Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 98-02-14
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1416), February 14, 1998
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Nationwide PASOK conference on ideology begins with
address by Simitis
[02] ... Skandalidis
[03] ... Other addresses
[04] Latest Turkish proposal 'contains nothing new' - Athens
reiterates
[05] ... Turkish response
[06] More Turkish violations of Greek airspace reported
[07] Simitis: Crucial period for Greek-Turkish relations at hand
[08] Improving trade relations top priority for new Australian
ambassador
[09] Strong quake off Rhodes
[10] Primakov's schedule for official visit to Greece announced
[11] FYROM nationalist leader comments on Simitis' moderation
[12] Former Albanian strongman Alia in Thessaloniki for treatment
[13] Maziotis confesses in published letter, says he acted alone
[14] Golden wreath unearthed in Pella
[15] Macedonian tomb discovered
[16] Health minister disputes view that Greece ranks first in
abortions
[17] Farmers set up roadblocks, second meeting with Gov't today
[18] Conference focuses on Greek export potential in developing
markets
[19] Karamanlis says OA's future in the balance
[20] Greek business climate improves in January-banks
[21] Greek stocks slump on profit-taking
[22] Greek commerce calls for support measures
[23] British firms to take part in Infacoma trade fair
[24] Greece releases Dr 1.3 bln for infrastructure works
[25] EU commissioner to back olive output in reform talks
[26] Cost of agricultural production falls in most EU members
[27] Commission draft directive on double taxation of vehicles
[28] Iordanescu officially takes over Greek soccer team
[01] Nationwide PASOK conference on ideology begins with
address by Simitis
Athens, 14/02/1998 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday addressed a conference
of the ruling PASOK party on the subject of "Socialism and
Democracy in Europe in the 21st Century", describing it as an
exploratory meeting aimed at "finding possible replies to the
questions being raised by the new reality".
Mr. Simitis said that this was precisely the source of PASOK's
strength, since the party was awa-re that "new roads" were
needed and was working to build them, rejecting the idea that
the end had come for ideologies and visions and that there was a
crisis and stagnation in progressive thought.
"The Center-Left will succeed in forming a new society if, to
the dilemma 'socialism or social anarchy', it responds by
remaining unmoved in the pursuit of a strong society, with free
individuals creating prosperity, peace and culture," he said.
"The forces of socialism will find the answers to the questions
posed by the peoples of Europe because the crisis teaches those
who are based on their critical judgment".
"The new era requires steadiness in values, but also
imagination, inventiveness, and an open mind on the ways we
shall implement them, since dogmatism and established
mentalities tie to backwardness, conservatism and deadlock".
"The conservative camp is dominated by an ideological and
strategic confusion between an aggressive neo-liberalism and a
populist conservatism. Our difference with the neo-liberal view
is primarily focused on the way the collectiveness of society is
formed," the prime minister said, citing former British prime
minister Margaret Thatcher's dictum of "society is something
non-existent".
"The weakening of the influence of the Left noted during recent
years is not only due to the slowness with which it responded to
the new reality but also other parameters. One was the view of
the traditional left on social evolution, based on a mechanistic
perception that endorsed the pervasive influence of the economy
on social processes. A second one was the traditional socialist
view of provisions to the whole of society without
differentiating degrees of need," he noted.
Mr. Simitis said a new economic policy that would aim at full
employment and a modern state of prosperity should solve
problems such as finding effective ways for controlling
speculation, restoring stability to the world monetary system,
formulating a program of effective support to the Third World,
and directing investment as a priority to new technological
sectors and human resources.
"It should not escape us that the political formation of the EU
is still an open process, a bet on a course whose
characteristics are still unclear. However, our participation is
not a fetish but a need," he added.
[02] ... Skandalidis
Athens, 14/02/1998 (ANA)
PASOK Secretary Costas Skandalidis said "that PASOK remains the
main body of the country's progressive forces", adding that "our
targets for national independence, popular sovereignty and
social liberation for a democratic and socialist society remain
steadfast."
"The radical transformation of PASOK into a modern socialist
political formation is necessary here and now, because tomorrow
will be too late. A transformation whose precondition is the
resurgence of its ideas, the delineation of its modern
progressive strategy and proposal, the redefinition of its
national and social classifications and its political and
organizing composition on a completely new basis. A radical
transformation does not mean restructuring, it means a new
composition in the sense of a renaissance, complete change and a
new face," he said.
According to Mr. Skandalidis, the modern Left must re-determine
the duty of politics, to bring civilization to the center of
political, economic and social life again, lead the effort for
social reform and build a new model of prosperity.
[03] ... Other addresses
Athens, 14/02/1998 (ANA)
On his part, National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos
underlined the need for dialogue between socialist parties and
society.
"The socialists in Europe will be judged in the coming years by
the degree of their effectiveness in combating unemployment, the
creation of a dynamic agricultural policy, dealing with the
environmental problem as a priority, defending the welfare state
and combating racism," he said.
He cautioned that failure would risk a dynamic reappearance of
the extreme right with dangers for democracy.
In her address, Development Minister Vasso Papandreou referred
to the new "European Left" in which "the claim for less state is
not accepted when it abolishes the state's responsibility for
institutions. The abolition of institutions is only understood
when we are aware which new institutions will replace them. The
most usual is the renewal and modernization of institutions and
not their abolition."
Ms Papandreou also referred to modernization, saying that
"either it will have a human face or it will not be
modernization."
Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis focused on the crisis
in the current social state model which concerns the issue of
its funding as well as that of its workability and
effectiveness. Although this phenomenon is more intense in
Greece, he said relevant skepticism is not absent in Europe.
National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou
examined economic indicators referring to the promotion of
social policy.
According to Mr. Papantoniou, the socialist prospect for Greece
in the 21st century can be summed up in the triptych "dynamic
competitive eco-nomy, strong social state and an active society
of citizens. I am not claiming that we have all the answers to
the challenges of our era, but we are attempting to formulate
the correct questions so as to shape a common framework of
skepticism."
[04] Latest Turkish proposal 'contains nothing new' - Athens
reiterates
Athens, 14/02/1998 (ANA)
Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis said yesterday that
Gre-ece would examine a five-point proposal from Turkish Foreign
Minister Ismail Cem to work out differences between the two
countries, even though it contained "nothing new".
"Cem's proposal comes as no surprise to us. Of course, we shall
examine it and give our views and replies next week. I should
like to say however that the proposal contains nothing new.
In fact, it is back-pedalling compared not only to the proposals
which we have put forward, but also compared to proposals put
forward by the Turks themselves in the past," Mr. Kranidiotis
said. Mr. Cem handed details of the proposal, in the form of a
verbal note, to Greece's ambassador in Ankara on Thursday.
Underlining that the proposal also related to procedures which
were already in progress, Mr. Kranidiotis said the issue of
confidence-building measures in the Aegean was being discussed
within the framework of NATO "and we expect the Turkish side to
display a spirit of co-operation in these talks".
Commenting on the Turkish proposal for a meeting of the two
countries' committees of experts, set up to examine ways of
approaching bilateral problems, Mr. Kranidiotis said Greece had
already proposed dates for such a meeting "but Turkey does not
want t his initiative, which is an EU initiative, to continue
under the Community's aegis".
n Turkey's proposal for the "normalization" of the Madrid
communiqui, Mr. Kranidiotis said that Greece insisted on the
principles of the declaration which it respected and was
implementing.
I am afraid that it is the Turkish side which has repeatedly
violated (the principles). All Ankara has to do is declare its
adherence to these principles and respect them," Mr. Kranidiotis
said.
With regard to the substance of the problems, Mr. Kranidiotis
said, the Turkish side is carefully avoiding to make any mention
whatsoever to the Greek proposal to refer the issue of the
delineation of the Aegean continental shelf and Ankara's claims
on the Imia islets to the International Court at the Hague.
Commenting on the Turkish proposal for a high-level meeting
between Greek and Turkish foreign ministry officials, Mr.
Kranidiotis said "no one rejects such contacts on issues of
co-operation within the framework of international
organizations, economic co-operation, transport, illegal
immigrants, etc."
Already, he continued, there was a capacity for dealing with
such issues through the embassies of the two countries.
