Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-02-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papantoniou says no fear of oil crisis for time being

[02] Greek premier expresses concern over developments in Kosovo

[03] Greece calls for lifting of oil embargo on Yugoslavia and a solution to shipping issue on Danube

[04] FMs trilateral meeting postponed

[05] Deputy foreign minister and US ambassador discuss visas for Greek citizens visiting US

[06] Rokofyllos to represent Greece at inauguration of new Croatian President

[07] Papandreou meets with Xanthi mufti in Athens

[08] Papandreou and Arab ambassadors discuss building of Moslem mosque in Athens

[09] Greece supports principle of "one commissioner for each member-state" at EU

[10] Diplomats in Montreal to prepare Stephanopoulos visit

[11] ND leader and Parliament President discuss election campaign conditions

[12] Greece's economic achievements prove resolve to enter EMU

[13] UN special adviser briefs Security Council on Cyprus proximity talks held in Geneva

[14] Israeli businesspeople to visit Cyprus to promote ties

[15] Greek stocks continue moving lower

[16] Petrol prices rise sharply

[17] National Bank of Greece sees growth of 3.8 pct in 2000

[18] British investors strongly interested on Greek stocks

[19] Compromise on ouzo brand protection announced in Brussels

[20] Greek trade fair begins in FYROM Thursday

[21] Axon Holdings ups stake in hospital

[22] Victorian government offers incentives to convince OA to keep Athens-Melbourne route

[23] Australian senate calls for return of Parthenon Marbles to Greece

[24] Simitis tours new Athens appellate court building

[25] Mayors of Athens and Istanbul to inaugurate tourism exhibition

[26] Bathyscaph to explore sea region of Kalymnos

[27] World conference on renewable energy, desalination

[28] Athens 2004 officials brief IOC on progress so far

[01] Papantoniou says no fear of oil crisis for time being

Athens, 17/02/2000 (ANA)

Speaking to the Antenna radio station, Papantoniou said for the time being there are no fears of a crisis, since it does not appear that the high level of oil prices will continue.

"No increase, provided it lasts for a few days, creates conditions for a crisis," he said.

Commenting on the repercussions for the Greek economy, Papantoniou said the inflation criterion for euro zone entry would be fulfilled since the European Union's other member-states are also facing the negative impact of the pressure on inflation.

However, he said the increase in oil prices is a "very disagreeable fact" because it leads to an increase in inflation and removes substantive income from Greece in favor of those producing oil. The only hope, he added, is for the price of oil to return to more realistic levels.

Papantoniou ruled out any further decrease in a special fuel consumption tax, since the EU forbids this. He added that if a decrease in the special consumption tax was brought about, the European Court would impose fines, which will be many times higher than the tax.

Referring to the Athens Stock Exchange, he said it would follow an upward trend because the economy is doing well; interest rates are falling; the Stock Exchange is being upgraded; and it will soon be ranked among mature markets.

Speaking on whether new tough measures will be taken for the post-European Monetary Union (EMU) era, Papantoniou said Greece made a great leap from 1993 until now to join EMU. It improved its indicators, brought about structural changes and restructured public finances.

"The difficult times are now behind us. Efforts, which should be made from now on, have nothing to do with efforts, which have already, been made," he said, adding that "of course, we should not demand things which lie outside the limits of our economy's endurance."

[02] Greek premier expresses concern over developments in Kosovo

Athens, 17/02/2000 (ANA)

He was speaking in Parliament in reply to a question by ruling PASOK party Deputy Yiannis Yiannakis on decisions taken at the Balkan summit in Bucharest.

Simitis said European Union's Council of Foreign Ministers decided to lift the flight ban to and from Belgrade, Serbia, for a specific period of time, at Greece's proposal, while the lifting of other bans was also being considered.

He also noted that one of the funding plans concerning Balkan reconstruction regards the second Bulgaria-Romania bridge, which will provide Greek transport with another corridor to Europe.

