Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-11-29
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1353), November 29, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Simitis sums up London talks
[02] Tories support start of EU-Cyprus accession talks
[03] PM meets shipowners
[04] Paris visit
[05] Premier accepts idea for WEU summit on Euro-defense issues
[06] EU backs use of energy networks in SE Europe
[07] EU to begin enlargement talks March 31, Cook says
[08] Pangalos on CNN: Parthenon Marbles will eventually return to Athens
[09] Former Australian PM to head Parthenon marbles campaign
[10] New US Ambassador's arrival
[11] Venizelos meeting with Chinese Deputy Premier Li Tiering
[12] Expatriate Greek, Turkish politicians in Germany announce initiative
[13] Denktash in Bonn
[14] 'Hurriyet': Halki School of Theology's re-opening imminent
[15] Karamanlis says border area projects must be accelerated
[16] Criticism of Kapodistrias plan
[17] SAE holds first ordinary meeting
[18] EU environment ministers focus on Mediterranean islands
[19] ISTAME meeting on EU enlargement
[20] Kranidiotis: Greek policy steadily exposing Turkish intransigence
[21] 'Medea' staged in Ankara by Greek National Theater
[22] Lesvos reception center for illegal immigrants
[23] Equipment for Albanian police
[24] EU information program
[25] Poll shows strong opposition against FYROM composite name
[26] Synaspismos prefectural committee support for Damanaki candidacy
[27] AIDS cases in Greece reported
[28] Hope for AIDS treatment
[29] Refereeing to blame for violence
[30] Greek human rights leader elected to CoE's committee
[31] German research ship arrives
[32] Greek stocks jump on hopes rates to decline again
[33] Greece's Balkan Export sees 1997 profit rise, seeks new loan
[34] Hellenic Sugar plans to streamline
[35] Greece to tender new round of flood prevention works
[01] Simitis sums up London talks
London, 29/9/1997 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis said after talks here with his
British counterpart Tony Blair on Thursday that Greece was
prepared to block Turkey's participation in the proposed
European Conference for countries wishing to join the EU.
Citing reports from Ankara, Mr. Simitis stressed that not even
Ankara accepted participation in the proposed Conference unless
it secured "candidate-member" status. At the most recent EU
summit in Luxembourg, he said that he had asked each of the EU
leaders if they were ready to accept Turkey as a
candidate-member, and in each case he received a negative reply.
Mr. Simitis left on Wednesday for London and Paris for talks
with his counterparts Tony Blair and French Premier Lionel
Jospin on EU developments.
Explaining Greece's positions, Mr. Simitis told a press
conference after his talks with Mr. Blair that Turkey had to
accept the terms which are generally accepted by all the
countries.
"We have built the EU on certain principles," he said, adding
that in order to avoid problems between the countries, the
simplest way was for each country to accept the jurisdiction of
the International Court of The Hague.
"Why have countries such as Slovakia and Hungary accepted this
process and yet Turkey refuses to do so?" he asked.
Referring to Turkish statements on the accession of Cyprus, Mr.
Simitis stressed that it was not acceptable for a
candidate-country to threaten to block the accession of another
country or to make comments about another country.
Mr. Simitis also noted that Turkey had repeatedly spoken about
the "permanent partition" of Cyprus, underlining that this
position was contrary to UN resolutions, which are also accepted
by the EU, since the UN accepted that there is only one state
entity on Cyprus.
The Greek prime minister also observed that it was unprecedented
that Turkey's military leadership has a say in whether Ankara
participated in the European Conference, underlining that
decisions of this type should be taken by elected governments.
Mr. Simitis said Mr. Blair considered Greece's positions to be
"reasonable" but had expressed the view that it was important
for Turkey to participate in the European Conference and for
these issues to be subsequently addressed.
Experience has shown, Mr. Simitis continued, that the operating
rules of a club must first be accepted before one becomes a
member of such a club.
Mr. Simitis stated quite categorically that Mr. Blair fully
agreed that negotiations for Cyprus' accession to the EU should
begin as scheduled on April 10, 1998 and that the issue should
not be confused with the island republic's political problem.
Turning to NATO's new structure, Mr. Simitis said that it was
accepted by Greece but not by Turkey, and therefore, constituted
a difference between the Alliance member-states and Turkey.
