Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 98-07-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] Athens stresses that Cyprus solution must adhere to UN resolutions

[02] Simitis letter to Milosevic regarding Kosovo

[03] Athens bourse accepts two bids in sale of Hellenic Duty Free Shops

[04] Aspis Bank to hold IPO August 4-7

[05] Greek stocks revive in slim trade, finish up 1.05 pct

[06] Bulgaria OKs draft air transport pact with Greece

[07] State railway to launch container trains

[08] State telecom's mobile subsidiary aims to double customers

[09] Private investments in renewable energy sources sectors

[10] Agrotiki Asfalistiki to enter bourse

[11] Sfakianakis buy-off of Viamax and M.K. Fostiropoulos firms

[12] Subsidised positions for people with special needs

[13] State Dept.criticises latest Pangalos' statements

[14] Stephanopoulos receives relatives of missing in Cyprus

[15] A dozen cars torched in Athens

[16] Arsenis details efforts to promote Greek language,culture

[17] Heatwave today, tomorrow

[18] Pangalos promises to take up Evros River's protection with Turkish counterpart

[19] Evert statements on current issues

[20] More fires in Attica,and around Greece

[21] Wanted Israeli drug smuggler arrested on Mykonos

[22] Fischler says write-offs of farm debts only on case-by-case basis

[23] EU programmes

[24] Commission disputes Greek law prohibiting foreign-language titles for schools

[01] Athens stresses that Cyprus solution must adhere to UN resolutions

Athens 28/07/1998 (ANA)

"Washington or anyone wishing to play a role should respect the political framework defined by the United Nations resolutions, which must be followed religiously, and not show interest towards overturning these decisions," government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said during his daily press briefing.

Turkish troops have occupied 37 per cent of the Cyprus Republic's territory since 1974, in violation of repeated UN resolutions calling for their withdrawal.

Mr. Reppas also announced that Prime Minister Costas Simitis will this afternoon chair a top-level meeting to reportedly discuss recent developments in Greek-US relations against a background of verbal exchanges regarding the Cyprus issue.

The meeting will be attended by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and National Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos.

Mr. Pangalos last Thursday accused US President Bill Clinton of telling "a grand lie" regarding a solution to the Cyprus problem in his election pledges, a statement which drew strong criticism from Washington.

On Sunday, during a tour of Thrace, Mr. Pangalos demanded that the Greek and Turkish peoples be left alone. Last week's round of Greek-US exchanges was sparked by US White House spokesman Mike McCurry's remark that the "right definition" for the Cyprus problem was one of "conflict" between the two communities on the island, and not one of "invasion" and occupation of Cyprus' northern part by the Turkish army, as Greece and Cyprus strongly maintain.

Mr. Reppas said it was not the first time Greece had expressed bitterness and disappointment over US positions on issues such as the Cyprus problem and other matters.

Good relations between countries, Mr. Reppas said, must be based on mutual respect, plain speech and a common understanding of issues of mutual interest.

He underlined, however, that Greek-US relations were at a good level, although there was room for further improvement.

Mr. Reppas said the US initiative on the Cyprus problem had begun "with a high tone" and "the cultivation of "expectations", adding that Washington would now decide at what pace the initiative develops. Greece, the spokesman continued, will always expre ss objections when it perceives that there is a lack of sincerity and the initiative does not reflect overall UN positions.

Recent statements by US officials were not in harmony with UN resolutions, he added.

At the same time, Mr. Reppas stressed, the international community was lacking by not responding to Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides' proposal for the demilitarisation of the divided island, while pressure had not been brought to bear on Turkey to ma ke it comply with the demands of the international community.

Giving a full backing to Mr. Pangalos, the spokesman said the Greek foreign minister's decision not to see the State Department's special coordinator for Cyprus Thomas Miller in Athens was based on Mr. Pangalos' judgement that such a meeting would not b e productive.

Commenting on statements by Turkish officials charging that Greece was sending missiles to Cyprus while Ankara was sending water, Mr. Reppas said Turkey had ensured since invading in 1974 that the occupied northern part of the island was armed to the te eth, and only belatedly was now arranging for water supplies.

