Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 98-07-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] Russia,Cyprus reaffirm readiness to proceed with delivery of S- 300s

[02] Morgan Stanley reaff irms positive outlook for Greek economy

[03] Greek stocks return to record territory

[04] Combat inflation, Papantoniou urges

[05] State security rates fall again

[06] Italy-Greece electricity network link

[07] Laliotis confers with Agia Paraskevi residents over Hymmetus road project

[08] HEPO to organise Greek participation at 'Hannover Messe '99'

[09] Kaklamanis concludes tour of China

[10] G.Papandreou cites support for Vienna's intent vis-a-vis EU enlargement

[11] Gov't responds on Turkish press reports over Turkish-Israeli flight exercises

[12] Tsohatzopoulos interview with 'Defence News'

[13] SchŸssel presents Austria's EU presidency's policy

[14] Kranidiotis in Far East

[15] Simitis-Skandalidis meeting

[16] ND criticism of Turkey

[17] Two bombs explode at Athens court complex

[18] Shipowner shot, competitor arrested

[19] Virgin offers Greek holiday packages for Britons

[20] Only 3% of Greek firms ready for EMU

[21] UN reps tour ancient Olympia

[22] Court rules dictionary entry must be cut

[23] Balkan Airlines inaugural flight from Sofia to Thessaloniki

[01] Russia,Cyprus reaffirm readiness to proceed with delivery of S- 300s

MOSCOW 14/07/1998 (ANA - D. Konstantakopoulos/CNA)

Russian President Boris Yeltsin and Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides had a 20-minute meeting at the Kremlin yesterday.

Mr. Yeltsin's aide, Sergei Prikhodko, said after the meeting that "it was confirmed what had been repeatedly agreed: the two parties' readiness to honour the earlier assumed obligations."

Mr. Prikhodko noted that the military-technical cooperation between Russia and Cyprus "is an integral part of our inter-state relations".

The Cyprus government signed a contract with Russian manufacturers in January 1997 for the purchase of S-300 surface-to-air missiles, in a bid to bolster Cyprus' air defences. They are scheduled to be deployed later this year.

Turkish troops have been occupying 37 per cent of Cyprus territory since 1974, in violation of repeated UN resolutions calling for their withdrawal.

Mr. Prikhodko said the two presidents expressed satisfaction and there was identity of views on the prospects and ways to solve the Cyprus problem.

He said Mr. Clerides thanked Mr. Yeltsin for Moscow's stance on the Cyprus problem and the positions expressed within the framework of the UN Security Council.

Mr. Yeltsin's aide said the two countries expressed their desire to strengthen even further economic relations between Russia and Cyprus.

Clerides-Primakov : On his part, Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeny Primakov said his country's ties with Cyprus are on a very good level and does not think anything can disrupt them.

Speaking before a working lunch he hosted for President Clerides at his official residence, Mr. Primakov said "I cannot find anything which can bother the close and friendly relations between the two countries".

Mr. Primakov added that talks with Mr. Clerides would cover in greater detail the issues discussed at yesterday morning's meetings Mr. Clerides had with President Yeltsin.

In his remarks to the press, Mr. Clerides thanked Mr. Primakov for hosting the lunch and reconfirmed "we will discuss in greater detail the issues we talked about this morning (yesterday).

"Our morning meeting was so good that I do not think we will meet any difficulties now to enter into a more detailed discussion" he added.

Present at the lunch were Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, Undersecretary to the President Pantelis Kouros, Cyprus ambassador to Russia Platon Kyriakides and Russian ambassador to Cyprus Georgi Mouratov.

Later yesterday Mr. Clerides was scheduled to meet Russian Patriarch Alexy II and attend the opening of the World Youth Games.

The Cypriot President is in Moscow since Saturday at the invitation of the Russian capital's mayor, Yury Luzhkov.

He will return to Cyprus today.

Kasoulides : Mr. Kasoulides noted that the Cyprus government remains firm in its positions regarding the S-300s.

The Cypriot FM said Nicosia will take into consideration Russia's positions, if it decides to take the Cyprus issue before the UN General Assembly.

He also said that discussions on an agreement signed between Russia and Cyprus in 1982 for the avoidance of double taxation, with a view to introduce amendments, will continue.

Mr. Kasoulides refrained from disclosing details of discussion about the S- 300s, but pointed out that there was no need to reconfirm the terms of the contract for their purchase.

"Our positions are known and will be adhered to", he said.

The Cyprus government has repeatedly said it would consider halting the import of the new weapon system provided progress is made on a schedule dealing with demilitarisation or if there is substantive progress in a Cyprus settlement.

Athens News Agency

[02] Morgan Stanley reaff irms positive outlook for Greek economy

Athens 14/07/1998 (ANA)

In its report on the Greek economy, Morgan Stanley estimates that inflation could drop to 2.0 percent from May 1999, a prediction exceeding the Bank of Greece's target for an inflation rate of 2.0 percent by the end of 1999.

The bank also expects a rapid de-escalation of short-term interest rates in the domestic money market, with three-month lending rates at or below 11.0 percent from 12.7 percent currently in the Greek interbank market.

Foreign analysts also expect a drop in Bank of Greece's intervention rate by two percentage points from its current level of 13 percent.

Athens News Agency

[03] Greek stocks return to record territory

Athens 14/07/1998 (ANA)

The general price index ended 0.70 percent higher at 2,685.65 points, while turnover totalled 70.7 billion drachmas.

Analysts expect the market to break the 2,700 level in the next few sessions.

Sector indices scored gains. Banks rose 0.95 percent, Leasing plunged 5.18 percent, Insurance increased 1.35 percent, Investment fell 2.46 percent, Industrials ended 1.36 percent up, Construction eased 0.60 percent, Holding rose 0.42 percent and Miscell aneous ended 1.02 percent higher.

The parallel market index for small cap companies ended 0.45 percent off. The FTSE/ASE 20 index rose 0.16 percent to 1,632.59.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 127 to 116 with another 11 issues unchanged.

Xiosbank, European Credit, Phoenix, Terna, Goodys, Elmec Sport, Sfakianakis, Ideal, Ionian Hotels, Galis, Elve and Inform Lykos scored the biggest percentage gains hitting the day's 8.0 percent limit up.

Attica Bank, Bank of Central Greece, Ergodata, Development Invest, Hadzioannou, Viosol, Bank of Athens, Klaoudatos and Halyps Cement suffered the heaviest losses. National Bank of Greece ended at 47,700 drachmas, Ergobank at 32,895, Alpha Credit Bank at 28,620, Ionian Bank at 19,310, Delta Dairy at 3,810, Titan Cement at 23,000, Intracom at 12,900, Hellenic Petroleum at 2,715 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation at 7, 900.

Athens News Agency

[04] Combat inflation, Papantoniou urges

Athens 14/07/1998 (ANA)

Keeping inflation down is a "crucial issue, that must be everyone's knowledge and duty," he said.

Speaking to reporters following a meeting with Bank of Greece governor Lucas Papademos and Finance Undersecretary Nikos Christodoulakis, Mr. Papantoniou expressed his satisfaction over economic progress.

Commenting on monetary policy, he said that it was a responsibility of the Bank of Greece. He forecast, however, that interest rates would follow the course of inflation. Mr. Papantoniou also urged businessmen to follow the example set by bankers and fo rge alliances and larger groups.

Athens News Agency

[05] State security rates fall again

Athens 14/07/1998 (ANA)

Three-month interest rates fell to 11.5 percent from 11.8 percent, while six-month rates dropped to 11.7 percent from 11.9 percent.

Athens News Agency

[06] Italy-Greece electricity network link

BRUSSELS 14/07/1998 (ANA-G. Daratos)

ABB, a Swedish/Swiss engineering company, has signed a 100 million US dollar contract with Italy to build two high voltage power stations.

The two stations, of 500 Megawatts each, will transform electrical power to current before it is transferred through the underwater cable to Greece.

Operation is scheduled by the end of 2000.

The cable will extend from Galatina in notheastern Italy through the Adriatic Sea to Arahthos in Greece. The Greek-Italian power link is the first energy programme to be implemented in the framework of a European Union trans-European network programme , aimed at developing cross-border infrastructure systems in the single European market.

The project is funded by the European Commission and the European Investment Bank.

Athens News Agency

[07] Laliotis confers with Agia Paraskevi residents over Hymmetus road project

Athens 14/07/1998 (ANA)

However, Mr. Laliotis said planning for the new motorway cannot change, although he did not rule out the possibility of some improvements being made. A similar meeting will be held again in about 10 days.

Work on the motorway has been suspended temporarily after the Athens College resorted to the Council of State over the controversial roadway, which is expected to reach a final decision on the issue shortly.

Agia Paraskevi residents, officials and environmentalists have strongly criticised the project, saying it will destroy one of the last remaining green spaces in the greater Athens area, as well as dramatically increase congestion in the upper to middle- class eastern suburbs of Agia Paraskevi, Holargos and Papagou.

Athens News Agency

[08] HEPO to organise Greek participation at 'Hannover Messe '99'

Athens 14/07/1998 (ANA)

The exhibition will focus on electrical and electronic equipment as well as lighting appliances.

The Hannover exhibition is one of the most important and specialised in the industrial technology and automation sector. Visitors are expected to top 330,000 in 1999.

In the previous exhibition, 27 companies participated in the Greek national pavilions, while four companies also participated independently.

Athens News Agency

[09] Kaklamanis concludes tour of China

Athens 14/07/1998 (ANA)

The Greek official noted his satisfaction with results of his talks with China's leadership, while discussions focused on a wide range of subjects.

He stated that the Chinese leadership reaffirmed its willingness to support Greece's claim to one of two non-permanent posts on the United Nations Security Council during the 1999-2000 session.

The Greek official also discussed Greek national issues, the Cyprus problem and provocations by Ankara.

Mr. Kaklamanis noted that China's leadership clearly supports restoration of the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus and the reunification of the island republic.

Summing up the results of his tour, he underlined the huge margins for further development of both economic and political relations between the two countries.

He added that "the Chinese leaders stated that the views of both countries are identical in regard to issues of peace and security of all the countries around the world in the framework of a new multi-centred system of powers which is forming to replace the old dualistic system of the Cold War, which has fallen apart."

Mr. Kaklamanis, addressing the role of China, said that it is not just a regional power, but due to economic restructuring it will soon become a protagonist on the world stage.

Finally, Mr. Kaklamanis underlined the fact that the Greek parliamentary delegation was the first to be invited to visit Tibet by the Beijing government, where the delegation noted the successful work accomplished by the Chinese state in modernising a largely feudal society.

Athens News Agency

[10] G.Papandreou cites support for Vienna's intent vis-a-vis EU enlargement

BRUSSELS 14/07/1998 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Speaking at the EU's General Affairs Council here yesterday, Mr. Papandreou said the Council must focus its attention on the timely preparation, until the Vienna summit, on a progress report which the Commission must table during the course of the acces sion process.

Referring to the issue of the cost of enlargement, Mr. Papandreou said that he agrees with his British counterpart that the cost of enlargement "must not daunt the 15" but added that this means that "the political will exists for the necessary funds to be found for enlargement to be carried out without problems."

On the question of relations with Turkey, Mr. Papandreou said that the Cardiff and Luxembourg summits gave it an opportunity to further strengthen its relations with the EU through the invitation to the European Conference and through the European strat egy for Turkey, but with no positive response on the part of Turkey.

Mr. Papandreou clarified that Greece will support the presidency's efforts for a positive response to be had from the Turkish side.

Commenting on the issue of Kosovo, he said that the EU must be determined in making it clear "that violence is not legitimised in the civilised world and that it is necessary for the suitable balances to be found which will allow for widened autonomy in Kosovo within the frameworks of Yugoslavia."

Discussion over Cyprus,S-300s : In addition, the Greek minister added that the international community has not shown the necessary will to stop increasing the Turkish military presence in occupied Cyprus.

He added that recent statements by the Turkish leadership are particularly provocative, since they reach the point of speaking over the "need of Greece being reminded of Turkey's invasion of Cyprus."

Mr. Papandreou said that the European Union must show its will to Turkey and support a proposal for the demilitarisation of Cyprus.

During the morning session, Swedish Foreign Minister Lena Hjelm-Wallen expressed concern over the installation of the S-300 missiles in Cyprus.

She said their planned deployment creates concern over the developments and reactions which will follow, stressing that this deployment creates additional tensions in the region.

On his part, Mr. Papandreou reminded of a proposal by Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides for the island's demilitarisation, as well as his proposal for a resumption of dialogue between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, adding that Turkey has rejected the first proposal and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash has rejected the second.

Mr. Papandreou also said that the Greek side has proposed the creation of a "no fly zone" over Cyprus which, as he said, would "directly resolve the issue raised with the S-300s", reminding that Turkey has also rejected this proposal.

Athens News Agency

[11] Gov't responds on Turkish press reports over Turkish-Israeli flight exercises

Athens 14/07/1998 (ANA)

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas was commenting on Turkish press reports regarding an exercise involving Turkish warplanes at an Israeli base, the scenario for which is allegedly air strikes against targets in Cyprus if Nicosia proceed with plans to install Russian-made S-300 anti- aircraft missiles on the island.

The Turkish daily "Hurriyet" wrote that six F-16 Turkish fighters conducted exercises at an Israeli training centre and practised maneuvers to destroy the Russian-made S-300 missiles.

"It would be an example of offering poor services to relations between the countries of the region and in general, to peace and security in the southeast Mediterranean," Mr. Reppas said.

Commenting in general on military cooperation between Turkey and Israel, the spokesman reiterated the Greek government's position in favour of multilateral cooperation in the region and against the creation of axes.

Israeli embassy press release : A press release from the Israeli embassy in Athens later categorically denied the content of the articles published yesterday by the Turkish newspapers "Hurriyet" and "Milliyet", saying they had no basis in reality.

"Israel's policy vis-a-vis outstanding issues in the Aegean and the Cyprus problem has been made clear on numerous occasions. We have repeatedly stated that our cooperation with countries in the region is not directed against third parties and certainly not against Greece or Cyprus," the embassy stated.

"Israel is not and will not become part of the conflict of the Aegean or Cyprus in any way, and certainly not through the dissemination of erroneous information and distorted characterisations of its cooperation with countries in the region," the press release added.

"Stability in the eastern Mediterranean is an Israeli interest. The government of Israel is highly aware of the complexities of issues in the area and supports all efforts aimed at finding peaceful solutions to the area's problems," it said.

Cypriot gov't spokesman : NICOSIA (ANA/CNA) - Commenting on the same Turkish press reports, Cypriot government spo-kesman Christos Stylianides yesterday stressed that the only solution to Turkish efforts to create tension in the region is settlement of the Cyprus problem and the d emilitarisation of the island.

Noting that he has no information on the issue, the spokesman said Nicosia "has always maintained a cautious stance towards the military defence agreement between Israel and Turkey".

Mr. Stylianides pointed out that Israel has often reassured the government that its agreement with Turkey does not affect Cyprus.

"Cyprus' demilitarisation and the solution of the Cyprus problem is the only way the tension Turkey is trying to create in the region could be tackled," he added.

He said the government is investigating the reports and called for caution.

Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz said last week Turkey will install missiles in the occupied areas if the S-300s are deployed in Cyprus.

Athens News Agency

[12] Tsohatzopoulos interview with 'Defence News'

WASHINGTON 14/07/1998 (ANA - T. Ellis)

The Greek minister, in an interview with the "Defence News" magazine, said Greece cannot increase expeditures since they are the highest, per capita, in the region.

