Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 98-04-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece again blocks EU funds to Turkey,cites increased provocativeness

[02] High-level gov't meeting focuses on tourism

[03] Greek memorandum submitted to the EU Council

[04] New rapid deployment force formed

[05] Criticism of Turkey

[06] F-15 display in Ankara

[07] Tsohatzopoulos calls for immediate,unconditional dialogue in Kosovo

[08] Reppas on Skandalidis statements

[09] ESHEA symposium focuses on Dodecanese Islands' incorporation into Greece

[10] Political leaders praise Karamanlis during special Parliament session

[11] New Archbishop of Athens and All Greece to be elected today

[12] British Euro-MP calls for return of Marbles

[13] Culture ministry presentations

[14] Papantoniou assures OECD meeting that Greece will fulfill Maastricht criteria

[15] Parolee arrested in stabbing of Nigerian man

[16] Majority of BSEC nations sign agreement on tackling natural, manmade disasters

[17] Piraeus port authority boss resigns over wrangles with minister

[18] OA pilots call off strike

[19] Government denies fresh devaluation in the offing

[20] Greek stocks nosedive on EMU jitters

[21] Greek PM to Brussels for EU's weekend euro summit

[22] Greece's Xiosbank posts 27.96 rise in Q1 mutual fund assets

[23] Bulgarian natural gas supplies to Greece jump

[24] GSEBEE meeting

[01] Greece again blocks EU funds to Turkey,cites increased provocativeness

LUXEMBOURG 28/04/1998 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

"The escalation of Turkish provocativeness combined with the refusal of the Ankara government to resolve its differences with Greece through the legal course, namely, through resorting to the International Court at The Hague, leave no ground for Greece to consent to the adoption of economic support for Turkey by EU funds," he told a press conference.

Mr. Pangalos said that he brought to the attention of his counterparts, two recent examples of Turkey's provocative attitude towards Greece.

Specifically, in one of the memorandums concerning Turkey's attitude, submitted to the Council by Athens yesterday, it was revealed that about a month ago Turkish authorities notified Greece that they question the sovereignty of four Greek islets in the eastern Aegean. Namely, Fournoi, Agathonisi, Farmakonisi and Pserimos.

"After Imia, Turkey is escalating its aggressiveness against Greece," he said, adding that Ankara is also opposed to carrying out EU research of an environmental character on these four islands, claiming that they do not belong to Greece.

Mr. Pangalos said that under such conditions Athens cannot lift its reservations against the adoption of the financial protocol - 375 million Ecu - for Turkey.

As a second example of Turkish provocativeness, Mr. Pangalos referred to Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem's refusal, as communicated to Greece, to travel to Rhodes in two weeks in order to meet with his Greek counterpart on the sidelines of the West European Union's ministerial session. With this position, Turkey makes it clear that it does not desire dialogue with Greece and a peaceful solution to whatever differences, he said.

Mr. Pangalos said that, on the other hand, Greece has so far shown an extremely moderate stance towards Turkish provocativeness, permitting the agreement on customs union and the funding of Turkey by the MEDA programme.

"Greece did not demand, as it could have done, the withdrawal of Turkish claims in the case of Imia but called on Turkey to resort to the International Court at The Hague, but without meeting with a positive response," he said, stressing that the EU should assess this attitude correctly and shape a policy towards Turkey which will be based on principles and not only on economic and commercial interests of all kinds.

Mr. Pangalos said that in this sense Greece agreed with an in principle convening of the EU-Turkey Association Council on May 25 on condition, of course, that all the political and economic aspects of relations between the EU and Turkey will be discussed at this Council and not only the economic ones, as claimed by certain EU member-states.

On the question of the economic aspect of relations between the European Union and Turkey, Mr. Pangalos clarified that Greece does not intend to lift its reservations at the present stage on the adoption of the fiscal regulation for Turkey and said that the EU has shaped a variety of relations with third countries, signing agreements, as in the case of the countries of former Yugoslavia and revoking them afterwards or postponing their implementation.

He also mentioned the Cyprus issue, saying that for Greece, Cyprus' accession procedure with the European Union was an independent procedure that was not linked or dependent on any other issue.

Athens News Agency

[02] High-level gov't meeting focuses on tourism

Athens 28/04/1998 (ANA)

Development Minister Vasso Papandreou, who chaired the meeting, noted that directly or indirectly several agencies and ministries are involved in overseeing tourism activities, therefore, coordination is all important.

