Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-09-08

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1283), September 8, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Premier says 2004 Olympics will strengthen Greece's standing

[02] Jubilation over Athens' victory

[03] Samaranch: "The best was the winner"

[04] Angelopoulos-Daskalaki to continue

[05] Yannakis

[06] Reactions at home

[07] Other reactions

[08] Welcome concert for bid committee

[09] Simitis stresses urgency of meeting economic targets by 1999

[10] Labor issues

[11] Structural reforms

[12] Local government reforms

[13] PM criticizes ND

[14] Opposition parties react to PM's statements

[15] Reppas' response

[16] Commissioner Papoutsis visits Thessaloniki fair

[17] Simitis reiterates warning to Turkey on Cyprus

[18] Turkey calls for Greek demilitarization in the Aegean

[19] Cem comments on Greek counterpart

[20] CoE group addresses the problem of human rights in Turkey

[21] US center sees 2004 Olympics impact in Greek-Turkish relations

[22] Niles confident peace will prevail in the region

[23] Premier notes shift towards collective approach in decision making

[24] Delegation from Turkey's Marmaris region to visit Rhodes

[25] Papantoniou reassures business circles in northern Greece

[26] Meeting with SBBE board members

[27] Cosmote mobile telephony network to be launched in December

[28] More than 7,000 infrastructure projects underway

[29] Greek railways speeds ahead for year 2000

[30] Electronic Business Bank

[31] European architects meet in Drama

[32] Service held in Athens in memory of Princess Diana

[33] Book of condolences for Mother Teresa

[34] Navy chief visits Norway

[35] International seminar continues on Halki island

[01] Premier says 2004 Olympics will strengthen Greece's standing

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

"The Olympic Games are an event that will allow us to strengthen Greece's standing in the international community. They will allow us to promote Greek positions on our national issues and give us the opportunity to promote the policy of peace and friend ship towards everybody. I don't think they will influence Turkey as far as her policy is concerned. Turkey is being influenced for some time now by the policy we follow, by the initiatives that we undertake, by the continually growing acceptance of our views in the framework of the European Union. It is not the Olympic Games that mark a change in this course. It is some time now that acceptance of our views has risen considerably, and will continue so, the Olympics are a means for this, however we have many means at our disposal and we use them".

Replying to questions on whether the Games will have repercussions on the economy and whether projects underway in rural areas will be restricted to enable the completion of projects which are essential for the Games, Mr. Simitis said that according to estimations made it has been assessed that "the Olympic Games will have a positive contribution to the country in general and to the Greek economy."

Mr. Simitis reminded that 80 per cent of necessary installations are already in place and are operating, adding that money required for the remaining projects "can be secured through regular channels."

He said that organizing the Olympiad will also have repercussions which will not be immediately measurable, such as an increase in tourist arrivals, before, during and after the Games.

On the question of the rates of carrying out projects in rural areas, Mr. Simitis stated categorically that development projects will continue to be carried out throughout the country.

"The Olympic Games are a milestone, a process which will contribute to the achievement of certain political and economic targets we have. It is not our main mission, our primary target. Our primary target is to shape other conditions of development for the economy and society and we have repeatedly stressed that we want strong rural regions," he said.

"It is not necessary for us to promote resources from elsewhere to support the Olympic Games, because then we will divert our policy in a direction which is not compatible with our views. Our policy has the primary target of promoting all of Greece, of strengthening the rural regions. And we will continue this policy," he added.

At this point, Mr. Simitis referred to the third Community Support Framework which, he said, will have considerable resources for the country and rural regions in particular.

Commenting on projects concerning the Olympiad, Mr. Simitis announced that a body will be created to undertake the responsibility of all issues regarding the event. He said that the government will take all measures "so that nobody will ever be able to claim that this organization (of the Olympiad) will lead to processes which will not be transparent, to processes which operate in favor of a few who will exploit the necessity of projects and procurements."

[02] Jubilation over Athens' victory

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

As Greeks danced in the streets of Athens and around the country, the Athens 2004 bid committee celebrated its victory over the four other finalist cities in a party at a Lausanne hotel on Friday night.

[03] Samaranch: "The best was the winner"

Lausanne, 08/09/1997 (Reuter/ANA)

He said the IOC members may have felt they owed a debt to the Greeks after turning down their bid for the centennial Games in 1996 which went to Atlanta. Those Games turned out to have major organizational problems.

