Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-04-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] German President Rau begins Greek visit aimed at strengthening relations

[02] Simitis addresses welfare related issues in party rally

[03] Karamanlis renews "middle-ground" claim

[04] Karamanlis received by Central Bank Gov. Papademos

[05] Tsovolas addresses party rally in Athens

[06] Diamantopoulou denies claim of abolition of eight-hour work day

[07] Greece offers to host 2nd EU-OAU summit in 2003

[08] Press reports surface over CoE observers' report on FYROM name issue

[09] Greece to abolish energy, telecoms monopolies by 2001, Papantoniou says

[10] Greek stocks end mixed in subdued trade

[11] Greek banks stepping up consolidation, report says

[12] Credit expansion accelerates slightly in January

[13] Greece formally acquires Kostakis collection of Russian avant-garde artwork

[14] UN chief unveils priorities, initiatives for upcoming 'Millennium Summit'

[15] ESHEA Foundation conference to focus on language, journalism

[16] Works of Greek, Turkish artists featured in exhibition in Athens

[17] President Clerides begins visits to the US and Britain

[18] CoE says pressure must continue on Turkey to comply in Loizidou case

[01] German President Rau begins Greek visit aimed at strengthening relations

Athens, 04/04/2000 (ANA)

Rau arrived in Athens at 1 p.m. at the invitation of his Greek counterpart Kostis Stephanopoulos, who received him at the Presidential Mansion, where the two men held private talks.

In statements to the press, Stephanopoulos lauded the role Rau played in the political affairs of his country, adding that for this reason Greece respects him and recognizes his contribution to the European Union.

The Greek president also spoke of the increased commercial, economic and political cooperation between Greece and Germany, which is manifested by the stable friendship between the two countries.

On his part, Rau spoke of the atrocities committed by the Nazis in Greece during the Second World War and announced his visit to Kalavrita, Peloponnese, where the Nazis burned all the houses and executed more than a thousand of the town's male population on December 13, 1943, in reprisals, and will lay a wreath at the Monument erected on the site.

He said that, his visit to Kalavrita along with Stephanopoulos, is a symbolic action, which stresses that a people and a country should not forget or set aside its history, rather it should study it in depth.

The German president lauded Greek thought, as it manifested throughout history, adding that he was honored to be in Greece. He wished success to his Greek counterpart on his second term, which just began.

When the subject of German reparations to Greek citizens, for damages caused during the Nazi occupation, was raised by Greek journalists, Stephanopoulos intervened and stated that it would not be correct for the presidents of two states to discuss such issues, stressing that they would not be discussed on Tuesday either.

Stephanopoulos said that he briefed Rau on the subject of war reparations, stressing, however, that the visit to Kalavrita is a symbolic one.

Later in the day, Rau visited the Greek Parliament and was received by Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, who said, his visit is an honor for our country, as well as Hellenism in general.

Kaklamanis presented a copy of a small silver amphora and two books on Greek history and culture.

On his part, Rau thanked Kaklamanis and noted that he is the third president of the German Federal Republic to visit Greece since the war, adding that he was very happy to see Greeces progress over the years.

The German president later visited the Acropolis along with his spouse and was given a tour by Culture Minister Elizabeth Papazoi and the archaeological sites chief curator Ismini Trianti.

Following the visit to Acropolis, Rau was presented with the Athens Municipality gold medal by the citys Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos, who commented on Raus almost 50-year productive presence in German politics.

Stephanopoulos addresses regional problems during dinner hosted for Rau: Turkey should move forward with essential actions so as to create a total and continuing normalcy in the relations between Athens and Ankara, President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos said on Monday evening, addressing his German counterpart Johannes Rau.

During an official dinner the Greek president hosted for his visiting counterpart, he called on Turkey to realize that the prospect of entering the European Union forces her to contribute in a constructive manner to the universal effort, which is taking place lately, in achieving a permanent solution to the Cyprus problem.

He stressed that Greek-Turkish relations entered a period of defused tensions, following the rapprochement very carefully promoted by the foreign ministers of the two countries, adding that the bilateral agreements, signed between the two countries, created the appropriate framework for the development of cooperation between the two countries.

Stephanopoulos stressed that Turkey must make essential moves, respect international law and the agreements that regulate issues in the region, accepting, at the same time, that possible differences should be resolved in a peaceful manner.

Only then a functioning coexistence of the two peoples can become possible. Two peoples who proved, during the aftermath of (last years) earthquakes, which hit the two countries, that are full of peaceful and honest feelings of solidarity, Stephanopoulos said.

Stephanopoulos also spoke of the historic bonds of friendship between Greece and Germany, stressing the need for the European Unions enlargement and noting the need for support of economic and social reforms in the countries of southeastern Europe.

He spoke of the need for strengthening the European Unions structures, which will contribute to stability throughout the continent, without undermining NATO, the relations with which, should be governed by conditions of transparency and honest cooperation.

Closing, the Greek president spoke of the Kosovo problem, underlining the need for respect of existing borders, the omission of which is certain to cause extremely dangerous situations.

The German presidents schedule also includes a visit Tuesday to Athens' new Eleftherios Venizelos international airport at Spata, which is being built by a consortium led by the German Hochtief company, where he will meet with Greek and German businessmen.

On Tuesday evening, Rau will inaugurate an Athens-Munich paintings exhibition at the National Gallery of Athens spanning the Bavarian presence in Greece from the time of the first monarch of Greece -- King Otto of Bavaria -- to the present, before hosting a banquet in honor of his host, Stephanopoulos.

Rau will meet with former prime minister and main opposition New Democracy party honorary president Constantine Mitsotakis before flying to the northern Greek capital of Thessaloniki, where he will hold talks with Macedonia-Thrace minister Yannis Magriotis and visit the German School there.

The German president will visit the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki and the local Protestant Church's Community Centre before flying to Ankara.

[02] Simitis addresses welfare related issues in party rally

Athens, 04/04/2000 (ANA)

In effect, that means a total net benefit of 10,000 drachmas per month for 270,000 workers, the premier said, adding that this 8 per cent increase in net benefits will be part of the next collective labor agreement and in addition to any other wage increases.

The premier said that, during the four-year term, PASOK would realize, if re-elected to the government, a new "ambitious" 45-billion-drachma programme, which would "transform into action all the commitments" PASOK had undertaken regarding pensions, state health services and the completion of the creation of the welfare state.

He reiterated that IKA pensions would be increased to levels well over 150,000 drachmas per month and guaranteed increases for other low-level pensions.

In addressing claims by main opposition New Democracy (ND) over the state of welfare in Greece, Simitis said that ND's reaction, to PASOK's programme for a social state, a society of solidarity and humanity, was "a refusal" of a party that promises the replay of the "1990-1993 neo-liberal hurricane".

"New Democracy says it wants less state. What does less state mean? It means that the iron fist of the free market will replace the social state. That means private schools, private hospitals, private social insurance for pension benefits.

"It means that Greece will enter into an adventure. What ever we built over the past four years could be overturned in just a few months, by the neo-liberal recipes of ND's wizard apprentices," Simitis said.

He called on the people to grant PASOK a clear mandate with the April 9 elections so as "to secure all that we have won", adding with a call to voters "to say no to a return to the past".

[03] Karamanlis renews "middle-ground" claim

Athens, 04/04/2000 (ANA)

Such measures would include a minimum monthly pension of 150,000 drachmas, unemployment benefits amounting to 60 percent of the basic wage, an extensive housing programme and measures in support of farmers and small and middle-sized enterprises.

Karamanlis referred extensively to a substantive upgrading of education at all levels, promising a gradual increase in budget allocations to five percent, a reduction in the number of examinations for university entry, abolition of skill tests, and the granting of licenses for non-profit making institutions in tertiary education under close public control.

"This will open the way for new jobs and put an end to the exportation of students and foreign exchange," he said.

Karamanlis said he would put emphasis on improving the daily life of citizens, especially on fighting crime through a reform of the police and the penitentiary system.

He promised increases in pay to policemen and a resolute stand against the narcotics trade.

[04] Karamanlis received by Central Bank Gov. Papademos

Athens, 04/04/2000 (ANA)

The ND president later told reporters he was satisfied with Papademos' views on various issues, while he hinted that he would work with the Central Bank head if elected prime minister. General elections in Greece are scheduled for April 9.

[05] Tsovolas addresses party rally in Athens

Athens, 04/04/2000 (ANA)

"Make your own democratic revolution. Leave the corrals of those who want you to be slaves," he said, adding that the applied politics of ruling PASOK and main opposition New Democracy (ND) over the past 11 years led to the eight-fold increase of the public debt and to the "mortal blow to the productive fiber of the country - that is to both the agricultural and the urban economic sectors".

"They remember in the pre election period all those they betrayed and are now promising tax relief ... they believe that people can forget all the suffered over the past 12 years", Tsovolas said.

