Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-06-07
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1206), June 7, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Simitis stresses need to consolidate peace in Europe
[02] Meeting with Blair, Jospin
[03] Albright reiterates US commitment for Cyprus settlement
[04] Russian delegation to arrive for CFE inspections
[05] Dutch PM, FM in Athens on Monday
[06] Air force exercise
[07] Kaklamanis points to role of nat'l parliaments in E.U.
integration
[08] Athens guarantees return of Albanians leaving to vote
[09] Kasoulides: A solution would benefit Turkey
[10] Meeting of regional FMs on political, economic co-operation
[11] Greece rejects Turkish general's claims as 'beyond any reality'
[12] State Dept. comments on Albright-Kasoulides meeting
[13] Mitsotakis holds talks with Demirel, Yilmaz
[14] Tsovolas briefed by Pangalos on foreign policy issues
[15] PASOK deputies' proposal for Constitutional revision to be
discussed
[16] Karamanlis meets with three EU Commissioners
[17] Gorbachev in Greece today
[18] Four IOC members in Athens, Coe supports Athens' bid
[19] Garbage strike leads to legal action against Athens mayor
[20] Meeting examines PHARE, INTERREG projects in Greece, Bulgaria
[21] European draft agreement for partial employment
[22] "Greek stocks nose-dive on institutional sell-off
[23] EU inflation drops to 1.5 pct in April
[24] Balkan businesses to discuss privatization
[25] Greece to fund Xanthi industry reform agency
[26] Helexpo to build Athens trade fair center
[27] Public subscription for OTE shares between June 11-13
[28] Int'l business conference ends in Sofia
[29] Four bids for Bank of Crete
[30] Agriculture Bank subsidies
[31] Conscientious objectors unhappy with bill on alternative service
[32] Thessaloniki hosts regional immunology congress
[01] Simitis stresses need to consolidate peace in Europe
Malmo, 07/06/1997 (ANA - S. Liarellis)
Consolidation of peace in Europe requires long-term and viable
solutions, and Greece's policy in the Balkans heads in this
direction, Prime Minister Costas Simitis emphasized in his
speech here yesterday at the European Socialist leaders' summit.
"International mobilization for peace must not be limited, as
hitherto, to the cure of symptoms and problems when they arise,
or to short-term solutions which only result in a temporary
suspension of conflicts, or the threat of conflict," he said.
"Greeks have a full knowledge of this problem, given that we are
in the center of a region where such situations arise with
particular intensity Greece is among the countries which have
felt the consequences of a fragile peace on our northern and
eastern borders, but even to the south, where we only border on
the sea," he stressed.
"We participate in peace missions in Albania and Bosnia, offer
economic aid, and ascribe particular significance to the
strengthening of infrastructure and institutions in the
Balkans," he said, calling for the formulation of policies which
will enable peace to acquire roots.
In an indirect reference to Greek-Turkish disputes, the prime
minister said that "in certain cases, the seriousness of these
localized problems leads to aggressiveness on the part of
official state authorities against neighbors, and to the
overthrow of the international status quo. Also indirectly
referring to the Albanian problem, he said "in other cases, it
leads to extensive immigration, of the type affecting our
country at present".
He warned that the collapse of the socialist regimes of eastern
Europe has brought about a situation where "behind an excessive
nationalist rhetoric, amounting only to an ideological pretext,
they hide many real political, social and economic problems,
which some hope will find their solution through a desperate
operation of national isolation".
[02] Meeting with Blair, Jospin
Malmo, 07/06/1997 (ANA)
Speaking to reporters after yesterday's session, Mr. Simitis
said one can infer from the discussions held that "Socialist
parties are in a position to meet the challenges of the new era
for the creation of a more modern and efficient Europe".
On the sidelines of the summit, the Greek premier discussed with
his British counterpart, Tony Blair, and newly elected French
counterpart Lionel Jospin issues concerning the
Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) and Europe's social
dimension, particularly employment.
Mr. Simitis said a broad convergence of views was established
with both leaders, adding that he was in agreement with the new
French government's positions on European unification, the IGC,
EMU as well as EU and NATO enlargement. He also had a lengthy
meeting with former EU Commission president Jacques Delors.
In statements to ANA later, a high-ranking Greek official
cautioned that "if there are going to be changes expressing the
new center-left coalition in Europe, preparation time is needed".