"The best was the winner," he said. "I was in Athens for the world track and field championships and the opening ceremony in the old stadium was one of the best opening ceremonies -- Olympic or non-Olympic -- that I have seen in my life."

"We fully trust our Greek friends. Maybe it will be very important for Athens and also for Greece... Maybe the IOC members had in mind that there was bitterness in the country when they lost in 1990. There was a kind of historic debt."

"They had an opportunity to do something about the debt and did it."

The 2004 campaign was sometimes controversial with some candidates criticizing their rivals and accusations made that some cities broke Olympic rules by offering gifts to the members who voted for the venue in a meeting of the IOC's session. But Mr. Samaranch said he believed it had been a successful selection process.

"In the last few days there have been some nervous people," he said. "In general the process was much better than some years ago."

Asked to comment on Athens 2004 Bid Committee president Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, Mr. Samaranch said:

"She is a first class individual and a great leader. Yesterday she made a very good presentation for Athens, but she was not alone. She is surrounded by capable, professional people. The Greek candidacy had the full support of the government, the city of Athens and the national Olympic committee. It was a good team with a very good leader."

Congratulating Mrs. Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, he said:

"You deserved the Games. I believe they will go down in history and perhaps the new IOC president who will be there to see them (Mr. Samaranch's tenure ends in 2001) will say they were the best ever."

[04] Angelopoulos-Daskalaki to continue

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

Speaking in Lausanne after Friday night's announcement by the International Olympic Committee that Athens would host the 2004 Olympiad, Mr. Avramopoulos told journalists:

"I believe Mrs. Angelopoulos deserves to continue with this effort and today I officially propose that she herself assumes the important post of president of the organizing committee for the 2004 Olympic Games."

[05] Yannakis

Lausanne, 08/09/1997 (ANA/Reuter)

"It was apparent from the beginning that Athens was ahead. Our candidacy was excellent and our proposal was unique... In all the committee's missions, to Cancun, to Bangkok, to Lausanne in March, to Guam, to Pusan, Monte Carlo and Winnipeg, we were the best."

He said he saw no reason why the Games' logo, which symbolized the flame of Athens emerging from an altar, should be changed.

Commenting on criticism from Rome's Primo Nebiolo, who also heads the International Amateur Athletics Federation, Mr. Yannakis said:

"We will be asking for input from ... members of the International Olympic Committee and Mr. Nebiolo as well."

During last month's athletics world championships in Athens, Mr. Nebiolo exploited every chance to decry the organization in a clear attempt to convey to IOC members that the Greeks were not up to staging top international sports events.

Asked after Friday's vote whether he still felt the same, Mr. Nebiolo replied: "Why don't you ask them if they can organize anything?"

When the third European candidate, Stockholm, dropped out after the third round of voting in Lausanne, almost all their votes switched to Athens rather than to Rome.

"That was a clear snub by the Europeans to Nebiolo," one experienced Olympic observer said. "They were sending him a message."

[06] Reactions at home

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

Speaking at the Thessaloniki International Fair yesterday, he emphasized the economic benefits to be gained from staging the Games. At the same time he gave the assurance that the whole country would gain, drawing attention to projects scheduled for northern Greece from the third Community Support Framework.

Environment, Public Works and Town Planning Minister Costas Laliotis also stressed on Saturday that funds scheduled for works in the provinces would not be diverted to Athens.

Meanwhile, he said 120,000 jobs were expected to be created in construction works over the next seven years for the new airport at Spata, the Athens underground Metro system and the 53.5km Elefsis-Stavros-Spata ring road which will link the new airport with the Olympic sports complex and the Olympic village at Thrakomakedones, at the foot of Mt. Parnitha.

Most Olympic events would take place at two main complexes. The existing Olympic Athletic Center of Athens, in the northern suburb of Maroussi and the Faliro coastline at and around the Peace and Friendship Stadium and eastwards towards the Faliro Delta .

New installations are planned in Galatsi, Goudi, Peristeri and Nikaia, where a 5,000-seat weightlifting center is to be built. Equestrian and archery events will be held in the northern district of Tatoi, while the rowing events are to take place on the northern Attica coastline at Schinia.

