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Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-10-24Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] Debate opens on parliamentary inquiry committeeDebate opened in parliament on Friday morning on a motion tabled by main opposition PASOK party for the establishment of a parliamentary preliminary investigation committee into controversial State-Vatopedi Monastery land transactions, with the abstention of the ruling New Democracy (ND) MPs, while the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) deputies walked out of the proceedings.The debate comes just two days after Parliament unanimously adopted a ruling New Democracy motion to set up a Parliamentary fact-finding commission on the politically charged Vatopedi Monastery land exchanges with the state. Following a debate, the House adopted the proposal without resorting to a roll-call vote since no party expressed opposition to the proposal. [02] Antonaros new gov't spokesmanEvangelos Antonaros, up to now alternate government spokesman, on Friday morning assumed the post of government spokesman following Thursday's resignation by Theodoros Roussopoulos.Handing over the post, Roussopoulos thanked the prime minister, his associates, and the staff at the General Secretariats for Communication and Information for their cooperation. Supervision of the two general secretariats, which were previously part of Roussopoulos' portfolio, has been transferredInterior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos. "When ND took over the government in 2004, one of the first innovations made was the abolition of the Press and Mass Media ministry. We forged a new course. Information acquired a freedom that was unprecedented in the country," Pavlopoulos said in turn, and praised Roussopoulos' role and contribution. "I have a long-standing friendship with Theodoros Roussopoulos, and wish to stress devotion to all the work that has been done here, which will be completed, a task that will bear the seal of a man who worked with zeal and consistency," Antonaros said. [03] Stocks plunge at ASE openingAthens Stock Exchange opening: PlungeEquity prices plunged at the opening of trade on Friday on the Athens Stock Exchange (ASE), influenced by the major international money markets, with the basic share price index down 6.17 percent, standing at 1,796.29 points at 10:45 a.m., and turnover at 35.5 million euros. Individual sector indices were moving downward across the board, with the heaviest losses in Construction, down 8.46 percent; Technology, down 8.04 percent; Commerce, down 7.73 percent; and Banks, down 7.16 percent. The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks was down 6.42 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index was down 4.74 percent, and the FTSE/ASE-80 small cap index was down 4.62 percent. Of the stocks moved, 5 were up, 162 were down, and 6 were unchanged. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |