Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-08-02
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1253), August 2, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Spectacular opening ceremony for Athens '97 World Athletics
Championships
[02] Addresses
[03] Simitis message
[04] Athens honors Nebiolo
[05] Yilmaz expresses belief Greek-Turkish differences will be
resolved
[06] Fate of peace for Greece rests in the Aegean, minister says
[07] Greece objects to Turkish request on NATO exercise
[08] Message of sympathy to Israeli president
[09] October meeting of southeastern European defense ministers
proposed
[10] Temporary solution for "Sochol" refugees
[11] Ship especially bought for transporting illegal immigrants
[12] Arrests of illegal immigrants
[13] Gov't decides procedures for evaluator on Florina power project
[14] KKE and SYN on power plant
[15] Cabinet approves education reform report
[16] Arsenis' press conference
[17] Ancient mosaic found near Kavala
[18] One dead, six injured in PYRKAL explosion
[19] Reactions
[20] Olympic Airways seeks new managing director
[21] Greek equities end lower, turnover slips
[22] Northern Greek merchants call for tax overhaul
[23] Northern Greek water utility staff fear bourse entry
[24] Amendments to "Peponis" law tabled
[25] Greece sends aid to Albanian police
[26] Black list of farming sector companies engaged in illegal
activities
[01] Spectacular opening ceremony for Athens '97 World Athletics
Championships
Athens, 2/8/1997 (ANA)
In an impressive ceremony at the Panathenian Stadium, President
of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos last night opened the 6th
World Athletics Championships, organized this year in Athens
from August 1 to 10.
In the same stadium that held the first modern Olympic Games in
1896 and in the presence of over 50,000 spectators, athletes and
officials from Greece and abroad, including Prime Minister
Costas Simitis, International Amateur Athletics Federation
(IAAF) president Primo Nebiolo said Athens was welcoming more
athletes and countries than ever before in the history of the
games.
A record number of 200 countries are participating in the Athens
'97 championships.
"We feel grateful to all of Greece and its people for what you
have offered us through the organization of this amazing event,
and for what you have contributed all these years to the history
of athletics", Mr. Nebiolo said in his address.
Sports Under-secretary Andreas Fouras said "Greece embraces all
the peoples of the earth, regardless of race, nation, sex and
form of government. From this historic corner of the universe,
from this ancient stadium, gathered together here today, we are
expressing the inveterate claim of peoples on earth for peace
and brotherhood".
In a message read during the event, Prime Minister Costas
Simitis said that the games were an opportunity to realize that
today's and tomorrow's Greece is a country of great abilities in
hosting world athletics events.
The ceremony continued until late, with composer Vangelis
Papathanasiou performing a work commissioned for the event, with
the participation of international opera singer Montserrat
Caballe and her daughter, Greek traditional and ancient dances,
and spectacular fireworks.
The opening ceremony was viewed by over three billion people
throughout the world.
[02] Addresses
Athens, 2/8/1997 (ANA)
Mr. Nebiolo said "Greece is the birthplace of athletics and will
always possess a distinguished position in the hearts and
thoughts of all sports fans all over the world. Tonight, Greece
of the past is uniting with Greece of the future and both of
them will show that they can coexist in a spectacular way.
"Through this thrilling gathering of international athletes and
officials, the World Athletics Federation sends a very strong
message of hope and understanding from here, a message that all
young people, regardless of race, color, generation or country
of origin can compete with a friendly disposition and overcome
obstacles separating us".
Mr. Fouras said: "The history of athletics in Greece is not
measured by centuries but by millennia."
"The Greeks held athletics events from ancient times, before the
dawn of history, as our mythology shows," he went on to say.
Mr. Fouras said classic athletics have brightened the history of
mankind, adding that "in this place we have remained faithful to
the ancient spirit throughout the entire duration of our
historic life."
"Our people are justifiably proud of this. At the same time,
however, we are proud of our modern civilization and our
achievements. We are proud of our men and women athletes and for
the fact that the ancient spirit is present today in the marble
stadium," he said.
