Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 98-01-28
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1401), January 28, 1998
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Gov't unveils amendment in DEKO law; 24-hour strike held
yesterday
[02] ... Supreme Court orders investigation into strike
[03] ... Gov't says political cost not consideration in DEKO change
[04] Greece will persist with 'step-by-step' approach vis-a-vis Turkey
[05] ... Athens to protest Turkish patrol boats in Greek waters
[06] Kinkel: Ankara should refer its differences with Athens to The
Hague
[07] Pangalos: Ankara must recognize The Hague's jurisdiction
[08] ... Ankara reiterates it wants 'dialogue', before The Hague
[09] EU, Russian officials meet
[10] Tsohatzopoulos signs defense co-operation agreement with Slovakia
[11] ... Meeting with Havel
[12] Papadopoulos briefs premier on new civil service code
[13] Simitis receives delegation of persons with special needs
[14] Simitis meets 10 PASOK deputies
[15] More cars torched overnight
[16] Danielle Mitterrand calls for action on illegal immigrants
[17] Greek human rights delegates attend Turkish policemen's trial
[18] Athens-Skopje talks continue over name issue
[19] Robles in Athens tomorrow
[20] Saudi Arabia awards King Faisal prizes
[21] Fouras-Bakouris meeting yesterday
[22] Romanian soccer coach may take over in Athens
[23] European pro soccer league representatives meet in Athens
[24] 1998 declared 'Quality Year' by V. Papandreou
[25] Greek stocks hit by rising interest rates
[26] European Commission ear marks 420 mln ECUs for SMEs
[27] Internet users grow rapidly in Greece
[28] Greece's cable industry outlook positive, report says
[29] Agrotica '98 trade fair opens today
[30] OTE profits announced
[31] Tzoumakas-Burns meeting on agricultural issues
[32] EOT promotional tour in Canada
[33] Papastratos sells its share of Makro
[34] Cold snap causes traffic problems around Greece
[01] Gov't unveils amendment in DEKO law; 24-hour strike held
yesterday
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
The government proposed an amendment in its proposed draft bill
for labor relations governing public enterprises and utilities
(DEKOs) during a meeting yesterday, at the same time as most
employees at public transports, utilities and state banks were
on strike.
The meeting was held between National Economy Minister Yiannos
Papantoniou, Labor Minister Miltiades Papaioannou, Transport and
Communications Minister Tassos Mantelis and the presidium of the
General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE), the trade
union umbrella organization that called yesterday's 24-hour
strike.
The amendment is as follows:
Firstly, the amendment will concern only state-subsidized but
loss-making and problematic DEKOs, according to Mr. Papantoniou.
Despite the fact the amendment's text will contain a general
description and not reference in name, Mr. Papantoniou made it
clear that the amendment concerns the Athens Urban Transport
Organization (OA-SA), Olympic Airways, the Greek Railways
Organization (OSE) and the Greek Post Offices (ELTA).
Secondly, all DEKOs are provided with a six-month period of
negotiations to change regulations. Mr. Papantoniou stressed
that this element underlines the government's political volition
for an agreement.
"We hope for consensus," he said.
For Olympic Airways, in particular, this period is limited to
two months because the restructuring program is underway and the
government believes that the perennially loss-making state-run
company is entering a state of intense international
competition, which does not allow for delays.
Thirdly, if negotiations are concluded without an agreement
being reached, the government reserves the right to take crucial
decisions itself with a legislative settlement through
Parliament. Legislative settlement can only be achieved once for
each company and henceforth regulations will change with
collective negotiations.
GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos said the fact that many
DEKOs are excluded from the amendment is positive and attributed
this to the mobilization by employees and GSEE itself.
However, Mr. Polyzogopoulos stressed that the amendment is
rejected by the trade unions even with this reformulation
because it leads to governmental intervention in free collective
negotiations.
"We will continue our struggle to ensure that the controversial
clause is not implemented in practice," Mr. Polyzogopoulos said.
[02] ... Supreme Court orders investigation into strike
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
Meanwhile, Supreme Court Prosecutor Panayiotis Demopoulos
yesterday began a preliminary investigation into yesterday
24-hour strike by public transport, utilities and state-run
banks.
