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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 16-10-18

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

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

Tuesday, 18 October 2016 Issue No: 5270

CONTENTS

  • [01] Negotiations with institutions on second review to start at the end of the week
  • [02] Tsipras re-elected SYRIZA leader with 93.54 pct
  • [03] Alternate FM Xydakis stresses need for a strong Europe
  • [04] Athens issues sharp reply to Turkish president's 'provocative' references regarding borders
  • [05] ANEL leader Kammenos to meet Norwegian counterpart Soreide
  • [06] New Democracy submits amendment for first home foreclosure suspension
  • [07] Greece needs to restore confidence in economy
  • [08] Top administrative court to hold third session on TV licenses on Tuesday
  • [09] Trade union front PAME rallies against government's planned labour reforms
  • [10] Notaries to walkout on Wednesday protesting foreclosures of primary residencies
  • [11] ANA ends collaboration with its correspondent in Turkey for 'tragic error' in despatch
  • [12] Central banker urges debt relief for Greece, speaking at SETE conference
  • [13] Greece and FYROM sign MoU on linking natural gas grids
  • [14] Greece to attract more tourists thanTurkey in 2016
  • [15] Greek management consultants more pessimistic in Q3
  • [16] Cosmote an official partner of SETE
  • [17] Amendment paves way for the sale of 5.0 pct stake in OTE
  • [18] Metron Logistics to offer logistics services to Farmers Union
  • [19] Grivalia Properties buys 50 pct stake in Piraeus Port Plaza 1
  • [20] Alipay card to be launched in Greece soon
  • [21] Greek households cut spending on groceries
  • [22] Talent holding a challenge for companies
  • [23] Greek stocks end slightly lower
  • [24] Greek bond market closing report
  • [25] ADEX closing report
  • [26] More than a third of Greeks living in poverty, social exclusion, Eurostat reports
  • [27] Missing Cessna found; pilots dead
  • [28] NGO, bank, start crowd funding campaign to save the ancient theatre of Cassope
  • [29] Strokes linked with myocardial infarction can be very dangerous
  • [30] Tension at refugee camp after car accident
  • [31] Oreokastro driver of car who killed two refugees, injured one guarded by police in hospital
  • [32] Santorini, an all-year-round destination
  • [33] BMW Riders club's excursion to Drama and Aggitis cave
  • [34] Olympic Stadium Run in the battle against auto-immune diseases
  • [35] Light quake jolts Samos
  • [36] Cloudy on Tuesday
  • [37] The Monday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance Politics

  • [01] Negotiations with institutions on second review to start at the end of the week

    Greece's negotiations with the institutions on the second review of Greece's programme will start at the end of the week. Talks on a technical level started on Monday.

    The reason for the delay is IMF representative Delia Velculescu's later arrival in Athens.

    The date of the beginning of the negotiations which at first will run for ten days is expected to be finalised on Monday, Finance Ministry sources said.

    The government said that its intention is for the second review to have been completed by the end of November so that decisions on the debt issue are taken at the December 5 Eurogroup, after which Greece can participate in the European Central Bank's QE.

    The agenda of the negotiations includes changes in labour relations, fiscal figures (new state budget, mid-term framework 2016-2020 and primary surpluses), privatisations (regional airports, ports etc), the improvement of business climate (deregulation of civil engineers, licencing, etc), the banks' boards, the discussion on the draft law for outside court compromises for non-performing business loans, the draft law on political parties' financing and other relevant issues.

    [02] Tsipras re-elected SYRIZA leader with 93.54 pct

    "The renewal of confidence in me is a renewal of the responsibility for a more massive, a more collective, a more efficient party in the difficult battles ahead of us, for a Greece of justice and prosperity," Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras posted on Twitter after the results of the elections for the leader of the party.

    Tsipras was re-elected with 93.54 percent of votes.

    [03] Alternate FM Xydakis stresses need for a strong Europe

    Alternate Foreign Minister Nikos Xydakis on Monday stressed the need for a strong Europe before the pressure for its fragmentation.

    Xydakis was speaking at a conference of the representative office of the Church of Greece to EU on "Challenges and Opportunities for Europe and Greece today."

