Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 98-04-07

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Poland's Kwasniewski in Athens,Greece stresses support for EU,NATO accession

[02] Greek, Turkish military chiefs meet

[03] OA employees reject management's restructuring plan

[04] Mediterranean Special Olympics begin in Athens

[05] Simitis to speak today at European socialist PM's meeting

[06] State Dept. responds to criticism against Burns

[07] Santer on 3-day visit to Crete

[08] Gov't spokesman on Holbrooke visit to Cyprus

[09] Survey shows less racist attitudes among Greek youth

[10] OLME letter to students

[11] Simitis stresses women's potential role in upcoming elections

[12] AHEPA presidium meets with Tsohatzopoulos

[13] Map of expatriate Greek communities around the world

[14] Karamanlis: No room for new party

[15] New frigate for Hellenic Navy

[16] Fouras comments on 'Olympic Day'

[17] Harvard scholarships

[18] Iraqi illegals detained off Crete

[19] Gov't response to ND over 'Ankara' connection with forest fires, bombings

[20] Austrian bank to issue drachma FRN

[21] Greek stocks hit new record on OA restructuring

[22] Greek consumer watchdog launches food boycott over devaluation

[23] Greece's Citibank announces forex loan account rates

[24] EU average inflation rises to 1.4 pct yr/yr in February

[25] Albanian trade delegation in Thessaloniki for talks

[26] Greek tourism authorities to tackle rented room problems

[27] Bank of Cyprus gains CDR listing on London bourse

[28] 80 per cent of Greek pensioners earn less than 130,000 a month

[01] Poland's Kwasniewski in Athens,Greece stresses support for EU,NATO accession

Athens 07/04/1998 (ANA)

The Polish president arrived in Athens yesterday morning to begin a three- day official visit at the invitation of his Greek counterpart. In his address, Mr. Stephanopoulos reiterated Greece's support for Poland's application to join the Euro-Atl antic structures.

He added that accession procedures of prospective members to the European Union must be safeguarded against tactics of blackmail.

The Greek president also noted that both Athens and Warsaw share the values of freedom and independence, while Greece is also seeking a just solution to the Cyprus problem and the unobstructed accession of Cyprus into the EU.

Poland's desire to join the Euro-Atlantic structures, such as the European Union and NATO, were the focus of the two presidents' talks during their morning talks, while a meeting between the Polish and Greek delegations, which included the Greek foreign , economy, development and culture ministers, also took place.

President Stephanopoulos said he was unaware of reports that Greece would "block" Poland's accession to the EU in the event that Cyprus did not join.

He also stressed that Greece was closely following the positive developments in the Polish economy and that Athens was assisting Warsaw in its effort to join Euro-Atlantic structures.

Mr. Stephanopoulos added that there was room for improvement in bilateral relations, particularly in the economic sector.

Mr. Kwasniewski expressed his country's gratitude for Greece's support of its NATO and EU bids, adding he hoped that all countries that were candidates for EU membership would succeed, including Cyprus.

He, too, stressed the need for closer bilateral relations in the economic and cultural sectors.

During his stay, Mr. Kwasniewski will attend a Greek-Polish Business Conference on ways of expanding economic relations between the two countries to be held in Athens.

The conference is sponsored by the Hellenic Organisation for Small and Medium Size Enterprises and Handicrafts (EOMMEH) and prominent Greek and Polish companies. National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou and his Poli sh counterpart Janus Steinhof will also attend.

Discussions at the conference will focus on possible cooperation in the sectors of energy, telecommunications, defence, agriculture and food stuffs, metals, clothing, tourism, etc.

Meetings with Constantopoulos,Tsovolas : Mr. Kwasniewski also held talks with Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos and Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas, focusing on the course of Poland's EU accession.

Mr. Constantopoulos expressed a hope for the smooth accession of Poland and Cyprus into united Europe "without complications."

On his part, Mr. Tsovolas expressed his DHKKI's support for Poland's accession course.

