Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-12-30
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1378), December 30, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Tsohatzopoulos reiterates Greek contingent will remain in Bosnia
[02] ... Visit to Albania
[03] Athens asks Ankara for clarification over Turkish military
exercise
[04] Karamanlis says ND set to win next elections
[05] Report on 'pro-junta picnic' released
[06] High court prosecutor rules against Roussel appeal
[07] Pangalos-Burns meeting
[08] Apostolakis on latest Turkish provocations
[09] Special environmental protection units to be established
[10] Air traffic controller testifies on conversation with Yak-42
pilot
[11] Cultural capital '97 ends with musical event
[12] Imvros church vandalized
[13] PM notes passing of Castoriadis
[14] Greece, Albania to sign agreement on transport today
[15] Gov't focuses on pro soccer clubs' shaky finances
[16] Corinth Canal closed for another week
[17] Capital outflows continue, interbank rates intact
[18] Greek stocks end substantially lower
[19] Bank of Piraeus profits up 112 pct Jan/Sept
[20] Alpha Credit Bank nine month profits rose 46.2 pct
[21] Finance ministry announces 15 pct tax reductions on property
[22] Olympic order for eight Boeing 737-800s
[23] Downtown renovations inaugurated today
[24] Decision excluding Renault from bus tender upheld
[25] Cosmote suspends pre-registration
[26] Halkor sales for first 9 months of '97 announced
[27] News in Brief
[01] Tsohatzopoulos reiterates Greek contingent will remain in Bosnia
Sarajevo, 30/12/1997 (ANA - P. Haritos)
Speaking at the end of his official visit to Bosnia yesterday,
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos stressed that the
Greek contingent of the international force will remain in the
war-torn country.
"Our position remains steadfast. Just as in the past we stated
that the Greek contingent would remain, even if it is the only
one to stay in Bosnia, we reiterate today that our contingent
will remain in the future," he said.
Replying to a question on the duration of the Greek force's stay
in Bosnia, he did not specify the time period.
"Greece's contribution will not only continue at a military
level but also through the activation of co-operation on a
bilateral level," he said.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said that educational facilities will soon be
built, as well as a hospital, adding that Greece will contribute
to the renovation of a mosque in Visovo and to the building of
several places of religious worship.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos was the first high-ranking foreign official
to have contacts with all three members of Bosnia-Herzegovina's
presidium during a visit to the country.
Early in the morning yesterday, he met with the president of
Bosnia-Herzegovina, Alija Izetbegovic at the presidential
mansion. Shortly afterwards, he met with the Croat
representative and member of the three-member presidium,
Krezimir Zubak, in the same venue. He then traveled to Pale
where he held talks with the Serb representative in the
presidium, Momcilo Krajisnik.
Speaking at a press conference after his meetings, Mr.
Tsohatzopoulos said the development taking place during the past
year on the issue of Bosnia-Herzegovina was very positive.
Referring to the Dayton peace treaty, signed in November 1995,
he said that what is necessary for its targets to be achieved is
"confidence" on the part of the international community towards
the three sides, "equal terms of participation" and "fair
treatment for all" participants in Bosnia-Herzegovina's
three-member presidium.
Commenting on the presence of the multinational military force
in the country, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said that Greece is
participating as a member of the military force in Bosnia in the
decision to support the Dayton pact, and criticized the position
of other countries which have expressed desire in the past to
withdraw their forces from Bosnia.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the three sides congratulated him over
Greece's military presence and the role played by the Greek
contingent.
According to Greek ambassador P. Mantzouranis, Mr. Zoubak and
Mr. Izetbegovic also raised the issue of Greece utilizing its
traditionally good relations with the Serbs.
Referring to Greece's interest in the region, he said it was
"self-evident", adding that Greece is independently interested
both independently and on a bilateral basis in the prosperity
and progress of peoples in the region, and this stems from the
fact that whatever crisis in the area also has repercussions in
Greece.
[02] ... Visit to Albania
Sarajevo, 30/12/1997 (ANA)
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos and officials accompanying him left for
Tirana later in the afternoon, where he is expected to meet the
Archbishop of Albania Anastasios and visit an army base housing
the Greek contingent in Albania.
A meeting with Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano is expected
immediately afterwards.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos will also be received by President Rexhep
Mejdani and will discuss with his Albanian counterpart Sabit
Brokaj issues related to the reorganization of the Albanian army.
[03] Athens asks Ankara for clarification over Turkish military
exercise
Athens, 30/12/1997 (ANA)
Confusion apparently surrounds a Turkish aeronautical exercise
scheduled in the Aegean, between Jan. 2-25.
According to reports, the Greek Civil Aviation Authority (YPA)
has sent a dispatch to authorities in Turkey on Dec. 24, citing
problems regarding four of the areas marked off for the
maneuvers.
Turkish officials replied on Dec. 26 with changes regarding
these areas, which however, were not satisfactory to YPA.
Ankara issued notams - air navigation directives - for two
areas, which include part of Istanbul's Flight Information
Region (FIR) along with parts of the Athens' FIR.
On Dec. 28, YPA described the Turkish notam as illegal, void of
any content and not valid, since it originated from a foreign
service although it related to the Athens' FIR.
On the same day, YPA issued a notam allowing the Turkish
exercises in the five of the eight areas originally requested by
the plan.
YPA expressed reservations about areas 4,5 and 6, for which it
requested communication with Turkey in order to issue the notam,
after Turkey modifies the planning of the exercises in those
areas. The Greek agency also requested that no national airspace
be used during the Turkish exercises, and that the firing range
of Andros be excluded.
According to the same sources, YPA is awaiting a Turkish
response, however, in the case that no response is given, YPA
will report Turkey to the ICAO.
In addition, Athens will inform European Union member-states and
the United States.
Meanwhile, according to a ANA dispatch from Sarajevo National
Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos told reporters that the
Civil Aviation Authority was the body having exclusive
responsibility in relation to the Athens FIR.
The defense minister, who was replying to a question regarding a
scheduled military maneuver in the Aegean by Turkey, added that
"Turkish authorities notified Greece about the military exercise
10 days ago."
"We are expecting that Turkish behavior (during the exercise)
will comply with international rules. We hope that its behavior
(Ankara's) will be governed by such principles, and also be
based on its disposition for admission into the European Union",
he said.
Nevertheless, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said that "in case Turkey
questions the rules of the international law, there will be a
decisive reply."
[04] Karamanlis says ND set to win next elections
Athens, 30/12/1997 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis
optimistically predicted that ND will win the next general
elections, during a televised interview with private channel
Antenna (ANT1) yesterday.
"The party (ND) is on a good course since it has overcome its
introversion and has managed to heal the wounds of many years",
he said, adding that "(ND) is looking at the future, being fully
aware of the great responsibility that we will soon undertake
following the Greek people's decision".
The leader of the main opposition underlined that ND's
responsibilities were grave since they involved efforts to take
the country out of what he called a prolonged decline that it
has been driven exclusively by successive PASOK governments.
He predicted that 1998 will be a difficult and crucial year for
the country's future as far as its course towards united Europe
was concerned, while he grabbed the opportunity to attack the
government on its choices, underlining that "its timidity and
decisions were undermining this course."
Mr. Karamanlis revealed that his party had set a twin target in
1998, firstly, to put pressure on the government to follow what
he called a proper policy; and secondly, to persuade the
majority of voters on its positions and proposals.
Speaking on the ND's political opposition tactics, Mr.
Karamanlis said that it was the party's duty "to push the
government to make the right choices, exercising intense,
essential, austere and reliable political opposition".
He said one of his main concerns was to reduce the role and
power of the state, adding that "the state should very soon be
turned into a friend and assistant to citizens, which will be on
their side..."
Summing up, the main opposition leader said that no-one should
lay back, and called on ND members to make a joint effort to
bring out the best of the party.
[05] Report on 'pro-junta picnic' released
Athens, 30/12/1997 (ANA)
Severe reprimands are likely to be leveled on 41 police
officers, many high-ranking, who several years ago participated
in an outdoor picnic replete with pro-junta-era songs, dances
and insignia. Videotaped antics from the event were recently
broadcast on several Greek television stations.
A police deputy chief submitted his report yesterday afternoon,
after a two-month investigation into the case. Military junta
sympathizing police officers and Riot Police Unit (EKAM) were
shown dancing to junta-era songs, as well as shouting slogans
and firing in the air with their service weapons.
The lengthy report arrives at the conclusion that the video was
unaltered. The report recommends that EKAM commander
Koutroumanis be dismissed, with some police officers be fired
and others suspended.
[06] High court prosecutor rules against Roussel appeal
Athens, 30/12/1997 (ANA)
The Supreme Court public prosecutor's office yesterday rejected
an appeal by Thierry Roussel, the father of Athina
Onassis-Roussel, against an Athens appeals council decision,
according to which Mr. Roussel was to stand trial on charges of
slander, perjury and filing a wrongful lawsuit against the
Liechtenstein-based Onassis Foundation. The Supreme Court
prosecutor's office judged that the decision was sufficiently
justified.
