Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-05-22
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1192), May 22, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Greece ready to help in any way for successful Albanian elections
[02] Reppas
[03] IMF sees marked improvement on Greek economy
[04] Ankara says it's ready for 'committee of experts'
[05] G. Papandreou visit to Austria
[06] Simitis to visit Sweden early next month
[07] Kranidiotis meets with EU representative on Cyprus
[08] Europarliament committee adopts ND Eurodeputy's report on
stability, development pact
[09] Armenian BSEC deputies visit Greece
[10] PASOK hosts EU-Turkey discussion on Lesvos
[11] Tsohatzopoulos on visit to Yugoslavia
[12] Greek police officer's shooting in Gjirokaster apparently solved
[13] G. Papandreou supports prospect of decriminalization of cannabis
in magazine interview
[14] Iraqi envoy appeals for world condemnation of Turkish thrust
into Iraq
[15] Greece reiterates strong opposition to Turkish move
[16] V. Papandreou to participate in IEO members' session
[17] Armenian genocide photo exhibition in Thessaloniki
[18] Athens' rivals for 2004 Games cry foul over reception
[19] Armed Albanians kidnap two Greeks
[20] Thessaloniki to vie for 2001 indoor track championship
[21] Shipping exchange drop in January
[22] National Bank's new branch in Sofia
[23] Alpha Credit Bank 1996 profits rise 13%
[24] IOBE survey on economy
[25] EU delays olive oil reforms until 1998
[26] ELBO co-operation with NATO allies considered
[27] SEB's Stratos calls for specific time frame on 'social dialogue'
[28] Gov't responds to OECD report on Greece's pension funds
[29] Greece opposes EU change in calculating olive oil subsidies
[01] Greece ready to help in any way for successful Albanian elections
Athens, 22/5/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos yesterday called on all
political forces in Albania to make every effort towards a
successful outcome for the June 29 elections, promising that
Greece "will continue to offer every possible assistance on the
diplomatic, economic and humanitarian front."
In a statement issued yesterday morning, Mr. Pangalos warned
against allowing "partisan concerns to thwart" what he called
"the historic opportunity offered by the elections". He said the
"international community would have to review its position with
regard to Albania if the elections foundered."
"If the elections were not held under free and fair conditions,"
Mr. Pangalos said he feared "the end of Albania's troubles would
not be at hand."
Athens, 22/5/1997 (ANA)
There are no plans for Mr. Pangalos to visit Albania, government
spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday replying to reporters'
questions.
Commenting meanwhile on the situation in the neighboring
country, Mr. Reppas said it was the responsibility of the
political forces of Albania to give a solution to the problem
which exists.
On the presence of the multinational protection force in Albania
and its role, Mr. Reppas said "no one is prepared to whitewash
unilateral actions and it is not possible for the international
community to legitimize handling which serves the plans of
individuals or parties."
"The international community will not remain indifferent," Mr.
Reppas said.
The spokesman expressed the hope that the political parties in
Albania will in the next few days find a way to communicate.
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said on Tuesday
that Greece intended to raise the issue of whether its military
contingent should remain in Albania in the event that the
political parties of the neighboring country fail to reach
agreement on the electoral law and the terms under which
elections scheduled for next month will be held.
"We went to Albania to support the agreement and not to be used
by one side or the other," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos warned.
[03] IMF sees marked improvement on Greek economy
Athens, 22/5/1997 (ANA)
The Greek economy has showed a marked improvement with growth
rates accelerating and inflation falling to 20-year lows,
upgrading the country's position in international financial
markets, the International Monetary Fund said.
[04] Ankara says it's ready for 'committee of experts'
Istanbul, 22/5/1997 (ANA)
Turkey is ready to enter into a meeting of the Greek and Turkish
"committees of experts" as soon as Athens is ready, Turkish
foreign ministry spokesman Omer Akbel said yesterday.
Speaking at a press briefing, Mr. Akbel said that "it seems that
our Greek neighbors are facing certain difficulties" in terms of
convening the group of experts on Greek-Turkish relations. He
said that "efforts are underway to make the start of talks o n
the issue possible".
The proposal for the experts committee was made by the Dutch EU
presidency, while Mr. Akbel said Turkey was "expecting
confirmation" of when the Greek side was ready.
[05] G. Papandreou visit to Austria
Vienna, 22/5/1997 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou is to conduct a
working visit here today and discuss a series of issues,
including bilateral relations, the intergovernmental conference,
the Balkans, EU relations and the Cyprus issue.
Mr. Papandreou is scheduled to meet with Austrian Foreign
Under-secretary Benita Fererro-Waldner, Vice Chancellor and
Foreign Minister Wolfgang Schuessel and the Foreign
Under-secretary responsible for European, Cultural and Sports
Issues Peter Witmann.
The two sides are to discuss the course of the Intergovernmental
Conference currently underway. Greece's central position on the
issue is for negotiations to lead to a comprehensive package
which will lead to Greece's equal participation in European
developments.
Mr. Papandreou is also to broach the issue of the EU's prospects
for expansion, and particularly the opening of entry
negotiations for Cyprus six months after the end of the IGC.
These entry negotiations are due to begin during Austria's
presidency of the EU, during the second half of 1998.
Prime Minister Costas Simitis' visit to Austria last month is
also expected to be discussed.
[06] Simitis to visit Sweden early next month
Stockholm, 22/5/1997 (ANA-N. Serveta)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis will pay a working visit to Sweden
from June 3-5.
After arriving in Stockholm, Mr. Simitis will travel to Malmo to
attend a conference of European socialist and social democrat
parties which is being held just a few days before the European
Union summit.
According to the program for the premier's visit, Mr. Simitis
will arrive in Stockholm on June 3 and the same day attend a
dinner given in his honor by Swedish Prime Minister Goran Person.
The following day, Mr. Simitis will have talks with Mr. Person
and Swedish Foreign Minister Lena Hjelm-Wallen. Later the same
day, he will attend a meeting of Sweden's Social Democrat party
cadres.
On June 5, in the morning, the premier will be received by King
Carl Gustav XVI and immediately after leave for Malmo.
Mr. Simitis will be accompanied on his first visit to Sweden as
premier by Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou.
[07] Kranidiotis meets with EU representative on Cyprus
Athens, 22/5/1997 (ANA)
The Dutch EU presidency's representative for the Cyprus problem,
Irish ambassador Kester Heaslip, yesterday briefed Foreign
Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis on his recent talks in
Ankara and Nicosia.
During the meeting, Mr. Kranidiotis expressed the view to Mr.
Heaslip that the European Union should play a more active role
in efforts to find a settlement of the Cyprus problem and a
"catalytic" role in negotiations for Cyprus' accession to the
Community.
Mr. Kranidiotis underlined that any Cyprus solution should be in
accordance with European law and order and that the island
republic's accession to the EU should constitute part of the
solution.
[08] Europarliament committee adopts ND Eurodeputy's report on
stability, development pact
Brussels, 22/5/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)
The European Parliament's Economic, Monetary and Industrial
Policy Committee yesterday adopted a report by New Democracy
Eurodeputy Efthymios Christodoulou on the stability and
development pact aimed at securing fiscal stability during the
third stage of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).
The report says fiscal stability will be achieved by
strengthening the supervision and coordination of all
member-states' fiscal status as well as imposing penalties on
member-states in EMU which will produce an excessive fiscal
deficit, namely, a deficit exceeding the 3 per cent of GDP
ceiling anticipated by the Maastricht Treaty.
It is reminded that in the wake of the European summit in
Dublin, the informal ECOFIN council held in the Netherlands in
April agreed in principle to establish the basic principles and
main settlements governing the pact in question.
Mr. Christodoulou's report makes particular reference to the
problems which will be faced by EU member-states which will not
join the EMU from the start.
[09] Armenian BSEC deputies visit Greece
Athens, 22/5/1997 (ANA)
The members of the Armenian parliamentary delegation at the
Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Co-operation
(BSEC) organization, headed by Karapet Roubinyan, had talks
yesterday with Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis.
During the meeting, both sides underlined the close ties of
friendship linking the two countries and confirmed their will
for the further broadening of bilateral co-operation for the
benefit of both peoples.
"We feel to be not only friends but allies of the Armenian
nation and we must preserve, strengthen and transfer this
relationship to coming generations as a joint defense stance
against the expansionist policy of Turkey," Mr. Kaklamanis said.