He added that the government will focus on the economic development of the country and an increase of GNP.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos, referring to the S-300s, noted that he supports the idea of a "no-flight zone" over the Republic of Cyprus.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos gave the interview during his official visit at the United States, where he toured defence industry installations.

Athens News Agency

[13] SchŸssel presents Austria's EU presidency's policy

VIENNA 14/07/1998 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

The Austrian presidency, according to Mr. SchŸssel, will promote a normalisation and further development of relations between the Union and Turkey, stressing at the same time that dialogue should resume soon on the human rights issue, as well as on the Cyprus question and the Aegean.

With regard to Cyprus and its entry into the Union, the Austrian official said the door should remain open for participation by the Turkish Cypriots in accession talks.

Apart from efforts to push Cyprus' EU accession talks, Austria will also back a solution of the Cyprus problem under UN resolutions, said Mr. SchŸssel.

Athens News Agency

[14] Kranidiotis in Far East

Athens 14/07/1998 (ANA)

Japan and China are included in Mr. Kranidiotis' tour.

Voting for the election of non-permanent members of the Security Council will take place at the UN General Assembly in September.

Athens News Agency

[15] Simitis-Skandalidis meeting

Athens 14/07/1998 (ANA)

Mr. Skandalidis denied reports on the possible withdrawal of Maria Damanaki's candidacy for the Athens mayorship, saying that nothing at all has changed for PASOK since Ms Damanaki, a top Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) member, is a "person capable of rallying wider forces."

Referring to published statements by PASOK executive bureau member Manolis Daskalakis, who spoke of even the "downfall of Mr. Simitis", Mr. Skandalidis said that an issue of political and moral position arises but explained that there is no question of sanctions.

Mr. Skandalidis also commented on the results of an opinion poll published in the newspaper "Ta Nea" yesterday, which claimed that PASOK is showing a recovery compared to another opinion poll last May.

Mr. Skandalidis said that the results of the poll are encouraging and that they show the party's durabilities. However, he said that he himself is not absolutely satisfied and would like better results.

Reacting to Mr. Daskalakis' statements, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the government cannot possibly share his views, adding that the "clock of history cannot turn back."

Athens News Agency

[16] ND criticism of Turkey

Athens 14/07/1998 (ANA)

"Ankara's audacity had two inconceivable expressions today which distort history and reveal the real character of Turkey. Ignoring the repeated condemnatory resolutions by the UN on the Turkish invasion in Cyprus, the atrocities and occupation, Suleyman

Demirel dared audaciously to say that Turkey secured peace on the martyred island. Also, the respresentative of the Turkish Foreign Ministry reiterated the known arbitrariness that there are islands in the Aegean which are not attributed in name to Greece.

Once again, these statements confirm that Ankara constitutes a factor of destabilisation in the region," ND spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos said.

Athens News Agency

[17] Two bombs explode at Athens court complex

Athens 14/07/1998 (ANA)

An unidentified caller had earlier phoned the "Athinaiki" daily and the private television station "Star" to warn of the first but not the second blast. The caller did not claim responsibility on behalf of any group, police said.

However, a later caller to an afternoon newspaper said the shadowy group "Liberation Army" was behind the bombings.

Meanwhile, police are checking for more bombs, fearing other blasts may follow.

According to a police commander, officials are not ruling out the possibility that the explosions are connected to the shots fired at the office of prosecutor Georgios Gerakis, who is conducting an investigation into alleged police corruption.

The first explosion was recorded at court building No. 2, while the second at No. 3.

Police believe that the second blast was a setup, aimed at injuring or killing police officers, but luckily no officers were in that building at the time of the blast.

Justice Minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos, who arrived on the scene a short time later, strongly condemned the attack.

After a briefing by police, Mr. Yiannopoulos said no files or other documents kept in the two buildings were destroyed.

Replying to a question about security measures, the minister said 800 million drachmas has been allocated by the ministry to guard buildings that are regarded high security risks.

