Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 99-09-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece defines EU-Turkey relations in terms of national interests

[02] Stocks hit new record, sprint through 5,600 pts

[03] Bonds hold low levels in thin trade

[04] Taxes to stay the same, gov't says

[05] Commercial Bank opens Romanian subsidiary

[06] Night clubs found concealing revenue

[07] Aegean Airlines gets 100,000 passengers

[08] Small industries assured their pensions are safe

[09] Relief on the cards for small border firms

[10] Gov't sets up new employment centres

[11] Athens Foreign Exchange

[12] Simitis receives newly-elected Greek Eurodeputies

[13] Stephanopoulos most favoured for re-election to presidency

[14] Kaklamaniw, German FM argue on Kosovo

[15] Holy Synod examines issue of Pope visit

[16] Onassis Foundation says KPMG Fides is not as great as it thinks it is

[17] Kyrkos gives thanks for presidency nomination

[18] 2004 Olympics a challenge to show Greece as regional leader

[19] Bulgarian businesses convey proposal to Greece

[20] Commandos to re-enact daring `Operation Anglo`

[21] Turkish freighter picks up five Greeks

[22] Tsovolas criticisesgovernment, main opposition over economics

[23] Papariga to tour Thessaloniki fair

[24] Thessaloniki college to pay tribute to former US governor Dukakis

[25] Cyprus discusses cooperation with northeastern Greece

[26] Kokoretsi vies for Guinness Book of Records

[01] Greece defines EU-Turkey relations in terms of national interests

Athens, 07/09/1999 (ANA)

"Greece has defined Euro-Turkish relations with terms which safeguard national interests and with the fulfillment of specific preconditions on the part of Turkey. This policy is correct, it is effective, it is a policy of principles and it will not change," government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said in response to accusations by the main opposition New Democracy party that government policy on the funding of Turkey has harmed the country's steadfast interests.

"Greece's contribution to the handling of the consequences of the devastating earthquake in Turkey does not harm this framework, but in addition it promotes national interest," Mr. Reppas said and accused ND of "distorting reality and indeed in sectors where it should have increased responsibility."

Earlier, Mr. Spiliotopoulos had accused the government of harming the country's steadfast interests.

"The Simitis government, in order to receive praise from third parties, is once again backtracking, undermining its own policy and harming the country's steadfast interests," Mr. Spiliotopoulos said adding that the government was proposing "the same regulations for the funding of Turkey over which Greece had threatened in the past to resort to the European Court."

EU foreign ministers on Sunday accepted, during an informal meeting in Finland, Greece's proposal that earthquake-stricken Turkey should receive reconstruction aid from the 15-nation bloc.

Working session with defence, foreign ministers : Prime Minister Costas Simitis had a working session last night with National Defence and Foreign Affairs Ministers Akis Tsohatzopoulos and George Papandreou and Alternate Foreign Minister Yannos Kranidiotis.

Foreign Minister Papandreou told reporters afterwards that he briefed the meeting on the European Union foreign ministers informal meeting in Finland over the weekend.

Referring to Greek-Turkish relations after Greece's tremendous solidarity and aid to Turkey in the wake of the devastating August 17 earthquake, Mr. Papandreou said:

"First, there is of course a message by the peoples of the two countries. I think it is a very important message which simply says 'work for peace, work for cooperation'. From then on, concrete problems that exist between Greece and Turkey or issues such as the Cyprus problem have not yet been solved. These issues should in any case be examined. Let us hope that the climate that has been created will contribute (towards this end), but let us wait".

Clinton sends letter praising Greek quake aid to Turkey : U.S. President Bill Clinton has sent a letter to Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis congratulating him on the Greek help offered to Turkey in the wake of the devastating August 17 earthquake.

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas told reporters yesterday that President Clinton had congratulated the government on the "important" humanitarian work it had undertaken for Turkey, saying it had furthered prospects for greater rapprochement between the two countries.