[07] Other reactions

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel addressed a warm message of congratulations to his Greek counterpart Theodoros Pangalos on the occasion of Athens being awarded the Olympic Games for the year 2004. Addressing Mr. Pangalos as "Dear Theo", Mr. Kinkel's message said "warm congratulations for the election of Athens as the venue for the Olympic Games in the year 2004. The organization of the summer Olympiad of 2004 was deservedly awarded to Greece 103 years after the re-emergence of the Olympic Games and 101 years after the first Olympic Games in modern times. I am pleased that the Olympic Idea will be able to have a continuation in its cradle Greece during the 21st century as well and I am convinced t hat Athens and Greece will prepare a sports event which will thrill the world."

The Greek-American organization AHEPA congratulated Greece on its successful bid and the IOC for selecting the cradle of ancient and modern Olympic Games. "All Greek-Americans feel great pride for the return of the Olympic Games to their birthplace," the organization's president Steve Manta said in an announcement on Saturday. US Senator Paul Sarbanes hailed the IOC's decision and said, "I hail the great presentation held with Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki as head; she managed to convey the message that Athens will bring honor and glory to this effort".

[08] Welcome concert for bid committee

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

After a brief meeting, chairman Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki and other members of the committee, as well as Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, Sports Under-secretary Andreas Fouras and Athens Mayor Demetris Avramopoulos, all of whom joined the team in Lausanne, walked with Mr. Simitis to Zappeion conference hall, for a welcome concert.

The concert began after short speeches with singers Haris Alexiou and George Dalaras among others. The Olympic Games could play a role in peace and stability in the area, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou said, speaking to the Athens News Agency at the sidelines of the concert.

"The Olympic Games give us the opportunity to prove the stabilizing role of our country in the area. We can extend a hand of peace and co-operation, and I believe that our neighbors will respond to this challenge and proposal," he said.

During the classical age, the Olympic Games were marked by a truce between warring states until the games were over.

[09] Simitis stresses urgency of meeting economic targets by 1999

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

"Remaining countries in the EU are moving ahead. The repercussions of a delay beyond 1999 would be highly dangerous, and we are not going to play with the country's fate," Mr. Simitis said in his annual economic policy speech at Thessaloniki's international trade fair.

Consumer price inflation, the bugbear of the economy, had to drop below three percent in 1998, sinking to two percent a year later, Mr. Simitis said in a written copy of his speech released to reporters.

Although the government had managed to cut inflation to roughly 5.5 percent from 8.5 percent a year ago, tight fiscal and monetary policies had to stay in place in order to drive it down further, Mr. Simitis said.

"Inflation is currently a critical problem for economic policy. Its containment to two percent in 1999 requires hard work and an appreciation of just how crucial the matter is. Persistence is needed in applying our policy," he said.

Also slated to fall under the government's 1994 plan to align with other EU countries is the fiscal deficit, which has to drop below three percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 1998. The cut would represent eight percentage points against 2.6 point s for other countries.

"1998 is an especially critical turning point ... We have before us difficult and pressing targets that we have to achieve simultaneously in two years at the most," Mr. Simitis said.

The rate of GDP growth, estimated at 3.5 percent for 1997, is forecast to rise to four percent in 1998, according to government officials.

In addition, average real wages rose in 1994-1997 by 2.7 percent, or the same as the average rate of GDP growth in the same period. In 1997 real wages increased by 3.5 percent, the same as GDP growth.

"The improvement in economic fundamentals we are achieving may be unprecedented for Greece. It does not, however, allow room for complacency, or any halt in our endeavor.

"Our targets are imperative, and our margin for deviation almost zero," Mr. Simitis said.

[10] Labor issues

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

He called for consensus on a "Social Agreement" to ensure the achievement of the major goals set by "us, as a society in general, not just as a government".

These, he said, were fiscal policy, inflation and development, goals which he stressed would not be influenced by any immediate political cost.

Containing inflation would not, he said, have a major effect on other policy goals. Prices policy for public utilities would serve the government's overall anti-inflationary goals. He called on all public utility managements to economize and improve productivity.

"The government is determined to intensify its own efforts to achieve success... Monetary union, improving the economy and infrastructure projects are opening up new opportunities for more employment, higher incomes for all, and a better standard of living."