"If Turkey accepts the demilitarisation proposal, it will be possible to send not only water but goods in general and both communities will benefit from Cyprus being a member of the European Union," Mr. Reppas said.

"But Turkey does not want a solution and this is the reason why it does not want demilitarisation," he added.

The spokesman stressed that anyone who approaches the Cyprus problem solely from the viewpoint of Nicosia's plans to install Russian-made S-300 anti- aircraft missiles was either totally ignorant of history or had other designs in mind.

Asked to comment on Russia's role in the Cyprus problem, Mr. Reppas described it as "absolutely positive", since Moscow's positions were fully in line with UN resolutions.

Opposition : The main opposition New Democracy (ND) party later called on the prime minister "to cease his curious silence and state whether this new and ongoing outburst by the foreign minister constitutes a new government policy".

ND spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos said if the government had changed its policy, Mr. Simitis should brief the people and political parties.

Mr. Spiliotopoulos reiterated his party's proposal that Mr. Simitis undertake an initiative to secure understanding and cooperation among all the political forces of the country regarding the Cyprus problem and Greek- Turkish relations.

Coalition of the Left leader Nikos Constantopoulos also called on the government to inform the parties and the Greek people about the way in which it intended to handle recent developments.

Mr. Constantopoulos said the government's foreign policy should be characterised by sound political handling and diplomatic moves "not verbal outbursts" in response to the all-too-familiar provocations.

Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas said the government had "revoked" its foreign policy and called for a meeting of political party leaders "so that each party may assume its historical responsibilities before the country and He llenism".

Mr. Tsovolas criticised the policy of step-by-step rapprochement with Turkey followed by the government for the past two years. Tsohatzopoulos says no Greece-US crisis, only a difference in views: National Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said yesterday that there is no crisis in Greek-US relations but merely "a difference in views regarding the character of the problems in Cyprus today."

He was addressing a meeting organised in Thessaloniki by the Panteion University

The Greek defence minister strongly criticised recent remarks by a White House spokesman that the Cyprus issue was one of "conflict" between the two communities on the island, saying that supporters of this view "are lacking in historical knowledge".

"We completely disagree with the view that there is a 'conflict' between the two communities. For the past 24 years there has been an international problem in Cyprus, a problem that concerns the international community, a problem of invasion and occupat ion. This occupation and the presence of 35, 000 troopsIconstantly supplied with US arms, consist a threat against world peace, against stability in the area and against the national security of the Cypriot Republic".

Referring to the Cyprus government decision to buy the Russian-made S-300 anti-aircraft missile system, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said:

"Before this existing intense military threat that is owed to the invasionIone cannot demand unilateral disarmament by the side that is under threat."

Athens News Agency

[02] Simitis letter to Milosevic regarding Kosovo

BELGRADE 28/07/1998 (ANA)

The letter contains Athens' positions regarding a political solution in Kosovo and is a follow-up of an initiative launched during a recent visit to Tirana by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos.

During the Greek FM's visit to the Albanian capital, that country's FM Paskal Milo asked Mr. Pangalos to use Greece's influence with Belgrade to de-escalate tensions in Kosovo.

According to sources, Mr. Simitis expressed the government's wish for a peaceful solution to the crisis in the Serbian province.

Athens News Agency

[03] Athens bourse accepts two bids in sale of Hellenic Duty Free Shops

Athens 28/07/1998 (ANA)

Submitting a bid of 93 billion drachmas was Faresco of France leading a consortium whose members are Sarandis SA and Papaellinas SA of Greece, both cosmetics firms.

The second bid at 156 billion drachmas was made by an unnamed US company that is still being set up.

Under the terms of the US firm's offer, thirty five percent of the target company's stock would go to the State Securities Enterprise and eight percent to workers.

The bid was not accompanied by a letter of guarantee. Rejected on the spot by bourse authorities was a conditional offer by Karre of the Netherlands.

The firm said it would have offered 96 billion drachmas for Hellenic Duty Free Shops if research into the company had not continually revealed fresh deficits.

Details were announced at the Athens Stock Exchange shortly after the bids were opened.

Athens News Agency

[04] Aspis Bank to hold IPO August 4-7

Athens 28/07/1998 (ANA)

The bank will offer 1,524,000 common shares at 1,100 drachmas each.

The new funds will be used to extend Aspis Bank's branch network, update its information technology, and fund participation in the share capital of Aspis Brokerage and Aspis mutual fund management, the statement said.

Aspis Bank has 13 branches, and plans to open another two during the summer.

Adviser and main underwriter of the IPO is listed National Investment Bank for Industrial Development.

The other underwriters are National Bank of Greece, EFG Eurobank, Xiosbank, Mortgage Bank, Hellenic Industrial Development Bank, Bank of Piraeus, Agricultural Bank of Greece, Ergobank, Dorian Bank, Hellenic Securities, Sigma Securities and ND Devletoglo u Securities.

Athens News Agency

[05] Greek stocks revive in slim trade, finish up 1.05 pct

Athens 28/07/1998 (ANA)

The Athens general share index ended 1.05 percent higher to finish at 2, 727.56 points after losing 3.30 percent at Friday's close. The FTSE/ASE 20 index gained 0.75 percent to finish at 1,655.25 points.

Trade was light with turnover dropping to 42.2 billion drachmas from 58.8 billion drachmas in the previous session.

The market had been correcting normally early last week after a surge spanning five trading days that boosted the general index by 7.10 percent and sent it sprinting through the 2,700-point barrier, and then 2,800 points.

But the market plunged on Friday, linked to falling markets abroad.

Sector indices mostly posted gains yesterday. The heavily weighted banking sector inched up 0.68 percent, Leasing rose 0.38 percent, Insurance remained unchanged, Investment lost 0.74 percent, Industrials jumped 1.16 percent, Construction gained 1.66 pe rcent, Holding increased 5.32 percent, and Miscellaneous rose 2.56 percent.

The parallel market index for small cap companies finished 1.72 percent higher.

Of 253 stocks traded, advances led declines at 142 to 97 with 14 shares remaining unchanged.

The day's biggest percentage gainers finishing at the upper daily eight percent lower volatility limit were General Warehouses (common), Elfiko, Aegek, Benroubi, Mouriadis, Hellenic Cables, Nikas, Allatini, Avax and Vioter.

The day's biggest percentage losers were Eltrak, Athina, Tzirakian, General Warehouses (preferred), Technodomi, Mosholios Chemicals, Inerga, Balkan Export, Commercial Invest.

National Bank of Greece ended at 51,500 drachmas, Ergobank at 31,265, Alpha Credit Bank at 28,920, Ionian Bank at 16,900, Commercial Bank of Greece at 28,050, Delta Dairy (common) at 3,785, Intracom (common) at 12,910, Titan Cement (common) at 23,495, H ellenic Petroleum at 2,720 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation at 8,135 drachmas.

Athens News Agency

[06] Bulgaria OKs draft air transport pact with Greece

SOFIA 28/07/1998 (ANA /B.Borisov)

It said in a statement that the Bulgarian government wanted to develop cooperation with Greece in the sector.

The new agreement will replace a 1964 pact between the two countries that is still in force. Bulgaria is expected to seek a long-term deal with Greece for an air link between Sofia and Thessaloniki in the north, which Balkan, its national carrier, rece ntly launched on a temporary licence.

Athens News Agency

[07] State railway to launch container trains

Athens 28/07/1998 (ANA)

According to OSE, the new route will shorten the time for container transport, also improving quality and security at low cost.

Athens News Agency

[08] State telecom's mobile subsidiary aims to double customers

Athens 28/07/1998 (ANA)

Cosmote's network reaches 60 percent of the population using 290 cell base stations around Greece and the firm's charges are the lowest in the market, Mr. Manasis added. He was addressing an internal meeting of Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation, Cosmote's parent company.

Athens News Agency

[09] Private investments in renewable energy sources sectors

Athens 28/07/1998 (ANA)

According to a relevant decisions signed by Development Minister Vasso Papandreou, Measures 2.2. and 3.2. of EPE include 140 projects for funding having a total budget of 135.63 billion drachmas, of which public expenditure totals 55.04 billion drachmas .