Echoing Mr. Kaklamanis' views, Mr. Roubinyan underlined Turkey's
negative stance towards Armenia against the background of
Erevan's efforts to resolve differences with Azerbaijan.
"We are determined to continuously condemn this policy of Turkey
at all international organizations," Mr. Roubinyan added.
[10] PASOK hosts EU-Turkey discussion on Lesvos
Athens, 22/5/1997 (ANA)
PASOK's Parliamentary group at the European Parliament is
hosting a discussion entitled "European Union-Turkish
Relations", held on the eastern Aegean island of Lesvos in
association with the party's prefectural committee.
Speakers include European Parliament Vice-President Paraskevas
Avgerinos, who is also the head of PASOK's Europarliament group,
Aegean Minister Elisabeth Papazoi, PASOK Eurodeputy and
Vice-President of the party's Parliamentary group at the
European Parliament Yiannis Roubatis and Eurodeputy Dimitris
Tsatsos.
[11] Tsohatzopoulos on visit to Yugoslavia
Athens, 22/5/1997 (ANA)
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos arrived in
Belgrade last night for a two-day visit at the invitation of his
counterpart Pavle Bulatovic.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos is due to visit the Yugoslav army's Institute
of Technological Studies before attending a dinner held in his
honor.
According to an ANA dispatch quoting Yugoslav defense ministry
sources, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos will discuss with Mr. Bulatovic the
aim and priorities of co-operation in the defense and technology
sectors. Both ministers are also expected to discuss security
concerns in the Balkans.
Today, the two ministers will have talks focusing on bilateral
defense-related issues.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos is also due to have talks with Serbian
President Slobodan Milosevic, Foreign Minister Milan Milutinovic
and other leaders.
[12] Greek police officer's shooting in Gjirokaster apparently solved
Athens, 22/5/1997 (ANA)
The Greek police security chief at Athens' consulate in the
Albanian town of Gjirokaster died as a result of a gunshot fired
by a young fellow officer who had been sent to reinforce the
consulate's guard, authorities announced last night.
According to public order ministry sources, the police officer,
Dimitris Tzavelas, admitted to authorities that he accidentally
shot Nikos Markakis early Tuesday morning during horseplay. He
had been sent to Albania only a few months ago.
The same sources said Mr. Tzavelas was first named as being the
man who shot Markakis by Odysseas Mitsis, an ethnic Greek
resident of southern Albania serving on the consulate's security
guard. Mr. Mitsis was initially suspected of firing the shot.
Greek police officials have traveled to Gjirokaster and are to
stage a reconstruction of the incident in order to investigate
whether the shooting was accidental or intentional.
[13] G. Papandreou supports prospect of decriminalization of cannabis
in magazine interview
Athens, 22/5/1997 (ANA)
The Athens daily "Eleftheros Typos" yesterday published excerpts
of an interview by Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou
with the monthly magazine "Klik", in which he reportedly
supports the possibility of a cannabis user being able to
cultivate a small quantity at his residence for personal own use.
The minister adds that it will remain illegal for citizens to
either traffic or sell any cultivated quantity.
Mr. Papandreou is also reportedly in favor of distinguishing
between so-called "soft" and "hard" drugs, in order to enable
the weight of strict law enforcement to fall on the latter.
Reacting strongly to Mr. Papandreou's interview on the drug
problem, the Communist Youth of Greece (KNE) - the Communist
Party of Greece's (KKE) youth wing - referred in an announcement
to what it called the "dangerous and reactionary methodizations"
of the government, which KNE says is promoting a "high youth."
Asked to comment on Mr. Papandreou's view of legalizing hashish,
Justice Minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos said it was a mistake
and stressed that "it is his right to express his view but he
will receive the necessary reply from the Greek people."
[14] Iraqi envoy appeals for world condemnation of Turkish thrust
into Iraq
Athens, 22/5/1997 (ANA)
Baghdad's envoy to Greece, Issam Khalil, yesterday issued an
appeal to the international community and the Greek government
and people to condemn the Turkish thrust into northern Iraq and
demand the immediate withdrawal of Turkish troops from the
region.
Mr. Khalil said the reason given by Ankara for the incursion,
namely that it is pursuing Kurdish PKK guerrillas, was merely a
pretext. "Turkey's action constitutes a blatant violation of
Iraq's sovereignty and integrity as well as of international
agreements, laws and the principles of good neighborliness,
despite the fact that Turkey has declared it supports these
principles," Mr. Khalil told a press conference.
