Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 16-07-26

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Tsipras: Greece needs a new constitution 'by the people and for the people,' before 2021

[02] PM Alexis Tsipras in Sofia next Monday for Greece-Bulgaria Cooperation Council

[03] Parliament debate on proposed investigation into economic issues on Tuesday

[04] Debate on establishment of examining committee on Greek economy with huge delay, says ND spokesman Koumoutsakos

[05] Anastasiades and Netanyahu agree that works in energy sector should proceed according to the international law

[06] KKE leader Koutsoumbas receives Palestinian ambassador Toubassi

[07] Sclavounis steps down as ND policy planner following UBS 'black money' furore

[08] Company set ups surpass closures in H1 2016, report

[09] Finance ministry announces changes in property tax for farmland

[10] Greek stocks end lower

[11] Greek bond market closing report

[12] Entersoft Group reports improved H1 results

[13] HELEX says net profits down 41 pct in H1

[14] Russian tourists to Greece in Jan-May up 47.6 pct, ATOR reports

[15] Reinforcements to Chios as fire continues to rage

[16] Culture minister, architect Jean Pierre Heim discuss ideas for new Delos museum

[17] Refugees rescue operation underway

[18] 57,498 identified migrants and refugees in Greece on Monday

[19] Three arrested at Crete's Iraklio airport for attempting to travel with fake documents

[20] Early Christian olive press on display in Mytiline's archaeological museum from Wednesday

[21] 'Battle' krater the latest 'Unseen Museum' exhibit at Athens' National Archaeological Museum

[22] Authorities on Rhodes charge two Italians with attempted murder, abduction

[23] First official flight to newly built Paros airport arrived on Monday

[24] Jerusalem Patriarch Theophilos III visits Rhodes

[25] Man arrested for setting wildfire in Elefsina

[26] Fair on Tuesday

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

[01] PM Tsipras: Greece needs a new constitution 'by the people and for the people,' before 2021

"In reality, we are today addressing a call to all the citizens for a revolution of democracy. For the first time to decide a new constitution with the people, by the people and for the people. For the first time to decide together the kind of Greece that we want," Tsipras said.

This "revolution of democracy" would in no way violate, as some will doubtless rush to claim, article 110 of the constitution that dictates specific conditions and processes for revising the constitution, Tsipras underlined, presenting the government's proposals for a process of "open dialogue" involving all citizens on a national level.

This process would, on the contrary, "would move fully within the spirit of constitutional dictates, expanding and ensuring its popular legitimisation," he added. The role of citizens was not only to indirectly approve or reject the contents of a revision through their vote but to "be involved in the formulating the proposals," he said.

The old elite will once again seek to confine the process of revising the Constition within the walls of Parliament, to a discussion between experts, Tsipras noted, adding that this fear of opening the discussion to society was characteristic of an 'aristocratic view' about who had the right to express an opinion, to agree or disagree.

"We want a process that actively involves the citizens and is not confined to Parliament. In September we will announce the composition of a national organisational committee that will set up a broad open dialogue on a national level.

Our aim is to organise talks in all municipalities in the country, with the participation of academic and social organisations, movements of citizens and groups but also individual citizens. In this effort we naturally look to the support of local government.

In the second stage, we want the results of this public debate to be collected via 13 assemblies in each region of the country," Tsipras said, noting that this dialogue would only be further enriched by a website where each citizen would be able to contribute their own proposals or objections.

"The economic crisis was finally the result of the post-junta polity's defeat, not its victory...the answer to the current problems, to the new challenges and the new political reality created after the last six years can only be a transition to a new change of polity," he said.

Among the government's proposals is the option for the election of the president directly by the voters and holding referendums by "popular initiative", as well as enshrining simple proportional representation in the constitution and a "constructive" process for tabling a no-confidence motion against a government.

The last, he explained, would require a no-confidence motion to be accompanied by a proposal for a new prime minister in order to ensure governmental stability.

Parliament should only be able to elect the president if a candidate had the support of at least two thirds of MPs. If this was not possible in two successive elections, the process should then be turned over to the electorate, with a general vote between the two top-ranking candidates of the last Parliamentary election. Tsipras also suggested a "reasonable" increase in the president's powers, enhancing the presidency's regulatory role.

The prime minister went on to make a series of proposed changes, including the abolition of parliamentarians' immunity from prosecution and the establishment of a special judicial body to pass judgement on bills already made into law.

