Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-10-09
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1310), October 9, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Simitis says gov't committed to changes, regardless of political
cost
[02] MPs told to toe party line on Kapodistrias
[03] ND reaction
[04] DHKKI
[05] PM: 'Step-by-step' approach to guide policy vis-a-vis Ankara
[06] Ankara back-tracks on Madrid
[07] Tsohatzopoulos
[08] Greece's Georgiou elected president of ATA
[09] Greece, Romania to confer on public administration
[10] Cem repeats Ankara's claims, leaves door open for talks
[11] Possible meeting between Greek, Turkish NATO reps
[12] Greece condemns Turkish policy of continuously presenting demands
[13] US State Department list of terrorist groups
[14] Greece to send help to quake-stricken Italy
[15] ELBO unveils new armoured vehicle model
[16] Holbrooke: Recent Greek-Turkish impasse won't affect US effort
on Cyprus
[17] US official cites Athens, Ankara resolve to solve differences
[18] Papoutsis-Kasoulides meeting in Brussels
[19] Dutch royal couple visit Meteora, 2004 headquarters
[20] No extra cash for Athens metro contractors, minister says
[21] More EIB funding for Egnatia acquired
[22] CoE members inspect living conditions for Moslem minorities
[23] Gov't calls on trade union 'not to pose dilemmas' in social
dialogue
[24] EU to take legal action to open up telecoms
[25] OA discounts on European destinations
[26] ELBO nets 90 bln Dr contract for Greek armed forces
[27] Elderly in Greece show high chronic depression rates
[28] Antiquities smugglers arrested, artifacts confiscated
[29] Greek stocks hit new record close, approach 1,800 pts
[30] Greek state telecom orders Dr 70 bln of supplies
[31] Athens hosts conference on public admin in central/eastern Europe
[32] ETBA contracts increase in first eight-month period
[33] Ergo mutual funds perform above average
[01] Simitis says gov't committed to changes, regardless of political
cost
Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis pledged yesterday that the
government would proceed along with its choices regardless of
any political cost, stressing that Greek citizens were demanding
modernization and an economy which would improve their standard
of living. Addressing the ruling PASOK party's Parliamentary
group, Mr. Simitis said all the government's efforts were aimed
at making Greece strong, noting that the position in which the
country will find itself at the beginning of the next century
depended on its course within the European Union (EU) and
negotiations concerning the future of the EU.
It was also a demand of the Greek people, he said, that the
country not be relegated to the fringes of Europe, but to attain
the targets of economic convergence within the prescribed time
and to be placed among the "hard core" of EU countries.
Referring to his government's achievements in the economic
sector, Mr. Simitis cited the reduction in the deficit as a
percentage of GDP by ten percentage points, the reduction of
inflation from 14.4 per cent in 1993 to 4.9 per cent last month
and the increase in the rate of growth from 1 per cent to 3.5
per cent in the period 1993-1997.
Underlining that citizens were demanding further reforms to
complete the modernization of Greek society, Mr. Simitis said
that when the government first implements these reforms "there
will be some who will not be pleased, who will protest and exert
pressure".
However, he added, the ills of society must be abolished and
"unhealthy pockets of interests and negative social attitudes
must be quashed".
Responding to recent protests around the country against the
government's "Kapodistrias" plan to streamline local government
through compulsory mergers of small communities and
municipalities, Mr. Simitis described the program as "a very
important reform which cannot be sacrificed on the altar of
parochial considerations of political cost".
Referring to the upcoming parliamentary vote on the
"Kapodistrias" bill, Mr. Simitis said party discipline would
apply to PASOK deputies with respect to the number and names of
the new municipalities to be formed, but not other provisions of
the bill.
Mr. Simitis said that 7,000 "life-giving" works were currently
in progress around the country, predicting that in the next few
years the face of the country would change radically up until
the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004.
[02] MPs told to toe party line on Kapodistrias
Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)
Government spokesman Demetris Reppas said later that the party
discipline which would apply to PASOK deputies during the debate
on the "Kapodistrias" bill was "necessary and useful".
Asked whether deputies defying the call would face expulsion
from the party, Mr. Reppas replied: "Costas Simitis will govern
in the most effective manner in order to realize the task for
which the Greek people chose him."
Asked whether party discipline would apply also for the budget
debate, in light of disagreement with the government's economic
policy expressed by some PASOK deputies, Mr. Reppas noted that
the budget vote by convention had the nature of a confidence
vote, "since if the budget is voted down it would be tantamount
to a vote against the government's economic policy as a whole."
[03] ND reaction
Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)
The main opposition New Democracy (ND) party reacted to the
prime minister's reference to the "Kapodistrias" plan by saying
"Mr. Simitis decides the compulsive unification of towns and
communities and orders his party's Parliamentary group to vote
the relevant draft bill without any disagreements".
ND condemned what it termed was an "arbitrary" attitude and
claimed that this was proven by ordering that disagreements in
his Parliamentary group be silenced.
Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)
The Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) said Mr. Simitis should
refer to clashes within the parliamentary group should be
addressed to the economic establishment, not the popular masses
which feel strongly the repercussions of the government's
anti-popular and authoritative policies.
[05] PM: 'Step-by-step' approach to guide policy vis-a-vis Ankara
Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday reiterated Greece's
insistence that a step-by-step approach, involving international
adjudication, was the way forward in solving differences with
Turkey.
"Only if Turkey adapts its policy to fall in line with
international rules and international law will it find support
from Greece in its course towards Europe," Mr. Simitis said in
an address to the ruling PASOK party's Parliamentary group.
Greece, he added, insisted on the principles of the joint
communique signed by Athens and Ankara in Madrid over the
summer, as well as on the "step-by-step" rapprochement of the
two countries, starting from a referral of the Turkish claim on
the eastern Aegean Imia islets to the International Court at The
Hague.
"If this does not happen, it is not possible to free financial
aid to Turkey by the EU," he said.
The premier said Greece would never allow its sovereign rights
to be the subject of any dialogue nor to be disputed.
He criticized Turkey, saying that its aggressive stance and
failure to acknowledge the rules of international law not only
posed a threat to Greece but to the entire region. "The region
needs stability and for this reason all the countries of the
region should condemn each aggressive policy which is aimed at
revising established borders, international rules and
international practice," he said.
The premier stressed that the promotion of friendship and
co-operation were in the interests of both Greece and Turkey,
while noting that "short reckoning makes long friends".
[06] Ankara back-tracks on Madrid
Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)
Commenting on the recent talks between Foreign Minister
Theodoros Pangalos and his Turkish counterpart, Ismail Cem, on
the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Mr. Simitis said
Ankara had tried to revert to its previous tactics, "refusing to
accept even the most elementary logical consequences of the
positions to which it agreed in Madrid".
The premier reiterated that Greece would continue to exercise
its foreign policy with continuous initiatives while at the same
time strengthening its armed forces "with determination".
Mr. Simitis said he had great expectations from next month's
Balkan Summit on Crete, expressing the hope that it would
constitute a landmark in creating "a new quality" in relations
between the countries of the region.
[07] Tsohatzopoulos
Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)
Also referring to Greek-Turkish issues, National Defense
Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said Greece was prepared to discuss
bilateral problems, but cautioned that "the logic of compromise
and appeasement" does not lead to the attainment of national
aims.
"Greece is prepared to discuss the problems existing between the
two countries, but remains steadfast on the basic
pre-conditions, that is, that international law and treaties
apply in the Aegean region, and there is nothing for
negotiation. Turkey must understand that we cannot formulate our
relations on the basis of the supposed problems existing between
the two countries," he stated in Thessaloniki.
He called on Turkey "to stop functioning as a destabilizing
factor in the region".
Commenting on Turkey's absence from NATO's "Dynamic Mix"
military exercise in various parts of Greece last week, he said:
"For decades Greece's participation in NATO exercises was not
possible because Turkey managed to mobilize the majority in
directions which in the end blocked our own participation. I
think it has become understood this time, with a steady position
on our part and without high tones, but with resoluteness and
insistence on certain principles, that there can be co-operation
between NATO members and exercises held in the broader region of
the eastern Mediterranean in the measure that Greece's
contribution is evaluated as basic. We have proved this, it is a
fact."
[08] Greece's Georgiou elected president of ATA
Sofia, 09/10/1997 (BTA/ANA)
Greek Atlantic and European Co-operation Association President
Theodossis Georgiou is the new President of the Atlantic Treaty
Association (ATA), elected to the post by absolute majority at
the final session of the ATA General Assembly in Sofia.
