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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 96-11-09

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN,

Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca


CONTENTS

  • [01] ASE suspends trading, Gov't says confidence not in peril
  • [02] Shareholders' president
  • [03] Gov't spokesman
  • [04] Investors to be reimbursed
  • [05] Reppas denies that state-run ERT network financially dependent on Gov't
  • [06] IAAF lauds organization of 1997 World Athletics Championships
  • [07] Foreign, defense ministers examine better coordination between ministries
  • [08] Rozakis says Athens fulfilling Lausanne Treaty
  • [09] Gov't to support Anastasopoulos candidacy for Europarliament president
  • [10] Athens angrily rejects Turkish claims of 'aggressive exercises'
  • [11] Latest round of Skopje talks end
  • [12] Kuchma to visit Athens next week
  • [13] French warships to visit Piraeus next week
  • [14] Papadopoulos stresses local Gov't participation in EU convergence
  • [15] Still no sign of the four missing seamen
  • [16] Discussion on Muslim minority held in Athens
  • [17] Canadian FM calls for better climate of human rights in Turkey
  • [18] Stephanopoulos, Tsohatzopoulos attend air force's celebration
  • [19] Evert tables question on 12 nautical miles issue
  • [20] All New Democracy developments point to next year's party congress
  • [21] Reppas comments on ND developments
  • [22] Criticism aimed at latest Garaudy book
  • [23] Merchant marine ministry directive issued on vessels carrying dangerous cargoes
  • [24] Greek development group joins UN Mediterranean organization
  • [25] ADEDY calls for nation-wide strike on Nov. 28
  • [26] Gov't casino committee ratifies re-negotiated Loutraki casino contract
  • [27] Evert criticizes Gov't policy on tourism
  • [28] Credits for highway projects earmarked
  • [29] Australian prime minister welcomes Vartholomeos

  • [01] ASE suspends trading, Gov't says confidence not in peril

    Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)

    The government yesterday said there was no problem with the Greek economy, after trading on the Athens Stock Exchange was suspended for the first time ever during yesterday's session following a decision of the Union of Stock Exchange Members (SMEXA) to abstain.

    "There is no problem with the country's economy nor any problem which might cause concern for the stock exchange," government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said in response to press questions.

    Mr. Reppas added that the stock exchange was experiencing certain problems associated with its adaptation to a new institutional framework, stressing that the bourse itself was able to deal with these problems.

    Brokers have called on the national economy ministry to guarantee correct operation of the market's settlement system, claiming that the Titles Depository, which is responsible for clearing transactions, owes 2.6 billion drachmas to brokerage companies, and therefore brokers lack cash to meet the demands of their clients.

    The SMEXA move was prompted by the inability of the Delta S.A. brokerage firm to cover cash obligations to the Depository of 2.6 billion drachmas. Athens Public Prosecutor Georgios Koliokostas has initiated proceedings against representatives of Delta Brokerage S.A. after conducting an urgent preliminary investigation.

    At the same time, the prosecutor ordered a main investigation into the affair and prohibited the representatives of the firm from leaving the country.

    In particular, Mr. Koliokostas initiated proceedings against the president of Delta, Dimitris Argyriadis, its Vice-President, Ioanna Gelestathi, and board member Theofanis Gravanis, for charges of repeated fraud involving a particularly large amount of money.

    All three representatives of the Delta firm had authorization to sign official documents.

    A preliminary inquiry was conducted in the wake of relevant press reports. Mr. Koliokostas also examined stock exchange officials Georgios Malakis, Ilias Stasinopoulos and Nikolaos Constantopoulos.

    [02] Shareholders' president

    Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)

    Meanwhile, Dimitris Karagounis, the president of the Union of Shareholders, told ANA yesterday that the present conditions prevailing on the ASE were the result of bad operation of the Depository which, "by delaying delivery of shares, nurtured devaluatory speculation." He said the full extent of the problem was disclosed after in-depth checks were made following the intervention of the Union.

    "It is better for the ASE to close for a few days in order to fully clarify the situation and for the exemplary punishment of all the brokerage firms that have contravened legislation governing the stock market," Mr. Karagounis said.

    [03] Gov't spokesman

    Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)

    Commenting on calls for the government to guarantee securities being traded on the stock exchange, Mr. Reppas said the government was doing all it could within the existing institutional framework from "which it cannot go beyond".

