Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-02-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] President Stephanopoulos re-elected with overwhelming majority

[02] Karamanlis cautions against pre-election favoritism

[03] Poll focusing on Avramopoulos released, ND comments

[04] Asia Forum 2000 ends with three important decisions

[05] Verheugen says EU-Turkey rapprochement linked to improvement in Greek-Turkish relations

[06] Gov't confirms meeting between FMs of Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria on Feb. 19

[07] Cyprus sides accept to resume proximity talks in New York late May

[08] Athens expresses its condolences over the death of Yugoslav defense minister

[09] Gov't comments over delay in 'Falcon' investigation

[10] EU okays merger between Hellenic Bottling, Coca-Cola Beverages

[11] Canadian Industry and Trade minister holds talks with Greek Deputy Development minister

[12] Greek businessmen to visit Sydney

[13] OA sees end to consolidation, start of growth

[14] Air traffic from Austria increases in first 9 months of '99

[15] ANA-Elyros introduce innovative Guide to EU Programs

[16] Program presented for people with special needs

[17] First figures over Athens metro usage announced

[18] Bronze Age artifacts to go on CoE show at the National Archaeological Museum

[01] President Stephanopoulos re-elected with overwhelming majority

Athens, 09/02/2000 (ANA)

161 ruling PASOK and 101 main opposition New Democracy (ND) deputies voted for the long-time Patra attorney, a veteran of Greece's political scene. Seven independent deputies also voted in favor.

In terms of the smaller parties represented in the Greek Parliament, ten Coalition of the Left and Progress deputies voted for veteran leftist politician Leonidas Kyrkos, while 11 Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and eight Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) deputies simply declared themselves present. Two ND deputies were absent.

President Stephanopoulos needed two-thirds of Parliament's 300 votes, namely 200 votes, to be elected from the first round.

President Stephanopoulos achieved what no other head of state has since the restoration of Greece's democracy in 1974, namely, re-election to a second consecutive term, as well as another Parliamentary first: support by both major parties in the 300-deputy legislature.

Since 1974, Greece has had five individuals occupy the president's post, including Mihail Stasinopoulos, Constantine Tsatsos, Constantine Karamanlis (who served from 1980-85 and again from 1990-95), Christos Sartzetakis and today's Kostis Stephanopoulos.

President Stephanopoulos, who will take the oath of office in Parliament on March 11, was born in Patras, southern Greece, in 1926. He studied law at the Athens University and worked as a lawyer for many years. In 1964 he was elected a member of Parliament for the first time in the Achaia prefecture with the conservative National Radical Union (ERE) party. In 1974 he became a member of the conservative New Democracy party and was later elected a member of the party's Central Committee.

He also served as ND's parliamentary representative.

He was also a candidate for ND's leadership twice, in December 1981 and September 1984.

On September 6, 1985, after already having quit the ND party, he founded the Democratic Renewal (DHANA) party. Nine ND deputies joined his new party. He was leader of the DHANA party for about nine years but in 1994, after the party's failure in Euroelections, he dissolved it and withdrew from politics.

On March 8, 1995, he was elected President of the Republic, following a proposal by the Political Spring party and with support by the PASOK party.

He has served as Deputy Trade Minister (1974), Interior Minister (1974-1976), Social Services Minister (1976-1977) and Minister to the Prime Minister's Office (1977-1981).

He is a widower and has two sons and a daughter.

Stephanopoulos statements: "I succeeded in living up to my duties during my first term. My effort is to live up to them henceforth and it is important for our democratic Parliamentary form of government that my election occurred and I was voted from the first ballot," President Stephanopoulos told the Parliament Presidium which visited him later Tuesday evening at the Presidential Mansion to announce to him the result of the vote.

Making a brief account of his term, President Stephanopoulos said he tried to express the democratic sensitivities of the people, the feelings of national unity and the will of the people for the political strengthening of the country.

"I tried to serve our country's interests internationally and I observed the constitution with precision," he said.

"It is very probable that in certain cases I did not do what I should have done. I also made mistakes, small and few. However, I feel boundless gratitude that support was offered to me from the biggest part of the country's political world," he added.

Prime Minister: Prime Minister Costas Simitis expressed satisfaction over the re-election of President Stephanopoulos after the vote was concluded in Parliament.

