Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 98-08-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Kranidiotis calls for overall focus on Cyprus issue, not just S- 300s

[02] Ankara rejects US call for flight moratorium

[03] Greek participation in NATO exercise in Albania

[04] DHKKI criticises decision to free 2 Turks charged in 'flag incident'

[05] KKE upset with Christodoulos' recent statements

[06] Greece reiterates opposition to military intervention in Kosovo

[07] Pioneering photographer `Nelly` dies at 99

[08] "Turkish college students hosted in Greece

[09] Lawer-activist Vegleris buried

[10] Three-year bonds at 9.7% fixed rate

[11] GSEE condemns lay-offs at Halyvourgiki steel mill

[12] Census for Greek, foreign seamen

[13] Yiannopoulos warns of ex-officio prosecution for broadcasters accused of slander

[14] 18 per cent increase in Greek mutual funds

[15] Thessaloniki gym teacher swims the English Channel

[16] Economic News

[01] Kranidiotis calls for overall focus on Cyprus issue, not just S- 300s

Athens, 19/8/1998 (ANA)

Mr. Kranidiotis was commenting on statements made by Turkish Minister of State responsible for Cyprus affairs, Sukru Gurel.

Mr. Kranidiotis told foreign correspondents in Athens that the Greek Cypriot side wants to see progress for a settlement of the Cyprus issue, meaning a resumption of the intercommunal talks on the essence of the problem, and dialogue aimed at a reductio n in armaments on both sides of the divided island.

"This is the only path for a normalisation of the situation," he said, adding: "For the Greek side the paramount issue is not the (deployment of the Russian S-300 anti-aircraft) missiles (by the Cypriot government). It is the occupation (by Turkey) of the northern part of Cyprus, it is the violation of human rights," he said.

The deployment of the missiles is not expected before November, he added, but the matter will be raised again during Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides' visit to Athens on Aug. 27.

US State Department special coordinator for the Cyprus issue, Thomas Miller, was due in Ankara yesterday.

Nicosia statement: In a CNA dispatch from Nicosia, Cyprus government spokesman Christos Stylianides said the island republic does not wish to enter a cycle of debate and denials over the S-300s' deployment, stressing that it can only discuss a postponement or cancellation i f there are significant steps towards the island's demilitarisation or a resumption of productive dialogue.

The spokesman, who was replying yesterday to a question about certain reports concerning a postponement of the S-300s' deployment, added that this was a fixed position by Nicosia and the National Council.

He stressed that in the current phase of deliberations "there was room for the Greek and Cypriot governments to negotiate with the aim being to achieve the best possible results and maintain the initiatives in actions".

ECHR decision: In a related development, Mr. Kranidiotis noted that Turkey may be expelled from the Council of Europe if it does not comply with a European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) decision. The ECHR ruling orders Ankara to pay 320,000 Cyprus pounds to Greek Cypriot Titina Loizidou.

The Greek Cypriot woman had sought recourse to the ECHR for deprivation of her right to enjoy or exploit her property in the Turkish-occupied Cypriot port of Kerynia.

Mr. Kranidiotis added that Turkey must rethink its stance toward Europe, adding that the Loizidou case is not only a legal act conferring justice on an individual.

"This ruling recognises the non-existence of a separate state in the northern part of Cyprus, as it also recognises the right of citizens, who have been denied access to their properties to seek recourse at the ECHR to obtain redress".

Turkey must abide by the court's decision by Oct. 28, while the Council of Europe's ministerial committee will convene on Sept. 14 to discuss the issue.

The monetary award to Loizidou is subject to an annual 8 per cent interest rate, beyond the payment deadline.

Meanwhile, according to press reports, several Greek Cypriots have already followed the example of Ms Loizidou and have filed suits with the ECHR on the same grounds.

Finally, the Greek minister said that the Eurocourt is also considering the case of a Turkish Cypriot, who claims that he is not allowed access to the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus by Turkish occupation forces in the north.