Mr. Simitis called on businesses to take more initiatives and risks than in the past.

"Today profits are much more satisfactory than they have been in the past few years. However, business investment has not increased accordingly. If businesses can't abandon the mentality of short-term planning, then we will lose ground as a country," warned Simitis.

[11] Structural reforms

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

"No serious political intervention has any chance of success as long as administration is anachronistic and bureaucratic," he said.

Efforts would be made to attract new strategic investments from abroad, exploit technological innovations and pursue co-operation in the Balkans, the rest of Europe and Black Sea states.

Mr. Simitis warned against obstacles to competitiveness from isolated reactions that could endanger investments from abroad and jeopardize job creation.

"For example, opposition to a major gold mining investment in Halkidiki (carried out by TVX Gold of Canada) has compromised Greece and will no doubt have negative repercussions on society as a whole." Also important, he added, were a more effective use of investment resources including a review of the Community Support Framework, and reform of an existing development law to spread the burden of fiscal revitalization more evenly. Thrace, the Aegean and other outlying regions would continue to be given priority.

Meanwhile workers needed to feel their jobs were secure.

"They need to feel that they are not at risk of losing their jobs at any moment. Particularly for young people, effective ways must be found to fight unemployment."

Current educational reforms were expected to help equip youth to face the future. The 1997 budget contained an increase in funds earmarked for education, up 18.4% on 1996.

[12] Local government reforms

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

"The Ioannis Kapodistrias plan (to merge municipalities and communities) has met with resistance from the local power establishment, which prefers to sacrifice the future of local communities to personal ambition," he said.

The bill, masterminded by Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Alekos Papadopoulos, is expected to go to parliament next month.

"This program is aimed at the villager, the farmer and the livestock breeder," Mr. Simitis said. The aim of the scheme was to break the stranglehold of central administration and give the regions an active role in decision-making, he added. No new red tape would be created, and village residents would retain their tax and insurance breaks.

[13] PM criticizes ND

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

For supervisory committees in Parliament, Mr. Simitis said that the committees operated with representatives from all parties, and up to now no objections had been expressed by the opposition.

"There was always agreement, and any decisions taken up to now have been taken unanimously," he said, that is why the government accepts the manner in which the committees work.

Mr. Simitis criticized ND for withdrawing its representatives from the committees, which he said was carried out not because something was wrong with the procurements, but "under the general excuse that it didn't want to co-operate".

"How can we correct things if not everyone is willing to contribute to this? How can we proceed to procedures acceptable by public opinion when nobody takes on his responsibilities?" he asked.

[14] Opposition parties react to PM's statements

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

Responding to the prime minister's press conference in Thessaloniki yesterday and referring to large public projects, ND said that Mr. Simitis was trying to cover up what he himself said was his government's obvious weakness and failure in promoting large-scale projects such as Egnatia super-highway (transversing the north), but in vain".

Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) said that the prime minister had spent a whole year constantly describing what needs to be done when he himself does the reverse.

Mr. Simitis, "using generalities purposely, wanted to avoid any obligation for the future and tried to cover up the harsh economic policy of one-sided austerity which his government is promoting for the next two years," Synaspismos said.

The Democratic Social Party (DHKKI) charged that the prime minister avoided pledging specifically that it would accelerate the project of Egnatia Highway. Regarding the prime minister's comments on the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), he said that EMU is not a vision, nor does it agree with a country's social policies, but serves the financing and banking capital.

Political Spring president Antonis Samaras said that it was an overall rejection on the prime minister's side to clarify government policy on the larger issues concerning Greece.

Mr. Simitis, it said, was provocatively vague about relations with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey and Cyprus, and charged that he had even left open the option of unpleasant developments for Greece.

[15] Reppas' response

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Reppas said the prime minister had been very specific on issues relating to peace and stability in the area, the Cyprus problem, initiatives in the Balkans and Europe, EMU and Greece's participation, economic development, improving local government, education and health, among others.

Responding to Mr. Reppas, ND said that what the country needs is more action and less words, and charged that Mr. Simitis had "said nothing substantial on the issues the government spokesman has listed".

[16] Commissioner Papoutsis visits Thessaloniki fair

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Papoutsis said this year's organization was "excellent from every viewpoint" and said the idea the fair was devoted to the European Union this year "strengthens even more the European and international image of Greece".

