Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 98-04-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] Santer praises Greece's convergence with its EU partners

[02] President Stephanopoulos to visit Cyprus

[03] Cooperation between Greek, Cypriot interior ministries

[04] Making the final push for EMU

[05] Washington condemns bomb attack on Citibank branch

[06] November 17 claims responsibility for spate of bomb attacks on U.S. targets

[07] Simitis briefs Stephanopoulos

[08] Greece, Netherlands hold defence talks

[09] G. Papandreou stresses Athens' true commitment to European unification

[10] Balkan meeting on Santorini

[11] Arsenis receives his Cypriot counterpart Kappas

[12] Nationwide strike paralyses transports,public sector

[13] Elder Karamanlis' condition improvies

[14] Serapheim continues to battle viral infection

[15] Presidential decrees issued for Acropolis, Mount Athos

[16] Simitis-Skandalidis meeting focuses on latest political developments

[17] Programme for protection of Mediterra nean seal

[18] Canadian awards to two Greek professors

[19] Seat belt promotional campaign

[20] OA restructuring bill ratified in principle

[21] EOT head calls on tourism professionals to cater more to local tourists

[22] Inflation rises to 4.6 pct in March from 4.3 pct

[23] Greek state telecom to focus on Balkans

[24] Greek shares get a lift from Olympic Airways restructuring bill

[25] Protopapas says no changes in limit for group dismissals

[26] Papantoniou says taxation rates will fall when tax evasion is curbed

[01] Santer praises Greece's convergence with its EU partners

Athens 10/04/1998 (ANA)

Speaking to Greek and foreign reporters, Mr. Santer said he is very satisfied over Greece's incorporation into the European Monetary System's Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) and optimistic over Greece's development in connection with Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).

Replying to questions, Mr. Santer said that Greece had covered a great deal of ground over the past two or three years, and that results have been produced now both in the fiscal sector and on inflation, while there is convergence in the direction of implementing European policy.

On the question of Cyprus, he said "we support all the envoys of the UN. We believe that the start to bilateral negotiations with the Republic of Cyprus might be able to cause some kind of a rapprochement of views in connection with the issue of Cyprus,which always continues to be a delicate matter.

"For the time being, I can say no more.

We have the mandate to continue these negotiations and we will do this. Every solution which could put an end to this division of the island would satisfy us, because we are working for a political solution to be found," he said.

Referring to the issue of Greece's veto against a financial protocol between the EU and Turkey, he said that "in the long run we must find a solution so that the financial protocol will be able to be released. The two sides must find a solution concerning this issue. The goodwill which we have shown must be followed by actions."

Replying to another question, Mr. Santer said that Greece will remain within "target No. 1" for structural funds and will continue to benefit from them, as well as from the Union's cohesion funds. He added that Greece received 17.6 billion Ecu over the 1994-1999 period.

Regarding Olympic Airways, he pointed out that the Commission has not preoccupied itself with an assessment of restructuring measures, but added that what is of interest is that airlines should be competitive.

Meeting with Simitis : Mr. Santer held talks with Prime Minister Costas Simitis at the Maximos Mansion last night, in which an identity of views on major European issues was ascertained.

The meeting lasted for about three quarters of an hour and focused on major European policy issues. In statements after the meeting and replying to questions, Mr. Santer said that the Commission's ardent desire is for a political solution to the Cyprus issue and that UN processes are being supported. He also expressed optimism over the progress achieved by Greece in the direction of convergence with its EU partners.

Mr. Simitis pointed out that he had an extensive discussion with Mr. Santer concerning the main issues which will preoccupy the EU.

He said that negotiations on the "Agenda 2000" will continue and serious problems such as the problem of common agricultural policy will be examined, decisions will be taken on the third phase of EMU and a discussion will start on the EU's new enlargement, adding that over the past two years, Greece has created the conditions for a strong negotiating position thanks to its performance in the economic sector.

Athens News Agency

[02] President Stephanopoulos to visit Cyprus

Athens 10/04/1998 (ANA)

The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Foreign Undersecretary Yiannos Kranidiotis, Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides and Cyprus government spokesman Christos Stylianides.

Developments regarding Cyprus' EU accession course were also examined during the meeting.

These issues were also discussed during a meeting Mr. Kranidiotis had with US ambassador in Athens Nicholas Burns on Wednesday.

According to reports, the US side will continue efforts to have the two communities return to the negotiating table and for this purpose US State Department special coordinator for Cyprus Thomas Miller will visit the region soon, while Mr. Holbrooke him self is expected to return to Cyprus in May.

Athens News Agency

[03] Cooperation between Greek, Cypriot interior ministries

Athens 10/04/1998 (ANA)

The Cypriot minister is visiting Greece at the head of a Cypriot delegation in the framework of implementing a cooperation protocol between the interior ministries of Greece and Cyprus.

The issues to be discussed between the two sides concern, among others, the creation of first stage local administration, management and organisation of rural areas and the regional development funds.

The two ministers visited Parliament at noon, while they also attended a meeting of Greek Eurodeputies and members of the European Union's regions' committee, held at an Athens hotel at the initiative of Interior Undersecretary Loukas Papadimas.

Mr. Papadopoulos and Mr. Michaelides will also visit the Attica regional service, the political protection general secretariat and the investments and development general secretariat.

Athens News Agency

[04] Making the final push for EMU

Athens 10/04/1998 (ANA)

"Greece can and must push on with modernising its structures resolutely, seizing all opportunities offered by the new world coming into being.

"For years, Europe has been the target your country has aimed at. Your full incorporation into Economic and Monetary Union will be the hallmark of your success.

"Your reforms will be carried out in the name of Europe. In the time to come, you can rest assured that Greece's future is firmly locked into that of Europe. Rather than carping over the achievements of a vanishing world, Greece has opted for the future . It is doing it in its own way, true to its traditions and identity, and that, I am sure, will be the key to its success," Mr. Santer said.

Turning to the convergence report issued by the Commission on March 25, Mr. Santer said the Union stresses the effort made over the last few years.

"Greece's economy is deemed to be progressing satisfactorily and the progress is plain to see. These endeavours have already started to bring Greece some solid advantages:

"Lower deficits, an inflation rate close to being brought under control, a curb of the public debt which is starting to turn downward...and unlike what one hears in certain countries, this does not seem to me to be happening at the expense of growth and e mployment.

"Lower inflation has not gone hand in hand with recession; on the contrary, growth was higher in Greece in 1997 than it has been on average every year for the previous 10 years. In 1998 and 1999 it will reach levels not achieved for decades. The economy stands on sounder foundations with a freer and more dynamic market, and most important of all, there are signs of rising employment on the horizon.

"One might almost say Greece was in a virtuous circle. I only say, almost, because there is still some way to go. And that is why I also say 'You must go further, the hard work of going into battle must be a success. The euro is within your grasp.' Now is the time when you must show the greatest possible determination, to consolidate the budget and make further structural reforms," Mr. Santer stressed.

"In this context it would be a serious omission on my part if I were to forget to welcome the entry of the drachma into the Exchange Rate Mechanism. This is important for two reasons:

" - It reaffirms Greece's desire to become a member of the euro zone.

" - It improves confidence in the drachma among money markets.

" - The entry of the drachma can be considered as the culmination of the macroeconomic policy applied in the last few years. I heard with satisfaction that the government is resolved to speed up its structural reforms," he said.

"Here there are two factors which I think will play right into the hands of Greece.

"First, the new forms of communication and information came in they have made the single market more homogeneous.

"Secondly, I have been very gratified to see that Greek businesses and banks are going right ahead and investing in the Balkans,seizing the opportunities which geographical proximity and ties of history and culture now place within your grasp," he added.

"The 'Agenda 2000' really does aspire to make sure that Europe solidly goes on working to promote the modernisation of all our countries, including Greece," he stressed.

Athens News Agency

[05] Washington condemns bomb attack on Citibank branch

WASHINGTON 10/04/1998 (ANA - T.Ellis)

"Let me say that the United States condemns in the strongest possible term the rocket attack against Citibank offices in Athens," US State Department spokesman James Rubin told reporters.

"This is the seventh such attack on an American firm since November. Our embassy is working closely with the Greek authorities in the hope that the perpetrators of this attack will be apprehended," he added.

"The suggestion that this attack is a response to claims made by Ambassador Burns about the danger to American companies creating a dangerous business climate that needed to be addressed - not that it is a dangerous business climate, but that this points it in that direction - is twisted and outrageous logic which cannot possibly reflect the views of decent people," Mr. Rubin said.

Mr. Rubin was referring to a speech by US Ambassador to Athens Nicholas Burns during a business forum in Thessaloniki late last month, in which he said that bomb attacks against foreign firms were a restraining factor for US investments in Greece.

"And in general, the attacks on Ambassador Burns strike us as almost anti- democratic. I should point out that Greece is the cradle of democracy in the world, and one of the principles of democracy is that governments and people should be able to express their views freely, discussions should be held. Hopefully, with the ability to discuss these issues and talk about them, good and better decisions are made. That's the Greek tradition of democracy that the United States looks up to and has looked up to i n its creation. And this kind of ridiculous claims that Ambassador Burns should not be stating what America's concerns are in public is genuinely anti- democratic," Mr. Rubin said in reference to criticism by Greek parties and officials to Mr. Burns' state ments.

"We'd point out that the Greek government has endorsed Ambassador Burns' right to speak. I'm merely pointing out that those who are challenging him are pursuing what is essentially an anti-democratic and, therefore, in our view anti-Hellenic tradition, " the spokesman concluded.

Athens News Agency

[06] November 17 claims responsibility for spate of bomb attacks on U.S. targets

Athens 10/04/1998 (ANA)

"We have decided to strike at American imperialism-nationalism which is threatening our country's sovereign rights," the group said in an eight- page letter sent to the Athens daily Eleftherotypia.

The Citibank branch in the Athens district of Kypseli was the group's latest target on Tuesday midnight. It launched a rocket which failed to explode causing property damage but no injuries.

The urban guerrilla organisation which emerged in 1975, also accused the Americans of being responsible for the Cyprus problem and Turkish claims in the Aegean. Focusing mainly on "nationalism, patriotism and American imperialism," the organisation also criticised the mass media which, it said, "pour mockery on patriotism by presenting it as nationalism".

It also criticised the government's handling of the Imia islets crisis and Greek-Turkish issues, but avoided direct threats against specific persons or targets.

The letter was found in a garbage bin in the Athens downtown district of Koukaki after an unidentifed caller telephoned the newspaper.

The group also claimed responsibility for a spate of bomb attacks against two McDonald's fast food restaurants and the offices of the American firms General Motors and Chrysler and those of the German firm Opel.

Athens News Agency

[07] Simitis briefs Stephanopoulos

Athens 10/04/1998 (ANA)

Mr. Simitis said that "concerning Europe and international relations we are in a phase where things are changing quickly and economies are tied together more and more."

He went on to say that "for this reason, we in our country must make a considerable effort to be together in this phase, which is developing in order to participate in decision-making and to determine decisions so that they are in the interests of the country."

