITDA. Chamaz noted, that in the coming four years OTE will invest 1.2 billion euros, mainly in new generation networks. For 2014, OTE's ambitious goal is to provide VDSL internet access to 30% of the population and 4G access to 70% of the population.

[26] Aegean Airlines receives Athens Chamber's Corporate Responsibility Award

Aegean, a Star Alliance member distinguished in 2013 as the best regional airline in Europe, was chosen for the award for systematically investing in the corporate social responsibility sector. In this context, the company has implemented a number of actions aimed at promoting the Greek cultural heritage, tourism, education, sports, the adoption of environmentally friendly practices and the support of vulnerable social groups.

The awards were presented by Development & Competitiveness Minister Nikos Dendias and ACCI president Constantine Michalos in a special ceremony held at the Athens Concert Hall late on Monday.

[27] Folli Follie announces launch of 249.5 mln euro exchangeable notes offering

The company said in an announcement to the Athens Stock Exchange, that the Notes will be exchangeable into convertible bonds to be issued by the Company, replicating the economics of the Notes, which will automatically be converted into ordinary shares of the Company, subject to the Company's cash settlement option.

The Bonds are issued in accordance with the specific resolution adopted at the Annual Shareholders Meeting of the Company of 20 June 2014. ?

The majority of the proceeds of the Offering will be used to reimburse existing debt at the Company level, which will lead to a significant reduction of the financing cost for the Company, as well as the lengthening of its funding maturity profile. The Company intends to use the remainder of the net proceeds for general corporate purposes with the objective of funding the rapid expansion of the group and potential share buybacks.

The Notes will be issued at 100% of their principal amount in denominations of EUR 100,000, will carry a 5 year maturity and are expected to bear interest at a rate of between 1.00% - 1.75% per annum payable semi-annually in arrear. The conversion price is expected to be set at a premium of 30% - 35% above the volume weighted average price of the Shares on the Athens Exchange between launch and pricing of the Offering. The conversion price will be subject to customary adjustments pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Notes.

The Issuer will have the option to redeem all of the Notes (i) on or after 24th July 2017 at their principal amount together with accrued interest, if the aggregate value of the Shares underlying the Notes exceeds 130% of the principal amount of the Notes over a specified period or (ii) at any time, if 15% or less of the principal amount of Notes originally issued remain outstanding. Noteholders may elect to exchange their Notes for Shares subject to the Company's right to elect to deliver an equivalent amount in cash for all or part of the Shares (in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Notes).

The number of Shares initially underlying the Notes is expected to represent up to 10% of the Company's total share capital.

Deutsche Bank and Morgan Stanley are acting as Joint Bookrunners on the Offering. The institutional bookbuilding period for the Offering will commence immediately and is expected to end as soon as practicable hereafter and in any event no later than 24 June 2014. The Joint Bookrunners of the Offering reserve the right to end the bookbuilding period at any time. The Offering is being made to institutional investors only, outside the United States, Australia, Canada and Japan, in offshore transactions (in reliance on Regulation S).

The Company intends to apply for the admission of the Notes to trading on the Open Market (Freiverkehr) segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange within 90 days following the settlement date.

[28] Intralot expands contract in New Hampshire

In addition, under the terms of the amendment, Intralot has received the available 4-year extension of its original contract dated July 1, 2010. The extension will commence on July 1, 2016 and go through June 30, 2020. The amendment also effectuates the implementation of certain equipment exchange options and certain Offered Options pursuant to the original contract.

"New Hampshire was the first U.S. state to start a lottery in modern times. We are now celebrating 50 years of successful operations. Since INTRALOT converted our systems, lottery sales have increased by more than 20 percent and we very much look forward to continuing that trend during our partnership through 2020. Over the past four years, INTRALOT has provided excellent service and created tremendous value for New Hampshire citizens and for the New Hampshire Education Trust Fund," Charlie McIntyre, the Lottery's Executive Director, said.

Tom Little, President and CEO of INTRALOT Inc., said: "We are extremely proud to have been part of the Lottery's rich history and we are very excited to continue our partnership with the Lottery for an additional four years. Together we will introduce new sales channels and innovative products and services to the citizens of New Hampshire to raise additional funds for education."

[29] Greek stocks in sharp decline for second consecutive session

The Large Cap index fell 2.26 pct and the Mid Cap index ended 1.44 pct lower. All blue chip stocks ended lower, with Folli Follie (-7.46 pct), Alpha Bank (-4.79 pct), METKA (-3.90 pct) and Terna Energiaki (-3.18 pct) suffering the heaviest percentage losses.