[07] Pangalos-Burns meeting
Athens, 30/12/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos hosted a luncheon for new US
ambassador to Athens Nicholas Burns at noon yesterday, according
to an announcement by the foreign ministry.
Details on the contents of talks between Mr. Pangalos and Mr.
Burns were not disclosed.
Meanwhile, Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis conveyed
a fourth memorandum regarding Greek-Turkish positions to the
European Union's Luxembourg presidency on Saturday. It was
prepared by the two Greek experts - professors Argyris Fatouros
and Theodoros Kouloumbis.
The memorandum proposes Jan. 9 or Jan. 12, 1998, as the date for
convening the Greek-Turkish experts' committee.
[08] Apostolakis on latest Turkish provocations
Athens, 30/12/1997 (ANA)
Defense Under-secretary Demetris Apostolakis yesterday visited
the military outpost of Kastani on the Greek-Albanian border.
In commenting on the latest official statements and
provocativeness emanating from Ankara, Mr. Apostolakis said that
the Turkish leadership exceeded all bounds. He added that
although Greece has extended its hand in friendship, it is ready
to face any Turkish actions successfully.
Later in the day, Mr. Apostolakis spoke to the officers of the
8th Army Division in Ioannina.
[09] Special environmental protection units to be established
Athens, 30/12/1997 (ANA)
The Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Ministry will
submit a bill in Parliament anticipating the creation of special
units for protecting the environment.
The units to be established will be known as "Inspectors of the
Environment S.A." The units' mission, according to the bill,
will be control and observance of national and European Union
legislation on the environment.
The bill further anticipates observance of regulations which
have been imposed, either as a precondition for granting a
license and the operation or renewal of the operation of every
activity at all public or private projects.
The units will be manned with specialized personnel and will
propose the imposition of fines in cases they ascertain
violations of environmental legislation.
[10] Air traffic controller testifies on conversation with Yak-42
pilot
Athens, 30/12/1997 (ANA)
The last air traffic controller who spoke with the pilot of the
ill-fated Ukrainian airliner that crashed into a mountainside in
Pieria prefecture on the night of Dec. 17 declined yesterday to
disclose more details about his radio conversation with the pi
lot.
Macedonia Airport air traffic controller Ioannis Yiannakopoulos,
who testified before a Thessaloniki public prosecutor, gave the
last instructions to the Yakovlev-42 pilot, just a few minutes
before the passenger jet hit the rocky side of the Pieria
Mountains, killing more than 70 people.
An appeals court prosecutor investigating the incident also
declined to give further details.
The air traffic controller's appearance before the prosecutor
was part of a judicial probe ordered by the Supreme Court
(Areios Pagos) to determine the exact causes of the crash.
[11] Cultural capital '97 ends with musical event
Athens, 30/12/1997 (ANA)
A celebration marking the end of the European cultural capital
year in Thessaloniki will be broadcast to all Balkan countries,
with images sent to several European nations and to cable
subscribers in the United States via the state-run NET network.
The event will feature internationally acclaimed Yugoslav
composer Goran Bregovic, noted Greek singer Giorgos Dalaras and
his Yugoslav counterpart Zdravko Colic, as well as 200 dancers,
musicians and chorus singers.
The show will cost the Cultural Capital of Europe Organization
(OPPE) 235 million drachmas, 70 million coming through the sale
of the musical program to several Balkan state broadcasters.
[12] Imvros church vandalized
Athens, 30/12/1997 (ANA)
The Church of the Virgin Mother on the island of Imvros was
destroyed by vandals over the Christmas holiday, according to
press sources in Mytilene.
The sources said vandals destroyed the church entrance and
everything inside the church, situated on the southern end of
the island.
The church had been renovated this past summer with funds
donated by the Imvrians of the Diaspora.
Religious monuments on the Aegean island have been regularly
destroyed by vandals over the past 20 years "without any arrests
ever having been made," Michalis Mavropoulos, president of the
Athens Association of Imvrians, told the ANA.
"The Turkish side must finally conduct investigations and arrest
the perpetrators of these actions, otherwise we shall consider
them accomplices in all the destruction caused so far but also
in all such acts in the future," Mr. Mavropoulos said.
[13] PM notes passing of Castoriadis
Athens, 30/12/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday expressed his regrets
over the death on Saturday of noted philosopher Cornelius
Castoriadis in Paris.
"Cornelius Castoriadis was a pioneering intellectual, a
revolutionary of thought. His words paved roads in the
philosophic quest of man and humanity," an announcement from Mr.
