Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-02-06
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1108), February 6, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Greece to launch int'l campaign on national issues
[02] Slovak foreign minister in Athens
[03] Gov't remains steadfast as protesting farmers issue ultimatum
[04] Teachers
[05] Opposition
[06] US tax assistance offered to Americans residing in Greece
[07] Van den Broek: US in better position to mediate Greek-Turkish
differences
[08] Solana dismisses Turkish threat to block NATO expansion
[09] State Dept. comments on latest developments in Ankara
[10] Olympic Airways competitiveness on the forefront
[11] Mitsotakis interview in 'Milliyet'
[12] Erbakan reportedly says Turkey harbors no territorial designs on
neighbors
[13] Response to Pangalos interview
[14] Europarliament freezes EU program funding proposal for Turkey
[15] Evert supports MPs' Skopje petition
[16] FYROM officially proposes Tito Veles-Igoumenitsa roadway
[17] 44 illegal immigrants arrested off Lesvos
[18] Faikoglou found guilty, given suspended sentence
[19] Greenpeace protests ahead of trial of demonstrators today
[20] British MPs express support for Athens 2004 Olympic bid
[21] ADPT meeting in Thessaloniki
[22] Macedonia-Thrace Ministry Secretary-General
[23] US Byzantium exhibition highlight of Greece's 1997 cultural
activities abroad
[24] Kantare in Thessaloniki
[25] British ambassador to visit Knossos
[26] Greek economic growth rate higher than EU average, OECD reports
[27] Conference on financing sustainable development held in Athens
[28] Xiosbank's entry into bancassurance sector examined
[29] Soumakis, Papantoniou look at shipping issues
[30] New merchant marine Secretary-General
[31] Lyras elected president of Greek shipowners
[32] Memorial service planned for Greek victims of Holocaust
[33] Festival of M. Hatzidakis' music
[01] Greece to launch int'l campaign on national issues
Athens, 06/02/1997 (ANA)
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou said yesterday that
Greece would shortly be embarking on an international campaign
to promote issues of direct or indirect concern to the country
and which are being discussed at the inter-governmental
conference (IGC).
Although the main forum for discussion of the issues will be the
IGC, Mr. Papandreou told a press conference that he would be
traveling to many European Union countries to drum up support
for Greece's positions.
His program will include visits to Rome at the end of February,
to Paris on March 5, to Madrid a few days later and subsequently
to the Scandinavian countries.
Mr. Papandreou said his talks would not be restricted to the
revision of the Maastricht Treaty but include the latest
developments in the Cyprus problem and Greek-Turkish relations.
The decision of the Dutch presidency to convene the EU-Turkey
Association Council soon does not worry Greece, Mr. Papandreou
said, since nothing new had arisen on the issue.
On the Cyprus problem itself, Mr. Papandreou said the new UN
Secretary-General Kofi Annan strongly wished to make efforts for
a settlement.
He met with Mr. Annan last week on the sidelines of the World
Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Mr. Papandreou said Mr. Annan was awaiting the appointment by
the US of its new mediator for the Cyprus issue, before trying
to coordinate "the many mediators of various countries" for a
common effort for a settlement of the problem.
He also expressed displeasure at the recent meeting in Rome
between the five major EU powers and Turkish Foreign Minister
Tansu Ciller, saying that meetings "held outside of the
institutions" cannot represent the EU.
[02] Slovak foreign minister in Athens
Athens, 06/02/1997 (ANA)
Slovak Foreign Minister Pavol Hamzik arrived in Athens yesterday
afternoon on an official visit following an invitation extended
by his Greek counterpart Theodoros Pangalos.
The visit aims to expand bilateral relations in all sectors and
to ensure Greece's support for Slovakia's efforts to enter
Atlantic and west European institutions.
Mr. Hamzik is due to meet separately with Prime Minister Costas
Simitis and Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis this
morning, and will then visit the foreign ministry for talks with
Mr. Pangalos.