The Mass Media (1.18 pct) sector was the only one to score gains, while Commerce (-7.44 pct), Banks (-2.77 pct) and Industrial Products (-2.54 pct) suffered the biggest losses.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 84 to 42 with another 23 issues unchanged. NEL (20.00 pct), Forthnet (19.09 pct) and Dionic (18.97 pct) were top gainers, while Tria Alfa (-19.48 pct), Compucon (-18.18 pct) and Spider (-13.79 pct) were top losers.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Banks: -2.77%

Insurance: -0.74%

Financial Services: -1.58%

Industrial Products: -2.54%

Commercial: -7.44%

Real Estate: -1.02%

Personal & Household: -0.32%

Food & Beverages: -0.93%

Raw Materials: -1.78%

Construction: -0.43%

Oil: -2.03%

Chemicals: -0.08%

Media: +1.18%

Travel & Leisure: -2.33%

Technology: -0.02%

Telecoms: -1.98%

Utilities: -0.77%

Health: -1.30%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank, Piraeus Bank, Folli Follie and Eurobank.

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

Alpha Bank: 0.69

Public Power Corp (PPC): 11.55

Coca Cola HBC: 16.97

Hellenic Petroleum: 6.05

National Bank of Greece: 2.75

Eurobank Properties : 9.15

OPAP: 12.85

OTE: 11.37

Piraeus Bank: 1.66

Titan: 24.40

[30] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates remained largely unchanged. The 12-month rate stayed level at to 0.489 pct, the nine-month rate eased to 0.396 pct from 0.397, the six-month rate eased marginally to 0.306 pct from 0.307 pct, the three-month rate stayed level at 0.211 pct and the one-month rate eased to 0.104 pct from 0.105 pct.

[31] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on equities totalled 16,231 contracts worth 6.804 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Alpha Bank's contracts (4,589), followed by National Bank (1,946), Piraeus Bank (2,767), Eurobank (1,486), MIG (630), OTE (1,405), PPC (1,016), OPAP (184), Hellenic Exchanges (109), Viohalco (239), Mytilineos (374), Hellenic Petroleum (256), GEK (225) and Folli Follie (328).

[32] Foreign Exchange rates - Wednesday

U.S. dollar 1.361

Pound sterling 0.801

Danish kroner 7.454

Swedish kroner 9.151

Japanese yen 138.80

Swiss franc 1.217

Norwegian kroner 8.303

Canadian dollar 1.461

Australian dollar 1.449

General News

[33] Six Indians alleged to be involved in major heroin smuggling case taken to the prosecutor

All six are Indian nationals, crew members of the Togo-flagged tanker "NOOR ONE" that smuggled the heroin into Greece.

The latest quantity of heroin is linked with over a tonne (1,133 kg) of heroin found in two batches, one in a warehouse in Koropi and another a mansion in the Athens suburb of Filothei on June 12. Nine people are already in custody, including a 40-year-old shipowner, in connection with the case. In both cases, the seized heroin (2,120 kg in total) was smuggled into Greece with the "Noor One" tanker ship. All are facing criminal organization charges, drug possession and trafficking. A separate case file concerns illegal fuel trade charges filed against certain of the defendants after the discovery on board the tanker of 18 tonnes of fuel that lacked documents.

A total of 9 people - 5 Turkish nationals, an Albanian and 3 Greeks, including a 40-year-old shipowner - are already in custody in connection with the tonne-plus of heroin that was discovered on June 12.

Speaking on a private television station on Monday, Shipping & Aegean Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis said that the investigation is now focusing on the arrest of more people involved in the case both in Greece and abroad, noting that a large part of the heroin was destined for the rest of Europe. He added that the Greek authorities are in cooperation with international ones.

[34] Four tanker crew members in 2-tonne heroin case detained after testimony; rest of crew to testify Wed.

The suspects, all from India, denied any involvement in the case but were unable to convince the investigating authorities.

Two of the 6 crew members could not testify due to lack of time and will be led before the examining magistrate again on Wednesday.

A 47-year-old Iranian national, the only one of the suspects who voluntarily asked to testify to the authorities soon after the case was brought to light, will testify on Wednesday after asking for more time in order to be represented by an attorney.

Another suspect, a 32-year-old Greek national, and the 42-year-old Indian captain of the tanker will both testify on Thursday.

All are facing criminal organisation charges, drug possession and trafficking. A separate case file concerns illegal fuel trade charges filed against certain of the defendants after the discovery on board the tanker of 18 tonnes of fuel that lacked documents.

