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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-04-10

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

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1160), April 10, 1997

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


CONTENTS

  • [01] Simitis urges private, public initiatives to strengthen economy
  • [02] Greece will be in EMU by 2001, central bank governor says
  • [03] Bank governors
  • [04] Chrysohoidis
  • [05] Tsohatzopoulos addresses Balkan issues
  • [06] Vassiliou, Varvitsiotis
  • [07] Greek, Albanian defense ministers discuss details of force
  • [08] Premier: Portion of loan to Albania will aid Greek businesses reporting losses
  • [09] Apostolakis meets UN deputy chief on WEU-NATO relations
  • [10] Bulgaria's Stalev to visit Greece
  • [11] Gov't denies press reports on secret talks with Ankara
  • [12] Constantopoulos: recent foreign policy steps 'positive', calls for even greater presence
  • [13] ELBO unveils new armored combat vehicle
  • [14] Simitis: Social dialogue on social security issue to begin in '97
  • [15] Gov't condemns striking construction workers' tactics
  • [16] Washington in favor of recourse to The Hague for Imia
  • [17] Gov't on judges' wage-scale
  • [18] Costas Karamanlis says PASOK responsible for current 'gray environment'
  • [19] Development ministry introduces tourist-friendly measures
  • [20] Merchant marine ministry to invite tenders for new helicopters
  • [21] Mortgage Bank's pre-tax profits rise in '96
  • [22] Health ministry initiative to tackle illegal drug use
  • [23] Airline passengers give Hellenikon airport a vote of confidence

  • [01] Simitis urges private, public initiatives to strengthen economy

    Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday called on private entrepreneurs to undertake bolder initiatives that will allow the economy to make the qualitative leap necessary to face increasingly stiffer international competition.

    Speaking at yesterday's session of the Economist's "Roundtable with the Greek Government", which opened in Athens on Monday, Mr. Simitis said this leap entailed the speedy stabilization of prices, reduction in fiscal deficits and high rates of growth, which required very specific forms of entrepreneurial action.

    These concern the capacity to act effectively in a number of fields, including control of costs, a dynamic perspective for business growth rather than opportunistic profitability, creation or utilization of innovations and research activities, restructuring with a view to growth in size that affords greater risk-taking and access to larger capital sources, establishment of brand names, tuning in to the messages of the markets and making good use of the conditions created by economic policy.

    The modernization of public administration, implementation of decentralization policies and the strengthening of the adjustment of businesses to new realities are among the priorities of the Greek government, he stressed.

    He cautioned that "the performance of the Greek economy is evolving satisfactorily but at a rate lower than feasible. Production and productivity are increasing at very low rates, and funds disbursed have not been utilized to the desirable degree for the development of the country".

    He also emphasized the role of private enterprise.

    "Restructuring, modernization, and an increase in productivity do not concern only the state, public utilities or working people. They concern private enterprise to an even greater degree," he said.

    Mr. Simitis pointed out the government's goals do not concern particular social or professional groups, but everyone without exception. Despite the difficulties, the premier called on economic partners to look to the future with optimism.

    He said the focus of government strategy was increasingly shifting towards the productive restructuring and the strengthening of the country's growth dynamics.

    "Nineteen-ninety-seven is a crucial year for our policy. The extent of the improvement in the fields of fiscal deficits and inflation will determine the distance from our goal, and the intensity of the effort that will be required next year," he said.

    "Investment in infrastructure and the development of human resources, the institutional changes, are gradually changing the structure of our society and economy. The national strategy in infrastructure, transport, communications, energy, ensures a large part of the competitive potential of the national economy in the coming decades," he added.

    He cautioned that there is no other alternative for the country's European prospects.

    "This policy, the policy of convergence, is the only answer to a multi-speed Europe. Policies which do not strengthen our economy, no matter how many excuses they are dressed up with, have one result only: they lead the country to the second or third speed of Europe and annul the long expectations and sacrifices of working people and the productive forces," he stressed.

    He further outlined four goals of the government's program, namely:

    - Ensuring Greece's participation in the final phase of EMU.

    - Promotion of strong structural interventions that will speed up growth.