    The spokesman called on all parties involved in the operation of the ASE to assume their responsibilities.

    In a related development, the main opposition New Democracy (ND) party strongly criticized the government, charging "a total lack of supervision over the operation of the stock exchange".

    "The case of Delta is just another characteristic example of the sick climate prevailing on the stock exchange," ND spokesman Prokopis Pavlopoulos said.

    Mr. Pavlopoulos laid responsibility for what he called "the total lack of protection of investors, particularly small investors" on the government and above all on National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou.

    [04] Investors to be reimbursed

    Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)

    At a meeting later yesterday between National Economy Ministry Secretary General Apostolos Fotiadis and representatives of brokerage firms, it was decided that investors hit by Delta's inability to meet its obligations - which actually amount to 2.6 billion drachmas rather than the 1.3 billion drachmas initially estimated - would be reimbursed from the brokerage firms' guarantee fund.

    Mr. Fotiadis, however, impressed upon the brokerage firms' representatives that the government would under no circumstances undertake to make good losses in the case of future violations.

    [05] Reppas denies that state-run ERT network financially dependent on Gov't

    Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)

    Press Minister Dimitris Reppas told Parliament yesterday that the reorganization of the state-controlled Greek Radio Television (ERT) was on a good course.

    He specified that two committees were currently tackling the issue, one at the national economy ministry targeting the financial restoration of ERT - whose debts amount to 35 billion drachmas - and the other at the labor ministry, which is considering the employment status of ERT employees.

    A plan for the public broadcasting organization's administrative and organizational restructuring was also in progress, Mr. Reppas said.

    Coalition of the Left and Progress deputy Petros Kounalakis, to whom Mr. Reppas was replying, claimed that ERT was financially dependent on the government, something Mr. Reppas categorically denied. The deputy also raised the issue of dismissals of a number of lower-salaried reporters from the network, and the hiring of others with exorbitantly higher wages.

    Mr. Reppas declined to reply on this claim.

    [06] IAAF lauds organization of 1997 World Athletics Championships

    Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)

    International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) President Primo Nebiolo expressed his confidence yesterday over the organization of the 1997 World Athletics Championships, due to be held in Athens in August next year.

    "I believe Athens can organize a great event for the World Championships. Here in Athens we have everything. We have a very good stadium, four warm-up tracks and we have the full support of the government," he said during a press conference at a central Athens hotel.

    "At the end of the championships, what I really want is to see the Greeks satisfied, happy and proud that they will have organized here in Athens the most important sporting event of the last 100 years in Greece, after the Olympic Games of 1896."

    The world's best athletes are scheduled to compete in the championships, which will be covered by 200 countries and is considered one of the three most important international sporting events, along with the Olympic Games and the football World Cup. "For 10 days, Athens will be the sporting capital of the world," the IAAF president said.

    Mr. Nebiolo stressed that disagreements which existed during the past year between the sports ministry and the Greek amateur athletics federation (SEGAS) are now firmly in the past, and underlined that all Greek authorities are now united and have reached an agreement on the event's organization.

    "The only thing left is to work," he noted.

    Replying to a question on concerns regarding weather conditions in the usually hot month of August in Athens, Mr. Nebiolo said that "the climate will be good, infinitely better than the climate we encountered in Atlanta," where he noted there were no health problems among the athletes.

    Speaking on reports that US sprinter and prolific Olympic gold-medallist Carl Lewis has refused to compete if the championships are held in Athens, the IAAF president said that although there is a bond of friendship between himself and Mr. Lewis, "we al so have the rules of the game between us."

    "There is a rule which says that if the federation enters an athlete into the World Championships and he refuses to compete the athlete will not participate in the Olympics, and will be automatically disqualified for three months, and this means that this athlete will lose his participation in all the Grand Prix, which will be held after the World Championships. I don't know if an athlete like Lewis is prepared to lose roughly a million dollars," Mr. Nebiolo said.

    Although he is also on the committee for Rome's bid for the 2004 Olympics, Mr. Nebiolo said the Italian capital is conducting a correct campaign and that they will be the first to congratulate the winners if they themselves are not successful.

    Mr. Nebiolo also met with Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos yesterday and discussed the organization of the World Championships, as well as cultural events for the promotion of Thessaloniki as Cultural Capital of Europe 1997.