Papandreou meets business and banking representatives : Foreign Minister George Papandreou yesterday met with representatives of 36 business and banking institutions, to brief them on the latest developments in the Balkans and Greek-Turkish relations.

During his address, Mr. Papandreou said that the aim of the country's foreign policy is the creation of relations of peace and cooperation with all the countries in the region, which will allow for the promotion of the country's interests.

The foreing minister also advised the representatives to contribute to the development of economic cooperation with Turkey, either on a bilateral or a regional level through joint initiatives.

Mr. Papandreou reiterated the will of the government and his ministry to afford every possible aid to businessmen for the development of their activities throughout the Balkans.

Business cooperation : ISTANBUL (ANA-A.Kourkoulas) - Greek-Turkish Business Cooperation Council Turkish Section President Sapik Tara yesterday said that the council will meet in Athens on October 12-13.

Speaking to Turkish daily "Hur-riyet", Mr. Tara said that discussion will focus on the positive climate between the two countries following Greek aid to earthquake victims, the possibilities of Greek-Turkish business cooperation in the Balkans and the issue of the mutual reduction of armaments.

Venizelos : Turkey must be included in the plans to reconstruct the Balkans so that the wounds caused by the earthquake can be healed, Development Minister Evangelos Venizelos said in Thessaloniki yesterday.

Mr. Venizelos added that Turkey's inclusion in these plans had to be under certain conditions. He was speaking during the inaugural ceremony for a conference on international conflicts, held by the Institute for International Public Law in the northern city.

"Reconstruction must include the entire southern Balkans, without exceptions," Mr. Venizelos said.

"Reconstruction must now include Turkey and the restoration of material damage caused by the earthquake. We are pleased that our country and the city of Thessaloniki, as headquarters for Balkan reconstruction services, is being called on to play - and will play - an active and very important role."

He said Greece could play this role not only through the Community or in partnership with other countries, but also with its own unilateral initiatives.

Athens News Agency

[02] Stocks hit new record, sprint through 5,600 pts

Athens, 07/09/1999 (ANA)

The general index ended 3.95 percent up at 5,621.67 points from 5,407.85 points in the previous session.

Turnover was 424.324 billion drachmas from 388.181 billion with 46,590,323 shares changing hands.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks (+1.65 pct), Insurance (+3.65 pct), Construction (+7.93 pct), Miscellaneous (+6.81 pct), Leasing (+2.98 pct), Investment (+5.89 pct), Industrials (+5.36 pct) and Holding (+7.85 pct).

The parallel market index for smaller capitalisation stocks rose 6.57 percent while the FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 2.79 percent higher at 3,019.97 points.

Of 312 shares traded, advancers led decliners at 286 to 25 with one issue remaining unchanged.

A total of 109 shares ended at the daily 8.0 percent limit up.

Hellenic Petroleum and Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation were the most heavily traded stocks, while Etane, National Bank of Greece and Bank of Piraeus led the day's turnover.

National Bank of Greece ended at 25,000 drachmas, Alpha Credit Bank at 24, 800, Bank of Piraeus at 9,930, Commercial Bank at 32,000, Titan Cement (common) at 35,450, Hellenic Petroleum at 4,060, Intracom (common) at 28, 950, Minoan Lines at 8,750, Panafon at 10,090 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation at 6,945.

Athens News Agency

[03] Bonds hold low levels in thin trade

Athens, 07/09/1999 (ANA)

Electronic turnover was 8.0 billion drachmas from 25 billion drachmas in the previous session and 30 billion drachmas on Thursday. Of yesterday's total, sell orders accounted for the whole of the amount.

The benchmark 10-year bond was still trading below par around 98.75, showing a yield of about 6.58 percent, the same as in the last few sessions.

The yield spread over German bunds was 161 to 162 basis points from 163 basis points a session earlier and 161-163 basis points on Thursday.