He replaces Haluk Bayulken, a Turkish career diplomat. ATA also
has three new vice presidents - Alan Lee Williams of the UK,
Jean-Antoine Giansily of France, and Troels Froling of Denmark.
ATA Secretary General Alfred Cahen and Vice President Solomon
Passi retained their posts as they were elected only a year ago.
ATA will persevere in establishing a radically new organization
that will obliterate the bitter memories of the Cold War, Mr.
Georgiou told the delegates after his election.
[09] Greece, Romania to confer on public administration
Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)
Public Administration Under-secretary Stavros Benos will meet
with his Romanian counterpart Grigore Lapusanu tomorrow for an
exchange of views on issues related to their area of competence.
The talks will be held against the background of the interest
expressed by Bucharest to join the European Union.
The meeting will take place on the sidelines of the seminar
"Administration and European Unification" which has been
organized under the OECD's Sigma program.
A nine-member Parliamentary delegation leaves for Bucharest
today to attend the annual North Atlantic Assembly summit.
The summit, titled "Trans-Atlantic relations with an expanded
Alliance" will be held from October 9-14.
[10] Cem repeats Ankara's claims, leaves door open for talks
Ankara, 09/10/1997 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)
Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said yesterday that Turkey
wished to "leave the door open" for a continuation of
Greek-Turkish dialogue, while reiterating the views that led to
the deadlock in his meeting with Foreign Minister Theodoros
Pangalos in New York last month.
At a press conference to sum up his first three months in
office, Mr. Cem reiterated Turkey's refusal to refer the Imia
islet issue to the International Court at The Hague, but instead
contended that its demand that the Dodecanese islands be
demilitarized should be referred to the Court.
"We want friendship with Greece, but we do not want our rights
to be ignored," said Mr. Cem, adding that he believed "the world
is leaning in favour of Turkey's positions".
The Turkish minister expanded in depth on Ankara's positions,
that led to the deadlock in last month's talks with Mr. Pangalos.
He left open the issue of whether it would be "useful" to have
another meeting with Mr. Pangalos at next month's Balkan summit
in Crete, although he said a meeting between the two prime
ministers would take place there.
"At this moment there doesn't appear to be a reason for such a
meeting (with Mr. Pangalos)," he said.
"The Turkish government wants the Aegean to act as a bridge of
friendship," he added, also referring to three major economic
co-operation programs which he said could begin at once.
Mr. Cem expressed the view that Greece saw Turkey as part of the
domestic political problem, adding that Turkey "expects Greece
to behave rationally".
Meanwhile, in a written statement distributed by the Turkish
foreign ministry after the press conference, Mr. Cem appears to
be maintaining that Ankara is to ask NATO to discuss Greece's
alleged connections with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
The allegations were made by a supposed Kurdish defector from
the PKK to the British newspaper "Observer".
"We will be sending the related documents to the NATO secretary
general," the statement said.
With regard to the Cyprus issue, the Turkish foreign minister
was careful to avoid the type of references made by other
members of his government, and reiterated that Turkey would
examine in good time, and not at the last minute "the military
and security aspect of the missiles issue", referring to the
planned purchase by Cyprus of Russian-made S-300 missiles.
[11] Possible meeting between Greek, Turkish NATO reps
Brussels, 09/10/1997 (ANA/G. Daratos)
Tomorrow's meeting of Greece and Turkey's permanent diplomatic
representatives at NATO, at the invitation of NATO Secretary
General Javier Solana, will be of a typical nature if ultimately
carried out.
According to diplomatic sources in Brussels, Mr. Solana's ideas
and proposals on decreasing tension in the Aegean, known as
confidence-building measures, are being expected, but have not
yet reached any of the two sides.
However, until late on Tuesday night NATO's General Secretariat
had not officially announced that the two permanent
representatives, G. Savvaidis and T. Oceri, had been invited for
tomorrow.
The same sources said that in the event that Mr. Solana presents
his new ideas, the Greek side will state that it will examine
them and give a reply in the next few weeks.
[12] Greece condemns Turkish policy of continuously presenting demands
New York, 09/10/1997 (ANA/M. Georgiadou)
Greece's permanent representative to the United Nations has
expressed regret at Turkey's tactic of continually presenting
demands aimed at changing the status quo in the Aegean.
"Nevertheless, it is a fact, and not propaganda, that Turkey has
presented since 1974 an open-ended agenda of claims that
converge into the single objective of revising the existing
status quo in the Aegean," he said.