Mr. Hamzik is to meet with National Defense Minister Akis
Tsohatzopoulos this afternoon.
[03] Gov't remains steadfast as protesting farmers issue ultimatum
Athens, 06/02/1997 (ANA)
The government yesterday remained steadfast in its decision not
to yield to farmers' demands, at the same time that the
Pan-Thessaly Farmers Committee was sending the Prime Minister
Costas Simitis an ultimatum calling on him to meet a committee
delegation by this evening.
If the prime minister does not agree to meet with farmers'
representatives, the committee warned that farmers will proceed
with blockades on the national road network.
Mr. Simitis had earlier chaired an extraordinary inner cabinet
meeting, where both he and inner cabinet members referred to the
serious situation created by farmers' mobilizations.
Many views were aired and decisions taken were unanimous. The
government's tactic was reconfirmed, while agreement was reached
on government moves, as well as on the need to keep the national
road network open.
Earlier in the day, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas
announced the postponement of today's cabinet meeting as well as
tomorrow's meeting of the ruling PASOK party's central committee.
The cabinet was scheduled to discuss the issue of social
dialogue, while the central committee was to focus on problems
in the agricultural sector.
In announcing the postponements, Mr. Reppas said "a calmer
environment is needed."
He also said the government was standing firm in its position
that only dialogue could lead to solutions, but claimed that the
process had been "dynamited by extremist protest action by
groups of farmers."
He reiterated that the government was determined to use all
lawful and appropriate means to keep the national road network
open. "We are watching a theater of the politically absurd and
perhaps of political irresponsibility and adventurism," Mr.
Reppas said, when asked to comment on attempts by farmers to
block the Athens-Thessaloniki highway. The government has
repeatedly accused the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) of being
behind farmers' protests.
In addition, the spokesman said the government had taken a clear
position on the problems facing farmers and had taken steps
towards resolving them, displaying good faith. Mr. Reppas again
called on all the opposition parties to take a clear stance on
the issue, particularly regarding the form of protests adopted
by the farmers.
[04] Teachers
Athens, 06/02/1997 (ANA)
In an unrelated development, scuffles broke out in central
Athens yesterday when striking teachers tried to break through a
police cordon preventing them from reaching the office of Prime
Minister Costas Simitis.
The protesting teachers, in the third week of a nationwide
strike, and kindergarten teachers had earlier held a rally
outside the education ministry. After the rally, they marched to
Parliament and the premier's office nearby. On the way, they
were joined by university lecturers, students and parents who
had earlier gathered at two locations in the city's center. The
scuffles broke out when the protesters tried to push their way
through the police lines.
Teachers' representatives met later with Under-secretary to the
Prime Minister's Office George Paschalidis, to whom they handed
a resolution containing their demands for higher pay.
Meanwhile, the presidents of local teachers' organizations have
been meeting since this morning to decide whether they will
continue the strike next week as well, with all indications
being that they will.
At a short distance from the teachers' rally and march, striking
construction workers also protested. They too tried to reach the
premier's office but were prevented by police.
In a meeting with Mr. Paschalidis, construction workers
expressed their solidarity with protesting farmers, saying that
they would consider any attack on the farmers by police as a
"cause for war."
Earlier, the construction workers demonstrated outside the labor
ministry, where a delegation had fruitless talks with Labor
Minister Miltiades Papaioannou.
Construction workers are demanding measures to combat
unemployment and boost building activity, stricter controls to
curb illegal hiring in the sector and improved social security
benefits.
[05] Opposition
Athens, 06/02/1997 (ANA)
On his part, main opposition New Democracy party spokesman
Prokopis Pavlopoulos said "the only way for an immediate exit
from the present crisis is dialogue conducted in a spirit of
justice and social sensitivity."
Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) issued an
announcement calling on the government to "abandon cold
rigidity" and "assume their responsibilities."
According to the announcement, Synaspismos believes that the
government should enter talks with the striking teachers and
protesting farmers.
