Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-08-05
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1255), August 5, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Simitis talks on the importance of the continental shelf
[02] ND terms Turkish premier's claims as 'outrageous'
[03] Government delegation to Albania
[04] Kranidiotis statements
[05] Gov't spokesman on Gizikis statement
[06] Athens '97 world athletics championships
[07] More countries earn their first golds
[08] Freeman wins women's 400 meters title
[09] Kasparkova wins women's triple jump title
[10] Diagana wins men's 400 meters hurdle title
[11] Braun recaptures heptathlon title
[12] US defending champion secures place in 400m final
[13] Greece's Papakostas qualifies for high jump final
[14] Olympic champion eliminated from high jump competition
[15] Medals table
[16] Athens '97 director rebuffs criticism by IAAF president
[17] President Stephanopoulos visits Olympic stadium
[18] IAAF's highest distinction awarded to President Stephanopoulos
[19] Prince Albert, five more IOC members in Greece
[20] New traffic law to go into effect
[21] Protection measures for Seikh Sou forest
[22] Education reforms have created havoc, ND claims
[23] EOT chief clarifies role of state funding in two tourism projects
[24] Turkish delegation in Mytilene
[25] US dollar hits 291.43 drachmas, posts new record
[26] Greek equities slip in flaccid trade
[27] Tax commandos raid northern Greek tourism firms
[28] Greek finance ministry to release tax blacklist
[29] Greece may launch inflation-linked tax scale
[30] Greek tax revenue on target, minister says
[31] Greece to attend lingerie salon in Paris, Jan. '98
[01] Simitis talks on the importance of the continental shelf
Athens, 5/8/1997 (ANA)
The "most substantial" difference between Greece and Turkey is
the Aegean continental shelf, Prime Minister Costas Simitis
said, calling on Ankara either to take the Imia islet issue to
the International Court at The Hague or abandon its claims.
In an exclusive interview to the US magazine "Newsweek" dated
August 11, Premier Simitis refers mostly to Greek-Turkish
relations and the Cyprus issue.
Following is the full interview:
Do you see Greek-Turkish relations improving after the Madrid
Communiqui, the nonaggression pact signed by the two countries
at last month's NATO summit?
"In Madrid, Turkey and Greece made a declaration that no threats
of war or use of force will be made and that differences will be
settled peacefully. This is a tremendous step: we want to follow
up on that. We must find a solution to the most substantial
difference that we have with Turkey -- the continental shelf."
Why is delineating the extent of the continental shelf from
Greece's coastline so crucial?
"In the continental shelf you can exploit minerals. Probably
there is oil."
Are you thinking of reducing your arms buildup as a result of
the communiqui?
"We will continue arms purchases because since 1985 Turkey has
considerably increased its armament -- we are at a
disadvantage."
Do you favor confidence-building measures between Greece and
Turkey, such as a hot line between the two militaries?
"Yes, we are in favor of them. We have made two proposals not
accepted by Turkey. First, no military exercises in the Aegean
Sea during the summer months. The second is the monitoring of
military flights over the Aegean by NATO."
Do you expect a breakthrough over the disputed Aegean Sea island
of Imia/Kardak?
"I hope there is a breakthrough. I need a statement from the
Turks that they will refer the matter to the International Court
or to say they don't persist in their claims."
If the Imia dispute is solved, will Greece release its veto over
European Union funds owed Turkey?
"If [Turkish Prime Minister] Mesut Yilmaz says clearly he refers
the matter to the International Court, he will get the money."
Will you agree to a meeting of Turkish and Greek experts -- the
so-called wise men?
"If an agreement is reached concerning specific procedures to be
adhered to, then the 'wise men' will be able to meet."
Why did the Greek Cypriots escalate the arms race by purchasing
missiles from Russia?
"On the Turkish side of Cyprus there are about 50,000 Turkish
soldiers. And there is a threat that they will occupy the whole
of the island. So after 23 years of Turkish occupation of part
of Cyprus, I think the Greeks have the right to buy the arms
necessary to counter such an invasion."
Does the success of your relations with Turkey depend on
resolving the Cyprus issue?
"There are two different subjects: Greek-Turkey relations and
the Cyprus question. The Greek-Turkey relations are a
Greek-Turkish matter. The Cyprus problem is an international
problem. It concerns a third state, and the problem is the
foreign occupation of that state. Naturally, the solution of the
Cyprus problem will create a better climate for Greek-Turkish
relations. But they are not connected."
Will Greece veto the admission of Poland, Hungary and the Czech
Republic to the EU if Cyprus is not admitted?
"It's too early to say. I will use all possible means in the
European Union [to support Cyprus]."
Do you think Turkey should be in the EU?
"Turkey cannot be a member of the EU with open problems in the
Aegean and on Cyprus."
Do you have any impressions of Yilmaz? Surely you prefer him to
[former prime minister] Necmettin Erbakan and his Islamist Refah
party?
"I'm not so sure. Mr. Erbakan was not interested in the Aegean.
The Islamists basically wanted Turkey to play a prime role in
Asia among the Muslim countries there. So they were not so
interested in the Aegean and Cyprus."
In an introduction to the interview headlined "A Tremendous Step
-- What Greece's Simitis wants from Turkey", the magazine said
that following 18 months in office, Mr. Simitis "has done away
with the anti-American stance that prevailed under legendary
former prime minister Andreas Papandreou. Today the professor of
law is working with the United States to settle his country's
most pressing problem -- relations with neighbor Turkey".
[02] ND terms Turkish premier's claims as 'outrageous'
Athens, 5/8/1997 (ANA)
The main opposition New Democracy (ND) party yesterday described
as "outrageous" statements by Turkish Prime Minister Mesut
Yilmaz who claimed that international law could not be applied
in the Aegean Sea.
"These statements illustrate once again that Turkey remains
incurably provocative and intransigent," ND spokesman Aris
Spiliotopoulos said.
"The Turkish premier is interpreting the Madrid joint communiqui
in his own way and in effect disputing it," he added.
Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Turkish President Suleyman
Demirel signed a joint communiqui on Greek-Turkish relations at
the recent NATO summit in Madrid.
The ND spokesman noted that Mr. Yilmaz had made the statement at
the very same time that Mr. Simitis was talking about compromise
and trying to convince public opinion that the strategy of the
neighboring country had changed. Pol. An. reaction Yilmaz's
statements, according to which the region of the Aegean Sea is a
very special case making it impossible for International Law to
be implemented, are no surprise to Political Spring (Pol. An.)
party leader Antonis Samaras.
Mr. Samaras said that since Greece, through the signing of the
"Madrid text" by Mr. Simitis, had accepted that Turkey had vital
interests in the Aegean, he could not see the reason why the
Turkish prime minister could not regard such interests to be
beyond the scope of International Law regulations.
[03] Government delegation to Albania
Athens, 5/8/1997 (ANA)
A seven-member government delegation headed by Foreign Minister
Theodoros Pangalos leaves for Tirana today in an effort to place
Greek-Albanian relations on a new footing following recent
general elections in the neighboring country.
Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis, who is part of the
delegation, told ANA yesterday the success of this visit would
constitute a landmark in the history of Greek-Albanian relations.
It will be the first visit by a foreign minister to Tirana since
the general elections in June and comes just five days after the
international community agreed at a meeting in Rome to provide
economic aid to Albania.
The one-day meeting was attended by delegations from 35
countries and international organizations and will be followed
by a larger conference on Albania's future again in Italy
sometime in the autumn.
Among the issues to be discussed between the government of Fatos
Nano and the Greek delegation are the dispatch of advisers and
equipment for the reorganization of the Albanian army, the
guarding of the common border also on the Albanian side and the
liberalization of education through the granting of permits for
the operation of private schools.
The Greek delegation is also expected to confirm Athens'
intention to expedite a promised loan of 20 million dollars and
its continued support within the European Union for the granting
of Community economic assistance to Albania.
Lastly, the two sides will exchange the relevant diplomatic
notes for the entry into force of the agreement signed providing
for the seasonal employment of Albanians in Greece.
