Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-06-03
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1202), June 3, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Athens willing to increase peacekeeping force for Albanian
elections
[02] Turkey
[03] Athens pleased with left's victory in France
[04] Gov't pleased with inclusion of common defense, security on IGC
agenda
[05] Special court upholds transfer of former royal family's property
to state
[06] Christian-Moslem meeting in Istanbul
[07] KKE campaign against Maastricht
[08] Radio conference in Athens considers legal issues, quality
[09] Kaklamanis receives People's Republic of China's Li Ruihuan
[10] Andreas Papandreou remembered on June 22
[11] Spokesman comments on Turkey developments, Albright
[12] Vartholomeos receives Ipekci awards committee, Anastasios
[13] Karamanlis stresses need to clearly differentiate between ND,
PASOK
[14] Gov't committee on 'social dialogue' convenes
[15] All evidence on terrorism being utilized, Gov't stresses
[16] ND reaction
[17] Universities to remain state-controlled, Gov't states
[18] Solar energy system inaugurated at school
[19] Comprehensive study of air pollution in Thessaloniki, Athens
areas
[20] Mount Athos representatives reiterate opposition to Schengen
[21] Iraqi ambassador meets with DHKKI's Tsovolas
[22] Patras International Festival program announced
[23] George Livanos dies
[24] New forest areas to be declared
[25] Stock market rebounds, drachma stable
[26] Government offers drachmas 100 billion in SME funding
[27] Proodeftiki in share capital increase
[28] SATO to sell Dauphin products in Balkans
[29] Greek participation in Poland trade fair
[30] Piraeus Europartenariat nears
[31] Greek firm tapped for consultancy contract with Austrian Gov't
[32] V. Papandreou discusses gas and oil pipeline, proposals
[33] Event focuses on growing Greek-Israeli economic ties
[34] Sunken boat points to illegal immigrant trafficking
[01] Athens willing to increase peacekeeping force for Albanian
elections
Luxembourg, 03/06/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)
Greece is willing to increase the number of Greek soldiers
participating in multinational peacekeeping force in Albania,
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos said here yesterday.
Speaking to the press following a meeting of the EU General
Affairs Council, also attended by Alternate Foreign Minister
George Papandreou, Mr. Pangalos said "there is a tendency to
augment the international presence (in Albania) in order to
guarantee free and indisputable elections."
The Greek foreign minister, who is expected in Albania today for
talks with top government officials, said Greece would be
willing, within its abilities, to provide observers and possibly
additional troops.
Referring to former Yugoslavia, Mr. Pangalos said that Greece
supported the Dayton peace agreements and assisted in efforts to
create institutions that were in accord with the agreement.
He pointed out that the 15 EU members were reserved in sending
off military forces and funds.
"It's characteristic that many countries have not even
contributed yet to the process of funding municipal elections in
Bosnia," he said, adding that Greece had already contributed
US$500,000.
In terms of his recent trip to Israel, Mr. Pangalos expressed
disappointment over what he saw during in the country and Gaza,
and said that could be attributed mostly to intransigence by the
Likud-led government, who have also disappointed Palestine
Liberation Organization (PLO) leader Yasser Arafat by
undermining him.
Regarding the recall of EU ambassadors from Tehran, the EU
members decided they would not return their ambassadors to Iran
until the latter stopped all discrimination against Bonn's
ambassador, which arose out of differences following a trial
related to terrorism in Germany.
Mr. Pangalos said Greece agreed with the decision for the recall
but noted that the recent Iranian elections were significant and
that Iran was a very important country for the EU, which should
initiate talks on a deeper level.
Luxembourg, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
The foreign minister also condemned Turkey's invasion into
northern Iraq, saying that the way the EU has condemned Turkish
attacks against the Kurdish population in the area was moderate
and inadequate.
Referring to Turkey, Mr. Pangalos said that a stable government
would perhaps be able to revise some Turkish [foreign policy]
positions, but "the possibility of Ms (Tansu) Ciller's assuming
the prime minister's position will not solve any of Turkey's
problems".
Turkey's problem is deeper, he said, citing the issues of
democratic institutions and social reform.
Asked for the date the Dutch presidency of the EU would present
the report by Greek and Turkish experts on the differences
between the two countries, Mr. Pangalos said that the Dutch
presidency had begun being disappointed.