Mr. Demopoulos' investigation will examine whether the strikes
were lawfully called and whether state services have been
provided with a skeleton crew, as required by law.
Yesterday's strike affected all public transports, including
Olympic Airways flights and inter-city rail links, state-run
banks, and all public utilities. It is the second strike called
in a week over a provision in the government's tax bill that
allows a change in the status of workers at public sector
organizations within the framework of their reform.
Mr. Demopoulos' order, sent to the heads of Athens and Piraeus
appeals courts, stresses that legal action will be taken in the
event violations are ascertained.
The government said on Monday that a reworded version of the
provision, clarifying that the reforms related only to ailing
and heavily indebted public organizations, had been decided upon
by the entire government, approved by the prime minister and
would not be changed.
[03] ... Gov't says political cost not consideration in DEKO change
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
Government spokesman Demetris Reppas said later that the
government hoped that the contentious provision on job relations
between state and workers at ailing DEKOs would receive the
agreement of workers as it had already been accepted by public
opinion.
"The government is proceeding with structural changes but
believes that these can no longer be delayed for fear of the
political cost," Mr. Reppas said.
He said that the aim of reducing deficits could not be separated
from the issue of revitalizing loss-making companies and that
the government's overriding goal was participation in Economic
and Monetary Union.
"It is inconceivable that Greece remain out of decision-making
centers which affect not only Europe but the entire world," Mr.
Reppas said. He said that recent opinion polls showing a drop in
the government's popularity were of little importance.
The only "opinion poll" of importance, he added, were national
elections "which will return a result in line with the
government's efforts to make the country strong".
[04] Greece will persist with 'step-by-step' approach vis-a-vis Turkey
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
The policy of a "step-by-step" rapprochement with Turkey is
Greece's answer for a normalization of Greek-Turkish relations,
government spokesman Demetris Reppas said yesterday in reply to
criticism by main opposition New Democracy leader Costas
Karamanlis .
The ND leader made statements on foreign policy following a
meeting with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos.
"Turkey is called upon to harmonize itself with the
international legal order and accept the appropriate rules of
behavior. It is called upon to recognize the jurisdiction of the
International Court at The Hague, as envisaged by the political
framework of the Luxembourg summit," he added.
Earlier, Mr. Karamanlis had accused the government of having no
strategy and of "attempting to secretly alter its policy, as it
appears to have decided to refer all issues - which Turkey
unilaterally and arbitrarily has raised in an attempt to change
the status quo in the Aegean - to the International Court at The
Hague".
Mr. Karamanlis stressed that issues that touch upon the
country's national security and sovereign rights cannot be
judged by the International Court or any other arbitration body,
citing the security of the Aegean islands as an example.
He called on the prime minister to clarify whether the positions
expressed by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos recently in an
interview with the Turkish daily "Milliyet" constitute an
official and binding policy of the government, adding: "If this
is so, how is it possible for Mr. Simitis to lead a government
when so many ministers, including the defense minister, disagree
with these positions?"
He remarked that if "it is a definite decision for the country
to move along this policy, then this means that things have been
agreed in advance which find the majority of the Greek people in
disagreement, and this means that the government is shouldering
huge national and historical responsibilities".
He added that if all these are in the context of supposed moves
of goodwill, it is particularly important to understand "that we
cannot risk the country's sovereign rights, or that when there
is no response from the other side, the only thing we can do is
show weakness and end up in an escalation of (Turkish) appetites
and pressures".
[05] ... Athens to protest Turkish patrol boats in Greek waters
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
Meanwhile, Athens intends to lodge a demarche with Ankara over
violation of the rules of safe passage by two Turkish torpedo
boats, spotted inside Greek territorial waters between the Greek
islands of Kalymnos and Kalolymnos.
Mr. Reppas said that Greece's ambassador in Ankara, Demetris
Nezeritis, would lodge a demarche with the Turkish government
over yesterday's incident.
He added such an incident was not common and described Turkey's
behavior as "dangerous" for peace and stability in the region.
The diplomatic steps which will be taken will highlight the
issue, the spokesman added.
