Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 98-11-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] Upgrading of already close Greek-Albanian ties dominates Simitis- Majko talks

[02] Delors, Simitis to speak at int'l meeting on 'Euro-identity'

[03] Pangalos to travel to S. Africa

[04] Gov't: Nothing new on S-300 issue

[05] Gov't says war reparation issue not abandoned

[06] COREPER rejects Greek proposal on Turkey

[07] Int'l conference on cooperation to deal with Med region natural disasters

[08] Schori: Turkey's European participation depends on certain conditions

[09] SAE leader strongly condemns US Jewish groups for lauding Turkish 'democracy, secularism'

[10] Spyridon raises Patriarchate, Halki issues with Amnesty International officials

[11] Tudjman in Athens

[12] Economic aid to countries hit by 'Mitch'

[13] Workers to stage nationwide strike Dec 15 in budget protest

[14] Rampant drachma jumps on demand from abroad

[15] Agricultural Bank of Greece offers loans for Panafon IPO

[16] Apostolopoulos Group breaks into health insurance

[17] Mytilineos buys out Metka

[18] Greek stocks fall, new budget already discounted

[19] Petzetakis plastics reports 26 pct profit rise in Jan-Sept

[20] Profile of Internet users in Greece

[21] Thrace Plastics counts on larger presence in Balkans

[22] National Bank participation in Panafon share purchases

[23] Conference on sea transport safety

[24] 35-per cent buyout of Rom Telecom by OTE finalised

[01] Upgrading of already close Greek-Albanian ties dominates Simitis- Majko talks

Athens 13/11/1998 (ANA)

The two premiers initially had a short private meeting, followed by talks with the participation of a number of Greek and Albanian ministers.

Earlier, Mr. Majko was received by President Kostis Stephanopoulos.

During yesterday's talks,the two sides signed a five-billion-drachma loan agreement within the framework of a bilateral agreement already signed, which provides for a Greek loan to Albania of 20 billion drachmas.

A joint declaration was also signed providing for the construction of a national theatre in Tirana.

Mr. Simitis said Greece desired close cooperation with Albania, expressing the view that progress and development in the neighbouring country will contribute decisively to securing stability in the Balkans.

Greek-Albanian cooperation has two directions, he said, firstly Greece's support for Albania's efforts to join international bodies and secondly, economic cooperation. The premier stressed also that Greece had warmly supported closer cooperation between

Albania and both NATO and the Western European Union (WEU).

Observing that a large number of Greek companies were already active in Albania, Mr. Simitis said he had discussed with Mr. Majko ways of improving the business environment in order to facilitate an expansion of business activities.

Also discussed were issues related to the large numbers of Albanians residing in Greece and Greek efforts to control illegal immigration and to confer legal status on hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants.

Talks also covered bilateral cooperation in the sector of public order and the fight against crime.

On the issue of a Tirana national theatre, Mr. Simitis said Greece would assist in its construction, stressing that cultural cooperation was the basis for friendship and cooperation between the two peoples.

He also referred to the ethnic Greek minority in Albania, noting that it was the "bridge" for bilateral cooperation. He described as "completely satisfactory" provisions on the minority contained in the neighbouring country's new constitution.

Mr. Majko said his first visit to Greece as premier had confirmed the high level of relations and "confidential partnership" with Greece.

The Albanian premier said the two countries "can and must give the example of how to resolve problems in the Balkans and develop relations of friendship and cooperation between the two peoples".

"As prime minister, I came to Greece with a specific request. I thought to ask the country which gave birth to theatre, for a theatre. I am referring to the National Theatre of Albania, which was part of the joint protocol signed by myself and Mr. Simitis," he said. Mr. Majko agreed that the Greek minority in Albania served as a bridge for cooperation between the two countries, just as the Albanian immigrants in Greece constituted a bridge.

The two sides also discussed the crisis in the Yugoslav province of Kosovo, with Mr. Simitis reiterating that a solution should be found based on political dialogue and international agreements.

He said the use of force was unacceptable and advocated greater autonomy for Kosovo without any change of borders.

"This is the Greek position and the one which we shall continue to support, " Mr. Simitis said.

Mr. Majko said his government's policy was based on the decisions of the Albanian parliament, adding that Tirana was closely following recent developments in Kosovo with great concern. He also charged ill treatment of the civilian population on a massiv e scale.

Agreeing with the Greek PM, Mr. Majko said a solution could only arise from dialogue between the political forces in Kosovo, pledging that if an agreement were reached, guaranteed internationally, Albania would support it.

He said there was a "dangerous vacuum" in Kosovo, with neither war nor peace prevailing.

"Some form of immediate intervention and the attainment of some soluton are needed, albeit with some provisional status in the region," Mr. Majko said, describing the arrival of OSCE observers as "a very positive step".

Meeting with opposition leaders : The Albanian PM also met with Greek political party leaders at a hotel where he is staying.

Main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis said that the content of the meeting focused on Greek-Albanian relations which he termed "a crucial parameter of Greek foreign policy", adding that what is of interest to Greece is for Albania to en ter the course of stability, restoration of order and democracy.

Communsit Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga promised Mr. Majko that KKE will intensify efforts to eliminate racism against Albanians, who currently constitute a "part of the Greek working class."

Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos said Greece must stand by Albania as a sincere strategic ally and partner, while Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas focused on the rights and obligations of both Al banians in Greece and of Hellenism in Albania.

Drys talks with Albanian counterpart : Deputy Finance Minister George Drys held talks yesterday with Albanian Finance Minister Anastaz Ageli on, among others, cooperation between the two countries on issues concerning taxation, cracking down on smuggling and customs cooperation, as well as on Greece's contribution to training officials of the Albanian finance ministry.

Athens News Agency

[02] Delors, Simitis to speak at int'l meeting on 'Euro-identity'

Athens 13/11/1998 (ANA)

The meeting is organised on the initiative of Mr. Simitis and Mr. Delors and by the Greek Centre of European Studies (EKEM) and "Our Europe" Union for Studies and Research, headed by Mr. Delors.

The meeting is being held under the aegis of the foreign ministry.

The three basic items on the agenda are: Nation, sovereignty and democracy; The state, the market and intermediate organisations; and The society of citizens.

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos opens proceedings today. Speakers on the first day include Henri Mendras, a member of France's National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), and Oxford University Professor Norman Davies, both of whom will address the topic "Europe - Between East and West".

The meeting ends this evening with discussion being opened to the floor and with Delors and Simitis speaking.

Athens News Agency

[03] Pangalos to travel to S. Africa

Athens 13/11/1998 (ANA)

His visit will be marked by a variety of cultural events, including two concerts conducted by Mikis Theodorakis of his musical adaptation of Odysseus Elytis' epic poem "Axion Esti".

Mr. Pangalos has said that proceeds from the concerts would be donated to South African President Nelson Mandela's charity to help impoverished children.

Mr. Mandela has said he will attend the Greek composer's concerts.

Athens News Agency

[04] Gov't: Nothing new on S-300 issue

Athens 13/11/1998 (ANA)

In response to a question regarding recent reports that the missiles will head to Crete instead of Cyprus, Mr. Reppas said such rumours have been published repeatedly.

"I must tell you that such a matter has not been considered. The decision taken has not changed, but is in effect. Everything else written could comprise ideas, views or approaches by various officials. They have not been placed at some official negotia ting table," he said.

Cyprus ordered the S-300 missiles in January 1997 in a bid to bolster the republic's air defence capability in case of a new Turkish offensive.

The US, Britain and other countries criticised the planned deployment of the missiles while Turkey has threatened to destroy them.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of the island's territory. Ankara has ignored numerous UN resolutions calling for the immediate withdrawal of its occupation troops from the island.

Athens News Agency

[05] Gov't says war reparation issue not abandoned

Athens 13/11/1998 (ANA)

Prime Minister Costas Simitis had repeatedly broached the issue with former German chancellor Helmut Kohl, he added.

