Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 15-05-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece must finally eliminate the dysfunctions that undermine its future, Tsipras tells SEV

[02] Varoufakis: To achieve an agreement, Greece and EU partners must accept some realities

[03] The government will not sign a third memorandum, gov't spokesman Sakellaridis says

[04] EU Commission: there is progress in talks with Greece, but not at satisfactory rate

[05] EU's Moscovici notes significant progress in Greek-EU negotiations

[06] Successful conclusion of current Greek programme before any third package, German Chancellor's spokesman says

[07] Bundesbank report: Condition in Greece alarming

[08] Greek gov't denies receiving document with proposed reforms from EU

[09] New Democracy leader Samaras attacks government of 'non decisions' in SEV address

[10] PASOK leader accuses PM of 'unprecedented arrogance'

[11] Government unveils plans for crackdown on undeclared 'black' labour

[12] PM Tsipras wished students good luck in nationwide university entry exams

[13] PM Tsipras says public broadcaster ERT will open on May 25

[14] FinMin Varoufakis meets ELSTAT staff union leadership

[15] NATO, EU should cooperate to eliminate extremism in the Balkans, says Defence Min. Kammenos

[16] President Pavlopoulos says Pontic genocide must not be forgotten, in message for May 19

[17] Greek banks need to resolve NPLs problem

[18] European industrialists send message of solidarity to Greece, urge reforms

[19] Eight Greek enterprises in European Business Awards final

[20] Hellenic Exchanges reports lower profits in Q1

[21] Greek employers have difficulties in finding skilled workers

[22] Project connecting Alexandroupolis port to railway network to be delivered on Wednesday

[23] Natural gas prices down 12 pct in May

[24] Paperpack ABEE reports higher Q1 results

[25] Greek stocks end significantly higher

[26] Greek bond market closing report

[27] ADEX closing report

[28] Applications for help under humanitarian crisis programme reach 212,897

[29] Alt. Culture Minister on changes in ticket policy in museums

[30] Convict terrorist Xiros receives extension to testify on May 22

[31] The Monday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance Politics

[01] Greece must finally eliminate the dysfunctions that undermine its future, Tsipras tells SEV

These were problems that were made starkly obvious when the crisis erupted, yet in the five-year period of the memorandums they had not been corrected but had actually gotten worse, he said.

As the most fundamental of these problems, Tsipras identified the structure and functioning of Greece's public administration, which he said was marked by inability to carry out strategic planning and overlapping responsibilities.

One of the government's primary goals after the end of the negotiations with the creditors was to get to grips with improving these dysfunctional elements without cutting wages and pensions, the prime minister said.

A first step in this effort will be a new organisation of ministries, combined with a simplification of administrative processes and a codification of laws that both the business world and the general public had long demanded. Another major front would be a simplification of the tax system and tax procedures, including a crack down on tax evasion and creating a stable tax environment, combined with a ruthless clamping down on corruption and a speeding up of civil and administrative justice.

The prime minister started his speech by saying that Greece had now entered the "final straight" in talks with creditors for achieving a mutually beneficial agreement and remained committed to this goal, while hinting that this was not always true of the opposite side.

"There are forces that do not want an agreement, with divisive plans for Europe," he suggested and emphasised that Greece was continuing to strive for agreement and had made repayments amounting to 8.0 billion euros, in spite experiencing economic suffocation.

Tsipras said he was hopeful that there were voices which recognised that an agreement concerned all of Europe and that the following days would confirm this conviction, while adding that this rested on achieving an agreement that addressed the problems.

He stressed that such an agreement must have a long term scope and include a restructuring of the debt, with a low primary surplus targets for 2015 and 2016, provisions for growth, and definitely ruled out further cuts to wages and pensions.

Another key aim in the negotiations was an agreement that ensured a generous European investment programme, the prime minister added.

"The Greek economy cannot depend indefinitely on outside funding," he said, outlining plans to develop the necessary financing tools within the country, such as a Greek 'development bank' to promote investments, announcing the start of talks on such a National Development Bank with all the appropriate bodies.

He said that this also envisaged long-term cooperation between the Greek state and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which was expected to soon establish a base and begin its activities in Greece.

According to Tsipras, the dearth of liquidity was neither a choice nor the fault of the Greek government but a "harsh negotiating tactic of the partners".

"Everyone will be called upon to provide explanations," he said, adding that the government's priority was to achieve an agreement that would act as a "great leap forward," leave austerity behind and launch a "virtuous cycle of growth".