Greece says not planning to send extra forces to Kosovo: There is no concern of Greek soldiers getting involved in incidents in Kosovo, and neither are their lives in danger, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said on Wednesday in response to questions by reporters whether Greek soldiers participating in the peacekeeping force in Kosovo are in incident zones. Reppas said that Greece was not planning on sending reinforcements to its contingent in the Kosovo peacekeeping force nor would those already in the force be moved to other areas. "We have, as participants in this international peace force, analogous commitments and obligations. And of course, we are in harmony with the movements of the other forces... However, we are not dealing with such an issue, of sending extra forces to the region."

The spokesman said that the decisions for the peacekeeping force are taken by its command.

To a question whether there were plans to send additional military police, Reppas said "we are not facing such an issue. At this moment changes are taking place at administrative level alone," he said.

[03] Greece calls for lifting of oil embargo on Yugoslavia and a solution to shipping issue on Danube

Athens, 17/02/2000 (ANA)

The reason is that measures harming the Yugoslav population are unfair and counter-productive.

Rokofyllos, who was speaking to reporters, said Greece is making efforts to achieve a decrease in tensions over the Yugoslav issue and enable an exit from the existing deadlock regarding the issue of shipping on the Danube, which is a problem inconveniencing several countries.

A proposal already exists for the European Investments Bank to fund projects allowing for the lifting of obstacles for shipping on the Danube (the proposal has been discussed with countries bordering the Danube), as well as for projects concerning the rebuilding of bridges, which have been destroyed.

[04] FMs trilateral meeting postponed

SOFIA, 17/02/2000 (ANA/B. Borisov)

Bulgarian foreign ministry spokesperson Ratko Vlaikov told reporters that unforeseen circumstances had prevented one of the foreign ministers from attending the meeting.

A new date for the meeting and an agenda will be announced on Thursday, at the latest.

[05] Deputy foreign minister and US ambassador discuss visas for Greek citizens visiting US

Athens, 17/02/2000 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, Burns described his meeting with Niotis as "excellent" and praised the latter's contribution to the development of relations between the two countries.

On the question of abolishing passport visas, an object of negotiations between the two countries' governments, Burns said it was proceeding very well and added that "Greece can and should participate in this (visa-waiver) program."

Niotis said that at the moment the issue of abolishing visas "is at the stage of technical details", adding that a coordination process is also underway between the interior and public order ministries on finalized settlements regarding the new method of issuing Greek passports.

[06] Rokofyllos to represent Greece at inauguration of new Croatian President

Athens, 17/02/2000 (ANA)

Many heads of state and foreign ministers, including US secretary of state Madeleine Albright will attend the inauguration.

[07] Papandreou meets with Xanthi mufti in Athens

Athens, 17/02/2000 (ANA)

Both Xanthi and Didymotiho are small cities in Greece's northeast province of Thrace that host Muslim populations.

Afterwards, Papandreou reiterated the central government's support for the two Muslim officials, stressing that Athens' policy is based on the framework of equality before the law and on European principles, which as he noted, "must be respected by all our neighboring Balkan countries for the promotion of good relations between them." Sarif Damatoglou, from Didymotiho, also congratulated the Greek foreign minister for the recent steps at rapprochement between Athens and Ankara, saying that such dialogue is positive for Greece's Muslim minority and will help solve any existing problems.

On his part, Xanthi Mufti Emin Sinikoglou noted that "we live within a regime of equality and equality before the law", while he expressed a hope that "things will go better" in the future.

After their meeting with Papandreou, the two men were received by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos before attending a scheduled meeting with Education and Religious Affairs Minister Gerasimos Arsenis.

Muftis are appointed by the Greek state - as they are in most predominately Islamic countries, as well -- to carry out specific religious and quasi-religious duties.

[08] Papandreou and Arab ambassadors discuss building of Moslem mosque in Athens

Athens, 17/02/2000 (ANA)

Papandreou reconfirmed the political decision for a plot of land to be provided for the creation of the cultural center and the mosque. He said that all the necessary steps have been taken by the Foreign Ministry to promote the issue and that certain technical and procedural details are awaiting solution.

Latest developments in the Middle East peace process were also discussed, while the Arab ambassadors raised the issue of Israel's recent bombings of regions in southern Lebanon.

Papandreou expressed Greece's support for efforts to achieve peace in the region and underlined the need for maintaining and strengthening the momentum of the talks. He called on the parties involved, in accordance with the recent statement by the European Union's Presidency, to abstain from any action jeopardizing the peace process.

[09] Greece supports principle of "one commissioner for each member-state" at EU

Athens, 17/02/2000 (ANA)

The intergovernmental conference got underway on February 14, 2000 and will be concluded at the end of the year to enable the EU to be institutionally prepared to accept new member-states.

In Greece's view, the possible introduction of whatever discriminations between commissioners, either in the allocation of portfolios or regarding voting rights, would be a mistake which would undermine the Commission's effectiveness.

On the question of evaluating votes at the Council of Ministers, Greece believes that the re-evaluation will create additional problems, which the peoples of the EU would not be able to understand easily.

Regarding the method of decision-making at the EU, Greece is of the opinion that a package of vital issues such as in the cases of the EU's constitutional and institutional organization, the accession of new countries or the association of countries, as well as decisions requiring constitutional ratification by member-states or which have an intergovernmental nature, should be subject to the rule of unanimity.

The strengthening of the EU's democratic nature is an essential precondition for its smooth development with the prospect of its enlargement to 27 members.

The strengthening of democratic legality also constitutes a precondition for improving the effectiveness of procedures for shaping policy and decision-making.

[10] Diplomats in Montreal to prepare Stephanopoulos visit

MONTREAL, 17/02/2000 (ANA)

In a joint press conference, also attended by the Greek envoy to Canada Ioannis Thomopoulos, ambassadors Lozos and Hutton said Stephanopoulos' trip, which encompassed visits to Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto, aimed at cultivating and promoting bilateral relations between the two countries and paving the way for exchanges of official visits.

The Canadian envoy said the visit was of multiple importance, noting that he and Lozos had been in contact with members of the Canadian business and academic community as well as Greek-Canadian organizations in Montreal.

Replying to questions, Hutton said the Greek economy had made leaping progress in view of EMU entry, providing huge investment opportunities.

He said a delegation of businessmen from Quebec who had recently visited Greece had returned "enthusiastic with the economic and political situation" in Greece.

Asked if he considered there was a security problem in Greece, the Canadian envoy said the political climate was positive and developing. "We have great confidence in the Greek government and its mechanisms," he added.

Ambassador Lozos outlined the joint effort to advance bilateral relations between Greece and Canada and a forthcoming visit to Greece by another delegation of Canadian businessmen, to take place under the aegis of the federal Canadian government's trade ministry.

[11] ND leader and Parliament President discuss election campaign conditions

Athens, 17/02/2000 (ANA)

Speaking after talks with Kaklamanis, Karamanlis said political parties have a great opportunity to upgrade the quality of their election communication and strengthen their relations with citizens and society.

Karamanlis said ND will not follow the government along the solitary path of fanaticism, tension and abuse which it has chosen, adding that he believes the government will be obliged to accept a serious and responsible dialogue on citizens' problems.

[12] Greece's economic achievements prove resolve to enter EMU

Athens, 17/02/2000 (ANA)

Unwin, the central speaker of a lecture organized by the Athens-based non-profit organization European Network of Communication and Information EURONET, addressed issues regarding the future of the EMU, the Union's enlargement and economic conditions in the Balkans.

"Your achievements, starting from a base well behind the other member states, have been impressive and the recent revaluation of the drachma has announced clearly to the world the seriousness of your government's intention to join the euro Club on the first day of the 2001," he said.

"Who would have thought in 1997 that Italy, Spain, Portugal and Ireland would so manage their economies as to meet the vital criteria by 1 January? That in itself has been one of the major and all too easily overlooked benefits of EMU. This consideration applies also to Greece," Unwin added.

On the institutional front, "the EIB inaugurated the "Marathon" drachma bond market for non-domestic issuers, as well as launching the first Greek drachma dept issuance program. Last May the bank took a further initiative by unveiling the first drachma-denominated euro-tributary issue designed to be convertible with other similar EIB euro issues," Unwin said.