Asked whether Mr. Simitis would make similar overtures to the new German chancellor, he replied that the issue of reparations was "timeless". Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos said on Wednesday the new government of Gerhard Schroeder should return the loan as well as grant compensation to Greek victims during the Nazi occupation who have filed suit for such in court. Bonn has to date refused to consider that Greece has any case in claiming payment of the loan, which Mr. Pangalos earlier last year es timated would total $US10 billion. Bonn has also refused to honour Greek court decisions on paying reparations to Greek nationals who lost family members or suffered during the occupation.

Athens News Agency

[06] COREPER rejects Greek proposal on Turkey

BRUSSELS 13/11/1998 (ANA - P. Pantelis)

Athens News Agency

[07] Int'l conference on cooperation to deal with Med region natural disasters

Athens 13/11/1998 (ANA)

Athens News Agency

[08] Schori: Turkey's European participation depends on certain conditions

Athens 13/11/1998 (ANA)

Mr. Schori is in Greece to address an event this evening at the Athens Concert Hall on the subject of "Greece and Sweden in a United Europe".

Expressing the desire to "avoid giving advice", Mr. Schori limited himself to saying that Turkey had the right to participate in the European Union but first had to fulfill certain prerequisites, such as respect for human rights.

Invited to Athens by the Lambrakis Studies Institute, Mr. Schori is best known in Greece for the solidarity he showed to Greek democrats during the seven-year military dictatorship (1967-74) and as a close friend and associate of late Swedish premier Ol af Palme. Shortly before speaking at the news conference, Mr. Schori met briefly with Albanian Premier Pandeli Majko who is staying at the same hotel. The main subject of discussion was the forthcoming visit of European officials to Tirana.

Mr. Schori will head a delegation of social democrats to Albania on Sunday.

"Albania needs our solidarity and the truth is that Greece's behaviour towards Albania has been an example to us all," Mr. Schori said.

Meanwhile, he said a statement by Athens to the effect that obstructions for EU financial aid towards Turkey be lifted would be "an act of political courage."

"Something like that would assist in the materialisation of a European strategy for Turkey, which constitutes a long-term necessity for Europe as well as for Greece," he said.

The Swedish minister also welcomed the beginning of accession talks between the EU and Cyprus, expressing a view that this would assist in the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Prime Minister Costas Simitis will speak at a Foreign Press Association (FPA) luncheon on Nov. 26.

The PM is expected to touch on government policy and to reply to questions.

Athens News Agency

[09] SAE leader strongly condemns US Jewish groups for lauding Turkish 'democracy, secularism'

Athens 13/11/1998 (ANA)

The ad, appearing in last Sunday's "New York Times", was paid for by the American Jewish Committeee, the American Jewish Congress and the Jewish Anti-Defamation League and issued on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Turkish re public. In a letter addressed to several leaders of Jewish communities in the US and abroad, which was also released in Athens, SAE president for N. and S. America Chris Tomaras expressed "disappointment and surprise" over the ad, which he said "goes agai nst the long tradition of friendship and common values shared between the Greek- American and Jewish-American communities".

"Of all the people of the world, the Jewish diaspora surely knows the meaning of the words holocaust, genocide and pogrom. Yet, when you applaud Turkey for its democratic and secular values, you choose to igore (or perhaps some of you really do not know) the organised, repeated and sustained wholesale persecution and murder of ethnic and religious minorities in Turkey in the 20th century," Mr. Tomaras said in his letter.

Athens News Agency

[10] Spyridon raises Patriarchate, Halki issues with Amnesty International officials

WASHINGTON 13/11/1998 (ANA)

During the meeting, Spyridon raised several issues regarding the recent persecution against the Theological School of Halki and the dismissal of its supervising board by Turkish authorities, as well as the safety of Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos.

Amnesty International expressed its concern and indicated an intention to pursue these issues as well as the broader matter of religious freedom for minorities in Turkey.

He also invited AI representatives to visit the Patriarchate and the Halki Academy. Along those lines, AI advocacy director Maureen Greenwood will travel to Istanbul next week and will meet with representatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Spyridon also expressed his satisfaction with the positive response by AI to the issue.