The Social Democratic Movement (DHKKI) also issued an
announcement prompting the government to begin "a substantive
and sincere dialogue" with the striking social groups in order
to put an end "to the negative course of the economy and the
social civil war."
According to the announcement, "the government proves daily its
incapability to handle the major social and financial issues"
[06] US tax assistance offered to Americans residing in Greece
Athens, 06/02/1997 (ANA)
A US official from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will be in
Athens from March 4-11 to answer tax questions for US citizens,
at the American embassy from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to
5 p.m. each workday except Wednesday, March 5, when the office
will close at 1p.m.
The official will see the public on a first come first serve
basis. A special session for teachers in Greece will be offered
on March 5, at 4-6 p.m. at the American Community Schools - 129
Agias Paraskevis St. in Halandri.
Tax forms for US federal taxes are available at the US embassy
in the consular section from 8:30-1 p.m. each workday. For help
in filling out a return, the embassy will provide a list of
professional tax preparers.
All US citizens in Greece are reminded that US federal income
tax filling requirements are generally the same as those for
Americans residing in the US. Any US citizen with income more
than US$ 6,550 (if single) or $12,600 (if married) from sources
anywhere in the world must file a return. Americans who live
abroad may qualify for exemptions, but must still file a return
to claim those exemptions.
For more information, call the embassy at 72.02.423. For answers
on specific tax questions, call the IRS office at the US embassy
in Rome at: 00.39-64.674-25.60 or fax 46.74-22.23.
[07] Van den Broek: US in better position to mediate Greek-Turkish
differences
The Hague, (ANA/Reuter)
The European Commissioner for foreign policy, Hans van den
Broek, said yesterday that the United States would be in a
better position than the European Union to undertake initiatives
for improvement of Greek-Turkish relations.
"I would say that there must be an appeal to the United States
regarding relations between Greece and Turkey, for them (US) to
help the two sides come closer," Mr. van den Broek told
reporters in The Hague.
The Dutch EU Commissioner noted that in 1997 the EU must pay
particular attention to its relations with Turkey and the
situation in Cyprus. He also said the 15-member Union is ready
to undertake a leading role in the United Nations for finding a
solution to the Cyprus problem.
However, he added that Washington could undertake a better
intermediary role between Greece and Turkey, claiming Ankara
considers the EU to be an ally of Athens.
"The Turks have always tended to consider the EU's member-states
as close allies of Greece. This view exists and this means that
the United States is in a better position," Mr. van den Broek
said.
Additionally, he said the EU is facing a number of
inter-connected dilemmas concerning the Cyprus issue and
relations between Greece and non-EU member Turkey.
Mr. van den Broek also noted that recent tension between the two
countries will not help negotiations for Cyprus' entry into the
EU.
He concluded by saying that the best way to help negotiations
would be for there to be progress on two fronts, namely, that
political problems in Cyprus to be dealt with, and for there to
be a reduction in tension between Greece and Turkey.
[08] Solana dismisses Turkish threat to block NATO expansion
Ankara, 06/02/1997 (ANA/Reuter/AFP)
NATO Secretary General Javier Solana yesterday reiterated his
view that Turkey will not veto enlargement of the alliance
eastwards in attempt to promote Ankara's further EU integration.
"I do not think that Turkey will block anything," he said upon
arrival in the Turkish capital, where he is to also discuss
tension in Greek-Turkish relations.
Mr. Solana will meet with Turkish President Suleyman Demirel,
Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan, Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller
and military chiefs.
[09] State Dept. comments on latest developments in Ankara
Washington, (ANA - A. Ellis)
Replying to questions on latest developments in Turkey and
concerns over a possible coup, US State Department spokesman
Nicholas Burns said Washington supports the secular democracy in
Turkey. He also said the US is carefully watching developments
but does not share such concern.
"We support Turkey's secular democracy, we are carefully
watching developments, but we do not share the concern that
Turkey is on the verge of instability. We are a close ally of
Turkey, which is, generally speaking, a stable country. It is
obvious that it has its problems as we have our own. Turkey's
secular democracy and its political leadership are important for
Turkey's position in Europe and NATO and for its relations with
the United States," he said.