The fair "expands the access Greek businesses have in Europe and the international market," he said, adding that the fair "is becoming better every year and soon it shall be one of the largest European business events".

[17] Simitis reiterates warning to Turkey on Cyprus

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

The prime minister addressed a clear warning to Turkey that any intervention in Cyprus would constitute cause for Greece to go to war, stressing that the country supports the deployment of Russian-made S-300 anti-aircraft missiles on the island. However he reiterated Greece's support for a proposal by Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides calling for the island's demilitarization, stressing that in the meantime that Cyprus has the right to enhance its defense capability.

Commenting on the FYROM name issue, Mr. Simitis called on Skopje to implement its side of the interim agreement signed between the two countries.

[18] Turkey calls for Greek demilitarization in the Aegean

Ankara, 08/09/1997 (ANA/DPA/AFP)

At a press conference yesterday, Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said that "it was impossible for Turkey to proceed to such negotiations" as going to the international court in exchange for Greece's dropping its veto for EU funds to Turkey.

"The funding from the EU is a specific obligation on the part of Europe which rises from the principles governing the Customs Union. It is useless from the part of the EU to force conditions for a promise it has not kept," Mr. Cem said.

The foreign minister also criticized Greece for "double standards", claiming that it was trying to obstruct the Madrid communiqui under which both countries must try to solve their differences by peaceful means.

Mr. Cem also said that it had called on the European Union to demilitarize the islands of the Aegean, and had sent a request to the effect to the foreign ministers of France, Italy and Luxembourg.

"The EU must immediately take into account the case of the eastern Aegean islands, which are armed despite international treaties," Mr. Cem said.

[19] Cem comments on Greek counterpart

Istanbul, 08/09/1997 (ANA-A. Kourkoulas)

Mr. Pangalos had said in a recent interview that if Turkey did not abide by international laws it should be punished by an embargo and penalties.

In a written statement yesterday, Mr. Cem said Greece was bothered by the "new government" Turkey was promoting and added, "To any specific gesture of good will from Greece, we shall respond with even greater good will" .

[20] CoE group addresses the problem of human rights in Turkey

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

The press conference was held in the wake of the group's activities in Mytilene over the weekend.

Mr. Laasko, who made an address on the issue of human rights and minorities at the seminar organized by the group, said "the problem of human rights and their consolidation in Turkey does not only concern the Kurds in Turkey but all of the country's peoples."

He said Turkey must go ahead and carry out what it has committed itself to do. It must revise articles of its constitution, of its penal code and its anti-terrorist laws, as well as what defines the operation of parties.

Mr. Laasko said that in this direction "we are expecting that Turkish Foreign Minister Mr. Cem, with whom the group had co-operated in the past in the framework of the Council of Europe, will lead the struggle for the necessary changes which must take place in Turkey."

[21] US center sees 2004 Olympics impact in Greek-Turkish relations

The Western Diplomatic Center in the United States on Saturday hailed the decision to award the 2004 Olympic Games to Athens as an important factor in Greek-Turkish relations.

"The announcement of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that Athens will host the Olympic Games of 2004 will have a decisive impact on Greek international relations, especially with Turkey," the center said.

"The international interest for peace and stability in the area has been immediately upgraded, since people call for the guarantee that the sports events will be held under a climate of co-operation and trust and within the framework of the Olympic spirit," it added. The center said that in the light of the games, Turkey would "have to reconsider its recent expansionist policy, its threats of war and the sovereignty infringements, with which it raises tension in the Aegean and Cyprus to dangerous and unacceptable levels".

[22] Niles confident peace will prevail in the region

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

Replying to a relevant question by the Athens News Agency (ANA) after the inauguration of the American pavilion at the 62nd Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), Mr. Niles said he does not feel concerned "even if problems do exist."

On the question of efforts by the United States to resolve Greek-Turkish problems and the Cyprus issue, he said that over the past four years when he was ambassador in Athens they did not advance adequately but the foundations were laid for progress to be achieved in the future.

"We had problems. I cannot say that I am pleased with all that I tried to do but this is natural," he said. Mr. Niles said his period of office in Athens was an interesting experience and expressed the wish to visit Greece again in the future but as a tourist. He also said the presence of the US at the 62nd TIF is satisfactory.

