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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-06-14

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

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1212), June 14, 1997

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


CONTENTS

  • [01] IGC issues dominate cabinet meeting chaired by premier
  • [02] G. Papandreou
  • [03] Black Sea co-operation parliamentary assembly to meet in Athens
  • [04] Committee on Constitutional revision chosen
  • [05] Belgian Euro-MP calls for principle of transparency in new EU Treaty
  • [06] EU's Bjerregaard calls for concerted effort by EU nations on environment
  • [07] Tsohatzopoulos outlines Athens' views on new Euro-Atlantic Security Council
  • [08] Philippine leader to visit Greece end of June
  • [09] Georgian parliament speaker in Athens next week
  • [10] Gov't defends Pangalos' statements on Schengen
  • [11] Stephanopoulos begins tour of Cyclades
  • [12] Gov't says Greek committee of experts' reply due in a few days
  • [13] Turkish business delegation to visit Rhodes on trade mission
  • [14] Albanian Socialist leader Nano addresses campaign rally in Athens
  • [15] Anastasios urges Orthodox faithful to exercise voting rights
  • [16] Black Sea Greeks conference convenes in Thessaloniki
  • [17] High-level meeting focuses on security along Greek-Albanian border
  • [18] Gov't says no issue of Gibraltar protocol at hand
  • [19] Gov't says possibility of Simitis-Constantopoulos meeting still open
  • [20] ND, Synaspismos leaders meet
  • [21] Mount Athos treasures open in Thessaloniki this month
  • [22] Chinese health sector delegation on official Greek visit
  • [23] OTE to participate at world-wide event
  • [24] Drug problem provokes questions in Parliament
  • [25] Greenpeace promotes solar energy with massive banner off Halkida Bridge
  • [26] European delegation of publishers, reporters visit Athens 2004 committee
  • [27] Replica of ancient trireme arrives in Thessaloniki
  • [28] Greece to slash state spending on pharmaceuticals
  • [29] Commercial Bank of Greece ups stake in BIB
  • [30] Bank of Greece urges banks to cut operating costs
  • [31] Greek stocks end flat, post 2.10 pct gain for the week
  • [32] Eastern Europe seen joining world tourism market
  • [33] Commission places Greek olive oil on protected brand names list
  • [34] EOT expects increase in tourist arrivals from Middle East
  • [35] NOTE:

  • [01] IGC issues dominate cabinet meeting chaired by premier

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday chaired a cabinet meeting focusing on the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) in view of the crucial European Union summit in Amsterdam next week, expected to witness several major political skirmishes by member-states.

    During a briefing by the competent ministers on the course of the IGC, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the cabinet expressed satisfaction regarding developments to date.

    Mr. Reppas noted that most of Greece's targets appeared to have been attained "since the issues in question are included in the text which will serve as a guideline for discussion" at the Amsterdam summit.

    The spokesman emphasized in particular that Greece's proposals concerning borders were included in the relevant chapter on the Community's common foreign and security policy.

    On Monday, discussions will centre on outstanding questions related to the IGC, especially examining the issue of "The Union and Citizens" with particular emphasis on employment.

    Additionally, EU finance ministers will discuss a proposed European Council resolution on employment to accompany the resolution as well as the stability pact and European Monetary Union (EMU).

    On Tuesday, ministers will finalize any outstanding questions on the IGC and EMU.

    [02] G. Papandreou

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    On his part, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou said yesterday that he expected a "major battle" on institutional issues during the EU summit on Monday and Tuesday.

    Noting that differences between EU member-states on the issue of Commissioners and the reweighting of votes were still large, however, he nevertheless said that the political will for negotiations to come to a successful end was there, and one had to look at the total compromise possible.

    He also stressed that efforts were underway by socialist parties and governments at a European level to bring out the EU's social profile, and it would be a mistake to suppose that there was singularity of pursuits in the European Union.

