Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-03-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] Premier says government will not hesitate to clash with private interests in health sector

[02] MRB finds PASOK with a nationwide lead over main opposition

[03] Last Cabinet meeting of current gov't set for March 14

[04] New Democracy party leader gives reception for cultural and artistic personalities

[05] Papandreou outlines Greek-Turkish relations in speech in Alexandroupolis

[06] Bulgarian press on meeting of 3 Balkan FMs

[07] Gov't comments on issue of visas for Albanian nationals

[08] Synaspismos and PDS agree on Balkans and Europe

[09] President Stephanopoulos proclaimed honorary citizen of Rhodes

[10] Prefects to discuss restitution of duties with Prime Minister on Tuesday

[11] Visiting Cypriot education minister received by Macedonia-Thrace minister

[12] Diamantopoulou launches internet site on sex equality

[13] Arsenis promises smaller school classes

[14] February inflation seen rising to 2.8% but euro-zone entry safe

[15] Greek sailors to ask for seven- percent pay rise

[16] Greece and Turkey will cooperate at exhibition level

[17] Forum debates business ties between Greece, Libya

[18] Greek stocks end lower, unable to hold early gains

[19] Greece posts highest rate of new car sales in EU

[20] Electronic commerce network to be created will boost Greek export businesses

[21] ICAP guide contains best Greek hotels

[22] City of Athens honors 'Ambassadors of Hellenism'

[23] Eminent Greek-Americans honored by American Hellenic Institute

[24] Cancer incidence on the rise, report says

[25] Clerides underlines to UN envoy government's commitment to federal solution

[26] Turkish Cypriots fleeing to government-controlled areas have same rights as all citizens

[01] Premier says government will not hesitate to clash with private interests in health sector

Athens, 07/03/2000 (ANA)

Simitis, accompanied by government officials and Health Minister Lambros Papadimas and in the presence of many local inhabitants, toured the hospital's premises and was briefed on the progress of work.

He called on doctors and paramedics to be pioneers in the new era of the National Health System (ESY), adding that every difficult case handled in private clinics is ultimately treated at state hospitals.

Simitis said that in past years the number of Greeks choosing to go for treatment abroad has decreased, as they are showing confidence to Greek hospitals and Greek doctors more and more.

Outlining what has been achieved in the health sector so far, Simitis said the upgrading of 700 beds in hospitals in the Attica area is being completed, while the considerable amount of 114 billion drachmas from the 3rd Community Support Framework will be used to improve the hotel infrastructure at hospitals in Athens and Thessaloniki. He said the target is to have hospitals providing both good medical services and a civilized environment for treatment.

Simitis said that 10,000 more hirings would be accomplished in the health sector over the next two months, adding that by next week the National Emergency Center (EKAB) will have five helicopters and two special aircraft to ferry patients from border regions.

Referring to the Haidari university hospital, Simitis said its presence in Western Attica will radically change the region's image, since the western suburbs will have one of the most modern university hospitals in Europe in their midst.

On his part, Papadimas said the hospital will be completed in a year's time, it will have a capacity of 735 beds and will be fully integrated in the duty system. According to assessments, its cost will amount to 30 billion drachmas.

[02] MRB finds PASOK with a nationwide lead over main opposition

Athens, 07/03/2000 (ANA)

PASOK is preferred by 34.7 percent, New Democracy by 32.7 percent, the Communist Party by 4.3 percent, the Coalition of the Left by 3.7 percent and the Democratic Social Movement by 3.5 percent of respondents.

The survey was based on a 2,000-strong sample and was conducted between February 15 and March 1 on behalf of Mega television channel.

The ruling party is thought likely to win the April 9 election by 50.7 percent of respondents, compared to 26.9 percent for New Democracy. PASOK also enjoys a positive image among 37.8 percent of the sample --compared to New Democracy's 32.1 percent-- and is considered more competent to rule the country by 38.8 percent as opposed to 31.1 percent for the main opposition.