The American pavilion was jointly inaugurated by National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, Development Under-secretary Anna Diamantopoulou, Mr. Niles and the Presidents of the Hellenic American Chambers of Commerce in Athens and Thessaloniki Nikos Pitsiavas and Leonidas Kouidis.

[23] Premier notes shift towards collective approach in decision making

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

The prime minister said that the effort is always common and there is a need for support and solidarity in carrying out the government work. He pointed out that the collective approach is something new and will take time before the right pace of change is established, adding that it was natural for different views to exist within the government, provided they eventually converge.

Responding to a question about ruling party MPs crossing the parliament floor in crucial voting, the premier said he was not concerned about the phenomenon adding that the Parliament needed a more lively role. He said that PASOK and the government seek to step up the involvement of members in parliamentary procedures and have more detailed preparation of draft legislation including wider consultation with members.

Mr. Simitis made comment on what he referred to as the new rules for decision making in political parties and stressed that they must be observed. He referred to the importance of the role of the party leader in the past, in overseeing the conformity of different groups' views but stressed that today there must be a synthesis based on the views of members. "There must be a wider exchange of views, consultation and synthesis... we have moved from centralism to an era where the main objective is collectiveness" he said.

[24] Delegation from Turkey's Marmaris region to visit Rhodes

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

The delegation, headed by local officials from Marmaris, will arrive in Rhodes on Thursday and will pay a private visit, while the Dodecanese prefecture has been notified of its desire to visit the local authorities.

The Turkish delegates have also requested a meeting with representatives of the Rhodes Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Hoteliers Union to discuss issues concerning co-operation in the commercial and tourist sectors.

[25] Papantoniou reassures business circles in northern Greece

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

"This does not in any way change the great emphasis and priority the government has put on northern Greece and Thessaloniki," said the minister, speaking at the general assembly of the Central Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

In particular, priority was being given to Macedonia, Thrace and Epirus with regard to projects to be carried out within the framework of the third Community Support Framework, he said.

Referring to the need for more competitiveness and productivity, Mr. Papantoniou called on Greek business owners to proceed with mergers, and "to put aside Greek egotism".

He predicted that interest rates would drop to around seven to eight percent over the next two years.

"The idea of small investments," he said, "is over for our neighboring countries. It is now time for major investments in infrastructure projects such as transport, telecommunications and energy."

The national economy ministry, he said, was preparing a new "model" for economic transactions in the Balkans based on an orientation towards consortiums, whether between Greek businesses or with foreign firms.

He called for the support of the country's banks and other financial institutions, saying that within the next few months the ministry would be stepping up co-operation and coordination with banks.

[26] Meeting with SBBE board members

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

SBBE president Vasilis Takas presented a proposal to create an agency to represent the Greek business community abroad.

Other proposals were for infrastructure such as a center for international services, a technology enterprise for the northern Greek textile industry, an institute for the processing of fruit and vegetables and the creation of a free industrial zone.

The industrialists also called for an upgrading of the Thessaloniki Stock Exchange, a feasibility study for a Balkan trade exchange, as well as improvements to the Inter-Balkan and Black Sea Business Center.

After the meeting, the minister told the press the government would support economic co-operation with Balkan states by funding northern Greek enterprises in this direction by means of ministry initiatives.

[27] Cosmote mobile telephony network to be launched in December

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

The network was presented in Thessaloniki on Saturday by OTE's President and Managing Director, Mr. Papoulias and Mr. Lambrou, and Cosmote's President and Managing Director, Mr. Skouris and Mr. Koliris, in the framework of OTE's participation in the 62n d Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).

Mr. Papoulias said Cosmote's presentation "is the dominant event at this year's TIF." Visitors at OTE's pavilion can try the network, functioning with the high-tech system DCS 1800, provided for Cosmote by OTE's partner company, the Norwegian Telenor company.

It was pointed out during the presentation that the system's technology guarantees a clear sound and uninterrupted communication.

Mr. Skouris referred to difficulties which had to be overcome for the network to be prepared since, as he said, OTE was third in entering the mobile telephony market in Greece. However, he expressed optimism that the effort will be successful since "it is based on OTE's dynamics and Telenor's experience."