Replying to statements by his Turkish counterpart on October 3,
he said that in its attempts to lay claim to the Imia islet and
the island of Gavdos last year, as well as its references to
"grey areas" in the Aegean, Turkey was distorting the truth.
"In order to deny these facts, my colleague has distorted
realities," he said.
"Turkey maintains that all its claims against Greece can be
solved through dialogue, without any reference to international
law," the diplomat said, adding that no country would accept
such a dialogue that would legalize claims that had no basis in
inter national law.
"One cannot begin a dialogue with a neighbour who wants to take
away part of one's sovereignty," he said.
"Turkey asserts that the whole range of arbitrary claims that
she has put forward concerning Greek sovereignty or sovereign
rights in the Aegean should be resolved through dialogue, a
convenient code-word for negotiations without reference to the
rules and principles of International Law. Such a dialogue is
unacceptable for any country because it would legitimize claims
that have no foundation in International Law. You cannot conduct
a dialogue with a neighbour that intends to acquire parts of
your sovereign territory," he added.
He referred to Greece's proposal for a step-by-step process to
improve relations with Turkey, a process which entailed
referring Turkey's claim on Imia to the International Court at
The Hague, for both countries to refer to the same body the
issue of the continental shelf, as well as a dialogue on a
series of bilateral issues already agreed upon.
"Turkey has constantly rejected the realistic approach offered
by successive Greek governments," he said.
Greece had no claims against Turkey, other than it adopt
good-neighbourly relations, as laid out in the Madrid communique
signed this summer, calling for respect for existing provisions
in international law and treaties determining existing borders.
"The bottom line in Greek-Turkish relations is really very
simple as far as Greece is concerned: on our side, we have no
claims, or designs of any kind against Turkey. We have no
demands from Turkey, other than good neighboring relations based
on respect for the principles of International Law and
Treaties," he said.
Greece, he added, continued to support the principles contained
in the communique and urged Turkey to follow Greece's realistic
approach to all issues that were casting their shadow over
bilateral relations, "in the spirit of Madrid," he said.
"We call again upon Turkey to submit to the general jurisdiction
of the Court, as Greece has done, and follow our realistic
approach for clearing the issues that shadow our relations
within the spirit prescribed by our Madrid statement," he
concluded.
[13] US State Department list of terrorist groups
Washington, 09/10/1997 (ANA)
US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright released a list
yesterday of 30 groups Washington officially considers as
terrorist.
This action "sends a powerful signal that the United States will
not tolerate support for international terrorism", she stated in
an announcement yesterday.
Ms. Albright acted under the authority provided by the US
federal government's Anti-terrorism and Effective Death Penalty
Act of 1996, with the concurrence of the US Attorney General and
the US Secretary of the Treasury, the announcement said.
It explained that on Oct. 1 the State Department notified
Congress of Ms. Albright's intent to designate 30 foreign
terrorist organizations. Congress also received the factual
bases for her decisions on each of the designations, it added.
The formal announcement of the designations was placed in the
Federal Register on Oct. 8, and the Department of the Treasury
has notified financial institutions to block funds of the
designated organizations.
"The designations are a significant addition to (US) enforcement
tools against international terrorists and their supporters," it
said.
It added, "The 1996 law makes it a criminal offence to provide
funds or other forms of material support or resources, such as
weapons or safe-houses, to designated foreign terrorist
organizations".
The law applies to anyone within the United States or subject to
the jurisdiction of this country, while violators are subject to
fines and up to 10 years in prison.
The 30 terrorist organizations from Asia, Latin America, the
Middle and Far East, Africa and Europe include the two shadowy
Greece-based groups, referred to as "Revolutionary Organization
17 November" and the "Revolutionary People's Struggle" (ELA).
[14] Greece to send help to quake-stricken Italy
Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)
The environment, town planning and public works ministry will
send assistance to the Italian government following a recent
destructive earthquake in central Italy.
Responding to an Italian request, the ministry said that within
October it will send 15 portable units to be used for the
housing of earthquake victims.
[15] ELBO unveils new armoured vehicle model
Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)
A new type of armoured vehicle has been unveiled by the Hellenic
Vehicles Industry (ELBO) for potential use by the Greek armed
forces, ELBO president Lycourgos Sakelaris announced yesterday.