    The Greek side views with satisfaction the inclusion in the proposal for the new Treaty of the EU of Article 130, concerning the islands, which is accompanied by a satisfactory statement, while in the chapter on the common external and security policy t here is reference to territorial integrity, political solidarity and the borders.

    However, certain member-states have stated their opposition to this chapter, and therefore, its final form, according to observers, is uncertain.

    [03] Black Sea co-operation parliamentary assembly to meet in Athens

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    The parliamentary assembly of Black Sea Economic Co-operation Pact (PABSEC), whose six-month rotating presidency is held by Greece, will meet in Athens on June 17-19 to discuss a wide range of economic, political and social issues.

    PABSEC, founded in 1993, is the parliamentary arm of Black Sea Economic Co-operation (BSEC). It aims to facilitate co-operation among Black Sea countries and turn the region into a zone of stability, prosperity and peace.

    The meeting, chaired by Parliament speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis, will discuss improving customs regulations, developing a co-operation mechanism between PABSEC and BSEC, and protecting the rights of refugees from the Black Sea region. Delegates at the meeting will also discuss conclusions of a BSEC foreign ministers' meeting held in Istanbul in April and developments in the creation of the Black Sea Commerce and Development Bank, based in Thessaloniki. Also on the agenda is the review of a progress re port by the presidency's permanent committee and approval of 1997's budget.

    Mr. Kaklamanis will deliver the group's presidency to Moldavian parliament speaker Dimitru Motspan at the end of the meeting.

    President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and the president of BSEC, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Gennady Udovenko, will address the meeting.

    Parliamentary members from all 10 member-states - Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Turkey and Ukraine - will take part in the meeting.

    Egypt, Israel and the Western European Union will attend as observers.

    [04] Committee on Constitutional revision chosen

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    The committee entrusted with revising the Constitution has been established with the election of an inter-party presidium, which will convene at the start of a plenary session.

    Parliament's first Vice-President Panayiotis Kritikos was elected president of the committee; main opposition New Democracy party Deputy Georgios Panayiotopoulos was elected Vice-President and Communist Party of Greece (KKE) deputy Achilleas Katartzis a s secretary.

    [05] Belgian Euro-MP calls for principle of transparency in new EU Treaty

    Strasbourg, 14/06/1997 (ANA/C. Haralambopoulos)

    Belgian Liberal Euro-MP Neidje Uterbrouk has called in a report for the inclusion of the principle of transparency in the new EU Treaty, as a principle binding all institutional organs so as to eliminate the democratic deficit in the Union. The report, on the relations between the assembly and the national parliaments, was presented to the plenum of Europarliament yesterday.

    Ms. Uterbrouk also called for the strengthening of the areas of responsibility of the Europarliament in order to combat the democratic deficit, and the adoption of the procedure for joint decisions by the Council of Ministers. She provided a reminder that half the budget of the Union is decided upon without control by the Europarliament.

    The Belgian Euro-MP expressed the view that national parliaments and the European Parliament play a key-role in the exercise of democratic control in the Union, although their relations are characterized by contrariness, and that their relations are competitive, but also complementary.

    [06] EU's Bjerregaard calls for concerted effort by EU nations on environment

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    The environment is a sector which needs a common effort on the part of all European Union member-states, EU Commissioner for Environment and Nuclear Security Ritt Bjerregaard said during a press conference in Athens yesterday.

    The Danish Commissioner also called for greater citizens' mobilization in the efforts to combat waste pollution.

    In addition, she discussed environmental issues in separate meetings with Environment Minister Costas Laliotis, Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos and National Economy Under-secretary Christos Pachtas.

    [07] Tsohatzopoulos outlines Athens' views on new Euro-Atlantic Security Council

    Brussels, 14/06/1997 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)

    NATO defense ministers convened in Brussels yesterday to discuss the issue of the Euro-Atlantic Security Council, which will be composed of 43 countries, namely, NATO's 16 members and countries from eastern Europe, the Middle East, the former USSR and Russia.

    Greece was represented by National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos.

