Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-02-05
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1107), February 5, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Greece gets some of the Acropolis back
[02] National roadways remain open, farmers' 'maneuvers' continue
[03] Gov't response
[04] Opposition reaction
[05] High-ranking Montenegrin delegation continues contacts in Athens
[06] Montenegrin meeting with Pangalos
[07] Simitis, G. Papandreou cover several foreign policy issues
[08] GSEE president meets with PM on recent US trip
[09] Foreign ministry on Milosevic decision
[10] Russian delegation meets with Gen. Tzoganis
[11] Lithuanian president to visit Greece this month
[12] FM provides clarifies last week's statements on FYROM
[13] Gov't spokesman draws distinction between Greek-Turkish
relations, Cyprus
[14] EIB VP Yennimatas presents new book
[15] Municipal workers end strike
[16] Roadblock on Bulgarian side of border lifted
[17] Tzoganis tours fleet headquarters
[18] Political parties to receive nine billion in financial assistance
[19] Legislation on upgrading electoral process discussed
[20] Simitis, US visit
[21] Stamps bearing Andreas Papandreou's likeness slated for issue
[22] ND congress taking shape
[23] ND Eurodeputy named president of International Textiles Institute
[24] Development ministry announced changes for trade exhibitions
[25] Draft decree signed to create veterinary border control posts
[26] ATE says Dodonis dairy is not up for sale
[27] Int'l meeting in FYROM focuses on Balkan transportation network
[28] Symposium on trade with Black Sea nations, Balkans held
[29] Number of public sector contract hirings for '97 announced
[30] Trade delegation organized for China
[31] Weightlifter expresses regret over controversy caused by
allegations
[01] Greece gets some of the Acropolis back
Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)
The culture ministry yesterday took delivery of the small piece
of marble removed from the Athens Acropolis more than 40 years
ago by an unidentified German who last month returned it by mail
to the Greek embassy in Bonn.
"This gesture is of little material consequence but of enormous
symbolic significance," Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos
said, taking delivery of the marble.
"The demand for the return of the Parthenon Marbles is not just
another case of cultural objects being returned to their place
of origin. It has to do with the restoration of the aesthetic
integrity of one of the greatest monuments of world civilization
, which was chosen by UNESCO as its logotype and emblem. I hope
the message is clear to all internationally," Mr. Venizelos said.
The minister later handed the marble over to the archaeological
service. The piece, about the size of a large pebble, is
believed to have been removed by a German tourist or occupation
soldier.
In a type-written letter accompanying the marble, the anonymous
German wrote:
"This rock belongs to Greece. Many years ago I removed it... I
am returning it now because due to my age I am not likely to
visit Athens again. Please make sure it is returned near the
Temple of Athina...".
Successive Greek governments have sought the return of the
Parthenon marbles from the British Museum. The ancient
sculptures were removed in 1806 by British Ambassador to
Constantinople, Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin, on the basis of
a controversial Turkish firman.
The estimated 253 pieces include the Parthenon frieze by
Phidias, a Caryatid and a column from the Erechtheum.
[02] National roadways remain open, farmers' 'maneuvers' continue
Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)
Small groups of protesting farmers in Thessaly played
cat-and-mouse yesterday morning with some 18 squads of the riot
police deployed to protect national highways from being
blockaded by tractors.
It appeared the farmers were concentrating their efforts on
gaining access to the national highway at the Tempi site.
Meanwhile, other farmers' unions yesterday were due to resume
protest actions against the government.
Groups of farmers gathered with their tractors in the villages
of Platykambos, Vriotopos, Mataragas and other points,
apparently waiting for an opportunity to dodge police, who have
spread out over the whole region, particularly in the Larissa
prefecture.
Earlier, the first tractors appeared in the city of Larisa
itself, only to be surrounded by police near the city's old
cemetery.
Police were out in force near strategic road intersections to
enforce the ban on the circulation of tractors since early
morning.
At about 1:30 p.m., about 80 tractors managed to reach the
national highway near the city, which they blockaded for about
45 minutes, but withdrew on the side after being warned that
riot squad police would intervene.
Police near Lamia were instructed to arrest farmers who would
attempt to make their way to strategic points on the road
network despite the ban.
However, a spectacular move on the part of the farmers during
the night was not being ruled out, as their movements could not
be tracked by police helicopters.