"There must be someone they can talk with", he said.
[03] Athens pleased with left's victory in France
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
Greece's PASOK government and other left-wing political leaders
yesterday lauded the French Socialist party's victory in the
second round of elections on Sunday.
Prime Minister Costas Simitis congratulated Socialist leader
Lionel Jospin for the Socialists' showing, saying the victory
heralded "new possibilities and prospects for all socialists in
Europe."
"The socialist option today will be the option of Europe
tomorrow," Mr. Simitis told the newly elected French premier in
a telegram.
Sunday's surprise left-wing election victory moved European
politics further to the left, a month to the day after a
landslide election victory for Britain's Labor Party, while
casting doubt on the scope and timing of a single European
currency.
According to an ANA dispatch from Luxembourg, Foreign Minister
Theodoros Pangalos expressed great satisfaction at the socialist
victory in France. Mr. Pangalos is in Luxembourg to represent
Greece at the European Union foreign ministers council.
Replying to press questions, Mr. Pangalos said: "I'm especially
happy because I'm a socialist and I'm happy when the ideas of
socialism prevail in the world. I'm also happy because I have
lived for a long time in France; I know personalities and
situations and feel a natural solidarity to the French
socialists."
The Greek foreign minister also said that France is a major
member-state of the European Union, thus the "social charter" of
the revised Maastricht Treaty will be upgraded, if one were to
take the British election result as an indication.
On his part, PASOK Secretary Costas Skandalidis took an
optimistic approach to the French election outcome.
"The new century is opening with a progressive majority in the
EU decision-making centers, a fact noting bold choices for the
unified social, cultural and political place..." he said.
Speaking in Thessaloniki, Development Minister Vasso Papandreou
described Mr. Jospin's victory as "a very positive development,
not only for France but also for Greece and the European Union."
"The political map of Europe is changing and we are more
optimistic that the integration of the European Union will take
place with a more social and human face, given that the forces
of the center-left constitute a majority in the Community," Ms
Papandreou said.
"There is a convergence of views and policies and, therefore,
within the framework of the EU, there will be greater
possibilities for our views too, given that, in general, our
views are center-left," Ms Papandreou said.
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas noted: "The victory of the
center-left in France gives fresh impetus to the progressive
side of the political spectrum in Europe.
"This could reinforce social gains to the benefit of workers,"
he added.
Regarding the possibility of a shift in positions within the
framework of the intergovernmental conference (IGC), Mr. Reppas
said it would be advisable to wait until the new French
government has stated its positions.
Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos
said "the great victory of the French left has sent a strong and
many-sided message to all of Europe."
Mr. Constantopoulos said Mr. Jospin's victory was an important
step in efforts for the revision of the Maastricht Treaty "with
the strengthening of the social and democratic characteristics
of the EU."
Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) President Dimitris Tsovolas
said the majority of the French people voted against "the
demolition of social state and the demeaning of citizens in
united Europe." Election results Final results showed the
Socialists and their allies won 273 seats in the 577-seat
National Assembly and the communists 38. The Greens won seven,
their first seats in parliament. The outgoing center-right
coalition, which has held 464 seats in the outgoing assembly,
crashed to 257. Jean-Marie Le Pen's far-right National Front won
one seat, while an independent candidate in the French Caribbean
island of Martinique won one seat also.
The Socialists have pledged to create 700,000 jobs for young
people, half of them in the public sector, over the next three
years, and reduce the working week from 39 hours to 35 over five
years without a loss of pay.
French media stressed the vote was a rebuke to French President
Jacques Chirac by giving a new chance to the Socialists just
four years after a right-wing landslide.
According to Reuters, the Gaullist president saw his greatest
political gamble backfire when voters on Sunday routed the
center-right government and returned the left to power.
President Chirac had called a snap parliamentary election, 10
months early, to seek a friendly majority for the rest of his
seven-year term until 2002.
Instead, Reuters notes, he now faces five years of power-sharing
or "cohabitation" with Jospin, his ideological rival and the man
he beat for the presidency in 1995.
[04] Gov't pleased with inclusion of common defense, security on IGC
agenda
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
The government yesterday said a draft resolution for the
intergovernmental conference (IGC), which is to be discussed at
the European Union summit in Amsterdam, contained "positive
references" to the issue of common defense and security policy
and to development.
