Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 99-10-25

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] Influential Trialateral Commission concludes 3-day Athens meetings

[02] Papantoniou unveils plans for 'Olympic bonds' to finance 2004 projects

[03] Press report cites upper volatility limit hike at Athens bourse

[04] Niotis on Cyprus

[05] Minor quakes near Athens

[06] Electronic commerce the focus of Thessaloniki conference

[07] California governor to meet with Greek leadership

[08] Suspect charged with homicide in shootings of foreign nationals

[09] Med, Asian diets preferred in prevention of prostate cancer

[10] WEU-related conference on Hania to focus on SE Europe

[11] Gov't on free navigation through straits

[12] Website for Greek language instruction

[13] Shareholders approve ANEK merger of Rethymniaki

[14] Hios' museum opens

[15] Synaspismos delegation in Turkey

[16] Ecevit adamant over recognition of T/C pseudo-state

[17] Avramopoulos: Cyprus the key to improving Greek-Turkish relations

[01] Influential Trialateral Commission concludes 3-day Athens meetings

Athens, 25/10/1999 (ANA)

In a short press briefing on the third and last day of the meeting, former German finance minister Otto Graf Lambsdorff - the conference chairman - and host country chairman Stelios Argyros, the ex-president of the Federation of Greek Industries (SEB), outlined several of the issues discussed in the closed-door sessions at a downtown Athens hotel directly across from Parliament.

Current developments and Greece's future prospects were the subjects of the first day's sessions; while regional economic cooperation in the Balkans on the second day and the European Union until 2010 on the third day were the focus of relevant addresses.

Asked whether the recent rapprochement in Greek-Turkish relations was discussed in the conference, Mr. Lambsdorff noted that Foreign Minister George Papandreou referred to the issue, noting that the new climate "is appreciated by all...there's a readiness to sit down and solve the details, " he said, adding that Turkey should become an EU member at some point in the future, although "it has to fulfil all the conditions (for membership) and not just the acquis communitaire."

On his part, Mr. Argyros noted that the goodwill shown after the recent earthquakes in both Greece and Turkey must now take "advantage of the positive, not just the negative (quakes)."

"But things are still shaky," he warned.

Upgrading the EU and the Union's expansion were also discussed, according to the German statesman, as he cited a remark by George Papandreou that "if we (Europe) don't stick together we'll be marginalised".

He also forewarded an opinion that "the nation-state is over. We don't want to give up our identity...but we do have to face realities. I hope it (an expanded EU) doesn't repeat the mistakes of the nation-state."

Another participant at conference, former British foreign secretary and EU mediator for Bosnia Lord David Owen, just one day before at a lecture at the Greek foreign ministry, sternly defended the notion of the nation-state, stressing that the British will remain devoted to the idea of "going it alone" when they judge necessary.

Both Mr. Lambsdorff and Mr. Argyros emphasised that participants at such conferences express themselves freely as individuals and do not represent governments, "we speak our minds," the latter said, adding that the Trilaterial Commission, however, is particularly interested in world trade issues, energy policy etc.

In terms of monetary policy, Mr. Lambsdorff lauded the role of the central bank institution, saying it has stabilised the private banking sector and has "improved credibility considerably" in banking, "which in the '70s was brought to its knees."

Finally, when asked his opinion of developments in Greece, the powerful former German minister said he discerned a completely different reality from what he knew in the early '80s, "I have to correct my picture (of Greece)" he stressed. "I was impressed with the political and economic data presented."

Participating members included, among others, former Swedish prime minister and UN High Representative in Bosnia Carl Bildt; former EU commissioner Ritt Bjerregaard; EU Commissioner Mario Monti; French Defence Minister Alain Richard and former Norwegian FM Thorvald Stoltenberg.

