Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-06-18
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1214),
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] EU leaders agree on foreign, security policy
[02] Simitis statements
[03] EU leaders compromise on WEU's status vis-a-vis Union
[04] Kranidiotis' Washington meetings cover Cyprus, CBMs in Aegean
[05] Kissinger
[06] Tsohatzopoulos calls for true convergence of EU economies
[07] Greece to be represented by Koliopanos at this month's Earth
Summit
[08] Greece rejects Turkish requests regarding Imia
[09] Black Sea Parliamentary Assembly meeting begins today
[10] Georgian parliament president in Athens
[11] Cabinet meeting on Friday
[12] V. Papandreou, Avramopoulos discuss Athens' tourism issues
[13] Athens mayor to attend Moscow conference
[14] Gligorov praises Athens' role in Balkans after meeting with
Clinton
[15] Greek athletes pick up 9 medals at yesterday's session of Med
Games
[16] Bakoyianni comments on ND, Karamanlis
[17] Papandreou's widow recalls PASOK founder's last days
[18] Hellenic Steel announces 4.5-billion-drachma investment program
[19] Gov't-sponsored dialogue on social insurance issue begins today
[20] ADEDY
[21] INTERREG II, PHARE programs examined at Thessaloniki conference
[22] Greek equities end 2.94 pct down in selling spree
[23] Greece's Delta Dairy sees 10 pct rise in '97 sales, profit
[24] Greece's Lavipharm to launch new acne product in Europe
[25] GEKAT to launch US Appledee's chain in Greece
[26] OSE board decides on 25-billion-drachma loan
[27] EBO sales up by 36.4 per cent in '96
[28] Quick consumer loans part of new aggressive ATE policy
[29] Reports on child abuse
[30] Mount Athos treasures head for Thessaloniki
[31] Revolutionary driver-less vehicle system presented at Hania
conference
[01] EU leaders agree on foreign, security policy
Amsterdam, 18/06/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)
European Union leaders last night were reported to have entered
the final phase of summit negotiations on a new Union treaty,
but without making significant progress on perhaps the most
crucial issue, namely, the reform of institutions.
The '15' arrived at a compromise agreement on the issue of
Common External and Security Policy on the basis of a draft text
by the Dutch presidency, setting as aims the protection of
external borders, the showing of solidarity between
member-states and the defense of the integrity of the Union.
It was announced late in the evening that a deal had been struck
on defense policy, essentially on the basis of a British
proposal, postponing the integration of the Western European
Union (WEU) into the 15-member bloc.
The deal includes a reference to developing closer relations
with the WEU, with the possibility of an eventual merger, while
maintaining NATO's prominent role in the security of Europe.
Another crucial issue which appeared on the way of a solution
was the integration of the Schengen Pact in the acquis
communautaire. The arrangement provides the possibility of
maintaining border controls in Britain and the Netherlands, with
certain schedules for harmonization with the rest of the Union.
The above issues, together with the stability and development
pact were, until last night, the two basic sectors on which
progress had been achieved during the summit. Still pending were
the so-called reweighting of votes between large and small
countries in decision making, and the issue of "flexibility",
referring to the possibilities of member-states developing
advanced forms of co-operation in the Community framework. A
third issue awaiting resolution was the number of commissioners.
These three issues appeared to have created an unknown - until -
division between the large and small population countries of the
Union. The outcome of this negotiation was expected to determine
the success of the process for a revision of the Maastricht
Treaty.
Greece, together with the other nine smaller EU members, is
supporting the maintenance of the present balance.
[02] Simitis statements
Amsterdam, 18/06/1997 (ANA)
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Costas Simitis said Greece
had reason to be satisfied with the progress in hand.
"The results so far are very positive for Greece," he told Greek
reporters yesterday afternoon, singling out in particular the
arrangements in the Common External and Security Policy.
The prime minister also expressed his satisfaction with the
references to the Greek islands, particularly regarding the need
for boosting their development, as well as to issues of
environmental protection, consumer rights and public health.
He noted that in spite of progress in the negotiations, there
were still disagreements and difficulties on the issue of
flexibility and the Common External Policy. Questioned whether
developments presented dangers for Greece, Mr. Simitis replied:
"When a negotiation is in progress, dangers are always present".
[03] EU leaders compromise on WEU's status vis-a-vis Union
Amsterdam, 18/06/1997 (ANA - H. Haralambopoulos)
There has been a compromise agreement between the 15 European
Union leaders in relation to the Common European Defense and the
Western European Union's incorporation into the EU.
It is the first time that a EU treaty makes reference to defense
issues within the framework of the Union's Common Foreign Policy
and Security.
The new treaty mentions that the WEU is element for the "EU's
development", giving the Union access to operational ability in
relation to humanitarian, rescue and peacekeeping missions, as
well as intervention of troops in regard to crisis management.
Although it is stressed that the EU should develop its
institutional ties with the WEU, the possibility of the
10-member defense body's incorporation into the EU has been left
up to the European Summit Council to decide.
The EU council, with the agreement of WEU organs, will take all
necessary practical measures to allow all member-states to
contribute in the targets and participate fully and equally in
the decisions taken by the WEU.
[04] Kranidiotis' Washington meetings cover Cyprus, CBMs in Aegean
Washington, 18/06/1997 (ANA - S. Sideris)
There has been no positive response from the Turkish side as yet
on the extension of a two-month moratorium in the Aegean, it was
revealed yesterday, following talks between Foreign
Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis and the US Assistant Defense
Secretary Jan Lodal.
Speaking at a news conference, Mr. Kranidiotis said he had
discussed NATO-proposed confidence-building measures in the
Aegean and Greek-Turkish relations with Mr. Lodal, implying
however, that there had been no further progress on the issue
but that Athens was continuing the discussion in the framework
of the NATO secretary-general's initiative.
Mr. Kranidiotis also had the opportunity to meet with Richard
Holbrooke, who was recently appointed as a US presidential envoy
for Cyprus.
Mr. Kranidiotis told reporters that Mr. Holbrooke agreed that
Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue could not be
considered as a "package", as they involved different issues
requiring different handling.
However, both sides agreed that a Cyprus resolution would have a
positive effect on Greek-Turkish relations.
Mr. Holbrooke, who negotiated the Bosnian peace accords, is
expected to visit Athens, Nicosia and Ankara at the beginning of
August for talks with the three governments on the future of
negotiations regarding Cyprus, following face-to-face talks
between Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot
leader Rauf Denktash in New York from July 9-13.
On his part, Mr. Kranidiotis implied that the talks between Mr.
Clerides and Mr. Denktash would be of substantial interest from
the beginning.
The talks will be chaired by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan,
while the guarantor powers in Cyprus - Greece, Turkey and
Britain - will be observers as will the five permanent Security
Council members and the European Union, whose presence was
requested by Greece.
The European Union's participation is necessary, Mr. Kranidiotis
said, and any attempt to resolve the issue must be made in
concert with the EU in light of Cyprus' prospects of entry into
the 15-member bloc.
Mr. Kranidiotis said he told Mr. Holbrooke the Greek government
welcomed his appointment as an indication of the US interest in
resolving the protracted problem, adding that for the US
involvement to show a result pressure must be exerted on Turkey
to retreat from its present stance.
Mr. Holbrooke will be assisted by the US charge d'affaires in
Athens, Mr. Miller.
Mr. Kranidiotis added that he would be visiting eastern European
countries desiring to join the EU and NATO as well as Middle
Eastern states and the People's Republic China (a member of the
Security Council), as part of the government's diplomatic
offensive on national issues.
Other matters to be discussed during these visits include the
Balkans and Greece's role in the region and the EU as well as
bilateral relations.
Mr. Kranidiotis also held discussions with his US counterpart
Thomas Pickering.
The Greek under-secretary stated afterwards that he told his
counterpart that the Cyprus issue constitutes the cornerstone
for the broader problems Greece is facing with Turkey, and that
the US should exercise their influence on Turkey for a just and
viable solution. He also asked for US co-operation with the EU
in view of the prospects for Cypriot membership.
He also said that he found the US in agreement with Greece's
position for a step-by-step approach in Greek-Turkish relations.
[05] Kissinger
Washington, 18/06/1997 (ANA)
During the sessions of the Bilderberg Club in Atlanta on Sunday,
Mr. Kranidiotis was approached by former US secretary of state
Henry Kissinger, who, according to sources, expressed the
complaint that he still even to this day receives letters from
Greeks and Greek-Cypriots who are strongly critical of his
stance while he was in office during the Turkish invasion of
Cyprus.
[06] Tsohatzopoulos calls for true convergence of EU economies
Athens, 18/06/1997 (ANA)
Greece and its European Union partners should formulate
conditions for true convergence between European economies,
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said in an
interview published yesterday in the Athens daily
"Eleftherotypia".
"Those looking at development in the narrow, rationalistic sense
of mathematical equations are out of touch with reality," the
minister said, a few days before the opening of ruling PASOK's
central committee meeting.