It is expected, in any case, that farmers will keep the front
open for several days. The Pan-Thessalian Coordinating Committee
was reportedly considering a descend of tractors on Athens.
[03] Gov't response
Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)
On his part, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas reiterated
that the government insisted on dialogue as a means of resolving
farmers' demands, stressing that the present time was not one
for confrontation, but one in which efforts must be made by all
sides to find mutually acceptable solutions.
Condemning the blockading of roads and railway lines, Mr. Reppas
said "this logic must be abandoned".
He added that this form of protest did not have the consent of
the Greek people. Replying to questions concerning the ban on
the movement of tractors on the national roads, Mr. Reppas
referred to the relevant legislative framework and said the ban
had been imposed "in order to avert the worst".
The restrictions, he added, will be temporary.
In a related development, a prosecutor in Serres began a
preliminary investigation into the blocking of the Strymon River
bridge by 60 farmers last December. Yesterday the farmers
gathered in a movie theater in the city and decided to ask the
government not to press charges against 450 of their colleagues
for "obstructing traffic" in April 1993.
[04] Opposition reaction
Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)
The Communist Party (KKE) in a statement hailed what it called
the "heroic struggle of farmers, who, in defiance of the
government's phenomenal police state measures, terrorism and
persecutions, took part en masse in today's successful
mobilizations."
The Political Spring party referred to "a government of no
connection to place and time", stressing that "a major and bold
revision of our agricultural policy is required now."
[05] High-ranking Montenegrin delegation continues contacts in Athens
Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)
Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and his Montenegrin
counterpart Svetozar Marovic yesterday discussed the possibility
of establishing a financial center in Thessaloniki to further
promote Greek-Montenegrin co-operation and to facilitate the
development of business activities between the two countries.
Mr. Marovic is on the second day of an official two-day visit to
Greece at the head of a Montenegrin parliamentary delegation.
During the meeting, both sides underlined the need for peace and
stability to be safeguarded in the region.
Mr. Kaklamanis expressed his intention to visit Montenegro in
order to examine possibilities for promoting closer co-operation
between the two countries in the economic and cultural sectors.
Noting that great efforts were being made in his country to
achieve modern economy through private initiative, Mr. Marovic
said he has favored the "prevalence of the people's will" and
democracy, "in which there are no isolated powerful individuals".
Mr. Marovic also met with Development Minister Vasso Papandreou
for talks on bilateral business and other economic co-operation.
After the meeting, the Montenegrin parliament president
expressed satisfaction over his meeting with Ms Papandreou.
In a statement, Ms Papandreou said many possibilities exist for
widening relations with Montenegro. She said some Greek
businessmen have already signed agreements, adding that she
believed that more Greek businesses will follow.
The Montenegrin delegation later held talks with Athens Mayor
Dimitris Avramopoulos, focusing on relations between the two
nations' capital cities.
[06] Montenegrin meeting with Pangalos
Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)
The Montenegrin delegation also met with Foreign Minister
Theodoros Pangalos, after which both he and Mr. Marovic welcomed
Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic's decision to recognize
the results of November's municipal elections.
The foreign minister, who recently went to Belgrade on a
mediation visit, noted that the decision might, preferably, have
been made earlier.
"But better late than never," he added.
Mr. Marovic stressed that the wish of electors, but also the
recommendations of international organizations, should be
respected.
[07] Simitis, G. Papandreou cover several foreign policy issues
Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis met yesterday with Alternate
Foreign Minister George Papandreou for talks focusing on the
latter's recent participation at the Davos forum, the
forthcoming EU Council of Ministers meeting and the premier's US
trip. Speaking later to reporters, Mr. Papandreou categorically
denied press reports that he is planning to resign, adding that
his co-operation with Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and
with recently sworn in Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos
Kranidiotis is "excellent."
Commenting on a wide range of views regarding national issues,
Mr. Papandreou said "it is wrong to penalize the fact that there
are more views than one on the handling of national issues,"
saying better decisions are reached through dialogue.
"Of course, when a decision is reached everybody should comply
with it and a common policy should exist," he said.
Mr. Simitis also met with the presidium of PASOK's Parliamentary
group, focusing on ways for a more effective operation of the
group and greater co-operation between party deputies with
ministers and the party. Under-secretary to the Prime Minister's
Office, George Paschalidis, who attended the meeting, said the
prime minister had expressed regret that meetings were dominated
by secondary issues.