"What is of priority is the stabilization and competitiveness of
the Greek economy. Greek citizens must see what is to the
interest of our country. When the Greek economy acquires the
characteristics of steady prosperity, then 'the fan will open',"
he s aid.
Summing up the results of the summit, National Defense Minister
and Vice-President of the ESP, Akis Tsohatzopoulos, stressed the
need for socialist parties to formulate a new economic policy on
the basis of "a different development logic", compatible with
the terms of the treaty of Maastricht, but taking into account
the peculiarities of each country.
"Beyond the need for reaffirmation of security and stability, it
is necessary to find answers for a different economic policy,
which will expand GDP, fight unemployment, and consolidate the
credibility of the EU," he said.
At a special meeting parallel to the summit, Socialist EU
finance and economy ministers discussed details of the ECOFIN
meeting on Monday.
[03] Albright reiterates US commitment for Cyprus settlement
Washington, 07/06/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis/CNA)
US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright assured her Cypriot
counterpart Ioannis Kasoulides yesterday "of America's interest
in seeing the people of Cyprus achieve a lasting settlement to
the inter-communal dispute on their island".
In a joint appearance here before their meeting yesterday, Ms
Albright said there could be "no more dramatic a demonstration
of that commitment" than US President Bill Clinton's decision to
assign Richard Holbrooke as his special envoy for Cyprus.
"We believe that the division of the island is unacceptable,"
she added.
The US secretary of state said her country's goal "remains to
encourage a Cyprus settlement that establishes a stable,
bi-zonal federation with adequate security guarantees for all".
She pointed out that a solution "is a task for the people of
Cyprus themselves to accomplish" but pledged "the US will do all
it can to help them find the right path."
Speaking after the 40-minute-long meeting, Mr. Kasoulides said
they discussed ways with which the US could help efforts for a
Cyprus solution, as well as prospects for a settlement.
Describing the meeting as "particularly interesting", the
foreign minister said he reiterated the government's commitment
to attend UN-sponsored direct talks aiming at a comprehensive
settlement of the Cyprus issue "in a positive spirit."
He also expressed the hope that Ankara will convince Turkish
Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to attend the talks in the same
spirit.
Mr. Kasoulides said he understands that the US will also have a
meeting with Turkish officials, in view of UN-led direct
negotiations between President Glafcos Clerides and Mr.
Denktash, due to take place outside New York City in early July.
The foreign minister also said the government expects Washington
and Mr. Holbrooke's involvement in UN efforts for a solution and
stressed that he did not put forward any proposals during the
meeting.
Mr. Kasoulides expressed to his US counterpart the Cyprus
government's satisfaction with Mr. Holbrooke's appointment.
[04] Russian delegation to arrive for CFE inspections
Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)
A nine-member group of Russian inspectors will visit Greece
between June 9-13 to inspect military units within the framework
of the treaty of Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE).
According to reports, a Bulgarian delegation will pay a similar
visit.
[05] Dutch PM, FM in Athens on Monday
The Hague, 07/06/1997 (ANA/Reuter)
Dutch Prime Minister Wim Kok and Foreign Minister Hans van
Mierlo will visit Paris and Athens next week as part of a tour
of European capitals before a European Union summit in Amsterdam
on June 16-17.
The Dutch government said yesterday that the Dutch officials
will travel to Athens on Monday for talks with Prime Minister
Costas Simitis and Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos.
They will travel to Paris on Tuesday to meet French President
Jacques Chirac and new Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine, before
holding separate talks with new Prime Minister Lionel Jospin.
The Netherlands holds the rotating EU presidency until the end
of June.
[06] Air force exercise
Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)
The Hellenic Air Force exercise "Olympia 97" will be held at the
117th Fighter Squadron in Andravida Airbase next week within the
framework of military exercises with the framework of NATO's
Partnership for Peace program.
The exercise anticipates operations with transport aircraft and
helicopters, the dropping of paratroopers as well as search and
rescue on land and sea.
The exercise will include the participation of forces from the
Netherlands, Italy and Bulgaria, while Romania and Georgia,
which belong to the PfP program, will only participate with
staff.
[07] Kaklamanis points to role of nat'l parliaments in E.U.
integration
Helsinki, 07/06/1997 (ANA - V. Patouhas)
Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis stressed yesterday
that the role of the national parliaments within the European
integration was "politically" and "historically" necessary.
He was addressing the opening of the EU national parliaments'
presidents conference, convening in the Finnish capital on the
issue of "National Parliaments and EU Institutions."