"They haven't realized that European public feeling is running
high," said Mr. Tsohatzopoulos, who is also the Vice-President
of the European Socialist Party.
European socialists do not dispute convergence criteria or the
need for a single European currency, he said, adding that
coordination of economic policies on both a national and
European level would lead to higher growth rates.
He added, however, that European socialists demand that the EU's
stability pact, the main tool for the shaping of tomorrow's
Europe, should be complemented with a "social contract."
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the Greek government's economic policy
is based on stability and growth with a social dimension, but
that the results from the social and development aspect of the
economic policy were yet to be seen.
"We have to provide answers to the citizens' concerns, we have
to be able to give dimension to a realistic growth prospect
which in the final analysis will carry social evolution through
a wide dialogue on national and European level," Mr.
Tsohatzopoulos said.
Turning to the issue of NATO's headquarters, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos
referred to the proposal during the alliance's last meeting,
providing for the establishment of two European headquarters,
one in the north and the other in the south with four
subheadquarters in Spain, Italy, Greece and Turkey.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the proposal was supported by all NATO
member states except Turkey, which claims that the number of
NATO's Mediterranean subheadquarters should be reduced, while
suggesting that Greece and Turkey share a common subheadquarters.
If Turkey sincerely hopes to upgrade its relations with the
European Union and NATO it is time to show it now, the minister
said when asked to speculate on the possibility of Turkey making
a concession. Stressing that growth was based on security, Mr.
Tsohatzopoulos said "our goal is to create through a fresh
co-operation between the private and public sector an industry
for the manufacture of armaments and products for Greece in
order to limit the flow of funds used for purchasing weapons
systems (from abroad)."
Asked to comment on the possibility of a joint venture with
Russia to manufacture weapons systems, including tanks and
anti-missiles, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the issue was under
consideration and due to be finalized over the next few months.
[07] Greece to be represented by Koliopanos at this month's Earth
Summit
Athens, 18/06/1997 (ANA)
Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Under-secretary
Theodoros Koliopanos will represent Greece at the upcoming Earth
Summit, due to take place in New York between June 23-27.
The summit will evaluate the achievements of member countries
and the problems which must be overcome for the protection of
the environment, five years after the Rio de Janeiro Earth
Summit.
Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas
Laliotis, who may attend the summit as well, yesterday briefed
the press on Greece's achievements in the field of environmental
protection.
"There's yet a lot to be done," Mr. Laliotis said, pledging that
the government will do everything possible to protect the
environment.
[08] Greece rejects Turkish requests regarding Imia
Athens, 18/06/1997 (ANA)
Greece said yesterday that it had rejected a Turkish request for
information on Greek navigation around the Aegean islet of Imia.
Confirming reports of the Turkish request in the Athens daily
'Eleftheros Typos', acting government spokesman Yiannis Nikolaou
said the Turkish government had requested the information but
avoided calling the request a formal demarche.
"Such acts are steadfastly rejected as this specific one was,"
he said. The islet of Imia was the focus of a tense stand-off
between Greece and Turkey early last year when Turkey disputed
Greece's sovereignty.
Turning to the presence of Turkish battleships at ports in the
Turkish-occupied north of Cyprus, Mr. Nikolaou said any act that
did not contribute to the creation of a positive climate for a
successful outcome to the talks between Cypriot President
Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash in New
York early next month was to be condemned.
"The Cypriot government is undertaking every effort for the
talks to succeed while the Turkish Cypriot stance is to the
contrary," he said.
[09] Black Sea Parliamentary Assembly meeting begins today
Athens, 18/06/1997 (ANA)
Representatives of parliaments of Black Sea nations will discuss
a number of economic, political and social issues when the 9th
Plenary Session of the Black Sea Organization's Parliamentary
Assembly (PABSEC) gets under way today at the Athens seaside
suburb of Vouliagmenis.
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos will officially
inaugurate the meeting today, although sessions began yesterday,
under the chairmanship of Greece's President of Parliament
Apostolos Kaklamanis, who is the current president of the body.
On the agenda is a discussion of the conclusions of the 9th
foreign ministers' meeting of the organization held in Istanbul
in April, developments in the establishment of the
Thessaloniki-based Black Sea Trade and Development Bank and the
rights and protection of refugees in the region.
Ten Black Sea nations are represented at the meeting - Albania,
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia,
Turkey and Ukraine.
Also participating as observers are representatives of the
Egyptian Parliament and Israel's Knesset and the UN High
Commission for Refugees.
The president of the Bulgarian parliament has also been invited
to attend.
PABSEC was created in 1993 at the parliamentary arm of the Black
Sea Economic Co-operation Pact and aims at co-operation between
the peoples of the region to create a zone of stability,
prosperity and peace in the larger effort for a new Europe.
At the end of the meeting, Mr. Kaklamanis will hand over the
presidency to Moldova's parliament president Dimitru Motspan.
[10] Georgian parliament president in Athens
Athens, 18/06/1997 (ANA)
The president of Georgia's parliament, Zourab Zhvania, yesterday
began a four-day official visit to Greece which include talks
with Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, opposition leaders and
businessmen.
Mr. Zhvania met with President of the Republic Kostis
Stephanopoulos earlier yesterday as well as his Greek
counterpart Apostolos Kaklamanis in the evening.
Today, he will attend the official inauguration of the Black Sea
Parliamentary Assembly plenary session.
He is also scheduled to meet with members of the Athens Chamber
of Commerce and Industry.
[11] Cabinet meeting on Friday
Athens, 18/06/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis will chair a Cabinet meeting on
Friday to discuss the new code of conduct for public servants,
higher education and policies on the establishment and running
of casinos.
Mr. Simitis will travel to Thessaloniki the next day to
inaugurate the city's exhibition of artifacts from Mount Athos.
[12] V. Papandreou, Avramopoulos discuss Athens' tourism issues
Athens, 18/06/1997 (ANA)
Development Minister Vasso Papandreou and Athens Mayor Dimitris
Avramopoulos held talks yesterday focusing on Athens' better
tourism development.
Mr. Avramopoulos expressed concern over the continuing decrease
over the past few years in the number of tourists staying in the
Greek capital, saying that 30 per cent of tourist arrivals
completely bypass Athens in order to reach other destinations.
It was agreed that all existing possibilities should be examined
to shape a specific framework for upgrading the capital.
Both officials, who met at the offices of the Greek Tourist
Organization (EOT) in downtown Athens, termed the meeting
particularly useful, while more meetings will be held with the
purpose of finalizing settlements to be promoted for tourism
development in Athens.
[13] Athens mayor to attend Moscow conference
Athens, 18/06/1997 (ANA)
Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos is due to leave today for
Moscow to attend the fifth conference of the "world's largest
cities."
Visiting Moscow at the invitation of his counterpart Yuri
Louskov, Mr. Avramopoulos is expected to try to gain accession
for Athens to the international network of the world's largest
cities.
[14] Gligorov praises Athens' role in Balkans after meeting with
Clinton
Washington, 18/06/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)
The president of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
(FYROM), Kiro Gligorov, expressed his country's positive view on
the role played by Greece in the Balkans to US President Bill
Clinton, during his visit to the White House on Monday.
In leaving the Oval Office and replying to a question, Mr.
Gligorov said he did not discuss the question of his country's
name with President Clinton.
"It was not the object of our talks today. I briefed President
Clinton on our views on the present policy followed by
(Greece's) Prime Minister Mr. Simitis, and that we evaluate very
positively this policy, particularly Greece's orientation to be
a more important factor in this region compared to how it was
until now," Mr. Gligorov said.
The FYROM president expressed his country's appreciation over
the catalytic role played by the UN peacekeeping force in
safeguarding peace and stability, which is primarily composed of
Americans, and called for the renewal of the mandate for its
stay.
He also called on US firms to invest in FYROM, linking such a
development both to promoting economic development in this
country and safeguarding stability in the country.
It is Mr. Gligorov's first visit to the United States as the
president of FYROM. He was due to also meet US Secretary of
State Madeleine Albright at the State Department.
[15] Greek athletes pick up 9 medals at yesterday's session of Med
Games
Athens, 18/06/1997 (ANA)
Greek athletes won nine medals (two gold, five silver and two
bronze) yesterday in the 13th Mediterranean Games being held in
Bari, Italy.
The gold medals were won in the women's triple jump event by
Olga Vasdeki with 14 meters and 13 centimeters and by
weightlifting champion Kahi Kahiasvili (he won a gold medal in
the Atlanta Olympics) in the 99-kg category with 212.5 kg in
jerk.
Silver medals were won by Kahiasvili in his category's snatch
with 167.5 kg, Niki Bakoyianni in the women's high jump with
1.93, Giorgos Panayiotopoulos in the 200 meters men's race with
20.53, Katerina Koffa in the same event for women with 22.80 and
Katia Sarakatsani in the women's 200 joint individual race with
2:19.43.
