Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-04-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis warns of "liberal hurricane"

[02] ND leader visits central party election booth in Athens

[03] KKE leader addresses election rally in Athens

[04] Samaras supports New Democracy in Sunday's election

[05] Avramopoulos says supports New Democracy in elections

[06] German President Rau visits Thessaloniki, comments on reparations issue

[07] Greece launches web site

[08] EU will not fund nuclear reactor in Turkey

[09] British politicians honored at Greek Embassy in London

[10] Greece expresses concern over imported crime from Albania

[11] Greek investors cautious ahead of Sunday's elections

[12] OA wins three ground service contracts

[13] Greek Shipping Registry net loss in registered tons in March

[14] Black Sea bank meets in Athens April 15

[15] Ergo gets Dr 875 ml. deal with Russian gov't

[16] National Bank acquires majority stake in Stopanska

[17] NY bourse official says PPC could apply for listing

[18] Indicative gasoline prices up, diesel drops

[19] Moses hopes for accelerated process in next round of proximity talks on Cyprus

[20] Uniqueness of Cypriot culture celebrated at Metropolitan Museum of Art

[21] Turkish Cypriot media say Ankara's plan to pipe water to island costs $300 million

[01] Simitis warns of "liberal hurricane"

Athens, 06/04/2000 (ANA)

"The New Democracy leader (Costas Karamanlis) has openly told 350,000 families of civil servants that he will freeze their wages at their present purchasing power. This is what conservative governments do everywhere. And we all know that the incomes policy in the public sector is a compass for incomes policy in the private sector," he said at an election rally in the western Macedonia town of Kozani. He said that his ruling PASOK party guaranteed wage rises considerably above inflation and a substantive welfare state, and that New Democracy wore a mask of promises concealing the ugly face of liberal experiments.

"Greeks are being called upon to decide whether to let the liberal hurricane of New Democracy demolish the welfare state and put in its place the iron laws of the market," he said. He reminded that during the 1990-1993 tenure of power by the main opposition 2,000 people had lost their jobs in the area, but were reinstated when he was industry minister in the successor PASOK government.

Simitis reiterated his party's commitments for a 10,000 drachma increase in the wages of the lowest paid through a scheme of government subsidies of their social security contributions, and for steady increases in farmers' pensions.

[02] ND leader visits central party election booth in Athens

Athens, 06/04/2000 (ANA)

He said that ND listens to societys calls and overcomes the dividing political lines of the past, the existence of which have injured Greece, adding that ND was open to all Greeks as those able are few and can not be left out.

Karamanlis stressed that his party does not pay attention to the political beliefs of people, as its only criterion is that of ability and honesty, adding that the only mission of the state is to serve the citizens and especially those who do not have the means.

Later in the evening, Karamanlis visited a party organized by ND for youths at the Zappeion Hall grounds.

[03] KKE leader addresses election rally in Athens

Athens, 06/04/2000 (ANA)

Addressing a KKE election rally in central Athens, Papariga said that a "massive loss of votes suffered by the two major parties will constitute a great victory in this Sunday's general elections.

"It will be a victory should the next government feel weak, fearful to implement freely and in a fast pace, the new wave of neo-liberal measures, which will begin with the sweeping away of the social state."

The two-party system and plutocracy will feel badly, will be overcome by terror if the percentage of votes harnessed by KKE grows", Papariga noted.

She accused PASOK and ND of aiding the growth of nationalism, racism and xenophobia, adding that the two major parties do not want to admit that there are dividing lines, "of course not between the people but between plutocracy and the monopolies on one side and the people on the other".

In her closing remarks, Papariga called KKE members and supporters to be ever vigilant, claiming that PASOK and its leadership want to entice leftist voters at any expense and called them to "close their ears to the social demagogy of ND".

[04] Samaras supports New Democracy in Sunday's election

Athens, 06/04/2000 (ANA)

Samaras, who served as foreign minister in the 1990-93 ND administration and subsequently left to found his own party, in February, announced Political Spring's abstention from the April 9 poll. The party failed to elect any deputies in the present Parliament.

Meanwhile, a delegation of Political Spring cadres met with Prime Minister Costas Simitis in his office in the morning. Simitis said their visit was indicative of the extent of the positive impact of PASOK's positions and the crucial nature of the election.

[05] Avramopoulos says supports New Democracy in elections

Athens, 06/04/2000 (ANA)

In an interview with the private Antenna Radio, Avramopoulos said that "it is self-evident, known and clear for some time now what my position is. Of course I back the faction from which I come from and to which I belong to. At the same time I remain sincere and stable to the Athenians and to the institution I serve."

[06] German President Rau visits Thessaloniki, comments on reparations issue

Athens, 06/04/2000 (ANA)

In answering questions by a group of pupils at Thessaloniki's German school in western Thessaloniki, Rau noted that "the only compensation that could be given to the relatives of victims is, maybe, a monetary sum as a symbolic gesture."

