The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-07-20

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Black Anniversary of Turkish Invasion of Cyprus in 1974

Prime-minister G. Papandreou and all Greek political parties issued messages to mark the 36th black anniversary of Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. Till August 14-15 Turkish troops had occupied 40% of Cyprus including Ammohostos and Morfos after the collapse of the Geneva Conference. Special importance is placed on George Papandreou meeting with Cyprus President Dimitris Hristofias on Wednesday at Larnaca Airport, where the Greek Prime-minister will stay few hours prior to his departure for Israel and Palestine.

Prime-minister's Message

In his message Prime-minister G. Papandreou says: "36 years have passed since Turkish invasion of Cyprus. It is a painful anniversary for Cyprus, Greece and Hellenism. July, 20, 1974 signaled the beginning of illegal occupation of big part of Cyprus by Turkish troops- illegal occupation of an independent country, member of the UN and the EU. International world order was violated on that day and violation continues to present.

Present situation of Cyprus is unacceptable and must end through the achievement of a just, viable and functional solution on the basis of UN Security Council resolutions- a bicommunal, bizonal federation.

We actively support Cyprus President D. Hristofias efforts. Cyprus issue is of top national priority for Greece. We call on Turkey to indicate the necessary political willingness for a just settlement of the Cyprus issue. A necessary precondition for complete normalization of Gree-Turkish relations. The Cypriot people-Greek-Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots have the right to live in an environment of peace, security, prosperity and confidence.enjoy the benefits of the EU and contribute to the common European vision".

In his statements Cyprus President Dimitris Hristofias said :

"We indeed have to deal with a difficult interlocutor, who many times behaves as violent actions can be accepted and at the same time for communication reasons, heralds that he wants a solution within 2010. History has taught that we should all assume our share of responsibility within the framework of efforts for a solution of the Cyprus issue which will reunite our country , people, economy and institutions, put an end to occupation and settlement and restore human rights for all Cypriot people".

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA

News item: 38660

[02] Zorbas Gives Statement on Structured Bonds

Former head of Independent Authority on money laundering , George Zorbas was summoned to give a statement to the Parliament Inquiry Committee on structured bonds. Members of the Committee carefully examined the three reports he had drawn on money laundering linked to the structured bonds. The reports were sent to the Committee after a request by Justice. Reports say Mr. Zorbas insisted on the stand about coordinated operation of funds to buy structured bonds.

Insists on his Denouncements

Reports say Mr. Zorbas, in his statement insisted on his denouncement of coordinated operation of funds to buy structured bonds while he blamed the Bank of Greece and the Employment Ministry for not having exercised their inspection role.

Mr. Zorbas dropped hints at former Supreme Court Prosecutor George Sanidas, maintaining that he did what he could to interrupt his investigation.

After Mr. Zorbas, the Inquiry Committee will hear heads of funds while last to be summoned are political figures.

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÍÅÔ 105.8-ÁNA/ÌPA News item: 38681

[03] Investigations into S. Golias Murder Continue

The Antiterrorist Agency is carrying out investigation into the murder of journalist Socratis Golias after test results indicated that Revolutionary Sect is behind the heinous crime. The journalists' archive, which is in the hands of the antiterrorist agency, is expected to give valuable information. Socratis Golias funeral will be held at Hlioupolis Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon.

The antiterrorist agency is examining Revolutionary Sect proclamations in order to decode names of people threatened as the organization showed in a tough way that it executes what it writes. They are also waiting for a new proclamation, which according to their strategy will be sent to a newspaper in the next days.

All political parties and journalists' unions as well as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe have condemned the heinous crime.

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8

News item: 38658

[04] Sale of 13-Week T-bills Successful

Greece raised 1.95 billion euros from Tuesday's issue of 3-month treasury bills at 4.05% interest rate. In the meantime, Troika delegation is expected to arrive in Athens next week for its regular inspection. The second installment of the rescue plan depends on the content of their report. Furthermore an announcement today says that European Central Bank financing of Greek banks increased in June compared against May.

3,85% Oversubscription

Greece raised 1.95 billion euros from Tuesday's issue of 13-week treasury bills, the second auction since the signing of the memorandum with the EU and the IMF in May.

The sum the state needed was oversubscribed by 3.85% with offers submitted mounting to 5.777 billion euros. Last auction was oversubscribed by 4.61%. The 4.05% interest rate of the 3-month treasury bills is slightly higher to 3.65% rate of last auction in April, 20. The State Debt Management Agency has accepted has accepted optional non -competitive offers mounting to 450 million euros.

On July, 13 State Debt Management Agency had issued an auction of 6-month treasury bills and raised 2 billion euros at 4.65% interest rate. This interest rate is lower to interest rate Greece pays to its lenders EU and IMF and higher to similar regional issues such as Portugal 1.94% in July auction and Spain 1.57% in June auction.

Petros Hristodoulou, head of State Debt Management Agency, in an interview with Reuters, said he was satisfied with the sale of 1.95 billion euros of 13-week treasury bills at a yield of 4.05 percent.

The European Central Bank said today Greek banks loan approached 93.8 billion in June, 5% higher compared to May.

Troika delegation is arriving in Athens next week while second installment of rescue plan depends on its report.

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÍÅÔ 105.8-ÁNA/ÌPA News item: 38677

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