Reppas : On his part, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas yesterday condemned the bombings, noting that such an act of terrorism aims at undermining public order and citizens' security.

He added that they will not succeed, since justice will continue its work without fear.

Athens News Agency

[18] Shipowner shot, competitor arrested

Athens 14/07/1998 (ANA)

Doctors at Tzanneio Hospital told ANA that Costas Agapitos was "out of danger after lengthy surgery that lasted into the early morning hours", during which "two bullets were removed from his legs and another from his shoulder".

The 40-year-old shipowner was shot by two men riding a motorcycle as he drove his car in Piraeus.

Police sources said Mr. Agapitos, whose family owns the Agapitos Lines passenger ferries, was able to identify the assailants and believed the attack to be the work of competitors.

Shipowner Vangelis Ventouris, 39, was later arrested at his Piraeus office after the victim named him as his attacker.

According to sources, the suspect - who lost most of his vessels about two years ago because of unpaid debts - told police he had nothing to do with the murder attempt.

The same sources said he maintained that he was at his home in Glyfada with five friends at the time of the shooting.

Athens News Agency

[19] Virgin offers Greek holiday packages for Britons

Athens 14/07/1998 (ANA)

The program, called Virgin Sun Holidays, is to be available as of May 1, 1999 and will offer holidays on the islands of Crete, Corfu and Rhodes.

Athens News Agency

[20] Only 3% of Greek firms ready for EMU

Athens 14/07/1998 (ANA)

According to figures provided by the European Federation of Accountants, other European Union businesses are well ahead of Greek firms in the game, as one-third of them report that they are ready for the changes EMU will bring.

Athens News Agency

[21] UN reps tour ancient Olympia

Athens 14/07/1998 (ANA)

The UN dignitaries arrived Monday morning at the Andravida military airport, in the first civilian flight in 13 years to land at the airport, after permission was granted by the Foreign Ministry in cooperation with the Civil Aviation Authority.

The local authorities welcomed the arrival of the civilian plane at the military airport.

Athens News Agency

[22] Court rules dictionary entry must be cut

Athens 14/07/1998 (ANA)

In the first edition of the dictionary, under the entry 'Bulgarians', Professor George Babiniotis' second explanation was "the supporter or player of a (sports) team of Thessaloniki, mainly of PAOK".

The entry notes that the term is used as an insult.

Fans of Athenian soccer and basketball teams in particular chant the word pejoratively to goad fans of Thessaloniki teams.

The entry caused an uproar, particularly in northern Greece, where leading citizens denounced it as insulting and demanded its removal. Ruling on a petition filed two months ago by Thessaloniki municipal councillor and lawyer Theodoros Aspasidis, the single-member court of first instance decided that "the use of the word is sporadic and lacks permanence... its deletion would therefore not detract from the scientific aspect of the dictionary... while its inclusion offends the petitioner and moreover creates confusion about the ethnic origins of the players and supporters of PAOK and of Macedonians in general".

Professor Babiniotis and the publisher of the dictionary face a two million drachma fine if the court's ruling is not adhered to. Prof. Babiniotis would also risk one month's imprisonment.

During the furore, Prof. Babiniotis had agreed to delete the controversial entry from future editions of the dictionary.

Welcoming the court's ruling, Mr. Aspasidis said it would serve as "an obstacle to those who in the future wish to offend... the national dignity of the people of northern Greece".

Prof. Babiniotis in a statement later reacted strongly to the court ruling, saying that "it is contrary to the prohibition of preventive and suppressive censorship on the grounds of national dangers".

Athens News Agency

[23] Balkan Airlines inaugural flight from Sofia to Thessaloniki

Athens 14/07/1998 (ANA)

Balkan Airlines will operate the schedule three times a week, flying a 40- seater Antonov planes.

Bulgarian official Apic Garabedian said the new route will contribute to a further boosting economic relations between the two states, while the Antonov planes may be replaced by Boeing aircraft later if traffic increases.

Athens News Agency

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