Simitis said.
[14] Greece, Albania to sign agreement on transport today
Athens, 30/12/1997 (ANA)
Transport and Communications Minister Tassos Mandelis and his
Albanian counterpart, Gaqo Apostoli, will sign a bilateral
agreement here today on the transportation of passengers and
goods by road.
Mr. Apostoli is paying an official visit to Greece at the
invitation of Mr. Mandelis.
During their talks today, the two ministers will also discuss
issues related to road and rail connections between Greece and
Albania within the framework of the inter-European transport
network.
[15] Gov't focuses on pro soccer clubs' shaky finances
Athens, 30/12/1997 (ANA)
The government is apparently toughening its stance with the
Federation of Football Anonymous Societies (EPAE), now disputing
the legality of its administrative board.
"Whoever has a legal interest can contest whatever decision is
taken by EPAE, since its composition is not legal," Sports
Under-secretary Andreas Fouras said yesterday, although he later
denied that he intends to meet with EPAE's administration.
Meanwhile, Mr. Fouras pointed out that a new bill on sports is
ready and will be sent to Parliament for ratification soon.
Meanwhile, Mr. Fouras said he is satisfied with the increase in
the Greek Soccer Pools Organization (OPAP) revenues, adding that
the increase amounted to 126 per cent over the past six weeks.
He further said that OPAP's revenues totaled 19 billion drachmas
over the past three months.
On the question of professional football teams (PAEs) not being
able to make player transfers if they present loss-making and
shaky balance sheets, Mr. Fouras let it be understood that there
existed "loopholes".
"AEK (Athens), which is among the PAEs having a balance sheet
showing a deficit has obtained a loan from (its parent company)
ENIC for 700 million drachmas and so it can make transfers as
normal," he said.
[16] Corinth Canal closed for another week
Athens, 30/12/1997 (ANA)
The Corinth Canal, the 6.3 kilometer-long and 7-meter deep
waterway will remain closed for almost another week for repairs,
the Corinth Canal Authority announced yesterday.
It said the 105-year-old waterway, which was damaged by
landslides nearly two weeks ago, would remain closed for
approximately six more days to enable completion of the
restoration work.
[17] Capital outflows continue, interbank rates intact
Athens, 30/12/1997 (ANA)
The Bank of Greece, the country's central bank, yesterday
reported outflows totaling 300 million ECUs at drachma fixing in
the domestic interbank market.
Bankers said that foreign institutional investors continued
closing their positions into Greek state securities ahead of the
end of 1997, a pattern prevailing since last week, leading to
more than 1.1 billion ECUs in outflows.
Interbank rates however remained steady helped by the Bank of
Greece's discreet intervention.
Short-term interest rates moved around 10 percent, while rates
for over a month range 14 percent.
[18] Greek stocks end substantially lower
Athens, 30/12/1997 (ANA)
Greek equities came under heavy pressure yesterday to end
substantially lower on the Athens Stock Exchange.
Traders said sentiment was affected by renewed turmoil in
southeast Asian markets and a new round of higher interest rates
by domestic commercial banks.
The general index closed 1.63 percent lower at 1,451.16 points,
while turnover rose to 48.1 billion drachmas reflecting
transactions of large block of shares ahead of the year end.
During the session 700,000 shares of National Bank of Greece
were traded .
Sector indices ended lower. Banks fell 1.78 percent, Insurance
eased 1.87 percent, Leasing dropped 0.66 percent, Investments
ended 0.95 percent off, Constructions dropped 1.83 percent,
Industrials fell 1.24 percent, Miscellaneous ended 1.78 percent
down and Holding plunged 2.86 percent.
The parallel market index for small cap companies ended 0.88
percent off and the FTSE/ASE index rose 1.62 percent to end at
829.10 points.
Broadly, decliners led advancers by 167 to 47 with another 17
issues unchanged.
Pairis, Dane, Papahellinas and Chalyps Cement scored the biggest
percentage gains, while Nematemboriki, Papoutsanis, Vis and
Parnassos suffered the heaviest losses.
National Bank of Greece ended at 24,500 drachmas, Ergobank at
14,230, Alpha Credit Bank at 16,130, Delta Dairy at 3,220, Titan
Cement at 12,790, Intracom at 12,950 and Hellenic
Telecommunications Organization at 5,805.
[19] Bank of Piraeus profits up 112 pct Jan/Sept
Athens, 30/12/1997 (ANA)
Bank of Piraeus, a Greek listed private bank, yesterday reported
a spectacular 112 percent rise in profits for the first nine
months of the year, bringing the total to 7.9 billion drachmas
compared with 3.7 billion in the corresponding period last year.