At the central bank's daily fix, the euro nosed up versus the drachma.

It ended at 326.920 drachmas from 326.310 drachmas a session earlier.

Also at the fix, the dollar rose against the drachma in line with its ascent in international markets.

The greenback was set at 307.750 drachmas from 305.450 drachmas in the previous session and 305.990 drachmas on Thursday.

Turnover creeps up in futures trade : Trade on the newly created Athens Derivatives Market (ADEX) retained its momentum yesterday with turnover rising to 3.0 billion drachmas from 2.9 billion drachmas in the previous session.

Futures on the FTSE/ASE-20 stock index totalled 263 September contracts, which finished at 2,936.71 from 2,889.95 in the previous session; and 205 October contracts ending at 2,941.71 from 2,893,21 a session earlier.

Another 56 trades were in November contracts.

Athens News Agency

[04] Taxes to stay the same, gov't says

Athens, 07/09/1999 (ANA)

A package of measures covering tax and social insurance released last week were the steps the government had announced it would take, and no more were forthcoming, Mr. Reppas said in reply to a reporter's question.

He rejected use of the terms "hand-outs" or "concessions" to describe the measures as misleading.

The government has said the relief it offered to lower income groups was part of ongoing policy and commensurate with economic progress.

The opposition claims the measures aim to attract votes in national elections due in September 2000.

Athens News Agency

[05] Commercial Bank opens Romanian subsidiary

Athens, 07/09/1999 (ANA)

The unit is a subsidiary of state-owned Commercial Bank of Greece, which is listed on the Athens bourse.

Commercial Bank owns 97.5 percent of ICBSB, whose share capital totals 6.5 million US dollars. It has assets of 20 million US dollars.

Athens News Agency

[06] Night clubs found concealing revenue

Athens, 07/09/1999 (ANA)

Athens News Agency

[07] Aegean Airlines gets 100,000 passengers

Athens, 07/09/1999 (ANA)

The newly created airline flies to Iraklio, Hania, Thessaloniki and Rhodes.

Aegean is expecting the delivery of two new aircraft this year.

On October 1, it will inaugurate flights to Alexandroupoli, Kavala and Kerkyra.

Athens News Agency

[08] Small industries assured their pensions are safe

Athens, 07/09/1999 (ANA)

In the event of closure, the state would undertake to pay the pensions, Mr. Papaioannou told a seminar at the Thessaloniki Light Industry Chamber.

Representatives of the sector have expressed concern at the future of the newly created Insurance Organisation for the Self-Employed.

Athens News Agency

[09] Relief on the cards for small border firms

Athens, 07/09/1999 (ANA)

Mr. Venizelos and National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou are due to announced the package later this month.

Athens News Agency

[10] Gov't sets up new employment centres

Athens, 07/09/1999 (ANA)

Mr. Protopapas made the announcement while inaugurating one of the centres. He said that unemployment had shown a declining trend this year.

Athens News Agency

[11] Athens Foreign Exchange

Athens, 07/09/1999 (ANA)

Parities in Drachmas

Banknotes             Buying  Selling
US Dollar             305.288 312.366
Can.Dollar            204.749 209.496
Australian Dlr        197.031 201.599
Pound Sterling        490.167 501.532
Irish Punt            411.782 421.330
Pound Cyprus          560.480 573.475
Pound Malta           712.820 742.521
Turkish pound (100)     0.063   0.066
French franc           49.440  50.587
Swiss franc           202.839 207.542
Belgian franc           8.039   8.226
German Mark           165.815 169.659
Finnish Mark           54.544  55.809
Dutch Guilder         147.163 150.575
Danish Kr.             43.598  44.609
Swedish Kr.            37.541  38.412
Norwegian Kr.          39.103  40.009
Austrian Sh.           23.568  24.114
Italian lira (100)     16.749  17.137
Yen (100)             278.177 284.626
Spanish Peseta          1.949   1.994
Port. Escudo            1.618   1.655