    [07] Foreign, defense ministers examine better coordination between ministries

    Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)

    Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos had talks yesterday on ways to better coordinate action by the two ministries. The 45-minute meeting was also attended by Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou,

    Foreign Under-secretary Christos Rozakis and National Defense Under-secretary Dimitris Apostolakis.

    Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr. Pangalos said that the two ministries already had a coordinating body which, following yesterday's talks, was expected to function even more efficiently.

    Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said that the country's foreign policy was linked with Greece's defense strategy and underlined the importance of the so-called "defense diplomacy."

    He said other issues concerning national defense had also been discussed, as well as Greece's participation in defense organizations, developments in the European Union's joint foreign policy and security policy.

    Mr. Tsohatzopoulos added that both ministries were occupied on a daily basis with Turkish aggression in the Aegean.

    Replying to reporters' questions, Mr. Pangalos said that his recent proposal to NATO requesting intervention by the Alliance in instances of Turkish aggression against Greece was also discussed. He stressed that the proposal was nothing new, since Greece had repeatedly put forward the request, only to be given the NATO reply that "there is no provision for this."

    "Now that the nature of NATO is changing and is being converted into a broader security mechanism, we are requesting the existence of some mechanism for the settlement of claims," Mr. Pangalos said.

    Several replies had already been received from Greece's partners, Mr. Pangalos said, noting that they were "not at all disappointing."

    The two ministers also discussed the political aspect of the armaments program in view that purchase of weapons bears an influence on Greece's relations with other countries.

    Both of them reiterated that the government maintains its step-by-step approach to Greek-Turkish relations, while Mr. Pangalos added that both the United States and the European Union supported this approach.

    [08] Rozakis says Athens fulfilling Lausanne Treaty

    Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)

    Foreign Under-secretary Christos Rozakis told Parliament yesterday Greece is applying the 1923 Lausanne Treaty on the Muslim minority in Thrace with "faith and accuracy."

    Mr. Rozakis was replying to a question by PASOK deputy and former minister Stelios Papathemelis, who said Greece must follow an aggressive policy towards Turkey, proposing in turn a series of measures he said the government should take.

    "What we are expecting from Turkey is what we have been systematically doing for so many years," Mr. Rozakis said, adding that for many years Turkey has been methodically implementing a policy that drastically shrinks Hellenism on the northeastern Aegean islands of Imvros and Tenedos, which are specifically covered by clauses in the Lausanne Treaty.

    Mr. Rozakis said Greece has prepared a package of measures to maintain the Greek element on both Turkish-controlled islands, but their implementation is rendered difficult due to reaction by Ankara.

    Mr. Papathemelis said Athens could apply an experimental land register in Thrace as a kind of counter-measure for Turkish policy applied over the past three decades on Imvros and Tenedos, which were prior to the mid 1960s predominantly populated by ethnic Greeks. He said that in any other case "in the next two years there will be no trace of property left in Greek hands (on the two islands)." ANA

    [09] Gov't to support Anastasopoulos candidacy for Europarliament president

    Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)

    The foreign ministry has said it will support the candidacy of Euro-deputy Giorgos Anastasopoulos in the elections for a new presidium for the European Parliament in January.

    Mr. Anastasopoulos has served as a Vice-President of the body for a number of years.

    [10] Athens angrily rejects Turkish claims of 'aggressive exercises'

    Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)

    Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday that Athens "angrily" rejected statements by Turkish Assistant Foreign Under-secretary Inan Batu claiming that the recent military exercise "Nikiforos-Toxotis", held with the joint participation of Greek and Cypriot forces, was "clearly aggressive" in nature.

    Mr. Reppas added that the presence of Greek forces on Cyprus was the result of an official invitation from the legitimate government of the island republic.

    "Unlike the presence of Turkish forces in the occupied northern part of the island which is the result of an invitation from an occupation regime and is in violation of international law," Mr. Reppas said.

    [11] Latest round of Skopje talks end

    United Nations, 09/11/1996 (ANA-M. Georgiadou)

    The latest round of negotiations in the framework of the Greece-Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) interim accord ended shortly after midnight yesterday, sources said.

    The talks, between Greece's representative, ambassador Christos Zaharakis, and FYROM representative Ivan Tosefski, under the aegis of the UN special representative Cyrus Vance were on the subject of FYROM's name.

    The two sides will brief their respective government and it was agreed that talks would continue on a date to be determined later.

    [12] Kuchma to visit Athens next week

    Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)

    Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma will arrive in Athens on Nov. 11 on a two-day official visit at the invitation of President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos.

