Tuesday, 10 March 2020 Issue No: 6026

PM Mitsotakis: Greece and Europe Staikouras meets Regling, asks that migration, can't be blackmailed by anyone coronavirus spending be exempt

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Monday referred from primary surplus to economic issues and the emerging migration crisis at Greece's eastern borders, while addressing the German- Meeting European Stability Mechanism (ESM) Managing Hellenic Economic Forum in Berlin. He stressed that Director Klaus Regling in Athens on Monday, Finance Mi- nister Christos Staikouras discussed the measures that need Greece and Europe cannot be blackmailed. to be taken to address the economic repercussions from the Regarding the economy, Mitsotakis said that Greece was spread of coronavirus globally and asked that certain cate- truly on a path of growth, adding that the new problems gories of spending be exempted from calculations of are making it accelerate, not slow down reforms. Greece's primary surplus. "The assymetric threat from the east changes the priorities In statements after their meeting at the finance ministry, and the health crisis makes our work more difficult. In the Staikouras said that, in terms of the repercussions of coro- last 10 days we have shown that we can defend our natio- navirus, the data and latest extimates indicate that their nal and European sovereignty. Greece and Europe cannot impact on the European and global economy, while tempo- be blackmailed by anyone," he said. rary, will be more significant and painful that initially esti- The support offered by many European countries is tangi- mated. ble proof of European solidarity, said Mitsotakis. In light of this, the minister said, the situation should be re- evaluated at the Eurogroup meeting next week and specific PM Mitsotakis, Chancellor Merkel initiatives adopted to deal the negative repercussions of the discuss developments in migration issue, virus' spread on growth and public finances. coronavirus epidemic

The attempted entry to Greece of a large wave of migrants Greece has 11 new coronavirus cases, from Turkey and the repercussions of the coronavirus in totalling 84 to date public health and the economy were the focus of a meeting between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and German Greece has eleven new coronavirus infections, Health Mi- Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin on Monday. nister Vassilis Kikilias and infectious diseases professor At a meeting scheduled after the German-Hellenic Econo- Sotiris Tsiodras said following a government meeting on mic Forum the same day, Mitsotakis updated Merkel on Monday, raising the number of cases to 84. the Turkish actions at the border in Evros region, and Of the current 84 cases, 81 are Greek nationals and the noted the involvement of Turkish authorities in creating rest foreign visitors, they said. Of the total, 56 are part of and continuing the mass violation of European borders at the group that was infected during a trip to the Holy Land: Evros and spreading fake news that heighten the crisis. 47 went on the tour and 9 were people they came in con- Greek government sources also said that Mitsotakis refer- tact with. Of the total 84, 57 are under home restrictions red to images in the media showing a Turkish military and 27 are hospitalized. One of the 27 has a serious case vehicle, funded through EU resources, trying to take down of pneumo-nia and is at the hospital of Rio. the fence protecting Greek and European borders in Evros.

36, TSOCHA ST. ATHENS 115 21 GREECE * TEL: 210 64.00.560-63 * FAX: 210 64.00.581-2 INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.ana.gr * e-mail: anabul@ana gr * GENERAL DIRECTOR: EFTYCHIOS PALLIKARIS

Tuesday, 10 March 2020

Politics days we have shown that we can defend our national and European sovereignty. Greece and Europe cannot be black- mailed by anyone," he said. PM Mitsotakis, Chancellor Merkel discuss The support offered by many European countries is tangible developments in migration issue, proof of European solidarity, said Mitsotakis. "When we coronavirus epidemic needed our friends, dear Angela (Merkel), they gave us both moral and practical support," he added. BERLIN (ANA-MPA/F. Karaviti) "We are entering a new phase as regards migration. President The attempted entry to Greece of a large wave of migrants from Erdogan will be in Brussels this afternoon and I consider this Turkey and the repercussions of the coronavirus in public development positive. I hope it is the start of a de-escalation of health and the economy were the focus of a meeting between the crisis," Mitsotakis said. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and German Chancellor He pointed out that if the Turkish president wants a review of Angela Merkel in Berlin on Monday. the EU-Turkey agreement on migration "which he has, himself, At a meeting scheduled after the German-Hellenic Economic effectively demolished," then he must take the following Forum the same day, Mitsotakis updated Merkel on the Turkish actions: remove the desperate people in Evros and stop actions at the border in Evros region, and noted the spreading fake news and propaganda. involvement of Turkish authorities in creating and continuing Mitsotakis suggested that Erdogan should also examine other the mass violation of European borders at Evros and spreading possible improvements, such as joint patrolling to control the fake news that heighten the crisis. flow of migrants at the Turkish border and pointed out that the Greek government sources also said that Mitsotakis referred to return of those who illegally enter Greece should be possible images in the media showing a Turkish military vehicle, funded from mainland Greece, as well as the islands. Greece has through EU resources, trying to take down the fence protecting always recognised and continues to recognise that Turkey has Greek and European borders in Evros. Chancellor Merkel said played a crucial role in the management of the refugee issue but that the joint EU-Turkey agreement of March 2016 includes this can't be done using threats and blackmail, he added. both the funds Turkey is receiving from Europe and obligations The prime minister then asked for an agreement for the that need to be respected. The issue of the refugee-migration voluntary relocation of children and teenagers from Greece to problem relates to the EU's existence itself, she said. Europe. "I call on the countries to participate in this tangible Both agreed that the time leading up to the EU summit on proof of solidarity," he noted. March 26 should be used constructively to ensure Turkey lowers tension and to discuss improvements to the joint No fatalities from coronavirus so far statement on migration. They also discussed the joint patrolling of the Greek coast guard with Frontex in Greece, and Mitsotakis referred to the spread of coronavirus and Greece's collaboration with the Turkish coast guard, in order to control measures, stating that there have been no fatalities in Greece so migration flows better, and the returns of migrants from the far. Greek islands and the mainland to Turkey. "Today we announced a set of measures for the support of They also discussed the new draft EU budget and the economic activity and working people," he said. repercussions of the coronavirus to public health and the "However, no mass measure can substitute for individual economy, at an EU-level. responsibility. No central decision can bring results if the Both leaders referred to expanding the current Greek-German citizens to not abide by it. We must avoid even shaking hands; economic and trade collaboration into new sectors such as we did this with Chancellor Merkel, we have not quarrelled," green energy, renewable energy sources, pharmaceuticals and he said. agricultural economy. He said that further coordination is required at a European level, adding that a teleconference is being scheduled. "It is PM Mitsotakis: Greece and Europe can't be clear that 2020 will be a different year from what we predicted blackmailed by anyone (ADDS) and that fiscal targets probably will not be met. We must react quickly," the prime minister said.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Monday referred to economic issues and the emerging migration crisis at Greece's German Chancellor Merkel: Optimism over eastern borders, while addressing the German-Hellenic Erdogan-EU meeting in Brussels on migration Economic Forum in Berlin. He stressed that Greece and Europe issue cannot be blackmailed. Regarding the economy, Mitsotakis said that Greece was truly BERLIN (ANA-MPA/F. Karaviti) on a path of growth, adding that the new problems are making Greece has "assumed a great burden on behalf of all of Europe it accelerate, not slow down reforms. and deserves our full solidarity and support," German "The assymetric threat from the east changes the priorities and Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Monday on the migration the health crisis makes our work more difficult. In the last 10

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Tuesday, 10 March 2020 issue, in her keynote address to the German-Hellenic Business such as green energy, pharmaceutical technology and new Forum in Berlin. methods in waste management. The German chancellor also termed Turkey's behavior on the Concerning German tourism in Greece, Mitsotakis noted that migration issue "unacceptable" and said that "despite our "we want to raise the number of 4.5 million Germans who understanding for the great burden Turkey has assumed, by come to Greece as tourists mostly in the summer," and hosting 3.5 million refugees, it cannot expect understanding mentioned winter tourism as one of Greece's merits. "We have when it tries to resolve its own problems by using refugees, beautiful mountains too," he mused. who were led to an impasse at the Greek-Turkish borders." "As Germany is the honored country at the 2020 Thessaloniki She expressed support for the EU-Turkey joint statement but International Fair, we look forward to the presence of said it should be established on a new basis. She expressed her Chancellor (Angela Merkel) at the Fair, to have the opportunity optimism over the meeting today (March 9) of Turkish to inaugurate it together," he concluded. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with the EU leaders in Brussels, and spoke of extensive preparations by phone by all PM Mitsotakis on a panel of the Council sides before the meetings. The German chancellor also referred to Germany's decision to on Foreign Relations in Berlin lead "a coalition of the willing" to host unaccompanied migrant children, "so as not to leave Greece to resolve the issue on its Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis participated in a panel by own." the German Council on Foreign Relations on "Greece on the Rise and Its European and Global Role" in Berlin on Monday. Earlier Mitsotakis also delivered a keynote speech at the Germany's gov't spokesman: Turkey German-Hellenic Economic Forum, and then met with German is responsible for leading desperate people Chancellor Angela Merkel. to impasse, at borders with Greece Altmaier: 'We must seize the opportunity BERLIN (ANA/F. Karaviti) and make Greece a new 'success story' Turkey "clearly bears the responsibility for leading desperate people to an impasse," German State Secretary and government BERLIN (ANA/F. Karaviti) spokesman Steffen Seibert said on Monday, commenting on the German Economic Affairs and Energy Minister Peter Altmaier thousands of migrants who are trying to enter Greece after on Monday said the opportunity must be seized to make Greece Turkey opened its borders and encouraged them to cross at the the new "success story", stressing that there was agreement in Evros region borders. many areas with the new Greek government. Seibert reiterated the German government's solidarity and "GDP is growing, tourism is booming, the Greek economy is in support to Greece and said the European Union "must speak a new recovery phase," Altmaier said in a speech at the with Turkey" to resolve the issue. Hellenic-German Economic Forum in Berlin, stressing the He also spoke of humanitarian behavior towards migrants and opportunities for cooperation between businesses of the two refugees, and called on state media to respect the right countries. proportions. "Only state powers must take care of order along "We see that China has discovered Greece's investment Europe's external borders," he noted, warning that "self-styled opportunities," the German minister noted, adding: "The EU defense groups by citizens and extreme rightists, who arrive can't possibly allow third countries to take the main share of from abroad, have no business" at the borders. investment in Greece [...] Do we want to hand over a part of As a country at the EU's external borders, Greece has a difficult our added value to Asia?" job to do, controlling and defending these borders, the German Altmaier spoke of investment opportunities in the fields of spokesman said. "Greece has Germany's support and solidarity energy, artificial intelligence and green technologies, noting in anything related to guarding the borders and hosting and that in every case business must be profitable and Europe must caring for refugees and migrants arriving in it," he added. remain competitive on a global level. Referring to the period of economic crisis, Altmaier spoke of PM Mitsotakis at Economic Forum: Greece- "misunderstandings" on both sides and said that "the Germans Germany are equal partners did not cease to love Greece, on the contrary, they wanted to help it." Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis spoke of Greek-German economic relations as one defined by "equal partners, who will Deputy Energy Min Thomas outlines be able to launch investments for the benefit of both sides," green investment opportunities while addressing the German-Hellenic Economic Forum in Berlin on Monday. at Economic Forum in Berlin He described Greece's current economic indicators as "extremely positive (...), the highest since the year 2000." BERLIN Investment opportunities in energy infrastructures, Mitsotakis also noted that the most important outlook is for the renewable energy sources and energy efficiency were on two countries' cooperation to develop in more dynamic areas, Monday presented at the German-Hellenic Economic Forum in