However, New Democracy is thought more capable in tackling unemployment, problems in the education sector, illegal immigration, crime and drugs, while PASOK is preferred for its record in the health sector.

Finally, 22.9 percent expressed great interest in the elections, 32.2 percent much interest and 24.6 percent little interest.

[03] Last Cabinet meeting of current gov't set for March 14

Athens, 07/03/2000 (ANA)

A swearing-in ceremony for President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos is scheduled one hour later in Parliament. Stephanopoulos was re-elected last month by the 300-member Greek legislature to a consecutive five-year term in office.

General elections are scheduled in Greece on April 9.

[04] New Democracy party leader gives reception for cultural and artistic personalities

Athens, 07/03/2000 (ANA)

Guests included playwright Iakovos Kampanellis, film director Andreas Voutsinas, actors Mihalis Maniatis, George Siskos, Costas Karras, George Moutsios, Alberto Eskenazi and John Modinos and actresses Nonika Galinea and Maro Kontou, as well as singers Costas Tournas and Robert Williams.

[05] Papandreou outlines Greek-Turkish relations in speech in Alexandroupolis

Athens, 07/03/2000 (ANA)

Papandreou, who was addressing an event in the northern city of Alexandroupolis, outlined the guidelines of government policy and new developments created in Greek-Turkish relations, saying that a year ago it would not have been at all certain whether this effort would have been popular.

"This does not mean that we will change our positions, neither on the Cyprus issue nor on bilateral issues, but our purpose is to shape a new prospect and hope through negotiating and with specific actions, agreements and commitments with partners on what Turkey should do to become a member of the European Union," he said.

Papandreou also said that the third phase of proximity talks starting on May 15 could be decisive for a solution to the Cyprus issue.

[06] Bulgarian press on meeting of 3 Balkan FMs

SOFIA, 07/03/2000 (ANA - B. Borisov)

Meetings between foreign ministers Nadejda Mihailova, Ismail Cem and George Papandreou - representing Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece, respectively - took place over the course of Sunday at a site in each country, specifically, in Plovdiv, Edirne and Orestiada.

"The politicians sent a very positive message: The Balkans are changing and 'opening'," a headline in the Sofia daily "Demokracia" wrote. The pro-government paper also quoted Papandreou as saying immediately upon his arrival in Plovdiv that "the meeting was extremely important, and I'm certain it will have great significance for the Balkans and the all of SE Europe". Developments in the former Yugoslavia were the focus of talks, according to the independent Sofia daily "Monitor".

[07] Gov't comments on issue of visas for Albanian nationals

Athens, 07/03/2000 (ANA)

He declined to make any more comments in relation to the issue of visas granted to Albanian nationals, although he did mention that procedures for entering Greece must be implemented in such a way as to not leave any room for the suspicion that "some state functionaries favor some (people) and are prejudice against others."

[08] Synaspismos and PDS agree on Balkans and Europe

Athens, 07/03/2000 (ANA)

In a joint communique issued at a press briefing the two leaders said they believed the lifting of sanctions would contribute to peace and stability in the region and allow the development of cooperation between all Balkan states in the direction of European integration. The two parties would work on a plan for Balkan development and reconstruction in opposition to the Euroatlantic-inspired Stability Pact.

They also said Left-wing parties in Europe had to cooperate and jointly present an alternative proposal to neo-liberalism on the building of Europe and oppose the spreading of the American model. Further, the two parties expressed their concern over the increase in the incidence of racism and xenophobia in Europe and stated they would work together on the issue of German war reparations to Greece.

[09] President Stephanopoulos proclaimed honorary citizen of Rhodes

Athens, 07/03/2000 (ANA)

Replying to an address by Rhodes Mayor George Yiannopoulos, President Stephanopoulos said that "our country is going through the best period of its political life, which it has experienced since the establishment of the Hellenic state."

"The Greek people feel at last that democracy is prevailing in our country which has suffered a great deal. They feel that our form of government is functioning with whatever disadvantages it may have, since it is never possible for democracy to reach its ideal form," Stephanopoulos added.