He said Greece needed growth that did not rest exclusively on boosting exports but was also based on the country's comparative advantages and primarily its human resources. Among these advantages, in addition to its workforce, he identified the country's natural resources and geopolitical position, including its potential as an energy hub and tourism destination, urging growth based on capital-intensive companies.

"We must not only seize opportunities but also create new ones," Tsipras stressed, adding that everyone would finally be judged by the results. He said the government was "carefully examining" a proposal to join the so-called BRICS bank for emerging economies.

The prime minister also urged SEV to support the government's efforts to restore collective labour bargaining and said the government will soon unveil details of its plan for non-performing loans.

[02] Varoufakis: To achieve an agreement, Greece and EU partners must accept some realities

"For the negotiation to be properly concluded, it requires us to change ethics and customs and our lenders to accept the memorandum logic has failed in the case of Greece and it should be cast aside," the minister told participants at the annual general meeting of the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV).

He said the agreement will include fiscal measures included in the 2015-2019 mid-term plan, adding that announcing the achievement of such a deal would "suffice to usher in a new promising era." It would also unlock much needed reforms in taxation, social security and the labour market.

Varoufakis noted that the objectives set for the primary surplus and economic growth are "mutually exclusive" and the government's proposal is to set the primary surplus goal at levels that are consistent with the growth rate.

Describing his vision for the Greek economy for the period after June, the minister noted five prerequisites:

The first would be to rationalize the structure of Greece's debt "without haircuts or dramatic changes" and reiterated his proposal for a debt swap to repay the bonds held by the European Central Bank (ECB), with the mediation of the ESM, while the Greek state would pay ESM for the bonds over time. He also proposed linking repayment interest rates with growth rates.

Secondly, privatisations and the exploitation of public property should take place with a circumspect mixture of privatizations in which the state would preserve a share to be used as an asset in a future development Bank.

The third point would be to establish a public company that will manage non-performing loans with the participation and contribution of the Hellenic Financial Stability Fund.

A fourth point concerns fighting poverty and the fifth would include agreeing to a reform package which will end the previous period and initiate the period after the memorandums.

[03] The government will not sign a third memorandum, gov't spokesman Sakellaridis says

Asked to comment on reports that an agreement in a form of a "take it or leave it" ultimatum may be given to Greece, he said that something like that would not help reaching a mutual beneficial solution because it would hurt the ongoing dialogue. He estimated that something like that would not happen and expressed the view that reason towards the direction of a mutual beneficial solution will dominate.

The fact that the government is optimistic, he added, does not mean that the government will take a step back on its red lines. "There is progress" he said, but on the side of the government there are still some issues to be resolved so that the agreement is mutually beneficial.

Sakellaridis noted that red lines work as defence to an agreement and stressed the importance of the 4 pillars set by the Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras at the Economist conference in order for a viable solution to exist.

As for the payment of the June 5 installment, he underlined that it is the government's responsibility to be consistent with its financing obligations inside the country and abroad adding that creditors, on their part, must also show consistency.

He ruled out the possibility of a political leaders council, adding that the prime minister is always willing to answer any questions of political leaders.

Sakellaridis noted that salaries and pensions will be normally paid at the end of the month.

[04] EU Commission: there is progress in talks with Greece, but not at satisfactory rate

There has been progress in the negotiations between Greece and the representatives of the institutions but not at a satisfactory rate, European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said here on Monday.

"More time and effort is needed to bridge the gap," Schinas said, adding that the Commission welcomes the Greek side's commitment to accelerate the process for a successful conclusion of the negotiation soon.

He said contact was continuing in a constructive spirit and progress had been made, though it remains slow.

Replying to questions, Schinas said that any contacts over the Greek issue made at the upcoming European Council in Riga would "not replace the negotiations to close the gap between the Greek authorities and the institutions".

He refused to confirm whether European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker had received a letter from Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras saying that Greece would be unable to meet its IMF payment due on May 12. According to the spokesman, the important thing was that Greece had paid its IMF installment and met its obligation, not the contents of the letter.

He said that Juncker and Tsipras were in constant communication but had agreed not to make public the content of their discussions, while noting that the Commission is actively involved in the talks.

European Commission sources also confirmed that negotiations with the Greek side were making progress but at a slow rate. The same sources denied that the institutions were preparing a proposal to present to Athens as an "ultimatum" if an agreement did not emerge in the negotiations soon.

Commission spokeswoman Annika Breidthardt, meanwhile, in a Twitter post on Monday, said she had no knowledge of a Juncker - Commission proposal for an agreement with Greece reported in the media.

"Can't confirm media reports on @EU_Commission /Juncker proposal on GR. Not aware of such proposal. Working towards comprehensive deal," she said.

[05] EU's Moscovici notes significant progress in Greek-EU negotiations

European Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Pierre Moscovici reported on Monday significant progress in the negotiations between Greece and its EU partners, adding however that time is running out.

"We are making substantial progress and progress in substance," he told reporters on Berlin during a briefing on the European Commission's annual recommendations to Germany on its macroeconomic policies, adding the two sides were now closer to agreeing on reforms in added-value tax, non-performing loans and the independence of tax administration.

He also said Athens has also been "engaging more constructively on the issue of privatizations" and that there are positive signals regarding the reform of the gas market.

"But of course we are not there...we need to speed up in order to conclude," he said noting that reforms are also needed in the social security system and the labour market. "We have limited time now, limited time and still a very important job to be done."

Asked about a possible third aid package for Greece, Moscovici said ongoing negotiations don't include at present a discussion on such assistance for Greece and any possible bailout can only be discussed once the present program has been concluded.

[06] Successful conclusion of current Greek programme before any third package, German Chancellor's spokesman says

A successful conclusion of the current assistance programme for Greece must precede any discussion of a third financial aid package, German government spokesman Steffen Seibert said on Monday.

Seibert was asked to comment on Sunday's statement made by Germany's Vice-Chancellor and Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel, who said aid for Greece can only be given in exchange for reforms.

Asked whether the rest of the German government's shared Gabriel's opinion that a possible Greek exit from the euro would be "extremely dangerous", Seibert repeated that "we are all working for the successful conclusion of the second programme for Greece".

He said that there were still issues that remained to be settled and noted the last Eurogroup statement hailing Athens' intention to speed up the process.

"We are proceeding on the basis of the February 20 agreement," he said.

The spokesman said that no meeting had yet been planned between Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the sidelines of the Riga European Council but did not rule out the possibility of such a meeting.

[07] Bundesbank report: Condition in Greece alarming

Greece is seriously threatened with bankruptcy, Bundesbank warned and underlined that a viable solution is not possible without substantial reforms.

"The condition in Greece is alarming again" is noted in Bundesbank's monthly report adding that Athens and the Greek banks are able to pay because they use ELA. The bank also said that Greece must, via reforms, create the basis for sustainable fiscal policy underlining that "the Greek government must table suitable proposals, implement the agreements and do what it must to avoid bankruptcy that will have serious repercussions to Greece".

[08] Greek gov't denies receiving document with proposed reforms from EU

"There's no such document from the Commission," the official said.

[09] New Democracy leader Samaras attacks government of 'non decisions' in SEV address

He stressed that it was a government of "non-decisions" at a time when the country was in the most critical position, demanding "decisions, responsibility and truth."

"Precious time has been lost," Samaras underlined, noting that there was a danger of "uncontrolled accidents"

According to ND's leader, the letter that Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras sent to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was "an admission of utter helplessness".

"They have promised everything to everyone and now tell the creditors that they cannot pay. The are announcing a credit event in advance and will not be able to pay wages and pensions," he said.

[10] PASOK leader accuses PM of 'unprecedented arrogance'

At a timely question to the prime minister, Venizelos called him to brief the parliament on the country's course accused him of "unprecedented arrogance" claiming that it is not by coincidence that he has not replied to three questions he has tabled.

"The government, rhetorically complacent and totally weak in practice, is moving in parlimanent's absentia and ignores that political parties and all those that handled the negotiations in the past. It is not interested in having a minimum level of national consensus and rallying."

[11] Government unveils plans for crackdown on undeclared 'black' labour

"It is a time of major political decisions and each of us must measure up to the time and history," Skourletis noted, referring to the progress in the negotiations with Greece's creditors. He appeared confident that the talks will finally yield an "agreement on terms of dignity" and said failure to reach agreement would mean that "the more extreme voices, who don't care whether a country meets its obligations but how to stop the SYRIZA phenomenon from spreading to the rest of Europe, will have prevailed."

He was also confident that the key points in the draft bill on labour issues will be included in the final agreement with the creditors, while announcing that major reforms for the pension system will be unveiled as of next September.

Stratoulis announced the formation of special teams to carry to workplace checks for undeclared employees, responsible for all state insurance funds, and 13 new IKA inspection centres, one for each of Greece's 13 regions. The changes are to be tabled as an amendment at the end of this week.