Athens News Agency

[02] Ankara rejects US call for flight moratorium

NICOSIA, 19/8/1998 (ANA/CNA)

Turkey's Minister of State for Cyprus, Sukru Sina Gurel, rejected the American call for a ban of overflights in return for a halt to the deployment of Russian missiles in Cyprus later this year and said Ankara will continue to take all necessary measure s on Cyprus.

"This is a statement which the international community should take into serious consideration in order to understand exactly who is responsible for the tension in the eastern Mediterranean and who opposes peace", Cyprus government spokesman Christos Sty lianides said here yesterday.

He added, however, that "we should wait until US State Department coordinator Thomas Miller concludes his efforts in Ankara and reaches his own conclusions with regard to those responsible for the situation in the eastern Mediterranean, "postponing or e ven cancelling the deployment of the missiles if important steps are made towards the demilitarisation of Cyprus or if intercommunal talks resume with prospects for progress".

Athens News Agency

[03] Greek participation in NATO exercise in Albania

Athens, 19/8/1998 (ANA)

Greece has also sent a medical unit to provide services to residents of remote villages in central Albania and near the exercise, code-named "Cooperative Assembly '98".

The exercise is apparently a bid by NATO to demonstrate to Yugoslav leadership that the alliance is ready to intervene at any time in the region, especially in the event of an escalation of tension in Kosovo.

In opening the exercise, NATO commander for southern Europe, Adm. T. Joseph Lopez, said the alliance was prepared to intervene in the region at a moment's notice upon receiving a go-ahead by the alliance member-states' leaders.

He said the exercise, as all Partnership for Peace (PfP) exercises, aimed at regional stability and was not directed against any party or side in Kosovo or Belgrade.

About 1,700 troops, including hundreds of paratroopers and commandos, from 14 NATO and PfP members are taking part in the exercise in western Albania, as well as some 70 fighter planes.

The exercise was recently scaled down from what was originally planned as the US substantially reduced its contingent after the Aug. 7 bombings of the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania P in which at least 257 people were killed P citing the risk of ter rorist attacks against US targets in Albania.

The exercise will include search and rescue practise, close air support, medical evacuation and air-drop procedures as well as infantry peace support operations skills.

Athens News Agency

[04] DHKKI criticises decision to free 2 Turks charged in 'flag incident'

Athens, 19/8/1998 (ANA)

DHKKI said the decision "raises certain questions", and added that was part of the government's "subservient policy".

Athens News Agency

[05] KKE upset with Christodoulos' recent statements

Athens, 19/8/1998 (ANA)

KKE spokesman Orestes Kolozov said "it is clear that the head of the Greek Church is trying to play some political role and is attempting to provide political shelter for the most nationalistic and extreme segments of Greek society".

Mr. Kolozov also attacked the government for "tolerating" Christodoulos.

He called on the government to stop providing "cover" for the Archbishop and to take steps towards separating the Church and the state.

The communist party official was responding to statements made by Christodoulos on the occasion of the Aug. 15 Feast of the Assumption, where he called on the faithful "to defend our national ideals, independence and freedom".

"Things change with time and history has shown that the logic of numerical superiority is often overturned," the Archbishop stressed, in an apparent reference to the present balance of power between Greece and Turkey.

Athens News Agency

[06] Greece reiterates opposition to military intervention in Kosovo

Athens, 19/8/1998 (ANA)

Speaking to Athens-based foreign correspondents, he added that all options must be examined before such a decision is taken, and further expressed a hope that "there is still room for diplomacy to bear fruit".

In reaction, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) cadre Orestis Kolozov expressed his full support to Belgrade's policy on the Kosovo issue.

He also criticised National Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos for his recent critical statements against Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos criticised Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic on Saturday for the recent military operations in Kosovo.

Mr. Kolozov said the defence minister's attack on the Yugoslav president was "unfair," further charging that Greek policy was fully in line with the desires of NATO, Washington and the European Union.