Mr. Khalil warned Ankara it should be aware that Iraq was
entitled, according to international law, "to reply accordingly
to Turkey's aggressive act" and demand compensation for the loss
of life and material damage incurred.
"Turkey must stop acting like a phony policeman and realize that
the era of old and sick empires has gone forever," the envoy
said.
The duty of Turkey's political and military leaders, Mr. Khalil
said, is to protect their country's borders from attack and not
to invade other states, irrespective of pretexts.
Mr. Khalil called on the international community to condemn the
policy of "double standards" in international relations and
Turkey's aggressive policy.
[15] Greece reiterates strong opposition to Turkish move
Athens, 22/5/1997 (ANA)
The Greek foreign ministry later expressed its strong opposition
to "the blatant" invasion of the Turkish armed forces in
northern Iraq. In an announcement the ministry calls on the
Turkish government to immediately withdraw its forces "and to
stop creating situations reminiscent of other times at the
expense of its neighbors".
"It is with concern that the Greek government ascertains that
Turkey, while continuing to occupy part of the Cyprus Republic,
has formulated a repetitive practice which deals a blow to
international legality and threatens the stability of the
broader region," the ministry announcement said.
The announcement calls on Ankara to look for political solutions
to its domestic problems and to take into consideration "the
paramount value of respect for human rights" and to respect the
territorial integrity, sovereignty and security of Iraq.
[16] V. Papandreou to participate in IEO members' session
Athens, 22/5/1997 (ANA)
Development Minister Vasso Papandreou is leaving for Paris today
to attend the session of energy ministers of the 24
member-states of the International Energy Organization (IEO).
The session, which is held every two years, this year will
examine, among other things, the energy dimension of climatic
changes, and the medium-term strategy of the organization in the
1997-2000 period.
The minister will meet former European Commission President
Jacques Delors tomorrow night, and will participate the EU
energy ministers' council in Brussels on Tuesday.
[17] Armenian genocide photo exhibition in Thessaloniki
Athens, 22/5/1997 (ANA)
Rare photographs depicting horrific scenes from the 1915
Armenian genocide engineered by Ottoman Turkish authorities are
going on exhibition at the Kalfayan Gallery in Thessaloniki
today until June 7.
German photographer Armin Wegner, who died in Italy in 1978, was
a German army officer stationed in Asia Minor at the time and
witnessed many of the atrocities committed by Turkish soldiers
and irregulars against the Armenian populations.
Under threat of his life Wegner photographed the execution of
Armenian men and the uprooting and forced marches of women and
children toward the Der-el-Zor Desert in Syria. The films were
smuggled out of Ottoman Turkey.
The exhibition includes letters he sent to then US President
Woodrow Wilson and later, in the 1930s, to Nazi dictator Adolf
Hitler. His letter to Hitler led to his exile in Italy.
The photo exhibition, which has already been shown in 12 Italian
cities, will travel to Austria, Germany, Israel and Athens.
[18] Athens' rivals for 2004 Games cry foul over reception
Athens, 22/5/1997 (ANA)
Four of the five candidate cities for the 2004 Olympic Games
have accused Athens of breaking International Olympic Committee
(IOC) regulations by holding a reception for IOC delegates last
week during the South Asian Games in South Korea.
According to representatives from Rome, Stockholm, Cape Town and
Buenos Aires, the IOC has said candidate-cities can not hold
receptions for IOC members unless they are visiting the
candidate.
A spokesman for the Stockholm candidate committee said "we are
discussing the issue with the other cities, but it is Rome's
decision whether to take an initiative" for making an official
charge against Athens.
Luciano Bara, the general director of the Italian candidate
committee, said Rome will not initiate proceedings against
Athens.
"It would have to be a joint decision of all four cities," he
said.
The president of the Greek 2004 committee, Yianna
Angelopoulou-Daskalaki, expressed her surprise at the charges,
stating that neither she nor any other member of the Athens 2004
Committee had violated IOC regulations.
"I am entirely sure we are proceeding well and we are following
the Olympic spirit" she said.