[10] Prefects to discuss restitution of duties with Prime Minister on Tuesday

[11] Visiting Cypriot education minister received by Macedonia-Thrace minister

Athens, 07/03/2000 (ANA)

Other topics of discussion by the two ministers included cooperation in the education and culture sectors, particularly the joint program "Thrace - Aegean - Cyprus".

The Cypriot minister is visiting Thessaloniki to attend events organized by the Friends of the Melina Mercouri Foundation.

[12] Diamantopoulou launches internet site on sex equality

Athens, 07/03/2000 (ANA)

"I am resolved to fully exploit the new possibilities offered by changes in the Treaty of Amsterdam ... regarding equality between the sexes," she said.

The headings of the planned program include equality in economic life, equal participation and representation, equality in social life, changes in the roles and stereotypes for the two sexes and equality in the society of citizens. The internet site is http://europa.eu.int.geninfo/whatsnew.htm

[13] Arsenis promises smaller school classes

Athens, 07/03/2000 (ANA)

Regarding the issue of pay rises of between 50,000 drachmas and 100,000 drachmas demanded by the teachers, he referred them to National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, pointing out that a report would soon be out on the matter.

[14] February inflation seen rising to 2.8% but euro-zone entry safe

Athens, 07/03/2000 (ANA)

Last month's inflation figure is due to be announced officially on Tuesday.

Harmonized inflation, which is used as a comparison among European Union member states and forms the Maastricht criterion, is expected to stand at around 2.2 percent in February, qualifying Greece for euro zone entry.

The government will formally submit to the EU its bid to join the 11-member euro club on March 9, accompanied by a celebration at the Zappeion Hall led by Prime Minister Costas Simitis and National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou.

The EU will decide at a summit in Lisbon on June 20 whether or not Greece may join the euro zone on the government's target date of January 1, 2001.

Inflation on an average yearly basis has dropped sharply to below three percent from a high of 26.9 percent in 1974, first hitting a single digit in 1995.

[15] Greek sailors to ask for seven- percent pay rise

On the other hand, ship-owners are expected to support lower pay rises due to the impact of rising international oil prices.

The national seamen's union said that higher pay rises in 2000 were justified following the drachma's slide last year that shrunk seamen's wage purchasing power.

PNO also demands readjustment of the organic composition on ships to respond to the market's real needs.

[16] Greece and Turkey will cooperate at exhibition level

Athens, 07/03/2000 (ANA)

TIF managing director Haralambos Tsarouhas, who recently visited Istanbul, said he was impressed by Turkey's infrastructure in exhibition centers and he proposed to his Turkish counterparts to agree to the joint holding of exhibitions in third countries. TIF SA enthusiastically accepted the proposal, according to an announcement

[17] Forum debates business ties between Greece, Libya

Athens, 07/03/2000 (ANA)

Organized by the Institute of International Economic Relations, the forum hosted speakers from the private sector, academia and the national economy ministry.

The possibility of boosting ties with Libya has become timely after the suspension of a UN embargo against the country.

Libya is Greece's fourth largest supplier of crude oil after Iran, Saudi Arabia and countries of the former USSR.

[18] Greek stocks end lower, unable to hold early gains

Athens, 07/03/2000 (ANA)

Dealers said sentiment remained fragile although the week is expected to be full of positive economic news.

On Wednesday, the Bank of Greece is expected to announce a cut in its intervention rates by 75 basis points, and on Thursday the government will submit its formal application to participate in EMU.

Buying focused on blue chip stocks, particularly in the Industrial sector, while Construction shares came under heavy pressure.

The general index ended 0.32 percent lower at 5,100.63 points, off the day's highs of 5,178.98 and its lows of 5,090.83 points.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.08 percent to 2,824.84 points, while the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 0.73 percent to 797.87 points.