He expressed the hope that agreement would eventually be
reached, underlining that the new structure of NATO meets modern
requirements and must develop since NATO cannot have the same
operational structure which it had during the Cold War era.
Mr. Simitis expressed satisfaction at his talks with Mr. Blair,
noting that the British presidency of the EU, which begins on
Jan. 1, will be positive.
Mr. Simitis also announced the program of events "Greece in
Britain" which constitutes the continuation of an agreement
signed by the foreign ministers in 1996. It is a program of
events concerning the presentation of modern Greece in Britain
(cultural events, concerts, exhibitions, dance, film projections
and conferences).
The start to the program will take place on January 21, 1998
with a formal breakfast at the House of Commons, which will be
attended by representatives from the two countries' political
world.
[02] Tories support start of EU-Cyprus accession talks
London, 29/11/1997 (ANA- L. Tsirigotakis)
Britain's Conservative Party supports commencement of
negotiations for Cyprus' EU membership without linking it to a
prior solution of the island republic's political problem, Prime
Minister Costas Simitis said after meeting Tory leader William
Hague in the House of Commons yesterday.
"The Conservative Party agrees that the enlargement procedures
with Cyprus, the negotiations with Cyprus must begin according
to existing decisions of the European Union, and that there is
no relation between the resolution of the political problem and
the enlargement procedures. I believe that this a position which
I believe will help the negotiations," Mr. Simitis said.
He was accompanied on his visit by Foreign Minister Theodoros
Pangalos, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou and
Greece's ambassador to the Court of St. James Vassilis
Zafeiropoulos.
Mr. Hague said that the meeting, also attended by Shadow Foreign
Secretary Michael Howard, was interesting and pleasant.
[03] PM meets shipowners
London, 29/11/1997 (ANA)
According to another ANA dispatch, at a later meeting, the prime
minister assured the London-based Greek shipowners' Committee
that for the government there was no issue of abolishing the
ministry of merchant marine.
According to sources, Committee President Ioannis Hatzipateras
raised the problem of the competitiveness of the Greek merchant
fleet, while a large part of the discussion concerned the demand
for changing the composition of the crew of Greek-flagged
vessels. The government side stated that it was not considering
such an issue, the same sources said.
[04] Paris visit
Paris, 29/11/1997 (ANA- M. Spinthourakis)
Referring to Mr. Simitis' visit to the French capital, beginning
on Sunday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman
Anne Gazeau-Secret said that French-Greek relations were at a
very good level, and that the Greek premier would discuss with
French President Jacques Chirac and Premier Lionel Jospin issues
such as the reform of the EU's institutional organs, as well as
the results of the recent Luxembourg summit on employment.
She added that EU relations with Turkey and Cyprus were also
expected to come under discussion, and reminded that France was
in favor of creating a European Conference with Turkey's
participation.
Finally, Ms Gazeau-Secret said that discussions will also
include issues of defense and security, in view of Greece's
assumption of the presidency of the Western European Union (WEU)
on Jan. 1. She added that Greece had drawn up an action program
for its WEU presidency, saying that France, which held the
presidency in the first half of 1997, wants continuity of action
to be secured, as was the case with Germany, the current
presidency holder.
[05] Premier accepts idea for WEU summit on Euro-defense issues
Paris, 29/11/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis has accepted a proposal by the
president of the parliamentary assembly of the Western European
Union (WEU), Lluis Maria de Puig, to all the heads of state and
government of the European Union for a summit meeting on
European defense issues, sources said yesterday.
France, Belgium, Italy, Spain and Luxembourg have also responded
positively to the proposal, while Germany and Britain raised
objections.
Mr. Simitis' consent acquires special significance, since Greece
will take over the presidency of the organization on Jan. 1, and
could contribute to realization of the proposal.
[06] EU backs use of energy networks in SE Europe
Bucharest, 29/11/1997 (ANA - P. Pantelis)
Energy networks in southeast Europe should be used as a means of
peace and co-operation, EU Energy Commissioner Christos
Papoutsis told a conference on energy here yesterday.
The conference, attended by energy ministers from 13 countries
in the Black Sea and the Balkans, aims at promoting closer
co-operation in the energy sector with the European Union, and
reached a political agreement, making the Balkans an energy
bridge between east and west.
Mr. Papoutsis said in its opening speech that the conference was
part of a European Commission strategy to promote energy
co-operation in southeast Europe. The agreement is included in a
memorandum providing for its gradual implementation in 30 energy
inter-connections in the Balkans, of which 11 are to receive
priority.
Greece was represented by Development Minister Vasso Papandreou,
who stressed Greece's role, in combining the membership of the
European Union with its geographical position in SE Europe.
"Greece has the possibility of playing a significant role in the
energy interconnections due to its geographical position, its
technology and its infrastructure, as well as in the management
of these systems," she said, citing specifically the Public
Power Corp.'s (DEH) advantage in possessing a load distribution
control system, with a potential for coordinating and managing
all the networks of SE Europe.
"The question is how the huge capital necessary for the
interconnecting projects will be found. However, the fact that
there is political commitment on everyone's part for the
implementation of these projects means that everyone will make
efforts to find the resources needed. The fact that we have
begun discussing the issue is a first positive step," she added.
Regarding environmental dangers she said that the problem from
the oil pipelines could be dealt with by transporting oil with
small tankers from the port of Alexandroupoli, the other end of
a proposed pipeline starting at the Bulgarian port city of Burg
as on the Black Sea.
She also proposed the holding of an international conference in
Greece, under the auspices of the EU and the UN, on the
environmental dimension of transporting oil through the Black
Sea and the Mediterranean.
On the sidelines of the conference, Ms Papandreou met privately
with her counterparts of Romania, Albania and FYROM, and
discussed co-operation on specific issues of bilateral interest.
She said afterwards that these co-operations will provide real
opportunities for the participation of Greek private enterprise.
Mr. Papoutsis stated that he would assume an initiative for the
setting up of a special secretariat of the European Commission
in Brussels, which will monitor and coordinate the energy
network programs that were agreed upon.
He clarified that they would be given priority in funding
through the existing EU programs, the European Investment Bank
or other financial organizations.
[07] EU to begin enlargement talks March 31, Cook says
Warsaw, 29/11/1997 (ANA/Reuters)
The European Union will begin enlargement talks on March 31 next
year, while Britain wants Poland and other new members to join
as equal partners, British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook said
here yesterday.
"I can now tell you that we intend to open the negotiations on
enlargement on March 31 next year," Mr. Cook, whose country
takes over the EU rotating presidency at the start of next year,
told a British-Polish conference on the EU in Warsaw.
"Britain is as determined as Poland that you should join as
quickly as possible, and as an equal partner... No country
should be admitted as a second-class member. There will be no
second division in Europe," he said.
His words were warmly greeted in Poland, which has long craved a
firm date for entry talks to start and which wants to join,
hopefully around 2002, without any restrictions.
Britain, like other major EU nations, wants to start membership
talks with the so-called "five plus one" -Hungary, the Czech
Republic, Poland, Estonia and Slovenia as well as Cyprus -
rather than with all those who want to join.
[08] Pangalos on CNN: Parthenon Marbles will eventually return to Athens
London, 29/11/1997 (ANA)
In an interview with the US-based CNN network, Foreign Minister
Theodoros Pangalos said that keeping the Parthenon Marbles in
Britain is "a crime against culture and humanity."
Speaking on the program "Inside 'Europe", scheduled for
broadcast tonight at 9:30 p.m., the Greek foreign minister said
that the ruling British Labor Party had changed its position on
the issue after assuming the government. Despite this, Mr.
Pangalos said he feels that British public opinion will one day
sway in Greece's favor.
"I'm finally convinced that the British citizens, who are so
close to ancient culture, one day will want to see these marbles
together with the Parthenon."
Mr. Pangalos said it was "not relevant" for the British
government to claim that returning the ancient friezes "would
throw the entire international museum scene into confusion and
uncertainty."
The Parthenon Marbles, also known as the so-called Elgin
Marbles, were removed from the Acropolis in the early 18th
century by Lord Elgin, a British diplomat then attached to the
Ottoman empire. Elgin later sold the exquisite friezes to the
British Museum in London.
[09] Former Australian PM to head Parthenon marbles campaign
Melbourne, 29/11/1997 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)
Gough Whitlam, former Australian prime minister honored by the
Athens Academy for his services to Hellenism, has accepted an
invitation from Melbourne's Greek community to head the campaign
for the return of the Parthenon marbles to Greece from Britain,
where they were taken by Lord Elgin early last century.