"Organizing major sports events constitutes a challenge for all
countries, small and big. However, it takes on the nature of a
very serious responsibility in this world. Particularly when it
concerns classic athletics games, responsibility does not only
concern good organization. A greater responsibility is created
for us by the duty to remain faithful to the spirit and lofty
ideals of classic athletics," he added.
[03] Simitis message
Athens, 2/8/1997 (ANA)
Mr. Simitis, who was present but did not personally deliver his
message, said: "All these days, during the athletics games, are
special and sacred for all Greeks. This is because the ideals of
brotherhood, friendship and noble contest are prevailing over
the athletic performance and distinction.
"The World Athletics Championships is an historical moment for
modern sports. All the stars of track and field and the best of
classical athletes have gathered here.
"Our expectations for high performances are justified and a
great honor to all those who are watching the games. This makes
us especially happy and grateful.
"At the same time, these championships are a unique opportunity
for citizens from around the world to meet in the country of
myth and history, in the bright place of optimism and peace.
"The games are also a great opportunity to realize that today's
and tomorrow's Greece is a country of great abilities in hosting
world athletics events. It is in this sense of responsibility
that we are bidding for the hosting of the 2004 Olympic Games in
Athens."
[04] Athens honors Nebiolo
Athens, 2/8/1997 (ANA)
International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) President
Primo Nebiolo was presented with the city's Gold Medal of Honor
by Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos yesterday, in a ceremony at the
town hall attended by International Olympic Committee (IOC)
president Juan Antonio Samaranch.
[05] Yilmaz expresses belief Greek-Turkish differences will be
resolved
Ankara, 2/8/1997 (ANA)
Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz said yesterday he believes
that Turkey and Greece will resolve their differences in the
framework of the Madrid communiqui issued on July 8, 1997.
According to the Turkish Anatolian news agency, Mr. Yilmaz
addressed a message to Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, who
had congratulated him on his assumption of the premiership in
Turkey.
Mr. Yilmaz stressed in his message that he is "very satisfied"
with the message of congratulations by his Greek counterpart.
In the message, Mr. Yilmaz said he "is certain" that Turkey and
Greece "can enter a new era of friendship and co-operation in
their bilateral relations."
[06] Fate of peace for Greece rests in the Aegean, minister says
Athens, 2/8/1997 (ANA)
Speaking on the island of Symi yesterday during the unveiling of
a bust dedicated to the late PASOK minister George Yennimatas,
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said the fate of
peace for Greece will be decided in the Aegean. Yennimatas was
from this small island in the Dodecanese.
"All of the Aegean will be respected on the basis of the
principles of international law, treaties and agreements. Our
borders are non-negotiable and inviolable," he said, addressing
neighboring Turkey.
"It is not possible for the status quo in the Aegean to be
questioned and it is in Turkey's interests to admit this," he
added.
Referring to Turkey's accession to the European Union, Mr.
Tsohatzopoulos said Greece is not opposed to it, but common
support (by Greece and Turkey) for the accession of Cyprus
constitutes a precondition.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the Greek armed forces are powerful and
for this reason one can speak of peace, but at the same time "we
must send to our neighbors a message of persuasion and not
confrontation."
Speaking of George Yennimatas, he referred to their prolonged
co-operation and his contribution to the democratic side and to
the love he felt for Symi.
[07] Greece objects to Turkish request on NATO exercise
Athens, 2/8/1997 (ANA)
A NATO multinational exercise, "Dynamic Mix '97", is taking
place at the Xiros gulf in eastern Thrace from September 22 to
October 5, with a request by Turkey that it be allowed to carry
out exercises on its home territory across the island of Samos.
Following the request, Greece called on NATO's southern flank
headquarters at Napoli to reject Turkey's request for air
coverage of its naval test invasion, on the grounds of possible
complications.
Greece said that if NATO accepts the request, it would consider
the inclusion of Limnos in the exercise, using its powerful
radars to monitor the Turkish exercises.
In that case, however, Turkey will request an exemption of
Limnos from the exercises, calling on a NATO directive of 1984
that has created tension between the two countries in the past.
NATO's decision on the issue is pending.
The exercise includes five regional exercises in Greece
coordinated by the Larissa regional headquarters. The other two
southern NATO regional headquarters organizing the exercise are
Verona and Izmir.
[08] Message of sympathy to Israeli president
Athens, 2/8/1997 (ANA)
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos has sent a
message of sympathy to his Israeli counterpart Ezer Weizman and
to the families of those killed in Wednesday's terrorist attack
in Jerusalem.
[09] October meeting of southeastern European defense ministers
proposed
Sofia, 2/8/1997 (ANA - N. Hios)
The idea of a meeting between southeastern European defense
ministers in Sofia in early October was yesterday presented by
Bulgarian Defense Minister Rumen Kentsev during a working
meeting with the ambassadors of Greece, Turkey, Italy, Romania,
Albania and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).
The invitation to such a meeting would be addressed to NATO
member-states and southeastern European countries participating
in NATO's "Partnership for Peace" initiative. Reports said the
ambassadors endorsed the idea for such a meeting and committed
them selves to getting back to Bulgarian officials on their
countries' position.
[10] Temporary solution for "Sochol" refugees
Athens, 2/8/1997 (ANA)
Public Order Minister George Romeos, in co-operation with
jointly competent ministries, yesterday provided a temporary
solution to the problem of the 314 illegal immigrants discovered
this week aboard a Ukrainian-flagged cargo ship drifting off the
island of Andros. A ministry announcement said that the illegal
immigrants, including 40 children, were to be transferred by
yesterday evening to camp sites at Palea Pendeli, Nea Makri and
the Lavrion Refugee Center.
It added that each application submitted by the mainly Iraqi and
Pakistani illegal immigrants to stay in Greece would be examined
in accordance with Greek legislation. The Public Order Ministry
clarified that it was not considering deporting any of the
illegal immigrants.
The authorities had initially counted about 180 illegal
immigrants aboard the "Sochol", but a further search of the
ship's holds revealed more.
The children, aged between four months and 12 years, were found
to be in a state of dehydration.
Two Turkish nationals found on the ship were being questioned
yesterday by port authorities on suspicion of being crew members
who did not manage to escape with the captain of the vessel.
The "Sochol" had left Izmir on the Turkish coast and was heading
for Italy when it suffered a complete power failure.
[11] Ship especially bought for transporting illegal immigrants
Athens, 2/8/1997 (ANA)
The ship carrying the illegal immigrants was bought by a Turkish
national in Istanbul for the sole purpose of transporting
illegal immigrants.
According to port authorities, the ship was bought from a
Ukrainian company for US$ 30,000 and docked at Istanbul, where
immigrants boarded it over four days under the cover of night.
The two Turkish nationals being questioned told port authorities
that the ship had been supplied with adequate fuel outside Izmir.
Close to 9 nautical miles off Evia, the captain and most of his
crew switched the fuel supply off, told people on board they
were going for supplies, and disappeared on a high-speed boat
leaving no documents behind.
The ship went on black-out soon after, and was found adrift by
Greek authorities.
Port authorities are looking for their Greek collaborator, while
a representative of the original owners in Odessa said "Sochol"
had not been completely paid off.
[12] Arrests of illegal immigrants
Athens, 2/8/1997 (ANA)
Another 164 illegal immigrants were arrested in and around
Thessaloniki on Thursday. Of these, 149 are Albanian, while the
remainder are Bulgarians, Romanians and Yugoslavs. All are to be
deported.
[13] Gov't decides procedures for evaluator on Florina power project
Athens, 2/8/1997 (ANA)
Fire on Greek tugboat north of Alexandria The Greek-flagged
tugboat "Macedon" caught fire while towing the cargo ship
"Rothney", registered in the Bahamas, from the port of
Alexandria in Egypt to the Syros shipyards.
After fruitless attempts to extinguish the fire, the tugboat's
crew abandoned ship, boarding the "Rothney". Although the crew
are reported safe, the Merchant Marine Ministry's operations
center has asked all ships in the area to go to their
assistance. The National Investment Bank for Industrial
Development (ETEBA) will undertake the search for an independent
evaluator for a proposed Greek-Russian power plant in Florina,
the government spokesman said yesterday.
Mr. Dimitris Reppas said the Inner Cabinet had endorsed a
Cabinet proposal that a tender be called for an evaluator to
determine the cost of a Public Power Corporation (DEH) plant in
Florina.
The spokesman added that ETEBA would draw up the requirements
for the evaluator and issue the call for tenders.
The procedure will be supervised by a three-member committee
including representatives of the Inner Cabinet's secretariat,
and the ministries of national economy and development.
The government places greater importance on following a
transparent procedure than on getting an opinion very quickly,
but estimated that the evaluator would be given four to six
months to come up with an opinion on the cost of the project,
the spokesman said.
DEH would not participate in the committee, to prevent any
criticism that the procedure was partial, he said.
Asked to comment on whether Prime Minister Costas Simitis would
look into who was responsible for the delay in deciding on an
evaluator, Mr. Reppas said this procedure was foreseen in the
interstate agreement that was signed but preliminary procedures
had to be completed before reaching this stage.
The decision to hire an independent evaluator was made following
criticism from various quarters about transparency in the issue,
the spokesman explained.
Replying to criticism by the main opposition New Democracy (ND)
party, Mr. Reppas said ND showed political inefficiency, lack of
strategy and attempts to find a political spectrum to address
itself to, which at present was occupied by the government.
[14] KKE and SYN on power plant
Athens, 2/8/1997 (ANA)
Following the decision on the evaluator, the Communist Party of
Greece (KKE) issued an announcement criticizing the government
for a "tactical maneuver" before "the reactions and unshakable
arguments put forth against the scandalous agreement".
The choice of evaluator, KKE said, "will not change the essence
of the scandal, which is not related to the cost only, but also
to the privatization of important sectors of DEH".
Coalition of the Left and Progress (SYN) president Nikos
Constantopoulos said the government was doubly responsible,
"first, because it does not program its energy policy and DEH's
role given the new factors".
Second, he added, because the government "embroils critical
issues of energy policy" into intransparent procedures that
"harm public interest in multiple ways".
Mr. Constantopoulos also proposed that a three-year development
plan be implemented for the prefecture of Florina as a whole,
with funding from the second Community Support Framework.
[15] Cabinet approves education reform report
Athens, 2/8/1997 (ANA)
Cabinet yesterday approved a report by Education Minister
Gerassimos Arsenis on proposed reforms to the education system,
according to a statement by government spokesman Dimitris Reppas.
Mr. Reppas, who said the plan "created the framework for dealing
with events over the next decade", drew attention to provisions
for all-day kindergartens and primary schools to facilitate
working mothers. He also mentioned proposed changes to the
system of grading school pupils, as well as the abolition of
tertiary entrance examinations.
[16] Arsenis' press conference
Athens, 2/8/1997 (ANA)
At a press conference later, Mr. Arsenis announced the
establishment of a unified senior high school, to come into
effect this year for pupils beginning first year senior high
("lykeio").
The minister also announced the creation of 30 new programs at
universities that will be open to people of all ages. The
programs will begin between November and January. In addition,
an Open University will commence operation in autumn.
[17] Ancient mosaic found near Kavala
Athens, 2/8/1997 (ANA)
Archaeological excavations this year at ancient Philippi near
Kavala, northern Greece have so far turned up a mosaic
representation of a racecourse.
During the same excavations, archaeologists uncovered mosaic
floors with geometrical designs covering 60 square meters. The
elaborate floors date back to the 2nd and 3rd century AD and are
believed to have been created at a local workshop.
The mosaic representation of a racecourse features a chariot
drawn by four horses and a charioteer. It also depicts an altar
on which a sacrifice is being made.
The excavations at Philippi under Thessaloniki University
Professor of Archaeology Stylianos Pelekanidis have been in
progress since 1960.
[18] One dead, six injured in PYRKAL explosion
Athens, 2/8/1997 (ANA)
One man died and six others were injured in an explosion
yesterday morning at the Gunpowder and Cartridge Company
(PYRKAL) in Lavrio, southeast Attica.
Eight fire-engines rushed to the plant which was later visited
by National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos.
The police said later that one person, Vassilis Hatzidimas, 52,
had died and six injured in the powerful blast which destroyed
the denitrification tower at the plant.
The injured, one of whom lost a leg in the explosion, are being
treated at the General State Hospital in Athens. Eight workers
were treated for minor injuries at the Lavrion Medical Center
before being discharged.
According to initial reports, the explosion took place when a
substance entering the denitrification unit came into contact
with the atmosphere.
The plant's general director and head of worker safety have been
detained at Lavrion police station following allegations of
neglect by Lavrion Mayor Stavros Papastavropoulos.
The mayor said the denitrification unit was the scene of a
previous accident on May 5, following which the plant's
management allegedly promised but failed to shut down operations.
A committee of experts is already investigating the cause of the
accident.
[19] Reactions
Athens, 2/8/1997 (ANA)
In announcements, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), the
Coalition of the Left and Progress, the Democratic Social
Movement (DHKKI), the General Confederation of Workers of Greece
and the Building Workers' Syndicate called for sanctions to be
imposed on those responsible for the accident, while main
opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis
expressed his grief over the accident.
Mr. Karamanlis expressed "profound grief" to the family of the
killed PYRKAL worker Vassilis Hadzidimas and his solidarity to
his injured colleagues.
KKE said the "new explosion at PYRKAL" is a crime with workers
as the victims and the company's administration, the
government's anti-popular policy and the supervising ministry as
the victimizers. It called on "our country's working class to
punish all those who are responsible for the fact that Greece
comes first in labor accidents in Europe."
The Coalition demanded an allocation of responsibilities, adding
that no public or private enterprise implements the existing
institutional framework "due to the state's failure to exercise
substantive controls and impose sanctions for its
implementation."
DHKKI noted the alarming increase in labor accidents in the
country and stressed the need for necessary security measures to
be taken by employers and control for the implementation of the
measures by relevant services.
GSEE, the General Confederation of Workers of Greece, called on
relevant ministries to intervene immediately and substantively
for the allocation of responsibilities, the punishment of those
responsible and the implementation of measures for labor hygiene
and security.
The Building Workers' Syndicate placed responsibilities for the
accident on the government, relevant services and those
responsible for PYRKAL, saying that the above "like genuine
ruthless employers, are aiming at compressing the enterprise's
operational cost, disregarding the serious repercussions such a
thing has for the security of working people and inhabitants in
the region."
[20] Olympic Airways seeks new managing director
Athens, 2/8/1997 (ANA)
Olympic Airways is seeking a new managing director for a
five-year term of office with August 29 set as the deadline for
applications, the Transport and Communications ministry
announced yesterday.
The ministry said in a statement pay would be commensurate with
experience.
Transport and Communications Minister Haris Kastanidis said
recently that managing directors would be sought in the autumn
for other public utilities it supervises, and for the national
carrier's subsidiaries.
Advertising senior managerial positions in state firms is an
innovation for Greece launched by Prime Minister Costas Simitis'
socialist government.
Formerly the positions were held by government appointees.
[21] Greek equities end lower, turnover slips
Athens, 2/8/1997 (ANA)
Greek stocks finished down 0.43 percent in light-to-moderate
trade yesterday, again failing to recapture key resistance at
1,600 points.
The Athens general share index ended at 1,591.45 from 1,598.34
points in the previous session, losing 0.62 percent on a weekly
basis. The parallel market for smaller cap stocks rose 0.31
percent.
Turnover edged down to 13.6 billion drachmas from 14.3 billion
in the previous session.
State-owned Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) held
steady at 6,300 drachmas.
Sector indices finished mixed. Banks fell 0.47 percent, Leasing
crept up 0.32 percent, Insurance fell 0.84 percent, Investment
slumped 1.52 percent, Industrials dropped 0.44 percent,
Construction fell 0.10 percent, Holding jumped 2.72 percent and
Miscellaneous plunged 2.74 percent.
Advances outstripped declines at 101 to 87 with 29 shares
remaining unchanged of 217 traded.
The day's highest percentage gainers were Hellenic Textiles,
Aspis Pronia (preferred), Ideal (preferred), and Bank of Attica.
The biggest losers were General Warehouses, Vasilopoulos
(common), Hellas Can and Keranis (preferred). Among blue chips
National Bank of Greece finished at 36,950 drachmas, Ergobank at
17,000, Alpha Credit Bank at 19,000, Delta Dairies (common) at
3,370 , Hellenic Bottling at 10,210, Titan (common) at 14,700
Intracom (common) at 13,395 and Aluminium de Grece (common) at
18,700 drachmas.
[22] Northern Greek merchants call for tax overhaul
Athens, 2/8/1997 (ANA)
Merchants in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki yesterday
called on the socialist government to overhaul the country's
unwieldy tax system and review penalties imposed for violations.
The Thessaloniki Commerce Association (TCA) was responding to
media reports that claimed the finance ministry was ready to
impose tougher fines and penalties for violations, infringements
and inaccuracies, regardless of whether they were deliberate or
made in ignorance.
"Many firms are unable to meet extremely high fines and have to
cease work. It's time to tackle taxation and impossible fines
with realism," TCA said in a statement sent to the finance
ministry.
The merchants also complained that the tax scale had yet to be
index-linked to inflation.
[23] Northern Greek water utility staff fear bourse entry
Athens, 2/8/1997 (ANA)
Workers at Thessaloniki's water board have called on the
government to keep the utility out of the Greek bourse as part
of its long-term plan to part-float state enterprises.
The Thessaloniki Water Supply Board's union made the statement
responding to reports the utility, which has been given SA
status, was a candidate for listing. "The authorities should
realize that water is a product fundamental to life and cannot
be come the object of exploitation and profiteering by the
privileged," a union statement said.
A failure to comply would mean protests by workers at the second
city's utility, it added.
The union said its members had backed conversion of the
organization into an SA company to modernize operations. The
move had improved services and cut out exploitation by
contractors.
Workers had supported the plan on condition that the utility
remained wholly owned by the state.
"This is a term contained in the utility's new statutes, and is
stated explicitly," the statement said.
[24] Amendments to "Peponis" law tabled
Athens, 2/8/1997 (ANA)
Amendments to the law on recruitment to the public sector (known
as the "Peponis" law, after the minister who drafted it) were
tabled in Parliament yesterday by Public Administration and
Interior Minister Alekos Papadopoulos.
The amendments include the recruitment of seasonal staff as well
as promotion for civil servants on the basis of examinations.
The Minister said the amendments aim at supporting meritocracy,
objectivity and transparency as well as "removing the last
remaining loopholes" in the law.
[25] Greece sends aid to Albanian police
Athens, 2/8/1997 (ANA)
As part of its efforts to help restructure the Albanian police,
Greece's Public Order Ministry yesterday delivered equipment to
the police in Gjirokaster, southern Albania, to facilitate the
re-opening of the Albanian checkpoint on the border with Greece.
The equipment included glass panes for the border post building,
new furniture, hotel equipment for the police station and
sanitary articles.
A few days ago, the Greek government sent police patrol cars,
motorcycles, bullet-proof vests and other equipment to the
police in Gjirokaster.
[26] Black list of farming sector companies engaged in illegal
activities
Athens, 2/8/1997 (ANA)
The Agriculture Ministry is preparing to issue black lists of
companies in the farming sector involved in illegal activities.
A presidential decree has already been signed by Agriculture
Minister Stefanos Tzoumakas and will be given for endorsement by
related ministries in the framework of European Union
regulations.
The move follows the revelation of cases of infringements of EU
regulations in the past, as well as many cases of fraud which
have resulted in the illegal collection of large amounts of
money.
There are about 5,000 farming sector-related companies operating
under the agriculture ministry. According to reports, there are
at least 400 firms at the moment with pending court cases.
End of English language section.
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