Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 12-06-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] FT Deutschland editorial draws incensed reaction by political parties

[02] Stocks end 1.85% higher ahead of election

[03] Carrefour sells its stake in Greek unit to partner‏

[01] FT Deutschland editorial draws incensed reaction by political parties

It further warned the Greek voters to "not trust" those who "promise that abrogation of all agreements is possible without repercussions", adding that "what your country needs, at last, is a state that functions".

The article advised voters not to trust the left-wing SYRIZA party's promises and recommended that they cast their vote instead for New Democracy's leader Antonis Samaras - albeit with a "heavy heart" - since, as it claimed, "New Democracy has for decades followed a mistaken policy and was jointly responsible for the current misery".amna

FT's article drew incensed criticism from all quarters of the domestic political spectrum, including New Democracy itself.

"It is a provocation, an insult to all Greeks and heavy-handed intervention in the country's domestic affairs. They consider it their protectorate and feel it is their right, in the same way that they give guidelines to Germans, to do the same, 'as an exception' for Greeks," a Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) cadre said in a statement to a local radio station.

Equally scathing were statements from PASOK candidate and former minister Anna Diamantopoulou, who said it was inconceivable that a foreign newspaper should dare to write such an article two days before the Greek elections.www.amna.gr

"It is a horrific political impropriety," she told the SKAI radio station, suggesting that its hidden aim was to provoke a backlash among angry voters, which would result in Greece's expulsion from the eurozone.

ND spokesman Yiannis Mihelakis issued an announcement that referred to "staged" provocations and called on the periodical to confine its suggestions to others.

"Greeks are a proud people. We know what we are voting for. Suggestions elsewhere! New Democracy is a great party. It draws its strength from the people," he said.amna

The Communist Party (KKE) referred to a provocative and unacceptable action by the German publication.

KKE said it believes that the article aims boost what it calls "false dilemmas", which "trap the people and to shape a new two-party system."

[02] Stocks end 1.85% higher ahead of election

The composite index of the market rose 1.85 pct to end at 560.26 points, after losing as much as 2.8 pct during the day. The index ended the week with a net gain of 13.71 pct, cutting its losses from the start of the year to 17.66 pct. Turnover remained at improved levels totaling 97.055 million euros.

The Big Cap index rose 3.81 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 3.89 pct higher, with Utilities (13.43 pct), Telecoms (9.87 pct) and Banks (8.6 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day. On the other hand, Food (6.42 pct) and Commerce (4.15 pct) suffered losses.www.amna.gr

PPC (19.63 pct), Cyprus Bank (18.66 pct), Eurobank (13.09 pct) and Viohalco (10.63 pct) were top gainers among blue chip stocks, while Coca Cola 3E (6.45 pct) and Folli Follie (4.14 pct) suffered losses.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 90 to 37 with another 20 issues unchanged. amna

[03] Carrefour sells its stake in Greek unit to partner‏

Under the agreement, Carrefour and Marinopoulos agreed that the terms and preconditions for the management of brands and the development of Carrefour Marinopoulos' branch network in Greece and Cyprus, in a way that the company could face the challenges of the current economic situation in Greece.

Under this reorganisation plan, Marinopoulos Group will become the sole shareholder of Carrefour Marinopoulos. The company will continue to be led by Jerome Loubert – the current general manager - supported by a new board of directors. Under the plan, shareholders agreed to jointly proceed with a share capital increase plan, worth 348 million euros.www.amna.gr

Leonidas Marinopoulos, the chairman of Marinopoulos Bros SA, commenting on the agreement, said: "I am very satisfied with the deal, which offers Carrefour Marinopoulos the means and flexibility to improve its growth model, its services to customers and establishing its leading position in Greece. With this agreement we confirm again our strong commitment to the Greek and Cypriot markets and to all our workers and suppliers who have helped Carrefour Marinopoulos to become a leader in the retail business in Greece".amna

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