"I believe that Britain's refusal to return the marbles will be
supported by Germany, Austria and France, because of the
sections of ancient buildings that were taken during the last
century from Pergamon to Berlin, from Aegina to Munich, from
Ephesus to Vienna and from Milos to Paris," Mr. Whitlam said in
a message to a Greek community meeting Thursday night.
"There is no doubt that today Greeks are able to discover, to
preserve and to display ancient treasures better than any other
people. In fact they have been pioneers in retrieving ancient
artefacts from the sea," he added.
Other prominent Australian supporters of the marbles' return
include New South Wales premier Bob Carr and Victorian state
premier Jeff Kennet.
[10] New US Ambassador's arrival
Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)
Newly-appointed US Ambassador to Greece Nicholas Burns is due to
arrive in Athens on Sunday, accompanied by his wife and three
daughters.
Mr. Burns, who was officially sworn in at a State Department
ceremony on November 10, began his diplomatic career as a
Vice-Consul in the Middle East in 1983.
He later worked for six years in the White House as special
presidential adviser on Soviet (and later Russian) affairs on
the National Security Council. He also served as adviser to
President George Bush on Greece, Turkey and Cyprus, accompanying
the president on his official visit to Greece in 1991.
Prior to his appointment as Ambassador, Burns served as State
Department spokesman.
He speaks French and Arabic and is currently learning Greek.
[11] Venizelos meeting with Chinese Deputy Premier Li Tiering
Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)
Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos held a meeting yesterday
with the People's Republic of China's Deputy Premier Li Tiering
and the chiefs of China's archaeological and cultural services.
According to an announcement by the culture ministry, the
Chinese representatives agreed to increase Sino-Greek cultural
exchanges, while Mr. Venizelos briefed them on the "Cultural
Olympiad".
On his part, Mr. Tiering briefed Mr. Venizelos on the primary
indicators and achievements of the Chinese economy, who
undertook to convey this information to the prime minister and
the government's economic cadres.
[12] Expatriate Greek, Turkish politicians in Germany announce initiative
Bonn, 29/11/1997 (ANA - P. Stangos)
German Social Democratic Party (SPD) Eurodeputy Yiannis
Sakellariou and Greens deputy Cem Oezdemir are implementing an
initiative on assisting Greek-Turkish understanding by visiting
Athens, where they will hold political talks o n Monday and
Tuesday.
The program of the two politicians' contacts includes meetings
with the leaders of the New Democracy and Coalition of the Left
and Progress (Synaspismos) party, Costas Karamanlis and Nikos
Constantopoulos, Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis, t
he Greek Muslim deputies of PASOK, ND and the Synaspismos as
well as representatives of the Helsinki Monitors Organization,
while meetings have not yet been finalized with Defense Minister
Akis Tsohatzopoulos, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos and
National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou.
Mr. Sakellariou, of Greek descent, and Mr. Oezdemir, of Turkish
descent, had announced the assumption of this initiative in June
for the promotion of a dialogue, primarily in the circles of
Turkish and Greek emigrants and the overstepping of "historical
hostility" between Greeks and Turks, clarifying that they are
not acting at the order of the German parties to which they
belong nor with "an understanding" with the governments of
Greece and Turkey.
[13] Denktash in Bonn
Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash once again set
out the precondition of recognition of the so-called "Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus" for a move by the Turkish Cypriot
side concerning the accession of Cyprus.
He underlined the precondition during talks he had yesterday
with Foreign Under-secretary Peter Hartmann, the German
government's envoy on the Cyprus issue and other German
officials.
The talks were held at a state hostel and not at the foreign
ministry as initially planned, lasting for 90 minutes.
Turkey is the only nation in the world to recognize the Turkish
Cypriot pseudo-state.
[14] 'Hurriyet': Halki School of Theology's re-opening imminent
Istanbul, 29/11/1997 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)
Ankara's intention to re-open the Halki School of Theology is
awaiting signatures by Turkey's council of ministers, the
Istanbul daily "Hurriyet" again reported yesterday.
However, it stated that "the conservative ministers of the
government refuse to sign, arguing that no permit can be given
for the opening of a Christian theological school, while there
is a ban on high school sections of Islamic theological schools.
The paper added that this refusal hinders on the collection of
the necessary signatures to pass the bill.