I am afraid that the Turkish proposals are aimed at serving
other expediencies. And specifically, to give the impression
that Turkey is acting in good faith and has good intentions
towards Greece, with the aim of relieving the pressure being
exerted on
Ankara in relation to its European aspiration and Cyprus," Mr.
Kranidiotis said.
We must look at the essence of the problems and how we can
resolve them," Mr. Kranidiotis said, reiterating Greece's
position that its problems with Turkey should be resolved on the
basis of the international principles of law.
[05] ... Turkish response
Istanbul, 14/02/1998 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)
Turkish Assistant Foreign Under-secretary Inal Batu, who is in
charge of Greek affairs, said Ankara will wait for a complete
Greek answer and that the Turkish proposal was put together to
avert the dangers created by continuing tensions in the Aegean.
He added that "Greece is the only country in the entire world
which believes that there are no problems in the Aegean."
[06] More Turkish violations of Greek airspace reported
Athens, 14/02/1998 (ANA)
Twenty Turkish warplanes yesterday infringed on Athens Flight
Information Region (FIR) regulations and violated Greek airspace
over the Aegean on several occasions. According to reports, 12
Turkish F-16s and eight F-s4 initially entered the Athens FIR
without submitting previous flight plans, committing 13
infringements of air traffic rules in the region between Limnos
and Hios. The Turkish aircraft subsequently violated Greek
airspace on 22 occasions in the areas over Psara, Antipsara ,
Hios, Lesvos and Agios Efstratios.
They were identified and intercepted by 20 Hellenic Air Force
fighters, including F-16s, Mirage 2000s and F-4s.
Interceptions turned into engagements on 10 occasions.
[07] Simitis: Crucial period for Greek-Turkish relations at hand
Athens, 14/02/1998 (ANA)
The current period in Greek-Turkish relations is the most
crucial since 1974, Prime Minister Costas Simitis stressed in a
speech at a nationwide PASOK conference on ideology yesterday.
"Greece responds to the trap of tension Ankara is trying to set
with moves that strengthen our position as a force of peace and
stability in the region. The coming period is one of crucial
decisions, and for this reason the government is creating the
preconditions to defend our national rights in the best way," he
said.
Regarding the economy, the prime minister said the government
aimed to make it competitive and strong, but noted there was
still a long way to cover, as the modernization of society
required a long-term and persistent effort. He said he was aware
that m any social classes, such as pensioners, low-wage earners
and farmers were facing serious difficulties, but distinctions
had to be made between real problems and justified protests on
one hand, and the reactions of those who earned incomes from
what he described as "parasitic activities".
He stressed the government was resolved to make bold moves and
overturn traditional behaviors and established interests without
worrying about the political cost.
[08] Improving trade relations top priority for new Australian
ambassador
Melbourne, 14/02/1998 (ANA -S. Hatzimanolis)
Australia's new ambassador in Athens said in an interview with
the ANA here that increasing trade relations between the two
countries would be one of his main priorities.
Ross Burns, who is due to take up his Athens post in the first
week of March, said that while Greek-Australian relations "are
excellent in all sectors", they were "minim-al" in the trade
sector.
He said this was "surprising", as Australia "has clearly larger
trade relations" with other countries, such as Bulgaria.
Mr. Burns further said that he would also work for the
conclusion of a bilateral agreement on social security between
Greece and Australia, which he said has been pending for many
years.
[09] Strong quake off Rhodes
Athens, 14/02/1998 (ANA)
A strong earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale shook the
Dodecanese islands yesterday morning, although there were no
immediate reports of damage or injuries. According to the Athens
Observatory, the quake, recorded at 9:20 a.m., was recorded some
460 kilometers southeast of Athens, with an epicenter in the sea
region east of Rhodes.
Seismologists said later that yesterday's quake was probably the
main one and not a precursor to a stronger one.
A seismologist with the Athens Observatory said the quake was a
surface phenomenon with an epicenter 30 kilometers south of
Rhodes in the sea between Rhodes and the Asia Minor coast.
A quake registering 5.4 on the Richter scale and with the same
epicenter was recorded last June. He said there was some concern
that the activity could spread and activate other faults in the
region. No aftershocks have been recorded in the wake of
yesterday's quake. It was felt throughout the island.
[10] Primakov's schedule for official visit to Greece announced
Athens, 14/02/1998 (ANA)
Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeny Primakov will arrive in Athens
tomorrow on an official visit lasting until Feb. 18.
He will hold talks with President Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime
Minister Costas Simitis, Parliament President Apostolos
Kaklamanis and main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas
Karamanlis.
Mr. Primakov will have talks with Foreign Minister Theodoros
Pangalos on Monday morning. The talks will be attended by senior
officials from both ministries.
According to sources, the Russian foreign minister's visit has
an exclusively political nature since issues concerning economic
co-operation, as well as that concerning the
Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline, will be discussed more
extensively during the visit Russian Prime Minister Viktor
Chernomyrdin is expected to pay to Athens in spring.
Talks with Mr. Primakov will concern issues of general interest,
such as the situation in Iraq and the Middle East issue, issues
of mutual interest such as the Balkans, the Cyprus issue and
relations with Turkey. Discussions will also be held on Russia'
s relations with international and European organizations such
as NATO, the West European Union and the European Union with
which it recently signed a co-operation agreement which was
ratified, in the presence of Mr. Primakov, by the latest EU
General Affairs Council in Brussels in January.
Mr. Pangalos and Mr. Primakov are expected to sign two
co-operation protocols. One will concern the establishment of
cultural centers to promote the two country's language and
civilization and the other exchanges between the two ministries'
historical archives. They will also exchange the consultations
program for 1998 on the basis of the co-operation protocol
signed between the two ministries in 1992.
On the part of Greece, the issue of the establishment of a
general consulate in Moscow (a consular office currently
functions in the Russian capital) will also be raised, as well
as that of Greece's candidacy for the Security Council which,
according to reports, Russia is examining positively.
On Tuesday morning, Mr. Primakov will visit Mount Athos together
with Mr. Pangalos and in the evening he will attend a dinner
given in his honor.
[11] FYROM nationalist leader comments on Simitis' moderation
Belgrade, (ANA - M. Mouratidis)
A Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) nationalist
political leader stated in an interview with the Yugoslav
magazine 'Nin' that since the election of Costas Simitis as
Greek prime minister there have been radical changes in Athens'
attitude toward the landlocked state.
"Mr. Simitis has proved to be quite moderate and objective
towards FYROM, and we must understand his policy if we take
account of the negative legacy of his predecessors," VMRO-DPMNE
party leader Ljupco Georgevski said.
He noted that the New York interim agreement is being
implemented relatively well, a proof of this being the inflow of
considerable Greek capital in the last two years in FYROM.
He stressed, however, that no party in FYROM could make
concessions regarding the state's name, as they all agree that
their country harbors no designs whatsoever against neighbors.
[12] Former Albanian strongman Alia in Thessaloniki for treatment
Athens, 14/02/1998 (ANA)
Albania's last communist leader Ramiz Alia was scheduled to
arrive in Thessaloniki yesterday to undergo open-heart surgery
following a heart attack two weeks ago. Mr. Alia's traveling
expenses have been paid for by an anonymous benefactor,
identified only as a Thessaloniki businessman, due to the former
Albanian strongman's dire financial straits.
Mr. Alia, 72, has been in the intensive care unit of an Albanian
hospital since his heart attack two weeks ago.
Dr. Panayiotis Spyrou, the director of the cardiology unit at
the Georgios Papanikolaou Hospital in Thessaloniki, will oversee
his care.
Dr. Spyrou last month headed a team of surgeons conducting a
quadruple bypass on Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) founder
and president Demetris Tsovolas.
Mr. Alia, who took power following the death of Stalinist
dictator Enver Hoxha in 1985, was sentenced to an eight-year
prison sentence in 1992 for abuse of power and violation of
citizens' rights. He was later freed by an appeals court ruling
only to be rearrested and charged with killing or ordering the
deportation of dissidents who tried to flee the country
illegally.
He escaped from jail along with hundreds of others during an
armed uprising in March last year and was finally cleared of all
charges in October.
