Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-12-05
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1359), December 5, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Simitis, Gov't respond to criticism over new NATO structure
[02] ... Tsohatzopoulos
[03] ... Cabinet to discuss NATO
[04] ... Opposition reactions
[05] ... MPs want briefing from Pangalos
[06] Political leadership expresses its support for SAE
[07] ... Niotis
[08] Turkey on agreement for new NATO structure
[09] US favoring The Hague for solution to territorial differences
[10] Pangalos-Burns meeting
[11] SAE requests US intervention for Patriarchate's protection
[12] ... Condemnations of Patriarchate attack pour in
[13] ... Turkish reactions over Patriarchate attack
[14] ... Athens Ipekci Committee condemns attack on Patriarchate
[15] Cem says Turkey wants negotiations before The Hague
[16] Karamanlis press conference with FPA canceled
[17] Athens court indicts Roussel for perjury, defamation
[18] Exhibition 'Alexander and the East' inaugurated
[19] Ancient artifacts returned from Italy
[20] Dutch ratify Greece's partial accession to Schengen Pact
[21] Gov't to clamp down further on evasion of IKA contributions
[22] Drug prices fall
[23] Inflation forecast at below 5 per cent by end-1997
[24] Greek equities end slightly up after buying spree, profit taking
[25] Greek information tech firms on show in Bulgaria
[26] National Bank of Greece again offers cheap Xmas loans
[27] T-bill auction by Bank of Greece
[28] SEB conference on euro
[29] ESHEA warns of strike in mass media sector
[30] Swiss Greeks donate one million drachmas for Marbles campaign
[01] Simitis, Gov't respond to criticism over new NATO structure
Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday defended National
Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos' consent for the new NATO
structure, reached in Brussels on Tuesday, which is due for
ratification by alliance foreign ministers on Dec. 16. "Mr.
Tsohatzopoulos acted in accordance with the decisions and
guidelines set out by the Government Council for Foreign Affairs
and Defense (KYSEA), which by law, is the authority for such
decisions. The decisions taken fully comply with the
instructions given," Mr. Simitis said in an answer to criticism
by several ruling PASOK deputies, Education Minister Gerassimos
Arsenis, a former defense minister, as well as opposition
parties.
He charged that "certain individuals are seeking a policy of
nationalist isolationism, namely, that Greece should withdraw".
"But that would put all the weapons in Turkey's hands," the
premier said.
"We, however, want a strong Greece, a Greece with a voice and a
presence, a Greece that determines the developments. And this is
done with initiatives, with the determination of new policies,"
he added.
Specifically, on Wednesday PASOK deputies Yiannis Harambopoulos
and Anastasios Peponis as well as former PASOK under-secretary
of defense Nikos Kouris aired their objections to Greece's
consent to NATO's new structure, saying that the nation is
headed to co-sovereignty in the Aegean with Turkey under US
auspices. They added that this was serving a steadfast Turkish
objective.
In the same spirit, Mr. Arsenis said that "Greece has entered a
minefield".
[02] ... Tsohatzopoulos
Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)
On his part, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos stressed yesterday that the
defense of sovereign rights, national independence and national
security would remain within the exclusive jurisdiction of the
Greek armed forces under NATO's new structure. He added that the
armed forces would continue in the future to exercise their
jurisdiction "without any intervention or restriction from
anywhere".
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos was speaking at a military academy at Megalo
Pefko.
He reiterated that the Greek government had safeguarded all the
country's interests "with substantial safety valves".
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos described as "difficult" the period of talks
up until implementation of NATO's new structure, while
reiterating that the Greek armed forces, the Greek state and the
Greek people retained exclusive jurisdiction for defending the
country's sovereign rights.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos noted that the government's policy on issues
concerning the Western European Union (WEU) and NATO had been
approved by the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and
Defense (KYSEA), had the support of the Greek people "and
through steady and specific steps, Greece will gain new
advantages for the upgrading of its role".
[03] ... Cabinet to discuss NATO
Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)
Government spokesman Demetris Reppas did not rule out the
possibility of the premier summoning Mr. Arsenis to provide
explanations concerning the positions he expressed on Wednesday
concerning Greece's consent to the agreement on NATO's new
structure.
The spokesman, however, acknowledged the right of anyone to
express and defend their own views.
But he stressed that "when someone participates in a body, that
person undertakes certain commitments and it is his personal
responsibility to be in line with the choices of the bodies in
which he participates."
Replying to questions, Mr. Reppas underlined that all PASOK
deputies supported the government.
He accused those who had criticized the government's decision to
sign the agreement of wanting a policy of national isolationism
"which is not the choice of the government".
Mr. Reppas said the issue of NATO's new structure had not ended,
since there were many details and technical matters which had to
be discussed and decisions taken. He said that the issue would
be discussed at today's Cabinet meeting, during which the
premier would brief ministers on his recent talks in London and
Paris, while Mr. Tsohatzopoulos would brief the Cabinet on the
meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels earlier this week.
Informed sources said last night that the prime minister would
ask explanations from Mr. Arsenis on his Wednesday statements as
well as on the manner he expressed his objections. Close
associates to Mr. Arsenis said that there was no question of his
resigning.
The issue will also be discussed Monday during a meeting of
PASOK's executive bureau, while Mr. Reppas didn't rule out the
possibility of convening the ruling party's Parliamentary group.
[04] ... Opposition reactions
Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)
Speaking in Thessaloniki, main opposition New Democracy party
leader Costas Karamanlis said the government's policy with
respect to NATO regional headquarters raised questions about the
situation in the Aegean.
"The policy being followed by the Simitis government, and
moreover, covertly - and this is extremely important - is a
policy which intentionally or unintentionally leads to major
questions about the situation in the Aegean," Mr. Karamanlis
said.
Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka
Papariga, meanwhile, called on Mr. Simitis to brief Parliament
on the content of the agreement on NATO's new structure.
In a question tabled in Parliament, Ms Papariga claimed that the
agreement in effect meant that the right to defend the country's
borders and territory had been assigned to the United States and
NATO, and that the new situation "objectively facilitates the
Turkish government".
Ms Papariga also asked the prime minister if the agreement would
be brought to Parliament for ratification, in accordance with
Article 28 of the Constitution.
Coalition of the Left and Progress President Nikos
Constantopoulos described as "unacceptable" the government's
image on the issue of NATO's new structure, referring to
criticism of the agreement by the former defense minister and
current education minister, Gerassimos Arsenis.
Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Demetris Tsovolas
described the government's policy on the issue as "servile and
dependent". He charged that the government was sacrificing
"national interests on the altar of powerful interests".
Mr. Tsovolas said the government should bring the NATO agreement
to Parliament for ratification.
[05] ... MPs want briefing from Pangalos
Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)
Finally, both ruling and opposition deputies yesterday called on
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos to brief all the relevant
Parliamentary committees on the NATO agreement before Dec. 16.
The request was contained in a letter to the chairman of the
Parliamentary committee on foreign affairs and defense, Lefteris
Veryvakis, and was signed by PASOK deputies Yiannis Capsis and
Stelios Papathemelis, while similar letters were sent by ND
deputy Spilios Spiliotopoulos, and Democratic Social Movement
(DHKKI) deputy Georgios Rokos.
At the same time, deputy and former ND leader Miltiades Evert
called for an off-the-agenda discussion at political party
leaders' level on the text of the agreement. The call came
during a morning meeting of the Parliamentary committee on
foreign affair s and defense.
Mr. Pangalos told the committee that the agreement was a
"memorandum of understanding" that would be ratified by the NATO
foreign ministers at their Dec. 16 meeting. He said that the
issue could be discussed on Dec. 9 during an off-the-agenda
discussion on the course of Greece's convergence with the EU, a
proposal which Mr. Evert disagreed with.
[06] Political leadership expresses its support for SAE
Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)
The first general assembly of the World Council of Hellenes
Abroad (SAE), after its inception in December 1995, was opened
in Thessaloniki yesterday by President of the Republic Kostis
Stephanopoulos.
The ceremony was also addressed by Prime Minister Costas
Simitis, Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides, Parliament
President Apostolos Kaklamanis, several ministers and political
party leaders, while a greeting from Ecumenical Patriarch
Vartholomeos was read out.
The prime minister stressed the role of the SAE as an initiative
on the part of the Greek government to act as an "umbrella group
for Greeks everywhere".
The SAE, a non-profit, non-governmental organization, was formed
by 265 representatives of Greek organizations around the world
invited to Thessaloniki by the Greek state to found an
organization to promote dialogue and co-operation between Greeks
abroad and Greece. Mr. Simitis said that the Greek government
had proved in practice that not only did it desire but that it
was in a position to promote peace and stability, in
co-operation with the peoples of the region.
"All those in the region who envision changes of borders,
changes in the status quo, in essence envision war. In the
civilized world today, differences are resolved through
recourses to the International Court of Justice at The Hague,
not with recourse to war or the threat of war," Mr. Simitis said.
Presenting a brief picture of modern Greece, the prime minister
said it had stability, economic development, and a willingness
for co-operation.
"It is claiming a new role in the international environment, as
a country of peace, stability, co-operation and initiatives," he
said.
"No civilized country that envisions its entry to the European
Union has the right to put up obstacles against the
corresponding course of other peoples, and no civilized country
violates human rights domestically and abroad, the way Turkey
does with its occupation troops in Cyprus. Respect for
international law, the international treaties, is the only basis
for viable and just solutions," the premier said.
Mr. Simitis emphasized that overseas Greeks were the "voice of
Greece around the world" and urged them to rally their forces to
make that voice stronger.
Mr. Stephanopoulos spoke of the mother country's pride in the
"presence and action of Greeks abroad" and urged them to
preserve the Greek language which he said was in danger of
disappearing among them, citing Ukraine as a strong example.
He also responded to recent criticism from some Greek
organizations abroad with regard to the SAE's operation and just
how representative it is, as well as with regard to the role of
the Church. "While I myself do not accept a primary role for the
Church in issues affecting overseas Greeks, the Church is a
valuable institution for them," he said, urging both "believers
and non-believers" to avoid discord as it had no place within
the SAE.
"The SAE is not a means to satisfy ambitions, it is an
invaluable institution to which we are all being called upon to
offer our services. As in every new institution, oversights and
mistakes may be made with regard to representation, but these
will be discussed here and resolved," he concluded.
Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides said that Turkey knows the
"time of truth" was closing and stressed that the key to the
solution of the Cyprus problem was in Ankara.
The Ecumenical Patriarch also commented on the issue in a
message read out by the Metropolitan of Austria Mihail.
"The Mother Church is not concerned that its work might be
misunderstood, but is saddened only by the fact that some of its
flock do not benefit from the possibilities and opportunities it
offers, due to unjustified opposition arising mainly from
ideological differences," he said.
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou described as "a
historic day" yesterday's opening of the assembly.
"The universality of Hellenism is also translated into the
adoption of universal values, which go back to a tradition from
the sacred armistice of the Olympic Games and the Athenian
democracy to the ecumenism of Orthodoxy. These values are
translated in to our goals today for a strong Greece, but also
for the struggles of other peoples, in other words, the values
of humanism, freedom, democracy, human rights, of different
opinions, color, religion and race, the peaceful coexistence of
peoples".
Among the priorities of the Greek government regarding SAE's
development, Mr. Papandreou said were support to the Greeks of
the diaspora in their countries of residence, a strengthening of
the bodies promoting the dissemination of the Greek language and
culture, the continuous updating of foreign governments and
expatriate organizations on modern Greece, the use of the
Internet for linking Greek communities in all countries,
utilization of the experience of international organizations on
issues of emigration and repatriation, and finally, utilizing
Greece's role as an active member of the European Union and its
presence in the Balkans and the Mediterranean.
Mr. Papandreou invited SAE to assume important initiatives,
referring in particular to the idea of Olympic armistice during
the Olympic Games.
Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis acknowledged that
SAE's work was extremely difficult, and that Greeks around the
world should assert their determination, while he reassured that
the Greek Parliament would always support expatriate Greeks.
Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis, in
his address to SAE delegates, said the assembly symbolized a
renewed unanimity "at a time when we are facing pressures and
threats", and indirectly criticized the government's handling of
national issues.
[07] ... Niotis
Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)
Need for teaching of Greek language : The need for Greek
language programs for Greeks abroad was also emphasized by
Grigoris Niotis, chairman of the parliamentary committee on
overseas Greeks. It was Mr. Niotis who, as under-secretary for
Overseas Greeks, had undertaken the initiative to establish the
SAE in 1995. He called for broad action plans of two-year
duration to teach the Greek language to young Greeks abroad. Mr.
Niotis, as well as other members of the committee, stressed the
importance of finding other resources so that the SAE could
become financially independent of the Greek government.
ND deputy George Kalatzis said that unity among all Greeks
should be the SAE's primary goal, while Left Coalition deputy
Petros Kounalakis drew attention to what he said were weaknesses
in the SAE and called for a more democratic representation. He
said he could not comprehend the reservations of the Ecumenical
Patriarchate, considering the SAE's goals did not contradict the
work of the Church, but in fact strengthened the convictions of
diaspora Greeks that the maintenance of their Greekness was due
to a large extent to the Church. The conference ends on Sunday.
[08] Turkey on agreement for new NATO structure
Ankara, 05/12/1997 (ANA - A. Abatzis)
A NATO regional headquarters to be set up in the framework of
the new alliance command structure will make decisions in
consultation with the headquarters for SE Europe, the Turkish
defense minister said during a press conference here yesterday.
Ismet Sezgin said that until April 1999, at the latest, the
decision to implement the new structure will be reached in a
summit of the alliance that will take place in Washington,
adding that the new scheme was not "a victory of certain
countries against others, but a success of the alliance".
Referring to the headquarters in Larissa and Izmir, he said they
will not have as areas of responsibility the territory of the
countries they are based on, and that they will "carry out their
duties with joint responsibility and will decide in dependence
on the headquarters of SE Europe".
Responding to a question whether the Naples headquarters will
decide on problems such as the one that arose last September,
and which resulted in Turkey not taking part in the NATO
exercise "Dynamic Mix", Mr. Sezgin said there would be joint
responsibility.
Asked on how the problem of veto on NATO infrastructure projects
exercised by Greece and Turkey was overcome, Mr. Sezgin said
that "following the acceptance of the new operational structure,
the issue arising is the renewal of some regulations concerning
the operational arrangements, which are 10-15 years old and,
therefore, outdated".
[09] US favoring The Hague for solution to territorial differences
Washington, 05/12/1997 (ANA- T. Ellis)
The US State Department yesterday said in a reply statement to a
question submitted to spokesman James Rubin that the agreement
for the new NATO command structure was not related to any
territorial dispute.
"We see this agreement as a noteworthy step forward in the
effort to improve confidence in the Aegean," he stated, adding:
"The US believes that Greece and Turkey should resolve any
territorial dispute through a mutually acceptable dispute
resolution mechanism such as the International Court of
Justice," the statement read.
[10] Pangalos-Burns meeting
Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)
The new US ambassador to Athens, Nicholas Burns, paid a courtesy
call to Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos yesterday afternoon.
Mr. Burns, 40, arrived in Athens with his family last Sunday and
is expected to deliver his credentials to President of the
Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos a few days before Christmas.
According to diplomatic sources, the meeting at the foreign
ministry between Mr. Pangalos and Mr. Burns focused on bilateral
issues and issues of mutual concern. No statements were made
because Mr. Burns has not yet officially assumed his duties.
[11] SAE requests US intervention for Patriarchate's protection
Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)
World Council of Hellenes (SAE) President Andrew Athens has
addressed a letter to US President Bill Clinton, requesting
dynamic intervention by Washington towards Ankara for the
protection of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Patriarch
Vartholomeos.
In his letter, Mr. Athens expresses the strong concern of
expatriate Greeks over the bomb attack against the Patriarchate
earlier this week.
"We are in Thessaloniki together with more than 340 elected
representatives from Greek communities all over the world who
represent approximately seven million Greeks from 141 countries
and are participating in the second congress of the World
Council of Hellenes, of which I am president. Each one of us
requests from the honorable government of the US to pressure the
Turkish government to effectively protect the Ecumenical
Patriarchate and his Holiness," the letter reads.
[12] ... Condemnations of Patriarchate attack pour in
Istanbul, 05/12/1997 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)
The Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate yesterday decided
to formally request the protection of Turkish law enforcement
agencies.
To date, no evidence has surfaced about the identity or the
motives of the Patriarchate bombers, while no extra police
measures were taken to protect the Patriarchate against future
attacks.
Condemnations over the Wednesday grenade attack on the
Patriarchate came from all over the world.
Greek general consul Fotis Xidas, as well as his counterparts
from Britain and the United States visited the Patriarch
Vartholomeos to express their condolences over the wounding of
Deacon Nektarios and to condemn the attack.
Representatives from the Vatican and the Church of England also
visited the Fanar as well.
[13] ... Turkish reactions over Patriarchate attack
Istanbul, 05/12/1997 (ANA- A. Kourkoulas)
A large section of the Turkish media yesterday linked Tuesday's
bomb attack against the Ecumenical Patriarchate with the issue
of the proposed re-opening of the Theological School on the
island of Halki.
The oft-described as a pro-Islamic "Zaman" daily said it was no
coincidence that the attack came at a time when the Halki issue
is being discussed again, claiming that those who bombed the
Patriarchate were provocators who also placed a bomb at a mosque
in Xanthi, Thrace. They said those individuals are serving the
interests of the Church of Greece, which they claimed does not
favor the re-opening of the Halki school.
The private Kanal D television channel noted that the attack
took place during the airing of a discussion on the issue by
another TV network.
The newspaper "Milliyet" rejected the argument that the attack
was perpetrated by fanatic Islamic circles.
Meanwhile, the Mazlum-Der human rights organization, affiliated
to the Islamic movement, condemned the attack.
"We condemn the action, attacks against religious freedoms are
incomprehensible," a representative of the organization in
Istanbul told the NTV network, who also wished a quick recovery
for the Greek cleric injured in the attack.
[14] ... Athens Ipekci Committee condemns attack on Patriarchate
Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)
The Greek bureau of the Ipekci Committee for Greek-Turkish
Friendship has issued a statement condemning the attack on the
Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul as well as another attack on
a mosque in western Thrace, and has urged its bureau in Turkey
to do the same.
"The Athens bureau of the Ipekci peace prize committee condemns
this barbarous and cowardly bomb attack against the Ecumenical
Patriarchate ... and urges all Ipekci prize-winners, Turkish
citizens and politicians to react accordingly" said the
statement, also condemning the stoning of a mosque in the
village of Alikioni in western Thrace last Saturday. It asked
the government why it had not openly condemned the incident at
the time it had occurred, as well as what action it was planning
to take to punish those responsible.
"Extremist elements in both countries must realize that the
overwhelming majority of both peoples want peace, friendship and
co-operation," it said.
[15] Cem says Turkey wants negotiations before The Hague
Washington, 05/12/1997 (ANA- T. Ellis)
After an hour-long meeting with US Secretary of State Madeleine
Albright yesterday, Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said all
problems between Greece and Turkey, including disputes in the
Aegean, should use all reconciliation methods described in the
UN Charter, including negotiations and arbitration, before
referral to The Hague and if all other possibilities for
reconciliation have been exhausted.
He added, however, that Greek-Turkish relations were not the
main subject of discussions, but rather, bilateral relations,
mainly regarding the prospects for the transportation of oil
with an oil pipeline from the Caspian Sea through Turkey.
The two officials also discussed Turkey's relations with the EU,
and Mr. Cem stated that he thanked Ms Albright for the strong US
support in Turkey's efforts to forge closer links with Europe.
At a regular State Department briefing later, spokesman James
Rubin stressed that the meeting aimed to prepare Turkish Prime
Minister Mesut Yilmaz's visit to Washington on Dec. 19, as well
as formulation of a strategy for issues that would receive
emphasis next year, Caspian oil and Greek-Turkish relations as
well as prospects for peace in Cyprus.
Mr. Rubin stressed Washington's wish that Greece and Turkey work
together to solve their problems.
In an unrelated development, US White House spokesman Mike
McCurry condemned the grenade attack on the Ecumenical
Patriarchate. He also hailed the Greek-Turkish agreement in the
framework of the new NATO structure.
[16] Karamanlis press conference with FPA canceled
Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)
The Foreign Press Association yesterday announced that a
scheduled dinner/press conference by New Democracy Party leader
Costas Karamanlis, scheduled for Tuesday in Athens, was canceled.
The announcement said the FPA had been informed by ND that Mr.
Karamanlis had to attend a special debate in Parliament at a
party leaders' level the same day.
[17] Athens court indicts Roussel for perjury, defamation
Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)
An Athens Appeals Court has issued an indictment referring
Thierry Roussel, father of 12-year-old Onassis heiress Athina,
to stand trial before an Athens criminal court on charges of
perjury, slander and defamation against the board of the Onassis
Foundation.
By doing so, the Court reversed a lower court acquittal of Mr.
Roussel on the same charges.
The indictment, dated November 28, said that there was
"sub-stantial evidence" against Mr. Roussel to be referred for
trial by a Court of Misdemeanors for perjury, slander and
defamation in connection with false allegations of mismanagement
of the Onassis Foundation's assets by its four board members.
The same ruling also indicted Mr. Roussel's Athens-based lawyer
Prof. Nestor Kourakis on charges of defamation for the same
allegations.
No dates have been set for the hearings.
"I hope he will be man enough to come to Greece and be present
at the trial," Onassis Foundation president Stelio Papadimitriou
told reporters.
"I have no personal dispute with Thierry Roussel," Mr.
Papadimitriou said. "But he has insulted what is most sacred for
us, the Foundation, which I consider to be above us and above
Athina, and that is why I have reacted in this way."
[18] Exhibition 'Alexander and the East' inaugurated
Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday inaugurated the
"Alexander and the East" archaeological exhibition in
Thessaloniki.
"The exhibition reflects the grandeur of Greece many centuries
ago and shows us how we can create this grandeur today," Mr.
Simitis said.
Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos said during his address
that "the legend of Alexander... is the well-known and the most
powerful of all Greek legends..."
[19] Ancient artifacts returned from Italy
Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)
Several priceless ancient artifacts were repatriated yesterday
after three years of judicial battles in Italian courts.
The 187 copper artifacts and Mycenean-era pots, which were
illegally excavated in Greece and transported to Italy were
taken to the National Archaeological Museum.
[20] Dutch ratify Greece's partial accession to Schengen Pact
The Hague, 05/12/1997 (ANA)
The Dutch Parliament yesterday ratified the conditional and
partial operational accession of Greece to the Schengen Treaty.