[10] Olympic Airways competitiveness on the forefront
Athens, 06/02/1997 (ANA)
Olympic Airways is expected to create a working group by early
May with the Mckinsey Co. as its adviser, which will analyze and
propose a series of measures and actions the airline will have
to take to enable it to become competitive by the year 2000,
after the deregulation of the market.
The proposals will include the planning of a new organizing
structure meeting the needs of the market, facilitate and
promote improvements in all sectors and constitute the basis on
which the new airline will be built. They also include a series
of proposed specific actions helping Olympic to increase its
revenues considerably and reduce its operational expenditures.
The airline's administration calls on staff to embark on a
common effort to render the company competitive.
[11] Mitsotakis interview in 'Milliyet'
Istanbul, 06/02/1997 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)
In an interview with the Turkish daily "Milliyet", main
opposition New Democracy party honorary president and former
prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis said that at a time when
walls are collapsing internationally, the Cyprus issue cannot
remain unresolved.
He added that there can be no solution in Cyprus as long as the
island republic remains divided.
"The Greeks and Turks who are directly involved should not have
need for any outside help by third parties, which are not always
unselfish, to resolve the problem of Cyprus and differences
between us," he said.
"It would suffice for us to be ready to have a substantive
dialogue based on certain inviolable principles. Namely, the
inviolability of borders between us, respect for treaties signed
by the two countries and for rules of international law," he
added.
"The territorial issue must be resolved on a fair basis, which
would facilitate at least the partial rehabilitation of
refugees, and it must be agreed in advance that a united Cyprus
will participate in Europe. Imagine what it would mean for the
Turkish
Cypriots to obtain the red European passport and become citizens
of Europe with equal rights," he told the newspaper.
Mr. Mitsotakis went on to say that "it is Cyprus' inalienable
right to tend to its defense", but expressed reservations over
the usefulness of the joint defense doctrine. He said he
supports a moratorium on military flights over Cyprus and the
usefulness of confidence-building measures in the Aegean.
The second part of Mr. Mitsotakis' interview will be published
in the newspaper today.
[12] Erbakan reportedly says Turkey harbors no territorial designs on
neighbors
Istanbul, 06/02/1997 (ANA)
In a meeting with the head of the Turkish Council of
Greek-Turkish business co-operation, Turkish Prime Minister
Necmettin Erbakan reportedly said that Ankara has no territorial
designs in the region.
"Turkey has no designs on the territory of its neighbors. We are
making every effort to show this sensitivity towards Greece as
well. The Aegean must become a sea of peace and brotherhood," he
reportedly said, adding "nobody will benefit from tension."
According to press reports, the Turkish Islamist premier also
complained that "we extended a hand of friendship and they
extended missiles"
The remarks were made during a meeting between Mr. Erbakan and
businessmen Rahmi Koc, Sarik Tara and Mustafa Koc. Mr. Erbakan
also reportedly said "the two peoples are friends, but due to
the mistaken position observed by Greek politicians, peace is
faced with problems."
Mr. Rahmi Koc called for Mr. Erbakan's help in developing
relations with Greece and requested that he sponsor the next
meeting of Greek and Turkish businessmen in Istanbul in April.
He also briefed Mr. Erbakan on his contacts in Athens last
December and asked for his help in developing commercial
relations between the two countries as well as the signing of an
agreement on avoiding double taxation.
[13] Response to Pangalos interview
Istanbul, 06/02/1997 (ANA)
Replying to questions on statements published in a Greek monthly
magazine's interview with Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos
concerning the Cyprus issue and the possibility of armed
conflict, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Omer Akbel said
"the (Pangalos) statements speak for themselves."
Mr. Pangalos' interview was published in the February edition of
"Status" magazine.
"The statements show who is in favor of conciliation and
understanding and who is in favor of conflict (it) constitutes
confirmation of what we have said so far," he added.