[13] Maziotis confesses in published letter, says he acted alone
Athens, 14/02/1998 (ANA)
In a letter published in the Athens daily "Eleftherotypia"
yesterday, Nikos Maziotis, the self-styled anarchist currently
awaiting trial for alleged involvement in bomb attacks and
possession of explosives assumed responsibility for all the
charges filed against him by police, which he had categorically
denied earlier.
In his letter, Nikos Maziotis claims that "he is" the group
"Anarchist Urban Guerrillas", and that he himself made and
planted the bomb at the industry ministry.
At another point in the letter, the 28-year-old conscientious
objector claims that only he used to enter a house in the
Kamatero area and that weapons, explosives and printed material
found in it belong to him.
However, under interrogation by the police and in his testimony
before a prosecutor he had claimed that he had nothing to do
with the findings in the house in Spartis Street and had added
that many people used to visit it.
Police officers involved in investigating the case believe at
this stage that with his move, Maziotis is trying to cover up
for culprits who used to visit the residence by assuming
responsibility for everything himself.
[14] Golden wreath unearthed in Pella
Athens, 14/02/1998 (ANA)
A golden wreath dating back 24 centuries has been discovered by
archaeologists in Pella, the site where the tomb of Philip II is
located.
The wreath was discovered in a "twin" tomb during excavations
near the village Agriosykia. It was found in the inner tomb
while several copper and pottery artifacts were also found.
In the same area of ancient Palla, archaeologists discovered a
2nd century BC bath complex, the oldest one ever unearthed in
northern Greece.
The 250-square-meter baths included a large water tank and a
fireplace for heating water, while the building was part of an
ancient gymnasium.
[15] Macedonian tomb discovered
Athens, 14/02/1998 (ANA)
The discovery of a Macedonian tomb dating to the 4th or 5th
century BC and west of modern-day Kavala at the Amphipoli site,
has buffered archaeologists' theory of ancient Macedonian
sovereignty in the region.
A ceramic-roofed tomb, which apparently belonged to a Macedonian
official and was found at the Phagri site, was already robbed,
although 65 common tombs yielded valuable artifacts.
[16] Health minister disputes view that Greece ranks first in
abortions
Athens, 14/02/1998 (ANA)
Health Minister Costas Geitonas said yesterday it is untrue that
Greece ranks first in abortions in Europe. He was replying to a
tabled question from Achaia Deputy Demetris Koutsogiorgas.
However, he said that despite information in the possession of
state-run hospitals, there is difficulty in monitoring the exact
number of abortions, as private clinics do not co-operate, while
a large number of women refuse to register abortions.
In an unrelated issue, he also announced that the health
ministry is preparing a program on cancer screening for women in
the 45-65 age group.
[17] Farmers set up roadblocks, second meeting with Gov't today
Athens, 14/02/1998 (ANA)
Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas and a government
delegation will have a second meeting with protesting farmers
today to try and avert an escalation of mobilizations.
Mr. Tzoumakas will meet with representatives of farmers'
federations in the Macedonia and Thrace region. However, farmers
groups belonging to the Pan-Thessaly Coordinating Committee will
not participate.
Farmers agreeing to the meeting said they would block national
roads in northern Greece for the duration of the meeting.
Talks between the government and farmers on Thursday failed to
make any headway on demands for crop subsidies, decreased
interest rates on loans, cheaper fuel and an end to court action
against several farmers charged in last year's demonstrations.
Meanwhile, Thessaly farmers yesterday blocked the
Athens-Thessaloniki highway just north of the Tembi valley,
effectively cutting Greece in half.
There is also talk among farmers for further roadblocks on the
Elassona-Katerini road and the Athens-Thessaloniki rail line.
[18] Conference focuses on Greek export potential in developing
markets
Athens, 14/02/1998 (ANA)
The second nationwide exports development conference yesterday
focused on the developing markets for Greek products in eastern
Europe, the Balkans and Asia over the last five years.
The conference was organized by the Northern Greek Exporters'
Federation in Thessaloniki, and is under the auspices of the
national economy ministry.
The increase in trade with eastern European and Balkan countries
began in 1992 and grew by 17.3 per cent, while the growth for
the last 10 years is 39.7 per cent.
A total of 20 per cent of all Greek exports finds its way to
these markets, while Asian countries absorb 4 per cent of all
Greek exports.
Furthermore, the total of Greek exports in 1996 increased by 9.6
per cent compared to 1995, for a total of almost 8.8 billion ECU.
[19] Karamanlis says OA's future in the balance
Athens, 14/02/1998 (ANA)
Olympic Airways, Greece's ailing national carrier, should be
privatized immediately, main opposition New Democracy leader
Costas Karamanlis said yesterday.
Mr. Karamanlis, speaking after meetings with OA's management and
employees, said the future of the company was in the balance and
the blame for the predicament lay with the government.
"We need bold answers if Olympic is to be able to compete,
guarantee jobs and provide a high level of service," he said.
OA needs investors who will submit detailed business plans,
bolster the company's competitive edge and implement worker
relations based on standards prevailing in other major airlines,
Mr. Karamanlis said, adding that the company must be overseen by
an independent authority.
The government's revitalization program for the national carrier
has failed and the 700 billion drachmas cost is now being borne
by the Greek taxpayer, Mr. Karamanlis said. Failure of the first
program, he added, did not bode well for any further at tempts
to reform the loss-ridden state carrier.
[20] Greek business climate improves in January-banks
Athens, 14/02/1998 (ANA)
Greece's business climate improved in January, the banking
industry said in a monthly report issued yesterday.
The country's bank union said that the number of bankruptcies
totaled 60 in January from 134 in the corresponding month last
year, marking a 55.22 percent fall.
Companies filing for bankruptcy showed a 51.61 percent fall over
the same period to 135 from 279 respectively.
Cheques that bounced fell 18.69 percent in January compared with
the same month in 1997. The value of bouncing cheques was 33
billion drachmas from 40.6 billion last year.
[21] Greek stocks slump on profit-taking
Athens, 14/02/1998 (ANA)
Greek equities remained under heavy pressure for the second
consecutive session yesterday to end the week sharply lower.
Traders said renewed turbulence in the domestic interbank market
dampened sentiment and led to massive profit-taking. The Athens
bourse followed a two-tier course in the week gaining sharp
ground in the first three sessions helped by an improved climate
in the domestic money markets but dramatically changing
direction the last two sessions hurt by negative comments on the
Greek currency's outlook.
The general index closed 1.73 percent down at 1,493.04 points
but managed to show a 1.98 percent gain in the week. Most sector
indices ended lower.
Banks plunged 2.59 percent hurt by the prospect of higher
interest rates, Investment fell 0.37 percent, Construction
dropped 1.22 percent, Industrials were 1.63 percent off, but
Insurance rose 0.49 percent, Leasing edged 0.13 percent up,
Miscellaneous increased 0.54 percent and Holding ended 0.53
percent higher.
The parallel market index for small cap companies was 1.03
percent down. The FTSE/ASE blue chip index fell 2.23 percent to
end at 831.83 points for a 2.47 percent gain in the week.
Trading was moderate with turnover at 16.5 billion drachmas. The
week's turnover totaled 104.6 billion drachmas for a daily
average of 20.9 billion, up from 15.34 billion the previous week.
Broadly, decliners led advancers by 152 to 56 with another 28
issues unchanged.
European Credit, Etma, Ridenco and Ergas scored the biggest
percentage gains at the daily 8.0 percent upper volatility
limit, while Oinerga, Fintexport, Tria Alpha and Balkan Export
suffered the heaviest losses at the daily 8.0 percent limit-down.
National Bank of Greece ended at 22,650 drachmas, Ergobank at
14,900, Alpha Credit Bank at 16,300, Delta Dairy at 2,965, Titan
Cement at 13,950, Intracom at 15,295 and Hellenic
Telecommunications Organization at 5,850.
[22] Greek commerce calls for support measures
Athens, 14/02/1998 (ANA)
Greek commerce yesterday urged the government for measures to
improve the market's climate and support businesses.
In a letter to Labor and Social Security Minister Miltiades
Papaioannou, the Greek Commerce Confederation asked for more
European Union funds and the adoption of EU guidelines on
flexible working hours in Greek law.