According to the draft text, government spokesman Dimitris
Reppas said peace and security must be pursued in accordance
with the principles of the United Nations, the Helsinki
Agreement, the Paris Charter and principles such as respect for
the external borders of the EU.
"This is a very positive development and will be an important
achievement if these positions are adopted," Mr. Reppas said.
The spokesman noted also that the chapter on development
emphasized the problem of lesser developed regions, with
particular reference to island chains.
"These are principles which further safeguard our interests,"
Mr. Reppas said, while adding that it was not certain that they
would eventually be adopted "but there is a good possibility."
Mr. Reppas did not rule out the possibility of the changes of
government in Britain and France affecting the time schedule for
the final shaping of the IGC text.
[05] Special court upholds transfer of former royal family's property
to state
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
A Special Higher Court majority yesterday upheld as
constitutional a law transferring all of the former royal
family's to the state, thereby irrevocably settling the dispute.
The Court had been called upon to rule on two earlier
contradictory decisions by the Supreme Court and the Council of
State.
Its decision is to be published within June.
[06] Christian-Moslem meeting in Istanbul
Istanbul, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
The eighth academic meeting of Christians and Moslems will start
here on "Prospects for co-operation and participation between
Moslems and Christians in the face of the third millennium",
held at the initiative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the
participation of the Patriarchate's Orthodox Center in Geneva.
Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos will declare the inauguration
of the meeting today, scheduled to last two days.
The Metropolitan of Switzerland, Damaskinos, will preside on the
part of the Orthodox Patriarchate, while Prince Hasan, brother
of the King of Jordan, will preside on the Moslem side.
[07] KKE campaign against Maastricht
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) launched an anti-Maastricht
campaign on Sunday in co-operation with the parties comprising
the Federal Group of the European Parliament, KKE official
Dimitris Gontikas told a press conference.
The campaign, which is held in view of an EU summit in Amsterdam
on June 14, is due to conclude after 15 days since its launch.
According to Mr. Gontikas, the upcoming IGC conference "will
take decisions in the absence of people," while the EU "will be
reinforced and armed with new weapons and new policies and with
uncontrollable power allowing it to consolidate the power of
capital on European peoples."
[08] Radio conference in Athens considers legal issues, quality
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
Clearing out the confusion over the legality of private radio
stations is a first step in guaranteeing their proper operation,
government spokesman and Press Minister Dimitris Reppas said
yesterday.
Addressing the First Panhellenic Congress of Radio at Zappeion
Hall, Mr. Reppas said "there are three aims we must guarantee
for radio station operation in a modern society: legality,
transparency and quality".
He said legality would mean radio stations should have acquired
state license to operate, and transparency meant that owner
companies had to be open about their identity in order to avoid
compromising their independence.
This could also be promoted by right laws, Mr. Reppas said, but
the cultural level of the academic and mass culture in Greece
also played a role in radio quality.
Speaking at the congress, former New Democracy leader Miltiades
Evert said that "as long as radio and television belonged to the
state, the public knew who was behind the messages that were
being transmitted. Today the messages are no longer easily
traceable".
Eleni Glykatzi-Ahrweiler, president of the University of Europe,
said that "television and the radio may not be ideal companions,
but they undoubtedly give one the feeling of belonging to
society."
"We are more subjugated to those who form public opinion rather
than to those who have pledged to govern us and make decisions,"
Ms Ahrweiler said.
The mass media played the needed role of intermediary between
the public and society, because "we are members of a complex
society who need intermediaries to help us understand the rules
of games played out in our daily lives," she explained.
Other speakers at the conference included Athens Mayor Dimitris
Avramopoulos and former ND minister Andreas Andrianopoulos.
[09] Kaklamanis receives People's Republic of China's Li Ruihuan
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis held talks with the
President of the People's Consultative Conference of the
People's Republic of China, Li Ruihuan, yesterday, confirming
prospects for the further development of friendly relations
between Athens and Beijing.
Mr. Ruihuan stressed that Sino-Greek relations are based on the
principles of understanding and co-operation which inspire and
direct bilateral contacts.
On his part, Mr. Kaklamanis referred to various issues such as
Greece's role as the sole stabilizing factor in the Balkans and
expressed concern over the 23 years of illegal occupation of 37
per cent of the territory of Cyprus by Turkey.
He also referred to Turkey's provocativeness in Thrace, where
Ankara is creating problems in the region by exploiting the
Moslem minority.
Mr. Ruihuan said Turkey also showed similar provocativeness in
the region of his country where a Moslem minority has showed
secessionist tendencies.
He also conveyed his country's official and cordial thanks to
the Greek government for the timely and effective operation to
evacuate Chinese citizens during the recent crisis in Albania.
Mr. Ruihuan invited Mr. Kaklamanis to pay an official visit to
China, which he gladly accepted.
[10] Andreas Papandreou remembered on June 22
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
French former culture minister Jacques Lang will speak at an
event commemorating the first anniversary of the death of
Andreas Papandreou, the founder of PASOK and former three-time
prime minister on June 22.
Prime Minister Costas Simitis will speak at the Athens Concert
Hall event, to be followed by a concert with works of Mikis
Theodorakis, conducted by Stavros Xarhakos and sung by Giorgos
Dalaras, Maria Farandouri and Manolis Mitsias.
Earlier in the day PASOK will hold a memorial service at the
Athens First cemetery.
[11] Spokesman comments on Turkey developments, Albright
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
Greece insists on respect of international law in Greek-Turkish
relations, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas reiterated
yesterday.
Asked to comment on the possibility of current Turkish foreign
minister and junior government partner Tansu Ciller's return to
the premier's seat in Turkey, Mr. Reppas said past experiences
of her rule have shown no positive results, without however,
ruling out changes in political posts and personalities in the
neighboring country.
Replying to another question, Mr. Reppas said he was not aware
of the possibility of a June visit to Athens by US Secretary of
State Madeleine Albright.
[12] Vartholomeos receives Ipekci awards committee, Anastasios
Istanbul, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos yesterday received members of
the Abdi Ipekci Peace and Friendship Awards committee, urging
them to continue efforts promoting friendship between Greece and
Turkey while "ignoring and defying anything petty and malicious
that is written or spoken."
The awards will be presented in Istanbul tomorrow to former
Greek prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis, Alternate Foreign
Minister George Papandreou, Synaspismos Eurodeputy Mihalis
Papapyiannakis and others.
Vartholomeos yesterday also received Archbishop Anastasios of
Tirana and All Albania.
[13] Karamanlis stresses need to clearly differentiate between ND,
PASOK
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
Addressing presidents of his party's prefectural committees
yesterday, main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas
Karamanlis appealed to voters, even those who had not voted for
ND, to join the party's ranks.
"We are not infallible, but nobody has the right to remain on
the sidelines," he said.
Mr. Karamanlis said the party must combat the mentality that
"they (political parties) are all the same", saying it is
dangerous. He said ND must clearly describe its differences with
the ruling PASOK party.
"We are neither the party of interrelated (interests) nor the
one favored by the powerful. We insist on saying things as they
are and we will not make reductions on this principle," he said.
Mr. Karamanlis said the policy his party believes and will
implement on the economy has nothing to do with the policy
followed by PASOK. He said that in essence the ruling party has
moved to ND's positions, adding that the government gives the
image of a simple administrator.
Describing the differences between his party and those of PASOK,
Mr. Karamanlis said fiscal deficits are not tackled with tax
raids and that the country cannot enter a development orbit
unless there is a courageous and bold privatization program. He
also said it is not possible for the burden to fall on the
population's weaker economic strata in the effort to achieve
economic convergence.
"We cannot restrict ourselves to the simple role of a good
opposition. We are obliged to be the party of national
responsibility in a period in which the lack of trust and
responsibility prevails. We must provide a vision and all this
must be done on the basis of the principle of collectiveness,"
he said.
Referring to Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Karamanlis said the
government is trying to present "the image of a conciliatory
partner on the international scene, while it is slipping towards
a dialogue with Turkey without an agenda, without terms and
preconditions which could lead to the registration of gray
zones."
In another development, Mr. Karamanlis will visit Kavala on June
28 to inaugurate his party's new offices and address a
conference of ND cadres and friends.
[14] Gov't committee on 'social dialogue' convenes
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
The committee of government officials entrusted with "social
dialogue" convened at the labor ministry yesterday to examine
the processing of the government's proposals concerning the
three sectors of social dialogue, namely, issues regarding
development, competitiveness and employment as well as labor
relations.