The average for funding the projects amounts to about 40 per cent of the total budget. The total budget for investments ratified has an allocation of 32 per cent for energy preservation projects and 68 per cent for projects utilising renewable energy so urces.

In the framework of the second proclamation for the specific measures, 239 projects had initially been submitted which had a total budget of 259.9 billion drachmas.

The regional allocation of investments is satisfactory since 68.3 per cent of the total budget for the Measures 2.2. and 3.2. concerns investments outside the Attica area, while 77.1 per cent of investments for the Measure 2.3. lies outside Attica.

In the framework of all of EPE's proclamations for private investments to be carried out, proposals having a total budget of 365 billion drachmas were submitted of which proposals having a total budget of about 177 billion drachmas were ratified with a private participation amounting to 100 billion drachmas.

Athens News Agency

[10] Agrotiki Asfalistiki to enter bourse

Athens 28/07/1998 (ANA)

They also approved an increase in the firm's share capital by 265 million drachmas, which will result in the issuing of 1,060,000 new common shares at 250 drachmas each.

To facilitate entry into the Athens Stock Exchange, share capital will further increase by 664.5 million drachmas with the issuance of 2,658,000 new shares.

According to the firm's leadership, the new developments will allow the company to expand its operations abroad.

Athens News Agency

[11] Sfakianakis buy-off of Viamax and M.K. Fostiropoulos firms

Athens 28/07/1998 (ANA)

Through these purchases, Sfakianakis acquires the exclusive import rights to the British-made Rover vehicles in Greece. Two years ago, Viamax had signed a new five-year contract with Rover.

The group also acquires the rights to the Korean-made KIA vehicles in Greece.

In addition, the group's activities in the bus sector will be strengthened since Viamax is the official distributor for DAF trucks and buses. The Sfakianakis group is active in the bus sector with the Van Hool company.

Buses will be made at the company's factory at Magoula, Attica prefecture, on assembled Hino and DAF chassis as well as on chassis produced by the company and featuring MAN engines.

Athens News Agency

[12] Subsidised positions for people with special needs

Athens 28/07/1998 (ANA)

Athens News Agency

[13] State Dept.criticises latest Pangalos' statements

WASHINGTON 28/07/1998 (ANA)

Speaking during his daily briefing, Mr. Rubin said that "the United States and Greece have a very broad and deep relationship built up over many, many years. There are very close ties between our peoples and between our countries, between governments, r egardless of party or affiliation, and they are a NATO ally. And it is our view that the comments of one particular individual it is - because of the nature and depth of our relationship, it is hard for the comments of one individual to harm that relation ship, but Foreign Minister Pangalos is certainly giving it a college try.

"We believe that such behavior and comments are unbecoming the foreign minister of a NATO ally with which the United States has had friendly relations for nearly two centuries. When friends disagree, they should share their concerns privately rather tha n resort to these kind of insulting and spurious public criticism. We were surprised by these remarks; they haven't been conveyed in public. And we're surprised that these kind of comments continue to persist," Mr. Rubin said.

"It is our view that the United States should do all it can do, in cooperation with Greece and other parties, to support efforts to resolve problems between Greece and Turkey and the Cyprus problem. That is what we have been doing, that is what we will continue to do, regardless of the remarks of one individual," he said.

"Americans don't need any outside advice on how to participate in the workings of our democracy," Mr. Rubin said referring to Mr. Pangalos' statements on Saturday that he had indications that Greek-Americans were considering switching funds from US pres idential election campaigns towards supporting Greece's defence fund.

Athens News Agency

[14] Stephanopoulos receives relatives of missing in Cyprus

Athens 28/07/1998 (ANA)

Representatives of the relatives noted that they visited the president to request his assistance for the investigation in the fate of their loved ones.

He noted that while their actions have moved people, it is very hard to move the Turks emotionally.

"They are indifferent, as they were indifferent on 1974, when they invaded the island - killing, destroying and pillaging..." he added.