    "We must insist on the idea of a strong Europe, peace and stability, against the pressures of fragmentation behind the increased responsibility of the member states. We need to re-invent Europe, make it attractive and convincing for their citizens and to inspire confidence and faith to the institutions and to the people ", he said.

    The Alternate Foreign Minister suggested the change of the neoliberal economic model and the need Europe to stand by the side of the countries of the Middle East. Finally, he praised the initiative of the representative office of the Church of Greece to the EU to hold this workshop, noting that it proves the political, and social sensitivity, and the sense of obligation to contribute to a discussion and to a spiritual alertness.

    [04] Athens issues sharp reply to Turkish president's 'provocative' references regarding borders

    Greece's foreign ministry on Monday issued a sharp reply to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's references to Turkey's borders in a recent speech.

    "To publicly stir up historical and especially border issues that the Treaty of Lausanne has settled finally and irrevocably, establishing objective facts binding for all, is provocative and undermines regional stability," a foreign ministry announce-ment said.

    "Respect for international law and international treaties demands the formulation of responsible positions, keeping away from outdated revisionism. Thrace is Greek, democratic and European. Any other thought is inconceivable and dangerous," it added.

    [05] ANEL leader Kammenos to meet Norwegian counterpart Soreide

    Independent Greeks (ANEL) and junior coalition government partner leader Panos Kammenos will visit Norway on Monday and Tuesday.

    Kammenos, who is also Defence Minister, will meet with his Norwegian counterpart Ine Erksen Soreide.

    [06] New Democracy submits amendment for first home foreclosure suspension

    Main opposition New Democracy (ND) on Monday submitted an amendment to parliament for suspending first home foreclosures for debts to the state until the end of 2017.

    "Covering once again the failure of the government to deal with the problem that it has created, New Democracy submitted an amendment to parliament to suspend first home foreclosures for debts to the state until the end of 2017," it said adding the three prerequisites:

    - the property serves as the main house of the family

    - the monthly income does not exceed 13,900 euros for unmarried, 23,600 euros for married couples, increased by 5,700 euros for each child

    - the objective value of the property does not exceed 180,000 euros for unmarried persons, increased by 40,000 euros for married persons and 20,000 euros per child and up to three (3) children

    [07] Greece needs to restore confidence in economy

    European Union chamber and business community must create a strong business alliance on a European level, Constantinos Mihalos, president of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry said in his address during the "4th Europarliament of businessmen" held at a special event in the European Parliament.

    In his address, Mihalos underlined the need for a change in austerity policies implemented on European level in the last few years and stressed that these policies were intensifying economic recession and threatened small- and medium-sized enterprises throughout the European Union.

    Mihalos, who is also deputy president of Eurochambers, urged representatives of the chamber and business world in Europe to forge a strong alliance towards a coordinated intervention to national governments in the EU for a turn towards growth policies and taking specific measures to really support SMEs.

    In an interview with Euractiv, Mihalos said that the last thing that the Greek market needed today was another election, which would probably will not deliver a strong government and therefore lead to other elections. "This, in my opinion, will cause total chaos in the country," he said.

    Mihalos noted that the main goal for the private sector and the government was to restore confidence and credibility in the Greek economy. He stressed that an immediate solution to the Greek debt problem was necessary and said that the German government should not use German general elections as an excuse to postpone discussions on Greek debt.

    [08] Top administrative court to hold third session on TV licenses on Tuesday

    The Council of State's plenum will hold its third session to consider the appeals of television channels against a recent auction of four TV licenses behind closed doors on Tuesday afternoon, sources said.

    The judges last Friday failed to conclude a vote on the admissibility, merits and legal interest of the TV stations, which will precede any discussions on the actual tender.

    Broadcasters Alpha and SKAI, as well as the companies Alter Ego and ITV CP have submitted new applications for interim measures on the wealth declarations of the contestants.

    [09] Trade union front PAME rallies against government's planned labour reforms

    Trade union front PAME held a rally in front of the Greek parliament on Monday to protest the government's plans to reform labour relations.

    Speakers at the rally said they demand a restoration of the minimum wage to 751 euros per month, of collective labour agreements, of the Christmas and Easter bonuses and an increase in pensions and benefits.