Athens News Agency

[02] Greek, Turkish military chiefs meet

Athens 07/04/1998 (ANA)

Gen. Tzoganis also paid courtesy calls yesterday to 17 of his counterparts on the sidelines of the dinner.

Meeting with Karadayi : As part of his contacts, Gen. Tzoganis also met earlier with his Turkish counterpart, Gen. Ismail Hakki Karadayi, for an exchange of views on bilateral and military issues and ahead of the official start today of the WEU military chiefs' conference.

Greece currently holds the organisation's six-month presidency. The meeting will take place at the Vouliagmeni seaside resort, southeast of Athens.

Gen. Tzoganis told reporters after the meeting that he and his Turkish counterpart also discussed issues pertaining to NATO and the WEU. Gen. Karadayi told Turkish reporters that the meeting had been "productive", while both military officials expressed a desire to hold similar meetings in the future at similar events.

DHKKI : In a related development, the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) yesterday expressed the party's disagreement with the Tzoganis-Karadayi meeting, saying that despite its repeated assurances for no dialogue with Turkey, the government had done exactly the opposite.

Athens News Agency

[03] OA employees reject management's restructuring plan

Athens 07/04/1998 (ANA)

The board of the Federation of Civil Aviation Associations (OSPA) took the decision during an extraodinary meeting.

OA Managing Director Theodoros Tsakiridis had presented OSPA with the proposal, related to the loss-making carrier's general regulations, establishing flexible working hours for ground staff, the freezing of wages between 1998-2000 period at 1997 levels and reduced meal bonuses. Management also said that Transport Minister Tassos Mantelis had agreed to the transfer to employees of a 6 per cent share in the company with another 4 per cent on Dec. 21, 2000, on condition that targets in the operational pla n have been reached.

However, the OSPA board voted 10 to 8 to reject the proposal and later decided to stage a 24-hour stike today.

The OA board's proposal for the company's restructuring, as well as the federation's decision were due to be presented to the general meeting for final decisions late last night.

OA flight attendants had already decised on 24-hour strike today and Thursday, while their Olympic Aviation counterparts said they would also hold a 24-hour strike today, throwing both international and domestic flight schedules into chaos.

Flight attendants claimed that the government's bill aimed at selling off OA. They also criticised the company's management for failing to outline strategic targets and commercial policies and said that reducing cabin crew levels raised a broader issue of flight safety.

Their news conference was attended by representatives of the flight attendant unions at Sabena, Alitalia and Lufthansa, as well as representatives of the international union of transport workers.

Karamanlis : Earlier in the day, main opposition leader Costas Karamanlis said that although ND insists on the need to privatise Olympic Airways, it will stand against any plans such as the one presented by the government.

Athens News Agency

[04] Mediterranean Special Olympics begin in Athens

Athens 07/04/1998 (ANA)

The ceremony was attended by Sports Undersecretary Andreas Fouras, Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos, several deputies and other officials. As many as 1,400 athletes from 25 countries are competing in the Mediterranean Special Olympic Games.

Athens News Agency

[05] Simitis to speak today at European socialist PM's meeting

LONDON 07/04/1998 (ANA - G. Papachristou)

He is expected to propose the reformulation of the European Socialist Party's (ESP) policies, which could take on the form of a broad centre-left alliance and an international organisation which will bring together all the political parties which share the same ideals.

According to the released text by the premier's press office yesterday, Mr. Simitis will make an evaluation of the course made so far by the European left and Europe and will note that "the sweeping changes in the world economy over the past 10 years were as creative as they were disastrous."

Focusing in particular on the latest economic crisis, Mr. Simitis will point out that " 'casino-capitalism' which attempted to replace the mixed economy, and partially achieved this, has already led to social decomposition, social privation, marginalisation and disaster."

Mr. Simitis will recognise the inability of economic policy means, as well as of Greece, to confront international pressures and crises and will support the view of British Prime Minister Tony Blair that the European socialists must set a "third path" between the "old-type socialism and savage capitalism."

He will also point out that the latest economic crisis proved that "no nation-state can contain unbridled capitalism by itself at present" and will add that an international orgnisation is required "which will express our interests with clarity, our policy and our strategies and purposes."