Athens News Agency

[15] A dozen cars torched in Athens

Athens 28/07/1998 (ANA)

Traffic police told ANA that unknown persons set fire to three cars in an outdoor Fiat showroom on Alexandras Avenue in downtown Athens at 1 a.m. with homemade firebombs.

Half an hour later, to cars belonging to the Italian embassy parked in the Galatsi suburb were doused with gasoline and torched, while seven other cars in an outdoor showroom in the Vyronas suburb were torched at 2 a.m.

Athens News Agency

[16] Arsenis details efforts to promote Greek language,culture

Athens 28/07/1998 (ANA)

The students, from Italy, Germany, Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, the Czech Republic, Georgia, Poland, Armenia, Moldova, Lithuania and the Ukraine, have received scholarships to study the Greek language, history and culture at the Macedonia University in Thessaloniki.

Mr. Arsenis stressed that during "the last few years there is an impressive increase of interest for (learning) modern Greek, both in the European Union, Balkan countries and Black Sea region states."

The scholarship programme is part of the ministry's efforts to expand the Greek language and culture in regions where it was kept alive for centuries.

Athens News Agency

[17] Heatwave today, tomorrow

Athens 28/07/1998 (ANA)

According to the national meteorological service (EMY), temperatures will soar to 40 and 41 Celsius in parts of the country over the next 48 hours.

The temperature reached 38 Celsius in parts of Athens yesterday.

The health ministry, meanwhile, advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travelling, stay out of the sun and refrain from indulging in heavy meals and alcoholic beverages.

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis yesterday received 25 children of members of the Cypriot Journalists' Union, who are vacationing at an area summer camp.

Mr. Kaklamanis underlined the need for a just solution on the Cyprus problem and expressed his hope that the freedom of movement on the island republic will become a reality.

The "Symi Banquet", organised by the Andreas Papandreou Institute in cooperation with the Olof Palme Institute, began yesterday on the eastern Aegean island.

Representatives from 20 countries will discuss EU-US relations, European Union regional problems, monetary union and regional cooperation.

Athens News Agency

[18] Pangalos promises to take up Evros River's protection with Turkish counterpart

Athens 28/07/1998 (ANA)

"On the first opportunity, in my first meeting with Mr. Cem, either in New York or shortly afterwards in Antalya, where the Balkan summit will take place, I will propose this idea to him. There should be cooperation to preserve the natural beauty and possibilities Evros offers to populations on both banks. For this reason it is not necessary for us to agree on the more general political problems. We can agree on the basis of good faith and the well-meaning interests of nature. Evros belongs to its birds which are wonderful and are thousands," he said.

Mr. Pangalos concluded his three-day tour of Thrace yesterday with a visit to the Evros region, the cathedral of Panagia Kosmosoteira in the town of Ferres and the Evros Delta area.

After visiting the cathedral, accompanied by his wife and local police, military and political authorities, he was briefed by the commander of the 12th Division George Antonakopoulos on issues concerning the army's duties.

For about half an hour he was given a tour of the Evros Delta and went for a boating trip on this rare wildlife preserve.

Mr. Pangalos said that from a touristic point of view the delta is a very nice sight and monument of nature, but added that certain infrastructure projects must be carried out.

"It is characteristic that the latest floods, despite their disastrous affect on the economy of Evros, had a resuscitating affect on the Evros Delta since nature was resuscitated in a very characteristic way. While in the past seawater used to rise and cause damage, we must find a way today to strengthen the flow of the river and to 'clean' it," he said.

Mr. Pangalos said that in this direction, Greece will complete biological treatment in two years' time and that in this way "not even a gram of harmful substances and water pollutants will pour into the river."

Athens News Agency

[19] Evert statements on current issues

Athens 28/07/1998 (ANA)

He made the comments in an interview with the Athens daily "Eleftherotypia".

Mr. Evert, who said "I am not pursuing my return to the party's leadership", let it be understood that he is not satisfied by the content of ND's positions, saying that what is important is what announcements say, clarity in formulating criticism and the proposed solution according to the issue.

Mr. Evert reiterated that the government's economic policy is not correct and, commenting on satisfaction expressed by economic sources on the course of the economy, said that "this is natural because hundreds of billions were given away to some people and major projects and procurements were provided with direct awards."