Athens News Agency

[07] Pioneering photographer `Nelly` dies at 99

Athens, 19/8/1998 (ANA)

Born in Aidini, Asia Minor in 1899, Nelly survived the destruction of the predominately ethnic Greek town by Turkish forces in 1919 before moving to Smyrna and then to Dresden, Germany, where she studied music, art and photography. She first arrived in mainland Greece in 1924.

Throughout her illustrious career, Nelly worked with various themes, photographing events in Greece, Germany and the United States.

In 1929 Nelly raised moral hackles in Athens' conservative establishment by photographing Mona Paeva, - then the prima ballerina of the Opera Comique, nude on the Acropolis. At the time, several critics decried the act as a "desecration".

In 1939 she travelled to the United States, where she decorated the Greek pavilion at the New York International Expo with giant posters. With the outbreak of World War II, what was supposed to have been a 30-day visit turned into a 27-year stay.

In 1985, Nelly donated her photo archives and cameras to the Benaki Museum in Athens, while in 1987 she was presented with an honorary diploma and medal by the Hellenic Centre of Photography and the government.

Eight years later, she was awarded the Order of the Phoenix by the president of the republic. In 1996, the Athens Academy presented her with its Arts and Letters Award. Nelly will be buried tomorrow afternoon at public expense following a decisi on by the culture ministry. On behalf of the government, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos described her as a "mythical figureIwith a prominent position in the cultural panorama of our century.

Athens News Agency

[08] "Turkish college students hosted in Greece

Athens, 19/8/1998 (ANA)

"Language is one's real homeland. If you speak and read a language well, you learn history. And if you are familiar with history, then you have respect for peoples..." one of the Turkish students stated.

"I study Greek because it sounds like a poem to me", another added.

Apparently, all have turned a deaf ear to 'news' of what is going on between Athens and Ankara.

Athens News Agency

[09] Lawer-activist Vegleris buried

Athens, 19/8/1998 (ANA)

Vegleris was born in 1903 in then Constantinople and moved to Greece in 1927, where he remained until his self-imposed exile to France during the seven-year military junta in Greece.

Appointed to the Strasbourg University law faculty, Vegleris continued his struggle against the dictatorship from abroad.

His last book "Notebooks 1944-1997" was published shortly before his death, which was made public only yesterday, according to his wish.

Athens News Agency

[10] Three-year bonds at 9.7% fixed rate

Athens, 19/8/1998 (ANA)

The total offer reached 301.6 billion drachmas and the median percentage rate closed at 9.98 per cent, while no additional commission was given and the median percentage rate expresses to total yield of the bond.

Athens News Agency

[11] GSEE condemns lay-offs at Halyvourgiki steel mill

The General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) yesterday expressed support for the mobilisation of workers at the Halyvourgiki steel mill in Elefsina, demanding government intervention in order to prevent what it called labour suspension procedures and to save jobs.

GSEE also accused Halyvourgiki of a "particularly anti-labour stance".

According to reports, the company informed the steel mill's 360 employees after the summer vacation that approximately half of the workforce will be layed-off.

The workers' union called for a rejection of the suspension notification, but for a 24-hour strike today.

GSEE claimed that Halyvourgiki has the capacity to maintain its entire current workforce.

Athens News Agency

[12] Census for Greek, foreign seamen

Athens, 19/8/1998 (ANA)

The government-sponsored-census will take place on Sept. 20 and concerns all Greek and foreign seamen employed on Greek-flagged vessels of 100 grt or over, and on foreign-flagged vessels registered with the NAT seamen's pension fund.

It will be the 11th census for seamen since 1978.

Athens News Agency

[13] Yiannopoulos warns of ex-officio prosecution for broadcasters accused of slander

Athens, 19/8/1998 (ANA)

The penal code at present prescribes jail terms of up to a year for slander and up to two years for defamation, although sentences may be paid off by a convicted defendant.

Both charges are not automatically prosecuted at present, as an alleged victim must request court action.

As expected, reaction was fierce.

Athens Journalists' Union (ESHEA) President Aristidis Manolakos said "today's (yesterday's) statements by the minister of justice overturn the standing values regarding freedom of the press."