"The election of Constantine Stephanopoulos for a second term, and with wider support, is a day of vindication for institutional rapprochement to political procedure. It is a day of maturity for the political system," he said, adding that "it is the first time that a President of the Republic is elected with such a majority."

Simitis said the election took place in accordance with the people's demand and was the outcome of genuine consensus. He said he was proud because with the political option in the person of Stephanopoulos "we contributed to the consolidation of consensus and the unobstructed functioning of the political system."

"Having supported Mr. Stephanopoulos from the first term, we hail his election with satisfaction," Simitis said, adding that "all recognize that Mr. Stephanopoulos achieved what the constitution asks for, as a symbol of both unity and consensus among all Greeks. Greece deserves such a symbol."

Leonidas Kyrkos, the candidate of the Coalition of the Left and Progress for president, extended congratulations to Stephanopoulos and thanks to the Coalition for nominating him. But he also expressed bitterness towards the government for its stance on the presidential election.

"The government handled the issue in the framework of its conservative turn in general. It had neither the will nor the vision to see the future of a society whose most acute problem concerns the operation of our political system, the creation of a new social and political majority capable of inspiring passion for political creation and uplift. With the world of work, modern enterprise and civilization at the centers of decisions," he said.

Karamanlis: Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis said that his party had ensured the country would have a president symbolizing the need for national consensus.

"We proved our principles in practice and offered the country the opportunity to have a president symbolizing the need for synthesis and consensus ... Mr. Stephanopoulos expresses our standing national positions and represents the overwhelming majority of the Greek people, and we are particularly happy with this," he said.

"New Democracy believes that all Greeks can achieve consensus on the country's major issues, and indeed, on institutional questions," he added.

Other opposition leaders, namely Coalition of the Left leader Nikos Constantopoulos and Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas sent the re-elected president congratulations wishing him well in his new term in office "for the good of the country".

Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras said his party felt vindicated for having played a leading role in Stephanopoulos' election to a first term in 1995.

[02] Karamanlis cautions against pre-election favoritism

Athens, 09/02/2000 (ANA)

Addressing party cadres, he particularly stressed that any hirings beyond the limits specified by law or the signing of contracts by direct assignment were illegal.

He specifically charged that the state-run Hellenic Radio and Television (ERT) organization had been turned into an element of the ruling party machine, and called for adherence to the Constitution.

"State television has been turned into an instrument of the party, in flagrant violation of the Constitution... We (also) call on the Prime Minister to abandon any thoughts of promotions in the armed forces during this period," he said.

Party spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos, meanwhile, accused the ruling party of spending large sums of money for the pre-election campaign, of which no one knew the origin.

In other statements, Coalition of the Left leader Nikos Constantopoulos said during a radio interview that the elections would take place in conditions of a "communications jungle," characterized by uncontrolled spending on advertising blunting the judgement of citizens.

Finally, Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas predicted that the elections would produce no absolute majority for any party and DHKKI would emerge with the crucial strength required to end "the arrogance of the two major parties"

[03] Poll focusing on Avramopoulos released, ND comments

Athens, 09/02/2000 (ANA)

According to results of a poll published by the Athens morning daily "To Vima", 35.3 percent of respondents said they believe the popular mayor of the Greek capital should be included in main opposition New Democracy's list of MP candidates. Some 11.7 percent believe Avramopoulos, a former career diplomat, should 'discreetly' support incumbent Prime Minister Costas Simitis and ruling PASOK, while 23.7 percent of respondents favored the mayor remaining as a more-or-less "political asset" for the country by staying neutral in the upcoming poll. Additionally, 15.7 percent of respondents said they consider Avramopoulos as the most capable individual to head the Athens 2004 Olympics organizing committee.

Greece will hold early general elections on April 9.

ND spokesman: Meanwhile, in a related development, New Democracy spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos called Avramopoulos a "successful mayor", before adding that "I am not in a position to know, nor is it my responsibility, to foresee what his (Avramopoulos) decisions will be and when they will be announced".

He also didn't rule out the possibility of a phone conversation in the next few days between ND leader Costas Karamanlis and Avramopoulos, saying: "communication exists and will exist."

Finally, asked if a meeting with one-time ND minister Stephanos Manos -- the founder of the nascent Liberals Party -- was planned by ND's leadership, Spiliotopoulos said, "I'm afraid were focusing on two or three individuals, while the election battle will be decided by the thousands of voters of this country."

