Athens News Agency: News in English, 09-11-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] Piraeus port strike suspended

[02] Ecofin on statistical data

[03] Measures on new flu

[04] Athens Newspaper Headlines

[01] Piraeus port strike suspended

The decision to suspend strike action was reached after a marathon meeting of the boards of the Federation of Port Workers of Greece (OMYLE) and the Association of Dockworkers of the Piraeus Port Authority SA (PPA SA) that ran into the first hours of Wednesday.

Following the decision, the port's 1,500 dockworkers returned to work on Wednesday.

The court ruling was issued on Tuesday after the country's chambers of commerce and 48 businesses filed a class action lawsuit against the 1,500 striking dockworkers in the port of Piraeus' container terminal, claiming that their financial interests are being hurt. The dock workers union opposes implementation of a contract giving Chinese multinational Cosco concession of the Piraeus container terminal -- one of the biggest direct foreign investments in Greece over the recent period.

[02] Ecofin on statistical data

In parallel, it welcomes the efforts of the new government towards the independence of the country's National Statistical Service.

"The Council expresses its regret over the new appearance of problems in Greek monetary statistical data. The Council calls urgently on the Greek government to take measures for the restoration of the EU's confidence in Greek statistical data and their institutional production system," the conclusions noted.

Caption: ANA-MPA/EPA file photo of Ecofin meeting/Nicolas Bouvy

[03] Measures on new flu

The ministry, utilising its existing Internet infrastructure, has simplified the process for the daily briefing on pupils' mobility. Implementation began on November 9 with the purpose of providing daily electronic, direct and reliable information from every level of education in the country.

A collection and classification of questions raised by parents more often on the new flu and their replies has been carried out. This informative material has been included as of Tuesday in the website of the Education Ministry and of the Panhellenic School Network.

Caption: ANA-MPA/EPA file photo/

[04] Athens Newspaper Headlines

Developments in main opposition New Democracy after former leadership candidate Dimitris Avramopoulos announced on Tuesday his backing for candidate Antonis Samaras, Ecofin's strict recommendations to Greece on its delinquency in the fiscal deficit, Brussels surveillance, the suspension of Piraeus port dockworkers strike which was ruled illegal by a court on Tuesday, and Health Ministry measures to contain the spread of the new flu, dominated the headlines on Wednesday in Athens' newspapers.

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "Outrageous! Avramopoulos to control ND's future - He announced his backing for Samaras in a garrulous and stereotyped speech".

APOGEVMATINI: "Long-term austerity - Worse days to come".

AVGHI: "People and vested rights in the 'black hole'.

AVRIANI: "Samaras, Avramopoulos aim high if their alliance succeeds in defeating candidate Dora Bakoyannis, who is preparing her counterattack".

CHORA: "Change of battle and victory agreement - The centre-right rallies again around Samaras and Avramopoulos".

ELEFTHEROS: "The game toughens in ND following the Avramopoulos-Samaras alliance".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "The behind-the-scenes of the (Avramopoulos-Samaras) agreement".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Front for reversal - Samaras, Avramopoulos send messages that they guarantee a two-directional overture".

ESTIA: "Greece sends away foreign investors".

ETHNOS: "Samaras-Avramopoulos front - Joint declaration and gentlemen's agreement".

IMERISIA: "EU team in Athens - Test of truth on the economy's figures".

KATHIMERINI: "New scenery in the succession race - Avramopoulos backs Samaras for leader".

LOGOS: "Deadline until February for the deficit".

NAFTEMPORIKI: "EU sets harsh measures to curtail the deficits".

RIZOSPASTIS: "New antisocial storm over social security, labour and working classes' income".

TA NEA: "Rift scenery after the deal - Surprise agreement for the succession race".

TO VIMA: "Brussels threatens Greece with bankruptcy - Heavy pressure on FinMin George Papaconstantinou: You do not have money to pay salaries and pensions but you give benefits".

VRADYNI: "Forget the grace period! European Commissioner Joaquin Almunia demands from the new government harsh measures and seriousness ".

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