Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 99-06-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] Government to keep its economic policy intact, PM says

[02] Black Sea Trade and Development Bank launched

[03] Gov't again dismisses latest Turkish quips over PKK ties in Greece

[04] Restructuring of Kosovo, Balkans dominates EU Council discussions

[05] EU pleased with Cyprus' Union progress so far

[06] Athens, Nicosia laud G8 initiative for lasting solution on Cyprus

[07] Representatives of Balkan NGOs to meet in Athens

[08] To Readers of the Daily Bulletin

[09] Minister says economic policy is "trump card"

[10] Industry leader wants the state to keep out of business

[11] Stocks rise, just hold above 4,000 points

[12] Northern Greece exporters report increase in '97 sales

[13] Mutual funds' total assets

[14] Gov't emphasises need for OA's management to pass to foreign investor

[15] Three-day Interamerican public subscription begins today

[16] Athens Foreign Exchange

[01] Government to keep its economic policy intact, PM says

Athens, 22/06/1999 (ANA)

Addressing the Federation of Greek Industry's annual assembly, Mr. Simitis promised that economic gains secured by the government so far would not be jeopardised.

"Our line is clear-cut ... The government will not endanger the country's strategic objectives, or sacrifices made by the public," he said.

Furthermore, confidence in the domestic economy and its outlook also would not be thrown away for short-term targets.

The ruling PASOK party came three percentage points behind the main opposition New Democracy party in the June 13 European elections, causing unease among some party officials due to national polls in 2000.

Mr. Simitis acknowledged that the election results "certainly contain signals."

"One thing is certain. The Greek public is demanding continuation of the way forward, a sense of responsibility and hard work. It expects us to work harder, more quickly, more effectively in order to tackle the problems.

"We will not waste effort on opportunistic moves. We do not conduct politics of the moment, and neither will we make moves that expire within days," the prime minister added.

At the same time, he pledged that the government would improve its performance in problem areas, but not where achievements and progress had already been recorded.

Beyond following the same policies, he said that challenges lay in completing infrastructure projects in order to improve the quality of life; modernising state services; and protecting the social aspect of policy and practice.

If Greece showed the same progress, then it would join economic and monetary union as planned on January 1, 2001, Mr. Simitis added.

Finally, he again called on industry to maintain price freezes and declines to aid the government's battle against inflation, which is the stumbling block to entry into the euro zone.

Athens News Agency

[02] Black Sea Trade and Development Bank launched

Athens, 22/06/1999 (ANA)

National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, who launched the bank's operation, said the new credit institution was the means of achieving development targets set by the Black Sea Economic Cooperation group, of which Greece is a member.

Mr. Papantoniou presented Greek proposals for a national plan to help rebuild Balkan economies and develop bilateral economic relations with Black Sea states.

He noted that economic growth in the Balkans and in the Black Sea region should occur through gradual integration into a wider Europe.

He also said that Greece was in a position to help regional nations because the country was a part of the Balkans, a member of the European Union and other western organisations, and possessed a strong economy.

The minister said that Thessaloniki and northern Greece could play a vital role in this effort, and pledged that the European Union's Third Community Support Framework would allow 50 percent more funding to Macedonia and Thrace.

Finally, Deputy Foreign Minister Grigoris Niotis told the inauguration that Thessaloniki would host a Black Sea foreign ministers meeting with the EU's troika on October 27-28.

The newly created bank's chairman, Ersoy Volkan of Turkey, said the institution should act as a catalyst in attracting foreign capital and promoting cooperation among member countries, beyond financing trade.

He said he hoped the bank would develop into a leading power in the region.

Athens News Agency

[03] Gov't again dismisses latest Turkish quips over PKK ties in Greece

Athens, 22/06/1999 (ANA)

Athens has strongly rejected oft-repeated, yet unsubstantiated Turkish claims of PKK training camps in the country.

Athens News Agency

[04] Restructuring of Kosovo, Balkans dominates EU Council discussions

LUXEMBOURG, 22/06/1999 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Greece was represented by Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Alternate Foreign Minister Yiannos Kranidiotis.

The Greek side raised the issue of a slackening of sanctions imposed on Serbia by the EU, focusing its attention on the need to tackle problems of a humanitarian nature created by three months of NATO bombings. However, no decision was taken on the issue and the "15" referred the problem to a future meeting.

The Council also examined the restructuring of Kosovo and the issue of which personalities will undertake the task of coordinating the EU's efforts.

The Greek side underlined that the "Balkan Restructuring Organisation", whose creation was decided during the Cologne summit, should be headquartered in Thessaloniki. The Greek FM said that on the part of the European Commission it has been proposed that the organisation in question should focus solely on the restructuring of Kosovo and have its headquarters in Skopje at an initial phase and then in Pristina.

Mr. Papandreou said he disagrees with this approach and that in Greece's view, Thessaloniki should be preferred, as it features all the suitable infrastructure for the operation of the organisation, adding that this option will not obstruct the function ing of the organisation's specific networks in Balkan countries. The final decision will probably be ratified by the EU's Council in October.

On the question of Yugoslavia, the "15" believe that the preconditions permiting the EU to approach it have not yet been fulfilled.

Regarding the officials who will undertake specific responsibilities on the part of the EU for the restructuring of the Balkans, various countries submitted a number of candidacies.

On the question of the person to head the UN mission in Kosovo, the "15" are expecting the UN Secretary General to give them a relevant invitation to enable them to select a personality from one of the 15 member-states for the post. Among names mentioned are those of former British Liberal Leader Paddy Ashdown, EU's acting humanitarian aid commissioner Emma Bonino from Italy, French Health Minister Bernard Kouchner and former French Culture Minister Jack Lang.

Personalities proposed for the post of coordinator in the framework of the Stability Pact are Wolf Petric from Austria and H. Pronk from the Netherlands, while German EU Presidency sources also mentioned the name of Christos Rozakis.

Athens News Agency

[05] EU pleased with Cyprus' Union progress so far

LUXEMBOURG, 22/06/1999 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

"If the Republic of Cyprus continues with the same pace, the first round of negotiations on its harmonisation with the acquis communautaire will have been completed," he said after the regular six-monthly intergovernmental conference of the EU with Cyprus yesterday.

He added that certain important aspects, such as taxation and free movement of capital were pending, but expressed hope that on these, too, Cyprus would be able to come up with satisfactory answers.

Regarding the island republic's political problem, Mr. van den Broek said the recent decision by the G8 to urge the UN to restart talks between the two communities was particularly encouraging and gave rise to hopes that the Turkish side would respond in a positive manner.

The president of the Council, German Deputy Foreign Minister Guenter Verheugen also said Cyprus was on a good path, that 10 chapters in negotiations had already closed and that the EU would encourage the island republic to proceed at the same pace.

Alternate Foreign Minister Yiannos Kranidiotis spoke in the same spirit and concurred with Mr. van den Broek on the progress of negotiations. He said the G8 decision underlined the broader international interest in the problem, particularly of the larger countries.

He also stressed that if the Turkish Cypriots accepted the UN Secretary General's invitation to the talks, this would have an especially positive impact on Turkey's European prospects.

Cypriot FM Ioannis Kassoulides thanked the German presidency for the way it had handled the issue of Cyprus over the last six months, and appeared optimistic that the G8 decision would kick-start the negotiations until November.

Athens News Agency

[06] Athens, Nicosia laud G8 initiative for lasting solution on Cyprus

Athens, 22/06/1999 (ANA)

National Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and his visiting Cypriot counterpart Yiannakis Chryssostomis noted after talks in Athens that the decision taken in Cologne by the G8 leaders was "positive."

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos also expressed a hope that the G8 decision will implement the same priniciple applied to Kosovo, adding that "for the past 25 years, two sets of standards have applied in the case of Cyprus".

Replying to press questions, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said any agreements that exist between Greece and Cyprus are in the stage of materialisation, and within the context of supporting the joint defence doctrine between the two countries.

He also stress ed that the Republic of Cyprus maintained responsibility for its armaments programme, while Athens supported Nicosia's initiatives for both its prospective European Union membership and in boosting its defences.

In a related matter, the Greek minister anticipated that deployment of the Russian-made S-300 missiles on Crete would be completed within the next three months.

Mr. Chryssostomis said he and his Greek counterpart were in full agreement, adding that Greece was offered the primary support for the island republic's struggle, while he thanked Athens for its assistance.

The two men also discussed future bilate ral cooperation in the military sector, especially in holding joint exercises and in the field of training and specialisation.

Finally, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos described as "positive" an agreement reached for the disarmament of the so-called "Kosovo Liberation Army".

Athens News Agency

[07] Representatives of Balkan NGOs to meet in Athens

Athens, 22/06/1999 (ANA)

Ten NGOs from Greece, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Albania, Croatia and Bosnia are expected to participate in the conference, which will open on the same day as the "International Day of the United Nations for the Protection of Torture Victims."

Network members in cooperation with the international council for the remediation of torture victims (IRCT), have been active in the Balkans in support of war victims.

Athens News Agency Athens 22/06/1999 (ANA)

The European Cultural Centre of Delphi will begin its summer programme next week with particular emphasis given to musical events.

"Delphica", a series of sculptures by noted Greek sculptor Thodoros, will inaugurate events on Saturday, to be followed by the "International Musical Meeting" from July 6-11, featuring famous operas and a representation of contemporary trends in musicals, in the local Greek and European theatre scene.

Athens News Agency

[08] To Readers of the Daily Bulletin

Athens, 22/06/1999 (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.

Athens News Agency

[09] Minister says economic policy is "trump card"

Athens, 22/06/1999 (ANA)

Speaking in Thessaloniki, Mr. Papantoniou said economic policy had attained its targets, and implementation would continue normally.

"PASOK's slogan 'we said it, and we did it' is totally apt," he said.

Asked to comment on rumoured changes to tax policy, Mr. Papantoniou said: "There will be no deviation, neither to one side nor the other' from policy drafted by the government after consensus talks.

He added that a new package of measures would come into effect on January 1, 2000, as aleady announced.

Asked to comment on a rumoured cabinet reshuffle involving ministers with economic portfolios, Mr. Papantoniou replied he had "no comment on issues that are the prime minister's concern".

The government has denied that a reshuffle is ahead.

Athens News Agency

[10] Industry leader wants the state to keep out of business

Athens, 22/06/1999 (ANA)

Addressing SEB's annual assembly, Mr. Stratos recommended that it should pull out of goods and services already handled by the public sector.

Privatisation overall should be accelerated, with priority to selling major state banks, he added.

Instead of being an entrepreneur while intervening in the private sector, the state should adopt a contemporary role as a regulator and supervisor, and act to spur growth.

In addition, more competitiveness was needed in the economy, especially in sectors including fuel, energy and telecommunications.

Finally, Mr. Stratos welcomed progress made towards the country's entry into the euro zone, which he thought was feasible.

Amelioration of the economy was due to the government's stabilisation policy, which had brought discernible benefits despite delays, he added.

Athens News Agency

[11] Stocks rise, just hold above 4,000 points

Athens, 22/06/1999 (ANA)

Traders said buying interest focused on smaller capitalisation stocks with blue chips once again remaining on the sidelines.

The general index ended 0.85 percent higher at 4,001.77 points, off the day's highs.

Turnover was a moderate 134.373 billion drachmas with 27,276,820 shares changing hands.

The insurance sector and the parallel market for smaller cap stocks outperformed the market with gains of 5.34 and 4.73 percent respectively.

Other sector indices ended as follows: Banks (+0.23 pct), Leasing (+2.59 pct), Investment (+2.42 pct), Construction (+1.15 pct), Industrials (+1.22 pct), Miscellaneous (+2.16 pct) and Holding (+2.19 pct).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips ended 0.07 percent up at 2,361.76 points. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 208 to 72 with another 17 issues unchanged.