[14] Europarliament freezes EU program funding proposal for Turkey
Brussels, 06/02/1997 (ANA)
The European Parliament's cultural committee on Tuesday night
decided to freeze all European Union funds destined for Turkey
under the "Leonardo", "Socrates", and "Youth for Europe"
programs. Following the intervention of PASOK Eurodeputy Angela
Kokkalos and other colleagues, the committee decided to not
accept a report by a German Eurodeputy which recommended funding
under these programs be extended to Turkey.
Ms Kokkalos harshly condemned the European Union's insistence on
bringing the issue to the European Parliament for discussion at
a time when the General Affairs Council and the EU-Turkey
Association Council have not yet convened on the issue.
She stressed the lack of respect of the most basic human rights
and progress in democratization processes in Turkey as well as
its failure to conform to the basic principles of international
law, referring specifically to its continued provocations of a
neighbouring country and EU member.
Ms Kokkalos added that the committee's refusal was not directed
towards the youth of Turkey who were, she added, victims
themselves of Ankara's policies. A positive response, however,
she said, would be tantamount to rewarding Turkey's policies.
She added that she held the "most intense reservations"
regarding the "criteria which would be used by such an
anti-democratic regime to choose the youth to participate in
these programs".
"There are other countries," she noted," such as Cyprus, which
have priority in participating in these Community programs."
Following the committee's vote to freeze the report, it accepted
a proposal that representatives of Turkish human rights groups
be called to give their views to the committee.
[15] Evert supports MPs' Skopje petition
Athens, 06/02/1997 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Miltiades Evert said
he fully supported the 31 party deputies who have signed a joint
declaration saying that they do not accept a composite name for
the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia containing the term "
Macedonia."
"Their views comply with the national policy guidelines which
were drafted after the political leaders' meeting as well as the
decision of the ND Parliamentary Group," Mr. Evert said.
He reiterated the party's firm position that as long as the
government in Skopje remains intransigent, a change in Greece's
position would be a "great negotiating mistake."
[16] FYROM officially proposes Tito Veles-Igoumenitsa roadway
Skopje, 06/02/1997 (ANA - M. Vihou)
The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) officially
submitted an application yesterday for construction of a roadway
connecting the landlocked country with the western Greek port of
Igoumenitsa.
The proposed road would branch off from north-south corridor 10,
beginning in Tito Veles and passing through Bitola, Florina and
Siatista and eventually linking up with the under-construction
Egnatia Highway before ending in Igoumenitsa.
The proposal was submitted by representatives of FYROM's
transport ministry during the second day of a G24 meeting being
held here, which discussed the Balkan transport network.
G24 is comprised of the world's 24 most industrialized nations.
[17] 44 illegal immigrants arrested off Lesvos
Athens, 06/02/1997 (ANA)
The coastguard yesterday arrested 44 illegal immigrants - 38
Iraqis and six Burundians - on a remote beach at Charamida on
the Aegean island of Lesvos.
The illegal immigrants - 29 men, six women and nine children -
told coastguard officers that they had been taken to Lesvos from
the Turkish coast in two wooden boats.
They said they had each paid $500 to the Turkish skippers.
The illegal immigrants are being held in Mytilini police
headquarters.
In an unrelated incident, a man has been arrested in the
prefecture of Kavala for transporting three Albanian illegal
immigrants from Kozani to Akropotamo, where they were to work on
a farm.
Andreas Baxevanos, 40, along with two of the Albanians arrested
with him, has been arraigned. The third Albanian managed to
escape.
[18] Faikoglou found guilty, given suspended sentence
Athens, 06/02/1997 (ANA)
Former Xanthi deputy Ahmet Faikoglou was convicted yesterday of
disseminating false information and was sentenced to a 12-month
prison term and ordered to pay a 200,000-drachma fine.
His prison sentence can be bought off at 4,500 drachmas per day.
He was released following an appeal.