Greek speakers at the gathering besides FM Papandreou were main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis and Bank of Greece Governor Lucas Papademos, while President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos also addressed the conference. Turkey's central bank governor, Gazi Ercel, addressed the Commission, as well. Former premier and honorary ND president Constantine Mitsotakis along with one-time ND minister and Liberals Party founder Stephanos Manos also attended.

The next international Trilateral meeting is set for Tokyo next April, while the European section will again meet in Milan in November 2000.

Bildt favours Serbia in Stability Pact : On his part, veteran Swedish diplomat Bildt reportedly told the conference's participants that the inclusion of Serbia in the Stability Pact for the Balkans was necessary. "As long as we keep Serbia outside developments, stabilisation is not likely," he said.

He also expressed concern over the future of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) as no one could predict the behaviour of its Albanian minority. He also reportedly did not favour independence for Kosovo, although he recognised that its Alb anian popula-tion no longer wished to live within Yugoslavia.

Athens News Agency

[02] Papantoniou unveils plans for 'Olympic bonds' to finance 2004 projects

Athens, 25/10/1999 (ANA)

"The Olympic lottery was not a matter of life or death for the government, it was a detail," Mr. Papantoniou said in an interview with "Sunday Eleftherotypia", commenting on the government's decision last week to drop the controversial 'videolotto' proposal.

Mr. Papantoniou said the new bond issue hoped to raise some 250 billion drachmas a year over the next seven years.

Plans for an Olympic lottery were abruptly dropped by the government mid- week after the main opposition New Democracy party used the lottery as a vehicle to launch a stinging attack against the government.

Announcing a withdrawal, Prime Minister Costas Simitis said the decision to drop the lottery was based on the fact that it had become a playing field "for petty party politicking".

In other comments, Mr. Papantoniou expressed his concern about inflation levels, which need to be contained at 2 per cent or lower year-on-year, to ensure Greece's entry into Economic and Monetary Union.

Athens News Agency

[03] Press report cites upper volatility limit hike at Athens bourse

Athens, 25/10/1999 (ANA)

According to a press report, the upper volatility limit would be increased to 12 per cent, while the lower volatility limit of 8 per cent will remain unchanged.

In addition, the paper claimed that a one- or two-hour extension of trading at the Athens bourse is envisioned, to bring trading hours into line with those of most major European bourses.

Athens News Agency

[04] Niotis on Cyprus

NICOSIA, 25/10/1999 (ANA)

Talks focused on the Cyprus issue, the island reublic's EU accession talks and the Union's summit in Helsinki at the year's end.

Athens News Agency

[05] Minor quakes near Athens

Athens, 25/10/1999 (ANA)

A Thessaloniki university seismologist described the tremor as an "isolated event" and perfectly natural, given the seismic activity of the region.

In addition, the Athens Observatory yesterday registered a mild earthquake measuring 3.8 on the Richter scale at 9:26 a.m., centred near Mount Parnitha, the area which produced the Sept. 7 earthquake of 5.9 Richter.

Athens News Agency

[06] Electronic commerce the focus of Thessaloniki conference

Athens, 25/10/1999 (ANA)

Mr. Venizelos, who was in Thessaloniki to attend the opening meeting for the development of e-commerce in SE Europe, told reporters that the Greek government wanted to lay the groundwork for the development of a regional market in which Greece, by explo iting funds via the Third Community Support Framework, could develop into a centre for electronic commerce and the digital economy in SE Europe.

He said the ministry would create a national committee on electronic commerce, a scientific working group of electronic commerce and a project management group to lead and monitor developments in this sector.

Represented on the committee will be both government officials and representatives of business groups. Mr. Venizelos presented a memorandum signed by conference participants outlining cooperation between the countries of southeast Europe in relation to the role of the private and public sectors, consumer protection, protection of personal data from data collection agencies, security and protection of intellectual rights. The memorandum also stresses the need for the full deregulation of telecoms and free movement of goods and services.