    Speaking to Greek reporters, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the Euro-Atlantic Security Council "constitutes a place in which all issues related to security, stability and co-operation in the Euro-Atlantic region can be discussed."

    He said it is an exclusive form of collective action by a large number of countries which will be jointly able to take decisions on issues of security and co-operation. Defense ministers will meet twice a year and foreign ministers twice to safeguard cooperation terms and create preconditions for collective security, he added.

    Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the organization has particular importance for Greece and that two basic principles in its functioning must be secured, namely, the possibility of each country to determine by itself what degree of co-operation it will have with t he new institution, regardless of the relationship it has with NATO, as well as the possibility of regional co-operation according to the region to which each country belongs.

    Mr. Tsohatzopoulos further stressed the significance of the Euro-Atlantic Security Council and more specifically support for regional co-operation for the Balkan region, because from now on Balkan countries which are not currently NATO member-states will have the possibility of expressing their views and positions in the framework of the new organization.

    Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said Greece "has already submitted proposals in the Balkan region for the creation of a Security and Co-operation Council and for predicting crises", adding that after NATO's session yesterday this logic was confirmed. He further said that "the experience which contributed towards promoting the Euro-Atlantic Security Council is utilizing the institution of partnership for peace." He also referred to Bosnia where NATO's activity was impressive and commented on Albania, saying that "neither NATO nor the West European Union (WEU) managed to intervene and tackle the crisis."

    Referring to the WEU in particular, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the issue of Albania belonged to its jurisdiction if it wanted to prove that a realistic prospect existed for the European identity and defense. However, this possibility was replaced by the cooperation initiative between certain OSCE member-states, and primarily Italy and Greece.

    At this point, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos expressed the hope that the elections in Albania on June 29 will provide a solution to the problem of Albania and that an acceptable government will result which will undertake to handle the real problems faced by the Albanian people. He said that during the meeting with his Albanian counterpart yesterday, he ascertained that the latter viewed the problem in the same spirit.

    Mr. Tsohatzopoulos expressed the importance of NATO's co-operation with countries having expressed the desire for NATO membership but will not be included in the list concerning NATO's first enlargement. He said these countries must have the possibility of wider co-operation with NATO and acquire experiences and access to NATO's infrastructures to enable them to have the feeling that they are not alone and that the prospect of their accession to NATO is tangible.

    Replying to questions from the press on criteria for NATO's enlargement, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said many discussions will be held in the next few days on which countries will join the alliance and added that although the United States has already presented its own views, the issue remains open to a certain degree and that he himself will have the opportunity of holding talks with his US counterpart William Cohen during his visit to the United States.

    [08] Philippine leader to visit Greece end of June

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    Philippine President Fidel Ramos will pay a three-day official visit to Greece beginning June 22 at the invitation of President Kostis Stephanopoulos, it was announced yesterday.

    During his stay, Mr. Ramos will have talks with Prime Minister Costas Simitis and sign a bilateral cultural accord and an informal agreement between the Greek overseas trade council and the equivalent Philippine agency.

    Mr. Ramos' talks with Mr. Stephanopoulos and Mr. Simitis are expected to focus on ways of further improving relations between the two countries in the political and, particularly, economic sectors.

    Within this framework, Mr. Ramos will also have talks with representatives of the Greek business world, including ship-owners.

    [09] Georgian parliament speaker in Athens next week

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    The president of Georgia's parliament, Zourab Zhvania, is expected to arrive in Athens on Tuesday for a four-day official visit at the invitation of his Greek counterpart Apostolos Kaklamanis.

    During his stay, Mr. Zhvania will have meetings with President Kostis Stephanopoulos and Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos.

    He will also meet with main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis and other political leaders.

    He will further have meetings with members of the Commerce and Industry Chamber and will attend the opening sessions of the ninth Black Sea Economic Co-operation plenum (BSEC).

    [10] Gov't defends Pangalos' statements on Schengen

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas came to the defense of Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos yesterday, when asked to comment on Mr. Pangalos' statements regarding the Schengen Pact on Thursday evening.