"These are important developments since efficient local capital markets are crucial to the integration of the Greek economy with the rest of the EU and with international markets more widely. So EMU and the Euro enjoyed a successful launch and Greece is now well set to join the Club," he added.

Speaking on the Union's enlargement, Unwin noted the importance of institutional changes within the Union's governing structure, before new members are admitted, stressing that the current system of decision making on almost all levels is already cumbersome.

To drive the point home, Unwin noted the need of "reforming the institutions and governance of the Community itself, if they are not to seize up after enlargement like an antiquated combustion engine".

"With the present voting rules, decisions on difficult issues are often virtually impossible to take and presidency after presidency has been forced to hand over unresolved dossiers to its successor," the British retired banker said.

"The EIB board of Directors, with some 35 members including alternates, and the Management Committee are at their limits of manageability," he added.

Finally, speaking on conditions in the Balkans he stressed Greece's prominent role in the region proven by its role after the recent crisis in Kosovo.

Unwin noted that he visited the Balkans to witness the contribution "the EIB could make to future economic reconstruction, particularly of destroyed or neglected and antiquated infrastructure. The immediate response of the international community after the end of the Kosovo crisis was outwardly impressive, and Greece played a prominent part in it," Unwin said.

[13] UN special adviser briefs Security Council on Cyprus proximity talks held in Geneva

NICOSIA, 17/02/2000 (CNA/ANA)

According to diplomatic sources de Soto told the Security Council discussions during the second round of proximity talks continued on the basic aspects of the Cyprus problem and expressed the view they were concluded successfully.

In a short statement to the press, Argentinean Ambassador Arnoldo Listre, presiding over the Security Council, said members continue to follow the Cyprus problem "with the closest interest", reaffirming the position that "the status quo in Cyprus is unacceptable".

Pointing out that "Council members commented on the continuing commitment shown by the parties to the talks process and welcomed the fact that the talks had been conducted in a positive atmosphere and without preconditions," Listre said they looked forward to resumption of talks in New York on 23 May hoping that "progress can soon be made on substantive issues".

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, aiming to bring them to face-to-face negotiations to reach a settlement in Cyprus, divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded the island occupying 37 per cent of its territory.

[14] Israeli businesspeople to visit Cyprus to promote ties

NICOSIA, 17/02/2000 (CNA/ANA)

The delegation will be headed by the Director of Foreign Trade at the Israeli Ministry of Commerce and Industry Zohar Peri, the Director General of the Israel Export Institute Amir Hayek and the Director General of the Israel Manufacturers Association Yoram Blizovsky.

It comprises representatives of "various prestigious companies" and businesspeople from the fields of software, industrial and electrical engineering, general trading and the trading of diamonds.

On the occasion of the delegation's visit, a number of events will be organized, such as the opening ceremony which will take place on February 21, at the office of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE), the island's largest employers' union.

Cyprus' Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Nicos Rolandis will address the ceremony. The "Business Forum", which is scheduled for the following day, will be attended by Cypriot businesspeople, who will meet the members of the delegation and "hear about the business opportunities available to them in Israel, as well as other ways to promote and enhance ties between the two business communities".

[15] Greek stocks continue moving lower

Athens, 17/02/2000 (ANA)

Smaller capitalization stocks were particularly hit while banks and investments resisted the wider market's fall.

The general index ended 1.57 percent lower at 5,328.49 points. Turnover was a low 202 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 1.01 percent to 2,875.02 points and the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended at 878.54 points, off 3.10 percent

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 10,076.90

-0.75% Leasing: 1,301.46 -3.84% Insurance: 3,533.22 -1.23% Investment: 2,598.04 -0.71% Construction: 3,229.38 -3.65% Industrials: 3,121.56

-2.42% Miscellaneous: 6,595.80 -2.00% Holding: 5,922.88 -2.46%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 1,421.88 points, off 5.80 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 340 to 25 with another six issues unchanged.

