Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-02-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] Verheugen says EU-Austria ties depend on progress in Greek-Turkish Relations

[02] Top gov't meeting focuses on Greek-Turkish relations, other foreign policy topics

[03] Turkish Foreign Minister arrives in Athens on Thursday on three-day official visit

[04] Clerides says one side does not know what the other side is discussing at the proximity talks

[05] Apostolakis winds up visit to Slovakia with visit to airbase

[06] Burns, Magriotis confirm closer US-Greek ties

[07] Poll sees PASOK winning next election

[08] Premier reportedly planning to announce election date this week

[09] Foreign minister briefs President on foreign policy issues

[10] Simitis-V. Papandreou meeting focuses on public administration issues

[11] Project to install radars along Bosporus delayed

[12] President receives Slovenian main opposition leader

[13] Parliament President receives Belgian Ambassador

[14] Diamantopoulou concerned over political situation in Austria

[15] EMU prospect lifts Greek stocks higher

[16] March-June 'politically critical' period for Greek EMU bid – minister

[17] Papantoniou unveils social, incomes policies

[18] Reppas says ECOFIN decision vindicates gov't policy

[19] Bonds attract buyers in thin trade

[20] Rampant dollar dominates drachma trade

[21] Soumakis inaugurates Thessaloniki port extension

[22] Balkans energy unions join forces ahead of deregulation

[23] Thessaloniki share center shows profit in 1999

[24] Development ministry says will take strict stance on GM foods issue

[25] Ecological society calls for wetlands' protection

[01] Verheugen says EU-Austria ties depend on progress in Greek-Turkish Relations

BRUSSELS, 02/02/2000 (ANA - V. Demiris)

"The European Union's relations with Turkey are inseparably linked with an improvement in Greek-Turkish relations and the resolution of existing differences on the basis of international law and referral to the International Court at The Hague," he said at a joint press conference after a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem.

Cem noted that recent progress in relations with Greece had been considerable.

"Relations with Greece are on a very good path. In the last six months we have achieved what we had not managed to implement in 40 years. Of course, neither Mr. Papandreou nor I claim that all differences have been overcome," he said.

Verheugen also announced that the recommendations of the Helsinki summit for political dialogue with Turkey were already underway, and Community officials had begun visits to Turkey for consultations on the gradual implementation of the acquis communautaire.

Regarding Cyprus, Cem reiterated it was an issue concerning the island's two communities only.

"What we are doing is encourage the leadership of the northern part of the island to participate in negotiations with the Greek-Cypriot side, and that is where our responsibility ends," he said.

[02] Top gov't meeting focuses on Greek-Turkish relations, other foreign policy topics

Athens, 02/02/2000 (ANA)

The premier met with the leaderships of the foreign and defense ministries for discussions over a wide array of issues, which beyond Greek-Turkish affairs, also included discussions on a trilateral summit meeting between Simitis, Albanian PM Ilir Meta and the prime minister of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) Ljubco Georgievski. The summit meeting is expected to begin on Wednesday in the Prespes lake region separating the three countries.

According to informed sources, Ankara's recent proposal for the creation of joint committee to deal with wholly military issues and the implementation of bilateral Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) in the Aegean was also discussed.

The same sources said Athens' position over the need to exploit the NATO framework for CBMs in the Aegean was reiterated, whereas in terms of the proposed bilateral military issues committee, current contacts at the foreign ministry level were judged satisfactory, although the participation of military experts in such talks wasn't ruled out.

Finally, it was decided that the issue of visits by each country's defense ministers to the other would be discussed very shortly.

[03] Turkish Foreign Minister arrives in Athens on Thursday on three-day official visit

Athens, 02/02/2000 (ANA)

In the evening, Cem and his wife will attend a dinner given by Papandreou.

Cem's official program will start on Friday morning with the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by a meeting with President Stephanopoulos. The two foreign ministers will be holding talks later and lengthier talks will take place afterwards between the two delegations at the foreign ministry.

