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Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 14-07-10Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] Parliament clears "small PPC" bill, causing referendum proposalsThe first Summer Recess section of the Parliament finally approved on Wednesday - in principle, on an article-basis and in its entirety - the controversial "small PPC" bill tabled by the two-party coalition government, with 51 MPs voting in favour of the bill and 46 MPs voting against it.Based on the parliamentary discussion which preceded voting, the senior and junior coalition government partners Nea Dimokratia and PASOK parties, respectively, voted in favour of the "small PPC" bill, while against it stood the MPs of main opposition Radical Left Coalition SYRIZA, as well as the MPs of Independent Greeks (ANEL), Golden Dawn, Democratic Left (DIMAR), Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and Independent Democratic MPs. The approval of the bill paved the way for SYRIZA, Independent Greeks and Golden Dawn to table their parties' individual proposals on Wednesday evening for a referendum regarding "small PPC", while DIMAR is expected to table its own individual referendum proposal on the issue tomorrow. [02] Golden Dawn MP Kasidiaris before the examining magistratesANA/MPA---Golden Dawn MP Ilias Kasidiaris appeared on Thursday before the examining magistrates handling the Golden Dawn case to give a supplementary deposition.The deputy was summoned to give explanations on charges regarding the crime of illegal gun possession in order to supply a criminal organisation. Kasidiaris' deposition, barring unforeseen circumstances, will conclude the series of testimonies on the Golden Dawn case. The examining magistrates are expected to conclude their investigation within the following days. [03] US Vice-President: Investments and recovery return to GreeceANA/MPA---Investments and recovery return to Greece, US Vice-President Joe Biden told the 42rd meeting of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in Philadelphia on Thursday.Biden was optimistic about the course of the Greek economy, expressing the "continuous support" of the U.S. government and his appreciation for the "valuable role" Greece has played as an ally and partner of the USA. Referring to the Cyprus issue, Biden expressed optimism that "a fair solution can be reached in the near future" adding that "a useful compromise can be found." As for the religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, he argued that, after a recent conversation he had with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, "there is reason for optimism" for the opening of the Theological School of Halki. [04] Greece to borrow from the international markets through a 3-year bond issueThe Greek finance ministry on Wednesday officially announced that Greece will make a new attempt to borrow from international markets through the issue of a three-year bond worth 2.5-3.0 billion euros. Sources at the ministry said that the interest rate is expected to be set at 3-3.5 pct.The Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, Citi, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Nomura, HSBC, UBS and BNP Paribas were acting as joint bookrunners. A further decline in the interest rate of six-month Treasury bills (from 2.15 pct to 2.05 pct) in Tuesday's auction was considered to be a "good omen" for Greece's return to international markets, the second this year. Greece returned to international markets in April, with a five-year bond, after a four-year exclusion. The finance ministry announcement said that bond issue will be issued in euro, under English law, and the transaction will take place "in the immediate future, provided that market conditions allow this". Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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