Intersat, Aspis Insurance (p), Druckfarben, Doudos and Fanco ended at the day's 10.0 percent limit up, while Korfil (c), Macedonian Plastics, Technical Publications, Ergas and Agrinion Metalplastics ended at the day's limit down. Germanos, Hellenic Telecoms and ETBAbank were the most heavily traded stocks. Leading shares' closing prices (in Drs): Alpha Credit:

26,870 National Bank: 25,080 Commercial Bank: 23,030 Ergobank: 29,300 Eurobank: 13,115 Heracles Cement: 10,550 Hellenic Petroleum: 4,380

Intracom: 14,900 Minoan Lines: 8,430 Hellenic Telecoms: 9,695 Panafon: 5,010 Titan Cement: 16,550

Futures contract prices end lower: Futures contract prices came under pressure to end lower on the Athens Derivatives Exchange (ADEX) on Wednesday, following sharp losses in the two benchmark indices, FTSE/ASE 20 and FTSE/ASE 40.

A total of 910 contracts were traded on the FTSE/ASE 20 index, worth 5.2 billion drachmas. The February contract ended at 2,890, the March at 2,923, the April at 2,945 and the June contract at 2,955 points.

A total of 766 contracts were traded on the FTSE/ASE 40 index, worth 2.6 billion drachmas. The February contract ended at 893.5 points, the March at 910 and the April at 920 points.

Bonds finish mixed in light trade: Bonds ended mixed in light trade on Wednesday with traders at home and abroad awaiting statements in the coming day by US Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan.

The benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 6.56 percent, the same as a day earlier, from 6.51-6.53 percent on Monday and 6.55-6.57 percent on Friday.

The paper's yield spread over German bunds was 96 basis points from 98 basis points for three straight sessions and 98-100 basis points on Friday.

Trade through the central bank's electronic system totalled 36 billion drachmas from 50 billion drachmas a day earlier and 18 billion drachmas on Monday.

In Wednesday's trade, buy and sell orders were roughly equal.

Analysts said there was little room for the yield spread over bunds to fall further, and that even a central bank rate cut of 75-100 basis points would have little impact on the market.

The only factor that the market had yet to discount was the extent of the rate cut, expected in March, itself a reason for the market's fatigue, the analysts said.

Drachma slips vs. euro, edges up vs. dollar: The drachma on Wednesday crept down against the euro and nosed up versus the US dollar in the domestic foreign exchange market.

At the central bank's daily fixing, the euro was set at 333.280 drachmas from 333.200 drachmas a day earlier and 333.070 drachmas on Monday.

Also at the fixing, the dollar was set at 339.790 drachmas from 339.800 drachmas in the previous session and 336.890 drachmas on Monday.

[16] Petrol prices rise sharply

Athens, 17/02/2000 (ANA)

Diesel prices, however, will fall by 0.40 drachmas per litre, while heating oil prices will rise by 0.30 drachmas.

Development Minister Evangelos Venizelos said that rising oil prices were causing problems in government policy but said that the government did not plan to lower petrol taxes.

[17] National Bank of Greece sees growth of 3.8 pct in 2000

Athens, 17/02/2000 (ANA)

National Bank also forecast that harmonized inflation in 2000 would show an average annualized rate of 2.4 percent, meeting the inflation criterion in February for euro zone entry anticipated in January 2001.

In addition, the report said the Bank of Greece, or central bank, would gradually lower its rates in the first few months of the year, depending on how fast inflation declines.

[18] British investors strongly interested on Greek stocks

Athens, 17/02/2000 (ANA)

Addressing a special event in a central Athens hotel, Rondopoulos noted that the chamber was scheduling a one-day meeting in May where invited UK institutional investors would present their views about the Greek stock market.

He also stressed that National Economy and Finance Minister, Yiannos Papantoniou's weekend visit to Britain, followed by a group of Greek bankers, was aiming to further boost British investors' interest.

George Laskaris, the chamber's general manager, said that UK investors were also interested in other sectors, such as the big infrastructure projects and in particular the construction of the Olympic village ahead of the Athens 2004 Olympics.

The British-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce plans to hold special meetings and events to further boost bilateral relations within the current year. These will focus on the defense, telecommunications, electronic commerce, maritime and the foods sectors.