At the same time, there is expected to be a broad discussion
about the issue of illegal immigrants in Greece.
In addition to Mr. Pangalos, participating in the Greek
delegation will be Public Order Minister George Romeos, National
Defense Under-secretary Dimitris Apostolakis, Foreign
Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis, National Economy
Under-secretary Alexandros Baltas, Public Works Under-secretary
Dimitris Verelis and Labor Under-secretary Christos Protopappas.
Speaking in Thessaloniki, National Defense Minister Akis
Tsohatzopoulos described as "a good beginning" the delegation's
visit to Albania today.
"It is perfectly natural that a Greek government delegation
should visit and talk with our neighbors, for whom we have the
best feelings and with whom we maintain relations of
long-standing friendship and economic, social and cultural
co-operation," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said, replying to reporters
questions.
[04] Kranidiotis statements
Athens, 5/8/1997 (ANA)
In statements to ANA, Foreign Under-secretary Kranidiotis said
the visit "underlines the high priority attributed by both sides
to the substantive strengthening of relations between them, and
will give us the opportunity to express our interest in the
security and consolidation of the rights of the Greek minority,
which was tried hard, like the rest of the Albanian people,
during the recent crisis".
He added that the visit will also provide the opportunity to the
participating ministers to discuss with their Albanian
counterparts issues such as the status of Albanian workers in
Greece, boosting police co-operation, the technical details
regarding the provision of a $20 million loan to the Albanian
central bank, and the promotion of military co-operation
agreements. "We shall also have the possibility of exchanging
views on determining those sectors in the program for
restructuring the country, in which the Albanian government
would desire our country's assistance for the provision of
technical and economic aid," he said.
"Greece is willing to continue, both bilaterally, and in the
framework of international organizations, the policy of
supporting Albania, boosting its European orientation and
strengthening its relations with NATO," he added.
"For all these reasons, I believe that the success of this visit
will constitute a landmark in the history of Greek-Albanian
relations," Mr. Kranidiotis concluded.
The Greek delegation is returning to Athens late this afternoon.
[05] Gov't spokesman on Gizikis statement
Athens, 5/8/1997 (ANA)
Commenting on a statement by Phaedon Gizikis, president of the
military junta then ruling Greece, that he had personally
ordered the 1974 coup in Cyprus against Archbishop Makarios,
acting government spokesman Yiannis Nikolaou said "those
responsible for the tragedy in Cyprus had been definitely and
irrevocably convicted in the conscience of the Greek people".
The spokesman added "that the ghosts of the past are in no
position to distract our attention from focusing on the present
and future". He said the Greek and Cypriot governments were
closely working together to achieve a just and viable solution
of the Cyprus issue.
[06] Athens '97 world athletics championships
Athens, 5/8/1997 (ANA)
[07] More countries earn their first golds
Australia, the Czech Republic and France got their first gold
medals in yesterday's third day of the Athens '97 World
Athletics Championships, while Germany added another one. Silver
medals went to Jamaica, Romania, South Africa and Britain, while
the United States managed two bronze medals, adding to its
leading position in the overall ratings. The Ukraine and
Lithuania won the remaining two bronzes.
[08] Freeman wins women's 400 meters title
Australian Cathy Freeman won the women's 400 meters gold medal
on the third day of the world championships yesterday, with a
time of 49.77 seconds.
Sandie Richards of Jamaica took the silver (49.79) and American
Jearl Miles-Clark the bronze (49.90).
[09] Kasparkova wins women's triple jump title
Czech Sarka Kasparkova won the world women's triple jump gold
medal (15.20 meters).
Rodica Mateescu of Romania took the silver (15.16) and Ukrainian
Yelena Govorova the bronze (14.67).
Greece's Olga Vasdeki came fourth, breaking the Panhellenic
record with her 14.62.
[10] Diagana wins men's 400 meters hurdle title
Frenchman Stephane Diagana won the world men's 400 meters
hurdles gold medal (47.70).
Llewellyn Herbert of South Africa took the silver (47.86) and
American Bryan Bronson the bronze (47.88).
[11] Braun recaptures heptathlon title
Germany's Sabine Braun recaptured the world heptathlon title
after leading the competition from start to finish, totaling
6,739 points.
Denise Lewis of Britain took the silver (6,654) and Lithuanian
Remigia Nazaroviene the bronze (6,566).
[12] US defending champion secures place in 400m final
Double Olympic champion Michael Johnson, who was given a wild
card to compete in Athens '97, secured a place in the final of
the 400 meters yesterday after almost crashing out in an earlier
qualifying round because of a badly-judged finish.
The American defending champion, set a fast pace in the first
300 meters before relaxing in the home straight to win his
semifinal in 44.37 seconds and move comfortably into today's
final.
Compatriot Jerome Young finished second, Uganda's Olympic bronze
medallist Davis Kamoga third and Britain's Iwan Thomas fourth,
taking the other places in the final from the second heat.
Johnson was almost eliminated in the second round on Sunday
after he misjudged the final meters of a heat and failed to
qualify directly for the next round as one of the top three
finishers. He eventually scraped through as one of the four
fastest losers.
[13] Greece's Papakostas qualifies for high jump final
Greek champion Lambros Papakostas secured a place in the high
jump finals yesterday. He cleared the 2.28 meters qualifying
mark in his second attempt.
[14] Olympic champion eliminated from high jump competition
American Charles Austin, an Olympic champion, was eliminated
from the world championships high jump competition yesterday
after failing to clear 2.28 meters. Austin, who won the Olympic
title last year with 2.39 meters, needed treatment to an injury
during the qualifying round and could manage no better that 2.26
meters.
[15] Medals table
Medals table after the third day of competition at the World
Athletics Championships yesterday:
United States: 2 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze; Germany: 2 gold, 1
bronze; Ukraine: 1 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze; Australia: 1 gold;
Czech Republic: 1 gold; France: 1 gold; Mexico: 1 gold; Russia:
1 silver, 1 bronze; Canada: 1 silver; Britain: 1 silver;
Jamaica: 1 silver; Romania: 1 silver; South Africa: 1 silver;
Bahamas: 1 bronze; Belarus: 1 bronze; Lithuania: 1 bronze.
[16] Athens '97 director rebuffs criticism by IAAF president
Athens, 5/8/1997 (ANA)
The Director of the Athens '97 World Athletics Championships,
Vangelis Savramis, yesterday rebuffed criticism by International
Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) President Primo Nebiolo that
low attendance on Saturday, opening day of the sports events pro
per, was possibly due to inadequate prior promotion.
"I prefer a stadium full of sports fans rather than soldiers,"
Mr. Savramis said, hinting at the practice adopted for boosting
attendance at the 2nd World Championship in Rome in 1987.
"The soldiers are for the country's defense," he added.
Mr. Savramis further said he had proposed to the IAAF president
a change in the dates for the Games, arguing that most people in
the Athens conurbation are away on holiday during the first 10
days of August, but that he had argued instead for a promotion
campaign using loudspeakers. Nebiolo, who is honorary president
of the Rome 2004 Olympic Bid Organizing Committee -an event for
which Athens is also competing- was quoted by Reuters yesterday
as saying, "there had maybe not been a great campaign of
promotion," and "maybe because it was Saturday, people in Athens
go to the sea. I hope for the next few days that they will not
go to the sea. They have the sea all year. They can forget the
sea for one week".
Mr. Savramis referred to expediencies on the part of the foreign
press and Mr. Nebiolo himself, claiming they were trying to
create problems for the organizers on the issue of the
attendance.
Attendance at the Athens Olympic Stadium was markedly up on
Sunday night and last night, estimated at more than 35,000.
President of the Greek Olympic Committee Lambis Nicolaou was
also quoted by Reuters as saying that "six days would have been
better for the World Championship. Nine days is too long".
[17] President Stephanopoulos visits Olympic stadium
Athens, 5/8/1997 (ANA)
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos visited the
Olympic stadium, site of the Athens '97 World Championships,
yesterday evening.