The crews of the two Turkish vessels also fired weapons into the
sea in contravention of the rules of safe passage, and after the
two vessels entered Greek territorial waters on Monday, west of
the Imia islets. The two Turkish vessels fled the area and
headed back towards Turkish waters after a Greek missile boat
patrolling the area informed the two vessels' skippers of the
violation of the maritime safety rules, asking them to exit
Greek waters.
[06] Kinkel: Ankara should refer its differences with Athens to The
Hague
Bonn, 28/01/1998 (ANA - P. Stangos)
German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel yesterday expressed support
for a proposal by his Greek counterpart Theodoros Pangalos'
calling for Turkey to refer all issues it considers as problems
or differences with Athens to the International Court at The
Hague, thereby accepting the Court's obligatory jurisdiction.
Mr. Pangalos' statements were published in an interview with the
Turkish daily "Milliyet".
"There must be progress in the relations between Greece and
Turkey and an attainable way in this direction is the invitation
addressed by Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos to the
Turkish government to seek recourse at the International Court
at the Hague," he said, after a joint press conference with his
visiting Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem.
He added that he had impressed this position "with intensity" to
Mr. Cem, accompanying it with "an appeal to the Turkish
government to re-think it".
The issue of The Hague was side-stepped by Mr. Cem, with the
familiar position of "first bilateral dialogue and then we see".
Mr. Cem, who insisted that the European part of the discussions
took place on an "exclusively bilateral" level, in order to make
it clear that Ankara's decision to suspend political dialogue
with the EU still applied, confirmed that Turkey did not wish to
participate in the European Conference in London on March 12,
claiming that the Luxembourg summit last December had
discriminated against Turkey.
Mr. Kinkel rejected this latter claim, saying that "the European
Union is not responsible for the problems which Turkey has
created, such as the occupation of northern Cyprus in violation
of international law, and the problem with the Kurds".
He insisted that "despite understanding Turkey's disappointment
over the Luxembourg summit's decisions, European Union proposals
were honest and responded to the real situation".
In his introduction, Mr. Kinkel said the EU decision to open
membership negotiations with Cyprus was a given, and that he had
asked Mr. Pangalos to contribute to the representation of the
Turkish Cypriot side in the Cypriot delegation in negotiations.
[07] Pangalos: Ankara must recognize The Hague's jurisdiction
Brussels, 28/01/1998 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)
Turkey must realize that "we have entered a new era", in which
it must adapt to by recognizing the jurisdiction of the
International Court at The Hague, Foreign Minister Theodoros
Pangalos told reporters here yesterday, shortly before returning
to Athens.
Mr. Pangalos stressed that Turkey would at some point have to
fall in line with the new international situation and recognize
the competent international bodies.
He was returning to Athens after attending a European Union
General Affairs Council in the Belgian capital on Monday.
Commenting on statements by Turkish Foreign Ministry official
Necati Utkan, who said Ankara would not be willing to take
recourse to the International Court at The Hague over the issue
of its disputing the extent of Greek airspace, Mr. Pangalos said
the issue was not what each Turkish official said on one or the
other matter with regard to The Hague, "but Turkey's adjustment
to international law".
Mr. Pangalos noted that Turkey had for a number of years
disputed that Greece's national airspace was 10 nautical miles
"even though for four decades, from 1931 to 1973, Ankara
accepted this limit without protest".
By continuing to dispute the extent of Greek airspace, Mr.
Pangalos said, Turkey was merely exacerbating a problem which it
itself had created.
[08] ... Ankara reiterates it wants 'dialogue', before The Hague
Istanbul, 28/01/1998 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)
On its part, the Turkish foreign ministry stressed that the
first step in the direction of resolving problems between Greece
and Turkey is a "constructive and sincere" dialogue.
Mr. Utkan underlined relevant statements by Turkish Deputy Prime
Minister Bulent Ecevit to the daily "Milliyet" and reiterated
that "a climate of dialogue must be created first and only then
can methods of solving problems be decided."
Mr. Utkan reminded that Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz had
recently said that "the implementation of a separate method to
resolve each problem is not realistic."
[09] EU, Russian officials meet
Brussels, 28/01/1998 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)
The European Union's Council of Foreign Ministers and Russian
officials yesterday conducted their first co-operation
conference.
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos said that this conference
between the EU and Russia signaled a new era of closer
co-operation and trust, despite problems which still exist
within the framework of the EU and Russia's willingness to
strengthen its bonds with the Union.