The confederation stressed that commerce contributed 13 percent
of the country's GDP and accounted for 16 percent of the labor
force.
It was therefore entitled to greater voice in policy making, the
letter said.
[23] British firms to take part in Infacoma trade fair
Athens, 14/02/1998 (ANA)
Twenty-five British companies in the building materials and
construction sector will take part in Infacoma, a sector trade
fair to be held in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki on
February 18-22.
The British Embassy in Athens said in a statement the firms are
involved in steel structures, road marking and traffic safety
equipment, construction equipment, PVC and metal profiles,
roofing and cladding products, industrial flooring and
construction membranes.
[24] Greece releases Dr 1.3 bln for infrastructure works
Athens, 14/02/1998 (ANA)
Greece's public works ministry yesterday endorsed the release of
1.3 billion drachmas in funds to tender road improvement and
heliport construction projects.
The main projects are:
* Construction of a heliport in Kastoria, northern Greece,
budgeted at 100 million drachmas
* Construction of a heliport on the Ionian island of Ithaki,
budgeted at 99.96 million drachmas
* Improvements to a highway in Ioannina, northwestern Greece,
budgeted at 91 million drachmas
[25] EU commissioner to back olive output in reform talks
Brussels, 14/02/1998 (ANA/G.Daratos)
European Union farm commissioner Franz Fischler yesterday said
the importance of olive production in the EU's agricultural
economy would be taken into account during talks on reforming
the olive oil sector.
Speaking at an international farm trade fair in Italy, Mr.
Fischler said that measures to reform the sector would be
released next month, including backing for producers and
measures to limit the extent of land used for output.
Replying to reporters' questions, Mr. Fischler said the EU's
Common Agricultural Policy would not favor northern producers at
the expense of Europe's south.
[26] Cost of agricultural production falls in most EU members
Brussels, 14/02/1998 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)
The cost of agricultural production in most EU countries,
including Greece, fell in 1997 compared to 1996, according to
data released by Eurostat yesterday.
The average cost fell by 3.8 per cent in real prices in the 15
member-states. In Greece the reduction was 2.6 per cent, and in
Britain 14.9 per cent, the greatest decrease of all members.
Only the Netherlands and Austria recorded increases of 3 and 0.3
per cent, respectively.
[27] Commission draft directive on double taxation of vehicles
Brussels, 14/02/1998 (ANA- M. Spinthourakis)
The European Commission has adopted a draft directive aiming to
prevent the double imposition of certain taxes on private cars
of EU citizens when they change country of residence.
The draft directive provides for an exemption from payment of
taxes and circulation dues for six months in the receiving
country in the case of temporary resettlement.
In the case of permanent resettlement, the owner of the car will
be exempt from taxes he has already paid in his country of
origin.
[28] Iordanescu officially takes over Greek soccer team
Athens, 14/02/1998 (ANA)
Romanian coach Anghel Iordanescu yesterday signed a two-year
contract to take over as coach of Greece's national soccer team
in mid-July immediately after the World Cup in France.
Until then, Mr. Iordanescu will stay on as coach of the Romanian
team.
Under the contract, Mr. Iordanescu, who played in Greece with
the OFI club in Crete, will receive US$300,000 annually and a
bonus of $250,000 if Greece qualifies for the finals of the
European Championships in 2000.
In addition, the Greek Soccer Federation (EPO) has undertaken
other commitments including payment of tax dues, home rent, car
and insurance for Mr. Iordanescu and his family.
EPO has retained the right to unilaterally renew the coach's
contract for a further two years.
At his first press conference after signing, speaking broken but
comprehensible Greek, Mr. Iordanescu expressed optimism about
Greece's chances of qualifying for the 2000 European soccer
championships in Belgium and the Netherlands.
"Norway is a very good team and Georgia is also dangerous,
because it has many good players, but I believe Greece will take
first place in the group and qualify for the finals," the
Romanian coach said.
Greece has been drawn in Group 2 in the qualifying round for the
championships along with Norway, Slovenia, Latvia, Georgia and
Albania.
End of English language section.
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