Mr. Faikoglou was accused of saying that Thrace is "Turkish" in
April 1990 during a pre-election campaign speech for a
Parliamentary seat. He ran in the campaign as an independent
candidate.
Mr. Faikoglou claimed he had never made the statement, saying
that Thrace is Greek and that he is a Greek citizen. Prosecution
witnesses included Xanthi publishers and reporters.
[19] Greenpeace protests ahead of trial of demonstrators today
Athens, 06/02/1997 (ANA)
Members of the Greek branch of the environmental organization
"Greenpeace" yesterday chained themselves in a cage between
barrels bearing the name "Motor Oil" in a protest on the eve of
a trial of 17 fellow activists.
The protest, in which 20 Greenpeace members participated, took
place outside the merchant marine ministry in Piraeus. The
protesters were demanding a change in the institutional and
legislative framework governing marine pollution. The 17
Greenpeace activists on trial today were arrested three months
ago during a protest at the Motor Oil refinery at Aghioi
Theodori near Corinth, after they tried to occupy the
loading/unloading facilities.
They were protesting what they viewed as the refinery's
responsibility for extensive sea pollution. During yesterday's
protest, Greenpeace members said they were going on trial for
their action at the refinery, while those responsible for the
pollution had not yet been brought to justice.
The Greenpeace activists have been charged with obstructing the
operation of installations which supply the public with fuel.
"The 441 cases of sea pollution in 1996 alone show that the
merchant marine ministry's marine protection policy has failed,"
said Nikos Charalambidis, a Greenpeace member among those on
trial today.
Greenpeace is demanding tough anti-pollution legislation, along
the lines of that in force in the United States, a ban on the
use of chemical agents to break up oil slicks and the
prohibition of loading and unloading tankers at night and in bad
weather conditions.
[20] British MPs express support for Athens 2004 Olympic bid
London, 06/02/1997 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)
A group of British MPs representing the entire political
spectrum tabled a resolution in the House of Commons on Tuesday
night asking the government to support Athens as the site of the
2004 Olympic Games.
According to the resolution, the MPs believe that holding the
Games in Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, will allow
the International Olympic Committee to ensure a return to the
original ideals of the Olympic movement, in a spirit of
competition, excellence and good organization without excessive
commercialization.
[21] ADPT meeting in Thessaloniki
Athens, 06/02/1997 (ANA)
The Thessaloniki municipality is organizing the third European
Union meeting today and tomorrow on the ADPT initiative for
small- and medium-size enterprises.
The conference will involve presentation of national programs
and the exchange of methodologies and experiences from the labor
market. The conference will be attended by representatives from
Britain, Ireland, France and Germany.
The next meeting is scheduled to take place this June in Germany.
[22] Macedonia-Thrace Ministry Secretary-General
Athens, 06/02/1997 (ANA)
Macedonia-Thrace Ministry Secretary-General Chryssa Manolia
yesterday visited the offices of the European Center for the
Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) in Thessaloniki for
talks with CEDEFOP's Director Vance Rens and Alternate Director
Stavros Stavrou on co-operation between the center and the
ministry. CEDEFOP is the first European Union body to operate in
Greece.
The meeting focused on the center's operation as well as
permanent premises to house the center in Greece.
CEDEFOP is temporarily situated at the premises of the American
Farm School of Thessaloniki.
[23] US Byzantium exhibition highlight of Greece's 1997 cultural
activities abroad
Athens, 06/02/1997 (ANA)
The United States will be the focus of activities for the
Foundation for Hellenic Culture (IEP) in 1997, with the "Glory
of Byzantium" exhibition at New York's Metropolitan Museum, due
to begin in March, one of the highlights.
The IEP will organize various other events in New York focusing
on the promotion of the Byzantine culture, including a photo
exhibition by Costas Sakellariou entitled "The last Greeks of
Istanbul," and a series of concerts by the Byzantine Choir,
conducted by Lykourgos Angelopoulos.