He was met by Sports Under-secretary Andreas Fouras, president
of the Hellenic Olympic Committee Lambis Nicolaou and Primo
Nebiolo, president of the International Amateur Athletics
Federation (IAAF) under which the championships are being held.
[18] IAAF's highest distinction awarded to President Stephanopoulos
Athens, 5/8/1997 (ANA)
The President of the International Amateur Athletics Federation
(IAAF) Dr. Primo Nebiolo last night awarded President Costis
Stephanopoulos with the highest IAAF distinction of the Gold
Medal of Honor.
President Stephanopoulos then presented Dr. Nebiolo with the
medal of the Commander of the Order of Honor at a special
ceremony held at the presidential mansion.
Mr. Stephanopoulos hosted a reception in honor of the organizers
of the World Athletics Championships and the members of the IAAF
and IOC currently in Athens.
[19] Prince Albert, five more IOC members in Greece
Athens, 5/8/1997 (ANA)
Prince Albert of Monaco is visiting Athens as guest of the
International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF), currently
hosting the World Athletics Championships in Athens, to be
briefed on the Athens bid for the 2004 Olympic Games and tour
the sports facilities.
In relation to the Athens bid, the 2004 committee briefed four
visiting members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on
the Greek portfolio.
The five, Richard Gosper (Australia), Austin Seely (Barbados),
Peter Talberg (Finland), Patrick Hickey (Ireland) and Anthony
Vrdoliac (Croatia) visited sports facilities and planted olive
trees with their name in the special IOC grove.
[20] New traffic law to go into effect
Athens, 5/8/1997 (ANA)
A tougher traffic law drafted by the government is calling for
heavier fines for people driving under the influence of alcohol
and taking driving exams again for offenders.
Preliminary work on the draft bill has been completed, and has
been submitted to Transport Under-secretary Manolis Loukakis for
approval.
The code calls for the obligatory use of safety belts for
everyone except people under 1.5 meters tall, pregnant women,
taxi drivers and drivers of deliveries within the city radius.
It also calls for special protection for children up to 12 years
of age, and the use of traffic policemen for school crossings.
It is expected that if passed, the new law will go into effect
this autumn.
[21] Protection measures for Seikh Sou forest
Athens, 5/8/1997 (ANA)
The forest of Seikh Sou near Thessaloniki, a great part of which
was destroyed by fire on July 6, has been declared an "area
under constant surveillance" by Defense Minister Akis
Tsohatzopoulos.
Speaking in the northern city yesterday, the minister declared
the government's commitment to maintain the area as a public
space and not to permit any of it to be built on.
The forest will be regularly photographed from the air by the
Third Army and the Army Geographical Service. Mr. Tsohatzopoulos
was speaking at a meeting at the Thessaloniki Officers' Club
during a presentation of the first aerial photographs of the
region.
Minister for Macedonia and Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos said
that "not even a single brick" would be allowed in the region.
He added that erosion and flood prevention reports on the region
would be ready by the end of September.
[22] Education reforms have created havoc, ND claims
Athens, 5/8/1997 (ANA)
The main opposition New Democracy (ND) party, which is opposed
to reforms in the country's educational system announced last
week by Education Minister Gerassimos Arsenis, said yesterday
the announced reforms have created havoc amongst teachers and
students.
ND press spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos in a statement yesterday
said the announced measures were unsuccessful "old recipes" that
have proven impossible to implement. The spokesman also cast
doubt on whether the reforms, if implemented, would actually
contribute to upgrading education in general.
Commenting also on the educational reforms, the Coalition of the
Left and Progress (Synaspismos) warned of the move's failure
since the announcement was irresponsibly made during the holiday
period when most people are away. An announcement by the party
said Synaspismos favored a free access to tertiary and technical
education, but expressed fears over the establishment of
"multi-tier studies" which would have an adverse effect on the
comprehensive nature of tertiary education.
Unlike other opposition parties, however, the Political Spring
party voiced its support to the educational reforms. A statement
said the announced reforms by the government, even though
belatedly, could improve today's poor conditions in the
educational system.