Five more agreements will be signed on bilateral cooperation. They concern technology and science, cooperation in the sea transport sector, economic cooperation regarding the creation of a joint economic committee to supervise the development of bilateral economic relations, education and an agreement on shaping a cooperation framework on avoiding customs violations.

Diplomatic sources said talks between the two ministers will include such issues as specifying the Greek proposal on the transfer of EU know-how to Turkey and consular issues already discussed during Papandreou's visit to Ankara and afterwards between government officials.

The sources said Papandreou will reiterate his proposal on the reactivation of the Wise Men's Committee's procedure which is supported by the EU.

On the question of Turkey's two proposals on the creation of a committee of a military nature and the adoption of confidence-building measures in the Aegean, Greece will stress that the existing apparatus of political consultations between the two countries can be extended to include a wider variety of issues without the creation of a special military committee being necessary. With regard to confidence-building measures, Greece will point out that the institutional framework concerning the memorandum set out by former Greek and Turkish Foreign Ministers Karolos Papoulias and Mesut Yilmaz already exists, which can proceed both in the framework of NATO and that of bilateral consultations.

After the signing of the agreements, the two foreign ministers will be giving a joint press conference and afterwards Cem will hold talks with Simitis.

Later, the ministers and the members of the two delegations will attend a working lunch given by Turkish Ambassador to Athens Tuygan. In the evening, an official dinner will be given for Cem and the Turkish delegation.

On Saturday morning, Papandreou and Cem will inaugurate the international political cartoon exhibition and afterwards they will address the Greek-Turkish journalists conference.

Cem and his wife will be given a guided tour of the Acropolis at noon and attend the ceremony for the Ipekci awards in the afternoon.

Cem and the Turkish delegation will be leaving Athens in the evening.

Turkish FM visit further boost to bilateral relations government: The visit to Athens later this week by Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem is another step towards the normalization of Greek-Turkish relations, the government said on Tuesday.

Responding to press questions, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said that improved relations with Turkey was desired by all.

Cem arrives in Athens on Thursday to sign a number of bilateral cooperation agreements. His Greek counterpart, Foreign Minister George Papandreou, was in Turkey on January 19-20 to sign the first five of the agreements.

President, foreign minister receive Turkish students: Students from the private 'Aykan' college in Ankara currently on a visit to Athens as guests of students from the French-Hellenic School, on Tuesday held separate meetings with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and Foreign Minister George Papandreou.

The climate at both meetings was very cordial. The president spoke at length with the students. He asked them on the educational system in their country, what they were studying and wished them peace in the years to come.

During their visit to the president, one of the Turkish students sang the Greek national anthem in Greek, something which visibly moved the president.

The Turkish students later in the day visited Foreign Minister George Papandreou at his office at the Foreign Ministry.

Papandreou gave them as gifts albums about the Acropolis and Greek dictionaries.

The teacher accompanying the eight Turkish students said "the friendship we built up these last few months eliminates all bad thoughts and pictures we had about the Greeks."

Papandreou on his part said that "contacts between youths are the most encouraging as they create the prerequisites for the building of a different future, a procedure within which the problems of the past can be overcome, but not forgotten." He added that for the common European future of the new generations from Greece and Turkey, relations of friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation between the two peoples are necessary."

The Turkish students will tour archaeological sites and on Sunday visit Delphi.

[04] Clerides says one side does not know what the other side is discussing at the proximity talks

GENEVA, 02/02/2000 (CNA/ANA)

President Clerides was speaking after a 90-minute meeting with de Soto during which they continued the discussion that had begun in the first round of talks held in New York, on the four core issues of the Cyprus problem, namely territory, security, property and distribution of powers.

"Today we continued on the four issues that we had discussed in New York. We were asked for clarifications which we gave," he told reporters.

Invited to comment on statements made on Monday by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash that he (President Clerides) knows the additional issues Denktash had put forward, Clerides said "we are not told which issues are discussed with the other side."

"We know the issues we discuss with the UN," he added.

Asked if Denktash had placed his claim for sovereignty of the illegal regime in the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkey since 1974 at the negotiations, President Clerides said "we have been told nothing about sovereignty and I do not know the issues he (Denktash) is discussing."

A UN source described the meeting President Clerides had with de Soto today as "lively and interesting".

Meanwhile, talking to reporters while entering the UN headquarters in Geneva for the meeting, the Turkish Cypriot leader reiterated his demand for recognition of a separate sovereignty for the illegal regime in the occupied areas before discussing other issues, such as territory.

Denktash: Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash said on Tuesday foreign envoys on Cyprus should not interfere in efforts for a Cyprus settlement but should leave it to the UN Secretary General.

Replying to questions of the press after a one-and-a-half-hour meeting on Tuesday with UN Secretary General's Adviser Alvaro de Soto, Denktash also said his demand for a confederation in Cyprus is being discussed.

Asked whether the two sides were getting anywhere with their discussions, Denktash replied, "as the SG told you yesterday, we will know it right at the end, now we are pouring our hearts out".

Asked how the UN Secretary-General reacts to the other issues he has raised, Denktash said when the Turkish Cypriot side was invited to the talks "it was without preconditions and the parties could bring to the table anything that they wanted to be discussed. So we are not doing anything new or extraordinary", he added.

Asked whether he brought the issue of sovereignty to the table, he said, "we are discussing confederation", while when asked what the UN Secretary General has to say, the Turkish Cypriot leader replied, "he is listening, he does not say anything".

[05] Apostolakis winds up visit to Slovakia with visit to airbase

BRATISLAVA, 02/02/2000 (ANA - M. Savva)

Apostolakis attended a brief presentation of the structure and operation of forces and visited the headquarters of the Slovakian airforce's Central Department and Strategic Planning.

The Slovakian Deputy National Defense Minister Josef Pivarci told the ANA this was the point where information was received from everywhere and processed accordingly.

He further said that Greece's international position "can offer a great deal" to his country, primarily with regards to legislation, logistics, research, organization and the codification of armaments in accordance with NATO's specifications.

Apostolakis also visited the airbase's training center and got into a flight simulator for Russian-made Mig-29s.

Apostolakis and the members of his delegation returned to Bratislava afterwards, where the minister concluded his official visit with a short briefing by officials of the Slovakian defense industry Technopol International.

[06] Burns, Magriotis confirm closer US-Greek ties

Athens, 02/02/2000 (ANA)

In talks with Macedonia-Thrace Minister Yiannis Magriotis, US ambassador Nicholas Burns presented Jeremy Keller, head of the newly founded US Economic and Trade Cooperation Bureau in the city, which will have a broad responsibility for the Balkans.

"We discussed a series of initiatives which will bring the two countries closer. These have been made possible because Thessaloniki has become the center of the Balkans," said Burns.

He congratulated the Greek government for what he said was a very important contribution to the Balkan Stability Pact and the pacification of Kosovo.

Burns announced the inauguration of an initiative for technological cooperation in the Balkans on February 21 and that American entrepreneurs will visit the city in May to explore business possibilities.

Magriotis described the meeting as constructive and particularly fruitful, and said that the fact that the US will be the honored country in this year's Thessaloniki International Trade Fair would provide the opportunity for a stronger presence of that country in fields other than business, such as sports, arts and culture.

[07] Poll sees PASOK winning next election

Athens, 02/02/2000 (ANA)

According to the poll, conducted between January 15 and 27, a majority 50.7 respondents consider Simitis as the most appropriate person for prime minister, against 26.5 percent who preferred main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Simitis.

Also 55.1 percent of those polled predicted a PASOK victory in the next general elections, against 15.9 percent that saw a ND victory.