[19] Armed Albanians kidnap two Greeks
Athens, 22/5/1997 (ANA)
Two livestock breeders were kidnapped by eight armed Albanians
in the prefecture of Thesprotia, northern Greece, on Tuesday
night and were forced to drive their kidnappers to the Albanian
border.
Leonidas Tsepas, 41 and George Prokopiou, 23, were held up while
on their way to their stockyards. According to police, the
kidnappers have taken the men into Albania and were demanding a
ransom from their families.
[20] Thessaloniki to vie for 2001 indoor track championship
Athens, 22/5/1997 (ANA)
Thessaloniki will put a bid to host the 2001 indoor athletics
world championships, Sports Under-secretary Andreas Fouras
announced yesterday.
The championship would be held at a new indoor stadium being
built in the Thermie district of Thessaloniki.
He made the announcement during a press conference to present
newly appointed special secretary for sports for the
Macedonia-Thrace region, Stelios Angeloudis.
Mr. Angeloudis, 38, is a specialist in sports law and former
consultant for the state-run Greek broadcasting network (ET).
[21] Shipping exchange drop in January
Athens, 22/5/1997 (ANA)
Inflows of shipping exchange dropped 7 per cent in January
compared to the same month of 1996, according to figures
released today by the ministry of merchant marine.
Shipping exchange totaling 180 million dollars was deposited in
Greek banks in January 1997, compared to 193.5 million dollars
in the same month last year.
[22] National Bank's new branch in Sofia
Athens, 22/5/1997 (ANA)
National Bank of Greece governor Theodoros Karatzas on Thursday
will launch the state bank's new branch in the Bulgarian capital
and is expected to meet members of the country's new government
during his visit to the capital.
Accompanying Mr. Karatzas to Sofia is a delegation of roughly 50
representatives of industrial sectors including construction,
foodstuffs, textiles and metals.
[23] Alpha Credit Bank 1996 profits rise 13%
Athens, 22/5/1997 (ANA)
Alpha Credit Bank reported a 13 percent increase in 1996 net
profit to 43.1 billion drachmas from 38.2 billion the previous
year.
Presenting annual results to the annual shareholders' meeting,
the president of the bank Yiannis Costopoulos said that 1996
represented yet another year of success, coordinated growth, and
confirmation of the bank's leading role in the Greek banking
industry.
Total assets reached 2.74 billion drachmas from 2.07 billion in
1995, while the bank announced a dividend payment of 925
drachmas per share from 825 drachmas the year before. Profits
per share increased to 1,632 drachmas last year from 1,445 in
1995 and the P/E ratio rose to 16.24 from 8.62.
Alpha Credit Bank's capitalization is the biggest among Greek
banks, reaching 414.5 billion drachmas on December 31 1996 from
271.3 billion the year before.
The bank operates 186 branches, including a branch in London,
and plans to open 17 more during 1997. Its subsidiary in
Romania, Banca Bucuresti has nine branches after just two years
in operation.
Alpha Credit Bank employs 4,175 people, while the Alpha Credit
Group has a total of 5,145 staff. Alpha Credit Group's four
subsidiaries (Alpha Investments, Alpha Finance, Alpha Leasing
and Delta Informatics) are listed on the Athens Stock Exchange.
[24] IOBE survey on economy
Athens, 22/5/1997 (ANA)
The Greek economy is in the midst of a successful process of
gradual adjustment to Maastricht criteria, according to a
quarterly survey of the Greek economy by the Foundation for
Economic and Industrial Research (IOBE).
The survey said that led mainly by construction, a cyclical
economic recovery is underway with disinflation allowing a
faster reduction of interest rates.
Net exports, however, continue to exert a negative effect on GDP
growth. Overall, the economy in 1997 is expected to achieve a
growth rate in excess of three percent, while consumer price
inflation has fallen drastically in the last six months to April.
The drop in inflation has been achieved partly on account of
using a new weighting method for household surveys but mainly
from a combination of favorable weather conditions that have
kept agricultural prices down, and low imports inflation
deriving from the hard drachma policy.
IOBE notes, however, that the hard drachma has encouraged
private foreign exchange borrowing at rates that complicate
liquidity and current account control.
The survey urges a rapid implementation of structural reforms in
the labor market, saying that rising unemployment, already at
high levels, is the heavy toll to pay for long delayed reforms
in the labor market and social insurance system. Reforms should
enhance competitiveness, promote employment and reduce the
burden for future generations.