In a related development, the EU foreign ministers yesterday met
with Albanian Foreign Minister Paskal Milo, within the framework
of the EU-Albanian Political Dialogue.
Mr. Pangalos noted Albania's special role in Balkan co-operation
within the framework of the interbalkan conference summit, to be
held in Turkey.
[10] Tsohatzopoulos signs defense co-operation agreement with Slovakia
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and his Slovakian
counterpart J. Siltek signed a defense co-operation agreement,
the first between the two countries.
The two ministers discussed armament and defense industry issues
within the framework of the co-operation agreement.
According to press reports, Greek officials are interested in
the 155mm "SUZANA" mobile artillery system, which has an
effective firing range of 37 kilometers.
Mr. Siltek thanked Mr. Tsohatzopoulos for Greece's support in
Slovakia's effort to enter the European Union, as well as
Greece's stance during the Albanian crisis.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos today will observe military exercises and
will later meet with several high-ranking Slovakian ministers.
[11] ... Meeting with Havel
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
Earlier yesterday, before leaving the Czech Republic, the Greek
defense minister was received by President Vaclav Havel, whom he
reassured of Greece's firm political backing for his republic's
accession to NATO and in negotiations with the EU.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos also briefed the Czech president on Greece's
efforts to promote co-operation between the two countries in
order to meet common problems on a NATO and EU level.
He further pointed out that 1998 will be a crucial year for
Greek-Czech relations, announcing at the same time that Prime
Minister Costas Simitis, as well as Parliament President
Apostolos Kaklamanis will visit the Czech Republic, probably
within the year.
Other meetings Mr. Tsohatzopoulos had included with Czech PM
Tosovski and the leader of the senate, Mr. Pitnar.
The Greek official's visit to Prague was marked by the signing
of a military agreement between the two states.
According to sources, Greece has an interest in purchasing a
light fighter jet, the L-159, built by the Czech weapons
industry.
[12] Papadopoulos briefs premier on new civil service code
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
Interior Minister Alekos Papadopoulos yesterday briefed Prime
Minister Costas Simitis on a new civil service code,
implementation of a law on the mergers of municipalities, and
decentralization.
It was decided that the state would hire 150 environmental
scientists in addition to 375 specialized personnel to be
appointed in the regions, so as to prevent delays in large and
small projects.
Discussion also included problems that have arisen because
certain ministries have not proceeded to the recording of
responsibilities that will be assigned to the regions and local
government organizations.
[13] Simitis receives delegation of persons with special needs
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday met with a National
Federation of Persons with Special Needs (ESAEA) delegation to
discuss related issues.
Mr. Simitis discussed with delegates several economic issues and
the establishment of centers for support to persons with special
needs in 22 prefectures.
Specific problems of hemophiliacs and kidney patients were
discussed as well. ESAEA delegates requested that pension
increases keep up with inflation and discussed hiring practices
in the public sector.
[14] Simitis meets 10 PASOK deputies
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis had lunch with 10 PASOK party
deputies at the Maximos Mansion yesterday.
The deputies attending the luncheon were Messrs. Akrivakis,
Georgakopoulos, Zambounidis, Katsanevas, Levoyiannis, Niotis,
Piperias, Ilias Papadopoulos, Stavrakakis and Haralambous. The
meeting was part of contacts inaugurated by the premier with all
of PASOK's deputies in an effort to achieve mutual briefing and
better contact in the party. According to reports, discussion
was dominated by issues concerning government policy and the
situation prevailing in the party.
[15] More cars torched overnight
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
Another five vehicles were attacked by makeshift bombs on Monday
night, including two vehicles belonging to the environment
ministry.
A group calling itself "Revo-lutionary War" claimed
responsibility for the attack on the ministry cars in Kallithea
in an anonymous telephone call to Skai radio station.
Police said they suspected 'Revolutionary War' to be a group for
past bomb attacks but claiming responsibility under different
names.
The other three cars were torched by makeshift bombs in separate
incidents in Glyfada, Maroussi and Nikaia.
On Monday, a hitherto unknown group said to support American
'Unabomber' Theodore Kacynski claimed responsibility for a bomb
attack against the offices of multinational computer company
Hewlett-Packard in downtown Thessaloniki.
The blasts caused damage to the Hewlett-Packard offices and the
video club on the floor and to the building's facade. Police
said a third explosive device, which did not explode, was found
on the fourth floor in the offices of the Interamerican
insurance company. Thessaloniki police told the ANA that patrols
had been stepped up around "possible targets" after the recent
spate of car bombs and torching in Athens.
Some 1,000 police officers have been added to patrols in the
Athens area, as police believe the torching were random attacks
by anarchists hoping to throw police off the trail of
accomplices of Nikos Maziotis, arrested on suspicion of
involvement in an urban guerrilla group.
Maziotis, 27, was charged with possession of weapons, explosive
material and seditious printed material after a police swoop on
a number of Athens homes. Police found a significant quantity of
explosive material in the raids, including 9.5 kilos at
Maziotis' Kamatero home.
The finds, police say, link Maziotis with the urban guerrilla
group Militant Guerrilla Formation (MAS), which has claimed
responsibility for a number of bomb attacks since its appearance
in 1996.
[16] Danielle Mitterrand calls for action on illegal immigrants
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
Danielle Mitterrand, currently visiting Greece in her capacity
as president of the "France Libertes" Foundation, yesterday
called for a European policy on immigrants that would work
towards their eventual return to their homelands.
Ms Mitterrand is the widow of the late French president Francois
Mitterrand.
"The question is not whether western states want to or are able
to have these people (in Europe), but to give them the
opportunity to return to their homes without any problems," she
said in a press conference.
"France Libertes" has been involved in the problems of the
Kurdish people, which Ms Mitterrand said were chiefly due to
economic factors.
"For 15 years we have been condemning the genocide being
perpetrated against the Kurdish people, which we believe is due
to economic factors since the land in their area is rich in
water resources and therefore has attracted the attention of
powerful interest groups. Our mission today is to attack the
true cause of this catastrophe, to protect the people and to
offer them our solidarity, letting them know they are not
alone," she said.
Ms Mitterrand also attributed the increasing problem of racism
to economic factors.
"We must counter the world dictatorship of money with the world
democracy of peoples. Measures taken by European states to limit
unemployment should not be turned against immigrants, since it
is policies such as these that result in racism. Unemployment
originates in a policy that seeks a cheap work force. There
should be a united front of workers, including foreign workers,
against such a stance," she said.
Ms Mitterrand on Monday addressed a meeting of the Institute for
Strategic and Developmental Studies (ISTAME) - Andreas
Papandreou.
Yesterday she met with President of the Republic Kostis
Stephanopoulos and she also had a brief meeting with Prime
Minister Costas Simitis.
[17] Greek human rights delegates attend Turkish policemen's trial
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
A number of Turkish police officers facing charges in connection
with the death of 22 people in Istanbul's Gazi suburb, told a
court in Trabzon recently that they knew nothing about the
killings, since they only used water to disperse a gathering.
However, photographs produced at the trial showed police firing
on the crowd.
The report was given yesterday during a press conference in
Athens by Synaspismos member Zoe Spiliopoulou and Athens Bar
Association representative Zoe-Maria Miliou, who visited Turkey
recently as part of a delegation of the European Human Rights
Commission.
They said an attack, in which 22 people were killed and another
35 injured, was launched by police on protesting Gazi residents
for a previous attack on two coffee-shops by the extremist group
"Gray Wolves", an attack that claimed five victims.
The two Greek delegates said that although the hearing
continues, the court has acquitted many of the accused police
officers.
[18] Athens-Skopje talks continue over name issue
United Nations, 28/01/1998 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)
UN-sponsored talks between Athens and Skopje on the issue of the
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (FYROM) official name
were repeated yesterday at Greece's permanent UN representation
here.
The talks lasted two hours and were attended by special UN
mediator Cyrus Vance, his deputy Matthew Nimetz, Greece's
permanent representative at the UN Christos Zaharakis and his
FYROM counterpart Ivan Tosevski.
Mr. Nimetz and Mr. Zaharakis declined any comment after the
meeting, unlike Mr. Tosevski, who replied to a relevant question
on whether progress was attained with "certainly... We will meet
again on Thursday".
In the meantime, Mr. Vance invited all participants at
yesterday's talks to a dinner tomorrow. However, it has not been
announced yet whether the dinner will follow talks earlier on
the same day.
[19] Robles in Athens tomorrow
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
European Parliament President Jose Maria Hill Robles will start
a three-day official visit to Greece tomorrow at the invitation
of Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis.
Mr. Robles will hold talks with the country's leadership as well
as with party leaders. His agenda of talks includes
Greek-Turkish relations, Economic and Monetary Union (EMU),
relations between the European Union and Turkey and relations
between the Parliaments of member-states and the European
Parliament.
[20] Saudi Arabia awards King Faisal prizes
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
Saudi Arabia has chosen Senegal's president, two Arabs and three
Western scientists to receive its 1997 King Faisal International
Prizes.
Five prizes, each worth 750,000 riyals ($200,000) have been
awarded annually since 1981.
A statement said Senegal's President Abdou Diouf received the
prize for services to Islam for "defending Islamic causes at
international forums and for encouraging Arabic and Islamic
education in his country".
British mathematician Andrew Wiles, a professor at the
University of Princeton in the United States, was awarded the
mathematics prize for solving a famous 17th century mathematical
problem, the statement said.
In 1994, Prof. Wiles, 44, found proof of "Fermat's Last
Theorem", which had challenged a number theorists for 350 years.
Americans Robert Purcell and John Gerin, both from the
Washington D.C. area, shared the medicine prize.
The prize for Islamic studies was shared by Yahya Mahmoud bin
Jnaid, of Saudi Arabia, and Abdul-Sattar Abdel-Haq al-Halouji of
Egypt, while the prize for Arabic literature was not awarded
because studies presented did not meet the selection committee's
criteria.
[21] Fouras-Bakouris meeting yesterday
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
Sports Under-secretary Andreas Fouras and "Athens 2004" Managing
Director Costas Bakouris had their first official meeting
yesterday.
"At our meeting, which lasted two and a half hours, I informed
Mr. Bakouris on priorities for the Organizing Committee of 2004,
namely, new sports legislation, public works for the Olympics,
as well as related sports issues."
He that "Mr. Bakouris is looking into the details and this is a
fact which is very pleasing to me..."
Mr. Bakouris did not comment on the meeting.
In a related development, Environment, Town Planning and Public
Works Minister Costas Laliotis yesterday expressed his support
for the Olympic Games Committee, during an event at the
Technical Chamber of Commerce (TEE).
On his part, TEE President Costas Liaskas said that the
committee's work will be judged by its results.
[22] Romanian soccer coach may take over in Athens
Bucharest, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
Romania's national soccer coach, Anghel Iordanescu, is due in
Athens on Friday for talks with the Greek soccer federation
(EPO), reportedly to finalize a deal under which he will take
over the Greek national team which hopes to qualify for the
finals of Euro 2000. According to sources, the 48-year-old
soccer coach has already agreed to take over the Greek national
team and is coming on Friday to arrange last-minute details and
sign a contract.
The sources added that Mr. Iordanescu himself confirmed his trip
to Athens during a conversation yesterday with a Romanian
journalist. He reportedly told the journalist that he would only
cancel the trip if so notified by the Greek soccer federation.
The same sources said Mr. Iordanescu would be signing a two-year
contract which would come into effect on August 1 this year,
that is, after the World Cup finals in France.
A Romanian soccer official meanwhile told the ANA that even if
he wanted to, Mr. Iordanescu could not leave the Romanian
national team immediately, since he had signed a contract with
the Romanian federation (FRF) under which he must first fulfill
all the Romanian team's World Cup obligations.
[23] European pro soccer league representatives meet in Athens
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
The 3rd meeting of representatives of organizing authorities
responsible for European professional soccer leagues was held at
a downtown Athens hotel yesterday, attended by a high-ranking
UEFA committee which was headed by its Secretary General Gerhard
Aigner.
The meeting was also attended by Greek Federation of
Professional Soccer Teams (EPAE) President Stelios Sfakianakis,
among others.
Mr. Aigner stated that "everything that is related to television
rights must function on the basis of what is applied in the
charter of UEFA and rules governing the European Union."
[24] 1998 declared 'Quality Year' by V. Papandreou
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
The development ministry has declared 1998 as a 'Quality Year',
which will include a series of actions aimed at increasing
awareness among the public and organizations.
The action program in all sectors of the ministry's
responsibility (industry, energy, commerce, tourism) were
presented yesterday by Development Minister Vasso Papandreou
during a press conference.
"Quality is the main strategy in the government's development
policy", said Ms Papandreou, who described quality as "a
decisive parameter for the country's economic development..."
She further said that the ministry was already working on the
appropriate infrastructure required for drawing up a
comprehensive policy on quality.
The minister said emphasis will be placed on the introduction of
quality checks in the market to protect consumers from
low-quality products.
[25] Greek stocks hit by rising interest rates
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
Greek equities remained under pressure for the second
consecutive session yesterday on the Athens Stock Exchange to
lose further substantial ground.
Traders said renewed turbulence in the domestic money market hit
sentiment.
A rise in interest rates at Monday's auction of state bills was
interpreted as a sign of a rising trend in money market rates.
Bank of Greece sources reported new capital outflows totaling
150 million US dollars at the drachma's fixing, while the Greek
currency's parity eased by 0.66 percent against the dollar. The
drachma was stable against the DMark and the ECU.
The general index closed 1.23 percent lower at 1,410.23 points
with most sector indices losing ground. Banks fell 1.72 percent,
Insurance eased 1.51 percent, Leasing dropped 0.44 percent,
Investment fell 0.28 percent, Industrials eased 0.60 percent,
Constructions plunged 3.08 percent, Holding ended 2.09 percent
off but Miscellaneous bucked the trend to end 1.19 percent up.
The parallel market index for small cap companies fell 0.32
percent, while the FTSE/ASE index ended 1.48 percent down to
769.84 points.
Trading remained moderate with turnover at 13.2 billion
drachmas. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 160 to 49 with
another 26 issues unchanged.
Bank of Athens, Sarandopoulos, Radio Athina, Sato and Dane
scored the biggest percentage gains, while Alumil, Technodomi,
Levenderis, Viokarpet and Lanakam suffered the heaviest losses.
National Bank of Greece ended at 19,650 drachmas, Ergobank at
13, 420, Alpha Credit Bank at 14,500, Delta Dairy at 2,730,
Titan Cement at 13,460, Intracom at 14,540 and Hellenic
Telecommunications Organization at 5,440.
[26] European Commission ear marks 420 mln ECUs for SMEs
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
The European Commission, the EU's executive, yesterday adopted
proposals for the financial support of investments in small and
medium-sized enterprises aimed at creating new jobs.
The Commission will earmark 420 million ECUs for the program
covering the period from 1998 to 2000. The proposals were
presented by commissioners Christos Papoutsis, Yves-Thibault de
Silguy and Edith Cresson.
[27] Internet users grow rapidly in Greece
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
The use of Internet is rapidly growing in Greece according to a
report by the Institute of Financial and Industrial Research
(IOBE) on telecommunications networks.
The report said that the number of Greek users of the Internet
was estimated at 20-25,000, while a big number of users - mainly
students - take advantage of free access offered by universities.
Greek Internet companies turnover totaled 2 billion drachmas in
1996, a figure likely to grow substantially in coming years.
The report noted that competition would increase in the future
and that only a few companies would survive.
Greek companies were steadily adopting electronic data
information systems (EDI).
More than 100 companies, mainly multinational subsidiaries, have
adopted the EDI system, while another 250 were expected to
follow soon.
[28] Greece's cable industry outlook positive, report says
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
Greece's cable industry outlook is positive, but the sector may
face increased competition in the domestic market due to the
liberalization of public utilities procurement contracts in the
European Union, the Institute of Financial and Industrial
Research (IOBE) said yesterday in a report.
Greek cable manufacturers depend largely on orders by Public
Power Corporation and Hellenic Telecommunications Organization.
The two Greek utilities recently signed procurement contracts
covering 25 percent of the country's cable industry turnover.
The report urges cable manufacturers to seek expansion in
eastern Europe ahead of an expected massive investment in the
telecommunications and energy sectors in the region.
Currently, almost 40 percent of Greek cable manufacturers
production is exported and the industry showed a surplus of 75
million ECU in 1995.