    Mr. Reppas said the government agreed with the political content of Mr. Pangalos' positions. Speaking in a television interview, Mr. Pangalos criticized the deputies who did not vote for Schengen, saying they were defending the rights of convicts.

    Mr. Reppas said that the minister was expressing personal views and convictions.

    In the interview, Mr. Pangalos lashed out against those who did not endorse the Schengen Pact, accusing them of wanting to turn Greece back to medieval times.

    In a related development, Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos addressed a letter to the Prime Minister Costas Simitis, stating that the foreign minister's statements raised "a major issue of political morals and cultural order".

    He added that the government spokesman's view that the issue was connected with the foreign minister's personal style and individual behaviour, was evasive and a pretext.

    Further, he called on the prime minister to state whether he accepts "this methodology of political discourse and the phenomenal statements repeatedly used by your top aide".

    In another written statement, Mr. Constantopoulos accused the government of having deliberately raised the issue of constitutional provisions for the election of the president of the republic, not being able to appreciate the impeccable manner in which the incumbent President, Kostis Stephanopoulos, is carrying out his duties.

    [11] Stephanopoulos begins tour of Cyclades

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos kicked off a three-day tour of the Cyclades yesterday from Kythnos.

    Speaking on problems facing the islands, he confirmed the interest of the state to find solutions to these problems.

    Turning to other issues, he defended the status quo in the Aegean, saying that "all the Aegean islands, isles or rocky isles, are Greek."

    Justice would prevail in the Aegean and Turkish claims in the area would be lifted, he later said on the island of Sifnos.

    "Justice will prevail because it is based on our history and tradition, and on international treaties and agreements," Mr. Stephanopoulos said.

    "We don't have the right to make more concessions," he said.

    "We have (already) lost many homelands" he added, calling on all the Aegean residents to remain on their islands.

    The president also criticized Ankara for its expansionist tendencies and foresaw that it would not achieve anything more than reaffirming the Aegean's Greekness.

    Mr. Stephanopoulos is accompanied by Aegean Minister Elisabeth Papazoi.

    [12] Gov't says Greek committee of experts' reply due in a few days

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    The reply by the two-man Greek "committee of experts" formulating Athens' positions on Greek-Turkish differences will be sent to the Dutch EU presidency within the next few days, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou stated yesterday.

    Replying to reporters' questions, Mr. Papandreou said Athens' reply would comment on the views set out by the two members of the corresponding Turkish committee of experts, in accordance with the agreed procedure.

    Greece and Turkey each agreed to set up a committee of experts to examine procedures for approaching and recording certain differences between the two countries.

    The reports drawn up by the committees are exchanged between the two countries via the rotating Dutch EU presidency.

    [13] Turkish business delegation to visit Rhodes on trade mission

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    One hundred businessmen from Turkey, members of the Commerce and Industry Chamber of Izmir, will visit Rhodes on June 29 and 30 to discuss co-operation and commercial exchanges.

    It will be the first time a Turkish business delegation visits Rhodes. The event is being organized after an initiative by the Izmir chamber.

    Delegation members will meet with local chamber representatives and other agencies and discuss co-operation in tourism, coastal shipping and promotion of Turkish products on the island.

    [14] Albanian Socialist leader Nano addresses campaign rally in Athens

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    Albanians living in Greece should return to their country to vote in the June 29 general elections, the leader of the opposition Socialist Party of Albania Fatos Nano told a campaign rally at a downtown Athens square yesterday.

    At the rally at Kaningos Square, which was linked with an official visit to Greece, Mr. Nano said he guaranteed their safe transport and return, and accused Albanian President Sali Berisha of having "turned Albania into a country of emigres".

    "Albanians must work in Albania", Mr. Nano told the crowd who had thronged to the square, adding that if he won the elections, he would return the money invested in pyramid schemes, whose collapse led to the present severe crisis in the neighbouring country.

