Athens News Agency: News in English, 10-08-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papandreou sends message of solidarity to Putin

[02] IKA losing 30 percent of its revenues due to contribution evasion

[03] Droutsas on Kastellorizo

[04] West Nile virus cases

[05] Registered unemployed down

[06] ASE opening: Decline

[07] Athens Newspaper Headlines

[01] Papandreou sends message of solidarity to Putin

"My grief is huge for the tragic loss of human lives and the destruction caused by the wildfires raging in Russia these days. On behalf of the Greek government, I extend my sincere condolences to the families of the victims and our support for all those hit by this tragedy," Papandreou said.

[02] IKA losing 30 percent of its revenues due to contribution evasion

In an interview appearing in Monday's edition of Eleftherotypia newspaper, Spyropoulos said that 30 percent of IKA's revenues are 'lost', resulting in the foundation facing a financial shortfall and its beneficiaries feeling that their social security fund will be unable in the future to meet its obligations. "We have no more margins," he stressed.

He warned that as of November 1 there will be no tolerance on contribution evasion.

"Up to October, we will be lenient and give an opportunity to them to settle their debts. As of November 1, however, no tolerance," he said, adding that the target is to contain contribution evasion from the current 30 percent to 25 or even 20 percent in 2011.

[03] Droutsas on Kastellorizo

The Alt. FM, who is in the region within the framework of his stay in nearby Kastellorizo island, made the comment in response to the recent Turkish activities in the Aegean Sea.

"Just recently, the Turkish FM requested to be received in our country as a neighbour and a friend and that's what we did - because we mean what we say. Therefore, we demand that the other side display equal consistency between words and deeds," he said, adding that there is "no room for 'sly tricks' and provocations".

Droutsas stated that "such practices cannot hurt Greece's sovereign rights which are totally guaranteed," adding that "such practices, that reveal different intentions from those put forth by our interlocutors, can dispute the credibility and confidence, necessary elements for this policy to have a positive result."

"Everyone should know that the Greek-Turkish rapprochement policy we implement is our choice and does not constitute a one-way street for Greece," he said.

"A precondition for the attempted rapprochement and cooperation to have a future and a positive result is to be mutually beneficial and be based on the respect of International Law and our sovereign rights. Everything can be assessed and revised along the way," he pointed out.

During his stay on Kastellorizo, Droutsas met with local authorities, including the police and the Coast Guard while he also met with local people.

He visited the military unit based on the island and the outposts on the islands of Rho and Stronggyli.

Wrapping up his visit to Kastellorizo, Droutsas pointed out that "the government's top priority is to exercise a comprehensive policy on the border islands, particularly those of major national and strategic importance, such as Kastellorizo."

[04] West Nile virus cases

The virus is known for many years and the main route of human infection is through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Scientists said that there was no reason for alarm stressing that the infection caused is mild and most of the time asymptomatic. The elderly are more at risk of a central nervous system infection which, however, is easily curable.

[05] Registered unemployed down

The number of registered unemployed dropped to 566,804 in June while those on unemployment benefit were 177,443, down 14.69 pct (corresponding to 30,549 people) compared with May 2010.

Recorded hirings reached 117,576, increased by 3.5 pct compared with June 2009.

[06] ASE opening: Decline

All indexes were moving downwards with the biggest losses in Banks, down 1.76 percent; and Telecoms, down 1.77 percent.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks was down 1.13 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index was down 0.67 percent, and the FTSE/ASE-80 small cap index was down 0.64 percent.

Of the stocks traded, 10 were up, 48 were down, and 11 were unchanged.

[07] Athens Newspaper Headlines

The recession and the lack of liquidity on the market, the development law and the unprecedented weather phenomena and the extreme disasters all over the planet, dominated the headlines on Tuesday in Athens' newspapers.

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "17 percent of small enterprises have closed - The crisis hit Athens' commercial center".

APOGEVMATINI: "The new development law put to public deliberation".

AVGHI: "Government puts the blame on us for their failure - State Revenues collapsed in July, tax evasion is rampant and consumption plunges".

AVRIANI: "Bankruptcy scenarios return - State Revenues plunge - Speculators are lying in ambush for us".

ELEFTHEROS: "Disaster!! All economic indicators plunge - Memorandum becomes a lament for Greece".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Automobile circulation fees will skyrocket".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "The ecological plan for Hymmettus mountain".

ESTIA: "Taxes-expenses vicious circle - The fiscal problem not solved".

ETHNOS: "Chain of shut-downs strangling the market".

IMERISSIA: "Recession deepens and threatens".

KATHIMERINI: "Climate change a nightmare - Unprecedented weather phenomena and environmental disasters throughout the planet".

LOGOS: "Recession in market ...without a way out".

NAFTEMPORIKI: "The maximum reinforcements for investments reduced".

NIKI: "We will starve ....".

RIZOSPASTIS: "Government on debts to IKA social security foundation: Ridicule and audacity over the big-time businessmen's contribution evasion".

TA NEA: "Law-trench for the debt hunters".

TO VIMA: "Anxiety over the recession in the real economy despite the optimism from the deficit's decrease".

VRADYNI: "Athens' market in ICU".

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