In addition, 6.4 person said they were "very satisfied" with the government, 23.8 percent were "quite satisfied", 34.3 percent were "less satisfied", and 34.3 percent "not at all satisfied".

With regard to ND, 1.3 percent said they were "very satisfied" with the main opposition party, 11.9 percent were "quite satisfied", 31.0 percent were "less satisfied", and 53.2 percent were "not at all satisfied".

Further, Simitis tied with Coalition of Left and Progress (SYN) leader Nikos Constantopoulos as the most popular political party leader, with 48.4 percent, followed by Karamanlis with 42.1 percent, Democratic Social party (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas with 41.6 percent, Liberals leader Stephanos Manos with 27.6 percent, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) secretary Aleka Papariga with 17.1 percent, and Political Spring (Pol.An) leader Antonis Samaras with 13.6 percent.

[08] Premier reportedly planning to announce election date this week

Athens, 02/02/2000 (ANA)

The Prime Minister held successive meetings with Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis and Interior Minister Vasso Papandreou on Tuesday to review progress in various sectors.

A cabinet meeting is scheduled to convene on Friday, while a nation-wide conference by PASOK to focus on party positions will occur over the weekend.

Election date still in doubt: The ruling PASOK party's Executive Bureau, which conferred on Tuesday evening, did not clear up the issue of this year's general election date which has become the subject of intense speculation.

Party secretary Costas Skandalidis told reporters the government's intention was for the Parliament, which will elect a president of the republic early next month to be the same that will swear him in.

The bureau decided on internal party elections on March 5 to decide on the candidates to be included in its general election ticket.

Karamanlis calls on Simitis to name poll date: Main opposition New Democracy party Costas Karamanlis on Tuesday again challenged the government to set an election date in order to clear out the prevailing climate of uncertainty.

"Mr. Simitis is responsible for the fact that the country is rife with election talk which produces uncertainty," he told his party's parliamentary group.

He expressed confidence his party would win the next election whenever it is held.

"We are ready to win the elections whenever he calls them, even tomorrow," he said.

Karamanlis accused the government of putting off dealing with pressing problems until after the country joins the euro zone on January 1, 2001, emphasizing the need for real, rather than simply nominal convergence of the Greek economy with the other EU member-states.

He cautioned that, contrary to government claims after December's Helsinki summit, developments in Greek-Turkish relations were not encouraging.

"The government does not inform public opinion, Parliament or even itself on developments regarding Greek-Turkish relations," he said, citing criticism of Foreign Minister George Papandreou by his predecessor Theodoros Pangalos over the handling of affairs with Turkey, and pointing out that Papandreou had not rejected a proposal for joint military exercises with Turkey.

[09] Foreign minister briefs President on foreign policy issues

Athens, 02/02/2000 (ANA)

Papandreou told reporters after the meeting he had briefed the President on the new framework evolving in foreign policy issues following the EU Helsinki summit decisions, a framework which he said was one of "principles and legality on the basis of which Greece was proceeding, taking cautious steps".

He also briefed Stephanopoulos on his recent visit to Ankara, the first official visit to Turkey by a Greek foreign minister since 1962, and on Turkish foreign minister Ismail Cem's reciprocal visit here later this week, as well as on his talks with Cem and US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright on the sidelines of the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

To a question on the UN-brokered proximity talks between Cyprus president Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, which resumed Monday in Geneva, Papandreou said that "US secretary general Kofi Annan is optimistic that there will be a Cyprus solution in 2000". A solution entailed acceptance of the UN resolutions calling for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation on the island republic, Papandreou added.

Asked whether the national issues were influenced by the recent speculation whether early general elections would be called, and when, Papandreou said that "logically, the national issues are not influenced by the elections, and are not involved in the electoral procedures".

He urged all sides not to make the national issues an "object of petty political exploitation".

