Athens

EU Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has reportedly drafted a compromise deal to break a deadlock between institutional lenders and the increasingly bewildered radical leftist government in Athens, although the latter indirectly replied on Monday that it was unaware of such an initiative.

The European Commission denied on Monday a Greek newspaper report that its President Jean-Claude Juncker has made a new, compromise proposal to Greece in negotiations on more funding in exchange for reforms for the cash-strapped country.

The Rematia Theater in the northeastern Athens suburb of Halandri has been destroyed, possibly in an arson attack.

Nine taxi drivers have been arrested in Athens for tampering with their meters or the machines that issue customers with receipts.

The taxi drivers were found to have made the interventions in order to overcharge customers or not be able to issue them with receipts.

November 17 terrorist Christodoulos Xeros appeared in court in Athens on Monday to give evidence regarding his failure to return from a prison furlough last year.

The judge adjourned the hearing until Friday, when Xeros will answer questions.

Authorities revealed on Monday that they are close to uncovering a group of corrupt policemen, who worked with criminals.

Two arrests have already been made. A policeman and foreign national were arrested on Friday on suspicion of kidnapping, blackmail and bodily harm.

The government will hold a referendum if it is given a ?take it or leave it? offer by Greece?s lenders, according to SYRIZA?s parliamentary spokesman Nikos Filis.

?Negotiations are entering a crucial few days,? Filis told Skai TV on Monday morning.

A patient at a mental institution in Athens was killed by a fellow sufferer on Sunday, according to authorities.

The 63-year-old victim was killed at the Dafni Psychiatric Hospital by the 42-year-old, who suffers from serious psychological disabilities, after the latter managed to free himself from his restraints.

By Michelle Martin

German politicians kept up the pressure on Greece over the weekend to implement reforms, with Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel warning Athens in an interview that a third aid package would not be on the cards unless the Greeks made some changes.

The Organization of Youth and Sports (ONA) is inviting people for picnics around Athens with guided tours around Philopappou hill, Lykavittos and Ilission Park. Highlights of the tour will be the picnic points.

Participants are invited to be wearing comfortable clothes and shoes and to have a packed lunch with them.

Meeting points: