Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 98-09-23

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis warns of two difficult years ahead

[02] G. Papandreou says human rights in Turkey often a matter of int'l concern, during CoE ceremony

[03] Pangalos attends gathering of EU Commission officials in NY

[04] Gov't cites int'l cooperation between social democrat, labour parties

[05] First phase of 'Parmenion '98' concludes

[06] Gov't stresses decisions of Luxembourg, Cardiff summits in relation to Cyprus

[07] Favourable IOC comments after committee's first visit to Athens

[08] Ministerial committee discusses Athens 2004 Olympics

[09] Clinton grand jury investigation a `tragicomedy`: Reppas

[10] Clerides speaks at NY-based Council of Foreign Relations

[11] Autocephalus Orthodox Church of Greece represented at Commission

[12] Adult caretta caretta found dead on Cretan beach

[13] European conference on topic of 'Women-Athletics Cooperation'

[14] Economic News

[15] To Readers of the Daily Bulletin

[01] Simitis warns of two difficult years ahead

Athens, 23/9/1998 (ANA)

Speaking at a party rally organised by his ruling PASOK party at Davaki Square in Kallithea yesterday evening on the occasion of the anniversary of the party's election victory in September 1996, Mr. Simitis said the rally sends a message of certainty a nd success, that the "people want and PASOK wants."

He said that the party is capable and guarantees the country's course in the 21st century since, as he said, toils and sacrifices are producing results because Greece is no longer a small country. It has a voice, prestige and a presence and influences d ecisions, he added.

Mr. Simitis reminded that when the drachma joined the Exchange Rate Mechanism last March, the opposition criticised this decision unwisely, inconsiderately and off-handedly, while now the international crisis was handled with success.

He said that PASOK had requested the popular mandate in 1996, having the country's accession to Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) as a cornerstone and today the overwhelming majority of the people side with this option.

"However, parties and political forces, each with different starting points, coincide on one criticism where all say yes to EMU and propose other courses which they do not determine," he said.

Mr. Simitis refuted the argument that the government's policy allows markets to decide, saying that it is doing exactly the opposite since it calls for societies to decide, having given its reply to neo-liberalism.

Opposition: Commenting on the prime minister's speech, main opposition ND cadre Prokopis Pavlopoulos said that Mr. Simitis had chosen to make an account of his government's work for the past two years at a time when six out of 10 citizens regarded him unreliable.

The ND spokesman added that this period was marked by the government's failure to lead the country into EMU, as well as the devaluation of the drachma and inability to push structural changes and real privatisations.

An announcement by the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) said that "the failed PASOK rallyIis an apparent expression of popular displeasure at the PASOK government's anti-popular attack".

It further said that Mr. Simitis used "ideologically intimidating arguments to persuade working people that things for them were on a good path".

The Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) described the PASOK rally as a "directed fiesta for television consumption".

An announcement by the party spoke of "an increasing popular displeasure" and "inconsistency between government proclamations and its work."

Synaspismos further called on the prime minister to adopt a "face to face" approach with citizens' everyday problems.

Athens News Agency

[02] G. Papandreou says human rights in Turkey often a matter of int'l concern, during CoE ceremony

STRASBOURG, 23/9/1998 (ANA - M. Psylos)

The prizes were awarded to the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey and to the Committee on the Administration of Justice of Northern Ireland, and presented by Mr. Papandreou in his capacity as the current president of the Council of Europe (CoE).

Speaking before the presentation of the awards, Mr. Papandreou said that the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey was operating in a particularly difficult environment, providing support to those in need.

"The situation of human rights in Turkey has often been a matter of international concern", Mr. Papandreou added.

The president of the foundation, Yavuz Onen, revealed that since the organisation's establishment in 1990, 14 members have been murdered.

Mr. Onen said he was in favour of a peaceful solution of the Kurdish problem, the main source of human rights violations.

Warning to Berisha over unrest: In an unrelated development, Mr. Papandreou warned yesterday that former Albanian president Sali Berisha would be internationally isolated if he continued his undermining activities.

Speaking at the plenary of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, Mr. Papandreou said that stability in Albania is based on the smooth functioning of the democratic system.

Mr. Papandreou warned the former Albanian president that if he continued to undermine Albania's democratic institutions then the international community would have no choice but to isolate him.

The Greek alternate foreign minister from Strasbourg said that Mr. Berisha's behaviour "was, to say the least, unacceptable".

He said that the Council of Europe will continue its efforts, together with Albanian President Rexhep Mejdani and the government of Prime Minister Fatos Nano, for Albania to obtain a constitution, to promote a meeting next month on the Albanian economy and to strengthen public order.

On the situation in the Serbian province of Kosovo, Mr. Papandreou said that "a radical change is needed in Belgrade's policy in order for the procedure for Yugoslavia's accession to the Council of Europe to proceed."

The events in Kosovo flagrantly violate "the most fundamental rights of the local population", he said, stressing the need for the Council of Europe's active presence in the restive Serbian province of Kosovo.

Athens News Agency

[03] Pangalos attends gathering of EU Commission officials in NY

UNITED NATIONS, 23/9/1998 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

According to reports, discussions touched on the role Greece plays in the latest Albanian crisis, which was seen as positive.

The session decided that certain initiatives by the European Commission and the EU itself continue to be aimed at Albania. With regard to Yugoslavia and Russia, it was decided that further talks with the EU will be held.

Further details were to be discussed last night during a meeting between European officials and Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, as well as today, during a session to be attended by US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

Athens News Agency

[04] Gov't cites int'l cooperation between social democrat, labour parties

Athens, 23/9/1998 (ANA)

Mr. Reppas was replying to press questions on Monday's meeting between US President Bill Clinton, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi on the sidelines of the UN's general assembly in New York.

He said that the Greek government is watching these developments with interest, adding that the meeting and efforts being made were a positive event.

Athens News Agency

[05] First phase of 'Parmenion '98' concludes

Athens, 23/9/1998 (ANA)

National Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos attended the first final stage of the excercise, which ends today on the island of Hios.

Athens News Agency

[06] Gov't stresses decisions of Luxembourg, Cardiff summits in relation to Cyprus

Athens, 23/9/1998 (ANA)

Mr. Reppas was responding to reporters regarding France, Italy and Spain's reported objections to Cyprus' accession to the EU.

He said he believed there would not be any change to the EU's decisions, adding that Greece and Cyprus were "unprepared" to pay the price of the stand-off over finding a solution to the division of Cyprus, due to Turkey's intransigence.

Athens News Agency

[07] Favourable IOC comments after committee's first visit to Athens

Athens, 23/9/1998 (ANA)

This is mentioned in the IOC's official informatory bulletin which is sent to all its members as well as to many sports agencies all over the world.

Additionally, the US publication on Olympic issues "Around the Rings" contained a statement by the coordinating committee's president Jacques Rog, while the title of the specific issue is "Athens is further ahead than Atlanta."

Athens News Agency

[08] Ministerial committee discusses Athens 2004 Olympics

Athens, 23/9/1998 (ANA)

Attending the meeting, chaired by Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, was National Economy Undersecretary Christos Pachtas, Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Undersecretary Christos Verelis, Sports Undersecretary Andreas Fouras and Athens 20 04 SA president Stratis Stratigis as well as managing director Costas Bakouris.

Issues discussed included appointments made to Athens 2004 S.A. as well as progress in preparing specific Games projects as well as on issues relating to accommodation and reception.

The next meeting of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games National Committee will be held immediately after municipal elections next month, Mr. Venizelos said.

Athens News Agency

[09] Clinton grand jury investigation a `tragicomedy`: Reppas

Athens, 23/9/1998 (ANA)

Asked to comment on the screening on Monday of Mr. Clinton's federal grand jury testimony, Mr. Reppas spoke of "tragicomedy and comi-tragedy".

"Mr. Clinton was elected by the American people, whom he serves, is judged by the American people and nobody can be a substitute for the American people," he said.

Margarita Papandreou commends Hillary Clinton: Meanwhile, in a letter distributed by the Los Angeles Times Syndicate and reprinted in several newspapers, the former wife of PASOK founder and three-time prime minister Andreas Papandreou, Margarita Papandreou, has voiced her support for US First Lady Hi llary Clinton.

"As a former first lady who confronted a similar situation in my life, I feel immensely close to you. I know the ache, the tears, the sleepless nights, the disbeliefI

The women involved have some responsibility, but only to their own conscience and sense of morals. The men in power have a responsibility to their families, friends and co-workers, to the voters, to their office. From the time they decided to get into p ublic life, their private lives were open to scrutiny.

Here is where both of them made a mistake, not realising and remembering that they lived in glass houses. They failed to respect their offices and the people who elected them.

What I want to say, Hillary, is that you have your head on straight. You not only carry yourself with decorum and dignity, which is a tribute to womanhood everywhere, but you know what is important and what is unimportant. In a world where poverty affec ts over two-thirds of the population, in a world where and men kill women out of suspicion of "im-moral" behavior, in a world full of regional wars, in a world where our precious children are out on the street, neglected, we cannot spend time worrying abo ut something that did not even fall into the category of sexual harassment.

And that is what most of the people of America, the people of Greece and most of the people of the world are saving - why all this furor? The man has repented. His punishment is to have lost his prestige. It is a vital lesson to those who enter public l ife.

So let's on with the job of governing; let's get on and do something about the correction of drastic social inequalities, of the injustices people endure, of unemployment, poverty and violations of human rights. Those are the things that truly concern u s," she concludes.

Athens News Agency

[10] Clerides speaks at NY-based Council of Foreign Relations

NEW YORK, 23/9/1998 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

The Cypriot president said he was entirely against a Greek and a Turkish protectorate to be established on Cyprus, stressing that the only solution would be a federal, independent republic. He further added that his legal and internationally recongised government was encouraging talks with the Turkish Cypriots, but it was the Turkish side that created problems.

A solution to the Cyprus problem can be achieved by safeguarding peace, security and prosperity, and within the framework of a bi-zonal and bi- communal federation.

Athens News Agency

[11] Autocephalus Orthodox Church of Greece represented at Commission

The Autocephalus Orthodox Church of Greece has been included in a list of religious denominations represented at the European Commission as of last Monday, according to an announcement. The announcement followed Monday's vis it by the director of the Church's delegation at the European Union, Nikos Savvopoulos, to the European Commission's adviser on religious issues, T. Jansen.

The announcement said the Orthodox Church of Greece's interest was stressed for its active participation in European events, which led to the creation of its delegation in Brussels.

Mr. Jansen listened with interest to the European prospects of the Church of Greece and agreed to its inclusion in the list of religious denominations represented at the European Commission.

Athens News Agency

[12] Adult caretta caretta found dead on Cretan beach

Athens, 23/9/1998 (ANA)

"It had knife wounds to the head and pieces of fishing line in its mouth. It had come to lay its eggs but it's not known whether it managed to. This unprecedented incident is a disgrace for the area and is a serious blow to tourism," a statement from th e local association to protect the sea turtles read.

Sea turtles from around the Mediterranean come to the Messara Gulf to nest and lay their eggs in the warm sand.

The association has registered 83 nests in the beach between Komou and Kokkinos Pyrgos, out of a total of 527 nesting sites on Crete.

The caretta caretta is an endangered species protected under the Bern International Convention and Greek law. Their nesting period extends from June to September and the Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles has issued warnings to fishermen and sailors in the past to exercise caution and avoid harming them.

Athens News Agency

[13] European conference on topic of 'Women-Athletics Cooperation'

Juan Antonio Samaranch, the president of the International Olympics Committee, will declare open the conference at a ceremony at the Athens Concert Hall.

The four-day conference will draw some 200 participants from 40 countries. Of that number, at least 89 of the participants will be women.

Athens News Agency

[14] Economic News

Athens, 23/9/1998 (ANA)

Ms Papandreou was speaking yesterday at a European conference on "Tourism- Quality-Education" at the Asteras Hotel in Vouliagmeni.

She said that it is necessary for the country to proceed with faster rates with the completion of quality infrastructures, upgrading the country's tourist product and services provided.

"Many important projects are underway in Greece at airports, ports, road axes, etc, which have improved the qualitative standard of our tourism," she said.

However, she conceded that despite positive steps in many sectors considerable qualitative interventions in tourism must still take place.

In't Energy Organisation recommendations for Greece: The government's energy policy is moving in the right direction and must be continued, but efforts must be strengthened for development of a suitable legislative framework as well as a policy framework that is necessary to encourage competitiveness, the I nternational Energy Organisation (IEO) stressed during the presentation yesterday of a study on Greece's energy policy.

The recommendations were presented by IEO representative Jean Boyrder and the development ministry's energy secretary general.

The recommendations, which are not binding for the government, include the continuation, strengthening and speedup of efforts for the development of a suitable legislative framework, as well as a policy framework, which is necessary to encourage competi tiveness.

In addition, the strengthening by the ministry of its cadre potential which will formulate energy policy, will support this separation and will satisfy increasing demands for new policies to be shaped and implemented.

Furthermore, encouragement of a more commercial character in relations between state corporations, the study and creation of a permanent and independent administrative authority to secure fair access to energy markets, both for private and state corpora tions, and the creation of a longterm privatisation policy in the energy sector, including a timetable for denationalisations and targets for the final level of state control and ownership.

On the question of the electric power sector, and according to relevant assessments, the deregulation of the energy market is expected to lead to increases in electric power tariffs.

Relevant sources said that the basic electric power tariffs (for home and industrial use) in Greece are lower than in most European Union countries since, among others, there are social burdens and the counter-inflationary policy which are jointly taken into consideration in the shaping of Public Power Corp. (DEH) tariffs.

Greek shipowners focus on problems faced in the sector: Issues preoccupying Greek shipping as well as problems emanating from the prolonged crisis in shipping and the world's economy were examined yesterday in Piraeus during the second meeting this year between the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) and the Greek

Committee for Shipping Cooperation of London.

After recommendations were made by the presidents of the two groups, Yiannis Lyras and I. Hatzipateras, respectively, a discussion followed on all isues contained in the agenda and a series of conclusions were reached.

It was ascertained that the commercial fleet under Greek control continues to hold first place in the world despite daily difficulties faced in the operation of the shipping industry in the world.

However, the crisis in the world economy, together with the subsequent crisis in the freight market, create grave concern for the future.

A considerable number of Greek-owned ships have already been withdrawn from service and a big part of dry cargo ships is moving at a marginal level and as a result economic deadlock is being created for many companies.

According to data provided by the unions, the Greek-flagged fleet does not exceed 890 ships at present, while in 1990 it numbered 1,871 and in 1995 1, 863. More specifically, since January 1996 the Greek-flagged fleet of ocean- going ships has shrunk by a bout 22 per cent, namely, it has lost about a fourth of its strength, and as a result it now ranks fourth in the world classification.

The shipowners said that the main reason for this situation is the lack of Greek ships' competitiveness which the state refused to bolster in time with measures similar to those taken by the merchant marines of other EU partners and in accordance with t he persistent indications on the part of shipowners, and of course, the crisis in the freight market which showed the national register's vulnerability.

Gov't bill allows state pension funds to invest: The government will submit a social insurance reform bill to parliament in mid-October allowing state pension funds to invest their reserves in bonds and equities, Labour and Social Security Minister Miltiades Papaioannou said yesterday.

He said the bulk of reserves, which are estimated at over 3.5 trillion drachmas, would be placed in fixed-income securities at low risk and the rest in equities, which offer higher returns at greater risk.

A single agency will be set up to manage the reserves comprising representatives of the national economy ministry, social insurance secretariat, Bank of Greece, Federation of Greek Industry, General Confederation of Workers of Greece and ADEDY civil ser vants union, Mr. Papaioannou said.

He was speaking after a meeting with National Economy and Finance Minister Yannos Papantoniou.

The measure is part of a mini-package of reforms for the country's overstretched social insurance and pension system, which was drafted after talks between the government, employers and unions.

Retail sales up 5.4 pct in June: The volume of retail sales rose 5.4 percent in June, the Greek National Statistics Service (GNSS) said yesterday.

Retail sales rose 1.0 percent January-June in volume compared to the same period last year, GNSS said in a statement.

Greek stocks jump in slim trade led by banks: A rebound in international markets helped the Athens Stock Exchange to recover more than half of its losses in light trade yesterday following a plunge in the previous session. Leading the rally was the heavily weighted banking sector.

The general index ended 2.80 percent higher at 2,140.28 points with turnover at 35.1 billion drachmas. Sector indices scored gains. Banks soared 3.54 percent, Insurance ended 0.37 percent up, Investment rose 2.33 percent, Leasing ended 2.55 percent higher, Industrials increased 2.68 percent, Construction ended 2.43 percent up, Miscellaneous rose 1.91 perce nt and Holding increased 2.79 percent.

The parallel market index ended 0.97 percent higher, and the FTSE/ASE 20 blue-chip index rose 2.93 percent to 1,293.07 points.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 194 to 42 with another 12 issues unchanged.

Bitros, Eltrak, Sigalas, Remek, Kyriakoulis, Technodomiki, Nafpaktos Mills, Alcatel, St. George Mills and Hellenic Spin Mills scored the biggest percentage gains.

Elfico, Desmos, Boutaris, Britannia, Daring, Xylemporia, Ideal and Galis suffered the heaviest losses.

National Bank of Greece ended at 39,790 drachmas, Ergobank at 23,800, Alpha Credit Bank at 21,900, Ionian Bank at 10,340, Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation at 6,600, Delta Dairy at 3,175, Intracom at 11,370, Hellenic Petroleum at 2,565 and Titan Cement at 18,150 drachmas.

Shelman reports 99.2 pct profit jump, 22 pct rise in turnover: Shelman SA, a lumber firm listed on the Athens bourse, yesterday reported a 22 percent increase in its first half turnover to 21.995 billion drachmas from 18.615 billion drachmas in the same period of 1997.

The firm's profit before tax surged by 99.2 percent to 2.072 billion drachmas in the first six months of 1998 from 1.040 billion drachmas in the same period last year.

The company expects 1998 turnover to rise by 22 percent to 41.850 billion drachmas and pre-tax profit by 61.2 percent to 3.420 billion drachmas against 1997.

Shelman this week launched a 14.1 billion drachma investment project to build a new factory in an industrial zone in Komotini, northern Greece.

The new investment was the last project to be approved under the previous development law, and received a 50 percent state subsidy.

The new unit, whose foundation stone was laid by Development Minister Vasso Papandreou on Monday, will begin operations at the end of 1999.

Turnover in the first year of operation is forecast at 10 billion drachmas, and then at more than 20 billion drachmas annually.

Finance ministry calls information technology tender: The finance ministry yesterday authorised an open tender for the supply of information technology including equipment, applications, and data entry systems in a project to computerise national heritage data.

Finance Undersecretary George Drys said the project was budgeted at 170 million drachmas.

Gov't determined to keep up barrage of tax checks: Finance Undersecretary George Drys yesterday reaffirmed the government's intention to step up tax inspections, saying the move was key to improving efficiency and promoting confidence between taxpayers and the state.

Commenting on recent press reports, Mr. Drys said that the finance ministry was not considering the re-introduction of automatic checks for outstanding tax cases, but would order inspections on a case-by-case basis.

Mr. Drys said that the measure, introduced last June, had proved efficient and there was no need for change.

Fisheries firm to seek listing on Athens bourse via Thessaloniki: Xifias SA, a Greek fisheries company, will seek listing on the Athens Stock Exchange's parallel market for small cap companies through the Thessaloniki Stock Exchange Centre, it announced yesterday.

The company will launch an initial public offer (IPO) from September 30 to October 2.

Xifias will offer 916,500 common shares at 1,300 drachmas each and 91,650 preference shares at 1,000 drachmas each in order to raise its share capital by 20 percent.

The new capital from the IPO will fund a new 4.0 billion drachma investment programme to expand the company's production units and launch new canned fish products.

Based in Kavala, northern Greece, Xifias is the first company to seek listing on the parallel market through the Thessaloniki Stock Exchange Centre.

Sales in 1997 totalled 3.98 billion drachmas net profit was 417 million drachmas, a 12 percent increase from 1996.

Xifias exports its products to most west European markets, Africa, Australia, Canada, the United States, eastern Europe and the Middle East.

National Bank of Greece Group shows higher H1 profit rise: The National Bank of Greece Group, the country's biggest credit institution, reported net pre-tax profits after minorities of 200.2 billion drachmas in the first half of 1998, up from 87.8 billion drachmas in the same period last year.

Net pre-tax profits, calculated in line with international accounting standards, proved significantly higher than net profits following the deduction of minority rights totalling 84 billion drachmas.

In addition, the new accounting standards included capital gains from bond and holdings portfolios on the bank.

The improvement in net profits also reflected a 13.7 percent rise in net interest earnings, a 7.7 percent increase in net commissions and a 160.9 percent rise in financial transactions.

The National Bank of Greece Group's operating expenses rose 11.5 percent in the first half of the year.

Assets rose to 13.747 billion drachmas in the first half, rising 8.6 percent. Loans increased by 10.6 percent and deposits by 10.3 percent.

Romanian trade delegation to visit Athens: A Romanian business delegation will begin a three-day visit to Athens today at the invitation of the Commerce and Industry Chamber of Athens. The Romanian delegation, headed by George Cojocaru, chairman of Romania's Commerce and Industry Chamber, will hol d a bilateral forum with Greek businessmen this morning.

Trade between Greece and Romania exceeds 370 million US dollars annually.

Greek investments in the Balkan country total around 80 million US dollars, according to Romanian figures.

The two countries enjoy traditionally good political and economic relations.

Romania is the biggest market in the Balkans, and the government has undertaken an effort to promote its privatisation programme abroad.

The delegation visited Thessaloniki yesterday for talks with executives of HELEXPO, the state trade fair organiser that holds the city's international fair every September.

Mr. Cojocaru, who is head of Romania's trade fair organisation, laid emphasis during the talks on the first exhibition of Greek and Cypriot products to be held by Romexpo on November 11-14.

Gov't endorses credits for infrastructure projects: The public works ministry yesterday endorsed the release of 5.8 billion drachmas of credits for infrastructure projects nationwide involving roads, airports, ports and flood prevention systems.

The largest projects are completion of construction of a section of a motorway linking Trikala and Arta, budgeted at 3.5 billion drachmas; and completion of an extension to the main airport building at Thessaloniki's international airport, budgeted at 1 .6 billion drachmas.

Athens News Agency

[15] To Readers of the Daily Bulletin

Athens, 23/9/1998 (ANA)

The ANA Special English Service offers diplomats and journalists the latest news through on line (PC & Modem) on the country's foreign and domestic policies, its political parties, trade unions and pressure groups, the economy, industry and transport, and visits by officials from abroad.

For further information, please call Chris Eliou, Director of the Special English Service on 6400560, Ext.613.

You may order subscriptions from George Tsambras, Marketing and Sales Department, on 6400580, Fax: 6400024.

Advertising in the Daily Bulletin: The ANA will from now on welcome professional half-page or full-page advertisements in its daily English and French Bulletin.

Advertisements will be accepted from embassies, banks, commercial and maritime companies, chambers of commerce, advertising companies, airlines, organisations, professional associations, educational and research institutions in Greece and abroad as well as international bodies.

Also, for a small fee, the above groups may channel their Press Releases (PRs), announcements or photographs - in Greek, English or French - to the ANA's more than 100 media subscribers throughout Greece and Cyprus via the recently introduced ANA on-line

PR's service.

For details on and arrangements for the advertising and/or PRs on-line service, please contact the ANA Marketing Department, tel: 6400580, fax: 6400024 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY ON THE INTERNET

You can now find the Athens News Agency's news service on the Internet with a brief review of the main news items, in Greek or English, twice a day (at 11:00am and updated at 4:30pm approximately). Log in to our Internet address: http://www.ana.gr/ and keep abreast with the latest news from Greece.

Athens News Agency

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article