    Communist Party leader Dimitris Koutsoumbas and party officials attended the rally.

    [10] Notaries to walkout on Wednesday protesting foreclosures of primary residencies

    Notaries will not attend any planned foreclosure hearings for primary residencies in courts on Wednesday, sources from their union said on Monday

    Following a union meeting, the notaries decided to meet every Monday to discuss whether they will attend or not these hearings. Other foreclosure hearings will proceed as planned.

    [11] ANA ends collaboration with its correspondent in Turkey for 'tragic error' in despatch

    The Athens-Macedonia News Agency (ANA) on Monday ended its collaboration with its Ankara-based correspondent Aris Abatzis following the serious error in a despatch where he wrongfully attributed a newspaper's comments regarding the borders of the Ottoman state to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

    Financial News

    [12] Central banker urges debt relief for Greece, speaking at SETE conference

    Greece needs debt relief because it will not regain access to markets in 2018 if its public debt is not considered sustainable, Bank of Greece governor Yannis Stournaras said on Monday, addressing the annual conference of the Greek Tourism Confederation. Greece should achieve growth rates of 2.7 pct of GDP in 2017, provided the second review of the Greek programme was concluded swiftly.

    Stournaras noted an increase in non-performing loans in the tourism sectors, noting that they had reached 54.3 pct in the first half of 2016 and were thus significantly higher than the level for the economy as a whole (45.1 pct). The phenomenon should be investigated and dealt with, he said.

    At the same time, he pointed to a number of promising signs indicating a gradual recovery in the economy in 2016, forecasting that this will continue in 2017 and 2018, provided that the reforms and privatisations agreed with the institutions are adopted and loans are disbursed promptly.

    With respect to the tourism sector, Stournaras said it needed to adapt its growth model and seek to upgrade both the product and make it more 'specialised' to offset trends for lower tourism revenues in spite of increased numbers. This would mean an improvement of infrastructure, for which he urged exploitation of state property and settling outstanding issues relating to spatial planning to attract new investments.

    Among others, the central banker called for a reduction in the cost of airplane travel to Greece, to make the tourism product more competitive, as well as improvements to regional airport, stronger competition between airlines, more emphasis on marinas and other marine tourism infrastructure and better port facilities to encourage cruise tourism.

    [13] Greece and FYROM sign MoU on linking natural gas grids

    Greece and FYROM on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding to examine the prospect of interconnecting their natural gas systems. The MoU was signed in Skopje between DESFA (Hellenic Gas Transmission System Operator) and MER, the state energy sources exploitation company.

    Based on the MoU, DESFA will develop and operate the Greek sections of the pipeline, with a length of around 5 km, linking Nea Mesimvria, Thessaloniki, with the Greek-FYROM border in Evzoni. In FYROM, the pipeline section will have a length of 110 km. The two companies will set up a joint group of officials to draft a technical survey on the project sustainability.

    Energy Minister Panos Skourletis, commenting on the MoU said the planning is part of a framework of building confidence measures between the two countris and to an energetic and multi-dimensional energy policy of Greece. "This significant project serves the goals of European Union to diffentiate sources and roads of natural gas, boosting price competitiveness and strengthening energy security in the wider region. Greece is called the play a leading role as an energy hub in the Balkans, the Mediterranean and Southeastern Europe," Skourletis said.

    The memorandum of understanding was signed by DESFA chairman and chief executive Sotirios Nikas and MER's representative K. Miladinov.

    [14] Greece to attract more tourists thanTurkey in 2016

    Greece is expected to attract more tourists than Turkey this year for the first time after a decade, the president of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) Andreas Andreadis said in the 1st Thessaloniki summit.

    Recent developments in Turkey "send" millions of tourists to Greece, he said. Arrivals in Greece are expected to reach 27.5 million this year (of which 2 million correspond to cruise ships), while Turkey is estimated to only receive 26 million tourists compared to 35-36 millions last year.

    Andreadis estimated that tourist arrivals in Greece are expected to reach 35 million by 2021 bringing revenues of 19-20 billion euros. "In 2010 tourism revenues reached 10 billion euros, 14.2 billion euros in 2015 and this year are expected to be higher than the previous year. This translates into an around 40 percent increase in a period of time when the Greek economy shrank by almost 25 percent."