    - Contribution to the creation of conditions of political stability and peace in the broader region, and ensuring the existence of a strong deterrent force vis-a-vis the systematic provocations in our eastern borders and in Cyprus.

    "Our strength results from our overall performance, and certainly not from armaments alone," he stressed.

    The fourth goal is ensuring a high degree of social cohesion, with the balancing of inequalities and creation of a society based on trust and prospects.

    Mr. Simitis said Greece's recent economic performance had created new comparative advantages regarding investment, monetary, institutional, and political stability.

    "Nineteen-ninety-six was the first year that the growth rate of our economy signaled, after many years, a real convergence with the average of the European Union.

    "This performance was achieved without increasing the burdens for the coming years and generations. The positive course of the country's finances has resulted in the boosting of its credibility in international organizations, with secondary positive influences in the cost of external borrowing," he said.

    [02] Greece will be in EMU by 2001, central bank governor says

    Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)

    Bank of Greece Governor Lucas Papademos, addressing the conference appeared optimistic that Greece would be able to participate in the European Economic and Monetary Union by the end of 2001.

    He referred to progress made in recent years towards monetary stability and satisfying the criteria of the Maastricht treaty.

    "Conditions are favorable for a decrease in inflation to below three per cent within 1998, approaching the limit set out in the convergence criteria," he predicted, adding that meeting monetary criteria for convergence would be the most difficult task of macro-economic policy over the next few years.

    Mr. Papademos also made extended reference to the consequences of the EMU on Greece's monetary policy, stressing that even though the same goals would be adhered to, two new elements would be introduced. These were the introduction of an exchange parity mechanism based on the Euro and a stability pact aimed at a more effective supervision on fiscal discipline.

    Turning to the repercussions of the EMU on the credit system and the capital markets, Mr. Papademos said the trend towards a smaller number of large banks offering the entire range of banking services, along with the creation of specialized financial institutions, would be encouraged.

    Domestic credit institutions would be able to succeed in the new environment if they reduced their operating costs, improved their technological and personnel infrastructure and improved their position regarding capital and risk management, he added.

    The Bank of Greece, he concluded, was proceeding with necessary preparations for adopting the single currency and would soon establish new strategies to influence liquidity and inter-bank market rates.

    He also said the bank was coordinating its efforts to institute the operation of an effective system of payments which would be in line with comparative systems in other European nations and that these systems will constitute the inter-European payment system necessary for the unified monetary policy.

    [03] Bank governors

    Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)

    Transformation of the Greek banking sector in view of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) was the focus of yesterday morning's Economist session.

    Commercial Bank President Constantinos Georgoutsakos said that in view of EMU, Greek banks should try to preserve their competitive advantage in the local market.

    "Greek banks should strengthen their position in the local market, where they are traditionally competitive and have developed strong ties with their local clientele," he said.

    Mr. Georgoutsakos said Greek banks should also expand their activities to the Balkans, where they could benefit from Greece's traditional economic relations with these markets and from the development of Greek business interests in the region.

    Agricultural Bank President Christos Papathanasiou said the bank aimed at development through expansion.

    Stressing the difficulties emanating from globalization, Mr. Papathanasiou said his bank would soon be transformed into a cooperatives bank and become one of EU's specialized financial institutions in the agricultural sector.

    On his part, National Bank of Greece Deputy Director Theodoros Pantalakis said certain sectors were likely to face problems of acute competition and falling profit margins in view of EMU. Among those, he said, were the sectors of general service provision to large enterprises, investment banking and private banking.

    He said competition will lead to mergers, buy-outs and strategic alliances. In the future, he added, profits will emanate from the cheap cost of money, specialized service provision, quality of services rendered and bank effectiveness in dealing with crises.

    Eurobank General Manager N. Nanopoulos referred to the role of the state in view of EMU, saying that it should facilitate developments in the banking sector and proceed with the privatization of state-controlled banks.

    "The state should operate as a "catalyst in the modernization and creation of competitive conditions for the Greek banking system," Mr. Nanopoulos said.

    Elaborating on short-term consequences from the Economic and Monetary Union, Xiosbank General Manager Panayiotis Poulis said the "disappearance of national currencies will both eliminate the risk and bring down the cost of transactions."