"The making of a new, humane and democratic Europe can no longer
depend on the intergovernmental co-operation," Mr. Kaklamanis
said.
"Painful decisions which must be taken for a series of major
issues, such as unemployment, development and solidarity," he
added.
Mr. Kaklamanis, who has expressed support for the convening of a
new EU national parliaments conference to assess the results of
the Intergovernmental Conference, called for "a common strategy
of action and intervention."
He also raised the issue of the EU enlargement, drawing emphasis
to procedural talks for a Cyprus-EU accession and EU-membership
to central and eastern European countries.
The Greek Parliament president further expressed hope that those
states which have emerged from the dissolution of Yugoslavia be
granted accession to the European Union.
On the sidelines of the conference, Mr. Kaklamanis held private
meetings with the president of the Europarliament, Gil Robles,
and other officials.
In a later interview with ANA, Mr. Kaklamanis stressed the need
for a European security system transgressing any past alliances
or defense accords, including NATO, from the Atlantic to the
Urals, and without any dividing lines.
He said that the principles of the Helsinki Declaration, which
was adopted by the leaders of the 35 countries 22 years ago were
a significant step in mankind's endeavor to put order in
international relations, and continue to provide the basis for
the promotion of co-operation and security in Europe.
Referring to pressures exercised towards a smoothing of
Greek-Turkish relations, through dialogue between the two
countries, Mr. Kaklamanis said that both Europe and the US
appear not to be recognizing that the cause of the entire
situation is Turkey's permanent expansionist strategy and not
the supposed refusal for dialogue by Greece.
"Our country has no reasons not to be seeking the peaceful
resolution of any existing differences. We are not a bellicose
people. Our potential is not unlimited, as perhaps Turkey's is,
which, without particular cost, is able to maintain an army five
times as large as ours, while at the same time, having the
support of Americans and Europeans who help her in securing the
most advanced weapons systems," he said.
He pointed out that Greece's relations with the other Balkan
countries ranged from good to excellent, and therefore, Athens
could play a stabilizing role for the consolidation of peace and
democracy in the region.
[08] Athens guarantees return of Albanians leaving to vote
Strasbourg, 07/06/1997 (ANA)
Athens has pledged to allow the safe return to Greece of
Albanian nationals temporarily returning to Albania for the
upcoming elections.
Greece's permanent representative to the Council of Europe,
Dimitris Konstas, conveyed Athens' official assurances to the
Council of Europe's permanent representatives committee. Mr.
Konstas, who told the committee he was conveying the assurances
of Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, said that Athens
guaranteed the safe return to Greece of both legal and illegal
Albanian immigrants.
The statement was received in positive light by many Committee
members, including Albania's permanent representative, who
expressed his country's satisfaction.
Mr. Konstas said the Greek government was willing to make every
possible effort to contribute to the normal conduct of elections
as well as to normalize the situation.
[09] Kasoulides: A solution would benefit Turkey
Washington, 07/06/1997 (ANA/CNA)
The Cyprus government wants to see "tangible results" in the
forthcoming direct negotiations between President Glafcos
Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and warns of
consequences if they fail.
It has also called on Turkey's "allies and friends" to convince
her that a Cyprus solution will be to her benefit and reiterated
its readiness to negotiate with "an open mind" during next
month's talks, which provide a "real, unique window of
opportunity for peace".
In his opening remarks here yesterday at the National Press
Club, Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said the
government "would have preferred if these negotiations were
better prepared in advance and common ground narrowing the gap
between the position of the two sides were to be established".
If negotiations were to collapse, he said, "this will increase
the people's frustration since they have built expectations for
a positive outcome".
Failure at the talks, he warned, would "erode faith in the
negotiating process and give an opportunity to hard-lines from
both sides to gain an advantage".
Expressing hope for "productive talks", Mr. Kasoulides said the
government "desires to see tangible results in the negotiating
process as soon as possible".
If the Turkish Cypriot side comes to the negotiating table "with
the political will to be constructive and ready to negotiate a
comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem in a spirit of give
and take, then peace and reconciliation can at last be achieved
in Cyprus", he stressed.
[10] Meeting of regional FMs on political, economic co-operation
Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)
Promoting co-operation at the political, economic and social
levels between Balkan and southeastern European countries in
order to consolidate stability and peace is the focal point of a
foreign ministers' conference due to be held in Thessaloniki
next week.