Bronze medals were won by Oleg Panatidis in the plus 100
category in weightlifting with 162.5 kg in snatch and Makis
Korkizoglu in the decathlon with 7,932 points.
[16] Bakoyianni comments on ND, Karamanlis
Athens, 18/06/1997 (ANA)
It's too early to pass judgment on main opposition New Democracy
party leader Costas Karamanlis, former minister and ND deputy
Dora Bakoyianni said in an interview published yesterday in the
Athens daily "Elefterotypia".
Described as feeling bitter for not having been appointed
parliamentary spokesman, Ms Bakoyianni is quoted saying that
"today's leading team is called upon, with a sense of
responsibility and seriousness, to give the party prospect and
hope... to express a new vision that will inspire..."
Asked to comment on the results of a recent MRB survey showing
ruling PASOK voters moving to New Democracy, Ms Bakoyianni said
It would be a tragic mistake for the party to stay dormant.
She then went on to say that Mr. Karamanlis should undertake the
initiative of encouraging former ND officials, who had been
removed or willingly left the party in the past, to rejoin ND.
Referring to former ND officials who left the party in order to
join the ranks of Political Spring, she said: "Everyone is
welcome to join a party, which I think is in a position to
express them better."
The former minister also criticized the government's economic
policy and policy in Greek-Turkish relations, despite detecting
certain coincidence of views between the two parties' policies.
[17] Papandreou's widow recalls PASOK founder's last days
Athens, 18/06/1997 (ANA)
The last moments of Andreas Papandreou, who died a year ago from
cardiorespiratory problems, were described by his widow, Dimitra
Liani-Papandreou, in an interview published in yesterday's
edition of the Athens daily "Ta Nea".
In the interview, Ms Liani-Papandreou remembers the hours she
spent with the PASOK founder on the night of his death.
"On the morning of that day," she remembers, "Andreas Papandreou
woke up feeling tired and downhearted."
"He called for Takis Karatsis, his loyal bodyguard who had died
a few years before, and deputy Midis, who had been killed in
1963 and whose loss he had never recovered," Ms Liani-Papandreou
is quoted as saying in the interview.
According to Ms Liani-Papandreou, in the afternoon of June 22
(the day of his death) Papandreou was visited by former minister
Antonis Livanis, Dimitris Kremastinos (his personal physician)
and Costas Stephanis, as well as his son, George Papandreou, who
was accompanied by his wife and daughter Margarita.
Ms Liani-Papandreou said that George Papandreou was trying to
persuade his father not to attend the PASOK congress, the
sessions of which were about to open in those days.
"There was no intention, on my part or anyone else's from his
close circle (of friends and associates) to pressure him to
attend," she remembers.
But, she is quoted adding, "Andreas always lived through three
things: hope, motive and prospect... he was living with the
prospect of attending the conference..." "Of course, he would
send a message of unity, but I am certain that he would also
make insinuations regarding internal party opposition, which was
not opposition any more. It is certain that he wanted to be an
active politician again. He lived in the hope of doing it," she
added.
On the evening of the same day, Ms Liani-Papandreou said her
late husband was visited in their home in Ekali by former
government spokesman Telemahos Hytiris and deputy Nikos
Athanasakis.
They stayed for dinner, Ms Liani-Papandreou remembers.
The president looked sad and said only a few words," she said,
adding that "for the first time he willingly ate his dinner."
Around midnight," Papandreou's widow states "he got up and
excused himself, saying he wished to retire. I feel a little
tired he said. We got up. He shook hands with the guests. I went
with him to the room... I leaned forward to kiss him and left
him in the care of the nurses," she remembers.
A few hours later he died.
Mrs. Liani-Papandreou, whose book about her life with Andreas
Papandreou is due to be published in September, claims to have
no recollection of events in the hours that followed
Papandreou's death.
I was in shock," she says. "The only thing I remember is
kneeling on the floor, my hands clinging around an icon of
Christ, shouting: 'God please don't do this to me...' "
In the rest of the interview, Ms Liani-Papandreou is quoted
elaborating on her husband's taste in clothes and his relations
with his children.
[18] Hellenic Steel announces 4.5-billion-drachma investment program
Athens, 18/06/1997 (ANA)
An investment program amounting to 4.5 billion drachmas is in
progress at the Hellenic Steel Co., which despite decreased
supply worldwide has secured adequate raw materials and is
continuing to implement its production programs to cover orders
placed in Greece, Europe, Asia, the United States and
Mediterranean and Balkan countries.
The company has already announced that its profits over the
first five months of the current year have amounted to 1.05
billion drachmas, exceeding targets set in the budget and while
over the corresponding period last year it produced losses
totaling 711 million drachmas.
Commenting on these developments, the firm's general director,
G. Lykidis, said the favorable results stemmed from the climate
of accord and confidence between the company and workers.
[19] Gov't-sponsored dialogue on social insurance issue begins today
Athens, 18/06/1997 (ANA)
The government will turn up for "social dialogue" on the social
insurance issue starting today with two packages of measures,
namely, a "small" package with measures to tidy up pension funds
and a "large" package on the long-term reform of the system.
Labor and Social Insurance Minister Miltiades Papaioannou will
support government positions before 17 social partner
organizations, which have been invited to participate in the
second cycle of dialogue set to develop in parallel to a
discussion on changes in the nation's labor relations.
The small package of measures is expected to be agreed on and
will be initiated in 1997. It will primarily concern measures
against contribution evasion, equipping the funds' auditing
services with new powers (such as imposing fines on contribution
evaders, checking the accounting books of companies, etc.),
hiring necessary staff, etc.
Moreover, the unification of similar funds will be promoted.
Stumbling blocks for the government include unification of bank
funds and a solution for the unorthodox insurance status at the
Public Power Corp. (DEH).
The large package will concern radical changes in the system
which will be discussed in 1998, but their implementation is
expected after the year 2000. They are measures which, according
to Mr. Papaioannou, will define the insurance system over a
period of 30 years.
Points to be discussed will be reciprocity, pensioning limits,
contributions, the level of insurance benefits, etc. According
to reports, the model for discussions will be the so-called
"tri-zonal system", which anticipates a minimum national pension
for all working people, reciprocal insurance, health and
pensions with many scales which each working person will
voluntarily join and paying relevant contributions. The third
zone will be a combination of the system with private insurance.
Athens, 18/06/1997 (ANA)
In a related development, the Civil Servants' Supreme
Administrative Council (ADEDY) also presented its positions
yesterday on procedures relating to the social dialogue and
social security issues.
ADEDY's leadership stated that the current state of the social
security system and the country's demographics are the main
reasons for today's problems.
With regard to the social dialogue procedures, ADEDY stressed
that discussion should initially focus on the basic principles
governing the operation of the social security system, as well
as on safeguarding its future.
The civil servants' union also stated that it believes that the
social security system's public and social nature cannot be
negotiated, but should be based on solidarity between
generations and on the principles of equality and universality.
As far as civil servants are concerned, ADEDY said discussion of
all matters should take place on a bilateral basis, with a
foremost target - according to ADEDY - of a primary pension
totaling 80 per cent of the amount of an active salary while
also up grading supplementary pensions.
ADEDY has rejected even the idea of rising the retirement age,
remaining adamant on the establishment of the 35 years of work
before retirement.
Finally, ADEDY called on the government to take no measures on
issues under discussion during the social dialogue.
[21] INTERREG II, PHARE programs examined at Thessaloniki conference
Athens, 18/06/1997 (ANA)
Public sector projects within the framework of the EU's INTERREG
II and PHARE programs for cross-border co-operation are
proceeding at a satisfactory pace, the delegates of a conference
in Thessaloniki heard yesterday.
Private sector projects, however, have recorded delays, mainly
due to the absence of an appropriate institutional framework
until recently.
It was also revealed that Bulgaria and Albania, both of whom are
participating in these programs, are lagging far behind Greece.
National economy ministry officials said more programs in the
framework of INTERREG for integrated projects along Greece's
northern border and in the eastern Aegean islands have been sent
for approval to the European Commission. Other proposals are
being considered by the ministry.
The total budget for these programs is 11.3 billion drachmas.
The ministry is also preparing invitations for tenders for more
projects by chambers and non-profit organizations, and others
for tourist and cultural areas - budgeted at 10 billion drachmas
- for which EU subsidies range from 50 to 70 percent.
Contacts have been made with the Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia (FYROM), while the neighboring country has accepted
integration of the E-79 European highway in the framework of
INTERREG.
[22] Greek equities end 2.94 pct down in selling spree
Athens, 18/06/1997 (ANA)
Greek equities nose-dived on strong selling pressure on Tuesday
to end well below the former 1,600 support level at 1,577.95
points on the general share index, down 2.94 percent.
Turnover was moderate at 18.9 billion drachmas. The parallel
index for smaller cap stocks finished 1.92 percent down.
Heavily weighted Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE),
which is undergoing a second part-privatization on the Athens
bourse, lost 275 drachmas to close at 6,820 drachmas.
The second float's share prices were set at 6,600 drachmas for
institutional investors and 6,400 drachmas for individual buyers.
All sector indices ended with losses. Banks plunged 3.02
percent, Leasing sank 1.97 percent, Insurance dropped 2.20
percent, Investment fell 2.52 percent, Industrials slumped 2.47
percent, Construction slid 2.33 percent, Holding plummeted 4.71
percent, and Miscellaneous finished 2.37 percent down.
Of 237 shares traded, losers outpaced gainers at 163 to 47 with
27 stocks remaining unchanged.
Among the largest gainers were Parnassos, Erlikon, Papoutsanis
(common) and Macedonia Textiles (preferred), all of which ended
at the upper 8 percent daily volatility limit.
The biggest losers were Intrasoft (common), Bank of Athens
(common and preferred), and Mouriadis, all of which ended at or
near the lower 8 percent daily volatility limit.
[23] Greece's Delta Dairy sees 10 pct rise in '97 sales, profit
Athens, 18/06/1997 (ANA)
Greece's Delta Dairy, a major exporter and producer in the
Balkans, forecast a 10 percent rise in sales and profits for
1997 in line with a rise during the first five months.
Sales of products including milk and yogurt rose 10 percent in
value in January to May, representing a five percent increase in
volume.
Yogurt sales posted a 20 percent rise despite holding 1996 price
levels.
The volume of sales for milk rose 10 percent following a new
product launch, and ice cream sales rose five percent despite
adverse weather conditions.
An annual general shareholders meeting on Wednesday is expected
to endorse a 70-drachma dividend from 60 drachmas last year, and
a share capital increase involving the distribution of two free
shares for ten existing ones.
Delta is due to produce ice cream in Romania from mid-July and
plans to build two new plants in Ukraine and Serbia in 1998-99.
The firm, classed as a blue chip on the Athens bourse, is active
in Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Cyprus, FYROM, Lebanon and Russia.
[24] Greece's Lavipharm to launch new acne product in Europe
Athens, 18/06/1997 (ANA)
Greece's Lavipharm pharmaceuticals, which is listed on the
Athens Stock Exchange, in September will launch a new product to
combat acne that France's L'Oreal will distribute in Europe.
The new fast-acting cream will remove all signs of the skin
complaint in 35 hours, according to Lavipharm.
The company plans to hold a 6.5 billion drachma share capital
increase by issuing four new shares for 10 existing ones at
1,900 drachmas per share.
Proceeds will be used to expand premises, fund research and
development, and reduce bank borrowing. Lavipharm is currently
negotiating possible acquisitions of three unnamed firms, two of
which are in Greece and one abroad.
Sales in the first five months of 1997 jumped 55 percent and are
expected to exceed by 15 percent a target of 50 billion drachmas
for the whole of fiscal 1997. In 1996 sales rose by 41 percent
to 42 billion drachmas, net profits increased 22 percent to 2.6
billion drachmas, and investments were 7.6 billion.
[25] GEKAT to launch US Appledee's chain in Greece
Athens, 18/06/1997 (ANA)
GEKAT, a Greek engineering contractor, in September will launch
the first restaurant in the country belonging to the US
Appledee's chain.
The restaurant, offering a variety of food adapted to Greek
tastes, will be located near Thessaloniki's international
airport.
GEKAT, which holds the master franchise for the chain, plans to
open nine restaurants throughout Greece by 2000.
Investment in each unit is expected to total 500-600 million
drachmas with construction accounting for half of the figure.
Operation of the restaurants in Greece has been awarded to
Milomel Ltd, 55 percent owned by GEKAT. According to forecasts,
each unit will have an annual turnover of 800-900 million
drachmas.
The US chain operates in America, Canada and the Caribbean.
[26] OSE board decides on 25-billion-drachma loan
Athens, 18/06/1997 (ANA)
The Greek Railways Organization (OSE) will receive a loan for 25
billion drachmas from the National Bank of Greece and Citibank,
according to a decision taken by OSE's board of directors.
The board meeting also decided to approve an increase in OSE's
share capital by 20 billion drachmas; procurement of two train
coaches and an increase of 416 million drachmas in the cost of
additional works to lay the double Larisa-Plateos line. The
initial cost of the works amounts to 838 million drachmas.
[27] EBO sales up by 36.4 per cent in '96
Athens, 18/06/1997 (ANA)
The Hellenic Arms Industry (EBO) increased its sales by 36.4 per
cent in 1996 for a total of 19 billion drachmas compared to 13.9
billion drachmas in 1995, according to a company press release.