Italy is Greece's main supplier in cables. On the other hand,
Britain and France are the main exporting markets.
[29] Agrotica '98 trade fair opens today
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas will today inaugurate
the 14th Agrotica international trade fair to be held in
Thessaloniki.
The Agrotica fair is the biggest agricultural trade fair in the
Balkans and this year is expected to show increased numbers both
in exhibitors as in visitors.
According to HELEXPO figures, 1,517 Greek and foreign exhibitors
will take part in the fair, covering 38,500 square meters, up
from 1,500 and 36,807 respectively last year.
Albania, Bulgaria, France, Spain, Italy, Poland and Tunisia are
taking part with state-sponsored pavilions.
[30] OTE profits announced
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
The total profits of the Hellenic Telecommunications
Organization (OTE) are expected to amount to 368 billion
drachmas in the 1998 fiscal year, increasing by 64 billion
drachmas or 21 per cent compared to the 1997 fiscal year.
According to OTE's budget, total revenues will increase from 979
billion drachmas, while expenditures for 1998, in the
investments sector, will amount to 320 billion drachmas and will
show an increase of 73 billion drachmas or 32.2 per cent as
against predicted investments in 1997.
Upon completion of the anticipated construction program in 1998,
targets will be achieved such as the installation of 1.2 million
lines, 160,000 new telephone lines and the construction of
2,500km of ditches for underground urban and long distance net
works.
Over the same period, an increase is also expected in digital
lines by 72 per cent as against 49 per cent anticipated for 1997.
OTE is expected to present considerable fund surpluses in 1998
which, after the payment of its fund obligations, will amount to
113.8 billion drachmas.
[31] Tzoumakas-Burns meeting on agricultural issues
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas and US ambassador in
Athens Nicholas Burns yesterday discussed several
agriculture-related issues, including the transit of US farm
products.
Mr. Burns requested speedy inspections of US farm products by
Greek authorities, while Mr. Tzoumakas said health inspections
on quarantined agricultural products is necessary. However, he
added that extra personnel will be assigned in cases of advanced
notification, so as to speed up the process.
Both men also noted Washington's willingness to promote research
on genetically altered organisms, exploiting results.
[32] EOT promotional tour in Canada
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
The Greek National Tourism Organization's (EOT) Canadian bureau
will organized a 23-city "Showcase Greece" exhibition tour.
Commenting on the effort, EOT General Secretary Nikos Skoulas
said that "Canada is sending us optimistic messages. We are
regaining lost ground in the North American markets, beginning
in Canada".
The exhibitions will promote all aspects of Greek tourism, while
tour operators will take part with their own exhibition and
workshops.
Some 3,500 Canadian tourist agents are expected participate. The
tour begins on Feb. 10.
[33] Papastratos sells its share of Makro
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
The cigarette-maker Papastratos yesterday announced that it sold
its shares of the Makro Cash and Carry outlets, some 10 per cent
of the company's total, for 5.5 billion drachmas.
Over the nine-month period from January to September 1997, 1.51
billion drachmas were spent on fixed asset investments. Revenues
amounted to 49.75 billion drachmas over the same period, up from
40.40 billion drachmas over the corresponding period in 199 6,
while net sales increased by about 2.5 per cent. Pre-tax results
totaled 8.25 billion drachmas, from 7.17 billion drachmas.
[34] Cold snap causes traffic problems around Greece
Athens, 28/01/1998 (ANA)
Heavy snowfall in the country's mountainous regions and
gale-force winds in the Aegean caused transport problems
yesterday over much of the country, isolating several villages.
The coast guard banned all coastal shipping as of 10 a.m. from
Piraeus and Rafina to the islands of the Aegean, the Dodecanese
and Crete, although the Rio-Antirrio ferry was operating as
usual.
Snow chains are required for all vehicles traveling from Florina
to Kastoria via Vitsi and Vigla, and between Florina and
Nymphaio, Kozani and Ioannina.
Heavy snow is also falling in the Peloponnese, cutting off
villages around Kosmas and Agios Petros, as well the
Tripoli-Argos road via Ahladokambos, although the main highways
to Tripoli, Kalamata and Sparta are open. Chains are required on
mountain roads leading to the Gortynia region of Arcadia.
End of English language section.
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