He called for changes to limit the maximum term of MPs to not more than two successive Parliaments or eight consecutive years, while the post of prime minister should be confined to an elected official or serving MP, with the exception of caretaker premiers.

He said referendums should be made mandatory for any treaty transferring sovereign powers of the state, and proposed mechanisms for holding referendums initiated by the electorate themselves, providing they had sufficient popular backing. He proposed holding a referendum on national issues with half a million signatures and referendums on ratifying legislation passed by Parliament or proposed by the citizens with more than one million signatures, except in fiscal issues.

Among others, Tsipras said the time was right to "establish the religious neutrality of the state" while recognising the Orthodox faith as the dominant religion, with steps such as making a civil oath mandatory for elected officials and other public functionaries. He also noted a need to expressly forbid the removal of state control over essential public goods, such as water and electricity, and to protect the role of collective bargaining as the only means to set wages.

The only way to emerge from the crisis, once and for all, was to "finish with the old," Tsipras said. "This is the universal demands of our people and at the same time their clear-cut mandate. No government can serve it unless it has the people, the citizens themselves, as its allies," he added.

[02] PM Alexis Tsipras in Sofia next Monday for Greece-Bulgaria Cooperation Council

[03] Parliament debate on proposed investigation into economic issues on Tuesday

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and main opposition ND leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis, as well as the leaders of the other political parties, are expressed to address MPs after 18:00.

[04] Debate on establishment of examining committee on Greek economy with huge delay, says ND spokesman Koumoutsakos

ND's request will be discussed on Tuesday in parliament after a huge delay and for this responsible is prime minister Alexis Tsipras and parliament president Nikos Voutsis, he said "I he does not agree on Tuesday (on the establishment of the committee, then he will admit participation and complicity, claimed Koumoutsakos.

Referring to the date of the next general elections, Koumoutsakos said that "with this government, its erratic policy and the impasses it faces nothing can be excluded".

[05] Anastasiades and Netanyahu agree that works in energy sector should proceed according to the international law

In the meeting of the two countries' delegations was discussed the co-exploitation of Aphrodite and Yishai hydrocarbon reservoirs and was agreed that in September Israel and Cyprus' Energy Ministers will seek the conclusion of the dialogue.

President Anastasiades and Prime Minister Netanyahu also noted the importance of Israel, Greece and Cyprus' cooperation.

At their joint statement is also noted that both leaders underlined the two countries' common interests for regional stability and agreed to continue their struggle against extremism and terrorism.

[06] KKE leader Koutsoumbas receives Palestinian ambassador Toubassi

The Palestinian envoy briefed Koutsoumbas on the latest developments in Palestine and renewed Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' invitation to visit Palestine.

According to KKE, Koutsoumbas briefed Toubassi on the developments in Greece and "SYRIZA-ANEL government's policy and the character of the so-called multidimensional foreign policy that further involves the country in the imperialistic competition".

Moreover, Koutsoumbas expressed KKE's solidarity to the people of Palestine adding that "KKE with several movements and interventions at all levels continues the struggle for the establishment of an independent sovereign Palestinian state at the borders of 1967 with capital eastern Jerusalem next to Israel and the recognition of Palestine as full member of the UN."

Finally, KKE secretary general said that "in the next period KKE will take new initiatives to inform the Greek people in relation with the barbarity of the continuous Israeli occupation of Palestine and for the support to the Palestinian people's struggle".

[07] Sclavounis steps down as ND policy planner following UBS 'black money' furore

In an announcement issued by his lawyer, Sclavounis strenuously denied any involvement in illegal activities and said that moving funds abroad had never been part of his professional activity.

His assistance to ND in drawing up its development programme was given on a volunteer basis and without any official role in the party, he added, but was now stepping down because he did not want to see his name targeted in a political squabble over something that he claimed had no basis.

Financial News

[08] Company set ups surpass closures in H1 2016, report

In a report, based the records of a General Commerce Register, the ministry said these numbers dismissed criticism by politicians and economic circles who were systematically trying to distort the real picture of the Greek economy and in particular Greek enterprises.

The report showed that in 2015, new legal entity companies totaled 13,200, while in the first half of 2016 totaled 6,519. Individual companies set ups totaled 30,646 in 2015 and 13,826 in the first six months of 2016. Business closures (legal entities) totaled 7,856 in 2015 and 4,353 in the first half 2016, while individual companies closures totaled 16,900 in 2015 and 12,641 in 2016.