Athens News Agency

[11] Tudjman in Athens

Athens 13/11/1998 (ANA)

Athens News Agency

[12] Economic aid to countries hit by 'Mitch'

Athens 13/11/1998 (ANA)

In addition, $35,000 will be allocated through the group "Doctors of the World".

Athens News Agency

[13] Workers to stage nationwide strike Dec 15 in budget protest

Athens 13/11/1998 (ANA)

GSEE is demanding an increase in the tax-exempt limit for wage earners and pensioners to match the wages of an unskilled worker, and an inflation- linked tax scale.

The trade union umbrella group is also seeking more funds for education, health, welfare and social insurance.

It wants to see higher wages for its members, and pensions linked to the equivalent of 20 daily wages set for unskilled workers, or 80 percent of the minimum wage. Finally, GSEE is asking for free collective bargaining in the state's main companies, including utilities, as opposed to wages set by fiscal and incomes policy contained in the budget.

Civil servants union complains of loss of income : ADEDY, the civil servants union, said yesterday that 1998-99 wages had effectively dropped, exacerbated by a rise in witholding tax, a low tax-exempt level, and a failure to link the tax scale to inflation.

The union said the government's refusal to grant an extra payment at the end of the year to compensate for higher-than-expected inflation meant it was breaking its promise to safeguard wage levels.

A 2.0 percent salary rise pledged for 1999 again placed the burden of lowering inflation on public sector workers, ADEDY claimed.

In addition, cost-cutting measures in the public sector would lead to operational problems, it said.

Industrialists welcome EMU-oriented budget : The Federation of Greek Industry (SEB) yesterday welcomed the 1999 budget but urged strict implementation in order to achieve targets for the country's entry into European economic and monetary union by January 1, 2001.

SEB chairman Iason Stratos said that the new budget, unveiled by the government on Wednesday, was positive because it reaffirmed a determination for economic convergence.

However, the budget must be strictly implemented, Mr. Stratos said.

He also warned that primary spending could increase by 5.5 percent next year, faster than the budget's predictions.

In addition, a freeze in public utility rates should be accompanied by further restructuring in order to avoid new shortfalls.

Mr. Stratos said that according to the budget's introductory report, the rate of growth in the price of industrial products had slowed from a 7.1 percent rise in 1996 to a 3.8 percent increase in 1998.

ESEE reaction to '99 budget : The National Confederation of Greek Commerce (ESEE) yesterday noted that the 1999 budget "deprives the commercial world of the right of optimism."

It added that the budget "proves adherence to the sector of increased tax revenues and a failure to curb public expenditures" and that interest rates remain at disproportionately high levels at the expense of enterprises.

Replying to National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, who appealed to the patriotism of the business world on Wednesday, ESEE said that the "patriotism of each person, from whatever position which he may be serving the economy, is proved with actio ns and not words. And merchants have tabled their proof in practice in past weeks."

Athens News Agency

[14] Rampant drachma jumps on demand from abroad

Athens 13/11/1998 (ANA)

According to dealers, investors abroad are seeking drachmas to open positions in Greece, signalling confidence in the country's economy.

The mark stood at 167.755 drachmas after the central bank's daily fix against 167.50 drachmas before the intervention.

The Ecu was 329.800 drachmas at the fix and the dollar at 283.000 drachmas.

The drachma is currently 7.1 higher than its central parity in the European Union's exchange rate mechanism, aiding the government's drive to bring down consumer price inflation.

At the same time, the parity has created an imbalance in the market, contributing to the maintenance of high interest rates.

In addition, a climate of uncertainty has been created as to how, exactly, the drachma will return to normal levels, traders said.

Intense buying interest was seen in the bond market, mainly from abroad, driving turnover up to 18 billion drachmas.

Athens News Agency

[15] Agricultural Bank of Greece offers loans for Panafon IPO

Athens 13/11/1998 (ANA)

The bank said in a statement yesterday that buyers could obtain a personal loan for the purchase of up to 500,000 shares in Panafon.

The loans are obtainable on demand, with no documentation required.

For the purchase of stock up to one million drachmas, a tax clearance statement is required.

Repayment is monthly in up to 24 installments.

Athens News Agency

[16] Apostolopoulos Group breaks into health insurance

Athens 13/11/1998 (ANA)

The company's main programme, La Vie Health, will offer clients treatment, check-ups and tests at the Group's clinics and centres, Group president George Apostolopoulos told a news conference.

Coverage by La Vie Health is to include an unlimited number of visits to the Group's outpatients units, tests, check-ups and hospital treatment.

It will also provide treating doctors with patients' full medical records via computer link-ups, at the same time ensuring confidentiality.

Exclusive use of the Group's clinics and health centres will allow cost and quality control.

The Apostolopoulos Group has six hospital and diagnostic units with a projected capacity by end-1999 of 1,100 beds.

It employs 3,500 medical practitioners and 2,500 administrative and hospital personnel.

The Group is expanding its network to the Balkans and also has a centre in Moscow.

Athens News Agency

[17] Mytilineos buys out Metka

Athens 13/11/1998 (ANA)

Mytilineos is a metals trader, and both companies are listed on the Athens bourse.

After share exchanges between the two sides, Mytilineos will end up with 48 percent of common stock in Metka.

Details of the deal and Metka's future role in the Group are due to be given today.

Athens News Agency

[18] Greek stocks fall, new budget already discounted

Athens 13/11/1998 (ANA)

Players were waiting to see if the central bank would intervene to help lower interbank rates, traders said.

The general index ended 0.80 percent off at 2,228.94 points with turnover at 44.2 billion drachmas, slightly up on the previous session. Volume was 12,329,000 shares.

Sector indices lost ground.

Banks fell 1.34 percent, Insurance was 0.28 percent down, Investment eased 0.23 percent, Leasing dropped 0.69 percent, Industrials were 0.58 percent off, Construction plunged 2.22 percent, Miscellaneous fell 1.23 percent and Holding dropped 0.73 percent .

The parallel market index for small cap companies ended 0.51 percent up, reflecting an appetite for smaller capitalization stocks.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 144 to 86 with another 21 issues unchanged.

Aegek, Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation, Ideal and Alumil were the most heavily traded stocks.

Loulis, Mouriadis, Dimitriadis, Folli-Follie and Keranis hit the daily 8.0 percent limit up, followed by Levenderis, Tasoglu, Ridenco and Viosol which scored big gains.

Fintexport and Xifias hit the daily 8.0 percent limit down. General Commerce, Thessaliki, Sportsman, Proodeftiki, Sato and Hellenic Sugar also suffered heavy losses.

National Bank of Greece ended at 41,950 drachmas, Ergobank at 25,160, Alpha Credit Bank at 23,400, Ionian Bank at 11,800, Hellenic Telecoms at 6,400, Delta Dairy at 3,485, Intracom at 12,930, Titan Cement at 17,185, Hellenic Petroleum at 2,400 and Minoan Lines at 6,250 drachmas.

Athens News Agency

[19] Petzetakis plastics reports 26 pct profit rise in Jan-Sept

Athens 13/11/1998 (ANA)

Profits before interest, depreciation and extraordinary results were 3.9 billion drachmas from 3.2 billion drachmas in January-September 1997, up 23.3 percent, managing director Giovanni Coda told a news conference.

Pre-tax profits were 741 million drachmas against 657 million drachmas in the same period of last year, marking a 13 percent rise.

Mr. Coda attributed the relatively low rate of increase mainly to extraordinary losses and to devaluation of the drachma by 13.8 percent in March.

Sales totalled 20.7 billion drachmas against 19.6 billion a year earlier, up by 5.0 percent.

Shareholders' equity increased by 15 percent to 14.7 billion drachmas.

Petzetakis expects to see stronger sales in 1998 and better operational results although no major change is expected in net profits against 1997 due to the drachma's devaluation, Mr. Coda said.

The company's performance is expected to improve substantially in 1999 due to an expected acceleration in infrastructure projects and a forecast decline in interest rates, he said.

Athens News Agency

[20] Profile of Internet users in Greece

Athens 13/11/1998 (ANA)

OTEnet organised a one-day conference in Athens on the issue of "Business Activities on the Internet, which focused on the profile of users and the market share of Greek companies on the Internet.

OTEnet officials said that 34 per cent of users are under 30 years of age; 27 per cent are between the ages of 30 and 39; 26 per cent are 40 to 49 and 13 per cent are over the age of 50, adding that 65 per cent of users are men - half of which are single.

OTEnet said 15 per cent of users reside in rural areas; 60 per cent live in Athens and Thessaloniki, while the remaining 25 per cent reside in the rest of Greece's cities.

Some 53 per cent of usage involves work-related activities; 30 per cent entertainment and 17 per cent education.

Finally, OTEnet said it has 30.5 per cent of the market share; Forthnet 18.8 per cent; Hellas-On-Line 18.2 per cent and Compulink 8.2 per cent.

Athens News Agency

[21] Thrace Plastics counts on larger presence in Balkans

Athens 13/11/1998 (ANA)

The company believes in parallel that benfits will result for both the plastics sector and the company itself from the operation of the Hellenic Petroleum's polypropylene production factory.

The Thrace Plastics company further said that its presence in the international exhibitions Cinte Techtextil in Osaka, Japan, was a considerable success for technical-industrial textile products.

Athens News Agency

[22] National Bank participation in Panafon share purchases

Athens 13/11/1998 (ANA)

National Bank offers personal loans amounting up to one million drachmas with a 20 per cent interest rate.

The possibility of using the right of an overdraw in current deposits accounts for up to 500,000 drachmas with an 18 per cent interest rate.

Moreover, the possibility of using the right of receiving advance payments in cash through credit cards for up to 300,000 drachmas per card with a 21.55 per cent interest rate.

In order to provide better service for non-constitutional investors, the National Bank undertakes the keeping and management of both Panafon's shares and other shares which are negotiable at the Athens Stock Exchange without any charge.

Athens News Agency

[23] Conference on sea transport safety

Athens 13/11/1998 (ANA)

"No serious accident causing destruction and loss of life happened suddenly, while at the same time there were many advance warnings which were ignored, " was the main conclusion reached at the conference. According to data presented at the conference, i t has been scientifically ascertained that for every serious naval accident there were 30 advance warnings in the form of small accidents and 300 near accidents. Piraeus University professor Dimitris Kokotos said that the consequences of accidents do not only have repercussions for seamen and shipowners but also for ports, coves and beaches. At the same time, they have a dramatic effect on the quality of life of inhabitants, and fishermen in particular, as well as on all who depend on recreation activities.

According to data provided by the International Maritime Organisation, the main causes of naval accidents are sinkings, fires, explosions, collisions, shipwrecks, running aground and ships which have gone missing. Ioannis Panopoulos, a technical consult ant of the Union of Greek Shipowners, said that the great changes which occurred in shipping over the past 25 years had considerable repercussions on the safety and environment of shipping.

Athens News Agency

[24] 35-per cent buyout of Rom Telecom by OTE finalised

Athens 13/11/1998 (ANA)

The signing of the agreement sealed a successful auction for OTE, proclaimed by the Romanian government.

The agreement was signed by Romanian Communications Minister Sorin Padis, the president of SOF (National Ownership Organisation) Radu Sarbu and OTE's managing director Georgios Chrysolouris. Also present were representatives of the Greek utility's advis ers, namely, the Morgan Stanley investment house.

The 35 per cent stake in share capital and the assumption of the Romanian telecoms organisation's management is accompanied by terms in the agreement which anticipate OTE's right of vote for an additional 16 per cent of Rom Telecom's capital.

OTE was assisted in its bid by GTE Telecom, a subsidiary of the US GTE Corporation. Cooperation between OTE and GTE Telecom will also continue after the signing of the agreement with GTE playing an advisory role for OTE concerning Rom Telecom's manageme nt through the transfer of relevant know-how and the contribution of experienced administrative staff which will handle some of the company's daily functions.

With the agreement, OTE substantively enters a market of 22.6 million people, double that of Greece, and with considerable prospects of development in the telecommunications sector.

Athens News Agency

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