    "This will be positive for consumers but negative for banks which are the ones burdened with the cost of making the adjustment," he added.

    [04] Chrysohoidis

    Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)

    "Our aim is to protect the consumer," Development Under-secretary Mihalis Chrysohoidis said yesterday in the conference.

    "In view of this political pursuit," he added, "we are formulating the new rules of healthy competition in the framework of a free market economy."

    Mr. Chrysohoidis said that a draft bill to improve protection of free market competition would soon be completed. He also said the ministry worked towards the creation of a system to control product quality.

    The under-secretary further announced the establishment of a "quality council" to formulate policies in various sectors of the economy.

    He also announced the tabling of a bill for the foundation of the "Greek Consumer Institute."

    [05] Tsohatzopoulos addresses Balkan issues

    Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)

    National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos stressed the need for the European Union to intervene in the Balkans, not in a fashion of managing crises through military presence alone, but through promoting conditions of economic co-operation and development, with a plan similar to those entailed in Mediterranean programs.

    "Greece can play a prominent role in a new developmental scheme, having a national interest in ensuring stability in Albania and the Balkans," he said.

    Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis stressed that there could be no normalization of relations with Turkey as long as what he called Ankara's aggressive policy towards Greece continued. He said Greece had rejected a Dutch proposal for the establishment of a committee of experts from third countries that would look into Greek-Turkish differences, because it contained the danger of arbitration.

    He said that instead, an exchange of views between Greek and Turkish experts, with a view to preparing a report on how to handle procedural matters would be useful.

    [06] Vassiliou, Varvitsiotis

    Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)

    Speaking at the same conference yesterday, former Cyprus president George Vassiliou said the largest stumbling block for Greek foreign policy to be able to carry out its stabilizing role in the region lies with tension in Greek-Turkish relations due to Turkey's continuing aggressive and expansionist policy.

    Mr. Vassiliou said the need for relations of good neighborliness is an inescapable need for Greece, adding that Greece is right in bringing to the attention of Europe and the world that it is not Turkey's eternal enemy but a potential friend and a good neighbor. He said Turkey's greatest enemy is the very policy it is following.

    Former New Democracy national defense minister and current deputy Ioannis Varvitsiotis proposed the creation of a unified and common policy strategy which will be applied with continuity, consistency and patience, regardless of changes in government.

    Mr. Varvitsiotis said the unified and common strategy should be based on the development of necessary diplomatic relations and initiatives and continuous briefing of international public opinion which, however, "have the strengthening of our diplomatic service as a necessary precondition" and on powerful armed forces which means excellent training, discipline and a high morale in conjunction with remuneration and equipment.

    Speaking at the conference, the general director of the Intracom company, Mr. Tsoukalidis, proposed the initiation of a "real and convincing Greek foreign aid program for countries in our region in the framework of corresponding programs applied by all exporting countries...".

    [07] Greek, Albanian defense ministers discuss details of force

    Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)

    Greece's participation in the multinational protection force in Albania, as well as in assisting in the reorganization of the Albanian armed forces were discussed yesterday by visiting Albanian Defense Minister Shaqir Vukaj and his Greek counterpart Akis Tsohatzopoulos.

    The Greek defense minister said the Greek corps would consist of 700-900 troops, depending on requirements, while today the final decision will be made in co-operation with the Albanian government regarding the deployment of the first troops on April 14.

    Replying to questions regarding reports that the Italian government of Prime Minister Romano Prodi could resign over the issue, and the risks involved in the mission, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos expressed the belief that the Italian parliament would approve the deployment of an Italian corps in Albania. If not, he added, others would take charge, as the UN decision (to send troops) could not be canceled.

    The dangers that would have to be faced by the multinational force, said Mr. Vukaj, were limited to criminal gangs, as the Albanian people in both the north and south of the country would welcome the foreign troops.

    Mr. Vukaj dismissed interpretations in the press that Albania was in a state of civil war. There had never been a civil war, nor had Albanians taken up arms against each other, even though there were three different religious groups. Albania's ethnic Greek minority, he added, served as a "bridge of friendship" between the Greek and Albanian peoples.

    At the meeting, details of bilateral co-operation were worked out with regard to Albania's reorganization of its armed forces.

    Discussions will be continued at military level, said Mr. Tsohatzopoulos. Mr. Vukaj said the reconstruction would be based on the history of the army, the traditions of the people, the experience of the modern infrastructure of NATO member-states and that of other countries similar to Albania.

    In a related development, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga asked for a special Parliamentary debate on the dispatch of Greek troops to Albania, claiming in a letter that the government's decision to participate in the multinational force "provokes serious reactions."

    [08] Premier: Portion of loan to Albania will aid Greek businesses reporting losses

    Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis said aid will be provided for Greek enterprises in Albania which have suffered losses immediately after an assessment and registration of damages has been made.

    Mr. Simitis, who was replying to a question by main opposition New Democracy party deputy Haralambos Papathanasiou, said part of a 20-billion-drachma loan Greece will grant to the Albanian government will be provided for Greek enterprises suffering losses in the neighboring country following several months of turmoil, adding that the situation is still fluid and there is no clear picture of real losses sustained by Greek enterprises in that country.

    Mr. Papathanasiou said there is also a climate of insecurity and uncertainty among the Greek business world operating in the neighboring country, stressing that this climate is intensified by extortions from organized crime elements.

    [09] Apostolakis meets UN deputy chief on WEU-NATO relations

    New York, 10/04/1997 (ANA - M.Georgiadou)

    Defense Under-secretary Dimitris Apostolakis discussed relations between the European Union, its defense arm the Western European Union, and NATO with United Nations Deputy Secretary General Bernard Miyet, who is responsible for peace missions.

    Mr. Apostolakis later expanded on these views during an event at the European Institute.

    In the meeting with Mr. Miyet, reference was made to the multinational force for Albania, to be deployed next week, as an example of an autonomous force not sponsored by the UN but which had been approved by the Security Council, following approval by the European Union.

    Mr. Apostolakis, who is heading a delegation of the Transatlantic Forum, addressed the European Institute gathering on the European Union's initiatives in creating a common foreign and security policy, NATO expansion and the role of the Western European Union.

    He made particular reference to problems that have arisen due to the stance of the more powerful Western European nations, who appeared to be less and less willing, following the collapse of communism, to intervene in "foreign conflicts", resulting in the acceptance of faits accomplis which were in opposition to the values of the West. This stance, he noted, was of particular concern to countries situated around the European Union's "unstable periphery".

    No guarantees existed for the security of these countries, he noted, adding that the EU should develop an autonomous security and defense body within NATO which would be parallel to that of the North Atlantic Alliance.

    The WEU's goals, he said, were to be on the one hand, the European mainstay of NATO and on the other, to undertake the defense of the European Union.

    The next stop on the Transatlantic Forum's briefing tour of the US is Los Angeles.

    [10] Bulgaria's Stalev to visit Greece

    Sofia, 10/04/1997 (ANA - N.Hiou)

    Bulgaria's caretaker Foreign Minister Stoyan Stalev will pay a working visit to Greece from April 14-16 at the invitation of Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos.

    The dispatch added that Mr. Stalev would be received by President Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and have talks with Mr. Pangalos.

    Quoting Bulgarian foreign ministry spokesman Radko Vlaidkov, Mr. Stalev's talks will focus on Bulgaria's desire to join NATO and become a member of the European Union.

    During his contacts here, Mr. Stalev is also expected to discuss the general situation in the Balkans and bilateral co-operation issues, particularly commercial and economic relations and cross-border programs.

    [11] Gov't denies press reports on secret talks with Ankara

    Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)

    The government yesterday denied a newspaper article claiming that Athens was engaged in a secret dialogue with Ankara within the framework of NATO.

    A front-page article in today's edition of the Athens daily "Eleftheros Typos" claimed that negotiations between Greece and Turkey on the Aegean were already in progress.

    According to the newspaper, talks were in progress in Brussels - the headquarters of NATO - under the general supervision of Alliance Secretary-General Javier Solana. Denying the report, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said "what is happening is the study and drawing of conclusions on the basis of the picture relayed to NATO by Greek radar concerning the violations of Greek airspace by Turkish aircraft".

    The spokesman underlined that there was "no other issue of dialogue" while noting that "this dialogue does not constitute negotiation".