The president of PASOK's Parliamentary group, Panayiotis
Fountas, noted that disagreements between the members of the
group were not significant and showed vitality within the party.
He said the prime minister's intervention was sought for a
better cooperation between the ministers and the deputies and
the Parliamentary group.
[08] GSEE president meets with PM on recent US trip
Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)
President of the General Confederation of Workers of Greece
(GSEE) Christos Polyzogopoulos yesterday briefed Prime Minister
Costas Simitis on the results of his recent talks with unionists
in the United States.
Mr. Polyzogopoulos told reporters that there was a possibility
of co-operation with Greek-American groups on investment in
Greece and in the wider region as well as with US unions to
support initiatives for peace in the Balkans.
He said he and the prime minister discussed trade union issues
such as unemployment, labor relations and collective bargaining
agreements. He added that social dialogue should be "more
organized".
Meanwhile, GSEE Secretary and Communist Party of Greece (KEE)
member George Mavrikas harshly criticized the stance taken by
Mr. Polyzogopoulos on the farmers' protests.
[09] Foreign ministry on Milosevic decision
Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)
An announcement by the foreign ministry said the government
considers a decision by Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic to
begin a process of recognizing the results of local elections in
accordance with the Gonzalez report very important.
The announcement added that it is now the opposition's turn to
respond in accordance with its commitments.
The foreign ministry reminded that during his recent trip to
Belgrade, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos requested from Mr.
Milosevic to adopt the Gonzalez report in order to secure
stability in the neighboring country.
[10] Russian delegation meets with Gen. Tzoganis
Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)
National Defense General Staff Chief Gen. Athanasios Tzoganis
received a courtesy call yesterday from the head of a high-level
Russian delegation currently on a visit to Greece, at the
invitation of the national defense ministry's general armaments
department.
[11] Lithuanian president to visit Greece this month
Stockholm, (ANA - N. Servetas)
Lithuanian President Algirdas Brazauskas will visit Greece on
Feb. 24-25 at the invitation of his Greek counterpart Kostis
Stephanopoulos.
The Lithuanian president will be accompanied by Foreign Minister
Algirdas Saountergas.
During their stay in Greece, the Lithuanian delegation will sign
a bilateral cultural and scientific co-operation agreement.
Upon ending his official visit to Athens, Mr. Brazauskas will
embark on a private visit to Thessaloniki.
An independent state between 1918-1940, Lithuania was annexed by
the Soviet Union after the Second World War. Following the
collapse of the Soviet Union, it declared itself an independent
state in 1990. The country became a member of the United Nations
in 1991.
Like the remaining countries of the Baltic states, Estonia and
Latvia, Lithuania's economy after its independence remains
unstable.
As with the remaining Baltic states, Lithuania has signed a
co-operation agreement with the European Union in 1995.
Lithuania has a coalition government of center-right parties.
In 1995, the then prime minister of Lithuania and president of
the Lithuanian parliament visited Greece and signed investment
protection, international transport and police co-operation
agreements.
The total trade volume between the two countries was estimated
at approximately three million dollars in 1995.
In addition, a few months ago, the Hellenic Telecommunications
Organization (OTE) undertook the construction of a
telecommunications project in the country.
Greece has had an embassy in Lithuania since 1993. There is a
small Greek community in the country, mostly comprising Greeks
who fled the country during the civil war.
[12] FM provides clarifies last week's statements on FYROM
Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos yesterday provided
clarifications on statements he made in Parliament on Friday
regarding prospects of a settlement of differences with the
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).
"I described the situation as it is, and not my own stand on the
issue. As you know, beyond the subjective dispositions and
behaviors of people, there are objective situations created by
natural events, legal obligations and material conditions. I
described the situation, if some don't like it they must try and
find who is responsible for it," he said.
Replying to a question by opposition New Democracy leader
Miltiades Evert, Mr. Pangalos said on Friday that the resolution
of the issue now rested with the UN Security Council, and that
two possibilities were likely, namely, that the UN would either
recognize the neighboring country with the name of "Macedonia",
or, "in the best development for us, it will recognize it under
a composite name."
"When realizing that a solution is to the benefit of the
national interest, a responsible government must endorse it and
not surrender to blackmail," he said on Friday.
[13] Gov't spokesman draws distinction between Greek-Turkish
relations, Cyprus
Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)
The government is drawing a clear distinction between
Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue, government
spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday in reply to reporters'
questions regarding expec-ted initiatives on the two matters.