[04] Asia Forum 2000 ends with three important decisions

Athens, 09/02/2000 (ANA)

A second meeting will be held in Thessaloniki again on May 23-28.

About 80 politicians and business representatives attended the forum from 36 countries in Asia, the Balkans, the European Union, Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the Middle East.

The Asia Forum's President Marios Nikolinakos, outlining the decisions taken at the forum during a press conference, said the first of the Eurasian business centers will concern the commercial sector, the second the promotion of interbank and stock exchange research and cooperation, the third a Eurasian tourist cooperation center and the fourth a Eurasian transit center.

He said discussions are also underway for the creation of corresponding centers in the telecommunications and energy sectors, adding that the proposal for the creation of the Eurasian centers came from the Asian side and was accepted by all the representatives of the participant countries. He further said that the aim is to have the decisions implemented before the second session in May.

Minister of Macedonia and Thrace Yiannis Magriotis and Deputy Foreign Minister Grigoris Niotis underlined the importance of Eurasian cooperation, through Greece, and support provided by the Greek government.

Magriotis referred to the increasingly important role played by Thessaloniki, saying the city was ready and will constitute the center of the wider region when its infrastructures will be completed.

Niotis said the organization to be created would be purely non-governmental. He clarified that the target of all actions scheduled by the Asia Forum is to bring Asia closer to Europe and, primarily, the Balkans, the Black Sea zone and the Middle East.

[05] Verheugen says EU-Turkey rapprochement linked to improvement in Greek-Turkish relations

BRUSSELS, 09/02/2000 (ANA - V. Demiris)

Verheugen, who was addressing a press conference in the Belgian capital, expressed satisfaction over the way Greek-Turkish relations are improving and said "I welcome the speedy improvement observed recently in Greek-Turkish relations, which was confirmed during the recent visit to Athens by Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem."

"We on our part will do all we can to enable progress in relations between Greece and Turkey to continue," he added.

Verheugen termed the decision taken at the EU Helsinki summit on Turkey the "most immediate and visible" of the summit's conclusions in the sense that, as he explained, "certain expectations on rapprochement between the EU and Turkey have already started to be implemented."

Commenting on the partnership relationship for Turkey's accession, he said discussions with the Turkish authorities would continue during his visit to Turkey next month.

Referring to efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue, Verheugen spoke of "certain hopes which exist", adding that "it is still early to say when the Cyprus issue will be resolved."

"We have opened the window a little towards finding a solution," he said.

In relation to Cyprus' accession negotiations, an informative document distributed by the European Commission on the course of accession negotiations on Tuesday, shows Cyprus appearing to have achieved the greatest progress in incorporating EU established rights from among the countries of the first wave, having "closed" 11 chapters.

Verheugen said all the remaining chapters will be raised for negotiating in the year 2000.

[06] Gov't confirms meeting between FMs of Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria on Feb. 19

Athens, 09/02/2000 (ANA)

On his part, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas called the meeting "hopeful", adding that it ushers in a new mode of communication between the three neighbors.

[07] Cyprus sides accept to resume proximity talks in New York late May

GENEVA, 09/02/2000 (CNA/ANA)

In an opening statement at the end of the proximity talks that began in Geneva on January 31, de Soto said various issues were addressed "in the exploratory way that they have been addressed until now".

He added that the aim of the current stage of the process is "to prepare the ground for meaningful negotiations leading to a comprehensive settlement".

The fresh UN-led effort got underway in New York in December last year with what has been described as proximity talks, separate meetings with the two sides, with an aim to bringing them to face-to-face negotiations to reach a settlement in Cyprus, divided since Turkish troops occupied 37 percent of its territory in 1974.

"The Geneva round, let me emphasize, did not involve negotiation as such", de Soto said, noting that the two parties worked with the UN "in a constructive manner in exploring in greater depth the range of issues that are before them".

He also said the UN had hoped the two sides would have observed the news blackout requested by Kofi Annan, noting that confidentiality is essential to the success of the talks.

From the outset of the talks Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash would make statements to the press in a bid to promote his positions, forcing President Glafcos Clerides to issue a written statement.

"Nevertheless, what is most important is what the parties say inside the room where the proximity talks are held rather than outside," the UN envoy said.

He added that "it almost goes without saying that because of the format of the talks, which have not yet involved telling each side what goes on with the other, the only authoritative statements that can be made regarding what is going on in those talks are those made by the UN".