[23] EOT chief clarifies role of state funding in two tourism projects
Athens, 5/8/1997 (ANA)
The Political Spring said opposition criticism was too hasty in
rejecting the government's reforms. The government does not plan
to subsidize the building of two holiday resorts by 85 per cent,
and rumors to this effect are entirely "fictitious", Hellenic
Tourism Organization (EOT) secretary general Nikos Skoulas said
yesterday.
He was replying to statements by the Chamber of Hoteliers of
Greece and the National Federation of Hoteliers who claimed that
the government's participation in two projects would be high.
Mr. Skoulas said that following an auction, EOT had approved two
projects, one in Messinia and another in Aetoloakarnania
prefectures, which would include luxury hotel complexes,
infrastructural works, sports centers, congress halls, golf
fields, and shopping malls among others.
The Messinia proposal, a consortium of Greek-American
businessmen headed by shipowner V. Konstantakopoulos, is worth
40.5 billion drachmas and includes an area of 5.6 hectares in
total near Romanos and Pylos.
This project has been included in the second Delors package, but
on condition of approval by the Greek Parliament (because it
exceeds 25 billion drachmas). The state will participate in the
project with 27 per cent (14.85 per cent from the European
Community and 12.15 per cent from state funds).
Investors have been asked to raise their participation from 30
per cent to 40 per cent, Mr. Skoulas said.
The second project is at Mytikas, near Astakos, funded by
businessman N. Hionis and the Meton, ETEP and Domika Erga
construction companies. It is worth 45 billion drachmas but did
not qualify for EC funds because the owner capital is very low,
he said.
Mr. Skoulas noted that according to a law on such projects
(2234/94), the state may not participate in funding with over 25
per cent for hotels and over 35 per cent for other special
facilities and infrastructure.
Expressing his regret about the hoteliers' criticism, Mr.
Skoulas said that internal conflicts in this case "upset the
unity of Greek tourism and are an obstacle to joint efforts for
its recovery, at a time it is experiencing a crisis of identity
and competitiveness".
[24] Turkish delegation in Mytilene
Athens, 5/8/1997 (ANA)
A delegation from the Chamber of Commerce of the Turkish town of
Pergamum will visit Mytilene on Thursday within the framework of
an initiative of Lesbos Prefecture to improve relations between
the island and the opposite Turkish coast.
The visit follows a highly successful concert given by the Greek
Radio and Television (ERT 3) orchestra in Pergamum as part of
the same initiative.
Hospitality to the Turkish visitors will be extended for two
days by the company "Hellenic Salt Works" and Lesbos Prefecture.
During their stay, they will be shown round the "Hellenic Salt
Works" installations and have meetings with their chamber
counterparts as well as with business people on the island.
[25] US dollar hits 291.43 drachmas, posts new record
Athens, 5/8/1997 (ANA)
The US dollar resumed its upward spiral on international markets
yesterday, hitting an all-time high of 291.43 drachmas
domestically at the central bank's fix.
The dollar's jump was 3.55 drachmas, or 1.23 percent up on
Friday's daily fix at the Bank of Greece.
The greenback has gained 17.73 percent against the Greek
currency since the beginning of 1997.
Commercial banks on Tuesday will sell the dollar at 295.301
drachmas.
On European markets, the greenback fluctuated around 1.8715
German marks.
Investors and monetary authorities worldwide are waiting to see
if the Bundesbank moves to prop up the flagging mark.
If the German central bank fails to intervene in foreign
currency markets, it is likely to adjust its base rates in order
to shield the mark, which is currently at its lowest level for
eight years, traders said.
Technical analysts see the dollar moving in a range of 1.90-2.0
marks until the end of the year.
[26] Greek equities slip in flaccid trade
Athens, 5/8/1997 (ANA)
Greek stocks slipped to end 0.29 percent down in scant,
lackluster trade yesterday, with the market gradually losing
sight of resistance at 1,600 points. The Athens general share
index finished at 1,586.85 points from 1,591.45 in the previous
session and turnover slumped to a meager 7.5 billion drachmas
from 13.6 billion.
The parallel market for smaller cap stocks was perky, closing
1.01 percent higher.