In Europe, the IEP will organize a photo exhibition in London
entitled "Faces from the Greek Resistance, 1996 Memory of Death
- Memory of Life," by the German photographer Johanna Weber. The
exhibition, which is co-organized by the Goethe Institute, will
open on March 14.
The IEP will also organize a seminar in London in March entitled
"The Greece of John Fowles," as well as two concerts featuring
works of Greek composers.
In Berlin, the Institute will organize an exhibition entitled
"the Greeks of Sprae" featuring the life of Greeks in Berlin
from 1833 until today.
In May, an arts exhibition featuring the works of 14 young Greek
artists, under the general title "Greek Realities," will open in
Denmark.
[24] Kantare in Thessaloniki
Athens, 06/02/1997 (ANA)
Well-known Albanian author and Nobel prize candidate Ismael
Kantare arrived in Thessaloniki yesterday in order to attend an
event organized in is honor by the Cultural Capital Organization
later in the evening.
Replying to reporters' questions, the author spoke of the
necessity for friendship between Balkan peoples, and referred to
their "common roots" and "common misery."
Mr. Kantare read extracts from his latest novel during the
event, held within a series of literary gatherings organized by
the Cultural Capital.
Another two events have been scheduled, covering the past and
present of Greek literature, with particular emphasis on
Thessaloniki.
[25] British ambassador to visit Knossos
Athens, 06/02/1997 (ANA)
British Ambassador to Greece Sir Michael Llewellyn Smith is to
visit the ancient site of Knossos on the island of Crete on
February 7 to discuss co-operation between the UK and Greece in
the archaeological sector.
It will be Sir Michael's first official visit to Iraklion since
he took up his post last year.
He is to have meetings with Iraklion Mayor Costas Aslanis,
Prefect Ioannis Garefalakis and Regional Director Stavros
Kambelis, and with Alexandra Karetsou, curator of Antiquities
and Director of the Archaeological Museum.
The ambassador will be accompanied by British Archeology School
Director David Blackman.
[26] Greek economic growth rate higher than EU average, OECD reports
Paris, 06/02/1997 (ANA - J. Zitiounati)
Economic activity in Greece was marked by further progress in
1996, with a growth rate higher than the European Union average
and a rate of 2.5 per cent anticipated for the current year,
according to the half-yearly OECD report on prospects for the
economies of EU member states which was officially published
yesterday.
The OECD attributed the lack of greater progress in bringing
inflation down to an increase in real wages, while the
government's support for the drachma parity widened the balance
of payments deficit.
The report said that the government's "hard drachma" policy
would help bring inflation down but that the continuing increase
in real wages, despite high unemployment, would lead to reduced
competitiveness.
The current accounts deficit will be easily covered by the
inflow of capital, the report added.
The measures contained in the draft budget for 1997, the OECD
said, were aimed at remedying a number of inequalities in the
tax system and their strict implementation should help correct
fiscal inequalities and facilitate efforts to reduce inflation.
Turning to the current economic situation in Greece, the report
said that pay demands in the public and private sectors,
together with price increases in the energy sector, would hamper
efforts to bring inflation down by more than 0.5 per cent.
According to the OECD, the prospects for the Greek economy
include a gradual acceleration of the rate of growth during the
next two years, reaching an estimated 3.0 per cent in 1998.
At the same time, an increase in private investments is
anticipated, resulting from a resumption of high capital inflows
and the end of the period of uncertainty which prevailed after
general elections.
However, the organization said, the estimated growth rates may
not be enough to avert a further rise in unemployment for as
long as undertakings are restructuring.
It warned against an unforeseen increase in wages which would
have negative repercussions on employment and the economy's
competitiveness.
[27] Conference on financing sustainable development held in Athens
Athens, 06/02/1997 (ANA)
A message by European Union Commissioner Christos Papoutsis at a
conference on financing sustainable development noted that
defining and implementing a long-term development policy is one
of the major challenges of the 21st century for Europe, Greece
and the world.