[10] Simitis-V. Papandreou meeting focuses on public administration issues

Athens, 02/02/2000 (ANA)

According to reports, among the topics discussed was that of granting permanent status to public sector contractual workers. Papandreou is expected to meet on Wednesday morning with Parliament's inter-ministerial committee to jointly examine proposals made by parties represented in the legislature - and prior to the expected tabling of an amendment on the issue.

No comments were made after the meeting, except for the minister's response to a question over a possible date for general elections, to which she replied that the Prime Minister would answer when necessary.

[11] Project to install radars along Bosporus delayed

ISTANBUL, 02/02/2000 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

"The program to install radars is delayed...resulting in the passage (of vessels) becoming dangerous," Maritime Trade Chamber president Cengiz Kaptanoglou said, adding that the program is still listed in the funding stage by Turkey's finance ministry.

"The Montreux Treaty which governs the status of the Straits and ensures the free transit through the Straits was signed in 1936," the president of the Turkish Foundation for Marine Research, Prof. Bayrak Ozturk, noted.

"The number of vessels that pass through the Straits has increased ten-fold since 1936, and as a result, many of the Montreux Treaty's clauses cannot correspond to today's conditions...the increase in accidents in the Straits is a result of heightened maritime traffic," he added.

A tender for a radar system in the Bosporus, Dardanelles and Sea of Marmara has been mentioned by Ankara as far back as 1997, and initially referred to the installation of radar units at 24 points along the Straits, controlled by two centers -- at Kavacic, on the Bosporus, and Asmalitepe on the Dardanelles.

[12] President receives Slovenian main opposition leader

Athens, 02/02/2000 (ANA)

Jansa also held a meeting with National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos.

[13] Parliament President receives Belgian Ambassador

Athens, 02/02/2000 (ANA)

Kaklamanis referred to the close cooperation between the two parliaments and to the common objectives which the two countries must develop within the European Union in order that there not only be one economic union but a society with a political character and social structures which will continue to move the European citizens.

The Belgian Ambassador on his part praised the great progress Greece has made in the economic and political field. Rigmenans agreed to the development of common strategies by the two countries within the framework of the EU and showed particular interest in Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus problem.

[14] Diamantopoulou concerned over political situation in Austria

BRUSSELS, 02/02/2000 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

EU member-states are concerned over the possible participation of Joerg Haider's Freedom Party, accused of having nationalistic and far-right tendencies, in Austria's new government. The Freedom Party polled about 27 percent of the vote in last year's general elections in Austria and came out second in strength behind the Social Democrat Party and ahead of the Popular Party.

"The political situation in Austria creates concerns over possible future developments on the country's political scene," Diamantopoulou said.

She said that the European Commission protects the principles it believes in, such as respect for the fundamental rights and liberties of man, adding that "the Commission is continuing its cooperation with the Austrian authorities and is closely watching developments with the other member-states."

[15] EMU prospect lifts Greek stocks higher

Athens, 02/02/2000 (ANA)

Dealers also said the market was beginning to discount early general elections in the country.

The general index surpassed the 5,000 level to end at 5,141.83 points, up 3.04 percent, near the day's highs of 5,156, reflecting a rally in blue chip stocks.

Turnover, however, remained low at 210.27 billion drachmas. Traders said a rise in daily turnover was necessary to push the market higher.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks jumped 3.06 percent to 2,686.22 points while the FTSE/ASE MID 40 rose 1.67 percent to 921.09 points.

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended 0.90 percent higher at 1,514.59 points.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 239 to 73 with another 17 issues unchanged.

Esha, Duty Free Shops, Mosholios, Kreka, Dias, Electra, Alcatel, Mouzakis and Hellenic Sugar ended at the day's 8.0 percent limit up. Lanacam, Mouriadis, Xylemporia (c) and Corfil (p) suffered the heaviest percentage losses.

Athens Water and Mouriadis were the most heavily traded stocks.

[16] March-June 'politically critical' period for Greek EMU bid minister

Athens, 02/02/2000 (ANA)

Speaking a day after the European Union's finance ministers approved the country's updated convergence program, Papantoniou said that he was confident Greece would become a member of EMU on its own merits.