    [13] French warships to visit Piraeus next week

    Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)

    The French Navy training helicopter carrier "Jeanne D'Arc" will arrive in Piraeus on Thursday for a four-day port call.

    The helicopter carrier is accompanied by the frigates "Germinal" and "Georges Leygues" as well as the destroyer "Duquesne."

    The warships will be open to the public on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

    [14] Papadopoulos stresses local Gov't participation in EU convergence

    Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)

    Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Alekos Papadopoulos yesterday called for local government participation in an national effort towards fiscal recovery and convergence with other European Union members' economies.

    Speaking at the conference of the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece (KEDKE), he emphasized that the government would assist in making local government financially autonomous, but would also press for control and utilization of available financial sources.

    Mr. Papadopoulos said the state was responsible for the fact that "some local government organizations today faced the specter of financial bankruptcy and inability to meet their operational costs," adding that at times "they retained part of their funds and transferred responsibilities without the corresponding financial resources".

    However, he added, this was only half the story.

    "Unfortunately, local government has not utilized the means at its disposal for solving its many problems," he said, and called on them to rationalize their expenses.

    He announced an end to the fragmentation of local government authorities, pointing out that out of a total of 6,000 local government entities in the country, about half had a population of less than 500.

    "The voluntary scheme for merging them, now more than 10 years old, has failed, and for this reason the government has set a deadline within 1997 for the utilization of existing incentives for voluntary mergers, proceeding from then on to compulsory mergers on the basis of local government proposals, and not mechanistic choices of the ministry." He described Greece's participation in EU economic and monetary union (EMU) as a condition for national survival, adding that the role of local government in local integration was decisive.

    [15] Still no sign of the four missing seamen

    Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)

    A search of the wreck of the missile boat "Kostakos" using robots equipped with cameras has so far failed to reveal the fate of four crew members missing since the vessel sank after being rammed by a passenger ferry on Monday night.

    The remote-controlled cameras have filmed most of the sunken missile boat which was located yesterday at a depth of 151 meters about one kilometer from the coast of Samos.

    Navy divers were due to be sent down to examine the seabed around the wreck yesterday afternoon.

    Meanwhile, a Hellenic Navy committee of experts is continuing to gather data concerning the circumstances surrounding the sinking of the "Kostakos" in order to draw up a report of its findings as soon as possible. In a statement, the General Navy Staff clarified that it was unable to make public any information before the committee has completed its task.

    [16] Discussion on Muslim minority held in Athens

    Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)

    A discussion on the Muslim minority of Thrace was held yesterday in the Athens School of Business Administration (ASOEE), on the initiative of Youth Against Racism in Europe (YRE) and with the participation of recently elected Coalition of the Left and Pr ogress deputy Mustafa Mustafa.

    The discussion broached the need to consider minorities as a communication link between peoples and the active acceptance of the multi-cultural social model.

    Mr. Mustafa spoke of the "concern existing in minority circles", of an "open discussion" for the solving of problems they face and of an improvement of living conditions. He also spoke of the minority's political behavior vis-a-vis the new conditions created with the recent "opening up" of the Greek government.

    [17] Canadian FM calls for better climate of human rights in Turkey

    Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)

    Canadian Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy has addressed a letter to Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, stressing the need for an improvement in the climate concerning human rights in Turkey.

    In a letter, constituting a reply to a letter Mr. Kaklamanis had addressed in late July, in relation to the situation and recent events in Turkish prisons, Mr. Axworthy refers to a meeting he had on the issue of human rights in Turkey with the Turkish foreign minister in Berlin, adding that the issue remains in the news and stressed that "the Canadian representatives will take advantage of every opportunity to remind Turkish authorities of the need to translate their commitment on human rights into specific actions and will watch developments."

    [18] Stephanopoulos, Tsohatzopoulos attend air force's celebration

    Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)

    President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos yesterday attended an event at the Dekeleia airbase north of Athens in honor of the Hellenic Air Force's patron saints, the Archangels Michael and Gabriel.

    In his order for the day, the chief of the air force's general staff, Lt. Gen. Georgios Antonetsis stressed that Greek airmen have been successfully fulfilling the role of guardians of the Aegean for the past 20 years in the face of Turkish provocations .

    "We are few and we have a lot to do. To numerical superiority we reply with quality and morale," he said. During the event, there was a display by formations of French-made Mirage 2000 and US-made F-16 fighters.