The issue was discussed in a public session of the Dutch
Parliament's European affairs committee, where the
representatives of government coalition parties expressed
support for the partial implementation of the treaty in the case
of Greece.
However, they stressed that an essential precondition for the
final abolition of border controls with Greece is the effective
control of Greece's external borders.
The Dutch Parliament ratified two relevant resolutions referring
to the need to secure adequate control on Greece's external
borders.
The Christian Democrat Party opposed ratification, claiming that
for as long as Greece does not fulfill the preconditions
concerning the control of external borders it will not vote in
favor of its accession to the Schengen Treaty.
Dutch Foreign Under-secretary Patein said the Netherlands will
ratify implementation of the Schengen Treaty in its entirety for
Greece only after an objective assessment is made of all the
measures the country will take to guard borders.
[21] Gov't to clamp down further on evasion of IKA contributions
Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)
The government said yesterday that it intended to take
additional measures to clamp down on the evasion of social
security contribution payments.
Speaking in Parliament, Social Security Under-secretary Nikos
Farmakis said that the bill already prepared would not solve all
the problems of social insurance but did not conflict with the
social dialogue begun by the government with unions and
employers.
Attacking the main opposition New Democracy party for its
criticism of the bill, Mr. Farmakis said its provisions resolved
problems relating to social security organizations and the
insured, adding that comprehensive proposals would follow after
social dialogue.
He accused New Democracy of not having specific proposals on the
social security system.
Earlier, ND deputy George Souflias said that the social security
system was in danger of collapse, under the weight of a 1.5
trillion drachma deficit.
During discussion of the bill, Labor Minister Miltiades
Papaioannou revealed that contributions owing to the Social
Security Foundation, IKA, totaled 347 billion drachmas and,
together with fines, 630 billion drachmas.
[22] Drug prices fall
Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)
A decision by the development and health ministries to abolish
contributions in favor of third parties in the framework of
implementing government policy on medicines has led to an
average 22 per cent decrease in medicine prices.
Several weeks ago the government had decided a partial decrease
in contributions in favor of third parties (EOF, TSAY, TEAYFE
and TEOF), resulting in an average 12.6 per cent decrease in the
retail prices of medicines.
Development Under-secretary Mihalis Chrysohoidis said the
decision is aimed at restructuring the medicine market and will
result in a total decrease in pharmaceutical expenses amounting
to 120 billion drachmas.
[23] Inflation forecast at below 5 per cent by end-1997
Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)
The inflation rate is expected to drop below 5 per cent in
December, according to estimates of the National Statistics
Service (ESYE) that were announced yesterday.
Announcing figures for November, ESYE General Secretary Nikos
Karavitis said inflation stood at 5.1 per cent, compared to 4.7
percent in October.
He said the rise was expected and due to the addition of heating
oil to the consumer price index.
On the basis of current indications, ESYE estimates that
inflation will most likely stand at 4.9 per cent by the end of
the year.
[24] Greek equities end slightly up after buying spree, profit taking
Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)
Greek stocks ended 0.44 percent higher off the day's highs
yesterday after prices gained 1.50 percent during trade but
slumped due to profit takers raking in gains spanning more than
a week.
The Athens general share index finished at 1550.32 points,
gaining 10.60 percent over eight rising sessions. Turnover was
24.1 billion drachmas.
Sector indices ended mixed. Banks gained 0.90 percent, Insurance
rose 1.05 percent, Leasing slid 1.07 percent, Investment slipped
0.29 percent, Construction edged down 0.02 percent, Industrials
lost 0.11 percent, Miscellaneous slumped 1.17 percent and
Holding gained 0.67 percent.
The parallel market index for smaller cap stocks finished 0.44
percent down.
Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) rose to 5,975
drachmas from 5,920.
