Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-07-23

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1244), July 23, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] First oil exploration leases for western Greece approved

[02] Greece to finalize '98 economic policy in October

[03] Greek EU-funded post office plan in jeopardy

[04] Japan trade group works to boost ties with Greece

[05] Greek equities consolidate following early jump

[06] Dollar jumps Vs drachma

[07] Aspis to begin Yugoslav operations in the fall

[08] Greek, Serbian vegetable research centers to co-operate

[09] Patriarch's visit to Armenia extolled

[10] Greece backs simultaneous EU accession talks for 11 nations

[11] Greek forces in Albania begin return home

[12] G. Papandreou says 'experts committees' to meet if needed

[13] Gov't

[14] KYSEA briefed on armed forces' restructuring

[15] Shipowners donate special high-speed vessel to navy

[16] Karamanlis criticizes premier over remarks on municipal elections

[17] Gov't to re-examine decrees on illegal immigration

[18] Special forces reinforce security along Greek-Albanian border

[19] Archimandrite shot dead in Nea Smyrni ambush

[20] Two more IOC members visiting

[21] US says major opportunity at hand for solution to Cyprus problem

[22] Opening hours for museums, archaeological sites extended

[23] Cache of ancient coins found on Corfu

[24] UNICEF lists countries on issues effecting children

[25] Parachute accident claims army sergeant

[26] OTE successfully increases share capital

[27] Social dialogue won't 'go on holiday', PASOK's Spyropoulos says

[01] First oil exploration leases for western Greece approved

Athens, 23/07/1997 (ANA)

The contracts were granted to a consortium comprising the companies Enterprise Oil Ltd, Union Texas (Transnational) Ltd. and Mol Ltd., while the DEP-EKY group, a subsidiary of the Public Petroleum Corp., signed for the state.

Development Minister Vasso Papandreou said at the signing ceremony that allowing exploitation of mineral resources marked the beginning of modernization for the country's petroleum exploration policy, which could mean tremendous benefits for the overall economy.

She said the contracts allowed for the utilization of local petroleum potential, the transfer of technology and know-how, creation of new jobs and additional revenues for the national economy.

Under the terms of the contracts, the contractors will conduct six years of exploration in the Ioannina area, with a minimum investment of US $20 million.

In the northwestern Peloponnese, the consortium's companies are committed to four years of exploration, with a minimum investment of $17 million.

The consortium was also obliged to assign a consultant approved by the government to carry out an environmental study for each region, Ms Papandreou said.

In addition, the government has the right to discontinue all work in the event environmental problems occur. It can also take measures to restore certain environmental damage at the expense of the consortium, which is further obliged to compensate damage caused to property or persons, as well as to ensure protection for neighboring regions.

[02] Greece to finalize '98 economic policy in October

Athens, 23/07/1997 (ANA)

Speaking after a meeting with Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Mr. Papantoniou said the primary goal of economic policy would be to bring consumer price inflation below three percent, helping to ensure the country's entry into EU economic and monetary union.

Mr. Papantoniou refused to be drawn on 1998 taxation, saying only: "Economic policy will be within the framework of the convergence program".

According to government sources, economic policy for 1998 will center on public sector wage increases of up to four percent in two phases of two percent each; a freeze on public utility charges to aid falling inflation; and drastic public sector spending cuts.

The new budget is expected to incorporate an 800-billion drachma rise in revenue stemming mainly from new measures to improve tax collection. No increases in indirect taxes are foreseen, and the government may consider adopting index-linked taxation for incomes.

Lastly, the government is expected to maintain its "hard drachma" policy in 1998, again as part of efforts to lower inflation.

[03] Greek EU-funded post office plan in jeopardy

Brussels, 23/07/1997 (ANA/P.Pantelis)

"The Commission is currently studying a new proposal from the Greek authorities. However, existing problems can only be resolved by means of specific, timely decisions and moves by the proper authorities," Commissioner Wulf Mathies said.

In December 1995 the EU endorsed the government's proposal to reshape its antiquated post office system between 1994 and 1999 but a business plan has yet to be submitted, barring the release of funds.