    The socialist leader thanked the Greek government for the respect it showed for rights of ethnic Albanians working in Greece and for the permission it granted his party to hold an open rally in central Athens.

    A short message was also conveyed by former socialist deputy Todor Bei, of Greek descent, who called for "unity of Albanians and Albanians of Greek descent, in the north and south, against Berisha".

    He also guaranteed that whoever left Greece to vote in the Albanian elections would not be prevented from returning by Greek authorities.

    [15] Anastasios urges Orthodox faithful to exercise voting rights

    Tirana, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    Members of the Orthodox Church of Albania, as responsible citizens, should vote, Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania said in an announcement yesterday.

    "The Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania has repeatedly and consistently stressed it does not become involved in politics. Its members, of course, ought to be responsible citizens, and as such to participate in the elections of the political leader s of its country," he said.

    Orthodoxy cultivates conscience and promotes love, truth, justice, honesty and freedom, he added.

    "On that basis, every Orthodox is called occasionally to judge with responsibility and according to his conscience the party programs and vote for specific candidates", he said.

    [16] Black Sea Greeks conference convenes in Thessaloniki

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    Interior Minister Alekos Papadopoulos was expected to open the fourth congress of Black Sea Greeks (Pontians) at the University of Thessaloniki yesterday evening.

    The congress is attended by about 800 representatives from world associations of Greeks who originally lived in the Black Sea area.

    The congress will continue this morning at the Helexpo fair grounds and will focus on official recognition by the world community of the genocide by the Turks between 1915 and 1918, integration issues for Black Sea Greeks coming to Greece and the problems of Pontians living in the former Soviet Union.

    [17] High-level meeting focuses on security along Greek-Albanian border

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday chaired a meeting to examine the often tense situation on the Greek-Albanian border, following a series of recent violent incidents along the frontier.

    The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, Interior Minister Alekos Papadopoulos, Public Order Minister George Romeos, Merchant Marine Minister Stavros Soumakis, National Defense Under-secretary Dimitris Apostolakis and representatives of the armed forces and coast-guard.

    Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the meeting examined the latest developments on the border with Albania, as part of efforts to tackle the problems which have arisen, particularly in view of fears that the situation might worsen because of Albanian general elections at the end of the month.

    [18] Gov't says no issue of Gibraltar protocol at hand

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said there is no question of a protocol for Gibraltar, invoking a relevant statement by a Dutch European Union presidency representative, who said Britain and Spain are not interested in the issue and that it does not concern Greece.

    On the occasion of this statement, Mr. Reppas criticized the Athens daily "Eleftheros Typos", saying it falsified past statements he had made and further criticized main opposition New Democracy party Vice-President Yiannis Varvitsiotis for relevant statements, calling for more responsibility in handling such issues.

    Replying to a question, Mr. Reppas said Community Affairs Secretary-General Stelios Perrakis, in relevant consultations with the Dutch presidency, raised an issue of possible confusion which could arise due to the Gibraltar Protocol, categorically reiterating the government's position that borders are defined by international treaties and not by EU bodies.

    [19] Gov't says possibility of Simitis-Constantopoulos meeting still open

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday the possibility of Prime Minister Costas Simitis meeting Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos remains open, adding that the two men had a telephone conversation since the time Mr. Constantopoulos had addressed a letter to the premier.

    Mr. Reppas said Mr. Constantopoulos met (PASOK Secretary) Costas Skandalidis for talks on local administration issues and Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou, who briefed him on issues concerning the Intergovern-mental Conference.

    He said that criticism by Mr. Constantopoulos on Thursday was unjustified, adding that while denouncing speculation concerning the presidency of the republic he did just that; while denouncing speculation about elections, he did just that and while refusing real dialogue on the centre-left he blames others for the refusal.

    [20] ND, Synaspismos leaders meet

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    Main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis met yesterday with Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos.