"I do not plan to go into the substance or into any area which in my judgement would have a negative effect on the continuation of the talks," de Soto concluded.

Earlier he held separate meetings with President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

Press conference: The UN would consider changing the format of the ongoing proximity talks between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides to find a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus, if the two sides agree to do so, de Soto told later a press conference, stressing also that meaningful negotiations can take place without face to face talks.

The top UN envoy for Cyprus told that the notion of political equality is enshrined in various UN documents, adding that the challenge ahead is to translate that into a comprehensive settlement.

De Soto also indicated that a solution in Cyprus would take some time to come and welcomed external factors, such as improved Greco-Turkish ties, which give grounds for hope for a settlement.

Asked if the UN plan to hold direct talks, he said "should the parties mutually agree, on the basis of the political equality within which they meet indirectly through the UN, in one way or another to change the format, this is something we could contemplate," adding that "this is not foreseen as of now."

Replying to another question on the possibility of holding direct talks, de Soto explained that direct talks are one way to negotiate but there are many cases of successful negotiations that were conducted indirectly.

"One should not mystify too much or iconize the concept of direct negotiations, I think this is a process that should and I hope will lead to meaningful negotiations but I do not want to prejudge what the format or the mode of those negotiations are going to be," he added.

He also recalled the Secretary General's invitation to the two parties for talks which refers to proximity talks leading to meaningful negotiations but does not say proximity talks leading to face to face negotiations.

"There can be meaningful negotiations without face to face talks," he remarked.

Asked if the UN will attempt to find a settlement in Cyprus on the basis of political equality, de Soto said "the notion of political equality in the context of the efforts to solve the problem of Cyprus in enshrined in a variety of documents of the UN and it is contained in several of his (SG's) reports."

"The challenge is how to translate that into a comprehensive settlement and that is what these talks are about and what the negotiations will be about together with a variety of other issues that I have enumerated and will have to be part of a comprehensive settlement," he added.

The UN official refrained from disclosing whether any conclusion on this particular issue has been reached.

Asked if the UN intend to put forward any proposals at the next round of talks to bridge the differences between the two sides, he replied "I do not think I better reveal in advance how we are going to go about the effort or indeed if there will be such proposals."

Replying to a question on the likelihood of finding a settlement by the end of the year, de Soto said "I think it would be naive to expect a comprehensive settlement in the course of the next round of talks, this is likely to take considerably longer, this is a complex and difficult challenge the parties have before them and we will continue to assist them and hope we will move forward."

"I really think it would be outlandish to make such prediction," he added.

Commenting on his meetings with the two sides, de Soto said he not only listened but also asked questions, he probed and explored the views expressed so that when negotiations actually begin "we will be on a higher platform".

He said he will report to the SG, consult with him and get guidance from him as to how he will carry forward the results of this round of talks.

Invited to comment on the public statements both parties have made during this round of talks, he said he would have preferred that such statements had not been made but "they did not affect the course of the talks, no meetings were shortened or cancelled or postponed."

Asked if he was optimistic, he said the UN believes that there are "factors external to Cyprus, notably the improved climate in relations between Greece and Turkey, that give grounds for hope."

He also said Greece and Turkey, as guarantor powers have an important role to play and the UN will remain in contact with them.

Referring to the representatives of various countries, on the sidelines of the talks, he said the US, the UK and several other countries collaborate with the SG in several ways, including "intellectual input, advice and sometimes diplomatic assistance."

The SG views them as his "friends" who assist him in solving the problem of Cyprus.

He said the UN and the EU are in touch even though the two processes (peace talks and accession negotiations) that are followed are parallel and each has its own mandate.

Asked about his visit to Cyprus, he said his visit to the island, which he described as "a momentous occasion" will take place in March and he will be briefed by UNFICYP, adding that "I have a lot of learning to do on the ground but my purpose when I visit is not to continue the proximity talks as such."

[08] Athens expresses its condolences over the death of Yugoslav defense minister

Athens, 09/02/2000 (ANA)

The motive for killing of the secretive minister was not clear.

In response to press questions, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the incident demonstrates how "disturbed" the situation in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is at present. He also added that internal and international forces must make efforts for the reconstruction of Yugoslavia's democratic institutions.

[09] Gov't comments over delay in 'Falcon' investigation

Athens, 09/02/2000 (ANA)

However, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas added that Athens does not have the ability to intervene in the investigation.