Athens News Agency

[08] Greece, Netherlands hold defence talks

Athens 10/04/1998 (ANA)

According to defence ministry sources, the Netherlands is interested in selling a certain class of submarine to Greece. Also examined at yesterday's meeting was the possibility of cooperation between the defence industries of the two countries. After th e talks, it was announced that commencing in the summer, the Netherlands will participate in the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus with 100 troops. Replying to reporters' questions on the issue of the moratorium on the holding of military exerci ses in the Aegean by Greece and Turkey during the summer months, Mr. Apostolakis said Athens and Ankara had each put forward a proposal. Greece is proposing that the present two-month moratorium is extended so as to cover the period June 15 - Septemb er 15, Mr. Apostolakis said, while Turkey wants all of September to be included.

Athens News Agency

[09] G. Papandreou stresses Athens' true commitment to European unification

Athens 10/04/1998 (ANA)

"For us, the legitimisation of the EU passes through the deepening of the social policies of economic and social cohesion, and reducing the democratic deficit," he said during his address.

The minister also said the government was resolved to secure the participation of the Balkans in European processes.

Regarding Turkey, he said Greece aimed at the creation of an environment of peace, mutual confidence and cooperation. Conversely, the neighbouring country followed a policy of antagonism, unilateral claims, dispute of sovereign rights and show of force.

Mr. Papandreou said Greece's insistence on the need for application of the rules of international law and peaceful resolution of differences through the International Court at The Hague had contributed considerably to a gradual change in the way EU par tners saw and approached Greek - Turkish relations.

"We have every interest in persisting with this policy, stressing, at the same time, the benefit Turkey would obtain by changing its behaviour towards Greece, but also Cyprus...

"The policy of antagonism leads to its self-isolation and its being cut-off from the huge challenges developing on the European continent. Its self- indulgent persistence on becoming a regional power, which determines its relations with neighbours in terms of force, can prove particularly dangerous for Turkey itself, especially in an area where huge geopolitical interests clash," Mr. Papandreou said.

Athens News Agency

[10] Balkan meeting on Santorini

Athens 10/04/1998 (ANA)

The Santorini meeting is the fourth tripartite meeting being held by the countries, following similar meetings in Ioannina (1995), Varna (1996) and Sinaia (1997).

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos will represent Greece at the meeting. Bulgaria is represented by its foreign minister Nadhezda Mihailova and Romania by Andrei Plesu.

Athens News Agency

[11] Arsenis receives his Cypriot counterpart Kappas

Athens 10/04/1998 (ANA)

The Cypriot minister, who is on an official visit to Greece at Mr. Arsenis' invitation, also discussed the further strengthening of cooperation at the elementary and high school levels.

Mr. Arsenis informed his Cypriot counterpart on recent changes in Greece's secondary educational system.

Athens News Agency

[12] Nationwide strike paralyses transports,public sector

Athens 10/04/1998 (ANA)

The Panhellenic Seamen's Federation (PNO) joined a one-day nationwide strike in protest over a government bill to revitalise Olympic Airways and plans to privatise, merge or abolish several state-run utilities and enterprises (DEKOs). The nationwi de stoppage that disrupted public services, banks and transports was called by the Civil Servants' Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY) and the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE), which represents nearly one million Greek workers.

Dockworkers staged the second day of a 48-hour strike against a government scheme to privatise the country's two major ports, Piraeus and Thessaloniki.

Strikers rallied at the port city's labour centre and marched to the merchant marine ministry, also located in Piraeus.

The seamen's stoppage ends at 6 a.m. today.

According to initial reports, the nationwide strike called by GSEE and ADEDY had almost the universal support of workers and employees in Attica, particularly in public utilities and organisations. Speaking at a protest rally in central Athens, GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos said workers were being attacked on two sides, by both the government and employers.

He described the government's policy as "one-sided, unjust and ineffective" and called on employers to sign collective labour agreements which safeguard and improve workers' incomes.

After the success of yesterday's strike, Mr. Polyzogopoulos warned that GSEE will be holding negotiations with the Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) today in a stronger position.

In Thessaloniki, the strike caused serious disruption in both public services and private enterprises. A large protest rally in the northern Greek capital was followed by a march to the ministry of Macedonia-Thrace where workers' representatives handed a resolution to secretary general Georgios Lyssaridis.