[35] Culture minister visits Athens archaeological dig that unearthed new finds last week

The minister was shown around the dig by the head of the antiquities service Eleni Banou and the head of the excavation Georgios Mihalopoulos, accompanied by the general director for antiquities Maria Vlazaki.

The dig was started in 2010 and in February this year discovered the foundations of a Classical-era building, possibly a temple. The subsequent discovery on June 17 of a fragment of a dedicatory pillar with the inscription 'Διι Μει[λιχίωι]' confirmed ancient literary sources, such as Thucydides and Aristophanes, referring to the temple of a Zeus Meilichius in the area known as Agra or Agrai in antiquity.

Sections of dedicatory inscriptions found in the same area in previous years also confirm the latest inscription.

A culture ministry announcement said that Tassoulas had asked for the excavation of the area to be speeded up so that all the necessary data will be collected and a complete picture concerning the site will emerge.

[36] Prime Minister Samaras honoured by the Asylum for Chronic Disease Patients

Also among those honored were Canadian Ambassador to Athens Robert Peck and his wife, Bank of Greece (BoG) governor and former finance minister Yannis Stournaras, Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV) general director and former director of the minister's office Akis Skertsos and volunteer organisation "Boroume" founding member Xenia Papastavrou.

Asylum president Ioanna Iliadi referred to the new legal framework for the institution's reform, noting that it ensures transparency in its management and the utilization of its real estate property while ensuring job positions.

[37] Georgia Samaras picks up award on behalf of premier at Asylo Aniaton event

Also presented with awards were Canadian Ambassador to Athens Robert Peck and Mrs. Peck, former Finance Minister and Bank of Greece governor-designate Yannis Stournaras, former director of the premier's office and current Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV) general manager Akis Skertsos and founding member of the charity "Boroume!" (We can) Xenia Papastavrou.

Asylo president Ioanna Eliadi thanked all for their contributions and spoke about the new legislative framework that will "guarantee full transparency and control of the management and utilisation of the foundation's real estate and the safeguarding of jobs through a readjustment of payroll expenses." Under this plan, she said, "there is a provision for a favorable settlement of debts to the state and the insurance funds for the long term" and she said it also suspended the criminal prosecution of board of management members for these debts.

The event was also attended by government spokeswoman Sofia Voultepsi; Deputy Labour Minister Vassilis Kegeroglou; deputies Adonis Georgiadis, former Health minister and currently parliamentary spokesman for New Democracy and Panagiotis Kouroublis, parliamentary representative for the main opposition SYRIZA, and others.

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Vardinoyannis launches Return-Restore-Restart initiative for return of Parthenon Sculptures

UNESCO's Goodwill Ambassador Marianna Vardinoyannis on Tuesday announced plans to launch an international campaign for the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures, through an initiative carried out jointly by the Marianna Vardinoyannis Foundation and the Melina Mercouri Foundation.

According to Vardinoyannis, who on Tuesday held a press conference at the Acropolis Museum, the campaign entitled "Return (the marbles), Restore (Parthenon), Restart (history)" seeks to continue and intensify efforts for the return of parts of the Parthenon Sculptures currently in the British Museum to Greece and for the reunification and integrity of Parthenon Sculptures.

The first step of the campaign is the international meeting "The Parthenon, the integrity of a monument-symbol, the role of citizens, an international campaign" to be held on Thursday, June 26 at the Acropolis Museum. The second one is to conduct the first nationwide survey on how important the return of the Marbles is for the Greek people while the third step is the submission of the file with the conclusions of the meeting and the survey to UNESCO.

The results of a nationwide opinion poll conducted by IPSOS Opinion on behalf of Marianna Vardinoyannis Foundation that were presented at the press conference, showed that 93 pct of those who responded to the questionnaire regard the reunification of the Parthenon Marbles as very important (only 2 pct had a different opinion), 14 pct said that they are very well informed on the issue, 38 pct said that they know enough, 31 pct that have heard about the issue and 13 pct said that they know little about it.

Also, 23 pct know that the Parthenon Marbles are in the British Museum and 63 pct that they are in the UK, 78 pct know that Melina Mercouri has been identified with the issue, 53 pct say that the reunification of the Marbles is a national issue and 40 pct believe that it is an important issue.

Topping the list of those who contributed the most in the campaign for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece are foreign personalities (83 pct), Greek cultural institutions and organisations (81 pct), UNESCO (80 pct), the Greek state (70 pct), the Greek mass media (67 pct) and foreign governments (61 pct). The opinion poll was based on a sample of 1,000 people.

Addressing the press conference, International Association for the Reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures Chairman David Hill underlined that Greece is not alone in this struggle and that he shares the optimism of Marianna Vardinoyannis.

[38] Economic crisis threatens monuments

The initiative addresses an international appeal to UNESCO on the protection of Greek culture heritage, which is available in four languages - Greek, English, French and German on the website http://www.greekcultureprotection.com.

The move's aim is to aware the people along with the implementation of international conventions and of measures to tackle the problem. The website was launched two months ago and has been supported by Nobel laureates such as Nadine Gordimer, Dario Fo and Gunter Grass as well as internationally renowned figures including director Costa Gavras, philosopher Noam Chomsky, lawyer George Bizos, architect Mario Bota, composer Pierre Boulez, academic and archaeologist Anthony Snodgrass, the president of the "Institute du Monde Arabe" Jack Lang and writer Antonio Lobo Antunes.

Bugdet cuts, layoffs, abandoned research and excavations as well as memorandum provisions on the privatisation of public property are only a few of the risks of the economic crisis, according to the website's appeal.

[39] Businessman Anastassios Pallis released from prison after posting bail of 500,000 euros

Pallis, once a very close associate of shipowner Victoras Restis, was detained in December for being involved in allegedly damaging bad loans of FBB, and released immediately after posting bail on the same day.

The judges of the Council ruled against the prosecutor's proposition that Pallis should remain imprisoned, after deciding that he cannot be considered a probable fugitive or a suspect for committing new offenses.

Pallis had surrendered to the authorities last December, when two arrest warrants against him were pending. He was wanted for embezzlement and money laundering in a case of 5.8 million euros of loans he had received from FBB, controlled by Restis. The second arrest warrant had been issued for aggravated possession of weapons - a whole arsenal - seized at his house and his war museum at Vari, southeastern Attiki.

The businessman also faces felony charges, following an abduction complaint filed by a Briton who used to be Pallis' associate.

[40] Appeals Court rules the release of former banker Lavrentiadis

The Council accepted the appeal of the businessman who completed 19 months in remand and over the last period has been held in the psychiatric prison of Korydallos prison.

Lavrentiadis may be released even on Tuesday under conditions such as banning of travel abroad and obligatory signing in at the local police station on a regular basis.

Lavrentiadis is accused of embezzling 701 million euros from Proton Bank, in connection with a series of risky loans approved when he was at its helm, most of them to firms in which he had an interest.

[41] Akis Tselentis new director at Institute of Geodynamics, Athens observatory

[42] Preliminary investigation into incident at Manu Chao concert in Thessaloniki

The 57-year-old organizer of the music event, who was arrested on charges of exposing the audience to danger, has been released due to lack of incriminating evidence against him since all the required safety measures had been observed, including fire safety and the presence of private security.

The incident occurred a few minutes after the popular singer appeared on stage on Monday evening when, according to eyewitnesses, two groups of people, apparently fans of rival football clubs, clashed with each other. A man was slightly injured and was taken to hospital.

[43] Athens municipality to open up air-conditioned 'Friendship Clubs' to public in view of heatwave

They are located on the corner of Mamouri and 22 Dymis Street in the Agios Pavlos district, 26-28 Drakou Street in the Koukaki district, 15 Heldraich Street in Neos Kosmos, 61 Athinadorou Street in Kato Petralona, 9 Aimonos Street and Astrous off Kolokynthou, 372 Acharnon Street in Agios Eleftherios and on the corner of Panormou and Vatheos in Ambelokipi.

Authorities have advised those in high-risk groups, such as small children, the elderly and those with chronic ailments, to restrict unnecessary movements in Wednesday and Thursday, avoiding exposure to the sun and intense physical exercise.

[44] Small group of protesters stopped by riot police near the premier's residence

All protesters are expected to be released following the conclusion of the aforementioned procedure.

Weather forecast

[45] Hot weather on Wednesday

[46] The Tuesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

EFIMERIDA TON SYNTAKTON: The draft laws express.

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: Everything can turn into cement without any rules.

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: 70,000 borrowers trapped in the Swiss franc.

ESTIA: Political opportunity for the government.

ETHNOS: The new salaries in education and in health sector.

IMERISSIA: 'Small PPC' tests the government's cohesion.

KATHIMERINI: Tourist arrivals and revenues at record levels.

NAFTEMPORIKI: Industry's financial results at recession pace.

LOGOS: Eight out of ten Greeks can't afford to go on holiday.

RIZOSPASTIS: The struggle against PPC privatisation a one-way solution.

TA NEA: Uniform rules on land use.

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