Foreign Exchange      Buying  Selling
New York              305.288 312.366
Montreal              204.749 209.496
Sydney                197.031 201.599
London                490.167 501.532
Dublin                411.782 421.330
Cyprus                560.480 573.475
Paris                  49.440  50.587
Zurich                202.839 207.542
Brussels                8.039   8.226
Frankfurt             165.815 169.659
Helsinki               54.544  55.809
Amsterdam             147.163 150.575
Copenhagen             43.598  44.609
Stockholm              37.541  38.412
Oslo                   39.103  40.009
Vienna                 23.568  24.114
Milan                  16.749  17.137
Tokyo                 278.177 284.626
Madrid                  1.949   1.994
Lisbon                  1.618   1.655

President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos yesterday received Interior Minister Vasso Papandreou and Public Order Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis and discussed the role of volunteerism in modern society.

The two ministers proposed to the president that he heads the campaign to support the movement of volunteerism for the protection of forests.

Mr. Stephanopoulos accepted the proposal and said that "the contribution of volunteers in forest protection and firefighting is huge."

According to Mr. Chrysohoidis 1,500 volunteer firefighters have already been trained and their number is growing by those who are trained by municipalities and communities.

Mr. Stephanopoulos expressed his satisfaction over the results of forest firefighting this year and for the immediate response of firefighting units and other forces.

Athens News Agency

[12] Simitis receives newly-elected Greek Eurodeputies

Athens, 07/09/1999 (ANA)

Mr. Simitis noted that the new European Parliament is confronted by conflicting conditions, since its role has been upgraded by the Amsterdam treaty, while it still is underated by the European voters, adding that this was shown by the last Euroelections.

The prime minister noted that this climate of indifference must change otherwise the European Union course will face serious problems and underlined the danger of "the European unification to become a paternalistic, in the best of circumstances, or an a rbitrary diplomatic process between governments at worst, if it does not have foundations in the minds of the European peoples."

Such a Europe, he said, will be a fragile structure and easy pray to the attacks of backward looking forces of a new chauvinist attitude, which is attempting to erode the European idea.

Mr. Simitis also spoke of the challenges, which Europe will confront over the next few years, regarding the formulation of a common foreign policy, the formation of an independent defence ability, the enlargement of the Union and the confrontation of employment.

During these important developments, the premier said, Greece should not be absent, as every Eurodeputy should respond to this great mission.

Athens News Agency

[13] Stephanopoulos most favoured for re-election to presidency

Athens, 07/09/1999 (ANA)

The poll carried out by "Kapa Research" for the local daily "Angelioforos tis Makedonias" (the Macedonia messenger), said two out of three persons asked favour Mr. Stephanopoulos' re-election.

According to figures, out of 800 persons asked "whom they would like as president of the republic" , 61.6 percent favoured Mr. Stephanopoulos, followed by 17.4 percent for Dimitris Avramopoulos, the current mayor of Athens, 10.6 percent for Constantine Mitsotakis, the former premier and current honourary president of the main opposition New Democracy party and 4.3 percent for Leonidas Kyrkos, a candidate of the Coalition of the Left and Progress, while 8.1 percent said they would vote for no one.

Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Sunday urged the country's political parties to re-elect Mr. Stephanopoulos in order to avoid early elections in March, a move that could jeopardise the economy and Greece's entry into the European Monetary Union (EMU) in 2001.

Veteran leftist Leonidas Kyrkos was the only other candidate named until now, by the Coalition of the Left and Progress on Sunday.

Athens News Agency

[14] Kaklamaniw, German FM argue on Kosovo

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer disagreed over the issue of Kosovo, while the latter warned Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic that the "Greater Serbia" policy he is following can lead to autonomy for Montenegro and Vojvodina in yesterday's meeting of Council of Europe member-state Parliament Presidents and the G-8 in the German Parliament building in Bonn in the framework of celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of parliamentary rule in the country and the transfer of Germany's capital to Berlin.