"In the absence of the right moves, Community funds earmarked for the (post offices) program can, in principle, be moved to other Community Support Framework programs in Greece," Ms. Mathies said.

She said Hellenic Post Offices had failed to make organizational changes, including the creation of a unit to monitor the program, that would facilitate the release of funds.

Ms. Mathies was replying to a question by Greek conservative Eurodeputy Kostis Hadzidakis, a member of the main opposition New Democracy party.

[04] Japan trade group works to boost ties with Greece

Athens, 23/07/1997 (ANA)

* Visit by Greek business delegation to Japan.

* Study of opportunities for Greek exporters to penetrate other markets via Japanese firms

* Contribution to strategic planning for the promotion of Greek wine and olive oil in Japan

* Seminars to brief small and medium sized enterprises wishing to export to Japan

* Feasibility study for Greek-Japanese joint ventures to do business in the Balkans

* Events to promote Greek tourism in Japan

[05] Greek equities consolidate following early jump

Athens, 23/07/1997 (ANA)

The Athens general share index finished at 1,535.81 points, outperforming the parallel market for smaller cap stocks which slumped 1.10 percent. Turnover was steady at 9.4 billion drachmas.

Sector indices closed mixed with Banks slipping 0.34 percent, Leasing edging up 0.2 percent, Insurance rising 0.05 percent, Investment gaining 0.52 percent, Industrials increasing 0.58 percent, Construction scoring 0.18 percent, Holding rising 0.70 percent and Holding losing 0.90 percent. Gainers outpaced losers at 109 to 93 with 27 shares holding steady out of 229 traded.

The day's highest percentage gainers were Radio Athine (common), Papoutsanis (preferred), Macedonian Textiles (preferred) and Dimitriadis. The biggest losers were Baby Land, General Warehouses (common), Sato (preferred) and Fourlis (common).

[06] Dollar jumps Vs drachma

Athens, 23/07/1997 (ANA)

The pound sterling also rose sharply against the drachma on the domestic foreign exchange market, closing at 474.84 drachmas at the fix. The domestic money market was stable after shedding last week's turmoil. Short-term depo rates held below 12 percent after hitting 13 percent last week.

[07] Aspis to begin Yugoslav operations in the fall

Athens, 23/07/1997 (ANA)

The company to be established will be headquartered in Belgrade, with Aspis retaining a 49 per cent share.

In the framework of co-operation between the two companies, the insurance agency BBI is already operating in Thessaloniki and specializes in insuring goods carried to and from Serbia through the port of Thessaloniki.

[08] Greek, Serbian vegetable research centers to co-operate

A co-operation has been agreed by a local vegetable growing center and a Thessaloniki-based agricultural research center, allowing for an exchange of materials, as well as the creation of new varieties and hybrid vegetables.

The two centers will exchange experts, conduct joint research projects and take part in a number of programs funded by the EU.

Mavrianos Grafiadelis, director of the Thessaloniki center, who paid a visit to the Serbian center in Smederevska Palanka, said the co-operation was aimed at advancing the work of both centers.

[09] Patriarch's visit to Armenia extolled

Yerevan, 23/07/1997 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

Both religious and political leaders stressed the historic importance of the Ecumenical Patriarch's visit, the first such visit by the head of the Orthodox Church to the small nation in the Caucasus.

Patriarch Karekin I of Armenia pointed out the brotherly and historical ties between the Greek and Armenian nations. Also, Armenian President Levon Ter Petrosyan and Prime Minister Robert Kostaryan expressed their satisfaction at the visit, saying it was a source of great moral support, as well as backing to the efforts to rebuild the Armenian nation.

Mr. Katsaryan has also spoken of Armenia's willingness to restore good relations with all its neighboring countries.

Responding to the remarks by Armenian officials, Patriarch Vartholomeos extended his love and admiration to the Armenian people. He said his visit also aimed at launching another mission, "the reunion of eastern Christianity", as he put it.

Metropolitans Chrysostomos of Ephesus and Damaskinos of Switzerland, who are members of the committee responsible for the Istanbul-based Patriarchate's dialogue with eastern Christian churches, will today meet the Armenian Church's Holy Synod to prepare a broad meeting next February, which is expected to wind up discussion between the Orthodox and Armenian Churches.

[10] Greece backs simultaneous EU accession talks for 11 nations

Brussels, 23/07/1997 (ANA-M. Spinthourakis/CNA)

At a press conference following an EU Council of Ministers meeting, Mr. Pangalos told reporters that Greece supported simultaneous talks with all countries interested in Union membership.

In "Agenda 2000", an accession report released recently, the European Commission recommended that accession talks begin early next year for Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia.

It also recommended that Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, and Slovakia prepare for a second round of accession talks at an unspecified future date.

Greece joined Denmark, Italy and Sweden in calling for simultaneous accession talks with all interested countries early next year.

Negotiations should begin simultaneously but develop according to the economic and political reality of each country, Mr. Pangalos said, defending Greece's stance.

Of the six accepted for the first round of talks, he said that Cyprus is the only one that offers an established market and successful democratic institutions.

The foreign minister also said the European community should also discuss along with accession talks "who will bear the financial burden of (EU) expansion, the specific changes that must be made on community policy, especially in terms of fiscal options and agricultural policy, so that we are in a position to propose to applicant countries the type of Union they will become members of".

Referring to Albania, Mr. Pangalos said Greece and the EU council were satisfied with developments following national elections. This was officially stated in a council statement released following the meeting, he said.

Mr. Pangalos said the other issues discussed at the council included the Middle East issue, relations with Iran and the merger of Boeing and McDonnell-Douglas backed by the United States, which is meeting with opposition from the European Commission.

In relation to the Middle East, Mr. Pangalos expressed hope that talks between Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy in Brussels would bear fruit.

"Israel should make some gestures of good will in issues such as the opening of the airport and the Gaza port," he said.

A Reuter dispatch later in the evening reported that Mr. Arafat and Mr. Levy held one of their most productive meetings for months, in Brussels yesterday, with both sides suggesting a breakthrough in the Middle East peace process was possible.

[11] Greek forces in Albania begin return home

Athens, 23/07/1997 (ANA)

The vessel will arrive in Thessaloniki early tomorrow morning.

The return of all troops and equipment is expected to be completed by August 8.

[12] G. Papandreou says 'experts committees' to meet if needed

Brussels, 23/07/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Following a meeting with Luxembourg's foreign ministry secretary general, Mr. Papandreou said they discussed how the two committees, set up during the Dutch presidency to provide reports, could continue their work.

The two Greek committee experts were currently studying a report by the Turkish committee.

Mr. Papandreou said the joint communiqui signed recently between Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Turkish President Suleyman Demirel had set the framework of operation for the committees.

Commenting on recent statements by Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit relating to Turkish threats that Ankara would annex the occupied north of Cyprus, Mr. Papandreou said these did not help create a helpful climate for promoting solutions to the Cyprus issue or improvement in Greek-Turkish relations.

Asked to comment on Turkey's economic support from the EU, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos told the press that Turkey's reply to the issue of Imia is still pending.

Turkey's recourse to the International Court at The Hague on the Imia issue was of major importance for Greece, Mr. Pangalos said.

He stressed that the issue of the continental shelf "is a major and substantive issue" between Greece and Turkey while, referring to the issue of the Imia islets, he said that "it was created by the Turks" and that its creation was not Greece's intentio n.

He said Greece requests from Turkey either to withdraw the known claim on Imia or to clarify in what way it intends to expedite it in the framework set out by the joint communiqui in Madrid, which requires respect for international law and rules out the use of force.

"We believe that the solution to the issue of Imia is the International Court at The Hague and we are waiting to see what Turkey has to say to us," he said.

Mr. Pangalos reminded that the fiscal regulation constitutes the remnant of the fiscal protocol and customs union, adding that Greece cannot go ahead with the "gesture" of its release as long as Turkey does not withdraw its threats over Imia in a satisfactory way.

He had a short meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem on the sidelines of the EU Council of Ministers meeting in Brussels.

In statements to Turkish reporters, Mr. Cem said that he had given a "personal letter" to Dutch commissioner Hans van den Broek, responsible for relations with Turkey and common foreign and security policy, among others, in which he briefed him on public reaction to the EU's decision to postpone accession talks with Turkey.

In his letter Mr. Cem also asked for financial support from EU funds and indirectly implied that if Turkey is not happy it would review its customs agreement with the Union.

[13] Gov't

Athens, 23/07/1997 (ANA)

"It is an issue which is being examined," government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said, replying to reporters' questions.

Mr. Reppas said Greece had received the text prepared by the Turkish experts, adding that the equivalent Greek committee would now prepare its comments on this text.

As regards the content of the texts being exchanged by the two committees (through the EU presidency), Mr. Reppas said the two sides were putting forward their known positions on issues related to Greek-Turkish relations.

[14] KYSEA briefed on armed forces' restructuring

Athens, 23/07/1997 (ANA)

The briefing took place in view of next week's KYSEA meeting.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said that a study on the structure of the Greek armed forces up to the year 2010 had been completed recently. He added the aim of the initiative was to turn large and heavy army formations into rapid-moving and flexible units.

Changes in the land forces will be completed by the end of 1998. Changes in the navy and the air force are basically related to the implementation of the armaments program, which has already been ratified.

[15] Shipowners donate special high-speed vessel to navy

Athens, 23/07/1997 (ANA)

The donation was made by Constantinos Mavrakakis and Dionysios Sofos for the navy's Underwater Demolitions Unit.

The speedboat is a Scarab 1980 and can reach more than 50 miles per hour. It was turned over yesterday at the Palaskas training base outside Athens.

Navy General Staff Chief Vice-Adm. Leonidas Paleogiorgos thanked the shipowners and praised the role of the unit in preventing armed Albanian criminal gangs from roaming around Corfu and illegals from entering Greece.

[16] Karamanlis criticizes premier over remarks on municipal elections

Athens, 23/07/1997 (ANA)

"The effort to attach a party nature to municipal elections is hypocritical and inconsistent on what concerns modernization and harmful for local administration," Mr. Karamanlis said.

He also called on Mr. Simitis to say what he will do in the event the results of the municipal elections are not favorable for PASOK, adding that the "phenomena of a strong party nature in the previous municipal elections on the part of PASOK also led to phenomena of mismanagement, such as in Piraeus."

On the question of party organization, Mr. Karamanlis conceded that weaknesses exist and said that "the elastic reading of the charter was not of help in the past and as a result many members feel they are water carriers and get involved in an introvertial process with the known feuds and conflicts."

Outlining his party's new organizational structure, Mr. Karamanlis said "we want an organization which will appeal to society, which will be governed by the principles of extroversion, collectiveness, auxiliarity, qualitative upgrading and renewal."

[17] Gov't to re-examine decrees on illegal immigration

Athens, 23/07/1997 (ANA)

According to two presidential decrees approved by the Cabinet on June 27, foreigners and illegal immigrants living and working in Greece will be able to be registered as of Sept. 1.

When the decrees were initially approved, their provisions would have applied to about 200,000 of the estimated 450,000 illegal immigrants currently in the country, because illegal workers from countries sharing borders with Greece were not covered by t he new legislation.

In effect, this exempted nationals from Albania, Bulgaria, Turkey and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

Mr. Papaioannou noted that original proposals contained in the decrees, which were drafted by his ministry, included all foreigners.

Meanwhile, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas confirmed yesterday that the presidential decrees will deal with all categories of illegals, and will contain provisions regarding residence and work of foreign nationals in Greece.

He added that bilateral agreements will apply for illegal immigrants from countries sharing borders with Greece, but in the framework of a single immigration policy set out in the presidential decrees.