"Greek-Turkish relations are one issue, and the Cypriot
(problem) is another," he told reporters.
The crisis in Greek-Turkish relations is caused by Turkey's
aggressive and provocative actions, while the Cyprus issue is a
problem of invasion and occupation, he added.
[14] EIB VP Yennimatas presents new book
Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)
European Investment Bank (EIB) Vice-President Panayiotis
Yennimatas yesterday said h is new book, entitled "The Problem
of National Strategy," was aimed as a contribution to the
consolidation of a "flexible and ground-breaking strategy."
The presentation of Mr. Yennimatas' new book was held yesterday
in the presence of Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou,
former foreign minister Michalis Papaconstantinou, and other
officials.
According to Mr. Yennimatas, EU funding co-operation with the
countries of central and eastern Europe, as well as the
Mediterranean and Turkey leads towards "economic integration and
political co-operation."
According to the Greek banker and author, deregulation of the
Greek and Turkish economies leads the private enterprise to a
disassociation from state mechanisms "which maintain and
reproduce the Greek-Turkish crisis."
Mr. Yennimatas believes that the societies of both countries
should find those mechanisms and stances which "will lead to
realization of common regional interests."
"Unless the possibilities to overcome the impasse through
economic co-operation are investigated, the Greek-Turkish
entanglement will lead to further entanglement," Mr. Yennimatas
said.
Addressing the presentation, Mr. Papandreou called for
cool-headedness in foreign policy decisions saying that the "we
are on the verge of seeking new movements in foreign policy and
exploit all available sources beyond diplomatic ones."
Former foreign minister Michalis Papaconstantinou said Mr.
Yennimatas' book was "bold and realistic," expressing conviction
that "the mistakes of Greece's foreign policy on the Skopje
issue and the Greek-Turkish relations are now evident."
[15] Municipal workers end strike
Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)
Municipal workers across the country have decided to end their
strike actions after participating in a 48-hour ADEDY strike,
Monday and yesterday.
The decision was reached at a meeting of the general council of
municipalities POE-OTA, which described as positive the
responses by the interior minister regarding pay demands.
[16] Roadblock on Bulgarian side of border lifted
Sofia, 05/02/1997 (ANA - N. Hios)
Roadblocks on the Bulgarian part of the E-79 highway linking the
neighboring country with Greece have been lifted, and traffic is
now moving freely, according to reports by a Bulgarian radio
station.
The blockade of the Greek-Bulgarian border at the Promahonas
border post has also been lifted.
[17] Tzoganis tours fleet headquarters
Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)
Speaking to Hellenic Navy officers during a visit to fleet
headquarters yesterday, National Defense General Staff Chief
Gen. Athanasios Tzoganis stressed the need for maintaining a
high morale and safeguarding the nation's traditions.
Among others, Gen. Tzoganis was briefed on the fleet
headquarters activities and the progress in the submarine
modernization program, which is currently under way.
He also visited maintenance and repair units, the frigates
"Aigaio" and "Epirus", the submarine "Okeanos" and the missile
boat "Deyiannis".
He was accompanied on his visit by the navy's leadership.
[18] Political parties to receive nine billion in financial assistance
Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)
Interior Minister Alekos Papadopoulos yesterday signed a
decision according to which 9,630,075,000 drachmas will be given
to political parties as regular and extraordinary financial
assistance for 1997.
According to the decision, the grants are to be given on the
basis of an amendment tabled in Parliament by the finance
ministry providing for cuts in the initial allocation in the
State budget.
The grants will be distributed on the basis of electoral
strength.
The ruling PASOK party will receive 3,824,536,943 drachmas, the
main opposition New Democracy party 3,533,368,149 drachmas, the
Communist Party of Greece 724,627,584 drachmas, the Coalition of
the Left and Progress 682,853,793 drachmas, the Social
Democratic Movement 623,927,411 drachmas and Political Spring
240,751,875 drachmas.
[19] Legislation on upgrading electoral process discussed
Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)
Interior Minister Alekos Papadopoulos said his ministry is
promoting legislation on modernizing the electoral process,
adding that it has almost been finalized and that issues
remaining to be handled are those of people being able to vote
in their place of residence and not of birth, as well as the
updating of electoral registers.
Mr. Papadopoulos explained that these amendments to the election
process "have nothing to do with a change in the election law."