Thessaliki, ANEK Lines, Intersat and Mytilineos were the most heavily traded stocks.

A total of 56 issues ended at the day's 8.0 percent limit up.

National Bank of Greece ended at 21,000 drachmas, Alpha Credit Bank at 20, 845, Ergobank at 32,340, Ionian Bank at 16,695, Titan Cement at 28,960, Hellenic Petroleum at 2,730, Intracom at 20,730, Minoan Lines at 4,990, Panafon at 7,480 and Hellenic Telecoms at 7,195.

Athens News Agency

[12] Northern Greece exporters report increase in '97 sales

Athens, 22/06/1999 (ANA)

According to the collected data, a 15 per cent average increase in exports was recorded in 1997, while in 1996, exports had decreased by 4 per cent. On average, the volume of exports of each business was about 504 million drachmas in 1997. Sales increas ed by 12 per cent in 1997, while in 1996 they decreased by 13 per cent. Investments decreased 55 per cent in 1996 but increased 18 per cent in 1997. It has been assessed that on average each company made investments amounting to about 87 million drachmas.

Athens News Agency

[13] Mutual funds' total assets

Athens, 22/06/1999 (ANA)

The mutual funds' assets are 10.93 per cent higher since the beginning of the year. The biggest increase as of June 18 was achieved by the overseas mutual funds with 1.44 per cent and the domestic share mutual funds (1.12 per cent), while the biggest de crease in assets were reported by the overseas bond mutual funds (-0.65 per cent).

Athens News Agency

[14] Gov't emphasises need for OA's management to pass to foreign investor

Athens, 22/06/1999 (ANA)

The government spokesman said that as soon as the relevant settlement is ratified it will be put into effect with transparent processes.

Athens News Agency

[15] Three-day Interamerican public subscription begins today

Athens, 22/06/1999 (ANA)

Interamerican is proceeding with an equity capital increase through public subscription and entry of its shares in the Athens Stock Exchange. The Athens-based company will issue more than 4.5 million new common nominal shares, to be offered to the publi c and institutional investors at a ratio of 70 to 30 per cent, respectively, and at 7,000 drachmas each.

Public subscription starts today through Friday. The issue will be launched by the National Bank of Greece, which is also a consultant along with Telesis.

Athens News Agency

[16] Athens Foreign Exchange

Athens, 22/06/1999 (ANA)

Parities in Drachmas

Banknotes             Buying  Selling
US Dollar             310.992 318.202
Can.Dollar            212.348 217.271
Australian Dlr        203.162 207.872
Pound Sterling        495.048 506.526
Irish Punt            409.036 418.520
Pound Cyprus          556.512 569.415
Pound Malta           731.538 762.019
Turkish pound (100)     0.068   0.071
French franc           49.110  50.249
Swiss franc           201.594 206.268
Belgian franc           7.986   8.171
German Mark           164.709 168.528
Finnish Mark           54.180  55.436
Dutch Guilder         146.182 149.571
Danish Kr.             43.358  44.364
Swedish Kr.            36.789  37.642
Norwegian Kr.          39.710  40.630
Austrian Sh.           23.411  23.954
Italian lira (100)     16.637  17.023
Yen (100)             254.458 260.358
Spanish Peseta          1.936   1.981
Port. Escudo            1.607   1.644

Foreign Exchange      Buying  Selling
New York              310.992 318.202
Montreal              212.348 217.271
Sydney                203.162 207.872
London                495.048 506.526
Dublin                409.036 418.520
Nicosia               556.512 569.415
Paris                  49.110  50.249
Zurich                201.594 206.268
Brussels                7.986   8.171
Frankfurt             164.709 168.528
Helsinki               54.180  55.436
Amsterdam             146.182 149.571
Copenhagen             43.358  44.364
Stockholm              36.789  37.642
Oslo                   39.710  40.630
Vienna                 23.411  23.954
Milan                  16.637  17.023
Tokyo                 254.458 260.358
Madrid                  1.936   1.981
Lisbon                  1.607   1.644

Athens News Agency

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