    Moreover, he said that despite the high performance of tourism, investments remain at low levels.

    Regarding taxation, he said that VAT is a discouraging factor for business activating in the tourist sector.

    [15] Greek management consultants more pessimistic in Q3

    Greek management consultants were more pessimistic over economic developments in the country in the third quarter of 2016, compared with the previous quarter and compared with the same period last year, the Hellenic Association of Management Consulting Firms (SESMA) said on Monday.

    Presenting the quarterly survey of the Greek Management Consultants Confidence Index (GMCCI), SESMA 's president Vasilios Regouzas said "a slight deterioration of expectations recorded in the third quarter of 2016 seems to be the result of the negative impact from measures introduced after completion of the first review of the Greek bailout program, combined with an excessive delay in completing the review which led the economy into recession, although smaller than initially expected". He noted that the economy showed signs of recovery in the third and fourth quarter of 2016, with a positive growth rate of GDP that "I hope it will have a positive impact on management consultants' expectations".

    The Greek government must implement all those things agreed with its creditors on structural measures and a second review of the program must be completed by the end of November in order to boost economic recovery and improving expectations by both enterprises and consumers, Regouzas said. "Once more it must be understood that growth must be supported on healthy macro-economic data and a positive climate in the market. The government needs a series of events and comments to deliver positive messages to the market," he added.

    The average balance of positive/negative answers on price levels, growth rate, unemployment, private investments and exports was 9.2 pct at the end of September from 4.6 pct in June and 6.6 pct in September 2015. This development reflected a deterioration in private investments, unemployment and price changes, while on the other hand economic growth and exports recorded the most optimistic expectations.

    [16] Cosmote an official partner of SETE

    Cosmote will be an official partner of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) in a move aimed to support tourism, the most extrovert sector of the Greek economy.

    This strategic partnership highlights the growing importance of IT and communication infrastructure for tourism, a sector which contributes, directly and indirectly, around 25 pct of the country's GDP.

    Cosmote, through its innovative solutions Cosmote Business IT Solutions, covers with efficiency the specialized needs of the tourism sector. These solutions aim to strengthen the smooth and efficient operation of hotels and all enterprises in the sector, improving customer experience and contributing in reducing operating spending.

    Mihalis Tsamaz, chairman and chief executive of OTE Group, commenting on the agreement said: "IT and communication technologies can create significant growth prospects in the tourism sector and give a boost to the Greek economy. We are proud to have the chance to support our touristic product through SETE to the benefit of our country".

    Andreas Andreadis, president of SETE said: "The Federation's goal is to highlight the leading role of tourism in the Greek economy, contributing to the quality upgrading and supporting competitiveness in the sector. In this effort, we warmly welcome Cosmote as an official partner".

    [17] Amendment paves way for the sale of 5.0 pct stake in OTE

    The Greek government on Monday tabled an amendment to Parliament envisaging the transfer of a 5.0 pct of OTE's shares, currently owned by the Greek state, to Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund.

    Deutsche Telecom, the main shareholder of Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) has a first preference right in buying this stake.

    The amendment was tabled by Economy Minister George Stathakis, Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos and Infrastrucutre, Tranport and Networks Minister Christos Spirtzis. The amendment is expected to be voted by the assembly on Tuesday and it s part of prior actions agreed for the disbursement of a 2.8 billion euros sub-tranche to Greece.

    [18] Metron Logistics to offer logistics services to Farmers Union

    Metron Logistics signed a memorandum of cooperation with Farmers Union to offer modern logistics services to the union's 30,000 members, creating the first synergy in the agrilogistics sector in Greece.

    Metron Logistics is -since October 2016- the exclusive logistics provider of Farmers Union, covering the whole range of logistics services, focusing on warehousing, managing agro-supplies and product inventorities, distribution, international transport and developing a Supply Chain Management for Farmers Union's members.

    "The aim of the cooperaiton is to create an integrated logistics network that will benefit producers of agro-livestock products that will gain easier access in markets at lower costs and with better terms in concentation and distribution of their goods. This partnership will benefit final consumers as well who will enjoy high-quality products at affordable prices," a statement said.