[06] Diamantopoulou denies claim of abolition of eight-hour work day

Athens, 04/04/2000 (ANA)

"I protest that a speech of mine before an academic audience was blatantly used to terrorize workers with the claim that the PASOK government will supposedly throw out the eight-hour work day, introduce part-time work and reduce pay. Unsubstantiated lies," she said.

She said the claim, which appeared in a number of opposition newspapers, was a deliberate attempt to distort parts of her speech before the Greek University Union of European Studies and misinform the public.

[07] Greece offers to host 2nd EU-OAU summit in 2003

CAIRO, 04/04/200 (ANA - P. Dimitropoulos)

According to Greek Alternate FM Christos Rokofyllos, the head of the country's delegation at the current inaugural summit taking place in the Egyptian capital, Athens' offer was well-received by participating delegates.

The first-ever European Union-Organization of African Unity summit began on Monday and will convene on Tuesday.

"The relevant proposal we tabled at the EU's General Affairs Council appears to have been well received by many..." Rokofyllos said from Cairo.

Referring to Greece's participation at the summit, the Greek minister said the Mediterranean nation and EU member-state has traditionally good relations with the African states, while it wants to assist in efforts to build a strategic relationship between the two continents based on mutual interests and democracy, stability and human rights, among others.

Several heads of state and government, along with foreign ministers from 54 African countries and the EU's "15" are participating at the Cairo summit.

A wide range of issues is on the agenda, with European delegates emphasizing the summit's political significance and African representatives giving weight to economic and development problems burdening the continent.

Specifically, representatives of the 15-member bloc want to deal with issues related to human rights and democratic institutions, while their African counterparts have stressed the need for greater European investments in their countries.

[08] Press reports surface over CoE observers' report on FYROM name issue

SKOPJE 04/04/2000 (ANA - M. Vihou)

According to the Skopje newspaper "Dvevnik", such a move would ostensibly aid efforts to encourage FYROM's leadership to "continue its productive policy for the inclusion of national minorities."

Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) have been at odds over the past decade over the land-locked one-time Yugoslav state's insistence on using "Macedonia" as its name -- the same name of Greece's major northern province known since antiquity and the region that also borders southern FYROM.

Meanwhile, in a related development, FYROM President Boris Traikovski's political office has denied reports in the country's mass media claiming he said the Skopje government "was willing to compromise on the name issue".

Traikovski's press office announced that the "president expressed his positive stance over the need to find a mutually acceptable solution, while stressing that there should be neither winners or losers".

Several of the small, ethnically mixed Balkan country's media outlets had referred to an interview the FYROM president gave to the Athens daily "Apogevmatini".

Additionally, FYROM's representative in UN-sponsored talks in New York over the name issue verified recently that no new developments have arisen in the negotiations with the Greek side regarding the name issue. FYROM diplomat Ivan Tosevski added that talks would continue after general elections in Greece on April 9.

Bilateral relations between Athens and Skopje have improved markedly since the two countries signed an interim agreement in New York in September 1995, under UN auspices.

Under the terms of the agreement, Greece and FYROM are to proceed with discussions to find a mutually acceptable solution for the name issue.

[09] Greece to abolish energy, telecoms monopolies by 2001, Papantoniou says

Athens, 04/04/2000 (ANA)

He said that Greece's Public Power Corporation (PPC) would be floated in the stock market in November this year and that from 2001 PPC would lose its monopoly in electricity supply. "Other companies will also produce electricity power," Papantoniou said, citing benefits to the Greek citizen through lower electricity rates and better services arising from stronger competition in the energy market.

Papantoniou also said that from next year other private companies would be able to offer alternative telephone services and that the next government would seek a strategic partner for the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) in fall.

This move would offer OTE access to international markets and to new technology, he said.

Papantoniou refrained from offering clues on the flotation rates in the two state enterprises.

"All IKA pensioners will receive pensions of at least 150,000 drachmas by the end of the year," Papantoniou said.

He stressed that PASOK would not seek dramatic changes in the labor market because the Greek economy was based on flexible small businesses. He denied that the government was planning to raise the rate of redundancies by two percent.

[10] Greek stocks end mixed in subdued trade

Athens, 04/04/2000 (ANA)

Equity prices ended mixed to higher in subdued trade. The general index ended 0.29 percent higher at 4,807.42 points, off the day's highs of 4,814.33 points and the day's lows of 4,769.44 points.

Turnover was a low 100.5 billion drachmas, the lowest since early April 1999.

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 816.00 points, off 1.20 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 214 to 119 with another six issues unchanged.

Hellenic Telecoms, National Bank, Creta Farm and Athens Water were the most heavily traded stocks.