Turkey's foreign ministry proposed the granting of a license to
the Halki school, closed by Ankara since the late '60s, as soon
as possible, "before the manifestation of any pressure by the US
Congress forcing Turkey to grant concessions," Hurriyet stated.
According to the daily, Turkey's foreign ministry considers that
the Theological School of Halki matter "damages Turkey's image
without any benefit."
US President Bill Clinton is expected to discuss the issue with
Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz when the latter visits
Washington. The US president informed Ecumenical Patriarch
Vartholomeos of his intention during a meeting the two had at
the White House on Oct. 23.
[15] Karamanlis says border area projects must be accelerated
Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis
began a three-day visit to Thrace yesterday, accompanied by
several ND cadres.
Mr. Karamanlis' first stop was Xanthi where he visited
Metropolitan Panteleimon and Mayor Philippos Amoiridis, while
afterwards he headed for the commu-nities of Ehinos and Mykis.
Speaking to residents in Ehinos, Mr. Karamanlis said the state
is lagging behind in infrastructure projects in border areas,
adding that "it is imperative that we must move with faster
rates in the future, given that the Balkan hinterland has opened
and offers great prospects of development in the economic
sector."
In Mykis, Mr. Karamanlis talked with professionals and also
visited the prefect of Xanthi Panayiotis Saltouros as well as
the Fourth Army Corps, where he was welcomed by its commander
Lt.-Gen. Demetris Aikaterinis.
[16] Criticism of Kapodistrias plan
Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)
Speaking in Xanthi last night, Mr. Karamanlis stressed the
importance attributed by his party to the institution of local
self-administration and underlined the need for a strong
decentralization trend in the country's highly centralized
administration. Mr. Karamanlis said the "Kapodistrias" plan
concerning compulsory community mergers took steps backwards,
adding that what is of importance now is providing local
administration organizations with the possibilities to live up
to the responsibilities and lofty targets which they must
achieve. He noted problems existing in the implementation of the
Egnatia motorway project and its vertical axes, saying a society
cannot be built with big words and promises in the 21st century.
Mr. Karamanlis had a meeting with social partner representatives
in Xanthi yesterday, while today he will continue his tour in
the Rodopi and Evros regions.
[17] SAE holds first ordinary meeting
Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)
Thessaloniki will next week become the focus of interest of
overseas Greeks when it hosts the 1st Ordinary Meeting of the
World Council of Hellenes Abroad.
The 330 elected members of the Council who will be taking part
in the sessions will be reviewing the council's activities since
its establishment in 1995 and elect a new presidium.
The sessions will be officially opened by President of the
Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos.
Speaking in Thessaloniki yesterday, SAE president Andrew Athens
said that he would be seeking re-election to the post. He added
that the SAE had given the opportunity to overseas Greeks to
show that they can work together and help each other.
Among other things, he referred to the recent inauguration of
the first medical diagnostic center in Tbilisi, Georgia for
members of the ethnic Greek community in the region and said the
SAE would continue its efforts to provide medical and
pharmaceutical assistance to ethnic Greeks in the former Soviet
Union. He also underlined the importance of the council's
efforts to strengthen ties between the United States, Greece and
Israel.
Athens described the formation of an interparliamentary
committee, made up of deputies of Greek descent, as "a very
important force which at the same time provides a means of
promoting national issues".
[18] EU environment ministers focus on Mediterranean islands
Helsinki, 29/11/1997 (ANA- V. Patouhas)
Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Under-secretary
Theodoros Koliopanos yesterday proposed a complete environmental
management and financial program for Mediterranean islands,
during a Euro-Med Conference here.
EU environment ministers and their counterparts of 12
Mediterranean member-states of the Euro-Med co-operation
conference approved a short-term and medium-term action program
through which funds from of the EU's MEDA program will be
allocated.
Mr. Koliopanos said that decisions and the declaration of the
conference offer new possibilities for co-operation in the
Mediterranean, where Greece can and must play a leading role.
The Greek under-secretary also said that Greek companies can
benefit from this export of environmental technology to southern
Mediterranean basin countries.
The conference focused on the management of water resources,
solid waste and coastal areas, as well as with desertification
and environmentally critical areas.