According to sources, the delay reportedly stems from differing conclusions between the French manufacturers of the plane in question, a "Falcon" corporate jet, and Romanian authorities.

The Greek government had announced in November that there was an ongoing delay in the probe over the Sept. 14 accident, during which Kranidiotis and other six persons were killed. At the time, Reppas said the delay was due to interventions by a French state agency, which had requested that parallel investigations be conducted over the accident and another incident aboard a similar aircraft that occurred in the United States at a later date.

The Falcon literally dropped thousands of feet in mid-air in a matter of seconds before pilots managed to recover the controls. The plane was only a few minutes away from landing at Bucharest's airport. Kranidiotis and his official entourage, as well as reporters were headed to a Balkan foreign ministers' conference in the Romanian capital.

Turkish journalists hail success of Athens conference ISTANBUL, 09/02/2000 (A. Kourkoulas)

Turkey's Journalists Union in an announcement on Tuesday expressed the significance of the conference held in Athens last weekend between one hundred Greek and Turkish journalists and members of the mass media.

"We support the volition of the journalists and members of the mass media who took part in the conference to maintain open the channel of communication between them," the announcement said, adding that "we encourage every effort for cooperation between the Greek and Turkish mass media."

"The continuous communication between the Greek and Turkish mass media is essential as the Greek and Turkish journalists are responsible for the maintenance of the friendly climate between the two peoples," the announcement issued in Istanbul added.

Turkey's Journalists Union also hailed the activity of the Greek-Turkish Contact and Cooperation Group and "the spirit shown during the Athens conference".

[00] Stocks rise again, fuelled by banks

Athens, 09/02/2000 (ANA)

The Athens general index finished at 5,550.40 points from 5,489.30 points a day earlier, up 1.11 percent. Turnover, which has shown a steady rise in past sessions hit 376.87 billion drachmas.

The market maintained an upward thrust after profit takers muscled into the session several times, in turn enticing bargain hunters who drove up prices again.

The market is seeking to consolidate at new higher levels, buoyed by the country's robust economic outlook before anticipated euro zone entry on January 1, 2001.

Also fuelling sentiment was an end to political uncertainty and speculation following the Prime Minister's announcement on Friday of early elections on April 9.

Although more stocks ended lower than higher, the heavily weighted banking sector pushed up the index, possibly signaling a shift by players back into blue chips.

On Monday, the daily upper and lower volatility limit was extended to 10.0 percent either way from 8.0 percent, allowing greater share movement. Newly listed stocks are exempt from the curb for the first three days of trade.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks outperformed the general index to close at 2,936.24 points, up 2.51 percent.

The FTSE/ASE Mid 40 for medium capitalization shares gained 0.59 percent to finish at 985.36 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: +2.94% Leasing: -1.09% Insurance: +1.23% Investment: +0.02% Construction: -0.58% Industrial: -0.58% Miscellaneous: +0.21% Holding: -2.55%

Of 329 shares traded, declines led advances at 213 to 114 with two remaining unchanged.

Among shares to end at the daily 10.0 percent limit up were the Athens water board (EYDAP), National Investment Bank for Industrial Development (preferred) Korfil (common), Alte and Mytilineos.

Among shares to suffer the heaviest percentage losses were Pairis, Agrinio Metals and Plastics, Viokarpet, Ridenco and Athinea.

Closing prices of selected leading shares (in Drs) are as follows: National Bank of Greece: 24,050 Alpha Credit Bank: 26,800 Ergobank: 30,900 Eurobank: 14,010 Hellenic Telecommunications Organization: 9,075 Panafon: 5,210 Hellenic Petroleum: 4,440 Titan Cement (c): 17,905 Intracom: 14,620

Futures rise on Athens derivatives market: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange finished higher on Tuesday in line with the indices on which they are based.

On the Athens bourse, the FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 2.51 percent higher; and the FTSE/ASE Mid 40 for medium capitalization stocks closed 0.59 percent up.

Turnover from derivatives rose to 10.3 billion drachmas from 7.7 billion drachmas a day earlier and 11.5 billion drachmas on Friday.

A total of 1,442 futures were traded on the FTSE/ASE 20, showing turnover of 8.1 billion drachmas.

The contracts ended as follows: expiring February at 2,925; expiring March at 2,938; expiring April at 2,954; and expiring June at 2,946.