"I represent Greece here. A country which was destroyed by the tempest of fascism and Nazism. The first country in Europe which did not allow the advance of axis forces. We are particularly proud because, together with Britain, we were the two countries in Europe which we believe gave other peoples the possibility of organising their resistance," he said.

Mr. Kaklamanis underlined the danger of a flareup in the Balkans as a result of the uncontrolled activity of the Kosovo Liberation Army against Serbs and gypsies in the region in the framework of the creation of Greater Albania, adding that the plan is supported by the United States and enjoys the tolerance of other major powers.

"You are well aware what a blow was dealt at the EU's credibility, it was expressed with the great abstention as well as by the results of the Euroelections, by the campaign decided by the US and followed by NATO and the EU in Kosovo with the pretext of Milosevic's ethnic cleansing against the Albanian-speaking people," Mr. Kaklamanis said.

Replying to "criticism" by the President of Greece's Parliament, as he termed Mr. Kaklamanis' speech, Mr. Fischer said he did not see that the creation of a Greater Albania constitutes a plan by the US and expressed regret over the dissolution of Yugoslavia which he correlated to the nationalistic claims of its peoples which led to bloodshed.

Mr. Fischer said the policy of a Greater Serbia failed, adding that he does not consider the possible autonomy of Montenegro as something right but we will come to it if Milosevic continues this policy, while Vojvodina will be the next step.

Athens News Agency

[15] Holy Synod examines issue of Pope visit

Athens, 07/09/1999 (ANA)

Holy Synod spokesman Piraeus Metropolitan Kallinikos announced that there is no question of an official visit by the Pope.

He said the Synod has received no relevant letter, adding that there is only a letter addressed by Cardinal Cassidy to the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos on June 23. It mentions the Pope's circular letter "on his pilgrimage to the places linked to the history of salvation", namely the places from which the Apostle Paul had passed, particularly the point with which the Roman pontiff requests a meeting with Orthodox leaders in the framework of his visits on the occasion of jubilee year 2000 and asks for the opinion of the Church of Greece on the matter.

Metropolitan Kallinikos said, regarding the holding of the Pope's proposed meeting with Orthodoxy leaders, the Church of Greece has proposed to the Ecumenical Patriarch to convene, exercising his coordinating task, Orthodox primates before a joint agree ment on taking a decision. A clergy envoy of the Ecumenical Patriarch has already undertaken to gather the views of primates on the issue. Consequently, the issue is still underway.

The Holy Synod's spokesman said appropriate processes should be followed for a possible visit to Athens by the Pope.

Namely, that the "exclusive Christian virtues of humility and repentance should be developed. Trends which are expansionist, proselytising and undermining of Orthodox Churches and the existence of the Unite movement are, according to the decision by the joint Theology Dialogue Committee between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Church, indicative of obstacles appearing in shaping positive conditions for a possible visit by the Pope".

In a recent meeting between the archbishop and Cardinal Cassidy, the latter had told the archbishop that the Pope had expressed a mere wish in his circular to visit Athens and this visit has neither been scheduled nor will it be carried out in the near future.

Athens News Agency

[16] Onassis Foundation says KPMG Fides is not as great as it thinks it is

Athens, 07/09/1999 (ANA)

In a press release, the foundation added that KPMG Fides, Lucerne was a branch of the KPMG Fides, Zurich that does not have its own capital.

The announcement added that despite relevant arguments, the company is not a single entity with many branches, rather there are many KPMG's, totally independent from one another, which have purchased the use of the name, without maintaining financial bonds.

The foundation added that both the Zurich and Lucerne companies were established in 1992, a fact that proves lack of experience and tradition.

Furthermore, the KPMG Zurich is funded with only 2 million dollars, while in its seven years of operation there have been hundreds of changes in the persons representing the firm.