He added that ESHEA "is categorically opposed to the measures announced by the minister. The legal arsenal is more than enough to handle any deviations."

Mr. Manolakos noted that the European reality prescribes for self- regulation mechanisms by journalists.

Finally, he expressed a hope that the government will rethink the issue before forging ahead with a new criminal code.

Athens News Agency

[14] 18 per cent increase in Greek mutual funds

Athens, 19/8/1998 (ANA)

According to data released by the Union of Institutional Investors (ETHE), the composition of mutual funds, by category, based on July 31 assets are: money market 64.53 per cent; fixed income 21.65 per cent; composite 9.11 per cent and growth 4.71 per c ent.

There are 30 mutual fund management firms active in the Greek market today.

Athens News Agency

[15] Thessaloniki gym teacher swims the English Channel

Athens, 19/8/1998 (ANA)

Thirty-six-year-old Georgios Mathas began at daybreak Aug. 16 near the city of Dover on the English coast and reached the French coast some 15 hours later.

The first Greek to swim across the English Channel was Iasonas Zirganos in 1939, while out of more than 5,000 attempts only 520 have been successful since Briton Matthew Webb first crossed the Channel in 1875.

Asked about the "secret of his success", Mr. Mathas, a father of one, said "it took hard training, strong will and a prayer that lasted for 15 hours".

Athens News Agency

[16] Economic News

The general index ended 4.08 percent higher at 2,643.04 points in light to moderate trade with turnover at 43.5 billion drachmas.

Dealers said the rise was due to an improved climate in international markets combined with market optimism over the impending sale of state- owned Ionian Bank through the bourse, whose success players appeared to be discounting.

Commercial Bank, Ionian's parent company, saw its share price hit the daily 8.0 percent limit up, ending at 31,698 drachmas.

Sector indices scored gains. The heavily weighted banking sector soared 5.25 percent, Insurance ended 2.17 percent up, Investment was 3.06 percent higher, Leasing ended 1.43 percent higher, Industrials rose 3.55 percent, Construction increased 3.46 perc ent, Miscellaneous ended 2.40 percent up and Holding rose 1.88 percent.

The parallel market index for small cap companies ended 2.50 percent higher, and the FTSE/ASE 20 index rose 4.34 percent to 1,611.29.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 210 to 36 with another 12 issues unchanged.

Bank of Central Greece, Bank of the Athens, Commercial Invest, Kambas, Elfico, Etma, Ionian Hotels, Boutaris and Metrolife scored the biggest percentage gains hitting the daily 8.0 percent limit up.

Ekter, Sportsman, Pairis, Viokarpet, Viosol, Lampsa, Gnomon and Minerva suffered the heaviest losses.

National Bank of Greece ended at 51,450 drachmas, Ergobank at 30,850, Alpha Credit Bank at 26,510, Ionian Bank at 17,550, Hellenic Telecoms at 7,715, Delta Dairy at 3,695, Intracom at 12,740, Hellenic Petroleum at 2,800 and Titan Cement at 21,610. Ionian Bank shows lower H1 profit ahead of privatisation: Ionian Bank, which is due to be privatised through the bourse, yesterday reported profits before provisions of four billion drachmas in the first half, sharply down on 6.3 billion a year earlier.

Ionian, whose parent is state Commercial Bank of Greece, is to have a 51 percent stake tendered through the Athens Stock Exchange on Monday as part of the government's plan to streamline the public sector.

The bank said in a statement that the fall in profits was due to turmoil in financial markets and a long-lasting strike by staff protesting the bank's sale.

Loans in the first half were 581 billion drachmas from 510 billion in the same period of 1997; and deposits were 1,939 billion drachmas from 1,495 billion.

Also totalling four billion drachmas in the first half were the combined net pre-tax profits of Ionian Bank's subsidiaries, up 83 percent.

The firms are Ionian Mutual Fund Management, Ionian Investment, Ionian Hotel Enterprises, Ionian Securities and Ionian Leasing.

Athens News Agency

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