The coordinating body decided to increase medical personnel in the tourist regions, especially general practitioners and pediatricians. Two mobile medical units will be used for immediate response in critical cases, while by May 25 a tendering for the purchase of medical evacuation helicopters will be completed.

In addition, musuems will remain open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week, while a single admission policy will be expanded to all archaeological sites and a pilot programme of season tickets will be implemented.

Other measures included funds for the systematic upkeep of archaeological sites, while efforts will be made for the improvement of ports as information posters on taxi prices will be placed in strategic locations.

Furthermore, the transport ministry will hand out pamphlets with basic language information to taxi drivers in order to attempt to improve services rendered to tourists.

The merchant marine ministry will enact an electronic reservation system for passenger shipping as well as providing relevant information on the Internet.

Finally, a new air traffic control system will be put in use, landing fees will not be increased and all increases will be announced a year in advance.

Ms Papandreou added that market controls will be strict so as to minimise price gouging.

Public Order Minister George Romeos said that police in tourist regions will be reinforced by 800 officers.

Also present at the meeting were Environment Minister Costas Laliotis, Transport and Communications Minster Tassos Mantelis, Merchant Marine Minister Stavros Soumakis, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, Commerce Undersecretary Mihalis Chrysohoidis,Health and Welfare Undersecretary Manolis Skoulakis and Greek National Tourism Organisation ( EOT) President Nikos Skoulas.

Athens News Agency

[03] Greek memorandum submitted to the EU Council

Athens 28/04/1998 (ANA)

The premise of the Turkish statement was promptly rejected.

After some research and effort to correlate the Turkish names with existing islands proved that four of these names refer to islands which constitute Greek territory, namely:

- The island of Fournoi (east of the island of Icaria)

- The island of Agathonisi (or Gaidouronisi, south of the island of Samos)

- The island of Farmakonisi (south of the island of Samos), and

- The island of Pserimos (east of the island of Kalymnos)

These are middle-sized islands all with varying numbers of inhabitants. They are part of Greece by virtue of the Treaty of Lausanne (1923), and the Peace Treaty of Paris (1947).

Greece considers that this is a new provocative action within the framework of the well-known and ill-advised Turkish strategy of the so-called <<grey areas>>, which aims at challenging Greek sovereignty in the Aegean Sea.

This new Turkish provocation is an additional proof of the expansionist policy of Turkey towards Greece, while at the same time underlines the total disregard by the political and military authorities in Ankara of the International Law and the Internat ional Treaties.

Greece, has time and again explained to Turkey that the only outstanding issues in the Aegean Sea is the delimitation of the continental shelf; furthermore Athens has called upon Ankara to submit this legal contention to the International Court of Justi ce; Ankara refused to do so.

This recent event represents another effort by the Turkish side to create tension between the two countries. Needless to say unilateral claims by Turkey could not and will not create Turkish rights in the Aegean. They are bound, however, to poison the a tmosphere between the two countries and to prohibit any lessening of tension in the Greek-Turkish relations.

Athens News Agency

[04] New rapid deployment force formed

Athens 28/04/1998 (ANA)

He made the announcement during a visit to the base of the Second Army Corps in Veria and added that the force has been operational since April 1, while the decision for its creation was taken by the government 14 months ago within a framework of military restructuring.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the new formation reinforces the nation's ability to upgrade and implement security policies in the wider geopolitical region.

He added that the force also increases the defence and deterrent capability.

Athens News Agency

[05] Criticism of Turkey

Athens 28/04/1998 (ANA)

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos was speaking at a meeting in Thessaloniki on the European defence and security structure at the Centre for International and European Law.

He said there were in effect no disputes between Greece and Turkey, clarifying that the problem consisted solely with Ankara's destabilising activities in the region.

Athens News Agency

[06] F-15 display in Ankara

ISTANBUL 28/04/1998 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

The display will be attended by Turkish Air Force Chief Gen. Ilhan Kilic.

Turkey wants to buy between 20 and 40 F-15s, costing about US$60 million each. The F-15E warplanes will replace older aircraft in the Turkish air force.

Athens News Agency

[07] Tsohatzopoulos calls for immediate,unconditional dialogue in Kosovo

Athens 28/04/1998 (ANA)

"The situation (in Kosovo) is like a hand-grenade which, if you pull the pin a little bit more, will explode," he said, replying to reporters' questions in Thessaloniki.

This should be of concern to all of us, he said, adding that there must be some kind of intervention.

"In this respect, there is no alternative but for us to make continuous efforts to exert pressure for the immediate and unconditional commencement of dialogue," he said.

Asked about statements by Albanian Premier Fatos Nano, interpreted by some as expressing approval for the recent attacks by the shadowy "Liberation Army of Kosovo" on the border between Albania and the Serbian province of Kosovo, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said :

"Mr. Nano has no such position. He has clearly distanced himself from the Liberation Army, regarding which there are many questions about its sources of funding and what it represents..."

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos added that "from the moment there are victims, Mr. Nano as prime minister of Albania is obliged to express positions which will obstruct the continuation of activities which result in the loss of life..."

Speaking later at a meeting on "European defence and security structure" at the Centre for International and European Law, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos expressed concern about the situation in Kosovo, saying it could take the form of a world crisis.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos stressed the need for collective security mechanisms and crisis confrontation, because "selective" cooperation in the form of alliances "such as USA-Turkey-Israel bring no positive results, since they merely result in the creation of opposing fronts". Greece supports special forms of intervention, he said, citing the examples of Albania and more recently Kosovo, while stressing that intervention should always be within the framework of international law and the implementation of international conventions.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos rejected outright any solutions which lead to a change of borders. Intervention, he continued, should be aimed at reducing tension.

"Any party which mediates or wishes to mediate will be offering its good services when they follow this policy of reducing tension," he said.

In later statements, the Greek minister said he did not "consider a large- scale flare-up as likely to occur", underlining that "there are difficulties in securing the start of an unconditional dialogue (between interested parties) in order to ensure a broad autonomy within the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia's borders."

In a related development, an ANA dispatch from Tirana quoting a statement by Albanian PM Fatos Nano's office, reported last night that Mr. Nano's statements were the result of a poor translation.

In an interview to the ANA, Vladimir Prela, a diplomatic adviser to Mr. Nano, said that there were not and will not be any movements of Albanian troops towards the border with Kosovo.

Athens News Agency Athens 28/04/1998 (ANA)

Education undersecretary Yiannis Anthopoulos and Youth Secretary-Gen eral Petros Sfikakis are presently in Bucharest to attend the 5th council of youth ministers of countries belonging to the Council of Europe.

The meeting will discuss issues related to the Council of Europe's activities in relation to youth, the problems facing European youth and regional cooperation.

Athens News Agency

[08] Reppas on Skandalidis statements

Athens 28/04/1998 (ANA)

Speaking during a party meeting of PASOK prefectural and local committees, Mr. Skandalidis referred to a jostling for power within PASOK, which he said endangered the party's hold on government and its work.

Mr. Reppas said all major PASOK cadres are backing government policy, while he again said that early elections were out of the question.

Nevertheless, Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos told reporters in Thessaloniki yesterday that "troubling inner party behaviours" were an existing phenomenon.

Athens News Agency

[09] ESHEA symposium focuses on Dodecanese Islands' incorporation into Greece

Athens 28/04/1998 (ANA)

The symposium, organised jointly by ESHEA and the island municipality, is under the auspices of the Greek Parliament and will be held at the International Hippocrates Centre on May 2 and 3.

Speeches will be delivered mainly by journalists, focusing on a wide array of issues related to the Dodecanese, including culture, development, and the regions' role in relation to foreign policy and Greek-Turkish relations.

Athens News Agency

[10] Political leaders praise Karamanlis during special Parliament session

Athens 28/04/1998 (ANA)

The session ended with the observance of a minute's silence.

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and political party leaders praised the late statesman's charismatic political qualities, his contribution to restoring democracy in 1974, adoption of a modern constitution, the entry of Greece into the European

Economic Community and his outstanding term as president with a PASOK government.

Prime Minister Costas Simitis referred to Karamanlis' positive achievements, signaling out Greece's EU entry, which as he said, "broke the country's international isolation that had been imposed by the seven-year dictatorship, and opened up its horizons ".

Mr. Kaklamanis spoke of Constantine Karamanlis' major contribution to the restoration of democracy, "healing the rift of separatism left over since the civil war".

"Karamanlis believed in the choice of Europe more than any other politician of his generation," said the Parliament president.