Bonds nose up in slim trade: Bond prices crept up on Monday in light buy-oriented trade with sentiment subdued due to national elections on April 9.

In the previous session, investors abroad had sold off bonds in the domestic secondary market. The sellers were trying to show healthy profits for the end of the first quarter rather than suffering from pre-election jitters, dealers said.

On Monday, the Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 6.16 percent from 6.21 percent in the two previous sessions and 6.20 percent before that.

The paper's yield spread over German bunds was 98 basis points from between 95 and 99 basis points a session earlier and 91 to 95 basis points on Thursday.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 48 billion drachmas from 69 billion drachmas in the previous trading day and 104 billion drachmas on Thursday.

Of Monday's total, buy orders for the bulk of turnover.

According to the final opinion polls allowed under electoral law, the ruling socialist PASOK party and main opposition conservative New Democracy party are likely to run neck-and-neck in voting.

Drachma ends down vs euro, dollar: The drachma fell against the euro and the US dollar in the domestic foreign exchange market on Monday despite a minor intervention by the central bank.

In the previous session, the drachma had come under pressure after bond players abroad sold paper in the domestic market, and then sought foreign currency in exchange for drachmas accruing from the sell-off, dealers said.

On Monday, the Bank of Greece sold around 35 million euros to meet the demand for euros after releasing around 250 million euros a session earlier.

It has sold over a 100 million euros over the last two weeks.

At the central bank's daily fixing on Monday, the euro was set at 334.760 drachmas from 334.720 drachmas a day earlier and 334.500 drachmas on Thursday.

Also at the fixing, the US dollar was set at 351.190 drachmas from 350.330 drachmas in the previous session and 349.650 drachmas on Thursday.

[11] Greek banks stepping up consolidation, report says

Athens, 04/04/2000 (ANA)

Although domestic banks have significantly improved their position, they still remain small on an international basis, said the report on the banking sector's outlook for growth.

[12] Credit expansion accelerates slightly in January

Athens, 04/04/2000 (ANA)

The central bank said in a statement that the rise was due mainly to an increase in the rate of credit to the public sector, which stood at 13.6 percent in January from 11.4 percent in December 1999.

[13] Greece formally acquires Kostakis collection of Russian avant-garde artwork

Athens, 04/04/2000 (ANA)

The agreement was signed on Friday by the Thessaloniki State Museum of Modern Art with representatives of the late collector's granddaughter, Aliki Kostaki, after a 14 billion dr. loan for the purchase was secured from the Hellenic Industrial Development Bank (ETVA) with State guarantees.

The Kostakis collection of 1,275 Russian avant-garde pieces of art includes works by Malevic, founder of the 'Supremacist' school, Tatlin the founder of 'Constructivism', Papova, Rozanova and Matiushin.

The works include mostly paintings, sketches, engraved manuscripts, documents, etc.

Art aficionado Georgios Kostakis, a Muscovite of Greek descent, built up his collection between 1930 and 1960 by exchanging works by western artists for paintings dating from the period of 1910-1930 by then unknown Russian avant-garde artists.

In 1977 he donated about 150 works to the Tretiakov Art Gallery in Moscow, while he kept the bulk of the works, which were initially stored in a bank vault in Cologne, Germany, and then transferred to the Museum, currently housed at Lazariston Monastery, in early 1998 after an interim agreement for the sale was signed.

The late collector's dream had been that the Collection would one day be brought to and remain in Greece.

Initially, some 80-100 items from the Collection are to be exhibited at the Thessaloniki State Museum of Modern Art at the Lazariston Monastery.

The target is the relocation of the Museum, which was established in late 1998, to the former YFANET industrial complex, which would enable the display of the entire collection.

[14] UN chief unveils priorities, initiatives for upcoming 'Millennium Summit'

UNITED NATIONS, 04/04/2000 (ANA)

"We must put people at the center of everything we do. No calling is more noble, and no responsibility greater than that of enabling men, women and children, in cities and villages around the world, to make their lives better. Only when that begins to happen will we know that globalization is indeed becoming inclusive, allowing everyone to share its opportunities," a press release quoting Annan read.

The UN chief's report will be considered by a special "Millennium Summit" on Sept. 6-8 during a meeting of numerous heads of state and government from around the world, all scheduled on the eve of the first UN General Assembly of the new millennium.

Annan's report, entitled "We the Peoples: The Role of the United Nations in the 21st Century," is the most comprehensive presentation of the organization's mission in its 55-year history, containing goals and programme initiatives the UN chief will request from international leaders.