The ministry noted that the country's image after reaching an agreement with the country's creditors was significantly improved, as a rapid absorption and exploitation of community funds, a stabilizing banking system, investment interest, improving revenue and lower state spending, along a series of government initiatives to combat tax evasion, illegal trade an smuggling, were creating a safe investment environment and growth prospects.

[09] Finance ministry announces changes in property tax for farmland

In an announcement, the Finance ministry said that farmland will not be subjected to the additional property tax of citizens and noted that taxpayers would have to correct their initial property statements since a number of mistakes has been recorded. The ministry noted that the property tax bill will be the same as last year although a redistribution of burdens will be made from smaller to larger properties. It also said that all property tax exemptions will be valid as last year. The ministry dismissed press reports alleging that unemployed, large families and handicapped people will lose their exemptions from the property tax and noted that there will no changes in the income and property criteria for taxpayers.

[10] Greek stocks end lower

OTE (4.53 pct), Viohalco (3.97 pct) and Terna Energy (1.99 pct) scored the biggest percentage gains of the day among blue chip stocks, while Eurobank (7.46 pct), Piraeus Bank (7.45 pct) and National Bank (5.15 pct) suffered heavy losses. Among market sectors, Telecoms (4.53 pct), Chemicals (2.08 pct) and Industrial Products (1.39 pct) scored big gains, while Banks (5.16 pct) and Financial Services (4.39 pct) suffered losses.

National Bank and Cyprus Bank were the most heavily traded securities. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 45 to 35 with another 24 issues unchanged. Euroconsultants (20.56 pct), Sato (18.18 pct) and Trastor (16.85 pct) were top gainers, while Progressive (20 pct), Unibios (10.13 pct) and Papoutsanis (9.76 pct) were top losers.

[11] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates moved higher. The 12-month rate was -0.049 pct from -0.055 pct, the nine-month rate rose to -0.120 pct from -0.124 pct, the six-month rate rose to -0.188 pct from -0.194 pct, the three-month rate rose to -0.297 pct from -0.301 pct and the one-month rate was -0.371 pct.

[12] Entersoft Group reports improved H1 results

The Group expects its revenue to continue growing in the second half of the year, helped by the introduction of new products in the market.

[13] HELEX says net profits down 41 pct in H1

Group turnover amounted to 14.9 million euros in H1 2016 from 18.5 million in the corresponding period last year, while after subtracting the Hellenic Capital Market Commission fee, total consolidated revenue amounted to 14.2 million euros 17.6 million, reduced by 19.3 pct.

Total consolidated revenue was reduced mainly due to a drop in both trading activity and the capitalization of the Cash Market. In particular, in H1 2016 the average daily traded value was 76 million euros, compared to 101.8 million, a 25.4 pct reduction. The average capitalisation of the Greek capital market dropped by 13.9 pct compared to H1 2015 (41.1 billion euros from 47.7 bn).

Total operating expenses including new activities amounted to 8.4 million euros 9.3 million in the corresponding period last year, reduced by 9 pct.

Consolidated Earnings Before Tax (EBT) in H1 2016 amounted to 4.8 million euros from 8.1 million in the corresponding half of 2015.

[14] Russian tourists to Greece in Jan-May up 47.6 pct, ATOR reports

General News

[15] Reinforcements to Chios as fire continues to rage

Ten men from the army, navy and air force, respectively, as well as 20 from the fire brigade, took off from Elefsina air base just before 14:00 in a C-130 plane, heading for the island.

Meanwhile, the villages Elata, Vessa and Lithi in southern Chios have seen 90 pct of their mastic gum trees destroyed, while there is also extensive damage in Olympous, Mesta and the region between Vessa and Agios Georgios Sykousis.

Rural Development and Foods Minister Vangelis Apostolou is due to arrive on the island on Tuesday, accompanied by the head of the farmers' insurance organisation, in order to visit the fire-stricken villages and assess the damage.

[16] Culture minister, architect Jean Pierre Heim discuss ideas for new Delos museum

Heim, who also has offices on the Greek island of Mykonos, Paris and now Shanghai, put forward a ground-breaking plan for a modern museum that is fully harmonised with the surrounding environment and comes equipped with the latest in modern methods to protect and secure the existing exhibits and any new ones that may be found on the island.

Baltas thanked Heim but pointed out that Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, which imposes certain constraints, while it is under the supervision of the Cyclades Archaeological Ephorate, to which proposals concerning Delos must be submitted for evaluation.

[17] Refugees rescue operation underway

The refugees and migrants are expected to be sent to the port of Mytilene and afterwards to Moria hotspot.