    Farmers Union was founded in 2013 and has 30,000 members. It is a pioneer cooperative platform bringing together independent producers from the agricultural sector.

    [19] Grivalia Properties buys 50 pct stake in Piraeus Port Plaza 1

    Grivalia Properties acquired a 50 pct stake in Piraeus Port Plaza 1 SA for 1,625,000 euros.

    The company owns a real estate property that will be reconstructed and will be ready for use in 2017. The property is located near the port of Piraeus and it is part of Papastratos' older facilities. The property will be upgraded to a commercal use building based on modern standards and sustainable building principles safeguarding maximum energy and environment performance. It will cover an area of around 10,500 sq.m. with parking space of around 4,600 sq.m. The property will be leased to large multinational organizations, while Grivalia has agreed to buy the remaining 50 pct of the company.

    It is the first joint venture investment for Grivalia Properties. The project will have a budget of around 14 million euros and will significantly contribute in upgrading the wider regions, creating a significant number of job positions and will become a pole of attracting similar investments.

    The purchase was funded with capital raised during a share capital increase plan by Grivalia, in 2014.

    [20] Alipay card to be launched in Greece soon

    "Alipay card will be soon launched in the Greek market," Yiannis Hatzitheodosiou president of the Athens Chamber of Tradesmen said in a recent event on creating a Smart City information e-platform by ZTE for Chinese tourists visiting Athens.

    Speaking to ANA, Hatzitheodosiou said that according to information from ongoing negotiations with Greek banks the process was right on track, with not legal or legislative hurdles on the way, while the Greek government and the Chinese side were continuing talks to begin the operation of the platform the soonest possible.

    The aim of such a cooperation is for Chinese tourists or businessmen visiting Greece to have an Alipay account, making purchases in Greek stores through this mechanism. Aliday began an effort to gain access in European market in spring 2016. It is a platform similar with PayPal, with the difference that an Alipay account is used also for purchases not only online, through a barcode.

    Alipay will have to cooperate with a Greek bank or a Greek payment system.

    [21] Greek households cut spending on groceries

    Greek households cut spending on groceries because of the economic crisis, although groceries spending as a percentage of total household spending grew, a survey by the Research Institute of Retail Consumer Goods (IELKA) said on Monday.

    IELKA said the results of a household budget report by Hellenic Statistical Authority for 2015, recently released, added to the findings of similar surveys by IELKA on the prevailing situation in food consumption in Greece.

    Monthly spending by households on groceries goods fell by 16.3 pct in the 2009-2015 period, while spending on food fell by 12.5 pct over the same period. In 2009, an average household spent 444 euros on groceries goods per month, while in 2015 spending was 371 euros.

    Spending on groceries, food and restaurants fell 23.4 pct in the 2009-2015 period, with the exception of 2010 when spending on groceries grew. In all other years, spending fell by 0.6-6.3 pct annually.

    However, although spending on groceries fell in value, spending as a percentage of total household purchased grew, from 21.5 pct in 2010 to 26.2 pct in 2015, an increase of 4.7 pct.

    A big part of a reduction in spending accounted to offers and discounts offered by suppliers, while another significant part accounted to a change in consumer habits towards cheaper and alternative products, smaller packages and exploiting private lable products.

    The survey showed that nine out of 10 consumers saved money through offers, while an average weighed saving was 11.2 pct.

    Average monthly saving through offers surpassed 25 euros per household, or 300 euros annually.

    In 2010, average monthly spending in supermarkets was 250 euros, falling to 220 euros in 2015. For 2016, analysts expect a slight decline in groceries spending, although smaller compared with 2015. The officials expect sales in the September-December period this year to fall compared with the same period in 2015, with supermarket sales expecting to decline 2.4 pct on average, for a decline in household spending by around 1.9 pct.

    [22] Talent holding a challenge for companies

    Holding of talent at work is a major challenge for companies in the future, according to a ManpowerGroup survey results for 2016 entitled "Personal skills for the emergence of talent at work."

    The research, conducted at an international level with the participation of 3,791 companies operating in 8 European countries, focuses on the impact of personal qualities in the ever-evolving work environment while recognizing the distinct abilities that characterize each generation (Baby Boomers, Generation X & Millennials ).