The meeting was attended by Labor Under-secretary Christos
Protopapas, deputy Rovertos Spyropoulos and others.
Replying to questions from the press, Mr. Spyropoulos denied
Sunday's reports which claimed the government intends to go
ahead with insurance and labor changes that are unfavorable for
employees, specifically, insurance based on the work hour.
In an interview with the "Flash" radio station earlier, Mr.
Protopapas stated that for the government there is no question
of insurance by the hour, while Labor Minister Miltiades
Papaioannou reportedly believes that the measure does not
benefit insurance funds.
According to reports, the meeting also focused on the issue of
leaks to the press, which are tending to become a thorn for
dialogue.
[15] All evidence on terrorism being utilized, Gov't stresses
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday that
whatever evidence exists in the public order ministry's files on
terrorism is being utilized.
He was commenting on a statement by former public order minister
Stelios Papathemelis that when he left the ministry evidence
existed on suspects and situations concerning terrorism, and
specifically, November 17.
Mr. Reppas said the premier has regular meetings with deputies
and associates, letting it be understood that if Mr.
Papathemelis requests a meeting with Mr. Simitis it will take
place.
[16] ND reaction
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
Stelios Papathemelis should turn over to the prosecutor any
facts he has on terrorism in Greece, opposition New Democracy
spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos said yesterday.
Mr. Spiliotopoulos was commenting on an interview published in
the Athens daily "Ethnos" yesterday, in which Mr. Papathemelis
claimed he knew of specific people who might be related to the
November 17 terrorist group.
The shadowy group assassinated shipowner Costas Peratikos in a
busy downtown Piraeus street--November 17's 21st victim since
1975.
The ND spokesman said that the exchange of barbs between former
and current government officials was "incomprehensible and
outrageous".
[17] Universities to remain state-controlled, Gov't states
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
The government is thinking of retaining state control of higher
education institutions, guaranteed by Article 16 of the
Constitution, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said
yesterday.
During his daily press briefing, Mr. Reppas also said that the
government was not considering holding a referendum about
whether it should go ahead with a revision of constitutional
articles on national elections, because it would rather reach
consensus with other political parties.
[18] Solar energy system inaugurated at school
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
Environment Minister Costas Laliotis on Monday launched a
low-cost solar energy system in a state school near Piraeus, the
first of a nationwide network due for construction over the next
two years.
"Our aim is to have around 50 schools around the country
operating the same system over two years," said Mr. Laliotis.
Greenpeace, the international environmental advocacy group,
proposed installation of electricity generating system and will
provide technical support. Funding the project are the
environment and education ministries. The photo-electric solar
system will feed the Public Power Corp.'s network during
sunlight, and the school's section of the national grid will
store the energy for nighttime use.
[19] Comprehensive study of air pollution in Thessaloniki, Athens
areas
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
The most widespread examination of atmospheric pollution in
Greece by air will begin in Athens today with the arrival of a
special "Falcon" research aircraft from Germany.
The aircraft will be used in the framework of research to be
conducted by professors Themistocles Kouimtzis, Nikolaos
Mousiopoulos and Demosthenis Asimakopoulos, and involves a study
of atmospheric pollution over the wider region of Thessaloniki
and the influence of pollution on the industrial region of
Eordaia, as well as the photochemistry of smog over Athens.
The professors told a press conference in Thessaloniki that it
will be the first time that an attempt will be made to provide,
answer and collect accurate data on the question on whether
atmospheric pollution is conveyed to the wider region of
Thessaloniki from the areas of Kozani and Ptolemaida. At the
same time, scientists will be given the opportunity to examine
the quality of the atmosphere over the region between
Thessaloniki and Eordaia.
The Falcon aircraft, belonging to a German research center, will
be based at Athens airport.
Researchers said the photochemical composition of smog in Athens
will be examined as well as its movement. They said research
will be conducted over a wide region, including all the islands
of the Saronic Gulf.
The aircraft will be funded by the European Union for its
flights in Greece in the framework of two research programs. Its
operational costs over the 20-day period it is expected to stay
in Greece are estimated at 50 million drachmas and will be
covered by the environment, town planning and public works
ministry, the Public Power Corp. (DEH) and others.