    [19] Evert tables question on 12 nautical miles issue

    Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)

    Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert yesterday asked Prime Minister Costas Simitis to inform Parliament whether Greece has surrendered its right to legally extend its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles. He also asked Mr. Simitis to inform Parliament if Greece has curtailed its sovereign rights in the Aegean.

    [20] All New Democracy developments point to next year's party congress

    Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)

    Developments in main opposition New Democracy party depend on two issues, namely, the manner in which the party congress is held and on the stance which ND president Miltiades Evert will maintain until the congress is held and during the election of a party leader.

    All sides within the party remain cautious, although they said they are satisfied by decisions taken by the party's political council on Thursday, in expectation of a proposal to be submitted by ND Vice-President Ioannis Varvitsiotis regarding the manner in which the congress is to be expanded.

    A few hours after the truce achieved within the party by the political council, Petros Tatoulis, speaking on Antenna radio, called for the immediate resignation of Mr. Evert.

    On his part, Parliamentary group secretary General Giorgos Panagiotopoulos, spoke with Mr. Tatoulis and called him to his office for explanations.

    Speaking on the Mega television station, former prime minister George Rallis said that he has accepted a suggestion made by Athanasios Tsaldaris during Thursday's political council meeting, that he be made temporary ND president until the congress is held, on the condition that there is unanimity in the political council and the Parliamentary group. Mr. Rallis expressed his agreement with the political council's decisions to hold the congress sooner than scheduled, although he said he had not originally intended to participate in the meeting.

    [21] Reppas comments on ND developments

    Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)

    Commenting on developments in the main opposition New Democracy party, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas yesterday said the government wished for equilibrium and balance in the political system.

    Stressing that developments in ND concerned the party's officials and bodies, Mr. Reppas said the government wished political parties to be useful to the people.

    ND's political council, which convened Thursday, arrived at a compromise on the controversial issue of the procedure to be followed for next year's party congress, deciding to hold it as early as possible - March or April - with an expanded composition.

    [22] Criticism aimed at latest Garaudy book

    Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)

    Five Greek and foreign intellectuals residing in Greece yesterday condemned the visit of French philosopher Roger Garaudy, who launched the translation of his controversial book in Athens, entitled "The Founding Myths of Israeli Politics".

    The work expresses doubt over "the dogma of the six million" Jews exterminated by the Nazis during the Second World War. Garaudy, a former communist who has converted to Islam, was arraigned in France last April for "negation of crimes against humanity." At the request of the Central Jewish Council of Greece (KIS), film director Jules Dassin, historian Hangel Fleischer, dramatist Iakovos Kampanellis, political analyst Thanos Lipovatis and writer Vassilis Vassilikos, the author of "Z" and Greek ambassador to UNESCO, criticized the French philosopher's thesis.

    Mr. Garaudy "has chosen to live in shame," Jules Dassin said, while Mr. Vassilikos said he "hopes that the book will flounder in indifference, where its proper place is."

    [23] Merchant marine ministry directive issued on vessels carrying dangerous cargoes

    Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)

    The merchant marine ministry has issued a directive to merchant vessel captains and officers, shipowners, maritime agents, charterers and navigators, instructing them to report vessels carrying dangerous or toxic cargoes sailing to and from Greek ports. In the event the directive is ignored a vessel will be barred from sailing from or into a Greek port and will be subject to administrative sanctions in accordance with the Public Maritime Law Code.

    [24] Greek development group joins UN Mediterranean organization

    Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)

    Minister for the Aegean Elizabeth Papazoi yesterday described as "an important success" for Greece the selection of the Chamber Group for the Development of the Greek Islands as a member of the United Nations Committee for the Viable Development of the Mediterranean.

    The committee will examine strategy for the protection of the Mediterranean environment, plan co-operation among the countries of the region and draw up programs on specialist issues such as depopulation.

    It is made up of representatives from the 20 Mediterranean countries, the European Union, non-governmental organizations for the environment, social and financial agencies and local government networks.

    Ms Papazoi said that the selection of the Chamber Group meant that the specific problems facing Greece's islands could be projected and measures taken which reflected the particular nature of the country's islands from the viewpoint of number and size.

    The Hios-based Chamber Group represents the country's 19 island chambers.

    The first meeting of the UN's Mediterranean Committee will take place in Morocco in December.