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis referred to the former president's visions, stressing that he entered politics having the faith in a mission.

Aleka Papariga, the secretary general of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) said that Constantine Karamanlis was capable of receiving massages promptly and responding according to conditions. She said in his person, KKE saw a vigorous and competent rival.

Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos said the late leader led Greece from the Balkans to Europe, while Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) president Dimitris Tsovolas described Karamanlis as a "gifted leader whose work will be judged by history."

Book of condolences in Ankara : ISTANBUL (ANA - A. Kourkoulas) The president of the Turkish national assembly, Hikmet Cetin, yesterday signed a book of condolences opened at the Greek embassy in Ankara on the death last week of Constantine Karamanlis.

To date, Turkish President Suleyman Demirel, Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Foreign Minister Ismail Cem have been among the leading government officials who have signed the book.

A columnist in Turkish daily "Sabah" called Karamanlis "the most successful leader of all politicians who appeared in the states of the southeastern wing of NATO in the wake of WWII."

"History will show that Constantine Karamanlis was Greece's greatest leader, after Eleftherios Venizelos," Sami Cohen wrote in the daily "Miliyet".

Athens News Agency

[11] New Archbishop of Athens and All Greece to be elected today

Athens 28/04/1998 (ANA)

Fifty per cent plus one of the votes is necessary during the first two ballots for a new Archbishop to be elected, namely, 39. A simple majority is required in the third ballot. In the event the two leading candidates receive the same number of votes a winner will be decided through a drawing of lots.

According to press reports, there are 10 candidates, while the favourites are Dimitriados Metropolitan Christodoulos, Alexandroupoli Metropolitan Anthimos, Thebes Metropolitan Ieronymos and Ioannina Metropolitan Theoklitos.

The vote will be conducted in the presence of the overseer of the Archdiocese Throne, Messinia Metropolitan Chrysostomos, and Education and Religion Minister Gerasimos Arsenis, who will supervise possible objections.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Metropolitan Chrysostomos said "I cannot tell you whether we will have an Archbishop in the first, second or third ballot. This is unknown." He reiterated that he does not wish to be a candidate.

The election process will start at 9 a.m. although a Church service will be held at 6 a.m., before the Cathedral is closed to the public.

Gov't spokesman : The election of a new Archbishop is an internal matter for the Church and the government is not interfering and has never interfered, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said.

The state will attempt to have excellent cooperation with whoever is chosen, he added.

Athens News Agency

[12] British Euro-MP calls for return of Marbles

Athens 28/04/1998 (ANA)

Mr. Coates, who is also the president of the Bertrand Russell Foundation for Peace, addressed the issue of "The Civilisation and Freedom of Lord Byron against Lord Elgin" at a three-day series of events in honor of Lord Byron at the Athens Book Arcade.

He noted that Lord Byron strongly attacked what he called the action of Lord Elgin, calling him "a barbarian Scotsman."

Mr. Coates called on British Prime Minister Tony Blair to promote an initiative to rescue Byron's ancestral home from destruction due to coal mining.

According to reports, a coal mining company has bought the coal-rich estate on which the residence stands.

The events are organised by the committee for the protection of Lord Byron's heritage.

Athens News Agency

[13] Culture ministry presentations

Athens 28/04/1998 (ANA)

Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos in his address said such achievements "must not be produced in silence nor must they be considered self-evident. They must be promoted..."

Among the achievements, he noted the exhibitions "The Age of Copper in Europe", " The Glory of Byzantium" and the "Treasures of Mount Athos."

Mr. Venizelos reiterated that 30 museums are under construction and that a single admission policy for museums and archaeological sites is under study.

Athens News Agency

[14] Papantoniou assures OECD meeting that Greece will fulfill Maastricht criteria

Athens 28/04/1998 (ANA)

Mr. Papantoniou said that economic policy on a worldwide and a European level in particular has developed positively in past years, stressing that this development also concerns Greece where inflation and deficits are decreasing with particularly fast rates and which intends to join the euro zone on January 1, 2001.

Mr. Papantoniou further stressed the danger of social and economic tensions being created to the degree that economies are not adjusted to the needs of competitiveness. On the question of Greece, he said that "we are promoting a structural adjustments programme through dialogue processes so that we can secure the greatest possible consent." He also presented his counterparts with the "plan of action for employment" which has been submitted to the European Union.