    [21] Mount Athos treasures open in Thessaloniki this month

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    An unprecedented exhibition of 600 treasures from the all-male monastic community of Mount Athos opens officially in Thessaloniki on June 21.

    The objects, which have never left the semi-autonomous peninsula before, will be sent off in a Byzantine ceremony from Karyes, the community's administrative headquarters on June 17.

    They include one of the rarest possessions of the monasteries, one of the two existing charters establishing the community, and will be the only chance women have of seeing the objects, since they are banned from setting foot on Mount Athos.

    The exhibition is part of the celebrations for Thessaloniki Cultural Capital and will be attended by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, government officials, political leaders and others.

    The objects come from 17 participating monasteries of Mount Athos, out of the total of 20. The exhibition will last until Dec. 31. Opening hours for the public are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, including Sunday.

    Entrance fees are 2,000 drachmas for adults and waived for the clergy, monks, soldiers and tour guides.

    Receipts from tickets will be turned over the Mount Athos monasteries for renovation and infrastructure works.

    [22] Chinese health sector delegation on official Greek visit

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    A People's Republic of China delegation is visiting Greece at the invitation of Health and Welfare Under-secretary Theodoros Kotsonis within the framework of overall co-operation between the two countries in the welfare sector and, specifically, in welfare policy for the handicapped.

    The Chinese delegation visited a series of institutions and units for rehabilitating handicapped people. They also held talks with Health and Welfare Minister Costas Geitonas and Mr. Kotsonis.

    The Chinese ambassador gave an official luncheon last Wednesday in honour of Mr. Kotsonis and the Chinese delegation.

    Their itinerary includes a visit to archaeological sites and museums before their departure tomorrow. The under-secretary and the leadership of the Greek Confederation of Handicapped Persons has accepted an official invitation to visit the People's Republic of China.

    [23] OTE to participate at world-wide event

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    The Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE), in co-operation with the Democritus Research Centre, is participating in a three-day worldwide event in the framework of the ACTS program, presenting the potential for utilizing the high-speed networks with ATM technology.

    The program will include the interconnection of three international conferences taking place in Calgary, Moscow, Madeira, with 14 European countries next week.

    There will also be a connection with a one-day conference at the European Parliament on June 18, under the title "21st century - The age of communications".

    The connections will take place at OTE's building in Athens.

    [24] Drug problem provokes questions in Parliament

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    The drug rehabilitation program with methadone is functioning very well and the government plans to expand it to other cities besides Athens and Thessaloniki, Health Under-secretary Manolis Skoulakis said in Parliament yesterday.

    Replying to questions on drug use tabled by the main opposition New Democracy and the opposition Communist Party of Greece (KKE), Mr. Skoulakis said the state was doing whatever possible to check the problem of drugs by pitting all its efforts on prevention.

    The minister said that the annual turnover from the drug trade in Greece came up to 300 or 400 billion drachmas.

    On his part, ND deputy Giorgos Sourlas charged the government with taking superficial measures. The programs on drug prevention, he said, the government allotted just one billion drachmas.

    He further charged that the state does not have the means of restricting the laundering of drug trade money, since a drug dealer could easily buy state bonds or treasury bills without any difficulty.

    [25] Greenpeace promotes solar energy with massive banner off Halkida Bridge

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    Four Greenpeace activists staged a dramatic spectacle yesterday, unfolding a gigantic transparent banner with the slogan "Solar Power - Bridge to the Future" from the new Halkida Bridge connecting Evia with mainland Greece.

    This Greenpeace action was part of a solar power promotional tour by the Greenpeace vessel "Sirius".

    Halkida's new bridge was chosen because the island of Evia is one of the most suitable regions in the Mediterranean for large-scale development of renewable energy sources.

    With some 2,500 hours of insolation per year, Evia is an ideal region for developing solar power stations, given that it is linked to the Public Power Corp.'s (DEH) continental grid. The island, the second largest in Greece, is also very suitable for the construction of wind farms.