On Saturday, Deputy Transport and Communications Minister Nikos Salayiannis told the conference that the telecommunications market in Greece grew 32 per cent in the 1997-1998 period.

He said that he was certain in the wake of the full deregulation of telephony in 2000, the sector would see even greater growth.

The first licences for telephony would be granted by the end of 2000, he said. The institutional framework for the new networks to be created with the liberalisation of telephony are already in place. Although many Greek companies have little to do with the growing Internet market, some others have become leaders in the field and rely on it as a basic tool to promote their products and services.

On his part, EasyJet Greece marketing director Ioannis Kapodistrias told the conference that the London-based air carrier sold at least a third of their flights - or some one million fares - through the Internet.

Athens News Agency

[07] California governor to meet with Greek leadership

Athens, 25/10/1999 (ANA)

Gray Davis is scheduled to meet with President Kostis Stephanopoulos, Foreign Minister George Papandreou and National Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, as well as with prominent members of the Greek business community.

According to a US embassy press release, Mr. Davis is in Greece to build what he referred to as "bridges of trade and investment" between Greece and California, particularly in the area of new technologies.

"Basically, (California) is the home of the dot com economy. The purpose of my mission to Greece is to build partnership and form alliances for business in the 21st century," Mr. Davis said.

Athens News Agency

[08] Suspect charged with homicide in shootings of foreign nationals

Athens, 25/10/1999 (ANA)

Police identified the suspect as Pantelis Kazakos, a guard for the state- run ERT network. A companion, Apostolos Apostolou, 22, was charged with multiple counts of accessory to manslaughter and for possession of a minor quantity of drugs for personal use.

The first suspect was also charged with illegal possession of firearms.

Athens News Agency

[09] Med, Asian diets preferred in prevention of prostate cancer

Athens, 25/10/1999 (ANA)

Speaking at a press briefing afterwards, Dr. Zlotta explained that the method, named 'hymopro-vasion', includes use of the metal selinium for prevention, while special medicinal therapy is envisaged if the disease is diagnosed.

He recommended the consumption of vegetables and fish, as well as a low-fat diet. Lab data showed that the application of hymoprovasion reduced the incidence of prostate cancer and the growth rate of malignant tumours by 30 to 40 per cent.

Dr. Zlotta added that a per son following the American-type diet was 10 times as likely to develop prostate cancer than persons following the Mediterranean or Asian diets.

Athens News Agency

[10] WEU-related conference on Hania to focus on SE Europe

Athens, 25/10/1999 (ANA)

The conference of the political and defence committees of the Western European Union will be held Oct. 27-29.

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and the president of the WEU Parliamentary Assembly Luis Maria de Puig will open proceedings. The government will be represented by Deputy Defence Minister Dimitris Apostolakis, who will outline the central role played by Greece in restoring peace and stability in the Balkans.

The conference's conclusions will be a first look at the problems facing security in southeast Europe and will be the focus of a discussion by the WEU assembly later this year in Paris.

These conclusions will be brought to the attention of the WEU Council of Ministers.

Greece, in parallel with France, has been assigned to draft a report and proposal on developments in southeast Europe after the end of hostilities in Yugoslavia. Greek MP and vice-president of the WEU parliamentary assembly Sifis Miheloyiannis and a French Socialist Party MP will travel to Belgrade, Pristina, Skopje, Sofia and Tirana.

The report will be discussed and put to a vote at the meeting of the WEU assembly in Paris.

Athens News Agency

[11] Gov't on free navigation through straits

Athens, 25/10/1999 (ANA)

"The application of unilateral provisions is outside the spirit of international legality," Merchant Marine Minister Stavros Soumakis said in an international conference on the subject.

He further called on vessels to comply with regulations which coastal nations should initiate on the basis of international law.