Mr. Koliris said the target is to "provide technologically advanced and economically accessible mobile telephony for every citizen" and that Cosmote's aim is to occupy a leading position in the mobile telephony market in three years' time.

The network is expected to start officially in Athens, Thessaloniki and Patras in December. The linking to the network of the country's three biggest urban centers is tantamount, as it was stressed, to coverage for 50 per cent of the Greek population. T he next stage will be to link the Thessaloniki-Athens-Patras national road network and during which rural towns along it will join the network, while the network's expansion to remaining cities and the islands is expected to be completed by the year 2000.

Mr. Papoulias said that during the period from September 1996 to September 1997 OTE had revenues amounting to 750 billion drachmas, profits totaling 250 billion and a dividend per share of 180 drachmas.

He also referred to OTE's entry into the Stock Exchange for a second time with 10 per cent of its share capital and from which 190 billion drachmas were obtained for OTE's investment needs and 150 billion for the state. He further underlined OTE's prestige in international markets and the fact that its shareholders amount to 300,000.

[28] More than 7,000 infrastructure projects underway

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis made the statement on Saturday during his visit to the ministry's pavilion which is functioning in the framework of the 62nd Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).

Mr. Laliotis said these projects will make Greece modern and powerful at the end of the century, adding that support will be provided after the year 2000 by the third Community Support Framework which is currently being shaped.

Replying to a questioner on whether the rates of carrying out projects in rural areas will be decreased in view of the Athens Olympiad in 2004 and the need to complete infrastructure projects in the Attica prefecture, Mr. Laliotis said "the projects which have got underway are proceeding and will be completed according to plan."

[29] Greek railways speeds ahead for year 2000

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

He said a program, timetable and clear targets exist, adding that what is necessary are swift moves. Replying to questions by the press whether the change in leadership at the Transport and Communications Ministry will affect the speed of planned projects being carried out, Mr. Mantelis said it will not and that "acceleration will take place. We will proceed faster."

[30] Electronic Business Bank

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

The organization of the electronic bank, constituting an integrated system for providing business information, was presented on Saturday during KEEE's extraordinary general assembly at the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The system, in cooperation with the Union's 58 chamber-members, coordinates and utilizes business information and allows any interested party to have access to them through Internet.

[31] European architects meet in Drama

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

At this phase architecture students and professors are visiting marble industries in the Drama prefecture as well as marble quarries in the regions of Drama and Thasos. The contact between architects and the marble production sector is taking place since the participation of marble as a building material in the building of houses, among others, is the primary issue of this year's meeting.

The meeting of architects will come to an end tomorrow at the amphitheater of Drama's public library where the scientific conclusions reached will be presented.

Among others, this year's meeting was attended by famous architects such as professor Robert Cawdroy from Newcastle University in Australia and professor Iean Francois Mabardi from Belgium's Louvain La Noir University.

[32] Service held in Athens in memory of Princess Diana

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

"She crossed the barriers of age, culture, nationality and language, and touched the hearts of millions who never knew her," British Ambassador to Greece Sir Michael Llewellyn Smith said during the service.

"They all felt that she understood them, and that she belonged in part to them. That must have been a comfort to her as well as a burden," he added.

The ambassador thanked all who had come to the British Embassy to sign the condolence book and leave messages, and those who had sent flowers and contributed to a charity fund in her memory.

"Greece played a special part in her life, and the Greek people as well as the British in Greece had a place for her in their hearts," he said.

[33] Book of condolences for Mother Teresa

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

The book will be open today through Wednesday, 11:00 -13:00, at 1, Karachristou Street, Kolonaki, near the Navy hospital.

[34] Navy chief visits Norway

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

He will visit navy bases and units and discuss the options of co-operation on issues of common interest.

He will return on Thursday and the next day will visit Cartagena to attend the handover ceremonies for STANAVFORMED, the permanent NATO navy in the Mediterranean region.

[35] International seminar continues on Halki island

Athens, 08/09/1997 (ANA)

The seminar, an annual event for the past four years, is held by the Hellenic Institute of European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP), with the support of the European Union, the Western European Union, NATO, the general secretariat of youth and other agencies.

This year the seminar includes 200 participants, including former prime ministers, foreign ministers, diplomats and journalists.

Saturday's topics included democratic institutions, minorities and human rights in central and eastern Europe.

End of English language section.

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