The plan includes the following four main points: the settlement of working time, the introduction of part-time work in the public sector, the securing of employment opportunities for all young people aged between 18-27 over a two-year period (either with the subsidisation of employment or with the subsidisation of education and training or with the granting of aid to enable them to start their own businesses and a considerable increase in expenditures for education and training.

Athens News Agency

[15] Parolee arrested in stabbing of Nigerian man

Athens 28/04/1998 (ANA)

Another six people were arrested for aiding and abetting a felony. Use Ugbuefi, 31, was killed when he was repeatedly punched in the chest with a spiked knuckle-duster (brass knuckle) during an alleged altercation with Efthymios Kyriopoulos,outside the offices of an unofficial Panathinaikos club fan club in Peristeri.

The victim reportedly argued with the suspect after some of the youths apparently tried to steal several items from the Nigerian peddler.

The group initially told police that an Albanian had attacked Ugbuefi.

Police said Kyriopoulos was on parole, where he had been serving a sentence for drug trafficking and a number of other convictions, mainly burglaries.

G. Papandreou condemns killing : On his part, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou strongly condemned the murder.

"With disgust and sorrow we followed in the media the details of the attack and the murder of the immigrant from Nigeria."

Athens News Agency

[16] Majority of BSEC nations sign agreement on tackling natural, manmade disasters

Athens 28/04/1998 (ANA)

The signatory countries are Russia, Armenia, Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Ukraine and Greece.

Albania, Azerbaijan and Turkey did not send representatives and did not sign.

The agreement defines the ways of cooperation and mutual aid in the event of disasters and was achieved following several years of discussions between special representatives from the interior and foreign ministries of the countries signing the agreement.

Athens News Agency

[17] Piraeus port authority boss resigns over wrangles with minister

Athens 28/04/1998 (ANA)

Mr. Klavdianos told a news conference that he had sent his resignation and an explanation to the prime minister.

He alleged that Merchant Marine Minister Stavros Soumakis had repeatedly made unwarranted interventions in the port's operation.

The resignation followed a verbal spat between the two officials on April 23 in the port of Piraeus. The port's services supervisor denied media reports that he had also submitted his resignation.

Merchant Marine Minister Stavros Soumakis, speaking to journalists last night, rejected Mr. Klavdianos' accusations saying that "those that have been appointed to political posts and insist on not understanding and implementing the ministry's basic policy principles cannot continue being my associates."

Athens News Agency

[18] OA pilots call off strike

Athens 28/04/1998 (ANA)

A spokesman for the association said OA President Theodoros Tsakiridis reassured pilots that the loss-making carrier was not planning to cut back schedules.

Earlier, during another meeting with air staff, Mr. Tsakiridis told stewards that additional staff will be hired as soon as the Supreme Council for Personnel Recruitment (ASEP) gives the green light.

The development means passengers flying OA during the upcoming May Day observance should encounter at least less problems in reaching their destination, compared to the past few weeks.

On his part, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday that Olympic Airways, battling ailing finances and union unrest, will have to turn to strategic alliances with foreign airlines in the future in order to ensure its viability. "The governm ent is doing everything to make OA's revitalisation plan a success. Despite errors and delays, the situation is in a phase of adaptation," Mr. Reppas told his daily news briefing.

He said loss-making routes should be be dealt with through flight mergers. Meanwhile, Transport and Communications Minister Tassos Mantelis said after an interministerial meeting on tourism yesterday that more efforts were required by all to ensure that the national carrier operates properly.

New Democracy : In reply to Mr. Reppas,main opposition New Democracy spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos said the government's unacceptable plans were driving OA either to closure or to a sell-out.

Athens News Agency

[19] Government denies fresh devaluation in the offing

Athens 28/04/1998 (ANA)

"The pressure on the drachma prior to its entry to the ERM does not exist now," government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said.

Mr. Reppas said the drachma's adjustment following entry had gone well and the performance of financial markets had vindicated the government's decision.

The spokesman added that the drachma was now stronger, since its real devaluation was only 10 or 11 per cent, not 14 per cent as decided by an EU committee.

"There is now margin for the drachma to fluctuate which obviates the necessity for further decisions regarding a change in its parity," Mr. Reppas said.