[20] Mount Athos representatives reiterate opposition to Schengen
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
Representatives of the all-male monastic community of Mount
Athos yesterday reiterated their opposition to the content of
the Schengen Agreement, saying it paved the way for violation of
individuals' privacy.
Representatives from 20 monasteries of Mount Athos yesterday
held an extraordinary meeting to express their views prior to
Parliamentary debate this month on ratification of the Schengen
Agreement.
The agreement, named after the Luxembourg hamlet in which it was
signed, came into effect in March 1995. Already ratified by a
number of European Union member-states, the agreement foresees
removal of border controls between participating EU members'
citizens, and closer co-operation on police matters with the
creation of vast computer databases.
In an announcement, the monks called on Greek deputies not to
ratify the agreement and to revoke a law already passed "on the
protection of the citizen against the computer processing of
data of a personal nature" which, they said, should be replaced
"by a corresponding law which affords real, rather than bogus
protection."
If Athens attempted to implement the agreement, the monks
stressed, the state would find itself up against all of Mount
Athos' monks "as conscientious objectors."
According to the monks, the Schengen Agreement completes the
legislative framework for the creation of computer files
concerning individual citizens on a European-wide, "and perhaps
later, a world level."
They claim that this could lead to violations of privacy and
"the monitoring of every free person... (thus) abolishing the
presumption of a citizen's innocence."
They also maintained that implementation of the agreement would
also give rise to a grave national threat due to the
all-embracing recording and processing of electronic data and
its use "by current and future members of the EU who are
friendly or hostile to our country."
[21] Iraqi ambassador meets with DHKKI's Tsovolas
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
Baghdad's envoy to Athens, Issam Khalil, yesterday expressed the
deep concern of his government about an ongoing incursion into
northern Iraq by Turkish troops in pursuit of Kurdish
separatists.
During a meeting yesterday with Democratic Social Movement
(DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas, Mr. Khalil also termed
"inexcusable" the continuing United Nations embargo against Iraq.
He warned that Iraq was entitled under international law "to
reply accordingly to Turkey's aggressive act" and to demand
compensation for loss of life and material damages incurred.
Mr. Tsovolas condemned the Turkish invasion and called on the
international community and the UN to immediately restore
international law and order.
In addition, Mr. Tsovolas said that since Baghdad had fulfilled
the conditions set by the UN, the international organization
should lift its embargo in order to put an end to the suffering
of the Iraqi people.
[22] Patras International Festival program announced
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
The program for the Patras International Festival was presented
to the public yesterday.
The festival begins on June 25 and will end on September 14 and
is based on four axes: a dedication to composer Mikis
Theodorakis and poet George Seferis; the Balkan forum for
musical co-operation; a dedication to Greek composers such as
Xenakis, Antonio u and Christou; and a dedication to 401 years
of opera in Europe and Maria Callas.
There will also be special jazz events with performances by
Greek and foreign musicians.
The Karolos Koun Theatre, Anna Synodinou troupe and theatrical
groups from Thessaly, Volos and Cyprus will also perform as will
the ERT Symphonic Orchestra, the Orchestra of Colors, the
Camerata and the State Greek Music Orchestra.
[23] George Livanos dies
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
George Livanos, a leading shipowner and one of Greece's
wealthiest men, died on Sunday of cancer at the age of 71.
Livanos, a member of the eminent shipping family from the Aegean
island of Hios, was born in New Orleans in 1926 and studied
public administration at Hofstra University.
He founded the Greek hydrofoil company 'Ceres' which now has a
fleet of 110 vessels, all under the Greek flag.
In 1982, he set up the Greek Society for the Protection of the
Marine Environment, HELMEPA.
His funeral was held yesterday.
[24] New forest areas to be declared
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
The agriculture ministry has decided to create new expanses of
protected forest land of various categories in order to increase
the percentage of such areas in the country's total forest
coverage.
The ultimate objective of the ministry is for the protected
areas to account for 10 per cent of total forest land, compared
to the present 3-4 per cent.
The initiative was taken within the framework of the
government's policy for the protection of nature and will be
implemented on the basis of the Natura 2000 list of sensitive
areas.
Initially, the General Secretariat for Forests and the Natural
Environment will push forward a presidential decree establishing
the Dadia forest as a protected area.