Mr. Simitis will add that this organisation is secured by the EU which will represent the "third path" between the weak nation-state and the disastrous, anarchistic and globalised economic system.

Mr. Simitis will then make the proposal for the creation of a separate political authority in Europe, a political government which will proceed with longterm institutional reforms and will propose the immediate creation of a committee composed of Europe an socialist party members which will process proposals for the promotion of political and social democracy in Europe.

The nine socialist prime ministers, namely, the premiers of Greece, Britain, France, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria and Portugal, will convene in a hall at the Foreign Office this morning before lunch at Downing Street 10.

The meeting will also be attended by ESP President Rudolf Scharping, the party's seven deputy presidents, as well as the deputy prime ministers of the governments of the nine countries currently having socialist governments.

Mr. Simitis will stress in particular that the challenge faced by governments at present concerns a balance between higher rates of employment and social cohesion, while maintaining in parallel a stable fiscal policy, stability in prices and continuous development.

The meeting at the Foreign Office will also be attended by National Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, who was expected in London last night.

After the lunch, Mr. Simitis will give a press conference to reporters at the residence of the Greek ambassador in London.

Athens News Agency

[06] State Dept. responds to criticism against Burns

WASHINGTON 07/04/1998 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Reuters' question came in the wake of criticism directed at US ambassador Nicholas Burns yesterday by Parliament Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis.

"Ambassador Burns enjoys Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's full confidence. We think he does an excellent job," Mr. Foley said.

The State Department spokesman further noted that as far as attaining a higher level of US-Greek relations was concerned, there were some issues of concern, mainly over terrorism, trade and copyright violations.

He added that Mr. Burns presented those issues as a "faithful servant of US interests" and as a representative of the Secretary of State and US President Bill Clinton.

Kaklamanis's criticisism : During a debate yesterday, Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis called on Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou yesterday to keep US ambassador Nicholas Burns "in check", adding that Mr. Burns is behaving in Greece like a "proconsul".

He made his remarks at the end of a discussion on a tabled question by Communist Party of Greece (KKE) deputy Orestis Kolozov, regarding the US envoy's recent public activities. Mr. Kaklamanis said it is unacceptable for foreign ambassadors assigned to Greece to officially visit military and police officers, or public sector officials. On his part, Mr. Papandreou replied that the foreign ministry has its own way of dealing with the issue.

However, in his reply to Mr. Kolozov, Mr. Papandreou stressed that the US ambassador's recent tours and contacts "lie within the usual practice of democratic and liberal countries, provided that the rules of diplomatic etiquette are observed".

Athens News Agency

[07] Santer on 3-day visit to Crete

Athens 07/04/1998 (ANA)

Mr. Santer, who will be accompanied by the director of the Commission's Representation Office in Greece, Marios Kamhis, will also attend an open forum on the topic "The EU's New Regional Policy", organised at a downtown Irakleio hotel.

During his stay on the island, Mr. Santer will visit various historical and archaeological sites as well as university schools Irakleio, Rethymno and Hania.

Athens News Agency

[08] Gov't spokesman on Holbrooke visit to Cyprus

Athens 07/04/1998 (ANA)

He added that special US presidential envoy on Cyprus Richard Mr. Holbrooke must realise that Cyprus cannot remain a hostage of Turkey.

Mr. Reppas said that the Greek Cypriot side desires the participation of the Turkish Cypriots in EU accession talks and has set the preconditions and the framework for this development to occur.

Referring to the Russian-made S-300 anti-aircraft missiles set to be deployed on Cyprus, Mr. Reppas said that Cyprus must face existing dangers.

Athens News Agency

[09] Survey shows less racist attitudes among Greek youth

Athens 07/04/1998 (ANA)

The survey shows that most Greek students do not fear refugees or blacks, unlike students in the other four countries.

However, Greek and Italian students ranked first in racist attitudes towards homosexuals and AIDS sufferers.

The extensive survey was carried out in the form of an anonymous printed questionnaire handed out in 25 selected schools around Greece, as well as in the same number of schools in the other European schools.

Results were assessed by the Finnish education ministry, which also funded the project.

A further result that emerged from the survey is that younger Greeks held education in the highest esteem (70 per cent) as an important aspect of life, followed by work (62 per cent) and religion (54 per cent).

Athens News Agency

[10] OLME letter to students

Athens 07/04/1998 (ANA)

"In past years Greeks themselves had been in the same position that Albanians, Romanians and other immigrants are today in Greece, while European public opinion had been especially tough towards them, regarding Greece as 'a haunt of criminals'," the tea chers' letter reads.

The association also demands an equal intergation of all foreigners into Greek society, consolidation of and respect for the right to life, work, education and culture for all, as well as abolition of distinctions on the basis sex, colour, religion and socio-economic position, and education for all children.

Athens News Agency

[11] Simitis stresses women's potential role in upcoming elections

Athens 07/04/1998 (ANA)

"The emergence of a dynamic role for women in the forthcoming municipal and prefectural elections is of particular importance for the success of the new local government and decentralised institutions," the message read.

Referring to the institution of local government in his message, Mr. Simitis pointed out that it is a privileged sector for the achievement of the two genders' participation principle.

Commenting on the limited participation of women in public life, he said it "constitutes a democratic deficit" since women make up for half of human potential, knowledge, capabilities and creativity.

Lastly, he said the promotion of equality in opportunities, the release of women's potential and the strengthening of women's initiative in society and public life constitute the principal targets of the government and PASOK.

On her part, Development Minister Vasso Papandreou said that PASOK is obliged, not only before elections but primarily after elections to implement what is said before elections on women's participation at various levels of decision-making.

Athens mayoral candidate Maria Damanaki made a general appeal to women, saying that they must not be absent from the new local government map being shaped in the country and adding that they must not allow the creation of a new leading self-admini-stra tion strata in their absence.

Athens News Agency

[12] AHEPA presidium meets with Tsohatzopoulos

Athens 07/04/1998 (ANA)

Athens News Agency

[13] Map of expatriate Greek communities around the world

Athens 07/04/1998 (ANA)

The minister noted that the number of expatriate Greeks is estimated at more than 5.8 million, while Greek communities have established 3,700 organisations in 92 countries. Greek studies programmes exist in 300 universities around the world. The design of the map is the work of the General Secretariat of Expatriate Hellenism and the National Map Depository, while material the two agencies collected will be available in CD-ROM format and on the Internet in the near future, both in Greek and English. Mr. Petsalinikos noted that the ministry supported the effort with 2.5 million drachmas. He added that the agreement includes creation of a Balkan centre of European cooperation on the issue, the promotion of chartography for the blind and the creation of a map preservation centre.

Athens News Agency

[14] Karamanlis: No room for new party

Athens 07/04/1998 (ANA)

Mr. Karamanlis was responding to comments made by former premier Constantine Mitsotakis during an interview on Greek television last week.

"It is an indication of of immaturity in a democracy or even more, a sign or proof of instability when new parties are easily formed," Mr. Karamanlis said. According to the New Democracy leader, Mr. Mitsotakis by himself does not posses all the attribu tes necessary to found a new party since that would require the proper historical setting as well.

Mr. Karamanlis mentioned his longstanding friendship with his predecessor Miltiadis Evert and said that Mr. Evert's positions are well within party lines and views and do not constitute, at the moment, a cause for dismay to him personally.

Athens News Agency

[15] New frigate for Hellenic Navy

Athens 07/04/1998 (ANA)

Athens News Agency

[16] Fouras comments on 'Olympic Day'

Athens 07/04/1998 (ANA)

From the depths of history where the roots, the source and the prototype of Olympic Games have lied for three milleniums, a period of time that is inconceivale for other peoples, we have proved that the Olympic Ideal has been a value of Hellenism throug h time," he said on the occasion of Olympic Day celebrations.