    Moreover, it identifies future challenges for corporate talent development practices as to the characteristics and approaches that are associated with it. Additionally, it examines the level of knowledge of European businesses in relation to the importance of continuously evolving capabilities which are structural for their future growth.

    The main conclusions of the survey are:

    - Key competences recognized both by medium enterprises and by smaller enterprises, while recognition is not limited only by the human resources department.

    - The ideal profile varies and is now based on combining skills such as pragmatism, flexibility and team spirit. Problem solving, commitment to a goal and cooperation are skills most linked to talent.

    - Personal skills play an important and timeless role in all generations. The "digital skills" is inextricably linked with the generation of Millennials. The emphasis on the development of 'digital skills' will greatly enhance the competitive advantage of enterprise for innovation.

    - Regardless of the recognition of the competence competitive blend onto which the talent is evaluated, the holding and strengthening of talent is a major challenge for the future.

    - The "liquidity" -the adaptability and evolution in a changing work environment is the most important success factor for talents.

    The research highlights the personal skill that a talent must profess. This kit confirms the heterogeneity of an ideal profile that combines skills such pragmatism, flexibility in the working group and cooperation.

    Thus, solving the problem (69%), adherence to the target (58%) and cooperation (57%) are the three most desirable personal skills for the talent required by the companies. Countries such as Italy, Spain, Czech Republic and Hungary put the "problem solving" in the first place.

    More than 50% of respondents claim that there are personal skills that correlate exclusively with a particular generation.

    [23] Greek stocks end slightly lower

    Greek stocks ended slightly lower in the Athens Stock Exchange on Monday as investors took profits after Friday's sharp advance. Traders said investors' interest now focused on the beginning of talks to complete a second review of the Greek bailout program. The composite index of the market fell 0.55 pct to end at 586.06 points, off the day's lows of 584.75 points. Turnover was a low 34,939,329 shares. The Large Cap index fell 0.68 pct and the Mid Cap index eased 0.16 pct. Jumbo (1.59 pct), Mytilineos (1.24 pct) and OPAP (0.81 pct) scored the biggest percentage gains of the day, while Ellaktor (6.72 pct), Alpha Bank (2.42 pct) and OTE (2.12 pct) suffered heavy losses.

    Among market sectors, Personal Products (1.27 pct) and Raw Materials (1.24 pct) scored big gains, while Telecoms (2.12 pct) and Constructions (2.07 pct) suffered losses. National Bank and Eurobank were the most heavily traded securities of the day. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 58 to 43 with another 15 issues unchanged.

    Evrofarma (20 pct), Eurobrokers (11.11 pct) and Kekrops (9.97 pct) were top gainers, while Ionian Hotels (16.58 pct), Forthnet (10.12 pct) and FG Europe (9.81 pct) were top losers.

    [24] Greek bond market closing report

    The yield spread between the 10-year Greek and German benchmark bonds widened slightly to 8.38 pct in the domestic electronic secondary bond market on Monday, from 8.37 pct on Friday, with the Greek bond yielding 8.44 pct and the German Bund yielding 0.06 pct. Turnover was an extremely thin 1.0 million euros, one sell order.

    In interbank markets, interest rates were largely unchanged. The 12-month rate was -0.072 pct, the nine-month rate was -0.134 pct, the six-month rate fell to -0.207 pct from -0.204 pct, the three-month rate rose to -0.311 pct from -0.313 pct and the one-month rate fell to -0.376 pct.

    [25] ADEX closing report

    The October contract on the FTSE/ASE Large Cap index was trading at a premium of 0.16 pct in the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Monday. Volume on the Big Cap index totaled 1,479 contracts with 7,317 open positions in the market. Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 16,543 contracts with investment interest focusing on Alpha Bank's contracts (4,075), followed by National Bank (3,467), Piraeus Bank (2,322), Eurobank (3,370), MIG (1,208), OTE (527), PPC (191), Mytilineos (517), GEK Terna (295), Ellaktor (218), Intralot (57), Metka (44), Hellenic Exchanges (93), OPAP (39) and Piraeus Port (31).