Athens News Agency

[20] More fires in Attica,and around Greece

Athens 28/07/1998 (ANA)

In Attica, a fire which broke out in Koropi was spreading towards residential areas in Vari.

Other fires were in progress in the prefecture at Anavyssos, Pikermi and Nea Makri, while a blaze at the foot of Mount Parnitha, which threatened factories and businesses has been brought under control.

The prefecture of Corinthia was particularly badly hit, with one fire raging out of control for the third day at Perachora, near Loutraki.

The eight-kilometre front is now threatening residential areas. Instructions have already been given to evacuate the nearby village of Vouliagmeni.

Two more fires are in progress in the prefecture at Spathovouni and Chrysokelaria.

The fire near Mt. Olympus is continuing for the fifth consecutive day, the ruggedness of the terrain making the work of firefighters extremely difficult.

Another fire is burning farm and forest land in MessiniaYs Kouvela community, fanned by strong winds. A large part of a pine-tree forest was burned to ashes but luckily the remaining part was saved after residents managed to open up roads through the wo ods by cutting trees to stop the fire from spreading.

Also in Messinia, a fire broke out in the Methoni area early yesterday morning, destroying olive groves and farm and forest land.

Two more fires broke out yesterday afternoon in the Peloponese. On Mt. Taygetos the blaze burns near the Sparti-Kalamata road, and reports said it also threatened the area's tourist resort and some farm houses. The fire in Doliana, Kynouria, started at 6:30 in the afternoon and was burning farm and forest land.

Firemen and community authorities in Aegio in the northern Peloponnese continue to receive threatening telephone anonymous calls that the next targets will be actual villages.

A bushfire in Boura Karystou, Evia, was placed under control yesterday afternoon, after destroying a house.

In Glyka Nera, Attica, a fire which broke out Sunday night was extinguished without threatening residential areas.

Athens News Agency

[21] Wanted Israeli drug smuggler arrested on Mykonos

Athens 28/07/1998 (ANA)

According to reports, the suspect was identified as Elia Dali, who was arrested Saturday in a luxury villa he was sharing with his German girlfriend and after Greek police were alerted by Interpol. Dali is wanted in Israel.

Authorities said Dali and his accomplices allegedly smuggled an estimated one ton of cocaine over the past four years into Israel and several other countries throughout the world.

Drug smugglers arrested in the Netherlands a few months ago said during questioning that the suspect was the leader of the ring, while Interpol immediately launched an investigation to locate him, the same sources said, adding that information arose tha t Dali was living and working in Mykonos for the past two years.

Athens News Agency

[22] Fischler says write-offs of farm debts only on case-by-case basis

BRUSSELS 28/07/1998 (ANA - P. Pantelis)

Greece's agriculture ministry had passed law 2538/97 in order to write-off bad debts incurred by several agricultural cooperatives, private companies and enterprises.

Mr. Fischler reportedly agreed not to raise the issue of cancelling the write-off at the European Commission meeting on Wednesday, the last before summer break.

However, if the arrangement between Athens and the EU regarding the debts isn't satisfactory, the EU Commissioner can raise the issue of cancellation before the Commission after the summer break, otherwise, the write-offs will apply in conjuction with decisions by appropriate EU agencies for each case separately.

Athens News Agency

[23] EU programmes

BRUSSELS 28/07/1998 (ANA-P. Pantelis)

The Commission also selected 85 similar programmes to be funded through the "Life-Nature" framework with 48 million ecu.

A total of eight Greek programmes will be funded under the "Life-Environment" programme with more than 2.45 million ecu.

Recycling of industrial waste and garbage recycling will be primary areas of concern.

Athens News Agency

[24] Commission disputes Greek law prohibiting foreign-language titles for schools

BRUSSELS 28/07/1998 (ANA - P. Pantelis)

The Commission quoted a Greek law requiring all such schools to use a Greek name or title.

The breach, according to the Commission, is a barrier for EU-based institutes wishing to open outlets in Greece under their original name.

The Commission added that Greek authorities had neither replied to a warning letter nor to a documented opinion by the European Commission.

Athens News Agency

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