Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-12-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece, Cyprus reaffirm commitment for just and viable solution for Cyprus-PMs office

[02] No confirmation yet on identity of body found in burned car in Brazil, say diplomatic sources

[03] Athens to welcome New Year with celebrations in Thisio

[04] National Bank signs deal to sell UBB, Interlease EAD to Belgium's KBC Group

[01] Greece, Cyprus reaffirm commitment for just and viable solution for Cyprus-PMs office

Speaking after the meeting, Cypriot government spokesman Nikos Christodoulides said Tsipras and Anastasiades' meeting was meaningful, creative and highly constructive. Christodoulides said the two leaders "took very specific decisions which will be promoted through joint actions both on a European and international level," adding that there was "complete understanding both on issues of substance and procedure."

"The common aim, through the initiatives taken, is to end the occupation and reunify Cyprus as a modern, European state, without foreign guarantees and occupation armies," the spokesman continued.

Asked about the joint actions he announced, Christodoulides said that the Greek premier and the Cypriot president will meet with the heads of the EU's institutional bodies. He also mentioned the visit of Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias to New York and the meetings of Ioannis Kasoulides in the EU. "Exactly to promote these very specific decisions which were taken during today's meeting," he said.

Asked whether a meeting has been planned between Tsipras and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, he said no date has been set.

[02] No confirmation yet on identity of body found in burned car in Brazil, say diplomatic sources

The comment was made after media reports claimed the burned body belonged to missing Greek Ambassador Kyriakos Amiridis.

The same sources also said Brazil's foreign ministry has assured the Greek ministry it will inform them immediately once the results are out. Earlier today, foreign ministry officials held a meeting with the Charge d'Affaires of the Brazilian Embassy in Athens, with whom they discussed the issue and the ongoing investigation.

[03] Athens to welcome New Year with celebrations in Thisio

Two stages will host alternating bands and artists who will interact with the audience and each other. On the small stage, the first artists will be Marietta Fafouti and Marina Rizou. On the large stage facing the Acropolis, the first band to play will be "Dreamy Whispers", after whom actors Smaragda Karydi and Thodoris Atheridis will present a show welcoming the New Year.

A few minutes before midnight, Athens mayor Giorgos Kaminis will come on stage for the traditional countdown, which will be followed by a fireworks show. The music will continue until 01:00 when singer-songwriter Kostis Maraveyas will take to the stage with the municipal "Big Band".

[04] National Bank signs deal to sell UBB, Interlease EAD to Belgium's KBC Group

In a press release, National Bank said it will receive 610 million euros for the transaction, while UBB will make a 50-million-euro dividend distribution to the Greek lender ahead of the transaction and after an approval by its annual general assembly.

The sale of UBB reaffirms the lender's commitment to implement fully NBG's restructuring plan, the bank added.

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