[19] Compromise on ouzo brand protection announced in Brussels

Athens, 17/02/2000 (ANA)

The issue had arisen during negotiations between the EU and South Africa over a new trade pact. A gradual, five-year ban was agreed upon for non-Greek ouzo in the South African market.

Additionally, the Greek side also safeguarded brand name protection for retsina wine.

According to Alternate Foreign Minister Christos Rokofyllos, Athens' insistence over the issue was justified, while it boosts the country's position in any future negotiations with third countries over traditional products' protection.

Italian interests had also lobbied against South African-produced grappa.

[20] Greek trade fair begins in FYROM Thursday

Athens, 17/02/2000 (ANA)

The event, the third of its kind, is organized by the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair. Macedonia-Thrace Minister Yiannis Magriotis is to launch the event.

Among sectors represented are foodstuffs and beverages, packaging materials, plastic irrigation pipes, apparel, aluminum products, building materials and services.

On Saturday, the Balkan and Black Sea Business Center will hold a seminar on bilateral economic ties and the outlook for cooperation as part of the trade fair.

Helping to organize the seminar are the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair and FYROM's economic chamber.

Invited to speak is the neighboring country's Prime Minister, Ljubco Georgievski

[21] Axon Holdings ups stake in hospital

Athens, 17/02/2000 (ANA)

The newly acquired shares, which were bought from Elly Plessa-Phytila, bring Axon's stake in the unit to 73 percent.

[22] Victorian government offers incentives to convince OA to keep Athens-Melbourne route

MELBOURNE, 17/02/2000 (ANA)

According to journalists Costas Nikolopoulos, writing in 'Neos Kosmos', Victorian Premier Steve Bracks has addressed a personal letter to Greek Transport and Communications Minister Tassos Mandelis underlining the importance for the state's large Greek community that Olympic Airways continue to fly to Melbourne.

The letter has also been sent to managing director of Olympic Airways, Rod Lynch, to the Greek ambassador to Australia and to the General Secretariat for Overseas Greeks.

Olympic Airways has cited cost as the main reason forcing it to drop the Victorian capital from its itinerary. But the decision has brought immediate objections from the large Greek community in the country.

The company will schedule three flights a week to Sydney, via Bangkok. Passengers headed for Melbourne will board flights scheduled by local carriers Ansett or Qantas, with which Olympic will conclude special agreements. The changes are aimed at an overall attempt at making Olympic's Australian routes profitable.

The discontinuation of the Melbourne-Sydney section will enable the company to decrease expenditures in landing and take-off duties and crew stays, and benefit from the savings on aircraft flight hours and crew duty time, Olympic says.

Premier Bracks proposes a number of incentives to convince OA to keep open its Melbourne route, including the state government providing financing and practical aid to advertise both Olympic Airways and the Victorian Tourist Board in Australian and foreign markets.

Bracks also proposed the state government assist in talks between Olympic and the managers of the Melbourne airport to discuss a reduced tariff for use.

[23] Australian senate calls for return of Parthenon Marbles to Greece

Athens, 17/02/2000 (ANA)

According to Senator Chris Saaht, who tabled the resolution, the Australian Senate will forward the resolution to the British government and the president of the British parliament. "The Acropolis is a world-wide symbol of civilization, and the Marbles are an inalienable part of the Parthenon. They must be returned where they belong," the resolution says.

Australia's Victoria State Prime Minister Steve Bracks has also launched an initiative for the return of the Marbles.

The Parthenon friezes, which date from between 447 BC and 432 BC, were removed from the Parthenon -- the temple dedicated to the ancient goddess Athena that crowns the Acropolis -- in Ottoman-occupied Athens in the early 19th century by British diplomat Lord Elgin, who then sold them to the British Museum.

[24] Simitis tours new Athens appellate court building

Athens, 17/02/2000 (ANA)

"For us, justice comprises the highest guarantee for citizens' rights. It is the last and safest bastion of democracy. It is a place where freedom and equality among citizens is expressed directly and on a daily basis. Justice reflects the quality of our social coexistence, in a word, our civilization," the premier said.