[18] 57,498 identified migrants and refugees in Greece on Monday

According to the Refugee Crisis Management Coordination Body's figures, 23,193 of the refugees are in northern Greece, 10,264 are hosted in the region of Attica and 2,309 are hosted in facilities of central and southern Greece. 7,122 refugees and migrants are hosted in several facilities rented by the UNHCR, and 1,400 persons are living outside organised facilities.

8,974 refugees and migrants were recorded on the eastern Aegean islands.

[19] Three arrested at Crete's Iraklio airport for attempting to travel with fake documents

[20] Early Christian olive press on display in Mytiline's archaeological museum from Wednesday

The ancient oil mill used to produce olive oil was found during digging to repair the Thermi-Pigi-Lambou Mylon provincial road and was put on dispaly in the atrium of the island's new archaeological museum. There will also be a special presentation to visitors showing all the informational material collected about the specific find, explaining to visitors how it worked and how it was used in the specific era.

The Lesvos antiquities service said the olive press was part of a large farming and craftwork complex linked to the production and exploitation of the island's produce, such as grains, olive oil and wine, which had been in constant use from the 2nd until the 6th centuries A.D.

[21] 'Battle' krater the latest 'Unseen Museum' exhibit at Athens' National Archaeological Museum

The large silver vessel seen by the general public for the first time was discovered in the tomb of a prince during excavations carried out by Heinrich and Sophie Schliemann in Mycenae, in 1876. The find was made in the royal tombs within Grave Circle A, where both objects and funeral rites dating back to the 16th century B.C. and previously entirely unknown to archaeologists were discovered.

In addition to its great archaeological value, the vessel also had an unusual history after its discovery. Unlike other Grave Circle A finds like the golden 'Nestor's Cup' that was inside the krater, or other gold and silver cups that became famous permanent exhibits of the museum's collection, the silver sheets of the battle krater were catalogued and remained permanently in the storerooms, their real significance undiscovered.

Their secret was unlocked by the archaeologist Agni Xenaki-Sakellariou and the museum's curator of the time, Christos Karouzos, almost 100 years later in the 1960s. With the help of an artist and museum restorers, the largest surviving silver artifact dating back to the Mycenean era was reconstructed and its engraved depiction of a battle between two rival sets of warriors was restored.

The two groups can be distinguished by the different shields they bear, with four fighting against four while one warrior has fallen heroically between them in battle.

The transfer of the krater to the Hall of the Altar, where it will remain on display until September 25, was carried out in the presence of Culture and Sports Minister Aristidis Baltas, who was also shown around the storerooms. On August 7 and 28 and on September 16 and 25, museum archaeologists will be on hand in the Hall of the Altar at 13:00 in order to greet visitors and talk about the artifact itself, as well as the rich variety of other grave goods interred alongside it, with that same early Mycenean-era prince.

[22] Authorities on Rhodes charge two Italians with attempted murder, abduction

The two men, aged 29 and 40, allegedly invited a 32-year-old Albanian national with whom they had financial differences to their business premises in the city of Rhodes. Once he was there they attacked him, immobilising their victim as they inflicted injuries on him using knives, an axe and a taser.

The injured man was admitted to Rhodes Hospital for treatment.

[23] First official flight to newly built Paros airport arrived on Monday

Olympic Air contributed 1.8 million euros toward the passenger terminal's construction and other infrastructure, while it also helped in the supervision and organisation of the project. The new airport allows larger aircraft to land and take off, increasing the number of potential places for passengers, especially in the summer months.

There is provision for expanding the currently 750 square metre airport terminal by an additional 5,000 square metres, including a conference and exhibition centre, while the new airport will be linked to other regional airports in the country, starting with the Thessaloniki airport with two flights weekly from August 4.

[24] Jerusalem Patriarch Theophilos III visits Rhodes

[25] Man arrested for setting wildfire in Elefsina

Weather forecast

[26] Fair on Tuesday

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

ETHNOS: Point system for new loans and settlements.

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: ENFIA exemptions chipped away

ESTIA: The mockery of small bondholders

EFIMERIDA TON SYNTAKTON: ENFIA will pay and those they did not pay

TA NEA: The last political card.

NAFTEMPORIKI: Favourable 'small settlement' for enterprises and professionals

36, TSOCHA ST. ATHENS 115 21 GREECE * TEL: 210 64.00.560-63 * FAX: 210 64.00.581-2 INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.ana.gr * e-mail: anabul@ana gr * GENERAL DIRECTOR: MICHALIS PSILOS

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