Athens News Agency

[17] Harvard scholarships

Athens 07/04/1998 (ANA)

The deadline for submissions is April 10. For more information contact Nikos Kotzias at 339.4078 or Francis Tsakona at 339.4074.

Athens News Agency

[18] Iraqi illegals detained off Crete

Athens 07/04/1998 (ANA)

The illegals were picked up by the fishing boat and taken to the port of Siteia, where they were being held at the police precinct. According to reports, the illegals said that they disembarked on the islet from a vessel they had boarded in Lebanon. Meanwhile, a lower court on the island of Samos yesterday sentenced a 53-year-old Turkish smuggler to 10 years imprisonment for putting 11 illegal immigrants ashore on the island. The court also imposed an 18 million dr. fine on Salim Ahmet, who together with another Turkish smuggler transported 11 Iraqis at dawn yesterday on a remote beach on Samos.

Athens News Agency

[19] Gov't response to ND over 'Ankara' connection with forest fires, bombings

Athens 07/04/1998 (ANA)

The Sunday "Eleftherotypia" newspaper over the weekend cited as evidence what it called a confidential report by the investigation department of the Turkish prime minister's office, linking the Turkish state and that country's extensive criminal underwo rld during the premiership of Tansu Ciller.

ND called on the government to censure Ankara at international organisations for what it said was its cover up of terrorist activities against Greece.

Calling on ND to show a sense of responsibility and stop mudslinging, Mr. Reppas said he had confirmed a similar report in the "Kathimerini" daily on Feb. 9, while the press ministry had given details to its press offices abroad.

Athens News Agency

[20] Austrian bank to issue drachma FRN

Athens 07/04/1998 (ANA)

Heading the issue is state National Bank of Greece.

Despite the FRN's limited size, the move is a reflection of Greece's rising credibility following the drachma's entry into the European Union's exchange rate mechanism on March 14.

Athens News Agency

[21] Greek stocks hit new record on OA restructuring

Athens 07/04/1998 (ANA)

The general index closed 3.48 percent higher at 2,135.31 points, reflecting optimism over developments in a government plan to restructure Olympic Airways.

Traders said foreign investors remained active in blue chips.

The Greek bourse, following the example of other European markets, shrugged off renewed financial turbulence in Asia.

Sector indices scored gains. Banks soared 4.38 percent, Insurance rose 2.95 percent, Investment ended 3.79 percent up, Leasing was 1.46 percent higher, Industrials jumped 3.26 percent, Construction rose 4.60 percent, Miscellaneous ended 3.38 percent up and Holding soared 5.33 percent.

The parallel market index for small cap companies rose 1.93 percent, while the FTSE/ASE-20 index ended 3.73 percent higher to 1,265.96 points.

Trading was heavy with turnover at 73.9 billion drachmas. Volume was 13,412, 000 issues.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 203 to 39 with another 13 issues unchanged.

Hellenic Sugar, Goody's, Thrace Plastics, Shelman, Ionian Seafarm, Klaoudatos, Mortgage and Viohalco scored the biggest percentage gains at the day's 8.0 percent limit up.

Viokarpet, Daring, Mouzakis, Yalco and Desmos suffered the heaviest losses.

National Bank of Greece ended at 38,890 drachmas, Ergobank at 24,200, Alpha Credit Bank at 25,120, Delta Dairy at 3,800, Titan Cement at 24,000, Intracom at 20,450 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation at 8, 100.

Athens News Agency

[22] Greek consumer watchdog launches food boycott over devaluation

Athens 07/04/1998 (ANA)

Consumers were asked to stop buying meat and farm produce for five days by the Consumers' Institute (INKA), which said that lower demand would force producers and merchants to cut their prices.

"The boycott will achieve its goal if consumer participation exceeds 17 percent," INKA chairman Haralambos Kouris said.

He said more than 1.5 million consumers were facing problems due to overpricing.

A recent study showed that the most expensive markets in the country were the islands of Rhodes, Corfu and Crete.

Athens News Agency

[23] Greece's Citibank announces forex loan account rates

Athens 07/04/1998 (ANA)

The rates are as follows: