Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-07-30

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1250), July 20, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Tsohatzopoulos: Implementation of armaments program required

[02] Premier to chair KYSEA meeting today

[03] US going ahead with frigate transfer to Turkey

[04] All restrictions on foreign exchange abolished

[05] Florina power plant to be constructed soon

[06] Decision due tomorrow on procurement of digital phones

[07] Premier Simitis chairs meeting focusing on national issues

[08] Pilot of crashed Mirage found dead

[09] FYROM lawyers visit Thessaloniki

[10] Greece and Cyprus: 'No knowledge of Cordovez revised document'

[11] Defense minister confers with former US presidential advisor

[12] Pangalos to head delegation of ministers to Tirana

[13] Greek soldiers returning home from Albania

[14] Athens does not believe 'para-Egnatia' highway project can go ahead

[15] Premier meets radio and television officials

[16] Meeting examines European Commission's 'Agenda 2000' proposals

[17] Armaments program open to bids by end 1998, minister says

[18] Record 199 countries to take part in World Athletics Championships

[19] IAAF's Nebiolo opens congress in Athens

[20] Entire file of 'Athens 97' should be audited, says deputy

[21] KKE expresses concerns over Greece hosting 2004 Olympic Games

[22] Kaklamanakis sails off into the Aegean

[23] Government aims at lowering indirect tax

[24] Electricity bills to rise, other utilities to freeze

[25] Dollar's jump drives up Greek fuel price, no other impact seen

[26] Greek equities slump, slide below resistance at 1,600 pts.

[27] Greece's Macedonia-Thrace Bank cuts personal loan rates

[28] Major Cypriot companies show interest in making business in Greece

[29] National Mortgage Bank bonds interest rate

[30] Vineyards on small islands in danger of disappearance

[01] Tsohatzopoulos: Implementation of armaments program required

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos was speaking yesterday during the handover of duties by outgoing Armaments General Director Evangelos Rongakos to his successor Ioannis Sbokos.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos observed that the creation of the General Armaments Department, which has the responsibility of implementing the armaments program, provides general staffs with the possibility of preoccupying themselves exclusively with their operational task.

Mr. Sbokos referred to the targets of the General Armaments Department, stressing that it will be based on the timely implementation of the program, transparency, quality and economy.

He reiterated the decision taken by the National Defense Ministry's political leadership to have the participation of the local industry in the armaments program increased by 15 percent.

[02] Premier to chair KYSEA meeting today

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

According to National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, the basic characteristic in national defense policy strategy remained the fact that "danger posed for the country comes from the east", however, the doctrine will be enlarged with the capacity to respond "to whatever provocation".

On the question of the armed forces' new structure, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos is promoting the conversion of big formations-divisions into smaller and more flexible rapid reaction forces.

Regarding the modernization of 39 F-4 Phantom jets, an issue on which KYSEA is expected to take a final decision, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas has stated that the offer by the German DASA company was more beneficial compared to the American offer, and also in connection with the condition of delivery of the modernized aircraft by the year 2000.

[03] US going ahead with frigate transfer to Turkey

Washington, 30/7/1997 (Reuter/ANA)

Spokesman James Foley said the administration notified Congress last week of the transfer of the Perry class frigates.

Members of Congress had put the deal on hold when Greece and Turkey almost went to war over Turkey's dispute of the Greek islet of Imia.

[04] All restrictions on foreign exchange abolished

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

According to two decisions publicized by the Bank of Greece yesterday, as of Friday all people in Greece will be able to purchase as much exchange as they like without restrictions, deposit their exchange without having to explain how it came into their possession, convert their deposits from drachmas into whatever currency they desire and vice-versa and take as much foreign exchange as they wish when traveling abroad.

On the basis of these decisions, anybody will be able to open an exchange account at whatever bank operating in Greece and feed this account with exchange (banknotes or cheques) coming from either abroad (import) or inside the country (the product of a transaction or purchase in drachmas), withdraw from the account amounts of money either in drachmas or exchange, make payments in Greece through his account for current transactions in drachmas or exchange with payment orders and transfer capital abroad with payment orders or by issuing a bank cheque.

In the two last cases, namely payments and capital export, certain formalities are necessary.

[05] Florina power plant to be constructed soon

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

After a meeting between the premier and the committee yesterday at noon, PASOK deputy George Lianis said there was no reason for concern over the issue, especially after Mr. Simitis' personal assurance.

Florina prefect Takis Pectanis underlined that the prefecture had identified its development with the construction of the power plant which would contribute to the better operation of the area's businesses.

[06] Decision due tomorrow on procurement of digital phones

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

This issue was the main one discussed at yesterday's meeting but no decision was taken since, as was expected, the board members did not have time to examine all the parameters of the important program in the available time limits.

[07] Premier Simitis chairs meeting focusing on national issues

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis.

According to sources, discussion centered on Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus problem, in view of the resumption of direct talks between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash scheduled for August 11-16 in Montreux, Switzerland.

Also discussed were the latest violations of Greek airspace over the Aegean by Turkish warplanes and the agenda for today's meeting of the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA).

No statements were made after the meeting.

Later the government once again left open the possibility of a meeting between the Greek and the Turkish committees of experts set up recently to examine procedural matters related to Greek-Turkish differences.

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said however that the issue would be dealt with "during the next period", without clarifying which period he was referring to. Mr. Reppas said Greece had not yet replied to the second memorandum prepared and sent by the Turkish committee, via the European Union presidency, adding that "in the present phase, the procedure will continue through the exchange of letters".

The spokesman clarified that the issue of the Greek committee of experts' third memorandum had not been discussed at the foreign ministry meeting, chaired by the prime minister.

[08] Pilot of crashed Mirage found dead

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

The pilot, Lt. Ioakeim Pantelakis, was on an interception training flight when his aircraft crashed Monday morning for reasons which remain unknown.

His funeral will take place today in Halkida.

[09] FYROM lawyers visit Thessaloniki

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

Following a visit to Thessaloniki by a delegation of their union, lawyers from FYROM have addressed a letter to the Thessaloniki Bar Association inviting a delegation to visit FYROM in early September for talks on further co-operation.

[10] Greece and Cyprus: 'No knowledge of Cordovez revised document'

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

"Therefore, it is not possible to make general statements since there must be responsible handling and issues must be dealt with as they arise," Mr. Reppas said.

The UN-sponsored talks between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash are currently in progress, Mr. Reppas said, stressing that only if the Turkish Cypriot side "responded" could there be any positive outcome.

The spokesman noted however that any solution must take into consideration the positions on the problem adopted by international organizations.

[11] Defense minister confers with former US presidential advisor

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Stephanopoulos praised the role Greece could play in the wider region of southern Europe, the Balkans and the Caucasus, where there were regional tensions.

Questioned on the Cyprus issue, Mr. Stephanopoulos recalled US President Bill Clinton's interest, which he said was indicated by the mediation of Richard Holbrooke who, he added, would do everything possible to advance the search for a solution, as the US believed the time was appropriate for that.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said Cyprus was going through a critical period in view of its prospective EU accession, adding that the Holbrooke mediation indicated the severity of the problem, which had serious prospects for a solution. He also described the US government's initiative for a solution of the problem as being of "immense importance", adding that "on all the other issues, let us await the protagonists".

[12] Pangalos to head delegation of ministers to Tirana

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

Noting that it had not yet been decided which ministers would participate, the spokesman said that Public Order Minister George Romeos would certainly be going.

[13] Greek soldiers returning home from Albania

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

Both vessels are expected to arrive in Thessaloniki's port on Friday. On the same day an official ceremony will be organized for the return of the Greek soldiers, to be also attended by Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos.

[14] Athens does not believe 'para-Egnatia' highway project can go ahead

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Reppas said Athens did not believe the "para-Egnatia" project could go ahead, reiterating that what Greece was interested in was the completion of the Egnatia Highway and the opening of vertical road axes "so that the Egnatia acquires value and can help the neighboring countries".

The spokesman was referring to statements made by Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov and his Turkish counterpart, Suleyman Demirel during an ongoing three-day visit by the former to Ankara.

The so-called "para-Egnatia" project, discussed in the past by Bulgaria, Turkey, Albania and FYROM, concerns the construction of a highway through the Balkans, linking Durres on the Adriatic with Istanbul.

Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis said recently that the Egnatia Highway, being built on Greek soil, would be finished by the year 2000. When complete, the Egnatia Highway will span the breadth of northern Greece, extending for 680 kilometers from the port of Igoumenitsa on the Ionian Sea to the Greek-Turkish border.

Mr. Reppas underlined that relations between Greece and Bulgaria were excellent, while noting that Athens desired friendly relations with all countries.

"The issue of the so-called para-Egnatia has been discussed in the past and the hopes of those who believed it might proceed proved to be groundless because due not only to a lack of funds but also of the necessary interest," Mr. Reppas said.

[15] Premier meets radio and television officials

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

The meeting, described by ERS president Grigoris Kasimatis as a "protocol one", lasted for half an hour. Mr. Simitis promised the council that the government will support the ERS, both in its plans and the trouble it faces.

Press reports said that a meeting was likely yesterday or today between the ERS board and Press Minister Dimitris Reppas. Another meeting is being planned between ERS members and main opposition leader Costas Karamanlis.

In the meantime, a decision by the ERS in relation to a penalty imposed on private TV station ANTENNA (a 100 million drachmas fine and a ten-minute disruption for five days during the broadcast of the KENTRI show), has been handed to Press Minister Demetris Reppas. The minister said he was considering the case, making clear that he did not have the means to change it but only check it out in terms of lawfulness.

[16] Meeting examines European Commission's 'Agenda 2000' proposals

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters shortly before the meeting got underway, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou said negotiations will be tough and the future of the EU and Greece will depend on them.

Mr. Papandreou also referred to the Greek position in favor of a simultaneous start to accession negotiations for the 11 candidate countries.

National Economy Under-secretary Christos Pachtas said on his part that the utilization of EU funds will depend on the country's effort, adding that Greece remains in the Cohesion Fund and in Target 1 for the Structural Funds.

EU funds amounting to 275 billion ECU are anticipated until the year 2006 (on the basis of proposals made by the Commission) in the framework of the Agenda 2000, compared to 200 billion ECU over the 1993-1999 period.

Negotiations on the Agenda 2000 will dominate the coming period, heightening with the summit conference in Luxembourg in December, since the cost of the EU's new enlargement will now be scrutinized, as well as the new fiscal prospects until the year 2006.

[17] Armaments program open to bids by end 1998, minister says

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos made the statements after he briefed the Parliament's Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee on changes being considered in defense structure and progress on the armaments program.

Referring to the S-300 missiles to be deployed on Cyprus, under a joint military agreement with the republic, he said they would be set up 20 months after January 1, 1997. By the end of the year, the Paphos airport would also be operational, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said.

The minister also said that all conscripts doing their compulsory military duty will be required to fulfill a nine-month posting at border areas. At present, border duty is set at a minimum of six months.

He said the duty would be implemented to iron out unequal treatment in the armed forces and would affect all services.

[18] Record 199 countries to take part in World Athletics Championships

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

In the Atlanta Olympics the countries which took part in the track and field races had numbered 197, while in the previous World Athletics Championships (5th), in Gotteburg, there were 191 participating countries.

[19] IAAF's Nebiolo opens congress in Athens

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

IAAF president Primo Nebiolo, in Athens to attend the annual games opening on Friday, said that this year included a record number of participant countries, a fact that acquired additional meaning as it was also an anniversary year for the association.

Mr. Nebiolo handed out prizes to veteran Olympic winners attending the event like Alberto Juantorena from Cuba, Yolanda Balanc from Romania and Valery Borzov, who is also a member of the International Olympic Committee.

[20] Entire file of 'Athens 97' should be audited, says deputy

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Alabanos, who quoted statements by the "Athens 97" general manager Evangelos Savramis, asked that the state audit be extended also to the Culture Ministry.

He said the entire file of "Athens 97" should be audited, since there were certain rumors that extra pay for journalists could be as high as 180 million drachmas.

Commenting on the issue, Finance Under-secretary George Drys stated that Nikos Chistodoulakis, also finance under-secretary, was responsible for checking out expenses, but agreed that parliament should be briefed.

Commenting also on the same issue and on statements by Sports Under-secretary Andreas Fouras and Mr. Savramis, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said all issues relating to the world sports meeting in Athens should be absolutely clear in order to safeguard the success of the games.

[21] KKE expresses concerns over Greece hosting 2004 Olympic Games

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

KKE Secretary General Aleka Papariga who was invited to a briefing session yesterday by the relevant committee said that "although Greece met the standards set by the International Olympics Committee (IOC) for hosting the Games, KKE had serious concerns as to whether the Greek people will actually benefit from hosting the Olympics".

The KKE leader also said her party was concerned over the likelihood of more heavy taxes after the end of the 2004 Olympics, if hosted by Athens, as most profits will go to multinational companies and contractors.

[22] Kaklamanakis sails off into the Aegean

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Kaklamanakis is promoting sea tourism and Athens' bid for the 2004 Olympic Games by sailing to Crete with an intermediate stop at Santorini.

He will set off at 0930 today. His trip will be completed at the Karteros beach, near Iraklion.

[23] Government aims at lowering indirect tax

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

The move, decided during yesterday's meeting of economic officials at the Finance Ministry, is aimed at lowering indirect tax, which will in turn contribute to lowering the inflation rate.

The government is preparing a series of measures, to be taken now and until October, aimed at retaining prices mainly in fuel and food. Some of them will relate to collecting tax revenue.

Yesterday's meeting was sparked by the sky rocketing price of the dollar. It was decided that relevant authorities be on the alert and monitor developments relating to the American dollar's exchange rate.