The bank's assets in the period from January to September rose
by 78 percent, deposits were 89 percent higher and lending rose
by 63 percent.
[20] Alpha Credit Bank nine month profits rose 46.2 pct
Athens, 30/12/1997 (ANA)
Alpha Credit Bank's profits rose by 46.2 percent in the first
nine months of the year to 64.3 billion drachmas from 44 billion
the same period last year.
The bank's assets totaled 221.7 billion drachmas, deposits rose
20.3 percent to 2.3 trillion drachmas and lending increased by
38.8 percent to 1.2 trillion.
Alpha Credit, the country's largest private bank, said in a
statement yesterday that its fourth quarterly results would be
affected by a rising trend in interest rates from the end of
October.
[21] Finance ministry announces 15 pct tax reductions on property
Athens, 30/12/1997 (ANA)
Greece's finance ministry yesterday announced a 15 percent rise
in tax exemptions and tax reductions on heritage and grants
taxation, property transfer and large property taxation.
The ministry said the measures were aimed at offsetting the
impact on taxation by rising property prices.
[22] Olympic order for eight Boeing 737-800s
Seattle, 30/12/1997 (ANA/DPA)
State-run Olympic Airways has ordered eight "Boeing 737-800"
aircraft, the giant manufacturer announced here yesterday.
The value of the order amounts to US$408 million, while delivery
of the aircraft will start in early 2000. The Boeing 737-800s
will replace the carrier's previous 737 and 727 models, an
announcement stated.
The 737-800 aircraft are equipped with the new CFM56-7 engines,
which are manufactured by CFMI, a joint venture of the US-based
General Electric company and the France's Snecma.
[23] Downtown renovations inaugurated today
Athens, 30/12/1997 (ANA)
Renovations and works carried out in Athens' commercial district
will be unveiled today.
Projects on Ermou street and other locations in the commercial
district cost about 2.2 billion drachmas.
Among the renovations are electronic bars placed at the
entrances to the district, budgeted at 5.2 billion drachmas,
which will open and close with the use of special cards
distributed to all drivers having the right of entry into the
area.
Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas
Laliotis will inaugurate the works at noon in the presence of
Athens Mayor Demetris Avramopoulos and other officials.
[24] Decision excluding Renault from bus tender upheld
Athens, 30/12/1997 (ANA)
The Renault company has been excluded from tendering by the
Thermal Buses Co. (ETHEL) for procurement of 750 buses, valued
at 45 billion drachmas, as the Council of State rejected the
French company's appeal.
The firm, which was excluded during the first stage of
tendering, was requesting suspension of decisions by an
inter-party committee.
The Council of State rejected all the reasons put forth by the
automaker.
[25] Cosmote suspends pre-registration
Athens, 30/12/1997 (ANA)
The new mobile provider Cosmote, a subsidiary of state-run
Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE), has stopped
pre-registration, as customer demand exceeded expectations.
The telecoms utility's program projected 120,000 applications to
be satisfied by April 1998, however, the number of
pre-registrations surpassed projections.
In a related development, the Coalition of the Left and Progress
(Synaspismos) party accused Cosmote of unreliability, asking OTE
and its subsidiary to ensure favorable terms for a strong and
competitive entrance into the cellular phone market.
[26] Halkor sales for first 9 months of '97 announced
Athens, 30/12/1997 (ANA)
Sales during the first nine months of 1997 for the Halkor
company stood at 45.94 billion drachmas compared to 41.20
billion during the same period last year.
The company's pre-tax profits were 3.6 billion drachmas,
compared to 3.33 last year. The company's management also
announced a 59.66-billion-drachma turnover for 1997.
[27] News in Brief
Athens, 30/12/1997 (ANA)
A 37-year-old woman has been arrested for taking advantage of
the jostle at weddings to steal gifts intended for the bride and
groom. Lazaria Soufatzi was arrested on Saturday at a church in
the Athens suburb of Nea Kifissia as she tried to substitute an
expensive gift with a box containing empty soft drink cans.
Police said she had used the same method to steal wedding gifts
from the same church in the past.
A 42-year-old man was arrested in the Imathia region early on
Monday, after police found him transporting eight Albanian
illegal immigrants in his farm truck. The man said he had picked
up the Albanians in Neapolis near Kozani and was taking them
inland for 40,000 drachmas each.
Heavy fog caused the closure of Thessaloniki's Macedonia Airport
for six hours yesterday morning. A number of morning flights
were delayed due to the closure.
End of English language section.
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