Athens News Agency

[20] Greek stocks nosedive on EMU jitters

Athens 28/04/1998 (ANA)

Traders said sentiment was hit by speculation at the weekend of a new drachma devaluation, which led to massive profit-taking.

The general index ended 7.0 percent down at 2,300.71 points with all sector indices ending sharply lower.

Banks plunged 7.95 percent, Leasing was 8.0 percent down, Insurance fell 7.21 percent, Investment was 8.0 percent off, Industrials eased 7.07 percent, Construction dropped 8.0 percent, Holding fell 6.65 percent and Miscellaneous ended 6.06 percent down.

The parallel market index for small cap companies ended 5.31 percent off.

Trading was heavy with turnover at 90.5 billion drachmas.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 223 to 28 with another 8 issues unchanged.

Hadzioannou, Lambropoulos, Allatini, Eskimo and Lanakam scored the biggest percentage gains at the daily 8.0 percent limit up.

Aeoliki, Hellenic Sugar, Aegek, Pouliades, General Bank, National Bank, Bank of Greece and ETEBA suffered the heaviest losses at the daily 8.0 percent limit down.

National Bank of Greece ended at 48,392 drachmas, Ergobank at 24,380, Alpha Credit Bank at 26,450, Delta Dairy at 23,276, Titan Cement at 23,200, Intracom at 17,500 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation at 8, 795.

Athens News Agency

[21] Greek PM to Brussels for EU's weekend euro summit

Athens 28/04/1998 (ANA)

The summit on Saturday will debate recommendations submitted on Friday evening by the EU's economy and finance ministers (Ecofin), who will also meet in Brussels.

Ecofin's minister will debate plans devised earlier by the EU's executive Commission, which include an evaluation of economic performance by member states in order to determine the countries ready to launch the euro on January 1, 1999.

The EU's leaders will announce their decisions, based on Ecofin's recommendations, after financial markets close on Saturday evening to avoid any monetary turmoil.

Also on Saturday, the European Parliament will hold a morning session to debate the recommendations made by Ecofin ministers on Friday. Its decision is not binding on the summit's leaders.

Guidelines set by the summit on Saturday will then be referred back to Ecofin ministers to work out the details of implementation.

The countries expected to be selected for the first round of euro entry are France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Austria, Finland and Belgium.

The remaining countries unlikely to join are Greece, the United Kingdom, Denmark and Sweden.

Greece, which supported economic and monetary union from its inception, plans to join the euro by January 1, 2001.

It is carrying out a belt-tightening economic programme in order to meet the Maastricht's Treaty criteria on economic alignment with other EU states, enabling entry into the euro.

Reports on the Greek economy by international organisations have noted improvement in lowering the fiscal deficit, rate of consumer price inflation and long-term interest rates, but the Maastricht criteria have yet to be met. The country moved a step closer to EMU on March 14 when the drachma was devalued by 13.8 percent to ease entry into the EU's exchange rate mechanism in a bid to help integrate and stabilise the national currency.

Athens News Agency

[22] Greece's Xiosbank posts 27.96 rise in Q1 mutual fund assets

Athens 28/04/1998 (ANA)

Xiosbank's mutual funds market share rose to 2.98 percent, a rise of 14.4 percent since the start of the year. The bank's mutual funds yields remained at satisfactory levels. Xios Equity yielded 33.08 percent, Xios Invest 34.07 pct, Xios Fixed 2.62 pct, Xios Capital 3.48 pct and Xios Mark 12.36 pct.

Athens News Agency

[23] Bulgarian natural gas supplies to Greece jump

SOFIA 28/04/1998 (ANA-B.Borisov)

Meanwhile, Rem Vyahirev, chairman of Russia's Gazprom, said he expected Greece's natural gas consumption to total three billion cubic metres in the next few years.

Mr. Vyahirev told the Athens News Agency yesterday that Greek authorities had expressed interest in increasing Russian natural gas supplies to support operation of thermoelectric power stations in Greece.

Athens News Agency

[24] GSEBEE meeting

Athens 28/04/1998 (ANA)

GSEBEE issued an announcement stating that a number of measures needed promotion to assist SMEs, including a just taxation system, a financial support framework to subsidise interest rates, restructuring and incentives for development, etc.

Athens News Agency Athens 28/04/1998 (ANA)

The environment, town planning and public works ministry approved 3.5 billion drachmas for road construction projects in Irakleio prefecture.

Athens News Agency

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