[24] Electricity bills to rise, other utilities to freeze

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

The issue was discussed during a meeting of the national economy and development ministers, who considered the DEH increases necessary, since prices had been frozen for the corporation for the past 25 months.

DEH's board of directors will meet tomorrow to set the new price lists pending approval.

[25] Dollar's jump drives up Greek fuel price, no other impact seen

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

Monetary and government authorities were keeping close track of the dollar's ascent and any impact it might have on the market, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas told reporters.

The dollar lost 0.44 percent against the drachma on Tuesday in a technical correction to a week-long meteoric rise on the domestic market, reflecting the US currency's jump on world markets.

The greenback finished at 287.14 drachmas from 288.40 at the central bank's daily fix, reversing five straight rising sessions and as many new all-time highs against the national currency.

On Monday the US currency had gained 2.27 percent on the drachma in a week, and 16.5 percent from the beginning of 1997.

Commercial banks will sell the dollar at 291.447 drachmas on Wednesday.

Money market trade ended stable after an early morning flurry when rates edged up 0.20-0.30 percent to the day's high of 12 percent before subsiding, and some ECU outflows were reported.

Monetary authorities attributed the jitters to tight liquidity, which later returned to the interbank system.

The tension had an adverse impact on the Athens bourse, which nose-dived 1.94 percent.

The pound sterling plunged against the drachma on Tuesday, slumping 1.62 percent at the fix to end at 468.66 drachmas, or 7.7 drachmas down on the previous day's fix. The German mark finished up 0.20 percent at 156.450 drachmas, and the ECU lost 0.04 percent to close at 308.590 drachmas.

[26] Greek equities slump, slide below resistance at 1,600 pts.

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

The Athens general share index ended lower at 1,592.01 points, outperformed by the parallel market for smaller cap stocks which held steady losing 0.63 percent. Turnover plunged to 11.8 billion drachmas from 18.9 billion drachmas in the previous session .

Sector indices dropped across the board. Banks fell 1.94 percent, Leasing 0.92 percent, Insurance 0.79 percent, Investment 0.28 percent, Industrials 2.38 percent, Construction 1.68 percent, Holding 0.69 percent, and Miscellaneous 2.44 percent. Hellenic

Telecommunications Organization dropped 115 drachmas to finish at 6,265 drachmas.

Declines outstripped advances at 163 to 45 with 15 shares remaining unchanged of 223 stocks traded.

The day's highest percentage gainers were Boutaris (preferred), Bank of Central Greece (common), Klaoudatos, and Esha.

The biggest losers were Viosol (common), Britannia (common), Konstandinidis, and Thessaliki.

Among blue chips National Bank of Greece finished at 37,000 drachmas, Ergobank at 17,500, Alpha Credit Bank at 20,000, Delta Dairies (common) at 3,395, Hellenic Bottling at 10,150, Titan (common) at 14,600, Intracom (common) at 13,110, and Aluminium de Grece (common) at 18,215 drachmas.

[27] Greece's Macedonia-Thrace Bank cuts personal loan rates

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

[28] Major Cypriot companies show interest in making business in Greece

Nicosia, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

Some state enterprises have already begun the required procedures (Continued on page 9) (Continued from page 8) to register shares with the Athens Stock Exchange, which lately has been doing very well. It is interesting that a number of foreign financial organizations do not hesitate to describe the Greek stock market as the most interesting emerging market in Europe.

Last week, two big companies belonging to the Nikos Siakolas Group of Companies, CTC and Woolworth officially announced their decision to register shares in the Greek Stock Exchange. Reports said more firms from the same group are seriously considering to follow suit. The Bank of Cyprus, already successfully operating in Greece, is also moving towards the same direction with new moves expected to take place in autumn. On the other hand, the Popular Bank of Cyprus recently announced its expansion to the Balkans and is considering to enter the Greek stock market, too.

[29] National Mortgage Bank bonds interest rate

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

Moreover, bonds expiring on July 31 1997 and not having completed a five-year duration will be renewed with a 10 per cent interest rate for one year.

[30] Vineyards on small islands in danger of disappearance

Athens, 30/7/1997 (ANA)

An announcement by the Central Union of Wine Cooperatives (KEOSOE) yesterday stressed that vineyards in small Mediterranean islands cannot be replaced by an alternative cultivation. In addition, old local varieties are cultivated on small islands while wines produced on small islands have a tradition running into thousands of years and possess qualitative characters which are genuine and representative and resist the leveling of wines with regard to their taste.

The International Conference was held on Santorini from July 5-7 and was attended by officials from civil and administrative authorities, representatives of wine producer unions and many journalists from European Union member-states.

End of English language section.

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