According to the foreign ministry, issues to be examined during
the conference include encouraging political co-operation,
building security and confidence-building measures in the
region, developing economic co-operation and coordinated action
for environmental protection, as well as promoting humanitarian,
social and cultural co-operation.
Moreover, development of co-operation will be sought in the
judicial sector to combat organized crime, terrorism and the
trafficking of weapons and drugs. Countries participating in the
conference are expected to discuss specific action in
implementing goals.
[11] Greece rejects Turkish general's claims as 'beyond any reality'
Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)
Foreign ministry spokesman Costas Bikas last night categorically
rejected a claim by the secretary general of the Turkish armed
forces general staff, Gen. Erol Ozksnak, that Greece was
involved in the downing of two Turkish helicopters during the
neighboring country's recent incursion into northern Iraq.
"It is with surprise that we learned of the groundless and
beyond any reality charges of the secretary general of the
Turkish general staff. Unfortunately, we note that Turkey has
turbulent relations, and considers that it is undermined by
almost all the countries which have the misfortune to be sharing
borders with it. This fact alone proves its destabilizing role
in the region," he said.
"I hope that Turkey will find political solutions to the Kurdish
and other problems, so that its military leadership stops
seeking pretexts in the 'foreign factor', " he added.
[12] State Dept. comments on Albright-Kasoulides meeting
Washington, 07/06/1997 (ANA-T. Ellis)
US State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns said yesterday that
US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and Cypriot Foreign
Minister Ioannis Kasoulides examined new options that are
opening up after the appointment of Richard
Holbrooke as a special presidential envoy for Cyprus.
Mr. Burns made the statement in reference to a
Albright-Kasoulides meeting, which also took place yesterday.
According to Mr. Burns, Ms Albright expressed Washington's
concerns about the destabilizing results arising from the
prospective import of the Russian made S-300 missiles.
"The S-300s will cause countermeasures from other countries in
the region," the State Department spokesman said, adding that
Cyprus is already militarized to a large degree and that any
further import of weapon systems will not contribute to the
finding of a solution.
[13] Mitsotakis holds talks with Demirel, Yilmaz
Ankara, 07/06/1997 (ANA)
Former prime minister and main opposition New Democracy party
honorary president Constantine Mitsotakis, currently on a
private visit here, held an hour-long meeting with Turkish
President Suleyman Demirel yesterday afternoon.
Their talks focused primarily on the Cyprus issue, in the light
of latest developments, especially after Richard Holbrooke
assumed the post of US President Bill Clinton's special envoy on
the Cyprus issue. President Demirel and Mr. Mitsotakis also
discussed at length the internal political situation prevailing
in Turkey.
In the morning, Mr. Mitsotakis held a 30-minute meeting with
former prime minister and the leader of the Motherland Party
(ANAP), Mesut Yilmaz, on the Cyprus issue and internal
developments in Turkey.
Referring to Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Mitsotakis said the
creation of "committees of experts" is a good start, adding that
he hopes new steps will be taken in the upcoming period.
On his part, Mr. Yilmaz said that there was almost never a phase
of political stability in both Greece and Turkey at the same
time over the past, and that at present, Turkey is harassed by
intense internal problems which prevent the taking of decisive
decisions.
Speaking to reporters earlier, Mr. Mitsotakis stressed with
emphasis that Mr. Holbrooke's involvement in the Cyprus issue
means that this time a serious effort is being attempted to
resolve the issue, adding that Mr. Holbrooke has the possibility
to urge the Turkish Cypriot side on to talks, primarily on two
axes, the territorial issue and using the accession of all of
Cyprus to the European Union as an enticement.
[14] Tsovolas briefed by Pangalos on foreign policy issues
Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)
Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) President Dimitris Tsovolas
was briefed yesterday by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos
during a meeting that focused on Greek-Turkish relations.
During the meeting, Mr. Tsovolas expressed concern over
"dialogue with Turkey, which can turn the unacceptable Turkish
claims into Greek-Turkish differences," as he noted.
Speaking to the press afterwards, Mr. Tsovolas expressed
opposition to what he called the Greek position whereby the
International Court at The Hague should rule on the Imia islets
and other issues related to Greek-Turkish differences, with the
exception of the Aegean's continental shelf.
He further expressed opposition to the recognition of Skopje by
Greece under a composite term containing the term Macedonia,
while opposing any promotion of a confederate solution to Cyprus.