A draft presidential decree prepared by the interior ministry
also anticipates the right of voting and standing for election
in local races for European Union citizens living in Greece, but
who are not Greek citizens.
The decree is being promoted in unison with a relevant directive
by the EU Council.
[20] Simitis, US visit
Washington, 05/02/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)
A White House spokesman said yesterday that a meeting between
Prime Minister Costas Simitis and US President Bill Clinton has
not been scheduled.
"The president met the prime minister last April and had a very
good meeting, while he is looking forward to seeing him
(Simitis) again during the Madrid NATO summit meeting. I am not
aware of an invitation for him to visit here," spokesman Mike
McCurry said.
US State Department spokesman added: "Premier Simitis will come
to New York for a private visit; I am not aware of the
president's schedule."
[21] Stamps bearing Andreas Papandreou's likeness slated for issue
Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)
The Greek Post Offices (ELTA) plan to issue a series of four
stamps bearing the figure of the late Andreas Papandreou, a
three-time prime minister and PASOK's founder.
The stamps are to be presented on Feb. 12 at the old Parliament
building, in the presence of President of the Republic Kostis
Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Costas Simitis, leaders of
political parties and members of Papandreou's family, among
others.
According to ELTA's director, the first stamp, worth 80
drachmas, will depict Papandreou as an college professor; a
second worth 120 drachmas will depict him upon his arrival to
Greece in August 1974; while on the third, worth 150 drachmas,
he will be pictured during a Parliamentary session.
The fourth stamp, worth 500 drachmas, will depict Papandreou
during international activities.
[22] ND congress taking shape
Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)
The main opposition New Democracy party congress program was
discussed by the organizing committee yesterday, following an
agreement the previous day between party leader Miltiades Evert
and his main challenger George Souflias.
It was decided at the meeting that the new party leader would be
elected on the first day of the congress (March 21) and the
Central Committee on the third day.
It was reported that Stephanos Manos disagreed with this
arrangement as he feels it gives the impression the election of
a leader is the sole purpose of the congress. He is also against
the decision to have candidacies for the leadership in by March
3.
On the other hand, Dora Bakoyanni is reported to consider the
decisions positive in principle.
[23] ND Eurodeputy named president of International Textiles Institute
Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy Eurodeputy Stelios Argyros has
been appointed president of the International Textiles Institute.
Mr. Argyros, who is replacing Steven Roubin, has been president
of the Hellenic Industries Association (SEB) between 1988-1994,
a consultant to the World Bank and a member of the governing
boards of many Greek organizations. The 78th international
textiles conference entitled "Textiles and Informatics" will be
held in Thessaloniki between May 23-26.
[24] Development ministry announced changes for trade exhibitions
Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)
The development ministry has announced changes regarding
preconditions concerning the organization of trade exhibitions.
Changes include the banning of exhibitions 30 days prior to the
beginning of the Thessaloniki International Fair (HELEXPO) in
September and for 15 days after its end; an increase in the fee
required as a guarantee for the proper operation of an
exhibition; fines ranging between 50,000 and 500,000 drachmas in
case of violation, as well as a five-month reduction in
deadlines required for submission of applications to competent
prefectural authorities.
[25] Draft decree signed to create veterinary border control posts
Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)
Agriculture Under-secretary Vassilis Geranidis yesterday signed
a draft presidential decree concerning the establishment and
reorganization of veterinary border control posts (SYKE). The
posts will inspect imports of animal products and live animals,
as well as their transportation conditions, in co-operation with
veterinary laboratories.
Under the draft decree, numerous new posts are to be set up in
border areas, ports and airports, including Athens' airport,
Thessaloniki's port and airport, at Eidomeni and at Evzones in
the Kilkis prefecture and at the ports of Igoumenitsa and Patra.
[26] ATE says Dodonis dairy is not up for sale
Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)
The Agricultural Bank of Greece (ATE) yesterday categorically
rejected reports that it was considering the privatization of
the cooperative dairy industry Dodonis, in Ioannina.
"There has never been any intention on the part of ATE's
administration to transfer the bank's shares in Dodonis to the
private sector," bank governor Christos Papathanasiou said.
He added that ATE continued to support the company in an attempt
for it to maintain the social character it has had to now.
As an indication of ATE's commitment, he said, the bank decided
for 1996 to offer the highest prices for milk to stock-breeders
in Epirus, bringing them more than 2.5 billion drachmas in
additional income.