    [25] ADEDY calls for nation-wide strike on Nov. 28

    Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)

    The Civil Servants Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY) has called for a 24-hour nationwide strike in the public sector on Nov. 28, protesting a change in the salary scale proposed by the government.

    According to trade unionists, it consolidates austerity in the public sector and leaves a big part of employees outside increases.

    The decision is expected to be ratified by ADEDY's general council on Nov. 18. The General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) has also called a 24-hour nationwide strike on the same day.

    [26] Gov't casino committee ratifies re-negotiated Loutraki casino contract

    Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)

    The government's casino committee yesterday ratified a recently re-negotiated contract for the Loutraki casino.

    In the re-negotiated terms, it was agreed that the percentage of profits going to the Greek state would increase from 20 to 33 per cent, while the Loutraki municipality would get an extra 2 per cent of profits. In addition, the annual payment to the Greek Tourism Organization (EOT) would increase from 50 million to 250 million drachmas.

    Negotiations restarted a few months ago, when Development Minister Vasso Papandreou judged that a government decision to suspend the Floisvos casino project in Athens provided new advantages to the Loutraki casino, controlled by Israeli-interests.

    The re-negotiated project also provides for the acceleration of investments accompanying the casino venture, such as construction of a nearby luxury hotel within two years rather than seven, and a marina in four years rather than nine.

    Ms Papandreou is expected to formally ratify the agreement next week.

    The casino committee also discussed the issue of the Halkidiki casino, as the US-based Casino Magic company which manages it has already informed Athens that it intends to withdraw, due to what it claims are losses incurred following the opening of a competing casino in Thessaloniki by the US-based Hyatt Corp. It is considered that the withdrawal may take place even this weekend, while Casino Magic is reported to be looking for a buyer of its share, which requires approval of the Greek government.

    Meanwhile, the largest Greek hotel chain, the Cretan-based Daskalantonakis group's Grecotel, is reported to have decided to abandon management of the Meliton Hotel in Halkidiki, fearing that the closure of the casino there will lead to an abrupt fall in revenues.

    [27] Evert criticizes Gov't policy on tourism

    Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)

    Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert yesterday lashed out against the government yesterday, accusing it of damaging the tourism sector.

    Commenting on the government's tourism policy, Mr. Evert told a Parliamentary debate that "in order to have 20 million visitors per year we must take advantage of our country's geographical position."

    He said this year's decrease in tourist arrivals was not coincidental, but resulted from institutional problems stemming from a lack of infrastructure.

    Conversely, Development Under-secretary Anna Diamantopoulou said that the government's tourism policy was aiming at developing the tourist sector.

    Ms Diamantopoulou also said the government was planning for institutional changes in the tourism sector. She stressed that there were problems in the tourism sector regarding absorption of Community funds but added that important structural changes have been made toward the right direction.

    On Thursday, Development Minister Vasso Papandreou called on the private tourism sector to raise its professionalism, promising that the state would also show similar concern.

    The minister was addressing a meeting of representatives of the tourism industry from around the country.

    [28] Credits for highway projects earmarked

    Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)

    Credits amounting to 1.9 billion drachmas have been earmarked for tendering concerning projects on the motorway network linking Serres with the Egnatia Highway.

    The projects to be carried out are the construction of overpasses, budgeted at 1.2 billion drachmas, and completion of a detour at the Krinida-Nea Bafra site, costing 700 million drachmas.

    Credits amounting to 100 million drachmas have also been earmarked for flood protection in the Timenio region of Arcadia prefecture.

    [29] Australian prime minister welcomes Vartholomeos

    Melbourne, 09/11/1996 (ANA -S. Hatzimanolis)

    Australian Prime Minister John Howard yesterday expressed his great joy at welcoming Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos to Greece.

    "We welcome to Australia the spiritual leader of 250 million Orthodox Christians. It is a great honor to have him among us. He has come to bless and to admire the achievements of one million Orthodox - mainly Greek - residents of Australia," Mr. Howard told the Australian Parliament.

    Vartholomeos will be the guest of honor at a dinner held by the prime minister in the Australian capital Canberra next Tuesday.

    Vartholomeos yesterday ended his visit to Perth, the capital of Western Australia, meeting with the Premier Richard Court.

    Some 200 people were on hand to greet the patriarch on his arrival on Thursday.

    Vartholomeos will arrive in Sydney today.

    End of English language section.


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