    Replying to other questions, Mr. Reppas said that the discussion at the level of permanent representatives with the aim of reducing tension in the Aegean was nothing new.

    He added that Greece was also examining the issue of extending the moratorium on military flights over the Aegean, currently applicable to July and August, to June and September also.

    "The present process at NATO strengthens Greece's relationship politically because it shows that Athens is right to charge and protest Turkish aggression," Mr. Reppas said.

    [12] Constantopoulos: recent foreign policy steps 'positive', calls for even greater presence

    Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)

    Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos yesterday acknowledged that the government had taken positive steps in foreign policy matters but urged the even stronger presence of Greece in regional developments.

    Mr. Constantopoulos was speaking to reporters after talks yesterday with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, during which he outlined his party's positions on foreign and domestic policy matters.

    Although acknowledging positive steps by the government, Mr. Constantopoulos said its policy was too often "spasmodic" in nature.

    Synaspismos, he said, would continue to undertake initiatives aimed at redetermining Greek foreign policy, which would include a visit to Turkey at the end of May and visits to Tirana and Sofia.

    [13] ELBO unveils new armored combat vehicle

    Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)

    The Hellenic Vehicles Industry (ELBO) has designed a new armored vehicle for combat and proposed its mass production to the National Defense Ministry, ELBO President Lykourgos Sakellaris told a press conference yesterday. Mr. Sakellaris however declined to say whether the proposal had met with a favorable response from the ministry.

    Referring to ELBO's activities in general, Mr. Sakellaris said the company was aiming to extend its activities.

    In 1997, ELBO is expected to triple its profits, which are expected to reach an estimated one billion drachmas.

    Last year, the company recorded a turnover of 25.5 billion drachmas and profits of 330 million drachmas, compared to 24.5 billion and 1.4 billion drachmas respectively in 1995.

    Mr. Sakellaris attributed the drop in profits to the high cost of manufacturing products and the company's increased overheads.

    According to Mr. Sakellaris, ELBO is currently negotiating with the national defense ministry for the manufacture of 57 "Leonidas" armored vehicles and 355 small jeeps.

    On March 28, he added, the company signed an agreement with the Cypriot government for the supply of military trucks and jeeps in a deal worth a total of 2.7 billion drachmas.

    At the same time, an order has been placed by the Thessaloniki Urban Transport authority for the manufacture of 45 buses, worth 1.8 billion drachmas. The first 15 vehicles will be delivered this year. ELBO was recently awarded a Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE) tender for the manufacture of 15 coaches in a deal worth 1.5 billion drachmas which is expected to be finalized shortly.

    The company is currently completing an order placed by Thessaloniki Municipality for the manufacture of 15 garbage trucks.

    Mr. Sakellaris noted that the company's exports were progressing well, particularly with respect to Serbia, while expressing optimism that negotiations with Egypt for the supply of 15 "Leonidas" armored vehicles would have a positive outcome.

    [14] Simitis: Social dialogue on social security issue to begin in '97

    Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis said dialogue on the social security issue will begin in 1997 and that "we have time" for necessary overall reforms, after visiting the labor and social security ministry yesterday.

    He was briefed on current labor issues by Labor Minister Miltiades Papaioannou and by Labor Undersecretaries Christos Protopapas and Nikos Farmakis, as well as pension fund governors.

    Mr. Simitis said interventions will be promoted soon in places where the social security system is weak. He said the bill on curbing contribution evasion and the creation of an effective collecting mechanism, the measure of implementing a medicine list at all funds as well as the promotion of computerization and an omni-bill on social insurance regulation are almost ready. General issues concerning social security, necessitating wider consensus, will be subject to social dialogue and will be handled without the pressure of time, he added.

    Mr. Simitis was reassuring in connection with rumors of changes in labor relations.

    "We respect collective agreements. We consider them a case for employers and working people, as well as a democratic acquisition, and we do not intend to degrade them," he said.

    In general, Mr. Simitis refuted reports viewing his visit to the ministry as a start of dialogue aimed at an unfavorable amendment of labor rights - flexible working hours, mass dismissals, an increase in contributions and a decrease in working hours and remuneration.

    Mr. Simitis again referred to measures in favor of the professional and geographical mobility of working people as well as to the need to include employment, as a special chapter, in the text concerning the revision of the Maastricht Treaty.