In a brief address to a gathering of Greece's top judicial and bar associations' officials, including Justice Minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos, Simitis also touched on his government's efforts at upgrading the judicial sector and guaranteeing the smooth and speedy operation of the court system.

Simitis was accompanied by deputy minister to the PM George Paschalidis.

[25] Mayors of Athens and Istanbul to inaugurate tourism exhibition

ISTANBUL, 17/02/2000 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

"It is the largest tourism exhibition of the Mediterranean, Balkans and Asia" the general director of Erkin Publishing company, which is organizing the exhibition, Halim Bulatoglu, said, noting that "the exhibition's budget amounts to 3 million dollars."

Greek companies are also taking part in the exhibition. Greek businessmen will accompany Avramopoulos.

Forty countries will be taking part in the exhibition, which covers an area of 7,000 square meters and includes lectures, cultural events and fashion shows. After the opening ceremony, the two mayors will sign a Protocol of Friendship and Cooperation between the cities of Athens and Istanbul.

[26] Bathyscaph to explore sea region of Kalymnos

Athens, 17/02/2000 (ANA)

Culture Minister Elizabeth Papazoi, in the presence of the head of the ministry's Underwater Antiquities Service, Katerina Delatolla, said on Wednesday that the machine cost 750 million drachmas and that its maintenance for one year costs 70 million drachmas.

The bathyscaph will begin its first archaeological mission in the sea region of the Dodecannese island of Kalymnos on Saturday. The mission, which will last for 15 days, will cost 20 million drachmas.

[27] World conference on renewable energy, desalination

Athens, 17/02/2000 (ANA)

The Renewable Energy Resources Unit of the National Technical University of Athens organizes the meeting.

The focus of debate will be confronting the problem of inadequate water supply in the Mediterranean using environmentally friendly technology. Further information is available by telephone on 77.23.272; or by e-mail on renes@central.ntua.gr.

[28] Athens 2004 officials brief IOC on progress so far

SYDNEY, 17/02/2000 (ANA)

"The first time we met we discussed the problems and we provided you with promises. Now, we're in a position to tell you that those promises have been implemented," 2004 organizing committee president Panayiotis Thomopoulos said.

On his part, 2004 managing director Costas Bakouris detailed the efforts made so far, particularly commencement of Olympic-related projects and international broadcasting rights. He also referred to priorities for the upcoming period, namely, the architectural and zoning master plan for the all-important Olympic Village; organization of individual sports; a deal with Athens-area hoteliers and the designation of a site for an Olympic press village.

A satellite linkup also allowed the participation of Greek Culture Minister Elizabeth Papazoi and Sports Deputy Minister Andreas Fouras in the presentation, among others.

Samaranch: International Olympic Committee president Juan Antonio Samaranch on Tuesday anticipated that the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens would be very successful, and expressed pleasure at Greece's assumption of the Games.

Samaranch, in Sydney -- host of the 2000 Games -- for a meeting of the IOC board, said he was "certain of the successful organization of the 2004 Olympic Games".

Athens 2004 organizing committee general manager Costas Bakouris, president Costas Thomopoulos, and vice-president Niki Tzavela are also in Sydney, where they are to present a detailed progress report on preparations for the 2004 Games to the IOC executive committee on Wednesday.

Greece's culture minister Elisabeth Papazoi and sports undersecretary Andreas Fouras would take part in the IOC conference in Sydney via teleconference from Athens, and perhaps reply to questions put forward by the IOC board on Athens' preparations.

Later Wednesday, Samaranch and the Athens 2004 officials were due to hold a joint press conference.

Meanwhile, a large delegation of Greek businessmen, journalists, and representatives of the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) were also in Sydney to be briefed on the 2000 Games' hosts on their Olympics program and examine prospective collaboration.

Turning to the Sydney Games, Samaranch said that "for the first time, everything is ready six months ahead of the Games, and that is a record", and anticipated that the 2000 Olympics would be the best ever.

Also, the US-based financial services firm John Hancock announced that it would be a sponsor for the Athens 2004 Olympics.

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