The announcement also underlined that the registry of the company was at the disposal of the Swiss court authorities when they made the decision to award the management to the firm and yet they chose it. "We believe that Athena deserved better treatment by the Swiss authorities," the announcement concluded.

Athens News Agency

[17] Kyrkos gives thanks for presidency nomination

Athens, 07/09/1999 (ANA)

Mr. Kyrkos said that he accepted the nomination "with gratitude and humbleness", while he called on political parties and deputies to support his bid.

He said that Synaspismos' decision is "a political act of great courage.

The move "attempts to bring to centrestage of the political life, the other world, the simple people, beyond ideological borders, (people) that powercentres force in to the corner and decides for them. To this measure, at the level of symbolism, it is a small revolution," Mr. Kyrkos said.

Athens News Agency

[18] 2004 Olympics a challenge to show Greece as regional leader

Athens, 07/09/1999 (ANA)

Vice-President Niki Tzavella and managing director Costas Bacouris held a news conference on the Games' preparation on the sidelines of the 64th Thessaloniki International Fair.

They stressed that Greek companies would also have the opportunity to collaborate with leading companies in the lead-up to the Games and through Games projects.

This sort of collaboration, they said, would provide Greek firms with the requisite knowledge that would hold them and their workforces in good stead for years later.

They said activity at the Organising Committee had intensified, with 85 people and financial consultant now employed and work under way on a marketing plan.

A new emblem for the Athens Games will be presented on September 30, which will pave the way open for the marketing of the emblem and the signing of commercial agreements.

Both Ms Tzavella and Mr. Bacouris stressed that preparations were running to schedule.

The two also announced that an agreement will be signed for the transfer of know-how from the Sydney Olympiad, that the scheduled agreement with hoteliers is being completed and that a more effective communication programme will go ahead.

Both made it clear that awarding the holding of other Olympic events to another city, with the exception of preliminary soccer matches to be held in Thessaloniki, is not possible and was not achi-eved despite their efforts.

Athens News Agency

[19] Bulgarian businesses convey proposal to Greece

Athens, 07/09/1999 (ANA)

Mr. Tabakov, who is visiting Thessaloniki in the framework of his country's participation in the 64th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), held talks with minister of Macedonia and Thrace Yiannis Mangriotis and the administration of the federation of industries of Northern Greece SBBE.

After his meeting with Mr. Mangriotis, Mr. Tabakov said possibilities of developing infrastructures were discussed, and in particular those linked to the road axes 4 and 9, issues concerning economic cooperation between the two countries, the issue of opening cross-border crossings, as well as the proposal on cooperation between businesses.

Greece, Czech Republic plan agreement : Greece and the Czech Republic are planning an inter-state agreement between the two countries on overall economic cooperation, according to an announcement yesterday by the Czech Industry and Overseas Trade Ministry spokesman Carel Mrocek. He was speaking at a press conference he gave on the occasion of his country's participation in the 64th TIF.

He said the purpose of the agreement is the further development of economic relations between the two countries, both at exports level and that of investment plans.

Transactions between the two countries are showing a gradual increase but, according to Mr. Mrocek, they have not yet reached desirable levels.

The Czech Republic's exports to Greece in 1998 amounted to 85 million dollars, while its imports from Greece did not exceed 57 million dollars. The corresponding figures for 1997 were 97 million dollars and 50 million dollars respectively.

Athens News Agency

[20] Commandos to re-enact daring `Operation Anglo`

Athens, 07/09/1999 (ANA)

On Sunday, Greek parachutists will re-enact the daring 'Operation Anglo' for the 30 surviving British veterans of the operation. Also present will be General (Ret.) David Sutherland, who headed the Special Boat Squadron unit operation, and Lord George J ellicoe, a leading resistance fighter in the Aegean during World War II.