    Commenting on a demonstration by a group of construction workers, Mr. Simitis termed it an "organized political presence", adding that social dialogue must not be debased by such political interventions.

    Speaking in Parliament later, Mr. Simitis said the government is determined to proceed on the democratic path of social dialogue on the issues of labor and social security aimed at social consensus.

    Replying to a question from Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas on the government's intentions concerning insurance and pensioning, Mr. Simitis accused Mr. Tsovolas of "alarmism", adding that the government does not intend to decrease working hours and the salary scale.

    [15] Gov't condemns striking construction workers' tactics

    Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)

    The government criticized yesterday's protest by striking construction workers, marred by scuffles between the latter and policemen, saying it "dynamites every good effort to tackle the problems of the people".

    Advising calm and sobriety, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas noted that some of the construction workers yesterday wore hard hats "which although not indicative of unlawfulness is indicative of a certain attitude".

    The scuffles, during which one policeman was slightly injured, broke out near the labor ministry which was being visited at the time by Prime Minister Costas Simitis, when construction workers tried to break through a police cordon.

    Order was restored after riot police intervened using tear-gas.

    Earlier, about 1,500 construction workers, who yesterday staged a 24-hour strike, attended a rally in central Athens.

    Labor Minister Miltiades Papaioannou described as "unaccep-table" the construction workers' insistence on reaching the ministry during a scheduled visit by the prime minister.

    Mr. Papaioannou said he had sent a letter to the construction workers' labor federation asking them to postpone yesterday's meeting. Not only had they refused, he added, but they also assaulted the person who delivered the letter.

    The President of the Panehellenic Federation of Construction Workers, Andreas Zazopoulos, accused the government of high-handedness.

    During a 30-minute meeting with Mr. Papaioannou, a six-member delegation representing construction workers outlined their positions on the measures they believe must be taken to combat unemployment in their branch.

    The delegation also put forward social security demands and underlined the problems caused by the illegal employment of foreign workers in construction.

    The Panhellenic Federation of Construction Workers is scheduled to meet in the next few days to decide on further protest action.

    [16] Washington in favor of recourse to The Hague for Imia

    Washington, 10/04/1997 (ANA -T. Ellis)

    The White House restated yesterday that it favored referral of the Imia dispute to the International Court of Justice at The Hague.

    "We have repeatedly said that we believe that the dispute between Greece and Turkey surrounding the sovereignty of Imia/Kardak, the island that has two names, should be referred to the International Court at The Hague... that is and will be our position," White House spokesman Mike McCurry said.

    [17] Gov't on judges' wage-scale

    Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)

    The government has undertaken the commitment to create a salary scale for judges and this will be brought about during the next period, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday in reply to a question on the tug-of-war between judges and Parliamentary deputies.

    Referring to the amendment ratified in Parliament on Tuesday night, Mr. Reppas said it concerns the cancellation of write-offs of claims by deputies on the equation of their remuneration with those of judges and does not concern the specific payment of remuneration.

    Mr. Reppas said this issue will be handled by the government and the finance ministry, in particular.

    [18] Costas Karamanlis says PASOK responsible for current 'gray environment'

    Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)

    Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis said yesterday that the ruling PASOK party was responsible for what he described as the lost decade of the 1980s, adding that "economic indicators show that we are in a danger of losing the current decade as well".

    "PASOK is responsible for the gray environment we are living in, and it is our responsibility to make a break with this environment," he told his party's chairmen of prefectural committees.

    He stressed that Greece needs to combat nepotism, unreliability and cynicism, and spoke of collective work and responsibility, without discriminations and exclusions.

    He stated his resolve to maintain and respect ND's principles as found in its charter, saying characteristically: "You cannot convince others when undermining your own credibility."

    [19] Development ministry introduces tourist-friendly measures

    Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)

    Development Minister Vasso Papandreou and Under-secretary Michalis Chrysochoidis yesterday announced a series of measures aimed at protecting consumers and upgrading tourism services prior to the new tourist season.

    According to the new measures, a number of basic goods such as bottled water and soft drinks will as of this year go on sale displaying a recommended retail price.