Futures traded on the FTSE/ASE Mid 40 numbered 575, recording turnover of 2.2 billion drachmas.

Contracts closed as follows: expiring February at 995; expiring March at 1,007; and expiring April at 1,010.

Bonds flaccid, tracking markets abroad: Bonds in the secondary market were lackluster in light trade on Tuesday, in line with markets abroad.

The benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 6.47 percent from 6.47 percent to 6.50 percent a day earlier and 6.45 percent to 6.46 percent in the two previous sessions.

The paper's yield spread over German bunds was 98 basis points from 100 basis points in the previous session and 101 basis points on Friday.

Analysts said there was little room for the yield spread to drop much lower.

Trade through the central bank's electronic system totalled 46 billion drachmas from 20 billion drachmas a day earlier and 196 billion drachmas on Friday.

On Tuesday, buy orders accounted for 34 billion drachmas of turnover.

Drachma slumps vs. surging euro: The euro rose sharply against the US dollar in markets abroad on Tuesday, prompting the Greek central bank to intervene in domestic trade in order to nudge up the drachma.

At its daily fixing, the Bank of Greece stepped into the market when the European Union's single currency hit 333 to the drachma, selling around 190 million euros in order to curb the national currency's descent.

On Monday, the US dollar had renewed its rise abroad to finish higher against the drachma, rising further in after-hours trade.

At the central bank's daily fixing on Tuesday, the euro was set at 332.800 drachmas from 332.550 drachmas a day earlier and 332.530 drachmas on Friday.

Also at the fixing, the dollar was set at 337.300 drachmas from 339.670 drachmas in the previous session and 337.260 drachmas on Friday.

[10] EU okays merger between Hellenic Bottling, Coca-Cola Beverages

Athens, 09/02/2000 (ANA)

The decision by the EU's regulatory authorities, which was taken on Monday, clears the way for the new Hellenic Bottling to seek listing on the UK and Australian stock exchanges, the statement said.

Hellenic Bottling is quoted on the Athens bourse, and CCB, in its present form, is already listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Completion of the merger process is expected in the third quarter of the year.

Details of the merger and results for 1999 will be announced to shareholders of Hellenic at the end of February, and of CCB in early March.

Shareholders will then be asked to endorse the two boards' proposals.

As part of the EU's approval of the merger, Hellenic is committed to selling its shares in Frigoglass, which is also listed in Athens, within six months of the merger progress. Hellenic said it wishes to sell its 20 percent stake to strategic and institutional investors in Greece and abroad.

In order to effect the merger, CCB's shareholders will have the option of obtaining six new shares in Hellenic Bottling for every 57 shares held in CCB; or five new shares in Hellenic plus 13 pounds sterling 30 pence for each batch of 57 shares.

The cash offer to CCB's shareholders has a ceiling of 250 million pounds sterling.

After the merger, Hellenic Bottling will become Coca-Cola's second largest bottler worldwide, on the basis of volume of sales.

Its board will comprise executives of both companies, with the president and vice president from Hellenic Bottling and general manager from CCB.

[11] Canadian Industry and Trade minister holds talks with Greek Deputy Development minister

Athens, 09/02/2000 (ANA)

Zafeiropoulos assured that cooperation would be improved in the future, while the Canadian side raised the issue of a National Quality System for products and services. Practices applied in both countries on issues concerning standardization and quality control were also examined.

[12] Greek businessmen to visit Sydney

Athens, 09/02/2000 (ANA)

The visit, from February 16 to 20, will coincide with a Feb. 16-18 meeting of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) executive board on the contribution of sponsors to the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Olympics.

The Greek business delegation will be on a reciprocal visit to a similar Athens visit by Australian businessmen, organized by Australia's Institute of Athletics, the Australian embassy in Athens and the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry aiming at attracting investments for the Athens Olympic Games.

According to a tentative schedule, the Greek delegation will visit the 2000 Games venues, be briefed on Sydney's organization of the Olympics, and the city's preparations for accommodating the hundreds of thousands of tourists expected to flock in during the Games, as well as on business opportunities arising due to the Games.

They will also meet with the Australian ministers of trade and sports, the mayor of Sydney, and other officials.

IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch and other IOC officials, as well as senior Athens 2004 organizing committee officials will be in Sydney during that same period.

[13] OA sees end to consolidation, start of growth

Athens, 09/02/2000 (ANA)

In 1999, the national carrier managed to keep its passenger numbers for domestic and international flights steady with no major increase in capacity.