The resolution underlines workers' opposition to the government's economic policy, particularly plans to privatise public utilities and organisations.

There was serious traffic congestion in Thessaloniki as many commuters were forced to use their cars because of the participation of urban transport workers in the strike.

The strike grounded OA flights from Thessaloniki all day, while fog resulted in the postponement of the flights of other airlines until 9:30 a.m.

Athens News Agency

[13] Elder Karamanlis' condition improvies

Athens 10/04/1998 (ANA)

Attending physicians told reporters that the condition of the veteran Greek stateman's health is continuously improving.

A medical bulletin stated that Mr. Karamanlis, 91, is showing a continuous improvement, while his response to treatment is considered very satisfactory.

At 7 a.m. yesterday, Mr. Karamanlis asked to have newspapers brought to him, while shortly afterwards he was visited by his close associate Petros Molyviatis and his nephew Mihalis Liapis.

Athens News Agency

[14] Serapheim continues to battle viral infection

Athens 10/04/1998 (ANA)

Physicians said the ailing 85-year-old Archbishop is "exhausted and tired", while a temperature is persisting.

Serapheim was lucid for several hours during the day yesterday, although his ability to communicate is reportedly tedious, due to difficulty in speaking.

A medical bulletin was not issued yesterday.

Athens News Agency

[15] Presidential decrees issued for Acropolis, Mount Athos

Athens 10/04/1998 (ANA)

The minister announced that the presidential decree for the all-male monastic community will set conservation workers' wages, while funds allocated for monasteries on Mount Athos will be funneled through relevant archaeological services.

Mr. Venizelos said that the second decree will create a new service - the Acropolis Monuments Conservation Service (YSMA) - which will include the Acropolis Conservation Projects Committee (ESMA), where the ministry's antiquities conservation directorate will be represented for the first time.

Mr. Venizelos added that the conservation projects on the Acropolis need unique research and support.

Athens News Agency

[16] Simitis-Skandalidis meeting focuses on latest political developments

Athens 10/04/1998 (ANA)

Mr. Simitis and Mr. Skandalidis also discussed the party's central committee meeting, due to take place tomorrow in order to decide on mayoral and prefectural candidates that will be supported by PASOK in upcoming local government elections.

No statements were made afterwards.

Athens News Agency

[17] Programme for protection of Mediterra nean seal

Athens 10/04/1998 (ANA)

The volunteer programme aims to involve the public in efforts to protect the general marine environment, and specifically, the Mediterranean seal (monachus monachus).

The "LIFE" programme has three information stations on Alonissos and one each on the island of Skopelos and Skiathos, while two new stations will be set up on the islands of Milos and Karpathos.

Anyone over 18 years of age can become a volunteer by becoming a MOM member and volunteering for two weeks every summer.

For more information, call 52.22.888 or visit the society's offices at 18, Solomou St.

Athens News Agency

[18] Canadian awards to two Greek professors

Athens 10/04/1998 (ANA)

Hydraulics and environmental engineering Prof. Ioannis Mylopoulos and English and theatrical studies Prof. Savas Patsalides will receive the Canadian Studies Award.

The award will give the two Greek professors the ability to conduct research in Canada for five weeks this year.

The research must focus on a Canadian subject - history, art, politics or society - and subsequently be lectured on, with results published as well.

The council was founded in 1981 in Canada in cooperation with nine other countries, while today it has grown in membership and includes 20 national and multi-national organisations as well as 7,000 academics from 30 countries.

It should be noted that last year the Council awarded two Greek professors of Athens University.

Athens News Agency

[19] Seat belt promotional campaign

Athens 10/04/1998 (ANA)

Council President Haralambos Pasvantidis noted that although the campaign was due to end this June, it will be extended to the end of the year, so as to help minimise serious traffic injuries and fatalities.