Proposals include the view that globalization is "an extraordinarily powerful force offering both unique opportunities and challenges for nations and peoples", highlighted by faster economic growth, higher living standards and accelerated innovation, among others. However, Annan writes that the benefits of such globalization are "remain concentrated among a relatively small number of countries and are spread unevenly within them." He also notes that efforts world-wide to secure "equally valid social objectives" such as labor standards, environmental protection, human rights and poverty reduction have "lagged behind..." As a result, "globalization has "begun to generate a backlash", he said.

Four initiatives announced by the United Nations in Annan's report, and they include:

A volunteer corps to train groups in developing countries in the uses and opportunities of the Internet and information technology.

A "health internet work" to establish 10,000 on-line sites in hospitals and clinics in developing countries to provide access to the latest medical information.

A "disaster response initiative to provide mobile and satellite telephones as well as microwave links for humanitarian relief workers in areas affected by natural disasters and emergencies. And finally,

A "global policy network" to explore viable new approaches to the problem of youth employment.

[15] ESHEA Foundation conference to focus on language, journalism

Athens, 04/04/2000 (ANA)

Language as part of journalistic style and content will be one of the subjects touched upon, with the participation of philologists, linguists, authors and journalists included.

[16] Works of Greek, Turkish artists featured in exhibition in Athens

Athens, 04/04/2000 (ANA)

The exhibition will remain open until April 14 and features works by 20 Turkish and 20 Greek artists. It was organized at the instigation of Ankara University Academy of Fine Arts Alumni Association.

[17] President Clerides begins visits to the US and Britain

NICOSIA, 04/04/2000 (CNA/ANA)

According to his tentative programme, the president will meet with US and UN officials, and members of the American Jewish Committee.

On his return, President Clerides will meet British Prime Minister Tony Blair and British envoy for Cyprus Sir David Hannay, in London.

On Tuesday evening, President Clerides will inaugurate the Galleries of Cypriot Art of the Metropolitan Museum in the presence of many dignitaries, including US Ambassador to Cyprus Donald Bandler, and will attend a dinner in the presence of US media.

On Wednesday morning, he will have a working breakfast with officers of the US Administration, including Presidential Emissary for Cyprus Alfred Moses. He will also meet with Clay Constantinou, Dean of the School of Diplomacy and International Relations of the Seton Hall University, followed by a luncheon hosted by Cypriot Ambassador Sotos Zackheos, expected to be attended by UN officials.

On the same day, the First Lady of Cyprus Irene-Lila Clerides will open the exhibition of works of art by primary school children of Cyprus at the Kouros Gallery. The exhibition is organized by the Education and Culture Ministry of Cyprus, the Gallery's management and the Foundation for Hellenic Culture.

On Thursday, President Clerides will have a working breakfast with members of the American Jewish Committee and will later meet with members of the Cyprus Federation of America. In the evening, he will deliver a speech to the Middle East Forum on the latest developments on Cyprus.

On Friday, President Clerides departs for London, where on Saturday he will meet with the Secretariat of the national federation of Cypriots living in Great Britain.

On Monday, April 10, the president will receive Sir David and will then meet with Blair at 10, Downing Street.

On the same day, Cyprus' High Commissioner in London, Michalis Attalides, will host a luncheon in honor of the president, to be attended by persons of Britain's political circle, followed by a meeting with British media. The president returns to Cyprus on Tuesday afternoon.

[18] CoE says pressure must continue on Turkey to comply in Loizidou case

STRASBOURG, 04/04/2000 (CNA/ANA)

Replying to a question by CNA on Turkey's denial to comply with the Court ruling, Lord Russell-Johnston said "pressure will have to be continued", but noted that the CoE believes it is possible to reach compliance through "argument".

He also pointed out that at some stage people will say this cannot continue, "because this means disrespect for the Court and undermines its basic authority which in the end has to be accepted consensually by the individual member countries".

Titina Loizidou won her case against Turkey, which the Court found guilty for denying her access to her property in the northern part of Cyprus occupied by Turkish troops in 1974, and not allowing her to enjoy that property peacefully.

The Court ordered Turkey to pay damages amounting to 900,000 US dollars to Loizidou and allow her access. It also said the Greek Cypriot woman is and will remain the legal owner of her property.

Asked whether specific sanctions should be imposed against Turkey to force the country to comply with the Court ruling, Lord Russell-Johnston said "sanctions have not been considered".

He expressed the hope "it is possible to achieve compliance with the ruling by argument", noting "that is still our official position".

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