    [26] European delegation of publishers, reporters visit Athens 2004 committee

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    Thirty-five publishers and reporters from most of Europe's major economic and business publications visited the headquarters of the Athens 2004 Olympics committee at the Zappeion Hall yesterday.

    The group is currently in Athens on the occasion of the Union of the European Economic Press' (UPEFE) annual assembly.

    Meanwhile, International Olympic Committee (IOC) member UN-Ihiro Okano from Japan, who is paying an official visit to Athens, termed the candidacy of Athens "excellent and fully substantiated."

    He later attended a ceremony during which an olive tree bearing his name was planted in the "Forest of IOC members."

    Another permanent IOC member, Agustin Carlos Arojo from Ecuador, is expected in Athens tomorrow.

    [27] Replica of ancient trireme arrives in Thessaloniki

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    An full-scale, sea-going replica of an ancient Athenian trireme arrived in the port of Thessaloniki yesterday.

    The "Olympias," a copy of a 5th century BC trireme, with places for 170 rowers, linen sails and bronze rams, was carried to Thessaloniki by a Hellenic Navy landing craft. With the help of a floating crane and tug-boats, the trireme was placed on a specially-designed platform where it can be visited by the public.

    The trireme, built with shipbuilding methods, has generated archaeological and naval interest throughout the world. It was built in Perama, near Piraeus, with the assistance of two British history professors and officers of the Hellenic Navy general staff.

    The naval vessel which transported the trireme, the "Ikaria", also anchored at the port, while an exhibition entitled "The Hellenic Navy," which will be open to the public, will be held aboard the Ikaria.

    The two exhibitions will be officially inaugurated by National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos on Tuesday.

    [28] Greece to slash state spending on pharmaceuticals

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    The cabinet yesterday approved measures aimed to combat an excessive use of pharmaceuticals and prescriptions in a bid to offer the public cheap medicine and save money for health-care funds.

    Health Minister Costas Geitonas said that Greece was among the top consumers of pharmaceuticals, especially antibiotics. Spending had shot up to 584 billion drachmas from 87 billion drachmas in 1987.

    Mr. Geitonas cited an overuse of prescriptions, hi-gher prices and new expensive medicines to replace traditional products as the reasons behind the upsurge in spending.

    He said the health ministry had already prepared new rules on prescriptions, with separate instructions for hospitals, and was compiling a single list of medicine for use by social insurance organizations.

    The minister said the new measures were necessary and fair and urged related agencies and the public to support them.

    Social Security Under-secretary Nikos Farmakis noted that the new list contained 2,800 drugs against 4,500 currently available in the market, but stressed the figure could be changed.

    He said that the list of medicines would discourage the circulation of new pharmaceuticals in the market, and that it could possibly lead to a decline in contributions to social security funds. Private individuals currently account for 25% of spending o n medicine, the rest being paid by the state.

    The process of revising the pharmaceutical price list will lead to a reduction in retail prices for many drugs, since their price doubles by the time they make it from the factory to the consumer, Development Under-secretary Mihalis Chrysohoidis added.

    A series of taxes on a drug's retail price would be reduced, he said, as would the profit of 35 per cent on each drug that the pharmacist makes. The profit percentage remained the same, but in real terms became lower since the new prices were reduced.

    Mr. Chrysohoidis said the percentage of profit per imported drug would be abolished, while profit on domestically produced drugs would fall to 8.5 per cent, from 12.5 per cent today.

    Imported drugs will be priced on the basis of the lowest price offered in Europe, while the price for domestic pharmaceuticals is expected to not exceed the lowest retail price in Europe.

    [29] Commercial Bank of Greece ups stake in BIB

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    The National Bank of Bulgaria, the country's central bank, has cleared an increase in Commercial Bank of Greece's stake in Bulgarian Investment Bank (BIB) from 17.6 percent to 20.6 percent.

    It has also endorsed an 11.12 percent holding by Commercial Capital, a subsidiary of the Greek bank, in BIB's equity capital.