According to figures provided, 2,500 people are killed and 32,000 are injured every year in Greece in traffic accidents.

Athens News Agency

[20] OA restructuring bill ratified in principle

Athens 10/04/1998 (ANA)

The vote was 158 in favour and 124 against. Former New Democracy deputy and minister George Souflias, recently expelled from the main opposition party, voted "present", while 17 other deputies were absent from the 300-member Parliament, in which the rul ing PASOK party controls 159 seats.

Four other former ND deputies, also recently expelled, voted against the bill.

"The scourge of Olympic Airways and other public sector organisations has been the lack of cooperation between management and trade unions," National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said during the debate.

Commenting on the agreement reached between OA management and employees on a new labour Regulation late Wednesday night, Mr. Papantoniou said the government had projected spending cuts for OA to the tune of 50 billion drachmas a year over the five-year duration of the restructuring programme, however, because the government wanted "social consent and cohesion", it had made certain changes which will result in savings of 42 billion drachmas a year.

"The government prefers to have 85 per cent with social agreement, rather than 100 per cent and conflict," Mr. Papantoniou said, adding that OA employees had accepted wage cuts totalling 5.5 billion drachmas, a wage freeze and flexible working hours.

Mr. Papantoniou said state enterprises could not be modernised without the contribution of employees. "OA will serve as an example for the other public utilities and organisations (DEKOs)," he added.

Speaking after Mr. Papantoniou, Transport Minister Tassos Mantelis forecast profits of 74.5 billion drachmas for OA over the next five years. More specifically, he said OA would show a profit of 9.7 billion drachmas in 1998, 25.5 billion in 1999, 14.5 b illion in 2000, 8.5 billion in 2001 and 16.5 billion in 2002. Mr. Mantelis underlined that the 41.674 billion drachmas to be saved annually by the airline over the next five years was an issue of less importance than the unimpeded continuation of fligh ts and the labour peace secured through the agreement with OA employees.

Approval of the bill in principle was followed by voting on individual articles, which were approved only by the ruling party deputies, as opposition parties withdrew from the Chamber before the commencement of the procedure.

Referring to changes Mr. Mantelis had brought to the originally tabled bill during the debate that opened the way to unions' agreement with management, New Democracy parliamentary spokesman Vangelis Meimarakis charged the government with downgrading the authority of the assembly by putting to vote a different text to the one debated.

The other opposition parties criticised the government both on the grounds of the substance of the bill and the procedures adopted.

"The opposition did not want to adopt a position on the issue. Those who are afraid of making decisions withdraw," replied the transport minister, stressing that the government had no reason not to accept the agreement between management and unions.

"That's why there was a rewording of Article II of the bill, and my intention is not to change something which is acceptable to the workers," he said.

The bill is to be put to the vote as a whole today.

Athens News Agency

[21] EOT head calls on tourism professionals to cater more to local tourists

Athens 10/04/1998 (ANA)

He said Greece tops the list of European countries regarding the development of domestic tourism, according to research conducted by Eurobarometre.

Mr. Skoulas was addressing a conference yesterday on the issue of "Domestic Tourism: An Insurance Valve for the National Economy, Tourism and Employment", held in the framework of the exhibition "Tourist Panorama '98" which was inaugurated at Peace and Friendship indoor stadium on Wednesday.

Mr. Skoulas said that this situation is underestimated by the National Statistical Service's (ESYE) available data, which shows Greeks as accounting for 26 per cent (1996) of overnight stays in the country's hotels.

However, he said this figure is clearly higher since ESYE does not register overnight stays in rented rooms and furnished apartments, etc, which account for 40 per cent of the local supply of beds.

It also does not register the Greek nationals' summer stay with relatives and friends, or in a second home that they either own or rent, as well as vessels, etc.

Overnight stays by foreign tourists increased by 8.8 per cent in 1997 compared to 1996, while those of Greeks increased by 21 per cent.