He said the government expected to collect 136 million euros in 2015 by clamping down on tax evasion and another 100 million euros in the same period from inspections for uninsured labour.

The minister also confirmed that the zero deficit clause for supplementary pension funds will be abolished in the same amendment, which will be tabled by next Friday.

[12] PM Tsipras wished students good luck in nationwide university entry exams

"At a very demanding moment of psychological tension, remain calm. Success is in you, the pupils and students who are above and beyond the result of your effort," Tsipras wrote on his account.

[13] PM Tsipras says public broadcaster ERT will open on May 25

In a meeting with the new President and CEO of ERT, Dionysis Tsaknis and Lambis Tagmatarhis respectively, Tsipras said the government wants to relaunch public television without the problems of the past.

"ERT is reopening next Monday and what the government asks of you is to contribute in a new, pluralistic, independent ERT, which will be a model of operation for public broadcasters," the prime minister said.

"Your first consideration is to organize the smooth return of [laid off] employees," he added.

[14] FinMin Varoufakis meets ELSTAT staff union leadership

[15] NATO, EU should cooperate to eliminate extremism in the Balkans, says Defence Min. Kammenos

NATO and the EU should cooperate at a political level to limit extremism, fundamentalism and nationalistic ideaology in the Balkans, Greek National Defence Minister Panos Kammenos said at a meeting of EU's foreign and defence ministers in Brussels on Monday.

Jihadi terrorism which already exists within the European Union, human trafficking originating from regions of North Africa and the Middle East and destined for Europe and the exploitation of real or imaginary minority issues constitute "nightmare risks" for Europe, he added in his address.

Commenting on Greece's participation in NATO missions, the minister said that "because of the diversity of operations under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), we managed to gain valuable experience", adding that one of the most successful missions was combatting piracy at the Horn of Africa.

Kammenos said that in spite of the successes achieved on the issue, these operations should continue.

[16] President Pavlopoulos says Pontic genocide must not be forgotten, in message for May 19

"And also to never stop demanding from the aggressors the fundamental: at the very least a sincere, posthumous apology," he added.

The Pontic Genocide was formally recognised by the Greek Parliament in 1994 and May 19 established as the day of remembrance for the hundreds of thousands killed between 1914-1923, as part of an ethnic cleansing operation targeting Christian Greeks in Ottoman Turkey, during and after World War I.

On December 1, 2007, the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) passed a resolution affirming that the 1914-1923 campaign against Ottoman Greeks, including Pontic Greeks, constituted genocide and introduced the term 'Greek Genocide'

Financial News

[17] Greek banks need to resolve NPLs problem

In comments made during a banking forum last week, bank officials said that non performing loans grew again in the first quarter of 2015 after a 12-month period of slowing down their growth rate. Non performing loans are currently estimated at 78 billion euros, or 35 pct of banks' portfolio, compared with an average of around 7.0 pct in Europe. In consumer credit, almost one it two loans was in delay, followed by corporate credit (35 pct) and housing credit (30 pct). The officials expect that non performing loans will reach their peak in 2015 before beginning to fall, six months later than originally planned. They noted that the reason for a jump in non performing loans form 4.3 pct in 2008 to around 35 pct today was an economic crisis which hit private incomes and companies' profitability.

Greek systemic banks have already made provisions worth 50 billion euros to cover this problem, with the biggest part referring to loans offered to domestic customers. Banks have already made hundred of thousands rescheduling of loans and continue updating their programs while awaiting for the new government's measures to deal with the problem of non performing loans. The issue is currently in the agenda of negotiations with the country's creditors.

"If we dont' find a way to manage these, there is no possibility that the banking system will be able to do the job it is supposed to do. That's why a non performing asset management company must be set up, in combination with Hellenic Financial Stability Fund, using the Fund's buffer," Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis said last week.

[18] European industrialists send message of solidarity to Greece, urge reforms

Ulrich Grillo, president of BDI, the Federation of German Industries, addressing an event in the framework of an annual general assembly of the Federation of Hellenic Enterprises (SEB) in Athens, stressed that Greece has made a lot of reforms and dealt with its fiscal problem and noted that population was suffering. He added that the only way to create new job positions was a full implementation of reforms in the product and services markets and changes in the state and the tax system.

"It is of great importance to conclude negotiations with the institutions and get money if Greece wants to restore confidence in its relations with its partners and to pave the way for investments," Grillo said. "If politicians prove that they not only have a plan, but we see the program implemented, then confidence will come back and then money will flow. This is how things go," he said, adding that several German enterprises were interested and would be willing to invest in Greece, but they wait to see what will happen since there was not enough confidence.

"It is easy to say nice words and to say that investments will come tomorrow. I don't believe it," Jose Vincente Gonzalez, vice-president of the Confederation of European Enterprises said. "Everybody wants Greece in Europe and the euro. But Greece must first promote reforms. It is not enough to go to a negotiating table with reforms scheduled for the future. It must prove it can implement them," he added. "If Greece has a credible program I believe that everything will be ok," he said.

Markus Beyrer, managing director of BusinessEurope, addressing the event said: "We want a paper with an agreement that will be implemented". He added that Russia was not an alternative solution for Greece.

Theodore Fessas, president of SEB, underlined the need to reach an agreement as time was running out and liquidity was exhausted. "The European project is in danger if suspicion prevails instead of solidarity. There must be a compromise to avoid an accident".

Fessas stressed that a fiscal adjustment must be moderate and noted that in Greece it was made at a heavy cost, twice compared with other countries included in fiscal consolidation programs. He also noted that signs of recovery in late 2014 were based on consumption.

[19] Eight Greek enterprises in European Business Awards final

Eleni Stylianou, Human Resources Consultant Manager in RSM Greece, told ANA-MPA that "Greek businesses, despite an economic crisis and hardships of the last few years, proved once more that can excel in the international business world", adding that this year's participation was extremely important.

The eight Greek companies that have reached the final are: Green-Greek Environment & Energy Network (The Business of the Year Award with Turnover of 26-150 m euro), AB Vassilopoulos (The Award for Environmental & Corporate Sustainability), ONEX (The RSM Entrepreneur of the Year Award), Coffee Island (The Growth Strategy of the Year Award), Pharmathen (The Growth Strategy of the Year Award), Genesis Pharma (The Chairman's Selection Award), Spetses Mini Marathon (The Chairman's Selection Award) Olympia Electronics (National Public Champion).

The awards, organized for the ninth successive year, is an independent non profit institutions. This year's contest took part 24,000 enterprises from 33 European countries. A total of 60 Greek enterprises were acknowledged as "national champions" this year.

[20] Hellenic Exchanges reports lower profits in Q1

Turnover was 10.1 million euros in the January-March period, from 10.3 million last year, reflecting a lower number of corporate actions (share capital increases, new listings, etc) and a reduced capitalisation.

Daily average turnover was 116.2 million euros in the first three months of the year, up 8.0 pct from last year, while average capitalisation fell 32 pct to 48.8 billion euros, from 72.1 billion in 2014. Daily average volume of trading was 210 million stocks, up from 51.2 million last year.

In the derivatives market, daily average volume was up 115 pct in the three-month period, while income from clearing and settlement grew 32 pct.

Consolidated pre-tax earnings totaled 5.6 million euros in the first quarter from 6.6 million in the same period last year.

[21] Greek employers have difficulties in finding skilled workers

Lack of needed experience (40 pct), technical skills (31 pct), factors related with the wider environment (21 pct), professional skills (18 pct) and available candidates (16 pct) are recorded as the basic reasons for the difficulty in covering job positions. On a global scale, 38 pct of employers are facing similar difficulties, up 2.0 percentage points from 2014, the highest recorded rate since 2007.

Greece, with a rate of 59 pct, ranks sixth in the global list, up from 19th last year. Greek employers are facing great difficulties in finding professional salesmen and high-ranking officials, skilled technicians and IT staff.

Sixty-four pct of employers in Greece said that difficulties in finding the necessary workers have a negative impact on the smooth operation of enterprises, such as lower competitiveness/productivity (65 pct), lower ability to respond to customer needs (60 pct), reduced creativity and innovation (59 pct), low engagement and morale (42 pct). However, one in five employers have not drafted a strategy to resolve this problem, a problem shared throughout the world.

More than 41,700 employers in 42 countries (750 employers from Greece) participated in the annual survey which was conducted in the first quarter of 2015.

[22] Project connecting Alexandroupolis port to railway network to be delivered on Wednesday

The 3.1-million-euro project, consisting of 1,770 metres of wagon trains, is of great national importance as it will connect the port directly with the Balkans and Black Sea countries, minimizing time and cost.

With this project, the port of Alexandroupolis becomes part of a wider railway network, thus enabling it to develop domestic and international rail transport, the company said.