Asked to comment on the appointment of former US assistant
secretary of state and Bosnia mediator Richard Holbrooke as a
special US presidential envoy for Cyprus, he said:
"It is an obvious US effort to promote the Cyprus issue and to
exert pressure mostly on the Cypriot side to accept some kind of
a solution.
"The issue is that partition of Cyprus should not be the
solution."
In the afternoon, Mr. Tsovolas held a meeting with Ismat Sabri,
representative of the Palestinian diplomatic representation in
Athens.
[15] PASOK deputies' proposal for Constitutional revision to be
discussed
Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)
Parliament next Wednesday will debate a proposal on the revision
of the Constitution, after the motion was tabled by 96 ruling
PASOK deputies, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said
yesterday.
The 300-member legislature will decide which articles of the
Constitution will be amended by the next Parliament, Mr. Reppas
said, adding that the government considered it unacceptable for
Parliament to be dissolved as a result of its inability to elect
a president of the republic, something that is mandatory with
the present Constitution. The election of the president of the
republic by Parliament is considered t o be the most important
of the issues pertaining to the revision of the Constitution.
The issue centers on the number of deputies required for
election.
Mr. Reppas said PASOK's proposal, tabled on Thursday night, took
into consideration "the experience of history" and was aimed at
ensuring political stability and normality.
He stressed, however, that the government would seek the consent
of all political parties in the proposed revision, noting a
"coinci-dence of views" on a number of issues.
PASOK's proposal seeks the revision of articles on the
appointment of top judges and proposes the establishment of a
National Council for Foreign Policy with an all-party
composition and the participation of experts.
It also provides for the consolidation of constitutional rights,
such as the abolition of the death penalty and protection of
citizens from the recording of information on computers.
Meanwhile, the main opposition New Democracy party yesterday
tabled its own proposal on the revision of the Constitution.
"We have once again dragged the government in the right
direction and we shall fight to prevent any expediencies which
the government might pursue with regard to the revision of the
Constitution," ND Vice-President Ioannis Varvitsiotis said,
tabling the proposal at noon.
ND's proposal seeks the strengthening of the regulatory duties
of the president of the republic, chiefly in order to enable the
holder of the office to ensure that the legislative initiatives
of the government are constitutional.
ND also proposes the establishment of private non-profit
university-level institutes of education and the enactment of
provisions relating to the election law. The main opposition
also favors repeal of the death penalty.
The proposal, along with the one tabled by the PASOK deputies,
will be debated in Parliament on Wednesday.
The president of the Coalition of the Left and Progress
(Synaspismos), Nikos Constantopoulos, criticized the government
and ND on their tactics for revising the Constitution.
Mr. Constantopoulos said that both parties are "trying to out do
each other."
Synaspismos, he added, believes that a major constitutional
reform is necessary and will table its proposals to the relevant
Parliamentary committee.
[16] Karamanlis meets with three EU Commissioners
Brussels, 07/06/1997 (ANA - M. Savva)
Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis
held talks with three European Union Commissioners here
yesterday, focusing on the Intergovernmental Conference and the
course towards Economic and Monetary Union (EM U).
Mr. Karamanlis' interlocutors were Spanish Commissioner for
Institutional Affairs Marcelino Orega, Italian Commissioner for
Internal Market and Taxation Affairs Mario Monti and the
Austrian Commissioner for Agricultural Affairs Franz Fischler.
"We discussed issues of direct Greek concern, the first being
the issue of institutional balance and equality and of course
the prospect of the Intergovernmental (conference). The second
is our persistent position in relation to the political
solidarity clause for the protection of territorial integrity
and borders.
"And the third, which I also consider a leading issue, is the
prospect of supporting agricultural income which is a major
issue for Greece," he said.
Last night, Mr. Karamanlis was due to attend a dinner with the
prime minister of Luxembourg, Jean-Claude Juncker, whose country
will assume the European Union's rotating presidency as of July
1. He will return to Athens today.
[17] Gorbachev in Greece today
Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)
The last general secretary of the former Soviet Union, Mikhail
Gorbachev, will be in Athens today on a private visit.
Mr. Gorbachev will remain in Greece for 10 days at the
invitation of the Apostolopoulos group of companies.
The former Soviet leader and George Apostolopoulos have been
friends for several years, according to reports. The
Apostolopoulos group owns and operates the Athens Medical
Center, while a Thessaloniki medical center is under
construction. The group is also active in the Balkans and
Russia. It has yet to be clarified if Mr. Gorbachev will have
any official contacts.