Turnover was a moderate 220.83 billion drachmas.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 9,488.80 -1.36% Leasing: 1,147.42 +0.77% Insurance: 3,292.20 -1.12% Investment: 2,467.65 -0.78% Construction: 2,616.11 -2.27% Industrials: 3,059.30 +0.30% Miscellaneous: 6,169.12 -0.99% Holding: 5,344.25 -1.26%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 1,180.78 points, off 1.57 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 226 to 110 with another eight issues unchanged.

Varagis, Active, Elfico, Ermis, Athens Water and Macedonian Plastics ended at the day's 10.0 percent limit up. Hadzikraniotis, Nireus, Technodomi, Benroubi and Intersat suffered the heaviest percentage losses.

Hellenic Telecoms and Hellenic Petroleum were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in Drs): Alpha Credit: 24,990 National Bank: 23,350 Commercial Bank: 22,350 Ergobank: 9,250 Eurobank: 12,460 Heracles Cement: 9,000 Hellenic Petroleum: 4,685 Intracom:

16,995 Minoan Lines: 7,700 Hellenic Telecoms: 11,065 Panafon: 6,235 Titan Cement: 15,810

Equity futures end mixed in derivatives trade: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange finished mostly flat or slightly higher on Monday roughly in line with the stock indices on which they are based.

On the Athens bourse, the FTSE/ASE 20 index ended 0.08 percent up; and the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index closed 0.72 percent higher.

Turnover rose slightly to 8.0 billion drachmas from 6.3 billion drachmas a session earlier and 12.3 billion drachmas on Thursday.

A total of 1,169 contracts were traded on the FTSE/ASE 20, showing turnover of 6.6 billion drachmas.

The contracts ended as follows: expiring March at 2,862; expiring April at 2,916; expiring May at 2,927; and expiring June at 2,945.

Futures traded on the FTSE/ASE MID 40 numbered 394, with turnover at 1.4 billion drachmas.

Contracts closed as follows: expiring March at 822; expiring April at 842; and expiring May at 858.75.

Bonds hold high levels in quiet trade, despite selling: Bonds in the domestic secondary market retained their high levels in quiet trade on Monday ahead of Greece's application to join the euro zone, due to be submitted to the European Union on March 9.

Foreign institutional investors kept out of the market, probably due an auction of 20-year bonds on Tuesday, traders said.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 6.33 percent from around 6.32 percent in the previous two trading days and 6.39 percent on Thursday.

The paper's yield spread over German bunds was 88 basis points for the third straight session against 91-92 basis points on Wednesday.

Trade through the central bank's electronic system totalled 64 billion drachmas from around 80 billion drachmas in last two sessions and 86 billion drachmas on Wednesday.

Sell orders accounted for the whole of Monday's turnover.

Drachma edges up vs. euro in lackluster trade: The drachma gained slightly on the euro in unspectacular domestic foreign exchange trade on Monday and ended almost flat versus the US dollar.

At the central bank's daily fixing, the euro was set at 333.690 drachmas from 333.700 drachmas a session earlier and 333.600 drachmas on Thursday.

Also at the fixing, the US dollar was set at 345.780 drachmas from 345.500 drachmas in the previous trading day and 343.680 drachmas on Thursday.

On Friday, minor outflows of around 70 million euros were seen in the domestic market.

[19] Greece posts highest rate of new car sales in EU

BRUSSELS, 07/03/2000 (ANA-V.Demiris)

Sales in Greece of new cars rose by 45.3 percent in 1999 with 261,711 vehicles sold, up 81,566 from a year earlier, the association said in a statement.

In the EU, the increase in the same year was 4.9 percent, the statement said.

[20] Electronic commerce network to be created will boost Greek export businesses

Athens, 07/03/2000 (ANA)

Papantoniou said that 500 billion drachmas from the 3rd Community Support framework will be spent in Greece in coming years to enable modern technologies to come into the possession of as many citizens as possible.

Zisi said the Greek economy can adjust to the new international developments and, particularly through OPE's export electronic commerce network, there is the possibility of Greece being able to better organize information on its products and services in the world market.

[21] ICAP guide contains best Greek hotels

Athens, 07/03/2000 (ANA)

[22] City of Athens honors 'Ambassadors of Hellenism'

Athens, 07/03/2000 (ANA)

The candidacy evaluation committee unanimously decided to bestow the title this year to Miguel Castillo Didier, professor of Byzantine and Neo-Hellenic Studies at the University of Chile, Panagis Mikelatos, businessman and publisher, resident of New Zealand, Yiannis Kouros, artist, writer and athlete, resident of Australia, Nikolaos Mystakopoulos, doctor and professor, resident of Russia and Paganelli Leonardo, teacher of the Greek language in Italy.

More awards went to the Greek Emergency Task Force (EMAK), composer Mikis Theodorakis, the Greek athletes at the world track and field championships in 1999, the Greek athletes at the world weightlifting championships in 1999, and the national gymnastics team.

Present at award ceremony were Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and representatives of political parties, the Church, the Athens Academy and the armed forces.

[23] Eminent Greek-Americans honored by American Hellenic Institute

Athens, 07/03/2000 (ANA)

Vice-president of America On Line, the largest internet provider in the world, and co-owner of the Washington-based Capital hockey team and Wizards basketball team Ted Leonsis, MIT professor of nuclear physics Dr. Elias Gyftopoulos, president of the Arts & Entertainment, History Channel and Biography Channel cable television stations Nicholas Davatzis, CBS presenter Thalia Assouras, and doctor Theodoros Lyras were honored at the event, marking the 25th anniversary of AHI's establishment.

Also honored were US Senator William Roth (Republican-Delaware) and Donald Payne (Democrat-New Jersey).

The awards were announced by another eminent Greek-American, CNN financial news presenter John Metaxas.

The recipients paid tribute to AHI founder and driving force Eugene Rossidis for his long-term contribution to the projection of Greek positions in Washington. Rossidis was one of the leaders of the successful campaign for the imposition of an arms embargo on Turkey in 1974 immediately after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

The two US Congressmen urged for pressure on Turkey so that it would contribute to achieving a just solution of the Cyprus issue, while Representative Payne also endorsed the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece, a cause that he has personally campaigned for.

Leonsis told the gathering that as the liberalization of the Internet progressed in Greece and Turkey, so did the prospects increase for exchanges of ideas and influence that could positively effect even the Cyprus issue.

[24] Cancer incidence on the rise, report says

Athens, 07/03/2000 (ANA)

Representatives of the Greek Anti-Cancer Society (EAE) said women now started smoking at a much younger age and the incidence of lung cancer among them would double by 2010. Despite the rise, the ratio of women to men smokers was still only one to six. The main reasons for the rise in the number of cancer victims in the general population were environmental pollution, inappropriate diet, smoking and the lack of exercise, said EAE president Nikos Dontas.

In particular, he cautioned parents against letting children under three years of age be exposed to the sun or any other kind of radiation, as their effect was cumulative and resulted in the appearance of skin cancer many years later.

Athens University rector Costas Dimopoulos said Greeks were rather late in going to the doctor for cancer treatment and this unnecessarily increased the number of deaths.

[25] Clerides underlines to UN envoy government's commitment to federal solution

NICOSIA, 07/03/2000 (CNA/ANA)

Replying to press questions after a meeting between Glafcos Clerides and the UN chief's special adviser for Cyprus Alvaro de Soto, government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou also expressed the willingness of the Greek Cypriot side to discuss concrete proposals for confidence building measures.

It was the first official meeting between President Clerides and de Soto, who arrived here last week for a familiarization visit, to prepare the ground for the third round of peace talks scheduled for May.

"The Greek Cypriot side is ready to proceed to the third round of talks with an intention to tackle the real issues, the substance of the problem and proceed to a solution of the Cyprus problem," the spokesman said.

He said UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan had named these issues as security, property, distribution of powers and territory.

Asked if the Greek Cypriot side is ready to discuss the Turkish Cypriot side's demand for the establishment of a confederation in Cyprus, Papapetrou made it "absolutely clear that our side will firmly speak on the solution of federation."