[23] Natural gas prices down 12 pct in May

The company, in an announcement, said it expected natural gas prices to fall during the third quarter of 2015 affecting positively the start of this year's winter season. The company attributed this decline to lower international oil prices and a delayed decline in natural gas prices. It also said that competitiveness and benefits of natural gas, combined with connection incentives offered to consumers doubled the number of new household contracts compared with the same period last year.

[24] Paperpack ABEE reports higher Q1 results

[25] Greek stocks end significantly higher

Eurobank (7.69 pct), Piraeus Bank (6.98 pct), PPC (6.26 pct), Ellaktor (5.11 pc) were top gainers among blue chip stocks, while Titan (3.01 pct), OPAP (2.35 pct) and Folli Follie (1.74 pct) suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day.

Among market sectors, Media (5.26 pct), Utilities (4.33 pct) and Banks (4.31 pct) were top gainers, while Health (3.23 pct), Commerce (1.74 pct) and Travel (1.42 pct) suffered losses.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 71 to 38 with another 17 issues unchanged. Motodynamic (29.90 pct), Nereus (15.79 pct) and Pegasus (12.50 pct) were top gainers, while Nikas (19.73 pct), Centric Holdings (16.67 pct) and Nexans (10.53 pct) were top losers.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Banks: +4.31%

Insurance: +2.07%

Financial Services: +0.80%

Industrial Products: +2.05%

Commercial: -1.74%

Real Estate: +2.86%

Personal & Household: +3.18%

Food & Beverages: 7.241.13 +0.66%

Raw Materials: 2.557.67 +2.96%

Construction: -1.06%

Oil: +2.42%

Chemicals: -0.21%

Media: +5.26%

Travel & Leisure: -1.42%

Technology: +0.57%

Telecoms: -0.23%

Utilities: +4.33%

Health: -3.23%

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

Selected shares from the FTSE/ASE

Large Cap index closed in euros as follows:

Alpha Bank: 0.304

Eurobank 0.140

Public Power Corp (PPC): 5.26

Coca Cola HBC: 19.53

Hellenic Petroleum (ELPE): 4.42

National Bank of Greece: 1.24

OPAP: 8.32

OTE: 8.60

Piraeus Bank: 0.429

Titan: 20.95

Grivalia Properties: 8.00

Aegean Airlines: 7.40

[26] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates continued moving lower. The 12-month rate rose to 0.168 pct from 0.167 pct, the nine-month rate eased to 0.105 pct from 0.106 pct, the six-month rate fell to 0.056 pct from 0.058 pct, the three-month rate was -0.011 pct and the one-month rate fell to -0.051 pct from -0.050 pct.

[27] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 89,998 contracts with investment interest focusing on Piraeus Bank's contracts (29,049), followed by Alpha Bank (15,069), National Bank (20,216), Eurobank (20,347), MIG (709), OTE (1,375), PPC (836), OPAP (522), Hellenic Petroleum (304), Motor Oil (103), Metka (180), GEK (158), Folli Follie (129), Jumbo (206) and Frigoglass (187).

General News

[28] Applications for help under humanitarian crisis programme reach 212,897

The largest single bloc of applications was for food aid subsidies (84,442), followed by those seeking assistance with both food and access to power (59,918), while a large number of households applied for all three types of assistance, including food, rent and power (42,893). There were also 20,529 households seeking a combination of food and rent assistance, 936 seeking rent subsidies and cheaper electricity, 2,610 applications for rent subsidies only and just 1,569 only seeking free reconnection to the power grid.

The deadline for applying to join the programme expires on Wednesday.

[29] Alt. Culture Minister on changes in ticket policy in museums

In the letter, the minister informs that a special working group has been formed that will elaborate the data on the increase of the ticket price based on the factors and by examining the best practices that have been implemented abroad.

This framework does not foresee horizontal increase, moreover, a new single ticket policy will be implemented not only for the mass tourism as well as for independent visitors.

[30] Convict terrorist Xiros receives extension to testify on May 22

Xiros was called to give an additional testimony regarding his charges for helping members of the terror group "Conspiracy of Cells of Fire" break from Korydallos Prison.

His additional testimony will be "political," according to his lawyer.

[31] The Monday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

EFIMERIDA TON SYNTAKTON: They cut pensions based on false data

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: Who are entitled to "lock" pension rights before 62

ESTIA: Greece's fate a toss-up

ETHNOS: Key week for the negotiation

KONTRANEWS: 50 policemen-traffickers have brought thousands of undocumented migrants in the country

NAFTEMPORIKI: Creditors are asking for lower salaries

TA NEA: Social security funds at risk of blackout

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