    General News

    [26] More than a third of Greeks living in poverty, social exclusion, Eurostat reports

    BRUSSELS (ANA/ M. Aroni)

    More than one in three residents of Greece experienced conditions of poverty and/or social exclusion in 2015, according to Eurostat figures released on Monday. The European Union average was roughly one in four, the same report said.

    In Greece, the percentage of those at risk of poverty or social exclusion had risen from 29.1 pct in 2008 to 35.7 pct in 2015, or 3.8 million people. In the EU, those at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2015 returned to the same levels as in 2008, or 23.7 pct (118.8 million people).

    The highest levels of poverty and social exclusion in the EU were in Bulgaria (41.3 pct) and Romania (37.3 pct). The lowest levels were in the Czech Republic (14 pct), Sweden (16 pct), Netherlands and Finland (16.8 pct) and Denmark and France (17.7 pct).

    The above percentage includes those living below the national poverty line (income less than 60 pct of the national average), those that are severely materially deprived and cannot affort essentials and those living in households with very low work intensity, where no one has a steady job.

    In Greece, 21.4 pct are living below the poverty line, 22.2 pct are severely materially deprived and 16.8 pct live in households of low work intensity. The same percentages in the EU on average are 17.3 pct, 8.1 pct and 10.5 pct.

    [27] Missing Cessna found; pilots dead

    The two pilots of the Cessna airplane that went missing on Sunday were found dead next to the remains of the airplane three kilometres north of Kalavryta.

    The remains of the missing training Cessna were located at 11:58 by the pilot of an helicopter that took part in the rescue operation.

    The pilot of the helicopter landed and found that bodies of the pilots.

    [28] NGO, bank, start crowd funding campaign to save the ancient theatre of Cassope

    A non-profit organization has partnered with the National Bank of Greece (NBG) to launch a crowd funding campaign to conduct a restoration of the ancient theater of Cassope, located in Epirus, western Greece.

    Using the bank's crowd funding platform www.act4greece.gr, the NGO Diazoma and NBG urge people to donate money to the "Ancient Theatre of Cassope" action, hoping to raise the target amount of 80,000 euros. The campaign has so far raised 3,393 euros and will be open until 31.12.2016.

    The ancient theatre of Cassope is built in the southern foothills of Zaloggo and overlooks the peninsula of Preveza, the Ambracian Gulf, the Ionian Sea, the island of Lefkada and the Acarnanian Mountains. It was originally built in the 3rd century BC with a seating capacity of 6,000. It hosted music events, theatre performances and political gatherings of the Cassopean League.

    Diazoma is a non-profit association set up in 2008 with the purpose of researching, studying, protecting, showcasing and, if feasible, using again ancient theatres and other venues for events, such as ancient odeons and stadiums. It is supported by academics, intellectuals, artists and members of the public determined to take the fate of these monuments into their own hands and give dynamic assistance to the State and its relevant services in the effort to bring ancient theatres into modern-day life.

    The association has designed its first Cultural Itinerary to cover the ancient theatres of Epirus and the theatre of Cassope is one of the stops on this route.

    [29] Strokes linked with myocardial infarction can be very dangerous

    Thrombosis is linked with atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction and the less known venous thromboembolic disease which kills over 50,000 persons every year in Greece. However, the early prognosis and diagnosis of thrombosis could save thousands of people.

    The myocardial infarction is one of the main factors for thromboembolic strokes, says cardiologist and vice president of the Institute For The Study And Education On Thrombosis And Antithrombotic Therapy Giorgos Andrikopoulos. The stroke that is linked with the myocardial infarctions can be very dangerous because it fosters the creation of large thrombus inside the heart chambers. The patients have double possibilities to end with permanent disabilities and is more possible to die in comparison with patients that suffer from strokes that are not related with myocardial infarction, underlined Andrikopoulos.

    A Greek Cardio Institute research showed that 3 percent of the population over 14 years old in Greece suffers from myocardial infarction which is interpreted in 300,000 persons.

    Myocardial infarction is responsible for 15 percent of the15 mln stroke incidents recorded every year worldwide. In Greece, as scientists say, the problem will increase in the next years because after the age of 75 the frequency of myocardial infarction episodes exceeds 10 percent.