EBO losses decreased for the third consecutive year by 36.2 per
cent - or about 3.9 billion drachmas.
The state-run arms manufacturer made investments totaling 500
million drachmas in its three plants, while it decreased
expenditures by 200 million drachmas.
EBO's turnover is projected to exceed 20 billion drachmas in
1997.
[28] Quick consumer loans part of new aggressive ATE policy
Athens, 18/06/1997 (ANA)
A more aggressive policy recently announced by the Agricultural
Bank of Greece (ATE) includes the direct granting of consumer
loans from tellers' stations at ATE branches throughout the
country.
In addition, attracting major clients and developing modern
banking services, such as credit cards, leasing and mutual
funds, are also mentioned in a circular by the bank's governor,
Christos Papathanasiou.
The ATE will further pursue a widening of its share in banking
market deposits sector.
Mr. Papathanasiou said that to this end ATE possesses three main
competitive advantages, namely, an extensive network throughout
the country and abroad; specialization in relation to the nature
of clients' activities and the ability of the ATE group to
provide almost all products and services required by clients and
on competitive terms.
[29] Reports on child abuse
Athens, 18/06/1997 (ANA)
Hundreds of underage boys and girls in Greece are abused both
inside and outside their home every year, according to recently
released figures.
Data provided by researchers yesterday, the first day of a
two-day conference on "Priority in Dignity and Safety for the
Children of Europe", is shocking. The director of the Institute
of Health for the Child, Eleni Agathonos, said that only
indicative evidence exists in the country.
"As you can imagine it would not be possible to open all the
doors of Greek homes and see what is going on inside. However,
if conditions which appear to exist in other countries apply to
Greece, then we must estimate about 1,000 to 2,000 new cases of
child abuse every year," Ms Agathonos said, adding that between
18-36,000 children must have been abused in Greece over the past
20 years, many of which continue to be abused.
According to reports, children leaving home must be included
among children abused emotionally, while half of the children
leaving their homes have psychological traumas for the rest of
their lives. Based on unofficial data, abuse in Greece concerns
7 per cent of boys and 17 per cent of girls.
[30] Mount Athos treasures head for Thessaloniki
Athens, 18/06/1997 (ANA)
Priceless treasures from the all-male Mount Athos monastic
community were given a blessing and glittering imperial
Byzantine send-off yesterday for their journey to Thessaloniki,
where they will be displayed at the city's Byzantine Museum as
the premiere event of the Thessaloniki '97 Cultural Capital of
Europe celebrations.
About 2,000 artifacts from the autonomous monastic community in
Halkidiki prefecture's eastern-most peninsula will travel to the
northern Greek city for the exhibition, which will be declared
open Saturday by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos
in the presence of a high-ranking government delegation headed
by Prime Minister Costas Simitis, opposition party leaders and
other officials.
The 2,000 artifacts, including 600 invaluable objects, have
never before left any of the 20 monasteries on Mount Athos,
which bars females from visiting the peninsula.
European Commission President Jacques Santer, during a recent
visit to the monastic community, praised the spiritual tradition
of Mount Athos, which he said could be a model for the Europe of
the future, adding that its cultural heritage and history had
contributed to the creation of a "unique type of society based
on spiritual values."
Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, speaking during the
blessing at the community's capital Karyes, described the
exhibition of Mount Athos treasures as "the largest (art)
exhibition event ever in Greece and one of the most significant
internationally ."
Meanwhile, representatives from eight of the community's 20
monasteries did not attend the ceremony in protest over the
Greek Parliament's ratification last week of the EU-sponsored
Schengen Pact, although five of the monasteries that did not
send a representative to yesterday's event are sending artifacts
to Thessaloniki.
Mount Athos monasteries called for re-consideration of
Parliament's 141-vote majority ratification of Schengen.
[31] Revolutionary driver-less vehicle system presented at Hania
conference
Athens, 18/06/1997 (ANA)
A presentation of the US department of transportation's "PAFF"
program was made during a conference on transport in Hania
yesterday in the presence of 300 delegates from all over the
world.
The PAFF program concerns a modern automated motorway system
whereby vehicles will be piloted without drivers, thanks to
radars, sensors and ultra-red frequen-cies.
According to University of California professor Roberto
Horowitz, the purpose of the program, to be implemented in the
certain sites in the US over the next five years, is to create a
modern highway infrastructure which will guarantee a
considerable increase in traffic capacity and a decrease in
accidents.
End of English language section.
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