He said necessary development does not mean the destruction of
the resources and foundations on which it is based. The
conference was organized in Athens yesterday by the Commercial
Bank in co-operation with the European Commission's 11th general
department.
Commercial Bank board president Constantinos Georgoutsakos said
the banking sector's commitments in environmental protection
should be clearly defined, while at the same time it is
essential that administrative principles shaping environmental
models an d their control should be established.
The European Commission's representation director in Greece,
Marios Kamchis, said that in the past two decades four
environmental action programs have been applied, leading to the
initiation of 200 legislative acts covering atmospheric, water,
land pollution and sewage treatment.
Mr. Kamchis said Greece received about ECU 250 million for the
environment from the first Community Support Framework (CSF) and
about Ecu 1,600 million from the second CSF.
The conference was also addressed by the president of the
Federation of Greek Industries (SEB), Iason Stratos, the
European Investment Bank's Vice-President, Panayiotis Yennimatas
and the Commercial Bank's general director, Georgios Mihelis.
[28] Xiosbank's entry into bancassurance sector examined
Athens, 06/02/1997 (ANA)
The general director of Xiosbank yesterday focused on the
private bank's entry into the insurance sector, and specifically
on the bancassurance sector, through two new products concerning
pensioners and children.
G. Pechlivanidis said the bank's profits were very satisfactory
in 1996 since, according to preliminary pre-tax data, profits
amounted to 2.1 billion drachmas, registering a 20 per cent
increase over 1995.
The bank's loans totaled 103 billion drachmas, of which 36
billion concerned business credit and 67 billion consumer
credit, representing a 24 per cent increase from the previous
fiscal year. The total amount of capital handled was 355 billion
drachmas (a 38 per cent increase).
Mr. Pechlivanidis also referred to Xiosbank's scheduled entry
into the Athens Stock Exchange through a public issue, pointing
to the first half of April as the most probably date.
[29] Soumakis, Papantoniou look at shipping issues
Athens, 06/02/1997 (ANA)
The competitiveness of merchant shipping and issues relating to
seamen's employment were examined at a meeting at the national
economy ministry, with the participation of National Economy and
Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou and Merchant Marine
Minister Stavros Soumakis.
Mr. Soumakis said that meetings would continue in an effort to
find solutions to problems affecting shipping and seamen.
[30] New merchant marine Secretary-General
Athens, 06/02/1997 (ANA)
Athanasios Tsourouplis, a former Secretary-General at the
education ministry, has been named the new Secretary-General at
the merchant marine ministry, Mr. Soumakis announced yesterday.
Mr. Tsourouplis will undertake his duties as of next week and
will take over from Diamantis Manos who has resigned for
personal reasons.
[31] Lyras elected president of Greek shipowners
Athens, 06/02/1997 (ANA)
Ioannis Lyras was yesterday elected president of the Union of
Greek Shipowners.
Mr. Lyras had previously held the post of Vice-President and
also held the post of president of the Union of European
Shipowners (ECSA).
[32] Memorial service planned for Greek victims of Holocaust
Athens, 06/02/1997 (ANA)
The Greek government will hold an official memorial service in
Thessaloniki in the summer for the approximately 55,000 victims
of the Nazi occupation, mostly Jewish residents of the northern
port city.
The government's decision was conveyed to Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu by Alternate Foreign Minister George
Papandreou during a meeting last week on the sidelines of the
World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Mr. Papandreou said yesterday that the Israeli premier had
welcomed the decision to hold the service, to which prominent
figures of the Greek and Jewish Diaspora will be invited.
[33] Festival of M. Hatzidakis' music
Athens, 06/02/1997 (ANA)
A four-day festival of choral music in memory of composer Manos
Hatzidakis ended in Xanthi, Thrace on Tuesday. Apart from works
by Mr. Hatzidakis, who was a native of the town, the program
included the Xanthi Municipality's Children's Choir, the choirs
of Argos, Larisa and other towns around the country, as well as
Byzantine and church choirs.
End of English language section.
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