    Although prices will be freely determined by producers and importers and will not be binding on retailers, consumers will know whether the price they are paying is reasonable and will therefore to some extent control prices.

    The recommended prices will be higher on the islands and in tourist areas only in high season, but all the year round in snack-bars on ferry-boats, trains and at airports, sports grounds and archaeological sites.

    The measures also introduce a "protest sheet" which will be available (in triplicate) to consumers at the exits of stores and other business premises. Consumers will be able to use the sheet to complain about tax, market or sanitary violations, leaving one copy with the store and sending another to the local prefectural authorities.

    A study will also get under way this year on a categorization system for restaurants, entertainment centers and hotels. Using "stars" to denote quality of services, the system will be implemented during 1998. Brochures written in several languages, accompanied by protest sheets, will also be distributed to taxis for use by disgruntled passengers. At the same time, the police will increase their patrols and checks at taxi ranks such as at airports and harbors.

    In addition, over the next three years all taxi drivers will attend a special training course, completion of which will be a prerequisite for the granting of licenses.

    Assurances were also given yesterday that the general situation for passengers will be much improved at airports and ports around the country.

    In view of the new tourist season, Ms Papandreou asked local government authorities to strictly implement provisions on tourist and related facilities and services, imposing fines and other penalties where necessary, regardless of any political cost.

    [20] Merchant marine ministry to invite tenders for new helicopters

    Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)

    The merchant marine ministry will in the next few days invite tenders for the supply of all-weather helicopters, following the unanimous approval of the inter-party committee responsible for examining the procurement.

    Merchant Marine Minister Stavros Soumakis, who made the announcement at a press conference yesterday, thanked all the representatives of the political parties who participated in the committee for their decision.

    [21] Mortgage Bank's pre-tax profits rise in '96

    Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)

    Speaking at the National Mortgage Bank of Greece's (EKTE) general assembly yesterday, bank governor Vassilis Rapanos said EKTE's pre-tax profits amounted to 36.08 billion drachmas compared to 20.06 billion drachmas in the previous fiscal year.

    He further said that the price of the bank's shares at the Athens stock exchange increased by 59 per cent in 1996 against an increase of 22 per cent of the bank share indicator.

    Mr. Rapanos added that apart from the bank's improved productivity and efficiency indicators, efforts are underway to modernize and develop EKTE and that a series of projects aimed at a gradual change in the bank's basic structures and functions has already been approved.

    [22] Health ministry initiative to tackle illegal drug use

    Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)

    The health ministry announced a series of measures yesterday to tackle the problem of illegal drug abuse in Greece at a time when heroin-related deaths are increasing.

    On his part, Health Minister Costas Geitonas said there are no "magical solutions" for this problem and called on whoever has any to come forward. The triptych of the government's effort to tackle the drug scourge was set out as following:

    - An active upgrading of centers preoccupied with the issue and their close co-operation with many known centers abroad which have made great achievements in tackling the problem.

    - Action through the organization against drugs, the establishment of new centers aimed at decentralizing prevention and therapy programs and in remote parts of the country as well.

    - An appropriate registration of data from around the country.

    Health Under-secretary Manolis Skoulakis said the turnover stemming from drug trafficking in Greece is estimated at 450 billion drachmas and called on every local association or group to organize itself and combat the problem.

    In a related development, an announcement by the Coalition of the Left and Progress proposes an amendment toward the direction of decriminalization of some drugs, as well as drastic support for drug detoxification communities and the accelerated creation of other treatment units.

    Heroin- related deaths claimed 10 victims in eight days recently.

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis, on his part, said yesterday that the government isn't considering a change in the law against illegal drugs, during a response to a question tabled by PASOK deputy Nasos Alevras.

    [23] Airline passengers give Hellenikon airport a vote of confidence

    Geneva, 10/04/1997 (ANA/Reuter)

    Athens' Hellenikon airport has been voted the world's most improved airport by long-haul airline passengers, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said yesterday.

    Athens was bottom of the poll last year and for years target of fierce criticism in the travel industry.

    The poll, based on the views of some 55,000 people and covering 54 airports, chose Singapore's Changi airport and Britain's Manchester as the world's top two airports. Melbourne came a close third, up from seventh last year.

    End of English language section.


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