    The Commercial Bank Group will obtain three seats on BIB's nine-seat board. The Bulgarian bank's chief executive is Gerassimos Tsiaparas and the financial director is Anastasios Tsamis.

    The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development holds a 46 percent stake in BIB. Other shareholders are the French bank BNP and Bulgarian UBB with 5 percent and 6.9 percent stakes respectively.

    [30] Bank of Greece urges banks to cut operating costs

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    Bank of Greece Governor Lucas Papademos called for a major reduction in the operating costs of banks in order to improve the sector's competitiveness in international markets.

    Speaking at a seminar organized by Euromoney magazine, Mr. Papademos said reducing operating costs would help to improve competitiveness and streng-then the presence of Greek banks abroad and their leading role in southeastern Europe.

    Mr. Papademos also called for more effective methods of internal organization and monitoring; and better risk management associated with lending and volatility in securities, stocks, interest rates and foreign exchange parities.

    [31] Greek stocks end flat, post 2.10 pct gain for the week

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    Greek stocks ended the last trading session of the week slightly lower following a decline in Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) although the market managed to show hefty gains for the week.

    The general index closed 0.38 percent lower at 1,625.73 points, up 2.10 percent from last Friday's close. Turnover was moderate at 17.5 billion drachmas.

    Construction shares remained the focus of investment interest to end 3.37 percent higher. Banks fell 0.73 percent, Leasing were 1.41 percent up, Insurance dropped 0.46 percent, Investment fell 0.66 percent, Industrials rose 0.12 percent, Holding eased 0 .57 percent and Miscellaneous were 0.10 percent off.

    The Parallel Market index fell by 0.99 percent.

    OTE fell 105 drachmas to close at 7,095 in heavy volume of 492,430. National Bank of Greece ended at 36,305 drachmas, Ergobank at 18,300, Alpha Credit Bank at 20,040, Titan at 26,000 and Intracom at 14,190. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 120 to 97 with another 28 issues unchanged.

    [32] Eastern Europe seen joining world tourism market

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    International tourism trade fair groups have show growing interest in east European markets as a venue for their product, speakers at a conference in Thessaloniki said.

    According to Tom Natley, British president of the European Tourism Trade Fair Association (ETTFA), east Europe is a promising market for international tourism with countries in the region seen both as host countries and a source of tourists. Speaking to reporters, Mr. Natley and representatives of European trade fair organizations reaffirmed that Greece still ranked top as a holiday venue for tourists from their countries.

    ETTFA is holding an internal meeting at HELEXPO, Greece's state-run trade fair organizer.

    [33] Commission places Greek olive oil on protected brand names list

    Brussels, 14/06/1997 (ANA/AFP)

    The European Commission yesterday acknowledged protection of the name of origin of certain foodstuffs, including Greek olive oil, according to an announcement by a Commission representative.

    It is the fourth list prepared by the Commission on the protection of local products, which contains 17 products and raises the total number of protected products to 400.

    The new list contains Italian ham, cheese and cereals from Austria, olive oil from Greece and lentils and honey from France.

    [34] EOT expects increase in tourist arrivals from Middle East

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    A significant increase in the number of tourists from the Arab gulf states and the Middle East is expected this year, according to a National Tourism Organization (EOT) statement yesterday.

    EOT and Olympic Airways participated with a joint pavilion in the recent Arabian Travel Market 1997 exhibition in Dubai.

    EOT representatives also participated in a meeting of about 400 travel agents, organized by Emirates Holidays, a subsidiary of Emirates Airways, on the occasion of Greece's inclusion in its programs for 1997-98.

    The travel agency last year included Athens in one of its European destinations, with two direct flights from Dubai weekly.

    Greece was presented as a competitive destination, together with Malaysia, South Africa, Kenya, Australia and Yemen.

    [35] NOTE:

    Athens, 14/06/1997 (ANA)

    The Bulletin will not be published on Monday, in observation of the official holiday of the Holy Spirit. It will appear again on Tuesday.

    End of English language section.


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