At an event attended by National Defense Minister Akis
Tsohatzopoulos, Mr. Sakelaris said that the "Centaur" model is
slightly larger than the armoured personnel carrier "Leonidas"
and features a gun and machine gun.
It is a tracked vehicle which can reach a speed of up to 70km
per hour and will be used to support infantry units.
Armed forces officers will be shown the plans for the vehicle in
Athens in a fortnight and decide if it is worth producing.
[16] Holbrooke: Recent Greek-Turkish impasse won't affect US effort
on Cyprus
Washington, 09/10/1997 (ANA/T. Ellis)
The recent failure of a US effort to record progress in
Greek-Turkish relations will not affect Washington's efforts on
the Cyprus issue, special US presidential emissary on the Cyprus
issue Richard Holbrooke said yesterday.
After a meeting at the Greek embassy with ethnic Greek residents
in the US, Mr. Holbrooke said he planned to visit Athens, Ankara
and Nicosia but did not know exactly when.
He said that at this point he would concentrate his efforts on
economic co-operation between Greek and Turkish businessmen and
on promoting economic ties between the two communities on Cyprus.
[17] US official cites Athens, Ankara resolve to solve differences
Washington, 09/10/1997 (ANA/T. Ellis)
Athens and Ankara have shown a willingness to resolve their
differences, US President Bill Clinton's national security
adviser told the 13th Hellenic-American Conference on Tuesday.
Samuel Berger referred to differences which, he said, exist on
land, air and at sea, saying that prospects for their resolution
have been improved. He added that what is needed now "is an
agreement on a process for resolution" so that at a time when
NATO is preparing to welcome new republics, two of its oldest
member-states will put an end to their differences.
Mr. Berger also spoke of the Clinton administration's commitment
to promoting peace in the Mediterranean.
"We care about the region, not only because of the
Hellenic-American community and the strategic position of
Greece, but also because we see the potential that real peace
can bring the people of Greece, Turkey and Cyprus...", he said.
[18] Papoutsis-Kasoulides meeting in Brussels
Brussels, 09/10/1997 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)
Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides held talks with EU
Commissioner Christos Papoutsis here last night.
Shortly afterwards, both officials said the meeting was
extremely useful.
Mr. Papoutsis said the Commission's position is known that
accession negotiations with Cyprus will start in 1998, adding
that he and Mr. Kasoulides discussed how the small and
medium-sized enterprises of Cyprus could be supported by
European Union funds .
Mr. Kasoulides said he was pleased both by his meeting with the
Commissioner and with contacts he had with EU officials in past
days, stressing that the climate he found was definitely better
compared to his latest visit to European capitals.
[19] Dutch royal couple visit Meteora, 2004 headquarters
Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)
Queen Beatrix and Prince Klaus of the Netherlands continued
their three-day official trip to Greece yesterday with a visit
to a monastery perched atop a unique tower-like rock formation
at Meteora in central Greece.
The royal couple, accompanied by Dutch officials, arrived at
Larisa airport yesterday morning and were flown to Meteora by
helicopter. Queen Beatrix visited the Monastery of the
Transfiguration, the largest of the monasteries at Meteora,
which literally translates as 'suspended in mid air'.
Beatrix was welcomed by the Bishop of Stages and Meteora,
Serapheim, and the abbot of the monastery, Archimandrite
Athanasios. During her stay, she listened to Byzantine hymns,
while Archimandrite Athanasios provided a brief history of the
monastery, before presenting the Dutch Queen with an icon and a
commemorative book.
Yesterday's visit to Meteora was Queen Beatrix's second, having
visited with her husband in 1961 when she was still a princess.
During a special ceremony, held later yesterday afternoon at the
Athens Town Hall, Queen Beatrix was handed the city's gold key
and gold medal by Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos.
Addressing the Dutch Queen, Mr. Avramopoulos stressed that
Greece and the Netherlands were on a common course in the
European Union.
Afterwards, the Dutch queen visited the Athens 2004 bid
committee's headquarters in Zappeion Hall.
Beatrix congratulated Greece on winning the hosting of the
Olympic Games of 2004.
"I am sure you will succeed in this great challenge since you
have the appropriate human resources", she said.
Beatrix also toured the Merchant Marine Training Centre (KESEN)
in Piraeus.
The royal couple will visit the "Treasures of Mount Athos"
exhibition today. The Byzantine Museum of Thessaloniki will be
closed to the public between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to allow the
Dutch royal couple to view the exhibits.
[20] No extra cash for Athens metro contractors, minister says
Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)
Environment, Town Planning an d Public Works Minister Costas
Laliotis yesterday criticized the international consortium
building the Athens metro over its attitude to geological
problems uncovered in central Athens during construction. Mr.
Laliotis said Olympic Metro, the project's contractor,
comprising more than 20 firms from Greece and abroad, was fully
responsible for assessing geological data and selecting the
method of digging underground tunnels.
"The Olympic Metro consortium is fully responsible and the
ministry will not earmark any more funds to deal with the new
problems," he told reporters.
Mr. Laliotis was responding to hints by a representative of the
consortium over the need for extra funds for the additional
works required.
Earlier, Mr. Laliotis chaired a meeting of political party
representatives, with the exception of the main opposition
conservative New Democracy party, to outline developments.
He stressed that works to build the Metro were being conducted
safely in terms of both people and buildings, and dismissed talk
of possible seismic problems.
[21] More EIB funding for Egnatia acquired
Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)
Completion of the eastern part of the Egnatia Motorway project
will now proceed after a contract for the first installment of a
European Investment Bank (EIB) loan of 70 billion drachmas was
signed yesterday in Thessaloniki.
The contract was signed by Environment, Town Planning and Public
Works Minister Costas Laliotis and EIB vice-president Panagiotis
Gennimatas. Egnatia will span the breadth of northern Greece
when completed, connecting the Ionian port of Igoumenitsa with
the Greek-Turkish border.
The eastern part of Egnatia relates to the Kavala by-pass and
Komotini-Kipoi stretch.
Mr. Gennimatas said that though the Komitini-Kipoi road will be
of "low return", it will be funded by the EIB because it serves
the economic development of Thrace. He added that the
construction of the Egnatia Motorway "signaled the open
proposals for co-operation and strengthening of economic ties
with the other side (Turkey)."
Mr. Gennimatas announced that next month he will travel to
Turkey in order to hold discussions on a proposal for the
extension of Egnatia as far as Istanbul, the construction of
which will probably be co-funded by the two countries.
On his part, Mr. Laliotis gave assurances that no cuts will be
made on other major projects, including the proposed
Thessaloniki metro.
[22] CoE members inspect living conditions for Moslem minorities
Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)
A Council of Europe (CoE) committee responsible for overseeing
the application of obligations by member-states completed its
tour of Thrace yesterday.
The committee for maintaining obligations and commitments of
member-states of the CoE's parliamentary assembly spent three
days visiting Xanthi, Rodopi and Evros prefectures to examine
the living conditions of the Moslem minority in those areas.
The visit follows protests claiming discrimination by Athens
against members of the minority.
The two-member committee is expected to arrive in Athens today
to meet with ministers and deputies, in order to prepare a
report for the council on their findings.
[23] Gov't calls on trade union 'not to pose dilemmas' in social
dialogue
Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)
Government spokesman Demetris Reppas yesterday called on social
partners, particularly trade unions, to "weigh their own
interests in relation to the interests of Greek society", amid
unrest emerging among participants in the government-initiated
process of social dialogue on economic and labour issues.
Labour Minister Miltiades Papaioannou also called on the trade
unions "not to pose dilemmas" and to formulate their stand
"beyond expediencies", when asked about the repercussions of a
likely walk out of the General Confederation of Greek Workers
(GSEE) delegation from the dialogue.
"I do not wish to become a prophet of doom, but in such a case,
the government is ready to adopt the necessary decisions," he
said.
Coalition of the Left and Progress-affiliated GSEE delegates
later called on the trade union to walk out from the dialogue,
describing the process as "heavy-handed persuasion".
In a letter to GSEE's board, Communist Party of Greece
(KKE)-affiliated trade unionists called for an immediate
withdrawal, a change in course and escalation of mobilizations,
starting with the general strike of Oct. 23.
They warned participants in the dialogue that they do not have
"any authorization" to sign an agreement on the crucial issues
under discussion, the eight-hour working day, full employment,
social security, and free collective bargaining.
In the face of a likely withdrawal of all other
party-affilitated sides from the dialogue, GSEE President
Christos Polyzogopoulos said trade unions would maintain until
the end "the responsible, mature and beneficial for the workers
stand".
Meanwhile, the civil servants' union (ADEDY) warned in a
statement that the government's insistence on a mass extension
of part-time employment in the public sector could "dynamite"
the process of dialogue, claiming that the measure falsified the
permanent employment status of civil servants and led to a major
loss of jobs.
[24] EU to take legal action to open up telecoms
Brussels, 09/10/1997 (Reuter)
The European Commission said yesterday it plan-ned to take legal
action before the end of the month against several European
Union (EU) countries that have not properly opened their
telecoms markets to competition.
EU Competition Commissioner Karel Van Miert strongly hinted that
Greece and Belgium would be among the target countries but
declined to give further details.
Mr. Van Miert made the comments when unveiling the Commission's
latest "report card" on the actions taken in each of the 15
member states to liberalize their telecommunications markets.
The report said that most EU states were on course to meet the
January 1, 1998 deadline for abolishing all state telecoms
monopolies, but that others needed to make "considerably more
effort".
It said the Commission planned to open "infringement procedures"
-- which could ultimately end up before the European Court of
Justice -- against the recalcitrant governments.
"The champion in this division would be Greece," he told a news
conference when asked which countries would be targeted.
Greece won an exemption which gives it until January 1, 2001 to
open its voice telephone market. But the report shows that it
has lagged in implementing other EU rules in areas including
mobile phone infrastructure and "intercon-nection" agreements
between rival phone companies.
Mr. Van Miert also criticized Belgium, noting that it had not
yet adopted key texts on licensing and "tariff rebalancing" --
that is, orienting tariffs to actual costs rather than having
long-distance calls subsidize local ones.
"(Belgian) texts are being prepared but we haven't yet reached a
stage where the procedure can be started for the granting of
licenses -- and competition has to be up and working from the
start of next year," he said.
[25] OA discounts on European destinations
Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)
Olympic Airways is reducing its fares by up to 35 per cent as of
October 1, to 15 destinations in Europe from Athens and
Thessaloniki. The fares apply to the entire winter season.
The return fare from Athens and Thessaloniki to London drops
from 169,000 to 92,000 drachmas, Brussels from 186,000 to 89,000
drachmas and to Dusseldorf from 161,400 to 77,000 drachmas.
[26] ELBO nets 90 bln Dr contract for Greek armed forces
Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)
The Hellenic Vehicles Industry (ELBO) is to undertake a 90
billion drachma program on behalf of the Greek armed forces for
the manufacture of wheeled military vehicles.
Making the announcement yesterday in Thessaloniki, National
Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said ELBO would be
commissioned to undertake the program within the next three to
four months. The procurement includes 2,000 large- and medium-
size trucks, 611 multi-purpose vehicles, 88 military buses and
dozens of jeeps. "
It is necessary for co-operation between ELBO and the armed
forces to be intensified within the framework of the general
effort to bolster our defense, which constitutes a prerequisite
for consolidating a climate of security in the region, and which
in t urn will facilitate the economic development of the
country," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said.
During a visit to ELBO's installations yesterday, Mr.
Tsohatzopoulos signed an agreement on behalf of the national
defense ministry for the procurement of 57 Leonidas-type
armoured personnel carriers at a cost of 19 billion drachmas.
[27] Elderly in Greece show high chronic depression rates
Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)
More than 200,000 elderly Greeks suffer from chronic depression,
the Greek Gerontological and Geriatric Association said
yesterday.
In an announcement for a seminar on the issue on Monday in
Thessaloniki, the association said that 8 per cent of the total
population experiences a depression crisis at least once a year.
The percentage of younger people was lower, while 20 per cent of
senior citizens suffered from chronic depression, experts said,
with more men affected.
Therapy could obliterate the problem, they said, but most people
didn't even know they were suffering from the disorder.
The association said the aged showed a higher rate of affliction
mainly because most are no longer part of the labour force and
felt they were useless to society, even if they lived with their
children's families.
[28] Antiquities smugglers arrested, artifacts confiscated
Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)
Antiquities smugglers in possession of five statues depicting
the ancient goddess Artemis, all dug up in a rural area of
Thessaloniki, were arrested by police when they attempted to
sell the artifacts.
Police arrested Georgios Triantafyllou, 60, on Tuesday after
finding three parts of the statues and two parts from busts of
the same goddess in the basement of his bar in Liti,
Thessaloniki. Archaeologists said the findings are priceless and
date back t o the 2nd century BC.
Police said the statues were found 12 years ago at the location
"Tessari" in the rural region of Lagino, Thessaloniki by Nikos
Leloudis, 44, and Apostolos Polyzoudis, 44, who hid them in the
formers' stall.
They gave them to Triantafyllou last May to sell, according to
reports.
[29] Greek stocks hit new record close, approach 1,800 pts
Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)
Greek equities resumed their upward trend to post a new record
close on the Athens Stock Exchange yesterday supported by a fall
in inflation and a decision by National Bank of Greece to cut
deposit and loan rates. The general index closed 1.07 percent
higher at 1,794.14 points. Traders predicted that the index
would break the 1,800 level by the end of the week.
Sector indices scored big gains. Banks rose 0.85 percent,
Insurance was 0.82 percent higher, Leasing jumped 7.12 percent,
Investment soared 2.41 percent, Construction was 0.30 percent
up, Industrials rose 1.29 percent, Miscellaneous increased 0.63
percent and Holding was 3.07 percent up.
The parallel market index for small cap companies bucked the
trend to end 0.12 percent down.
Trading was extremely heavy and turnover was 31.4 billion
drachmas.
Broadly, advancers led decliners by 172 to 65 with another 20
issues unchanged.
Sanyo, Fourlis, Halkor, Macedonian Plastics, Alte, Chipita,
Metka and Alcatel scored the biggest percentage gains, while
Lanakam, Benroubi, Medical Centre and Kambas suffered the
heaviest losses.
National Bank of Greece ended at 33,140 drachmas, Ergobank at
19,710, Alpha Credit at 20,995, Delta Dairy at 4,240, Titan
Cement at 16,880, Intracom at 15,450 and Hellenic
Telecommunications Organization at 6,900.
In the domestic foreign exchange market the US dollar rose
fractionally against the drachma.
[30] Greek state telecom orders Dr 70 bln of supplies
Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)
Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (EOT) will sign a
series of contracts worth 70 billion drachmas for supplies over
the next five years, its board said yesterday.
The state telecom's board also decided to appeal to the Council
of State, the country's highest administrative court, over a
decision to abolish a decision by the national
telecommunications committee allowing higher connection fees in
the mobile telephone network.
[31] Athens hosts conference on public admin in central/eastern Europe
Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)
Greece is ready to give countries of central and eastern Europe
the benefit of its experience in reshaping public administration.
"This will contribute decisively to the task of administrative
reorganization," Public Administration Under-secretary Stavros
Benos told the first day of a seminar for civil servants in the
region, yesterday.
The government was aware of the difficulties facing
administrators in central and eastern Europe in adapting to
unification of the European Union, and the role of public
administration in achieving unity was crucial, Mr. Benos said.
Greece has devised a scheme to reform local government, which
has yet to be voted by parliament, and is trying to streamline
operations in state services. The three-day seminar on
administration and European unification is being held under
Sigma, a program run by the Organization of Economic
Coope-ration and Development.
Hosting the event are Greece's interior, public administration
and decentralization ministry with the National Centre for
Public Administration.
[32] ETBA contracts increase in first eight-month period
Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)
New contracts concluded by the Hellenic Industrial Development
Bank (ETBA) over the January-August period increased by 122 per
cent and amounted to five billion drachmas, compared to 2.3
billion drachmas over the corresponding period last year.
The target set by the company's administration is seven billion
drachmas by the end of the year, a development meaning more than
doubling 1996 figures.
Following the example set by the mother bank, the company is
penetrating markets in Romania and Moldova. Lastly, ETBA Leasing
is applying a plan to receive poor debts stemming from contracts
which are not being serviced.
[33] Ergo mutual funds perform above average
Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)
Total assets for Ergobank mutual funds totaled 601 billion
drachmas on Sept. 30, achieving an 82.86 per cent increase
against the corresponding period last year.
During January-September 1997, the corresponding increase is
62.6 per cent, or 231 billion drachmas.
Assets for Ergobank Anaptyxiako mutual funds totaled 15.8
billion drachmas, an increase of 1.46 per cent since the
beginning of the year. Its total return of 79.72 per cent since
the beginning of the year places it at the top level in its
category and is considerably higher than the average in that
category (75.26 per cent).
Increases were also registered in assets of other categories of
Ergo mutual funds.
End of English language section.
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