Meanwhile, the ministry and the general secretariat have
expressed interest in cooperating with the World Wildlife Fund
(WWF) and agencies at a local level in order to protect and
improve Mt. Pendeli.
[25] Stock market rebounds, drachma stable
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
Share prices ended higher in nervous trade on the Athens Stock
Exchange reflecting investors' contradicting views on the
short-term course of the market. The general index closed 1.08
percent higher at 1,652.99 points, reversing an earlier 2.40
percent drop. Most sector indices scored gains. Banks rose 0.32
percent, Leasing was 1.02 percent up, Investment increased 0.09
percent, Industrials ended 0.69 percent higher, Holding rose
1.85 percent and Miscellaneous edged up 0.96 percent. Insurance
and Construction bucked the trend to end 0.28 and 0.87 percent
lower respectively.
Trading was heavy at 27.3 billion drachmas. Broadly, decliners
led advancers by 111 to 104 with another 25 issues unchanged.
Viohalko, Elviemek, Oerlikon, Avax and Benroubi scored the
biggest gains, while Bank of Athens, Sportsman, Allatini and
Keranis suffered the heaviest losses. Shares of Hellenic
Telecommunications Organization (OTE) were the highlight of the
session rising 5.9 percent to close at 7,200 drachmas.
In the domestic foreign currency market the drachma rebounded
against the ECU to close at 310.81 drachmas at the central
bank's daily fix from 311 on Friday. Money market trade was
uneventful after turbulence last week. The US dollar however
ended significantly higher against the drachma reflecting the
greenback's substantial rise on international markets.
[26] Government offers drachmas 100 billion in SME funding
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
Development Minister Vasso Papandreou urged small and
medium-sized enterprises (SME) to participate in government
programs worth 100 billion drachmas aimed at strengthening the
sector. Speaking at a seminar organized by the development and
national economy ministries at HELEXPO's facilities in
Thessaloniki, Papandreou stressed that the government had
ensured the conditions for the implementation of programs
launched in March.
The programs aim at improving the competitiveness of Greece's
light industry within the new conditions of a globalized market,
improving the institutional system and upgrading the business
environment.
Papandreou called on businessmen to make the next move by
submitting proposals which would soon lead to high rates of
absorption, ensure competitive products and services, and allow
innovation, flexibility, quality and modernization in the SME
sector.
National Economy Under-secretary Christos Pachtas, addressing
the seminar, said that program planning aimed at creating a base
for a more efficient exploitation of SME funding.
[27] Proodeftiki in share capital increase
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
Proodeftiki SA, a Greek engineering contractor, announced a 1.7
billion drachma share capital increase through the
capitalization of reserves. The company will distribute three
new shares for every 10 old ones and raise nominal share value
to 285 drachmas from 131.
After the increase, Proodeftiki's total equity capital will
total 2.87 billion drachmas. The company's general shareholders'
meeting is expected to approve a dividend of 70 drachmas per
share, an increase of 40 percent from the previous year.
Proodeftiki's 1996 turnover rose by 22.5 percent to 7.9 billion
drachmas and net profits increased to 1.5 billion drachmas from
1.3 billion. Its net profit margin rose to 16.1 percent and
capital yield is at 16.3 percent.
[28] SATO to sell Dauphin products in Balkans
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
SATO SA, a Greek office furniture company, finalized an
agreement for exclusive production and distribution rights to
Dauphin products in Greece and other Balkan states. Dauphin is
the biggest office seating manufacturer in Europe.
The agreement between the two companies provides SATO with a
license agreement for the production of Dauphin's product line
and manufacture of specific components for the firm. SATO will
continue production of its own line of office seat products.
[29] Greek participation in Poland trade fair
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
The Hellenic Exports Promotion Organization (OPE) is organizing
Greece's participation in an international consumer trade fair,
"DOMEXPO Autumn Consumer Fair" to be held in Poznan, Poland on
October 21-24. Products to be exhibited include electronics,
electricals, air conditioning, tableware, kitchenware, building
materials, bathroom fixtures, home furniture, office and hotel
furniture and upholstery.
[30] Piraeus Europartenariat nears
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
Europartenariat Hellas 1997, the 16th event of the
Europartenariat program, will be held on June 23-24 this year in
Piraeus.