Of 224 shares traded declines led advances by 100 to 97 with 27
issues remaining unchanged.
Gallis, Sigalas, Remek, Klaoudatos and Ridenco were the biggest
percentage gainers and Lanakam, Allatini, Macedonia Textile
Mills, Dane and Keranis were the main losers of the day.
Among blue chips National Bank of Greece ended at 27,350
drachmas, Ergobank at 16,000, Alpha Credit Bank at 17,400, Delta
Dairy (common) at 3,445, Titan Cement (common) at 13,200 and
Intracom (common) at 14,550.
[25] Greek information tech firms on show in Bulgaria
Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)
The Association of Greek Information Technology Companies (SEPE)
is taking part in Bait Expo 1997, a sector trade fair being held
in the Bulgarian capital. The fair organized by the Bulgarian
Association of Information Technology Firms (BAIT) ends
tomorrow. BAIT allocated space at the trade fair to SEPE in
return for receiving space at Greece's Infoworld 1998 exhibition
to be held in May 1998.
SEPE is presenting its English-language guide containing
information about its members at the fair, and hopes to bring
Greek firms into closer touch with Bulgaria's market.
[26] National Bank of Greece again offers cheap Xmas loans
Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)
National Bank of Greece is again offering cheap personal loans
to aid buying in the Christmas and New Year holiday period,
following a tradition established in December 1995.
The loans, available December 8-January 9, carry interest of 17
percent, or 15 percent for selected customers, for amounts
between 500,000 drachmas and one million drachmas. Repayment is
within 6-12 months.
[27] T-bill auction by Bank of Greece
Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)
The planned auction of treasury bills on Dec. 8 is considered
crucial regarding the further de-escalation of interest rates to
levels before the recent currency crisis.
The auction T-bills with a three-, six- and 12-month duration,
dated Dec. 10, will take place at the Bank of Greece.
The sums to be made available are 60, 60, and 200 billion
drachmas for each category.
The annual interest rate is expected to fall below 11.2 per cent.
[28] SEB conference on euro
Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)
A conference on the adoption of the common euro currency in the
European Union and its repercussions on industry is scheduled
for Monday at the Federation of Greek Industries' (SEB) offices
in Athens.
The conference is organized by SEB, Eurobank and the Federation
for Economic and Monetary Union (AMUE).
National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou will address the
conference.
[29] ESHEA warns of strike in mass media sector
Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)
Employees in the media sector warned yesterday that they will
take strike actions unless economic and institutional requests
are satisfied.
A relevant decision was taken at an extraordinary session by the
Athens Journalists' Union's (ESHEA) strike committee yesterday,
which is composed of the board and representatives of all
journalists' organizations in the press and mass media sector.
The strike committee stressed that the sector "will give its own
reply to the refusal of proprietors to justly and absolutely
satisfy rational claims by staff at a time when (the
proprietors) are massing excessive profits, having turned the
press and mass media sector into a supermarket for offers, the
staff members into galley crews and have exhausted all the
limits of the public's patience with unbridled
commercialization."
Press employees call on employers to examine their claims for a
satisfactory increase in remuneration, the safeguarding of jobs,
an improvement in working conditions and the taking of measures
concerning workplaces.
[30] Swiss Greeks donate one million drachmas for Marbles campaign
Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)
Six Swiss Greeks have presented one million drachmas to
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos for the campaign
to bring the Parthenon Marbles back to Greece. Demetris
Sarisavvas, president of the Federation of Greek associations
and communities of Switzerland, Constantine Vlachos, Demetris
Bassias, Grigoris Korsavvas, George Tokalakis and Demetris
Tsarkovitsas donated the money to the president in Thessaloniki
as their contribution to the ongoing efforts by the Melina
Mercouri Foundation to bring the Marbles back.
Mr. Sarisavvas said the contribution was "a token of gratitude
for what the homeland is doing for overseas Greeks".
End of English language section.
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