    [30] Tension at refugee camp after car accident

    A woman and a child were killed on Sunday outside the refugee camp in Oreokastro, Thessaloniki, after being hit by a passing car.

    Another child has been taken to the Ippokratio hospital in Thessaloniki and according to the National Emergency Aid Centre, it does not seem to be in any danger.

    The incident caused tension in the area as refugees set the car on fire. The driver of the car has been detained.

    [31] Oreokastro driver of car who killed two refugees, injured one guarded by police in hospital

    The 76-year-old driver of a car that hit and killed two refugees and injured a 12-year-old girl outside the refugee center in Oreokastro, northern Greece, is being treated for minor injuries at the hospital of Thessaloniki, guarded by police.

    The driver has been charged with two counts of manslaughter and for causing dangerous bodily harm. The 32-year-old woman and her 9-year-old son were killed instantly on Sunday evening, while the 12-year-old was injured but is not in danger, police said.

    The incident sparked fresh protests outside the camp with migrants and refugees clashing with police and setting fire to the driver's car. They also caused damages to the ambulance that came for the victims, a police car and a private vehicle.

    Police has also launched an investigation into the clashes that followed the accident, during which two rescuers and two policemen were injured.

    [32] Santorini, an all-year-round destination

    Santorini is an all-year-round destination as the authorities' efforts to keep the tourists coming after the summer have borne fruit.

    "This year's October was the best one ever and the tourist period has been extended until mid-November," the president of Santorini hotels Manolis Karamolegos said to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency.

    Karamolegos underlined that estimations for the rest of the year are also encouraging and the fact that 140 hotels will be open in December certifies that. "The miracle of Santorini is not a coincidence," he stressed and added: "All the efforts have started to bear fruit."

    [33] BMW Riders club's excursion to Drama and Aggitis cave

    The the friends of the BMW Riders club organise a trip to Drama on 27-30 October.

    22 motorcycles with 44 riders will cover around 1,400 km starting from Athens to the city of Drama. They will visit the Aggitis cave, the will wander through the city streets, they will visit Lazaridis winery and meander the villages of the region.

    "The region of Drama is wonderful. The submission of application forms has closed. 44 bikers will have the pleasure to travel from Athens to Drama to see all the sights of the county. They will cover 1,400 klm," the manager of the club Spyros Kapsokavadis said adding that the trip is liable to changes in case of adverse weather conditions.

    "Weather is a critical factor. If the weather is bad, then we will just visit the city of Drama. We are prepared for all scenarios. We organise a lot of excursions because motorcycle is a way of life," he underlined.

    [34] Olympic Stadium Run in the battle against auto-immune diseases

    The Olympic Stadium Run in support of the battle against auto-immune diseases will take place on Sunday October 30.

    The three races, 5 and 10km and a 2km race for children will be held outside and inside the Olympic Stadium of Athens.

    The event is a rehearsal for the 34th Athens Marathon that will held two weeks after the Olympic Stadium Run, said deputy regional governor of Attica Giorgos Karameros.

    [35] Light quake jolts Samos

    A light earthquake measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale was recorded at 04:30 on Monday northeastern of Samos.

    According to the Geodynamics Institute of the Athens Observatory, the quake's epicenter was located 17 km northeast of Samos island at a depth of 10 klm.

    Weather forecast

    [36] Cloudy on Tuesday

    Clouds, rain and northerly winds are forecast for Tuesday. Wind velocity will reach 7 on the Beaufort scale. Cloudy in the northern parts of the country with temperatures ranging from 08C to 18C. Partly cloudy in the western parts with temperatures between 12C and 24C. Rain in the eastern parts with temperatures between 10C and 20C. Partly cloudy over the Aegean islands and Crete, 14C-24C. Partly cloudy in Athens, 16C-20C. Cloudy in Thessaloniki, 13C-17C.

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

    AVGHI: The persistent Left

    DIMOKRATIA: Live with 400 euros

    ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: The new lists with pension limits from 55 to 63

    ESTIA: The discrepancies for SYRIZA

    ETHNOS: State of Council approves the opening of bank accounts

    NAFTEMPORIKI: Recovery is required for a solution to bad loans

    TA NEA: The 53 shades of SYRIZA

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