Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-11-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] Dijsselbloem's spokesman clarifies that 'social security measures' concern minimum guaranteed income

[02] Russian FM Lavrov and PM Tsipras confirm dynamics of friendship and mutual respect

[03] ND leader Mitsotakis meets with US Ambassador to Greece Pyatt

[04] Olympic Air takes over three remote domestic air routes

[05] Significant cash injection to Greek SMEs

[01] Dijsselbloem's spokesman clarifies that 'social security measures' concern minimum guaranteed income

Dijsselbloem had informed the Dutch lawmakers on Tuesday that measures concerning both the pension system and labour market reforms are expected to be the focus of talks during the second review of Greece's programme, in the customary document sent by the Dutch finance minister prior to each Eurogroup.

Dijsselbloem had also noted that the second review of Greece's programme, which is now underway, will be on the agenda of the next Eurogroup on November 7. He said the Dutch government considers the rapid completion of this review important, while adding that it included a broad range of measures.

[02] Russian FM Lavrov and PM Tsipras confirm dynamics of friendship and mutual respect

Lavrov referred to the current international situation, which he described as difficult, he welcomed the actions of social diplomacy and stressed the need for the existence of the Greek-Russian Social Forum. He also underlined that it is a good step for the existence of international contacts and dialogue adding that it has significantly contributed to the development of bilateral relations. He stressed the intellectual contact between the two peoples which exists despite the political choices and circumstances.

On the occasion of the 190-year anniversary (2017) of the Battle of Navarino, the Russian minister stressed that "we should work together to honour this important anniversary."

Referring to World War II, he noted: "We both fought against fascism."

Finally, Lavrov expressed confidence that the current 4th Greek-Russian Social Forum will be an important step in strengthening and widening the Greek-Russian relations.

[03] ND leader Mitsotakis meets with US Ambassador to Greece Pyatt

According to ND sources, they discussed the prospects of the Greek-US bilateral relations as well as the imminent visit of US President Barack Obama.

They also discussed the course of the intercommunal talks to solve the Cyprus problem and developments in important regional issues.

Finally, there was an exchange of views on issues of current political and economic affairs in Greece.

[04] Olympic Air takes over three remote domestic air routes

The remote flight destinations are Athens-Milos, Athens-Naxos and Athens-Sitia.

The agreement raises the number of remote flight destinations to be operated without any financial compensation to 14, out of a total of 28 such destinations in the country, leaving only seven remote destinations pending (Thessaloniki-Corfu, Thessaloniki-Skyros, Alexandroupolis-Sitia, Aktio-Sitia, Corfu-Aktio-Cephalonia-Zakynthos, Limnos-Mytilene-Chios-Samos-Rhodes, Rhodes-Kos-Kalymnos-Leros-Astypalea).

Civil Aviation Authority is expected to launch another tender, probably in December 19, for the exploitation of these pending routes, covering the period from April 2017 until March 2021.

[05] Significant cash injection to Greek SMEs

National Bank signed a 300-million-euro funding agreement with European Investment Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and European Investment Fund, for the support of Greek enterprises. The agreement is based on the securitization of corporate liabilities made by National Bank two months ago, safeguarding a significantly lower cost for draining capital.

Jonathan Taylor, vice-president of European Investment Bank, and in charge of the bank's operations in Greece, said EIB was showing strong interest in medium-sized enterprises, the back bone of the Greek economy and the core of EIB's efforts in Greece. The transaction, he said, was the first step to help National Bank in its return to the markets.

National Bank's CEO, Leonidas Fragiadakis, said the agreement will allow the bank to offer new funding products to small- and medium-sized enterprises and medium capitalization enterprises with favorable terms. The program is expected to benefit around 300 enterprises, boosting employment with the creation of more than 200 job positions particularly for young people aged below 25 years old.

Eurobank also signed a funding agreement worth 230 milion euros with the European Investment Fund, improving Greek SMEs' access to funding. These agreements are supported by the European Strategic Investments Fund, a basic pylon of a Juncker Plan for Europe. The COSME program will channel 130 million euros to more than 1,000 SMEs in Greek over a period of three years. Eurobank, through an InnovFin program will channel funds to innovative SMEs for the next two years worth 100 million euros.

Pier Luigi Gilibert, European Investment Fund CEO, commenting on the agreement said it confirmed the fund's commitment to Greek entrepreneurs.

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