[19] ISTAME meeting on EU enlargement
Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)
The Institute of Strategic and Development Studies - Andreas
Papandreou (ISTAME) has organized a two-day international
meeting for next week on "European Union Enlargement and
Southeastern Europe".
The meeting, which opens on December 5 and has been organized by
the Institute's scientific committee for foreign policy and
defense, will be attended by 34 representatives of Socialist and
Social Democrat parties. Also participating will be
representatives of institutes from 21 Balkan and European
countries.
During the meeting, participants are expected to put forward
their positions on various aspects of EU enlargement which
affect political, economic and social developments in southeast
Europe.
[20] Kranidiotis: Greek policy steadily exposing Turkish intransigence
Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis said yesterday that
Greek foreign policy is steadily exposing Turkey's intransigence
and the difficult position it has found itself in, although
international attitudes have not changed to the degree Athens
would like.
He made those statements during a conference on "Foreign Policy
and the Mass Media" in Thessaloniki, organized by the
Aristotelian University's journalism and mass media department.
Mr. Kranidiotis called on the mass media to show self-restrain
when covering foreign policy matters, which he claimed are
sometimes blown out of proportion either because of ignorance or
through attempts to sensationalize news events.
[21] 'Medea' staged in Ankara by Greek National Theater
Ankara, 29/11/1997 (A.A/ANA)
The Greek National Theater successfully staged on Thursday night
Euripides' tragedy 'Medea' at the Ankara Theater.
The National Theater performed in Turkey on the invitation of
the General Directorate of State Theaters, within the framework
of bilateral cultural relations.
Prior to the performance, Turkish Culture Minister Istemihan
Talay told an Anadolu correspondent that "art is a universal
term. I believe that art will bring together the Turkish and
Greek nations".
Pointing out that the exchange of art and culture will improve
friendship between the Turkish and Greek peoples, Mr. Talay said
that Turkish theater will also stage plays in Greece within the
framework of cultural relations.
State Minister Hikmet Sami Turk and Labor and Social Security
Minister Nami Cagan also attended the play.
The same tragedy was presented at Istanbul's 'Kemal Ataturk'
Theater earlier this week.
[22] Lesvos reception center for illegal immigrants
Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)
The record number of illegal immigrants arriving on Lesvos this
year has prompted the prefectural authorities on the island to
set up a reception center - the first in the eastern Aegean.
The center will be housed in an abandoned school in the
community of Alifandes, Mytilene and will be repaired within the
framework of the armed forces' social work program and
specifically by engineers performing their military service.
The cost of the work will be covered in total by the public
order ministry. When completed, the center will relieve pressure
on local police stations. "Our aim is to create acceptable
living conditions for these people who most of the time have
fallen victim to Turks taking advantage of their plight, and in
particular to protect the health of both the illegal immigrants
and those guarding them," said Lesvos Prefect Alekos Mathiellis.
According to authorities, illegal immigrants have arrived o n
Lesvos since the beginning of the current year, compared to 48
last year and 167 in 1995.
[23] Equipment for Albanian police
Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)
The Greek Police (EL.AS.) yesterday handed over equipment and
supplies to their Albanian counterparts at the Kakavia border
post. The supplies come under the agreement signed by the two
countries' public order ministers in Ioannina recently, aimed at
assisting in the restructuring of the Albanian police force.
Previous aid shipments included police cars and motorcycles and
desks. More vehicles and other equipment requested by the
Albanian police will be delivered next week.
[24] EU information program
Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)
The "Citizens of Europe" program's second phase began in Greece
in an effort to inform the public of its rights and benefits
within the European Union.
The campaign is a combined effort of the European Parliament and
the European Commission.
Euro-Parliament's Vice-President George Anastasopoulos, the
director of the delegation of the European Commission in Greece,
Marios Kamhis, and Under-secretary for Development Mihalis
Chrysohoidis presented the program during a ceremony at the
European Parliament's offices in Athens
Information will be provided through the toll free
00.800.32.12.254 line in Greek, until the end of May 1998.
Three new guides were published as part of this information
drive concerning the purchase of goods and services in the
unified European market, traveling to a EU member-state and
equal rights and provisions.
[25] Poll shows strong opposition against FYROM composite name
Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)
A nationwide poll unveiled by the MRB firm revealed strong
public opposition to any composite name containing the term
"Macedonia" for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's
(FYROM) official name.