Athens News Agency

[12] Website for Greek language instruction

Athens, 25/10/1999 (ANA)

Athens News Agency

[13] Shareholders approve ANEK merger of Rethymniaki

Athens, 25/10/1999 (ANA)

Athens News Agency

[14] Hios' museum opens

Athens, 25/10/1999 (ANA)

She said the ministry featured a very extensive programme for museums on Aegean islands, and was to be supported with funds of the European Union's Community Support Framework III.

Athens News Agency

[15] Synaspismos delegation in Turkey

ISTANBUL, 25/10/1999 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

"Our initiative aims to make contacts between political parties and organisations more frequent, which will help for the issues to be posed in their proper dimensions," he said.

The delegation is scheduled to meet in the next few days with the leaders of the People's Republican Party, Altan Oymen; and of the Motherland Party, Mesut Yilmaz; the president of the Turkish assembly, Yildirim Akbulut, and President Suleyman Demirel .

The delegation yesterday visited the areas stricken by the devastating earthquake of Aug. 17, and the Church of St. George in the district of Phanar, seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

According to an ANA dispatch from Thessaloniki yesterday, Mr. Constantopoulos said during a press conference that he would sumbit a proposal to Turkish leaders for mutual and equal reduction of military expenditures and armaments.

He said his party was in favour of a de-escalation of tension between the two countries and the formulation of communication lines between them within the framework of international treaties, without putting their national rights in jeopardy.

Athens News Agency

[16] Ecevit adamant over recognition of T/C pseudo-state

NEW YORK, 25/10/1999 (Reuters/ANA/CNA)

"The fact that there are two completely independent states on the island should be recognised," Mr. Ecevit said in an interview to be published in the Nov. 1 issue of US-based 'Newsweek' magazine, which will be on newsstands today.

"Diplomatic recognition may not be given, but it should be acknowledged that there are two different autonomous entities" on the island, Mr. Ecevit said.

The veteran Turkish politician spoke optimistically of the recent thaw in relations between Greece and Turkey, saying Athens' assistance to Turkey after a massive earthquake in August "had a welcome impact on the dialogue already started between the two foreign ministers."

Still, he added, "it is not realistic to expect basic issues to be immediately addressed," and initial dialogue "should be on economic and cultural matters."

Territorial issues, including seabed rights and territorial waters, should be tackled later, Mr. Ecevit said.

He added that he hoped to meet Prime Minister Costas Simitis at a regional summit in Istanbul next month.

In an another interview to the "Washington Post" yesterday, the Turkish prime minister also said he was optimistic that "sooner or later the European Union would address an accession invitation to Turkey without political conditions".

Referring to his talks with US President Bill Clinton in Washington a few weeks ago, Mr. Ecevit said discussions did not focus on details. "He (Clinton) said that there could be no return conditions prevailing on the island before 1974 (prior to the Turkish invasion) and expressed the hope for talks to start," the Turkish PM added.

Athens News Agency

[17] Avramopoulos: Cyprus the key to improving Greek-Turkish relations

ISTANBUL, 25/10/1999 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

"Turkey can make steps on the Cyprus issue...If there is goodwill, it must be shown. Cyprus is the key - a positive development in the Cyprus issue will provide the beginning to a new era," he was quoted as sayin in an interview published by the Turkish daily "Hurriyet".

"In Europe we are trying to do away with borders, but in Cyprus some wish to build internal borders," he added.

Mr. Avramopoulos was the guest of honour at a conference on the Aug. 17 earthquake in Turkey, organised by the Istanbul municipal authority on Saturday.

"The recent quakes in our countries spontaneously opened the hearts of our peoples and broke through the firmly shut doors of the systems," he said at the conference.

The Confederation of Agricultural Associations is organising a European women's meeting on the subject of "Individual Rights for Women in Rural Areas", in Alexandroupoli on Oct. 26, the "World Day for Women in Rural Areas."

A nine-member team of Greek army officers leaves for Slovakia today in order to inspect a military unit in the framework of implementation of the CFE Treaty for the control of conventional weapons in Europe.

Athens News Agency

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