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Berlin by the Deputy Energy Minister Gerasimos Thomas and Greece's presidency in May, where he said that Greece is Secretary General for Energy & Mineral Resources Alexandra defending both Europe's borders and human rights. Sdoukou. Varvitsiotis outlined the key priorities set by the Council of Thomas presented the targets for renewable energy resources Europe's Greek Presidency (May 15-November 2020) as (RES) market penetration as set out in the National Energy and follows: education and culture of democracy in the digital age, Climate Plan, which requires the installation of an additional 8 vulnerable children at risk, safeguarding cultural heritage from GW of RES power by new projects worth at least 9 billion climate change and European social rights within the Council euros. He also referred to the development of networks and of Europe. storage units for electricity and gas and he focused on the ministry's initiatives to simplify and accelerate their licensing Staikouras meets Regling, asks that migration, procedures. coronavirus spending be exempt from primary Mitsotakis' visit to Germany, Austria surplus begins new cycle of diplomacy Meeting European Stability Mechanism (ESM) Managing Director Klaus Regling in Athens on Monday, Finance Minister Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' trip to Germany and Christos Staikouras discussed the measures that need to be Austria on Monday and Tuesday begins a new cycle of taken to address the economic repercussions from the spread of diplomatic moves to secure practical support for the ongoing coronavirus globally and asked that certain categories of crisis on the Greek-Turkish border and thus, by extension, on spending be exempted from calculations of Greece's primary the southeastern border of the European Union. According to surplus. government sources, it also aims to strengthen economic In statements after their meeting at the finance ministry, relations with key countries as part of the effort the Greek Staikouras said that, in terms of the repercussions of coro- economy is making to become investment grade and open the navirus, the data and latest extimates indicate that their impact door to the inflow of international capital. on the European and global economy, while temporary, will be After successfully blocking Turkey from flooding Greek - and more significant and painful that initially estimated. European - territory with tens of thousands of migrants and In light of this, the minister said, the situation should be re- seizing the opportunity to show the new EU leadership Turkey's evaluated at the Eurogroup meeting next week and specific true intentions and actions, Greece is now trying to capitalise initiatives adopted to deal the negative repercussions of the on its success as regards diplomacy. Europe already takes a virus' spread on growth and public finances. These initiatives different view of Turkey's movements to blackmail the EU and should aim to prevent the virus spreading and to support health affirms Greece's role as a factor for decisively dealing with systems, as well as boosting liquidity and protecting employ- similar problems, as well as a firm ally in the quest for more ment. He also noted that the above measures should be Europe. exempted from the existing framework in terms of their fiscal Mitsotakis will now seek a double reinforcement of Greece's impact, in line with the flexibility envisioned in such emer- position in Europe: On the one hand, he wants to invest in his gency situations under European rules. shared understanding with German Chancellor Angela Merkel On migration, Staikouras underlined that the country is about the transition of the Greek economy to a phase of strong protecting the most difficult borders in Europe, noting that development, prosperity and enhanced bilateral co-operation by Greece has recently been faced with an organised and expanding into new dynamic areas, but also to try to bring assymetrical threat against its national security, which the Germany even closer to Greek positions on migration and country was protecting - as was its right and obligation - with Turkey's role in this. determination and self confidence. The minister asked for On the other hand, Mitsotakis' ambition is to further deepen practical recognition of this fact by Greece's European partners Greek-Austrian bilateral relations, following the explicit and said that Athens is seeking the exemption from the state support from Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz. budget of specific funds used to manage mass migration The programme on Tuesday, March 10, is as follows: pressures at its eastern land and sea borders, so they are not - At 08:00 local time (09:00 Athens time) the prime minister taken into account when calculating in its fiscal balance. will participate in a working breakfast with institutions of the "We will continue to meet the country's obligations but we are German economy. asking for the necessary fiscal space to implement growth- - He will then depart for the Austrian capital where he will friendly policies, in order to lower taxes for households and meet with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz at 15:40 local businesses, which will help in achieving high and sustainable time (16:40 Athens time). growth," Staikouras said. According to the minister, he repeated this demand in the Alt. FM Varvitsiotis in Strasbourg: Greece meeting with Klaus Regling, presenting specific quantitative defends Europe's borders and human rights figures that make the creation of this greater fiscal space both possible and beneficial. These figures are included in the Alternate Foreign Affairs Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis on finance ministry's Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) report. Monday visited the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, ahead of