The poll revealed that 61.9 per cent of respondents believe
Greece should not accept any composite name for the neighboring
country; 14.2 per cent said Greece probably should not accept;
only 6.3 per cent said Greece could accept such a name, while
11. 4 per cent stated that Greece should probably accept it.
[26] Synaspismos prefectural committee support for Damanaki candidacy
Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)
The Athens prefectural committee of the Coalition of the Left
and Progress (Synaspismos) yesterday endorsed the party's former
leader Maria Damanaki's candidacy for the mayorship of Athens
next year.
[27] AIDS cases in Greece reported
Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)
A total of 1,638 AIDS cases were recorded in Greece between 1982
- the first year that official recording was commenced by the
health ministry's center for Infectious Diseases (KEEL) - and
June 6 this year, KEEL announced yesterday.
KEEL statistics showed that 59 confirmed AIDS cases were
recorded in the first half of 1997, compared with 208 cases of
all of 1996, and 162 cases in 1993. The overwhelming majority of
cases were males, according to the figures released by KEEL.
Only one case of AIDS was recorded in 1982, with the number
increasing to 4 in 1983, 5 in 1984, 15 in 1985, 23 in 1986, 61
in 1987, 73 in 1988, 104 in 1989, 143 in 1990, 181 in 1991 and
197 in 1992.
There were 1,615 surviving AIDS patients in Greece as of June
30, 1997 (1,420 men and 195 women).
[28] Hope for AIDS treatment
Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)
If there is a relaxation of preventive measures against AIDS,
and epidemic cannot be ruled out in the next 10 years, Welfare
Under-secretary Theodoros Kotsonis said yesterday, during a
presentation of a study showing that Greeks are more vulnerable
to infection from the virus than other Europeans.
He also said that a relevant UN report shows a small rise in
AIDS cases in Greece until 1996.
Mr. Kotsonis reassured, however, that there was no reason for
any special concern, as it seems that the evolution of the
disease for the time being is not so worrying. He explained that
the main way of transmission of the disease continues to be sex,
an d this is where prevention ought to focus.
Prof. Nasioulas warned that the excessive optimism cultivated in
recent years as a result of the effectiveness of the new drugs,
is gradually leading to the view that we are not in danger of
dying, and we are, therefore, not interested whether we get
infected.
He stressed that this view is unfounded, as the available drugs
do not provide a panacea, but are only a temporary means of
treating symptoms.
[29] Refereeing to blame for violence
Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)
Violence at soccer games was primarily the result of poor
officiating and a poor administration of sports justice, Sports
Under-secretary Andreas Fouras said yesterday in reply to a
Parliament question by main opposition New Democracy party
deputy Fani Palli-Petralia.
Mr. Fouras said that he is to meet with all referees of first
division soccer games in order to remind them of their
responsibilities. He also said the problem of violence at soccer
games was not a new phenomenon but had been a problem for many
years.
The under-secretary reiterated his earlier statements that
cameras would be installed at the Olympic and Nea Philadelphia
stadiums, as well as the idea of professional referees and
regular courts for crimes at sports grounds.
[30] Greek human rights leader elected to CoE's committee
Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)
The director of the Greek Center for European Studies and
Research, Nikolaos Fragakis, was elected yesterday to the
Council of Europe's (CoE) Committee Against Racism and
Intolerance (ECRI).
ECRI plays a crucial role in CoE's efforts to defend human
rights and monitor countries than violate them.
Mr. Fragakis, who is also the president of the Greek Human
Rights Union, was elected during the second round of voting,
receiving 20 votes as opposed to 13 for his British opponent.
[31] German research ship arrives
Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)
The German research vessel "Meteor" arrives in Piraeus Sunday as
part of a scientific expedition in the Mediterranean and Aegean
seas for seismic-related research.
Work will be concentrated within the eastern Mediterranean,
including the Aegean Sea. Eleven working groups will carry out
geoscientific, biological and interdisciplinary studies.
The ship and its scientific expeditions are financed by the
German Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Technology,
and the German Science Foundation.
According to Dr. Werner Hieke, chief scientist of the
expedition, the first phase, which will be completed in a few
days, will be devoted to investigations of the Mediterranean
Ridge between Italy and Crete.
This area originated as an effect of the collision of the
African and Eurasian plates of the earth's crust. The most
conspicuous effect of that collision are earthquakes in the
Peloponnese-Crete area.