"We are wondering why it is so difficult for the Turkish side to accept this solution of federation, he said, noting "this position was acceptable to the Turkish side just a few years ago."

He also wondered why a federal solution "was acceptable for the Turkish Cypriot side just a few years ago, at a period when relations between Greece and Turkey were cold war relations" and it is unacceptable today, at a period when "relations between Greece and Turkey are moving to the better".

Replying to another question, he said the Greek Cypriot side honors its signature to the high level agreements reached between the two sides and urged the Turkish side to do the same.

In 1977 and 1979 the two sides signed agreements providing for the establishment of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, also stipulated for in numerous UN resolutions.

Since the summer of 1998 the Turkish side has been demanding a confederation of two states, a position rejected by the Greek side, the UN and all key players in the Cyprus peace effort.

Asked about the possibility of face-to-face talks, the spokesman said "we leave the modalities of the talks to the Secretary-General", noting Kofi Annan will decide "when the time is proper to proceed towards that".

The UN embarked on a new effort for a settlement since last year, with two rounds of proximity talks with the two sides. A third round of separate meetings between UN officials and the two sides will begin in New York on May 23.

He said "we are ready and willing to go to the talks with a constructive spirit and we look forward that the Turkish side will come to these talks with the same spirit".

To a question if there are possibilities of promoting confidence-building measures soon, Papapetrou said "if there are any concrete proposals on the table towards this end we are ready to discuss them". Denktash raises demand for confederation: Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash on Monday raised his unacceptable demand for the establishment of a confederation of two states on the island, contrary to UN resolutions, in statements to the press before his meeting with the Secretary-General's special adviser for Cyprus Alvaro de Soto.

On his part the UN official, who was appointed last year and led two rounds of talks between the two sides, said he is here 'to learn more about the Cyprus problem and to associate geographical places with geographical names" and see "how UNFICYP works". Denktash said de Soto's visit "is a contribution to the talks because he will know the facts better than reading them in a book or in a report, so we hope that when he goes back he will be in a better position to help us".

Asked if he would honor his signature on two high level agreements reached between the two sides in 1977 and 1979 stipulating for the establishment of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, Denktash claimed it is the Greek Cypriot side that did not honor its signature and has been rejecting all parameters of such a settlement.

"What we are trying to do is to see whether we can establish a joint administration for the whole island, by securing the continuation of two states," Denktash claimed.

[26] Turkish Cypriots fleeing to government-controlled areas have same rights as all citizens

NICOSIA, 07/03/2000 (CNA/ANA)

Replying to questions on the issue on Monday, government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou said that between 200 and 250 persons, most of whom Turkish Cypriots, have left the occupied areas in the past two months to settle in the government-controlled areas.

He said that strict regulations are followed to determine the identity of any person who crosses into the government-controlled areas and if it is proved he is not a Turkish Cypriot then he is considered an illegal immigrant and deported.

"Turkish Cypriot citizens have the same rights as Greek Cypriots and despite any practical difficulties their return to the government-controlled areas may pose, they will be treated as citizens of the Republic according to its constitution and laws," the spokesman said.

Most persons leaving the Turkish-occupied areas cite difficult living conditions and low pay as the main reasons for which they take this decision.

They usually cross the demarcation line at night, bringing no personal belongings with them, not even basic necessities for their children.

On their arrival, the government welfare services provide them with food and lodging and then take them to live where they choose, usually in the coastal towns of Paphos and Limassol where they may have family and more Turkish Cypriots live.

In a bid to change the demographic character of the island, over 60,000 people from Turkey have been illegally brought to the occupied areas creating problems to the Turkish Cypriots and forcing them to seek a better future elsewhere.

Asked what regulations are enforced for people, who are proved not to be Turkish Cypriots, Papapetrou said "they are treated in the same way as illegal immigrants".

He added that "procedures foreseen by international agreements are followed and these persons are deported to the country they came from."

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