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Greek security forces prevented 1,646 attempts The assistance sent so far consists of sleeping bags, blankets, generators, tents and other kinds of accommodation, as well as to illegally enter the country since health and sanitation supplies. Based on pledges made by the Sunday morning 15 countries, more of the above goods are expected, as well as 31,000 raincoats, beds, boots, and heaters. According to government sources, Greek security forces prevented 1,646 attempts to illegally enter the country between Mitarachi announces increase in places 6:00 on Sunday morning and 6:00 on Monday. Moreover, they made two arrests, involving one Egyptian national and one for unaccompanied minors Moroccan. Migration and Asylum Minister Notis Mitarachi on Monday announced that the government is increasing the number of Cyprus security forces arrive in Alexandroupolis places for the accommodation of unaccompanied minors, to assist with Greek border's protection aiming to have 2,000 by the end of spring and 4,000 by the end of the year. It will also boost processes for verifying juveniles A strong presence of the security forces and the army at the in the new asylum bill to be tabled in parliament in the coming Greek border appears has helped discourage attempts to ille- days. gally enter the country, which are markedly fewer than in the Mitarachi made the announcement during the opening of the first days when refugees and migrants massed on the Turkish workshop for unaccompanied minors organised by the side of the border, sources said. ministry's Reception and Identification Service. Their numbers were further reinforced on Sunday night when a According to the minister, there were 1,000 long-term C-130 military aircraft carrying security forces from Cyprus accommodation places for unaccompanied minors when the landed at Alexandroupolis' 'Dimokritos' airport to assist in the government took over in 2019, but "there was a complete lack guarding of the borders. of child protection and or a national action plan for unaccompanied minors." Within a few months, the ministry has Coalition of EU countries offers to take up increased the number of places to 1,400, with the goal of to 1,500 unaccompanied migrant reaching 2,000 by the end of spring and 4,000 by the end of the year. He described this goal as "difficult and one where "we and refugee children need the support of all society" as well as "the practical support of our European partners." A coalition of "willing" EU countries will take up to 1,500 The ministry's planning includes three pillars of action: unaccompanied migrant and refugee children from Greek alternative forms of reception, such as foster care, for children refugee camps on the islands, German government officials under 12, long-term hospitality structures for the 12-16 age said late on Sunday. group, and semi-independent living for children over 16 until "A humanitarian solution is being negotiated at the European they become adults. level for a 'coalition of the willing' to take in these children," the German government said in a statement. Migration Min Mitarachi visits Samos "We want to support Greece in the difficult humanitarian situation of about 1,000 to 1,500 children on the Greek Migration and Asylum Minister Notis Mitarachi will go to the islands," it added. island of Samos on Monday to meet with representatives of the

island's local authorities. Afterwards, Mitarachi will visit New First humanitarian aid from Europe Democracy's offices on Samos. arrives in Greece Finally, he will participate in the scheduled meeting of the municipal council of Eastern Samos. The first humanitarian aid sent by Europe to cover Greece's needs due to the increased migration and refugee pressures at Greek foreign affairs ministry criticizes the land and sea borders with Turkey has started to arrive since Albania's legislation on Greek minority rights last Friday and the shipments are expected to be completed by the end of the week. The Foreign Affairs Ministry on Monday criticized the Humanitarian aid is being sent following an immediate Albanian government for failing to protect the property response by 15 European countries after the General Secretariat ownership rights of the country's Greek ethnic minority. for Civil Protection activated the European Civil Protection Albania passed a law which ignores both the October 2019 Mechanism last Monday. Venice Commission resolution concerning the Finalization of The EU and its member-states are not leaving Greece to deal Transitional Ownership Processes, and the 2017 framework with the situation at its borders alone, said Slovenian Law on the Protection of National Minorities, Greece said. Commissioner for Crisis Management Janan Lenarcic, adding: The ministry’s statement called the latest legislation "a missed "I am proud of the generous support European countries have opportunity for a definitive and just resolution of a problem that given Greece. We are ready to help further." is troubling both Albanian citizens and members of the Greek