[18] Four IOC members in Athens, Coe supports Athens' bid
Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)
Another four permanent members of the International Olympic
Committee (IOC) are due to arrive in Greece today to be briefed
on the matters relating to Athens' bid to host the 2004 Olympic
Games.
The Danish, Mongolian, Mauritius, and Slovakian IOC
representatives will be briefed by members of the "Athens 2004"
bid committee.
The IOC officials will also visit sports facilities in Athens
and each will plant an olive-tree bearing their name at the "IOC
Members' Park."
During their five-day stay, the officials will also be taken on
a tour of archaeological sites and watch the end of the
Acropolis Rally '97 on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Olympic middle-distance gold medallist Sebastian Coe,
who held the post of junior environment minister in the Tory
government of John Major, expressed his full support for Athens'
bid to host the 2004 Games.
"The Greeks always had strong arguments for holding the Olympic
Games. Particularly in the case of the 1996 Games, when the
historical and cultural arguments were on their side. I am among
those who believe in tradition, which is why I don't want to see
the Olympic Games become just another commercial world
championship," Mr. Coe said in statements to the state-run
television channel ET-1.
He also referred to a second resolution by British MPs calling
on the new British parliament to openly support Athens' bid to
host the 2004 Games.
The resolution underlines the importance of the Olympics
returning to their birthplace and the possibilities this would
afford the IOC of leading the Olympic movement back to its
original ideals.
[19] Garbage strike leads to legal action against Athens mayor
Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)
An Athens prosecutor yesterday initiated proceedings against
Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos for dereliction of duty
concerning the ongoing sanitation workers' strike.
The head of the public prosecutor's office for Athens First
Instance Courts, Anastasios Kanellopoulos, filed the action
after press reports cited the health risks in the Greek capital
posed by tons of uncollected garbage and the filing of a similar
complaint by the Athens Medical Association.
Meanwhile, Athens prosecutor Georgios Koliokostas yesterday
morning filed a complaint against "all persons responsible" for
the violation of sanitary regulations and the health hazard
posed by the piles of rotting garbage on the streets of the
greater Athens area. Garbage collectors were due to meet
yesterday morning with Interior Under-secretary Lambros
Papadimas in an effort to find a solution to their demands for
higher pay and job guarantees.
The strike, the second in a month, entered its fifth day
yesterday.
The government warned this week that it would move to have the
strike declared illegal if it was not immediately called off.
"The government has decided not to tolerate this situation any
longer," Interior Minister Alekos Papadopoulos said on Thursday,
describing the strike as "incompre-hensible, unacceptable and
fundamentally and legally groundless."
Meanwhile, the main opposition New Democracy party issued an
announcement stressing that "dangers for public health were
imminent," and called on the government to find a solution.
The Political Spring party also called on the government to give
a solution to the problem saying that "citizens' health is not
to be toyed with."
[20] Meeting examines PHARE, INTERREG projects in Greece, Bulgaria
Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)
A meeting of Greek and Bulgarian officials took place in
Alexandroupoli yesterday to consider the progress of public
works underway in both countries through the PHARE and INTERREG
programs.
Several top EU Commission officials were also present at the
meeting.
Finance Ministry general secretary Elias Plaskovitis said that
projects underway in Bulgaria through PHARE will be reorganized
because of minor delays, while the INTERREG-funded projects in
Greece are satisfactory and will be completed in the year 2000.
During the meeting the progress of several road axis projects
was examined.
[21] European draft agreement for partial employment
Brussels, 07/06/1997 (ANA)
The council of presidents from the Union of Industrial and
Employers Federations of Europe (UNICE) convened at The Hague
yesterday with the participation of 33 federation presidents
from 25 European countries.
Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) President Iason Stratos and
SEB Vice-President Nikos Analytis participated from Greece.
The UNICE council approved a draft agreement for partial
employment, the product of prolonged negotiations between
employers and workers - an agreement anticipating the
development of partial employment and the abolition of
discriminations against part-time workers.
In a message to the Amsterdam summit, the presidents of the
Industrial Federations of Europe stressed the need to avoid
delay in negotiations in the framework of the Intergovernmental
Conference and the taking of decisions which will maintain a
balance between the European Union's economic and social targets.
The statement added that it is certain that an increase in the
competitiveness of European enterprises and the creation of an
environment which will attract in-vestments and will allow for
economic development will constitute a factor developing
employment.
[22] "Greek stocks nose-dive on institutional sell-off
Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)
The Athens Stock Exchange suffered a heavy blow during the last
trading session of the week as institutional players indulged in
a massive sell-off, pushing the market 3.18 percent down. The
general index plunged to close below the 1,600 mark at 1,592.35
points.
Traders said institutional investors were taking higher
liquidity positions ahead of the flotation of the second tranche
of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) on the
market. Trading was moderate at 22.2 billion drachmas.
All sector indices lost ground. Banks fell 3.30 percent, Leasing
was 3.39 percent off, Insurance dropped 0.20 percent, Investment
eased 3.08 percent, Industrials fell 3.47 percent, Construction
dropped 3.54 percent, Holding eased 2.68 percent and
Miscellaneous ended 3.20 percent down.
The Parallel Market index fell 1.71 percent. Decliners
overwhelmingly led advancers by 199 to 35 with another 13 issues
unchanged. Xylemporia, Viokarpet and Sato scored the biggest
gains, while Britania, Flexopak, Rocas and GEK suffered the
heaviest losses hitting the eight percent daily volatility limit.
Blue chips National Bank of Greece closed at 35,950 drachmas,
Ergobank at 18,050, Alpha Credit Bank at 18,890, Titan Cement at
25,000, Intracom at 13,390, Delta at 3,580 and OTE at 6,965
drachmas.
[23] EU inflation drops to 1.5 pct in April
Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)
Consumer price inflation in the 15-member European Union dropped
to 1.5 percent in April from 1.7 percent in March, according to
the EU's statistics agency, Eurostat.
April inflation also was sharply down on 2.6 percent in April
1996. Belgium and Finland reported the lowest inflation rates at
0.9 percent, while France, Luxembourg, Germany, the Netherlands
and Austria all showed inflation rates below the EU average.
Greek inflation fell to 5.7 percent in April from 5.9 percent in
March. It was 8.5 percent in April 1996.
Inflation rates in the United States and Japan were 2.5 percent
and 1.7 percent respectively in April.
[24] Balkan businesses to discuss privatization
Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)
The privatization of state assets in the Balkans will be the
main topic of discussion among businessmen to meet on the
sidelines of a Balkan foreign ministers' meeting in Thessaloniki
on Monday and Tuesday.
The business meeting, to be held on the initiative of the Greek
foreign ministry and supported by the Northern Greek Exporters'
Association, will be attended by privatization ministers and
officials from Balkan states.
They are expected to refer to specific companies, by sector,
being offered for privatization and to the legal framework of
each country and prospects for their markets' growth.
Representatives of the fifteen largest companies in energy,
transportation, telecommunications, industry, construction and
banking from each country are also expected to attend the
meeting, among them more than 50 Greek businessmen, bank
governors and utility chairmen.
National Economy Under-secretary Alexandros Baltas has been
invited to attend the meeting.
[25] Greece to fund Xanthi industry reform agency
Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)
The Greek government has earmarked 250 million drachmas to set
up a new industrial reform agency in the northern town of
Xanthi, classed as one the country's declining industrial
regions.
Xanthi prefect Panagiotis Saltouros said that the development
ministry would meet in full the demands of the prefecture for
the creation and operation of the new agency.
The agency's task will be to promote regional development,
attract investments, boost employment and monitor economic data.
[26] Helexpo to build Athens trade fair center
Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)
Greece's Thessaloniki-based Helexpo signed a contract with
Vioter SA for construction of a 4.5 billion drachma trade fair
center in Athens, due for completion in May 1999.
The European Union will fund 50 percent of the project through
an industry program with state-run Helexpo, which holds trade
fairs on its Thessaloniki premises throughout the year,
providing 25 percent, and the government the remaining 25
percent from the public investments program.
"This (project) is very important for the national economy as
there is no trade fair center of such a scale in (the
prefecture) of Attica," Helexpo's managing director Andonis
Kourtis told the signing ceremony.
The two-story Athens center will be housed on 11,250 square
meters of land offered by the state in the northern suburb of
Maroussi.
[27] Public subscription for OTE shares between June 11-13
Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)
Public subscription for the upcoming new issue of Hellenic
Telecommunications Organization (OTE) shares will take place
between Wednesday and Friday next week, June 11-13.