According to information presented to the conference by Elizabeth Hatzinikolaou, the head of EOT's research and development department, most Greeks travel in August (50 per cent) or July (30 per cent), while April follows (4 per cent) due to the Easter holidays.

Athens News Agency

[22] Inflation rises to 4.6 pct in March from 4.3 pct

Athens 10/04/1998 (ANA)

The consumer price index rose 2.5 percent on a monthly basis against a 2.2 percent rise in the corresponding month last year.

GNSS said that the rise in inflation was expected following the drachma's devaluation by 14 percent in March, which was linked to entry into the European Union's exchange rate mechanism.

Inflation was expected to continue rising in April before resuming its downward trend in May.

A 6.0-7.0 percent rise in car prices and some foodstuffs were the main factors behind the March increase.

Athens News Agency

[23] Greek state telecom to focus on Balkans

Athens 10/04/1998 (ANA)

Speaking at a conference held in Athens by The Economist magazine, George Chrissolouris said that the organisation's subsidiaries were cooperating closely with suppliers and banks to facilitate the company's expansion in the Balkans and reduce investment risk.

He forecast that by the end of the year more than 70 percent of the Greek telecoms network would be digitally operated and announced the installment of 1.4 million new digital lines.

Athens News Agency

[24] Greek shares get a lift from Olympic Airways restructuring bill

Athens 10/04/1998 (ANA)

Traders said the market translated parliament's first vote in favour of the bill as a move paving the way for the restructuring of all other public sector firms and utilities.

The general index closed 1.54 percent higher at 2,175.39 points.

Sector indices scored gains. Banks soared 2.03 percent, Insurance rose 0.47 percent, Investment ended 0.39 percent, Leasing was unchanged, Industrials ended 0.81 percent up, Construction rose 0.95 percent, Miscellaneous increased 0.42 percent and Holdi ng jumped 3.95 percent.

The parallel market index for small cap companies rose 0.73 percent while the FTSE/ASE-20 index ended 1.84 percent up at 1,284.25.

Trading was heavy with turnover at 53.9 billion drachmas.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 148 to 95 with another 17 issues unchanged.

Alte, Altec, Pouliades, Halcor, Mouzakis, Strintzis, Macedonia-Thrace Bank and Shelman scored the biggest percentage gains at the day's 8.0 percent limit up. Hadzioannou, Macedonian Plastics, Halyps Cement and Balkan Export suffered the heaviest loss es at the day's 8.0 percent limit down.

National Bank of Greece ended at 37,700 drachmas, Ergobank at 26,200, Alpha Credit Bank at 25,200, Delta Dairy at 3,650, Titan Cement at 23,350, Intracom at 20,020 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation at 8, 090.

In the domestic money market, the drachma was substantially higher against the US dollar, the DMark and the Ecu.

Athens News Agency

[25] Protopapas says no changes in limit for group dismissals

Athens 10/04/1998 (ANA)

Mr. Protopapas met with representatives of the Federation of Greek Industries (SEB), the Union of Greek Merchants' Associations (EESE) and the General Confederation of Small Manufacturers and Professionals (GSEBEE), for discussions on a national plan for employment and changes in the labour relations.

The discussions also focused on the issue of work hours.

Athens News Agency

[26] Papantoniou says taxation rates will fall when tax evasion is curbed

Athens 10/04/1998 (ANA)

Mr. Papantoniou said that the government's target is for tax relief to be brought about since, as he said,taxation is at a "maximum level" at present. However, he clarified that this will occur when the measures aimed at cracking down on tax evasion start to produce results and increased revenues are received.

Mr. Papantoniou made his statement at an event organised on the occasion of the first anniversary of the founding of the Economic Crime Squad (SDOE).

He said that as a result of SDOE's activities and of other measures aimed at intensifying controls by tax authorities, revenues increased by 16 per cent over the first quarter of the year.

Athens News Agency

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