The research methods for the first phase, which ends December 2
south of Crete, include mainly hydrosweep to produce bathymetric
maps, parasound for sediment echosounding, gravimetry, and
magnetics, Dr. Hieke told the ANA.
In addition, deeptowed sidescan sonar, coring and dredging will
be conducted at selected positions.
The second phase begins on Wednesday between the islands of
Milos and Kos with a program to study the processes of
hydrothermalism in the Aegean Sea, Dr. Hieke said.
The expedition set out from Hamburg on October 28.
[32] Greek stocks jump on hopes rates to decline again
Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)
Greek equities ended the week sharply higher reflecting
investors' renewed confidence in the course of the economy and
signs that interest rates may resume their decline.
The general index closed 2.60 percent higher at 1,474.02 points
to show a net gain of 2.45 percent on the week. The index was
relatively steady during the month showing a 0.97 percent
decline on the aftermath of an international market turmoil at
the end of October.
The FTSE/ASE index ended at 836.75 points or 2.19 percent
higher, marking a 1.01 percent rise since last Friday.
Lifting the market in the last three sessions of the week was
renewed buying interest in industrial shares. Banks remained
weak reflecting market worries over the profitability of the
sector.
Trading was moderate with turnover at 21.1 billion drachmas.
Turnover totaled 96.15 billion drachmas in the week to show a
daily average of 19.2 billion, down from 26.2 billion drachmas
the previous week.
Sector indices scored gains. Banks rose 1.65 percent, Insurance
increased 2.30 percent, Leasing was 2.58 percent higher,
Investment ended 1.71 percent up, Construction rose 1.42
percent, Industrials jumped 3.83 percent, Miscellaneous
increased 3.94 percent and Holding was 2.11 percent up.
On a weekly basis, Miscellaneous and Industrials scored the
biggest gains at 7.75 and 6.60 percent respectively, while Banks
fell by 0.81 percent.
Broadly, advancers led decliners by 176 to 41 with another 16
issues unchanged.
Klonatex, Mytilineos, Athinea, Mouriadis and Etma scored the
biggest percentage gains at the upper 8.0 percent volatility
limit, while Viosol, Bank of Athens and Hellenic Bottling
suffered the heaviest losses. National Bank of Greece ended at
25,920 drachmas, Ergobank at 15,000, Alpha Credit Bank at
16,660, Delta Dairy at 3,445, Titan Cement at 13,000, Intracom
at 13,500 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organization at 5,450.
[33] Greece's Balkan Export sees 1997 profit rise, seeks new loan
Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)
Greece's Balkan Export, a transport company, expects to see its
profits rise to 450-550 million drachmas in 1997 from 320
million a year earlier.
Sales are forecast to rise to 13.5 billion drachmas from 12.8
billion in 1996, falling short of a targeted 16 billion drachmas
for 1997.
An improvement in company finances is discernible but slow. The
firm underwent a restructuring in December 1994 that brought it
under the control of 23 Greek and foreign banks.
Working capital is equivalent to 10 percent of sales, lower that
20-25 percent usual for firms comparable to Balkan Export in
size.
The company is currently trying to secure a fresh four billion
drachma loan from creditor banks before it drafts its 1998
budget.
The loan would help ensure sales of 16-18 billion drachmas for
next year.
[34] Hellenic Sugar plans to streamline
Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)
A meeting between Greek agriculture ministry officials and
representatives of farm cooperatives and the Agricultural Bank
discussed a plan to rationalize the production costs of Hellenic
Sugar Industry.
Hellenic Sugar faces serious economic problems due to higher
production costs compared with its competitors abroad.
The problem was highlighted two years ago but a decision to
drastically cut back on spending failed to materialize.
The meeting discussed Hellenic Sugar's proposals to cut spending
by 2.4 billion drachmas through its operational expenses and by
5.8 billion through producers' price, to a total of 8.2 billion
drachmas.
[35] Greece to tender new round of flood prevention works
Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)
Greece's public works ministry yesterday endorsed the release of
one billion drachmas to fund flood prevention works in the
prefectures of Messinia, Achaia, Pieria and the island of
Lefkada.
The emergency projects in Achaia, budgeted at 150 million
drachmas, are to repair recent damage from floods. Tenders are
to be called shortly for the works.
End of English language section.
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