Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-02-14

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1115), February 14, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis, V. Papandreou focus on privatization of loss-making companies

[02] January drachma appreciates against most EU currencies

[03] Gov't expects striking teachers 'to see reason', spokesman says

[04] Opposition

[05] Teachers' rally

[06] Greece to protest reopening of Kozloduy reactor to EU

[07] Anastasios appeals for end to violence in Albania

[08] Central Europe press delegation to visit Ecumenical Patriarchate

[09] French interior, public order minister on official Athens visit

[10] Evert sends congratulations to new Bulgarian PM Sofianski

[11] UN chief discounts chances of Greek-Turkish conflict

[12] US defense secretary comments, on Cyprus tensions

[13] Tsohatzopoulos meets with NATO official

[14] Premier meets with PASOK's Parliamentary group

[15] Greek Parliament delegation on official visit to Sweden

[16] Piraeus transit fuel scam investigation continues

[17] EU Commission releases '97 economic report

[18] Food, beverages trade fair inaugurated

[19] INFACOMA, Marmin exhibitions to be held together

[20] SEB calls for easier loans from banks

[21] Clause on funding of tabled amendment ratified

[22] Ticket go on sale for "Athens '97" athletics championships next week

[23] Several units of late premier's medical equipment donated

[24] Acropolis and other sites remain closed to visitors

[25] Modern Greek scholars from around the world to meet in Thessaloniki

[01] Simitis, V. Papandreou focus on privatization of loss-making companies

Athens, 14/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Simitis visited the ministry to be briefed on its activities and targets.

He underlined the need to promote and complete activities which strengthen competitiveness and increase employment.

Within this framework, he said, it had been decided to promote an integrated system for controlling, standardizing and certifying product quality.

Mr. Simitis also discussed need for acceleration of procedures for the privatization of loss-making companies in the portfolio of the Organization for the Rehabilitation of Ailing Companies (OAE).

The OAE's industrial and mining enterprises would be transferred to private interests over the next 14 months, Mr. Simitis said, so that it will be possible to dissolve OAE in 1998.

It was also announced that shares of the Public Petroleum Corp. (DEP) should be floated on the Athens bourse within the year.

Development Minister Vasso Papandreou said the ministry's targets included the strengthening of the competitiveness of Greek companies by improving private sector infrastructure and the quality of products and services.

In addition, she stressed, the ministry would make efforts to reinforce the operation of market mechanisms and healthy competition, with particular emphasis on protecting consumers.

[02] January drachma appreciates against most EU currencies

Athens, 14/02/1997 (ANA)

Pound Sterling, the Irish Punt and the Portuguese Escudo appreciated against the drachma by 2.17 per cent, 0.69 per cent and 0.003 per cent respectively.

As far as non-EU currencies are concerned, during the same period of time the drachma appreciated against the Swiss franc (2.35 per cent), the Australian dollar (0.15 per cent), the Japanese yen (1.12 per cent) and the Cyprus pound (0.11 per cent), while depreciating against the rest.

The dollar appreciated against the drachma by 2.54 per cent, the Norwegian Krona by 2.81 per cent and the Canadian dollar by 3.5 per cent.

[03] Gov't expects striking teachers 'to see reason', spokesman says

Athens, 14/02/1997 (ANA)

In a related development, political party leaders will discuss problems facing the education system during a debate in Parliament on Wednesday.

Regarding high school teachers' five-week strike, Mr. Reppas said high school teachers are aware of the problems caused by their continuing strike, saying it was up to them to decide to end it.

Asked about the possibility of teachers meeting with Prime Minster Costas Simitis again, Mr. Reppas observed that the prime minister was not an appeals court judge to be referred to by those dissatisfied with ministers' decisions.

The education ministry's policy had Mr. Simitis' full support, he concluded.

[04] Opposition

Athens, 14/02/1997 (ANA)

OLME President Nikos Tsoulias said that as the government's attitude had been negative, that the teachers would continue their struggle, although they continued to believe in dialogue with the government.

Main opposition New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert expressed the belief that funds could be found for education, both from European Union funds (500 billion drachmas from the Community Support Framework) and from privatization in various sectors.

A large percentage of the 75,000 drachmas monthly increase being demanded by the teachers could be found, he contended.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga noted the absence of a representative from the ruling PASOK party at the meeting.

"The government has both the melon and the knife," she said, adding that what the education ministry was essentially doing was promoting "anti-reforms" that would make education a benefit for the few.

Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos also criticized the government for not entering into a "real dialogue" with the teachers. Their previous day's meeting with the prime minister, he said, was not to find solutions but to impose those already decided upon (by the government).

The meeting was also addressed by Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas, Political Spring (PolAn) President Antonis Samaras and KKE (interior) leader Yannis Banias.

[05] Teachers' rally

Athens, 14/02/1997 (ANA)

Labor Center, the Teachers' Federation, the Union of (public) Secondary School Teachers (OLME) and the Federation of Private School Teachers, among others.

Resolutions supporting the teachers' strike were read out during the rally.

A march was held to Parliament, where a petition was delivered to parties and the Parliamentary presidium.

"The struggle of the educational movement is a basic element of the wider struggle of workers for democratic rights," the petition read. "We teachers are determined, as an educational community, to contest and realize our goal for public and free education, for education for all youth without barriers and discrimination."

According to an OLME representative, a rally of teachers and workers of northern Greece has been scheduled to take place in Thessaloniki on Monday.

[06] Greece to protest reopening of Kozloduy reactor to EU

Athens, 14/02/1997 (ANA)

Replying to a question tabled by main opposition New Democracy Vice President Ioannis Varvitsiotis, Mr. Papandreou said reactor No. 1 had recommenced operations on January 20, noting that the European Commission had decided after an examination that it could be operated within required safety limits.

Mr. Papandreou said however that Greece continued to have reservations and was "concerned" about the operation of the reactor. Citing a number of international reports, Mr. Varvitsiotis likened the reopening of the nuclear plant and particularly re actor No. 1 to "a bomb of many megatons ready to explode".

He said the danger of a new Chernobyl disaster had in no way subsided.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly underlined the danger posed by the operation of the Kozloduy plant, situated just 225 kilometers from the Greek-Bulgarian border.

The environmental organization "Greenpeace" has warned that an accident at Kozloduy could overshadow the terrible consequences of the Chernobyl disaster which caused over 30,000 deaths and contaminated 160,000 square kilometers of land, forcing 400,000 people to abandon their homes.

The organization has charged that Kozloduy is using obsolete nuclear technology, resulting in frequent accidents and radioactivity leaks.

[07] Anastasios appeals for end to violence in Albania

Tirana, 14/02/1997 (ANA)

Tirana has been the scene of some of the worst unrest Albania has seen since communism was toppled in 1990.

Protests were sparked by the collapse of local pyramid investment schemes in which large parts of the population had sunk their life savings, leaving them destitute.

The Archbishop said that Albania's Autocephalus Orthodox Church wants to remind everyone of their duty for solidarity, responsibility, honesty, and a good choice of people seeking their confidence.

[08] Central Europe press delegation to visit Ecumenical Patriarchate

A delegation of 20 leading reporters from Austria, Germany, Italy and Switzerland left Austria yesterday for an official visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

The visit is being conducted under the auspices of Austria's Ecumenical Council of Churches, which is presided over by Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Vienna and Exarch of Hungary and Middle Europe Mihail, within the framework of preparations for the second European Ecumenical Church meeting due to be held in Graz.

Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos will receive the delegation at the Halkis Theological School, in what the Austrian Roman Catholic press agency has described as a "political gesture" connected with the application for the re-opening of the School.

The Catholic news agency noted that the Theological School was shut down by Turkish authorities in the 1970s, adding that repeated announcements by the Turkish side that it will be re-opened have not been implemented to date.

During its stay in Istanbul, the delegation will visit the Agia Sofia Cathedral, the Austrian College of Saint George, the small Roman Catholic community in the city, as well as the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

In June, the Ecumenical Patriarch is scheduled to conduct a three-day visit to Austria, where he is to be proclaimed an honorary professor of Vienna University's Law School.

[09] French interior, public order minister on official Athens visit

Athens, 14/02/1997 (ANA)

A working meeting will be held with the leadership of the interior ministry, which will be followed by the signing of a co-operation protocol on interior and public administration issues.

Mr. Debre will pay a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Costas Simitis this evening, and will also meet with Public Order Minister George Romeos.

[10] Evert sends congratulations to new Bulgarian PM Sofianski

Athens, 14/02/1997 (ANA)

[11] UN chief discounts chances of Greek-Turkish conflict

United Nations, 14/02/1997 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

He added that he does not think there will be a war between Greece and Turkey over Cyprus.

"There have been tensions and a tendency to bring in armaments into the region which has created tensions. What we are hoping to do is to continue the talks, the proximity talks and the efforts of (UN Secretary General's special representative) Dr. Han.

"Dr. Han has seen both parties and we are hoping that we can see enough progress and identify enough common ground, for us eventually to have face to face talks. It would be preferable that the talks take place this year and ideally before September. Otherwise, we are going to get into the election fever and a host of things can happen," Mr. Annan told a press conference yesterday.

"I plead with the governments to co-operate with Dr. Han and really try and breach their differences and allow us to be able to organize face to face talks. The British and the American governments are working in a supporting role with us and I see now the British government has named Sir David Hannay to support the effort, and we expect Washington to designate someone also to work with us. The UN will be in the lead; the British and the American efforts will be in support," he added.

"I don't think there will be a war (between Turkey and Greece). We are attempting to defuse the tensions and I think we've seen an improvement already and I would hope none of the leaders will do anything that will escalate the matters," he said.

[12] US defense secretary comments, on Cyprus tensions

Washington, 14/02/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Mr. Cohen was answering a question regarding the danger of armed conflict in Cyprus and the role of Turkey.

The question was put to Mr. Cohen by Republican Congressman from New Jersey Mike Pappas during the former's testimony on Wednesday.

"Tension in Cyprus has increased without a cause. It may cause conflict," Mr. Cohen said.

"I'd like to see less weapons instead of more...," he said in an indirect reference to the Cyprus government's decision to purchase Russian-made S-300 missiles, a decision which inflamed tensions on the island.

"I hope we will be able to persuade both sides on the island to show restraint on this issue," the high-ranking US official added.

Stressing that the acquisition of certain weapons on behalf of one party in Cyprus may lead the other party to attempt to destroy them, Mr. Cohen said:

"It is a very dangerous situation and definitely needs to be avoided... Turkey, like Greece, are both valuable members of NATO. We should therefore improve this relationship... We must call upon both sides to take a step back from the possible point of conflict," the defense secretary said, adding:

"I think the purchase of the Russian-made missiles by the Greek Cypriots will intensify the prospect of conflict there. I think we should find a way to seek from both sides to take a step back..."

[13] Tsohatzopoulos meets with NATO official

Athens, 14/02/1997 (ANA)

Earlier, Adm. Lopez had a separate meeting with National Defense Under-secretary Dimitris Apostolakis and the Chief of the National Defense General Staff General Athanasios Tzoganis, who invited the NATO official to Greece. According to in formed sources, Adm. Lopez's talks at the ministry covered all issues concerning the region which are of interest to NATO. Also discussed were Greece's relations with the Alliance and matters pertaining to NATO's new structure and its enlargement eastwards.

Adm. Lopez's visit comes shortly before NATO Secretary-General Javier Solana is due to arrive at the end of the month in an effort to reduce tension in the region.

It has already been reported that the USA and NATO are seeking confidence-building measures in the Aegean and the setting-up of a "hot line" between Athens and Ankara to avert crises.

[14] Premier meets with PASOK's Parliamentary group

Athens, 14/02/1997 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Parliamentary group Secretary Paraskevas Fountas said they agreed to start a promotional campaign around the country to improve the current image.