Sector indices ended mixed. Banks edged down 0.44 percent,
Insurance fell 0.38 percent, Investment dropped 0.88 percent,
Leasing rose 0.67 percent, Industrials inched down 0.04 percent,
Construction nose-dived 1.83 percent, Miscellaneous jumped 1.33
percent and Holding increased 1.09 percent.
State-run Hellenic Telecommunications Organization lost 30
drachmas to finish at 6,270 drachmas from 6,300 drachmas.
The dollar set a new all-time high against the drachma to close
at 291.43 drachmas at the central bank's daily fix, up 3.55
drachmas on Friday's fix. Declines outstripped advances at 106
to 86 with 38 shares remaining unchanged of 228 traded.
The day's highest percentage gainers were Bank of Attica,
General Trade (common and preferred) and Klonatex, which all
closed at or near the eight percent upper volatility limit.
The biggest percentage losers were General Warehouses (common),
Boutaris (preferred), AEGEK (common) and GEKAT.
[27] Tax commandos raid northern Greek tourism firms
Athens, 5/8/1997 (ANA)
Greek finance ministry crime squads yesterday launched a month
of raids on northern tourism enterprises in order to catch tax
evaders and profiteers.
The specialist teams will carry out spot checks on a 24-hour
basis on hotels, rented rooms, restaurants, cafes, night clubs,
bars and souvenir stores.
Violations the authorities are seeking include fraudulent tax
data, contracts and hotel guest records.
The move is aimed at protecting consumers and tourists as well
as ensuring tax data is not being falsified.
[28] Greek finance ministry to release tax blacklist
Athens, 5/8/1997 (ANA)
Greece's finance ministry is to release a blacklist in August of
around 500,000 businesses guilty of issuing or accepting fake
invoices in a bid to curb rampant tax evasion, Finance
Under-secretary George Drys said yesterday.
The ministry had compiled two registers - one each for issuers
and receivers of the fraudulent documents - that is shortly due
to be computerized, Mr. Drys told a news conference.
Companies will eventually have on-line access to the data,
enabling them to check whether the firm they are dealing with
has been found guilty of making out falsified invoices for goods
or services.
So far the ministry has completed the first phase of its project
to match issuers and recipients of fake invoices, which covers
documents made out in 1994. Remaining lists up to the present
should be completed by the end of 1997, Mr. Drys said.
In 1994 tax authorities received financial data from 627,511
taxpayers out of 1,113,010, or only 56.36 percent of the total.
The remaining 485,699 taxpayers who failed to submit data will
pay a total of 43 billion drachmas in fines, he said.
Of taxpayers who issued invoices, only 70,000, or 11.15 percent
submitted data in disc form, and 60,000 of the same group
provided inaccurate data, Mr. Drys said.
[29] Greece may launch inflation-linked tax scale
Athens, 5/8/1997 (ANA)
Greece may consider introducing a tax scale that is index-linked
to inflation following months of pressure by trade unions.
Finance Under-secretary George Drys said index-linked brackets
for income tax would be debated in talks the government is
currently holding with employers and unions on reforming the
labor market and social insurance system.
Replying to a reporter's question, Mr. Drys said index-linked
brackets would be expensive, costing the state around 20 billion
drachmas each.
[30] Greek tax revenue on target, minister says
Athens, 5/8/1997 (ANA)
Finance Minister George Drys yesterday said data his ministry
had so far compiled on tax revenue collected in July showed a
rise of more than 15.6 percent, meeting government targets.
The increase in revenue was likely to total around 16 percent,
Mr. Drys told a news conference.
[31] Greece to attend lingerie salon in Paris, Jan. '98
Athens, 5/8/1997 (ANA)
Greece will attend the Salon International de la Lingerie, on
lingerie and swimsuits, taking place in Paris from January 23 to
26, 1998. The Greek participation will be organized here by the
Export Promotion Organization (OPE), which said in an
announcement that at least 10 businesses are expected to
participate. For more information, interested parties may
contact OPE until September 1, on tel. 9982.229.
End of English language section.
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