[18] Special forces reinforce security along Greek-Albanian border

Athens, 23/07/1997 (ANA)

A Hellenic Air Force helicopter at noon flew to local airport, where it will remain stationed in order to patrol the mountainous region from Ioannina to Florina.

One helicopter had already been patrolling the region and it is hoped that the second will contribute to increasing security.

Meanwhile, joint army and police patrols operating in the region will be reinforced by the formation of new units.

The government took the decisions to increase security in northwest Greece at a two-hour meeting of ministers on Monday.

The measures are aimed at checking the activities of armed gangs of Albanian criminals along the border.

[19] Archimandrite shot dead in Nea Smyrni ambush

Athens, 23/07/1997 (ANA)

The victim was identified as Archimandrite Anthimos Eleftheriadis.

According to eye-witnesses, a woman wearing a black leather skirt and matching waistcoat first shot the priest in the back and, when he turned, a further four times in the head and chest.

Police coroner Nikos Kafiris said the shot which killed Eleftheriadis was the one to the head.

Police said they are searching for 42-year-old Ekaterini Yiannakopoulou as a possible suspect.

[20] Two more IOC members visiting

Athens, 23/07/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Tarpichev visited ancient Olympia, while Dr. Kim was given a tour of some of the facilities and attended a presentation of the Athens bid. He also planted an olive tree in his name at a special grove for IOC members.

Dr. Kim expressed satisfaction for the overall infrastructure of the bid and said "the Athens bid is very strong, because besides the historic tradition and the Olympic ideals, it also provides modern facilities, organizational structure and trained officials".

[21] US says major opportunity at hand for solution to Cyprus problem

Washington, 23/07/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)

The spokesman was speaking during his last regular press conference yesterday, as he is to be posted in Athens as the new US ambassador.

"I think that we are being given a great chance in eastern Mediterranean. We have a new relation between Greece and the US, which means that we can move forward in a way that we could not in the past. We have a great respect for Prime Minister Simitis and Foreign Minister Pangalos. We can work with them especially on Cyprus, " Mr. Burns said.

Mr. Burns stressed that the efforts for a Cyprus solution should be made in co-operation with the UN, while he placed emphasis on the leading role played by US presidential envoy Richard Holbrooke on the issue.

At the same time, the US official assessed that recent government changes in Turkey will positively contribute to the efforts.

[22] Opening hours for museums, archaeological sites extended

Athens, 23/07/1997 (ANA)

Speaking at a press conference, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos said the opening hours of archaeological sites, museums and monuments during the summer were not only for reasons connected to tourism, but also "the correct promotion of our cultural heritage".

Less visited archaeological sites which normally close at 3 p.m. will remain open until 7 p.m. during August and September, Mr. Venizelos said, adding that the same hours would apply on weekends and on public holidays, such as August 15 - the Assumption of the Virgin.

Mr. Venizelos said no new museum staff would be hired, since existing personnel would be able to satisfy the new requirements.

The 9 p.m. closing time will apply to 58 museums and archaeological sites around the country, including the museums of the Acropolis, ancient Olympia, Knossos, Vergina, Epidavros, Dion, the National Archaeological Museum in Athens and the Byzantine Museum.

[23] Cache of ancient coins found on Corfu

Athens, 23/07/1997 (ANA)

Archaeologist Kalliopi Preka-Alexandri said the coins were found in an ancient pot of little value.

The group includes a tetradrachma coin issued during the reign of Alexander the Great, a drachma by Lysimachus and a very rare coin issued by Illyrian King Monumius.

[24] UNICEF lists countries on issues effecting children

Athens, 23/07/1997 (ANA)

Greece ranked in the second category, together with the other EU member-countries, regarding legislative measures on full implementation of a International Marketing Code on milk substitutes for breast-feeding, as called for by the World Health Organization.

Rankings include four categories, with category four as the worst.

Sweden and Switzerland were ranked in the third category, while Croatia, Estonia, Moldova and Romania ranked in the fourth category, among European countries.