In the same year, the number of passengers on international flights edged up to 2,621,929 from 2,620,781 a year earlier. In 1998 versus 1997, the airline had lost 252,000 passengers.

As the bulk of Olympic's revenue comes from international business, the slight rise in 1999 passengers more than offset passenger loss on domestic flights, with numbers falling to 2,451,728 from 2,536,686 in 1998.

Private airlines operating domestic flights in Greece upped their passenger numbers to 2,317,158 in 1999 from 711,928 a year earlier, showing a 225.4 percent jump.

[14] Air traffic from Austria increases in first 9 months of '99

VIENNA, 09/02/2000 (ANA)

Additionally, the increase in the number of Austrian tourists visiting Greece between January and September 1999 is estimated at around 120,000, if overland tourist arrivals (via ferry links from Italian ports) are included.

The figures were released here in light of a Greek pavilion at an international tourism exhibition in Vienna over the past few days. Several Greek local administration entities participated in the pavilion -- organized by the National Tourism Organization (EOT) -- as well as passenger shippers ANEK, Minoan Lines and Strintzis, and along with Olympic Airways.

[15] ANA-Elyros introduce innovative Guide to EU Programs

Athens, 09/02/2000 (ANA)

The "Guide to the European Union Programs" comprises two luxurious dossiers, 450 pages each, containing all the EU programs, collated by a team of specialists. The Guide is also available on CD-ROM.

The innovative aspect of this guide is that the team will throughout the year monitor developments in the programs and immediately create updates whenever a change occurs.

The Guide contains chapters on: General fiscal and institutional matters, customs union and free movement of goods, agriculture, commercial fishing, the free movement of workers and social policy, the right of establishment and unobstructed provision of services, transports policy, competition policy, taxation, economic and monetary policy and free movement of capital, external relations, energy, industrial policy and the external market, regional policy and coordination of the structural agencies, environment-consumers-protection of health, corporate law, common foreign and security policy, judicial cooperation and domestic affairs, and the Europe of the Citizens.

The Guide will be introduced in late March in dossier form or on CD-ROM.

The initial subscription, for the first year, will be 120,000 dr., representing 20,000 dr. for the purchase of the two dossiers or CD-ROM and a 100,000 dr. subscription fee for the updates. The annual subscription from the second year on will be 100,000 dr. (update service).

ANA and Elyros soon plan to introduce additional bulletins that will cover the social, consumer, medical, research and technology, transport, and commercial fishing sectors.

The advance information bulletins aim at providing clear, concise and up-to-date information to individuals, agencies and organizations on EU and international developments in the specific sectors.

[16] Program presented for people with special needs

Athens, 09/02/2000 (ANA)

The minister said that for every hiring in this category, the daily wage for 36 months would be subsidized with 7,000 drachmas the first year, with 7,500 drachmas the second year and with 8,500 drachmas the third year.

The self-employed will be subsidized with 3,400,000 drachmas.

This year, 1,400 people with special needs will be trained at Vocational Training Centers and psychological support will be given to those seeking employment.

[17] First figures over Athens metro usage announced

Athens, 09/02/2000 (ANA)

Specifically, the number of commuters has ranged from 290,000 to 302,000, of which 220,000 buy one-way tickets while some 80,000 passengers use unlimited route passes.

The stations with the highest passenger traffic are Syntagma and Omonia, as well as the terminal stations of Ethniki Amyna and Sepolia.

In response to concerns over security, meanwhile, officials from the Attiko Metro said 120 police officers and 70 private guards are on patrol during working hours.

[18] Bronze Age artifacts to go on CoE show at the National Archaeological Museum

Athens, 09/02/2000 (ANA)

Two hundred and sixty artifacts dating from the Bronze Age in Europe will be on show.

Twenty European countries took part in creating the exhibition, which aims at presenting a picture of Europe during the Bronze Age (3rd and 2nd millennium BC). Included in the exhibition are artifacts from Scandinavia, Britain, Russia, Germany, Denmark, Hungary, Greece, Cyprus, Italy and the Iberian Peninsula.

The treasures include golden utensils and jewelry, bronze weapons clay urns, stone pillars and Cycladic marble idols.

Greece is participating with 91 ancient artifacts from the National Archaeological Museum, the Archaeological Museum of Iraklion, Crete, and 17 other regional museums.

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