[25] EU delays olive oil reforms until 1998
Brussels, 22/5/1997 (Reuter/ANA)
Proposals to combat fraud by reforming the way the European
Union subsidizes olive oil producers, have been delayed until
possibly early 1998, EU officials said on Tuesday. Producer
countries, notably Spain, Italy and Greece, criticized European
Commission projections of growing production surpluses and
stagnant consumption at a meeting of EU farm ministers.
Spain has strongly attacked EU Farm Commissioner Franz
Fischler's preferred reform option that would link subsidies to
the number of productive trees. The producers prefer an
alternative that would retain the production-based subsidy
system but would scrap special aid for small producers, seen as
the main source of fraud.
"Fischler will reflect on the differing views," a European
Commission spokesman said, adding that all countries were agreed
on the need for a simpler system and anti-fraud measures.
In a report in February, the Commission noted that olive oil
fraud was proportionately 10 times greater than for cereals and
other crops. Fraud is rampant because of the difficulty of
controlling the large number of small olive oil producers and
preventing them from abusing the complex aid system.
[26] ELBO co-operation with NATO allies considered
Athens, 22/5/1997 (ANA)
Military officials and representatives of defense industries
from 14 NATO member-states will propose to their respective
governments joint production of military vehicles with the
Hellenic Vehicles Industry (ELBO).
Their intention was declared after yesterday's visit to ELBO's
installations in Thessaloniki by representatives of the ninth
SERA conference of the West European Union. The delegates were
given a guided tour of the facilities and were briefed on the
company's manufacturing programs by ELBO's top administration.
[27] SEB's Stratos calls for specific time frame on 'social dialogue'
Athens, 22/5/1997 (ANA)
Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) President Iason Stratos
said on Tuesday that "social dialogue" must have a specific time
frame.
"Working people and we have achieved labor peace for many years
now, enabling the shaping of conditions allowing for smooth
operation," he said.
The side of industry disagrees with whatever administrative
intervention in preparing the national collective bargaining
agreement.
Replying to questions by the press on a report by the
International Monetary Fund (IMF), he said there is no full
information.
"However, it appears that the report pays particular attention
to the need for structural changes necessary to restructure the
wider public sector, which means a need for greater market
deregulation," he added.
Mr. Stratos pointed in this way to the issue, which SEB has also
raised, of a more flexible policy in the labor sector.
He said that changes proposed by the IMF, as well as the
government's statements and the main opposition party's
positions, show that there is no objection to these policies
being implemented.
[28] Gov't responds to OECD report on Greece's pension funds
Athens, 22/5/1997 (ANA)
Replying to questions by the press yesterday on the content of a
report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD) concerning pension funds in Greece, Labor and
Social Security Minister Miltiades Papaioannou said reports by
international organizations do not constitute government
decisions.
According to a report in yesterday's newspaper "Ta Nea", the
OECD report proposes tough measures for pension funds aimed at
avoiding an explosive upsurge in the pension system's debts.
Among others, OECD proposes an increase in pensioning ceilings,
the strengthening of reciprocity through an "improvement" in the
relation between contributions and benefits and control and
restriction of early pensioning measures in cases of industrial
restructuring.
[29] Greece opposes EU change in calculating olive oil subsidies
Brussels, 22/5/1997 (ANA)
Five members of the European Union proposed yesterday that
subsidies for olive oil production should be tied to actual
production figures rather than the number of olive trees.
At the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers meeting here,
Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas said that Greece joined
Italy, Spain, Portugal and France in rejecting an EU proposal
that subsidies be allocated according to the number of olive
trees.
Mr. Tzoumakas also called for an increase in EU funds allocated
to the agricultural sector, more subsidies for olive oil
consumption and the setting of national subsidy levels. He also
warned that allowing olive and seed oil blends on the market
would lead to extensive fraud and would harm the interests of
consumers.
Greece will participate with a national pavilion at the
International Furniture Fair '97 in Tokyo in November 26-29, the
Hellenic Organization for External Trade said yesterday. The
fair will showcase home, office and kitchen furnishings, hotel
equipment, lighting and fabrics.
Any firms hoping to participate can call the organization in
Athens on 998-2100 and in Thessaloniki 031-262-120. Submissions
close on June 10.
End of English language section.
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