In the chapter on infant mortality, Greece was ranked third in Europe with respect to the percentage of reduction of mortality among children under five years of age between 1980-95, with 10 deaths per 1,000 births (in 1995) - achieving a 57 per cent reduction of the rate against 1980.

Portugal ranked first with a 65 per cent reduction, while Romania was at the bottom of the list of European countries with a reduction of 19 per cent and 29 deaths per 1,000 births.

In the chapter on education, which is based on the performance of final year high school students at the third international mathematics and physics contest, Greece ranked 30th among 41 countries. The list was topped by Singapore, Japan and South Korea, while at the end of the list were Iran, Kuwait, Colombia and South Africa.

In the chapter on maternal mortality, Greece ranked among the best countries in the world regarding the probability of a pregnancy or birth-related death of a mother, with one in 5,600. The list was topped by Spain with a probability of one death in 9,2 00, while Afghanistan was at the end of the world-wide list with the probability of one death in seven.

As for unemployment among young people, Greece was, unfortunately, fifth on the list of 22 countries with the highest proportion of unemployment among young people under 24 years of age, with 28 per cent (20 per cent among young men and 37 per cent among young women). Spain was at the top of the list with 43 per cent, followed by Finland and Italy with 34 per cent and France with 29 per cent, while the countries with the lowest proportion were Switzerland and Austria with 6 per cent each.

Greece was also ranked in the lowest positions of countries without participation of women in government positions, with figures taken from the January 1996 Worldwide Government Directory.

Greece, which traditionally does not have a problem of alcohol dependence among youths, did not appear at all on the list.

The list named Denmark, Britain, Finland, Austria, Canada, Germany and other developed countries as nations with severe problems of alcoholism among youths and their involvement in fights during the last school year.

[25] Parachute accident claims army sergeant

Athens, 23/07/1997 (ANA)

The sergeant was identified as Mihalis Kotsidiaris, a resident of Piraeus, who had signed up with the army as a five-year volunteer.

A preliminary investigation has begun over the circumstances surrounding the accident.

[26] OTE successfully increases share capital

Athens, 23/07/1997 (ANA)

The share capital marks the largest increase in the annals of a corporation registered at the Athens Stock Exchange and with the highest percentage of coverage ever to be achieved in the Greek capital market.

OTE's old shareholders, including the Greek state, exercised their rights by 97.97 per cent and backed the enterprise's effort despite the downward trend of the share's price at the bourse over the same period, while institutional investors covered 93 per cent of the percentage corresponding to them.

The investors' confidence yielded 189.89 billion drachmas for OTE, which is destined for funding of the telecoms utility's investment plans. Moreover, OTE's second introduction of a package of shares at the bourse has benefited the national economy by about 151 billion drachmas. Mobile telephony dues readjusted In another development, dues received by OTE from mobile telephony companies (Panafon and Stet), which use its network will be readjusted.

According to a decision by OTE's board, the dues will be redefined for 1995 on the basis of a new study, which will be prepared by the National Telecommunications Committee.

Additionally, OTE has a pleasant surprise in store for Internet users, since according to a decision it has taken it will decrease the cost of calls at night. Consequently, from 8 a.m.-11 p.m. one unit will be charged for three minutes and from 11 p.m.- 8 a.m. one unit will be charged for 10 minutes.

Long distance calls will be charged as normal from 8 a.m.-11 p.m. (as is the case with the automatic system) and from 11 p.m.-8 a.m. with one unit for 10 minutes in all zones charged.

The board did not discuss the issue of digital phones on which, according to reports, OTE's board president has briefed Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

[27] Social dialogue won't 'go on holiday', PASOK's Spyropoulos says

Athens, 23/07/1997 (ANA)

The talks focused on the committee's work timetable and the creation of smaller groups to tackle the crucial issues of changes in work relations to enable a report to be presented to social partners in September.

Among others, issues discussed were a settlement of working time on a basis greater than on a weekly basis, possibly on an annual one, terms for the employment of pensioners, partial employment, its extension to the public sector, the initiation of conditions and the protection of working people.

End of English language section.

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