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Tuesday, 10 March 2020 ethnic minority," and said the issue would affect the future of - a new EU-Turkey agreement if Turkey does not resume the start of talks for Albania's accession to the EU. implementation of the Joint Statement, with a stronger refugee resettlement programme from Turkey to EU countries that also Greek President-elect Sakellaropoulou cancels allows the return of migrants from the Greek mainland to Turkey. ceremony at handover due to coronavirus - a new refugee and asylum seekers relocation programme from Greece to Europe, equivalent to that of 2016. Ekaterini Sakellaropoulou, who has been elected to succeed - A review of the Dublin Treaty in a fair direction. Prokopios Pavlopoulos as president of the Hellenic Republic, on Monday announced the cancellation of the traditional ceremony for congratulations on the assumption of her duties, Unity essential for an effective response scheduled for Saturday 14 March. She said that the decision to Turkish challenges, SYRIZA's was taken "with a sense of the need for a collective effort and Katrougalos says responsibility to address the coronavirus epidemic." The unity of the Greek people is a prerequisite for an effective Syriza says PM Mitsotakis missed opportunity response to the challenges and geopolitical threats presented by to secure firm support in meeting Merkel Turkey, main opposition SYRIZA's head of foreign affairs George Katrougalos said on Monday, speaking to Athens- SYRIZA claimed that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis Macedonian News Agency radio station "Praktoreio" about the missed an opportunity to secure solid support commitments latest developments concerning migration. from German Chancellor Angela Merkel during their Monday "This unity is undermined in the worst possible way when the Berlin meeting on both Greece's migration crisis and the recent government spokesperson accuses the main opposition of being border tensions with Turkey. Turkey's 'Trojan Horse'," he noted, underlining "that the least "Unfortunately, Mitsotakis leaves the meeting with the German the government spokesperson owes the Greek people, not Chancellor having received only well-wishes and self-evident SYRIZA, is an apology for his irresponsible statements." verbal condemnations of Turkey's blackmail and its use of Concerning the situation in Evros, Katrougalos estimated that refugees and migrants as tools of political pressure by President "we are facing a protracted situation" and repeated the need to Erdogan," noted the main opposition party's statement. immediately decongest the Greek islands. The party continued its disapproval of the meeting's outcome by saying that "Europe and especially Germany must assume SYRIZA calls for a clear governmental position their responsibilities. Unfortunately, the prime minister seems on Holy Communion and coronavirus to have claimed nothing." Syriza claimed that Mitsotakis received "neither a reference to Syriza on Monday called on the government to take a clear sanctions against Turkey, nor to the need to share the burdens stance on whether the holy communion service poses a danger of migration, nor a new refugee relocation program in Europe." in transmitting the coronavirus. "Not even a half-mention to the need for Turkish refugees to The main opposition party said that "at a time when schools, resettle in Europe in order to have an incentive to stay there," universities and stadiums are kept closed and special measures the party stressed. are being taken for the swearing-in ceremony of the Greek President, the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece insists that SYRIZA: Greece should not become the sacrament of holy communion bears no danger of Europe's warehouse of souls transmitting the new virus." Syriza underlined that the problem "is not what the Holy Synod Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis should go to the meeting says, but what the state policy says on the matter, who along with German Chancellor Angela Merkel with "clear positions" with the National Public Health Organization and the ministry that will point out the responsibilities of Germany and the EU of health, all bear the sole social responsibility for the regarding the migration/refugees issue, so that Greece is not protection of citizens and for not spreading the virus." turned into Europe's "warehouse of souls", main opposition SYRIZA said in an announcement on Monday. Israeli Embassy to close for two weeks after "At a time when Turkey is continuing its aggressive policy of employee diagnosed with coronavirus blackmail at the Greek borders, with the instrumentalisation of the human suffering of refugees and migrants, Greece should The Israeli Embassy in Athens, in a statement issued on have clear positions that bring Germany and EU face to face Monday, announced that it is closing for a period of two weeks, with their responsibilities," SYRIZA said. reopening on March 23, after an embassy employee was The party, in its announcement, urged Mitsotakis to speak diagnosed with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus: plainly to the German Chancellor and to request: "As a precaution and concern for public health, the Embassy of - an immediate extraordinary EU Summit that clearly the State of Israel will reopen on 23 March 2020 following two condemns Turkish aggressiveness and imposes sanctions if it continues to violate the EU-Turkey agreement

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Tuesday, 10 March 2020 weeks of voluntary closure since the discovery of an Embassy Greek exporters are calmly monitoring developments and employee diagnosed with coronavirus. remain alerted to deal with any possible problems. In any case, "The Ambassador and his diplomatic team will continue if necessary the state should include export companies to the working from their homes. support measures it promotes for Greek companies current hit "We would like to thank the Government of Greece for its by the impact of coronavirus," Christina Sakellaridi, head of the support and cooperation and reassure everyone that the Panhellenic Exporters Association said in an announcement. Ambassador and his diplomatic team are in good health," the Exports to the EU and third countries grew in January (10.1 pct statement said. and 18.4 pct, respectively), while excluding oil products, exports to the EU rose 11.4 pct and to third countries rose 8.1 Financial News pct. Oils (43.8 pct) machinery (17.5 pct), oil products (16.5 pct), food/livestock (15.1 pct) and chemicals (12.5 pct) recorded the First set of fiscal measures to address effects biggest percentage growth rates in January, while Raw of coronavirus announced Materials (2.2 pct) and Alcohol/tobacco (1.7 pct) fell compared with the same month last year. The first set of fiscal measures to address the effects of coronavirus include tax and insurance benefits, among others, PPC to cooperate on wind, photovoltaic energy as well as additional expenditure for the health system, according to an announcement by the finance and labour with Germany's RWE ministries on Monday. In addition, new possible initiatives were announced, which The Public Power Corporation (PPC) has signed a will form the second set of measures by the relevant ministries, memorandum of understanding with the German energy firm and will be tabled for discussion in the European institutions RWE, one of the leaders globally in renewable energy sources over the coming days. (RES) and the phasing out of lignite, in order to develop and In the context of these initiatives, in order to prevent the spread implement RES projects in Greece. of the virus and to strengthen health systems, as well as to According to the MoU, the parties will pursue potential colla- stimulate liquidity and safeguard employment, the ministry has boration in order to exchange knowhow in decarbonization as asked to exempt the fiscal impact of these measures from the well as in the development and implementation of renewable existing framework, in line with the flexibility permitted during energy projects in Greece. emergency situations under EU rules. The parties have agreed to focus on wind and solar projects, with the projects' implementation to be based upon the optimum business model and collaboration structure, in line New package of measures for enterprises with each party's respective corporate policies. Through their stricken by coronavirus before end of March common efforts, the parties are targeting the development of joint projects in Greece, which is in line with PPC’s ambitious A new package of measures concerning enterprises whose the targets for further increasing its RES portfolio. The companies turnover has been stricken by the coronavirus, will be decided will also consider a cooperation in the phase-out of coal in in the next days and will be implemented before the end of Greece by 2028. March, finance ministry sources said on Monday, noting that The Chairman and CEO of PPC, George Stassis commented: any initiatives will have nationwide and not local "In the context of global energy transition, PPC and RWE are characteristics. on the same path acknowledging that their own transformation is both a challenge and an opportunity. This agreement gives Greek exports rose in January, both PPC and RWE the opportunity to exchange know-how and coronavirus cause of concern take full advantage of significant investment opportunities in RES that are expected to play a key role in the energy map in

the coming decades." Greek exports remained on an upward trend in January, Rolf Martin Schmitz, CEO of RWE, added: As one of the extending last year’s course which led them to new historic leading producers of renewable power we pursue the target to records, offering encouraging signs for the outlook of exports become carbon neutral by 2040. Thereby, growing renewable in 2020, along with a 9.8 pct decline in the trade deficit in the energy is the clear focus of the RWE. In this view, Greece is a first month of the year. However, fears over the range of promising market for such projects and we are pleased to consequences from a fast-spreading coronavirus on the global examine the possibilities with PPC to mutually benefit." economy and problems likely to raise to Greek enterprises are source of serious concern. "Once again Greek exports proved they are a main growth tool Premier Capital continues expansion of the Greek economy, contributing largely in the rise of GDP of McDonald's network and employment. However, a fast-spreading coronavirus in international markets, particularly in Italy - the number one Premier Capital plc, development licencee of McDonald’s in export destination for Greek products - is raising concern. six European countries based in Malta, continues the expansion

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Tuesday, 10 March 2020 of its network with 12 new restaurants and the refurbishment of exports of tomato and strawberry also rose substantially to its existing restaurants, based on an investment programe worth 10,284 tons (from 9,812 in 2019) and 8,318 (from 5,490 in 28 million euros in Europe. 2019), respectively in the period from October 1, 2019 to The group aims to open at least 12 new restaurants each year in March 6, 2020. The report also showed that exports of oranges, the countries with established activities in the next three years. lemons, cuccumbers and apples were up so far. In this framework, Premier Capital has a goal to operate a network of 190 McDonald’s restaurants by the end of 2022. In Greek stocks plunge 13.39 pct on Monday 2019, Premier Capital opened 12 new restaurants in the Baltic states, Greece and Romania, a 23-million-euros investment, Greek stocks suffered one of the biggest daily percentage raising its network to 156 restaurants and creating more than declines in history in the Athens Stock Exchange on Monday, 780 new job positions, to a total workforce of 8,800. with the general index falling to its lowest levels since November 2018, amid a scene of chaos prevailing in Greek trade deficit down 9.8 pct in January international markets on growing concern over the impact of a fast-spreading coronavirus on the global economy, combined Greek trade deficit fell by 9.8 pct in January this year, as with a 30 pct plunge in international oil prices. exports's growth was more than four times the growth rate of The general index plunged 13.39 pct to end at 593.07 points, its imports, Hellenic Statistical Authority said in a report on lowest since November 20, 2018. The index is down 35.30 pct Monday. so far this year. The market’s capitalization fell 5.452 billion More specifically, the value of import-arrivals totaled 4.750,7 euros on Monday, losing 18.115 billion in 2020, after gaining billion euros from 4.621,1 billion in January 2019, an increase 16.4 billion euros in 2019. Turnover was a heavy 140.689 of 2.8 pct (excluding oil products imports rose 5.3 pct while million euros in volume of 84,449,002 shares. The Large Cap excluding oil products and ships imports rose 7.5 pct). index fell 11.87 pct and the Mid Cap index ended 16.63 pct The value of export-deliveries totaled 2.844,7 billione uros lower. All blue chip stocks suffered heavy losses, led by GEK from 2.507,3 billion in January 2019, up 13.5 pct (excluding oil Terna (26.87 pct), PPC (24.24 pct), Aegean Airlines (22.86 products, exports rose 10.5 pct, while excluding oil products pct), National Bank (20.34 pct), Titan (19.75 pct), Viohalco and ships exports rose 10.4 pct). (19.63 pct), Ellaktor (19.15 pct) and Piraeus Bank (18.86 pct). The country’s trade deficit amounted to 1.906 billion euros in All sectors ended lower, led by Construction (22.96 pct) and January from 2.113,8 billion in January 2019, down 9.8 pct Raw Materials (19.71 pct). Banks dropped 16.95 pct. (excluding oil products, the trade deficit eased 1.1 pct, while Eurobank and Alpha Bank were the most heavily traded excluding oil products and ships the trade deficit grew 3.8 pct). securities of the day. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 123 to 5, with another 10 issues unchanged. Euroconsultants (20 pct) Trastor REIC reports significant increase and Elgeka (13.3 pct) were top gainers, while Iktinos (29.94 pct) and Kiriakoulis (29.78 pct). in 2019 profits