[15] Greek Parliament delegation on official visit to Sweden

Stockholm, 14/02/1997 (ANA - N. Servetas)

The Greek delegation comprises ruling PASOK deputy Grigoris Niotis, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) deputy Stavros Panayiotou, Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) deputy Petros Kounelakis and Democratic Socialist Movement (DHKKI) deputy Anastasios Intzes.

Main opposition New Democracy deputy Evgenios Haitidis was expected to arrive in Stockholm last night.

The Greek deputies discussed with their Swedish counterparts issues related to cultural co-operation between Greece and Sweden and requested enforcement of funding allocations for the teaching of Greek to students of Greek origin.

They said Athens would be willing to contribute to cultural activities by Swedish nationals residing in Greece.

The children of some 20,000 expatriate Greeks living in Sweden had until recently the right to be taught their national language at Swedish schools.

Due to the economic crisis in the country and cuts in all sectors of public expenditures this program has been abolished.

After the meeting, Mr. Niotis expressed satisfaction at the way immigrant-related issues are dealt with by the Swedish government.

The delegation is in Stockholm in order to participate in the 13th congress of the Federation of Greek Associations and Communities of Sweden, which will be held over the weekend.

[16] Piraeus transit fuel scam investigation continues

Athens, 14/02/1997 (ANA)

The scam involved the recording of phantom deliveries to ships and yachts around Attica marinas.

Piraeus prosecutor Yiannis Lambropoulos disclosed another case on Wednesday concerning merchant vessels, while an investigation involving yachts is gradually coming to an end. That scam is blamed for a loss of more than 177 million drachmas for the state.

The case has implicated five customs officials from the 12th Piraeus customs office who are allegedly involved together with the petroleum companies Dracoil, TOT Hellas, El Petrol, BP and the transport companies Rostrantic, Montana Trantic, Pioneer and Oceanic.

Individuals in charge of the companies were prosecuted for repeatedly issuing false documentation (with the exception of TOT Hellas and BP, whose case is a misdemeanor) and smuggling. The latter charge is a misdemeanor.

The customs officers are prosecuted for issuing false documentation and direct complicity in smuggling (misdemeanor), while transporters and all other people involved were prosecuted for felony forgery.

[17] EU Commission releases '97 economic report

Brussels, 14/02/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

The special chapter referring to Greece confirms economic recovery achieved in 1996. At an economic level, 1996 was characterized by a continuation of a decrease in macroeconomics imbalances.

The report ascertains that positive results have been achieved in many fronts. The rate of growth increased from 2 per cent in 1995 to 2.4 per cent in 1996, while an important role in recovery was played by an increase in gross investments by 8.3 per cent, an increase in exports and an increase in domestic demand.

The report said that over the past three years the percentage of unemployment has remained stable in Greece, about 9 per cent, and employment started to increase again, particularly in the transformation sector.

According to the Commission's predictions, inflation is expected to decrease to 6.9 per cent, the increase in domestic demand should be speeded up and reach 3.2 per cent a year, while the volume of exports should increase by 5.8 per cent.

The report goes on to say that the will to meet cohesion criteria, to enable accession to the third phase of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), was the basic motive behind the decision to implement a fiscal austerity policy.

The fiscal deficit between 1990 and 1996 decreased from 16.1 per cent of GDP to 7.9 per cent, while the public debt percentage decreased from 111.8 per cent of GDP to 110.6 per cent in 1996.

The chapter on Greece concludes that the central government's budget for 1997 was based on respect for targets set in the convergence program and anticipates a deficit in the region of 6.2 per cent of GDP and a primary stage surplus of 4.5 per cent of GDP (2.4 per cent in 1996).

[18] Food, beverages trade fair inaugurated

Athens, 14/02/1997 (ANA)

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Development Under-secretary Mihalis Chrysohoidis said the sector is "the heart of the market" as it concerns the average consumer more than other products.

Roughly 500 businesses of the foodstuffs, beverages, equipment and services sector are participating in the exhibition, due to run until Feb. 27. Those attending the event yesterday included the ambassadors of Britain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Israel and the United States, accompanied by their embassy's commercial attaches.

Mr. Chrysohoidis said the sector is profitable and is developing, while it has absorbed one fifth of gross industrial investment during the last decade.