The event provides a great opportunity for enterprises from all
over the world to join forces with their Greek counterparts and
establish their presence in the region. The Europartenariat
program was launched by the European Commission with the aim of
promoting regional development by enhancing co-operation among
small-and medium-size enterprises in Europe. It is held twice a
year at different European regions.
Four hundred enterprises are selected on criteria of impetus and
novel characteristics prevailing in lesser developed regions of
the country hosting the event. This is followed by the
publication of a six-language catalogue giving a short
description o f each company and forms of collaboration desired.
This catalogue serves to promote the 400 selected companies and
their proposals in 77 countries through a network of national
counsellors-representatives of the organization. Promotion ends
with a two-da y entrepreneurial meeting grouping the 400 host
companies and visitors from promotion countries displaying
interest in the event.
In a message to the Europartenariat, Greek Commissioner for
small-and medium-size enterprises Christos Papoutsis said the
Europartenariat would provide "a unique occasion" for both
visiting and host companies to redefine their international
business activities.
"Visitors can also benefit from the geographical position of
Greece and can use it as home base for possible business
activities not only in the entire Mediterranean, but also in
Central and Eastern Europe, including the Balkans," Mr.
Papoutsis said.
"Each Europartenariat has its own character. At the
Europartenariat event in Piraeus, special attention will be paid
to young entrepreneurs," he said. Some 200,000 businesses have
participated in the Europartenariat since it was founded in 1988
at the initiative of the European Union.
[31] Greek firm tapped for consultancy contract with Austrian Gov't
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
The Greek firm Euroconsultants S.A. has won an international
tender called by the Austrian government to find an evaluation
consultant for its Community Support Framework program.
It will be the first time a Greek firm acts as consultant to
another European Union member-state.
Euroconsultants will work with the Austrian firm Regional
Consulting on projects in agricultural regions and Leader II
programs being handled by the country's town planning and
regional policy ministry.
Evaluation is set to begin in Vienna in July and the two firms'
contract expires in Dec. 1999, at the end of the Community
Support Framework's duration.
[32] V. Papandreou discusses gas and oil pipeline, proposals
Sofia, 03/06/1997 (ANA - N. Hios)
The condition of the pipeline transporting natural gas from
Russia to Greece was one of the issues discussed by Development
Minister Vasso Papandreou and the president of Bulgaria's energy
committee Georgi Stoilov, BTA reported yesterday.
The meeting was held on May 27 in Brussels, on the sidelines of
a European Union and associate members' meeting on energy.
The two officials also discussed the proposed
Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline as well as the issue of
radioactive waste disposal, while Ms Papandreou said Athens did
not favor the idea that disposal areas be located in southern
Bulgaria.
[33] Event focuses on growing Greek-Israeli economic ties
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
Israeli ambassador to Athens Ran Curiel yesterday said
Greek-Israeli commercial and economic relations have shown a
rapid improvement over the past years due to the goodwill
existing on the part of both countries.
He spoke at an event organized by the Athens Chamber of Commerce
and Industry (EBEA) in co-operation with the Israeli embassy's
commercial department.
Mr. Curiel said the geographical position of Greece and Israel
provides comparative advantages for the import of the two
countries' products in the wider Balkan and Mediterranean region.
EBEA President Ioannis Papathanasiou made a short address, while
speeches were also made by businessmen from both countries, who
referred to possibilities of co-operation in individual sectors
of economic activity.
Greece's exports to Israel amounted to US$126 million in 1995,
according to a bulletin issued by EBEA, increasing by 16 per
cent compared to 1994. Imports in the same year increased 47 per
cent as against 1994 and totaled US$128 million.
The main products Greece exports to Israel are building
materials, metallurgical products, foodstuffs, textiles, paper
products, clothing, electrical products, marble and sanitary
equipment.
Greece's main imports from Israel are chemical fertilizers,
pesticides, plastics, air conditioning systems, optics and high
technology products.
[34] Sunken boat points to illegal immigrant trafficking
Athens, 03/06/1997 (ANA)
A fishing boat was found half-submerged off the Trachilas
promontory in the Gulf of Messinia in the Peloponnese yesterday
and tugged to Oitylo. Authorities have been looking for illegal
immigrants who might have been transported by this vessel and
have so far arrested 18 illegal immigrants in the greater area
who are being held in the Areopolis police department.
End of English language section.
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