Trastor REIC on Monday reported a significant increase in its Greek bond market closing report net profits to 13.77 million euros in 2019 from 2.74 million in 2018. Panic has taken over in international bond markets on fears In an announcement, the company said that revenue from over the consequences of the fast-spreading coronavirus around leasing contracts amounted to 9.62 million euros, up 72.5 pct the globe. In the Eurozone, bond yields and CDS soared on from 2018 (5.58 million), while EBITDA almost quadrupled to Monday, while in the domestic electronic secondary bond 17.75 million euros in 2019 from 4.48 million in 2018. market bond yields jumped to six-month highs. The 10-year Trastor said its asset portrfolio included 58 commercial bond yield rose to 1.9 pct from 1.4 pct on Friday, the five-year property assets with a fair value of 200.71 million euros. The bond yield jumped to 1.34 pct from 0.74 pct and the 15-year company invested 48.11 million euros to buy 13 investment bond yield rose to 2.22 pct from 1.83 pct. assets and 16.31 million to acquire four real estate companies in The yield spread between the 10-year Greek and German 2019. benchmark bonds widened to 2.85 pct from 2.13 pct on Friday, with the German Bund yielding -0.85 pct. Turnover was 38 million euros of which 36 million were sell orders. Greek kiwi exports to set new record this year

Greece is on the road to break a new export record in kiwis, General News Incofruit-Hellas said in a report released on Monday. Kiwi exports totaled 138,368 tons (based on export figures by Friday Greece has 11 new coronavirus cases, 6 March), from 101,283 tons in the same period last year, "with totalling 84 to date all evidence showing that this year's period will set a new record both in quality and value." Greece has eleven new coronavirus infections, Health Minister Incofruit-Hellas said that exports of mushrooms grew 16.4 pct Vassilis Kikilias and infectious diseases professor Sotiris totaling 111,165 tons so far, up from 95,480 tons in 2019, while