[27] Int'l meeting in FYROM focuses on Balkan transportation network
Skopje, 05/02/1997 (ANA - M. Vihou)
A two-day meeting of 24 industrialized countries, known as the
G24, began here yesterday and focused on the Balkan
transportation network.
Apart from representatives of the 24 countries, participants
included representatives of Balkan and Black Sea countries, as
well as of international organizations, such as the World Bank
and the European Investment Bank.
Greece is represented by a six-member delegation comprised of
members of the ministers of transport, merchant marine and
environment, town planning and public works, and headed by the
Greek Liaison Officer in Skopje, Alexandros Mallias.
Discussions are expected to focus on a study on Balkan transport
networks, conducted by the British company Alexander Gibb
through the EU Phare program. This includes an east-west
corridor, passing through Durres, Tirana, Skopje, Sofia,
Plovdiv, Bourgas and Varna. A north-south highway will also be
discussed.
According to the Skopje newspaper "Devnik", FYROM's transport
minister will suggest a roadway to be constructed from Tito
Veles to Igoumenitsa, in order for the landlocked nation to have
access to a western Greek port for commercial activities.
Political analysts believe this initiative has occurred for both
economic and political reasons.
[28] Symposium on trade with Black Sea nations, Balkans held
Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)
Panhellenic Exports Association President Christina Sakellaridi
referred to Greece's prospects of co-operation and economic
presence with Black Sea Co-operation countries and the Balkans,
during an address yesterday.
She spoke at a symposium organized by the International
Diplomatic Academy, a Paris-based UN organization.
Ms Sakellaridi said Greece, who has long-standing historical
ties with the countries of the region, is interested in
developing relations with these countries in the sectors of
shipping, investment, energy, banks and services.
"The countries of the Black Sea, the southern Balkans and
eastern Mediterranean constitute the main geographical zones for
the development of Greek businesses," she said.
The symposium was attended by external trade ministry
representatives from Black Sea and Middle East countries,
diplomatic representatives from interested countries, the
president of the Black Sea Coordinating Committee and other
officials.
[29] Number of public sector contract hirings for '97 announced
Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)
Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister
Alekos Papadopoulos announced yesterday that the government has
approved the hiring of 9,600 contract employees and 3,150
regular staff for local government organizations (OTA) as well
as prefectural and regional self-administration entities in 1997.
Mr. Papadopoulos announced yesterday that the same number of
seasonal staff as last year (about 7,000) has been approved for
municipalities and communities as well as another 2,600 posts by
work contract.
Proclamations to fill seasonal staff posts at local government
organizations are expected to be issued in the near future and
most of these posts will be covered by employees already working
and whose contracts have expired.
The hirings of permanent employees, which this year will amount
to 2,000 for OTA, 800 for prefectural self-administration and
350 for regional bodies, will be carried out after a new law on
amending more stricter terms the Peponis law on public hirings,
which is expected by Easter.
Mr. Papadopoulos also said that a nationwide exam will be
carried out once a year in October, adding that the number of
positions to be proclaimed has not yet been defined.
[30] Trade delegation organized for China
Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)
The Greek-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry is organizing
a trade delegation to China from March 4-14 on the occasion of
two major international exhibitions in the cities of Tientsin
and Shanghai.
The chamber has stepped up its activities in the last six months
with the aim of promoting bilateral trade relations,
particularly by providing information and advisory services to
parties wishing to invest in China.
The two exhibitions cover a wide range of products and services.
[31] Weightlifter expresses regret over controversy caused by
allegations
Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)
Former weightlifting champion Christos Constantinidis, who had
accused the weightlifting federation's coach of administering
anabolic steroids to athletes on the national team, has
apologized for the sensation caused.
The athlete appeared before the federation's presidium after
being called to explain his accusations, made during a
television program. The presidium decided to refer Mr.
Constantinidis to a disciplinary committee.
In a letter to the federation, he said that "many falsify,
misinterpret and take advantage of my statements for their own
ends."
"I consider it my obligation to apologize to the Greek
weightlifting federation, the coach of the national successes,
my fellow athletes who were indirectly insulted and the fans,
for the situation created by statements which were inflated and
expanded, harming the sport of weightlifting and Greek sport,"
Mr. Constantinidis wrote.
National team coach Christos Iakovou, who coached the Greek team
which brought in five medals in the Atlanta Olympic Games, said
he would sue the athlete over his statements.
End of English language section.
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