Lord Jellicoe had parachuted into Rhodes on September 9, 1943, to try and persuade Italian Admiral Iningo Cambioni, the governor of the occupied Dodecanese islands, to resist the Germans until British reinforcements arrived.

On September 12, 1942, the Greek submarine Papanikolis put the commandos ashore at Kokkini Ammos who, with the help of two local men - Nikos Savvas and Georgios Kyrmichalis, made their way to the airports at Kalathos and Maritsa, where they destroyed German war planes.

The same canoe used to bring the commandos over from the Papanikolis has been brought all the way from Britain to be used in the re-enactment.

The event marks the beginning of a series of functions marking the liberation of the Dodecanese islands from Nazi occupation. The British vets will also be attending a series of events on Rhodes and Leros and will also visit Symi, the first of the islands in the group to be liberated by the Allies.

Athens News Agency

[21] Turkish freighter picks up five Greeks

Athens, 07/09/1999 (ANA)

Athens News Agency

[22] Tsovolas criticisesgovernment, main opposition over economics

Athens, 07/09/1999 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters in Thessaloniki after visiting the offices of the Thessaloniki International Fair's (TIF) administration, Mr. Tsovolas accused Prime Minister Costas Simitis and ND's leadership of mocking citizens. He said they give or promise them crumbs, thinking that they will sway them but, on the contrary, both will receive a tough reply from the people.

Referring to the government in particular, Mr. Tsovolas said it is "grossly inaccurate" that its package of measures is the result of its successful economic policy because, he added, according to the official budget report for 1999 the central administ ration's public debt amounts to 120 per cent of GDP and it has increased sevenfold over the past decade.

Athens News Agency

[23] Papariga to tour Thessaloniki fair

Athens, 07/09/1999 (ANA)

Outgoing Greek European Union Commissioner Christos Papoutsis stressed the special role Thessaloniki can play in Balkan development with the creation of the new European reconstruction service headquartered in the city, as well as the utilisation of its

Stock Exchange centre to enable it to emerge as a financing centre in southeastern Europe. He was speaking yesterday on the issue of European developments, globalisation and Greek businesses during an event organised by the Federation of Exporters of Nor thern Greece.

"The EU has now realised the need for a cohesive policy of support and cooperation with the countries of southeastern Europe, because the Balkans cannot be handled as a remote problematic region of Europe, since it is a part of it and a crucial area for the region's overall security and prosperity," he said.

Athens News Agency

[24] Thessaloniki college to pay tribute to former US governor Dukakis

Athens, 07/09/1999 (ANA)

The chairmanship of the school's expanded History and International Relations department is the first of its kind in any college in Greece to be named after an American leader and the first college chair in Public Policy in northern Greece.

Mr. Dukakis and his wife Kitty will attend weeklong campus and city-wide events on Tuesday, September 14. The events will include the installation of Anatolia College's first new president in 30 years, former State Department veteran Richard Lee Jackson .

Anatolia College was founded a century ago in Asia Minor by missionaries from Massachusettes. The school, its staff and students, migrated during the fall of the Ottoman Empire to northern Greece.

With supervision and fundraising through its Boston-based board of trustees, the school today positions itself as a progressive academic institution for students from Greece and surrounding European countries.

Athens News Agency

[25] Cyprus discusses cooperation with northeastern Greece

Athens, 07/09/1999 (ANA)

The two men discussed the possibility of a regular air route between Alexandroupoli and Cyprus, by expanding the already existing route of Lesvos - Larnaca.

They also discussed conditions for the creation of joint ventures in light of prospects in the wider Balkan region.

Athens News Agency

[26] Kokoretsi vies for Guinness Book of Records

Athens, 07/09/1999 (ANA)

Kokoretsi, a traditional Greek delicacy, is made from the intestines of sheep.

The giant kokoretsi was consumed by hundreds of visitors at the Boutaris vineyards in Naoussa on Sunday at celebrations marking the beginning of the vine harvest.

Athens News Agency

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