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Tuesday, 10 March 2020

Tsiodras said following a government meeting on Monday, North Italy as of March 9 (today) to March 23, as a preventive raising the number of cases to 84. measure against the coronavirus. Of the current 84 cases, 81 are Greek nationals and the rest The decision affects all Greek airports and airlines, and relates foreign visitors, they said. Of the total, 56 are part of the group to the Italian airports in that was infected during a trip to the Holy Land: 47 went on the Emilia Romagna, Piedmont, Lombardy and Veneto. tour and 9 were people they came in contact with. Of the total 84, 57 are under home restrictions and 27 are Piraeus disinfecting schools, public buildings, hospitalized. One of the 27 has a serious case of pneumonia and is at the hospital of Rio. local buses for coronavirus prevention Professor Tsiodras said more cases were expected in the following weeks, including people not related to known cases. The city of Piraeus is disinfecting all schools and carrying out Of the total 84, 4 fall under that category, he said, meaning that daily disinfections of local-network buses, as preventative the source of their infection is unknown. measures against coronavirus infection, it said on Monday. Kikilias said it was everyone's duty to protect vulnerable groups All public buildings including nursery stations will also be and to follow directions issued by the government and local disinfected, as will sports facilities, the city's musical center and authorities. Members of vulnerable groups should restrict their the cultural multispace "K. Kostarakos". movements and stay home, he said. The next two months are critical, the minister stressed, and called on people to act Lighting Ceremony of the Olympic Flame to be responsibly. held without the presence of spectators Speaking about vulnerable groups, government consultant prof. Tsiodras said that the vulnerable group included people over 70 The Lighting Ceremony of the Olympic Flame will be held years old with chronic cardiopulmonary issues, people with without the presence of spectators, the Hellenic Olympic diabetes, and people with chronic immunosuppresant cases. He Committee said on Monday. also reiterated that gatherings of over 50 people, such as "The Hellenic Olympic Committee held a meeting today municipal council meetings, should take particular care to regarding the Lighting Ceremony of the Olympic Flame observe hygiene measures. (March 12, in Ancient Olympia). Taking into consideration the In addition, all gatherings of over 1,000 people and the Athens latest decisions of the Hellenic Government about the half-marathon were cancelled. protection of public health due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the HOC made the following decisions: Education Ministry shuts down more schools, The Lighting Ceremony of the Olympic Flame will be held posts updated lists online without the presence of spectators and will be attended by only 100 accredited guests from the International Olympic The Greek Ministry of Education advised families to visit its Committee and the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee. web page (www.minedu.gov.gr) on a regular basis in order to The dress rehearsal on March 11 will be closed to the public find out whether schools have suspended operations for and to the journalists.The media accreditations will be preventative reasons due to the coronavirus epidemic. extremely limited. In a list of schools on Monday night, it included schools We urge the Mayors of the cities through which the Olympic suspending operations as of Tuesday. The list includes public Flame will pass or stay overnight to follow the instructions of and private schools in Athens and Thessaloniki and several the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health prefectures throughout Greece that will be shut down, for Organization. varying durations. The Hellenic Olympic Committee will continue to monitor the situation and, depending on developments, will make decisions, always with a view to protecting public health," the Hellenic Athens Half Marathon postponed Olympic Committee said in an announcement. due to coronavirus Four arrested on suspicion of several arson The 8th Athens Half Marathon, which was scheduled to take place on March 22, has been postponed to limit the spread of incidents in Athens region coronavirus. The decision was taken by the municipality of Athens and the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS) for Security police arrested four antiestablishment individuals precautionary reasons. SEGAS is to announce a new date for during investigations related to arson, in the greater Athens the race in the following days. region on Monday. Police sources said three men and a woman are being detained and will be led before a prosecutor on Tuesday. All Greek flights to North Italy One of the men, sources said, has been identified as having suspended until March 23 participated in an arson of the Mitsotakis Foundation in January 2020. An anarchist group had claimed responsibility online. The Civil Aviation Authority on Monday announced the The same group had claimed responsibility for the arson of cars nationwide suspension of all flights to and from Greece and belonging to the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization

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Tuesday, 10 March 2020 parked at Hellenikon, the destruction of ATMs, and an attack clouds with a chance of light rain in Athens, 07C-16C. Partly against the motorcycle police unit on Charilaou Trikoupi Street, cloudy and scattered showers in Thessaloniki, 07C-13C. among other incidents. Evidence against the other three surfaced during the The Monday edition of Athens dailies at a preliminary hearing, sources said. glance Only 72 migrants and refugees arrived at the Aegean islands in the last three days DIΜΟΚRΑΤΙΑ: The end of allowances to the refugees

The Hellenic Coast Guard intervened in three incidents ΕLEFTHEROS TYPOS: Shield against the coronavirus involving migrants and refugees between early Friday and early Monday. ΕFIMERIDA TON SYNTAKTON: The government is According to the coast guard, 72 migrants and refugees arrived cultivating division in three dinghies on the islands of Kos and Chios. ΤΑ ΝΕΑ: Coronavirus. Emergency measures Yacht sinks while being taken out of the water in Perama ΝΑFTEMPORIKI: Targetted measures to support the economy No injuries or sea pollution were reported from the partial sinking of the Cayman islands-flagged yacht "Nourah of Riyad" Athens News Agency - Macedonian Press in the sea off a shipyard in Perama, while it was being taken out of the water. Agency - http://www.ana.gr/en The yacht developed a 45-degree list, while the 12 crew members safely left the vessel. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and 52 The incident resulted in damage to the facilities of an adjacent weeks a year, ΑNA - ΜPΑ keeps you up to date, reliably shipyard and to the equipment of adjacent tourist boat and promptly, on what is happening in Greece and the "LAMADIN", which was already pulled up onto the land. region. With dozens of experienced reporters and a host of correspondents in the country's larger cities, it provides Weather forecast the maximum possible coverage of domestic news. At the same time, it allows subscribers to search for past Clouds, rain on Tuesday ΑNA - ΜΝΑ news items and photographs through its electronic archives, which go as far back as 1992 in both Clouds, rain and westerly winds are forecast for Tuesday. Wind Greek and English. velocity will reach 6 on the Beaufort scale. Rain in the northern Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/amna_newseng parts of the country with temperatures ranging from 06C to Follow us on Facebook: 14C. Clouds and scattered showers in the western parts with https://www.facebook.com/ampanewseng temperatures between 09C and 16C. Partly cloudy and light Please contact us at: rain in the eastern parts, 07C-17C. Partly cloudy and scattered • E-MAIL: anabul@ana gr showers over the Aegean islands and Crete, 13C-18C. Scattered • TEL: 210- 64.00.560-63

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