But the period between March - when the country formally submits its bid for EMU membership - and the EU summit in Portugal in June - when a formal decision is made - was critical and needed "effective handling", he said.

"Greece is entering EMU on its merits, we will be able to say this in March," he said.

From then on, he said, the ball was in Greece's EU partners' court.

This period is "politically critical" because convincing arguments will be needed to support Greece's bid, he said.

"What is needed is effective handling and, in these three months, the framework of post-EMU policy will become apparent. This will be a reference point to be negotiated...Therefore, what will be needed is credible and effective handling."

The issue of elections - which the government must call some time before October this year - was one for the prime minister to decide on the basis of the country's interests, he said.

Greece's entry into EMU will be a turning point for the country's future and mark developments not just for the next three to four years, but for some decades to come, he said.

[17] Papantoniou unveils social, incomes policies

Athens, 02/02/2000 (ANA)

"An economy growing at 4.0 percent annually leaves a productivity increase margin of 3.0 percent, a percentage entitled to Greek workers," he said.

The ECOFIN Council acknowledged Greece's efforts to promote structural changes and said that economic growth was the key to achieving wage increases new jobs and more funds for social policies.

Papantoniou said that the ECOFIN meeting did not discuss the social security issue.

Replying to an ANA question over the course of the euro/US dollar parity, Papantoniou said it reflected differences in timing between Europe and the US.

"The United States is at the peak of its growth while Europe is recovering. The euro's parity will improve when the US economy finally begins to slow and the EU's economic recovery proves a long-term trend. Europe must promote structural changes," he said.

Papantoniou said that Greece has made three basic steps in its course towards EMU participation so far. The first was made in November when the EU abolished the excessive deficit status, the second in January 15 with the drachma's revaluation and the third with ECOFIN's approval of the country's convergence program.

[18] Reppas says ECOFIN decision vindicates gov't policy

Athens, 02/02/2000 (ANA)

Referring to remarks made in the ECOFIN decision text on the course of the Greek economy, Reppas said they were general and that they were made to all EMU candidate states.

He also stressed that the post-EMU era would remain in the hands of the ruling PASOK government because "the people trust us".

We successfully "concluded the country's entry in EMU and we will continue in the post-EMU era." he said.

[19] Bonds attract buyers in thin trade

Athens, 02/02/2000 (ANA)

Buying interest was seen mainly in long-term paper, traders said.

The benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 6.48 percent from 6.61 percent in the previous three sessions, taking the spread over German bunds to 102-103 basis points from 100 basis points a day earlier and 103 basis points in the previous two days.

During normal trading hours the yield spread had consolidated below 100 basis points but rose after hours due to a jump in German paper.

Trade through the central bank's electronic system again was low at 66 billion drachmas from 74 billion drachmas a day earlier and 77 billion drachmas on Friday.

Buy orders accounted for 56 billion drachmas of the total, and sell orders the remainder.

The interest in long-term paper followed a 28 billion-drachma purchase of 15-year bonds on Monday by a major London investment house.

[20] Rampant dollar dominates drachma trade

Athens, 02/02/2000 (ANA)

At the central bank's daily fixing, the dollar was set at 342.590 drachmas from 337.900 drachmas a day earlier and 336.760 drachmas on Friday.

Also at the fixing, the euro ended slightly higher against the drachma, despite falling against the dollar.

The euro was set at 332.070 drachmas from 331.900 drachmas in the previous session and 331.850 drachmas on Friday.

[21] Soumakis inaugurates Thessaloniki port extension

Athens, 02/02/2000 (ANA)

Speaking at an inauguration ceremony of a project to extend the port's sixth pier by 600 meters, worth 1.6 billion drachmas, Soumakis said works would upgrade the port's ability to handle more cargo and larger vessels.