[19] INFACOMA, Marmin exhibitions to be held together

Athens, 14/02/1997 (ANA)

The exhibition concerns building materials, insulating materials, panels and heating and bathroom equipment.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Helexpo President Antonis Kourtis said exhibitors at INFACOMA will be 30 per cent more than last year. The 14th INFACOMA will have 857 Greek and foreign exhibitors.

The 22nd Marmin exhibition will have 120 exhibitors from several parts of Greece and from eight other countries. Exhibits will include marble, granite, marble and granite products and machinery, tools and equipment used in excavating and processing marble and chemical materials.

[20] SEB calls for easier loans from banks

Athens, 14/02/1997 (ANA)

Presenting the findings of the survey which focused on improving relations and increasing co-operation between banks and businesses at a seminar on "Banks and Clientele," SEB President Jason Stratos made a series of proposals aimed at improving existing loaning conditions.

His proposals include simplification and standardization of forms, limitation of sureties collateral, greater flexibility in decision-making and less time to approve or disapprove a loan.

[21] Clause on funding of tabled amendment ratified

Athens, 14/02/1997 (ANA)

The same clause also obliges ministers to mention the cost of the expenditure caused by the tabling of the law or the amendment over the next five years.

The bill on restricting state expenditures was ratified in Parliament yesterday, but Mr. Papantoniou amended the clause, removing the amendments to be submitted from ministers' obligations.

Consequently, only the obligation concerning bills remains, which have to be accompanied by a report by the State General Accounting Office mentioning the expenditure created for the state budget by the ratification of the law.

[22] Ticket go on sale for "Athens '97" athletics championships next week

Athens, 14/02/1997 (ANA)

"Athens '97" chairman Vangelis Savramis told a press conference today that 7,500 bookings had already been made. However, the organization expects to record a deficit of 3.4 billion drachmas, as expenditures are expected to reach 5.18 billion drachmas, with income estimated to total 1.775 billion.

Greek sponsors are to donate 500 million drachmas, while the state media company (ET) is to provide state-of-the-art equipment which will also be used in 2004 if Greece's bid to stage that year's Olympic Games is successful.

Mr. Savramis also confirmed that the "Athens '97" organizing committee would be subsiding the training of Greece's athletes to the tune of 100 million drachmas.

Admitting there had been delays and some problems during preparations for the championship, Mr. Savramis urged everyone involved to pull together in a spirit of unity towards making it a success.

[23] Several units of late premier's medical equipment donated

Athens, 14/02/1997 (ANA)

The medical equipment will be used to serve patients on the island as well as the residents of Kalymnos, Leros, Patmos and other smaller islands in the region.

Andreas Papandreou died last June.

[24] Acropolis and other sites remain closed to visitors

Athens, 14/02/1997 (ANA)

"It is a simple case of hostage-taking," Mr. Venizelos said yesterday, noting that not all culture ministry employees were taking part in what he called the "selective" strike.

Mr. Venizelos acknowledged that the archaeologists and engineers employed by the culture ministry were "the worst paid employees of the Greek state".

The government remains constantly open to public dialogue, he said, adding that the draft law on civil servants was currently being prepared. The rolling 48-hour strikes of the culture ministry employees have closed the Acropolis museum and archaeological site in Athens and the White Tower, Byzantine and archaeological museums in the northern port city of Thessaloniki.

The strikers' demands are mainly pay- and benefit-related.

[25] Modern Greek scholars from around the world to meet in Thessaloniki

Athens, 14/02/1997 (ANA)

The meeting is being held within the framework of events celebrating Thessaloniki as Cultural Capital of Europe for 1997.

At a press conference yesterday, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos said the Greek state's grants to chairs of Modern Greek studies at universities around the world had increased from 45 million drachmas in 1994 to 200 million drachmas in 1997, with a 50 percent increase for sectors such as books and language.

Among new initiatives, said the minister, was the creation of a Modern Greek Institute at the French Ecole des Hautes Etudes in Paris at a cost of 30 million drachmas, another at Budapest University and a chair at Tbilisi University in Georgia.

End of English language section.

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