According to Greek and foreign institutional investors, the
share price expected to be formed after the submission of
competitive offers (book building) begins on Monday, will be in
the range of 6,500 drachmas. The price at the subscription stage
will be 200 drachmas lower, while its fluctuation limits will be
set on Tuesday, and the determination of its sale price will
take place on June 14-15.
In case of strong demand, the finance minister has the right to
increase the number of 45 billion shares offered by 2,109,977.
After the completion of the public subscription process, OTE
will proceed to an equity capital increase, at the rate of six
new for every 80 old shares.
[28] Int'l business conference ends in Sofia
Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)
Yesterday marked the end of the second three-day international
conference entitled "Doing Business in Bulgaria," hosted in
Sofia by the newspaper "New Europe" and sponsored by Ioniki Bank.
The conference presented the new Bulgarian government to the
international business world.
H. Stamatopoulos, the governor of Ioniki, commented on the
progress of the bank's Sofia branch. He announced the opening of
two new branches and added that the possibility of expanding
business with the subsidiary companies, Ioniki finance and
Ioniki leasing, is being considered.
He also said that the Sofia branch will soon be offering direct
financing rather than through Athens.
[29] Four bids for Bank of Crete
Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)
A total of four tenders have been submitted for the purchase of
the Bank of Crete, according to an announcement issued by the
bank yesterday.
The tenders were tabled by the Nanjing Star Co. Ltd and the An
Ran Industrial Group Ltd, which are headquartered in the
People's Republic of China, the Consolidated Eurofinance Holfing
S.A. and the Bank of Piraeus.
An evaluation committee for the purchase of the Bank of Crete
will convene on Tuesday to examine tenders.
[30] Agriculture Bank subsidies
Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)
An Agricultural Bank evaluation committee has approved 1.55
billion drachmas in subsidies for 61 investment plans, 42 of
which include stock breeding units worth 2.36 billion drachmas
and subsidized at 970 million.
Three of these investments include green house units and other
crops, costing 107 million drachmas and subsidized at 52
million, while 16 investments, related to agriculture services
and costing 1.47 billion drachmas will be subsidized with 534
million.
[31] Conscientious objectors unhappy with bill on alternative service
Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)
An association of conscientious objectors yesterday expressed
opposition to what they called the philosophy underlying a new
law passed by Parliament which for the first time provides for
an alternative form of mandatory military service.
Parliament on Thursday night passed the law by a majority vote,
enabling conscientious objectors to work in state hospitals or
municipal services for 36 months, double the normal 18 months of
military service.
Representatives of the Association of Conscientious Objectors
told a press conference yesterday that although the introduction
of an alternative to military service was a positive step,
"albeit with a delay of 11 years compared to other European
countries," the new law contained a number of serious weaknesses.
Association spokesmen Yiannis Chrysovergis and Dimitris
Sotiropoulos said the law's weaknesses constituted violations of
"respect for free conscience and the equality of citizens before
the law."
The doubling of the length of alternative service, they said,
was clearly a punitive measure and contrary to the
recommendations of international organizations.
They also criticized provisions in the law ruling out the choice
of alternative service by persons who in the past had licenses
for hunting rifles or handguns or who have been convicted of
felonies.
Mr. Chrysovergis and Mr. Sotiropoulos pointed out that "crimes
of violence" included participation in peaceful demonstrations
such as sit-ins, which had been prohibited by the police.
[32] Thessaloniki hosts regional immunology congress
Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)
Some 50,000 people a day around the world die of infectious
diseases, with developed nations like the United States citing
infectious diseases as the third leading cause of death.
Antibiotics, until recently considered a cure for all ills, are
today less than effective due to their misuse and are actually
aiding in the spread of infectious diseases.
These issues were the focus of the first day of sessions at the
1st Balkan and Southern European congress on immunology,
currently being held in Thessaloniki.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), despite
progress in medical research on combating infectious diseases,
research has been outpaced in the past 30 years by the emergence
of new and deadly viral strains, such as AIDS and Ebola.
The expansion of these viral strains has been attributed both to
the misuse of antibiotics and to the ease of movement of large
numbers of people as well as to tourism. In fact, many cases of
potentially serious viruses are not reported to WHO for fear of
the repercussions on the local tourist industry.
The indiscriminate use of antibiotics in the developed world has
led to a weakening of the immune system while, paradoxically, in
the developing world their scarcity often leads to rapid
expansion of the disease.
End of English language section.
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