The project, raising the pier's total area to 350,000 square meters, is expected to be completed in four years. Funding will be 50 percent covered by the Third Community Support Framework, with the remaining 50 percent through Thessaloniki Port Authority's funds.

Soumakis said Thessaloniki would play a significantly more important role in combined transports in the future.

The port is expected to be linked with the Thessaloniki region's road network and the city's airport, as well as with the national road network, the under-construction Egnatia Motorway - spanning the breadth of northern Greece -- and with an improved domestic rail network extending into the Balkans.

Macedonia-Thrace Minister Yiannis Magriotis said Thessaloniki's port would effectively help Greece's economic penetration to the north and in establishing the city as "southeast Europe's metropolis."

Soumakis also announced a government plan to transform the ports of Igoumenitsa, in extreme northwest Greece, and Patra into public companies within the year.

He said that Thessaloniki Port Authority would be listed on the stock market in the second half of 2000 through the flotation of a 49 percent share of its capital.

A feasibility study is under way and is expected to be completed by the end of June, he said.

Sources said the first tranche of the flotation would include 20-30 percent of its equity.

The Thessaloniki Port Authority announced pre-tax profits of 4.5 billion drachmas in 1999.

[22] Balkans energy unions join forces ahead of deregulation

Athens, 02/02/2000 (ANA)

The network plans to have a daily exchange of information on developments in energy, joint strategy on market deregulation, and to work towards defending peace and trade union rights in the region.

The decision was taken at a meeting of trade union representatives in Athens, and welcomed by Deputy Labor Minister Christos Protopappas.

The countries involved are Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Montenegro, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Romania, Slovenia and Turkey.

Protopappas called the signing of the agreement to create the network "yet another step to consolidating a climate of peace and cooperation in the region."

He pointed in particular to the cooperation with trade unions from FYROM and Turkey, saying that the relations were being developed with these countries on all levels.

The minister called pending deregulation of the energy sector 'inevitable' and said that the Greek government had opted for these changes to go ahead with the participation of unions, together with workers.

Referring to Monday's ECOFIN approval of Greece's updated convergence program, Protopappas said that the road to Greece's membership in the euro zone had opened but that the requisite changes had to be pursued with an eye to boosting employment.

[23] Thessaloniki share center shows profit in 1999

Athens, 02/02/2000 (ANA)

The past year had seen completion of a project to equip the stock exchange center with state of the art technology, Kouniakis added.

[24] Development ministry says will take strict stance on GM foods issue

Athens, 02/02/2000 (ANA)

Development Minister Evangelos Venizelos said both his ministry and the government took a strict stand on issues related to genetically modified foods.

The minister was speaking during an inter-ministerial meeting at the ministry on the issue.

Greece was relatively free of the experimentation of this form of cultivation, he said, but there was a need for coordination and inspection, as well as to promote Greece's positions at the European Union and on an international level.

The meeting was attended by a number of officials, including Agriculture Minister George Anomeritis, Deputy Health Minister Nikos Farmakis and other officials from the health and farm sectors.

The participants decided on the need to establish an integrated and centrally run national committee, which will determine the framework for genetically modified foodstuffs. The secretary general will head the nine-member committee for Research and Technology.

Also decided was that the inter-ministerial committee be made a permanent body to determine on issues related to food production and trade vis-a-vis new technologies and cultivation methods.

Greece already has four bodies conducting inspections from the production to the consumption stage.

Venizelos said that an important area was specific sign posting on packaging indicating whether foodstuffs available on store shelves contained genetically modified foods.

[25] Ecological society calls for wetlands' protection

Athens, 02/02/2000 (ANA)

In light of the Feb. 2 International Wetland Day the society also noted, in its press release, that on a local level the same kind of destruction is going on, stressing the case of the Nestos River delta, an internationally recognized natural wonder.

It also called on the state to undertake the necessary measures to protect the wetlands and at the same time ecologically friendly development, which will improve the standard of living of the region's inhabitants.

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