He qualified his statement by adding that even in such a case the idea only marks a proposal he would have to then convey to the German federal government.

Rau's presence in Thessaloniki comes one day after a historic visit to the mountainous township of Kalavryta, in the northwest Peloponnese, where he paid homage to the roughly 1,300 men and boys executed by Nazi occupation troops in December 1943. Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos accompanied the German head of state on his unprecedented visit to Kalavryta and other nearby stops.

Local officials at Thessaloniki's Macedonia Airport greeted the German president in the morning, before he began an itinerary that also included visits to the local archaeological museum and the city's Protestant parish.

EU-Turkey: Asked about the prospects of Turkey's accession to the European Union, Rau noted that "at the moment conditions for its (Turkey) entry don't exist."

He added that the length of the negotiation process with current EU candidate-state Turkey depends on the latter, while stressing that in the 14 years since the last visit by a German president to Ankara, "evidently not enough progress has been made on the issue of human rights and democratic freedoms."

In reference to Cyprus, Rau said the island republic's accession would have to precede any possible Turkish entry into the bloc, whereas international cooperation and unanimity is necessary for a solution to the island's political problem.

Rau also touched on an issue Athens has tabled before its EU partners on several occasions when he was asked if the Greek-Turkish borders also comprise the Union's external borders. In a brief remark, he simply noted that such an issue is a "difficult situation", before reminding that both Greece and Turkey - in the midst of an ever-heightening climate of rapprochement over the past few months - are NATO allies.

Additionally, the German president further said he was "torn" over whether to favor or oppose NATO's attack against Yugoslavia last year over the Kosovo, although he made it clear that "the war was not caused by the United States but comprised the decision by NATO member-state governments".

Finally, when asked by students at the German school what impression he would conceivably convey to his countrymen of Greece and its youth, Rau said: "Greece is a captivating country with a long tradition and with a new generation curious about the future, with an international outlook and a deep national conscience."

German President departs for Turkey from Thessaloniki: German President Johannes Rau departed for Turkey at 8 p.m. as he concluded his visit to Greece, with his tour of Thessaloniki.

Rau's visit to Greece and Turkey is part of a Southeastern European tour.

Earlier in the day, before his departure for Thessaloniki, former Prime Minister Constantine Mitsotakis hosted Rau to a breakfast in Athens.

According to reports the two men discussed Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue, but did not comment of their talks to the press.

[07] Greece launches web site

Athens, 06/04/2000 (ANA)

The web site, entitled "Greece Now" and to be found at the address http//www.greece.gr. was developed by the foreign ministry and covers a broad range of themes through 150 articles on the country's internal and external affairs, economy, culture, environment, education and Greek expatriate communities.

Papandreou said the launching of the site was a small but important step "in the direction of modernizing the country's foreign policy tools".

[08] EU will not fund nuclear reactor in Turkey

BRUSSELS, 05/04/2000 (ANA - B. Demiris)

He added that in the event that its construction does not fulfill Union safety standards, then the Commission would demand that it cease operations, as it has done in similar case in Lithuania, Slovakia and Bulgaria.

[09] British politicians honored at Greek Embassy in London

LONDON, 05/04/2000 (ANA-L. Tsirigotakis)

The awards were given by Greek attache Constantine Bitsios on behalf of President of the Hellenic Republic, Kostis Stephanopoulos.

Former Eurodeputy of the Labor Party, Alfred Lomas, was awarded the Order of the Phoenix and former deputy of the Conservative Party, Ian Twin, the Order of Honor.

[10] Greece expresses concern over imported crime from Albania

Athens, 06/04/2000 (ANA)

Foreign Ministry spokesman Panagiotis Beglitis also expressed the hope that Albanian authorities will cooperate with their Greek counterparts to curb illegal activities and put an end to incidents, such as those of the last five days when migrant traffickers attempted to land on Corfu.

"Greece respects the rules of international law and international agreements which govern relations between states. It is also at the forefront of initiatives which are aimed at cooperation, security, peaceful coexistence and economic development of Balkan countries," Beglitis said.

[11] Greek investors cautious ahead of Sunday's elections

Athens, 06/04/2000 (ANA)

Market sources expect the Greek bourse to move "more freely" the day after the elections, as it would focus again on economic fundamentals.

The general index ended 0.01 percent lower at 4,813.02 points, off the day's highs of 4,822.51 and the day's lows of 4,771.39 points.

Turnover was an improved 148.26 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 0.12 percent lower at 2,725.72 points and the FTSE/ASE 40 index fell 0.42 percent to 669.33 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 9,455.50 +0.52% Leasing: 1,074.64 -0.28% Insurance: 3,247.50 -0.60% Investment: 2,044.35 +0.29% Construction: 2,354.17 +0.06% Industrials: 2,821.68 -0.29% Miscellaneous: 4,965.04 -0.18% Holding: 5,320.82 +0.18%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 805.86, up 0.05 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 173 to 152 with another nine issues unchanged.

Hellenic Telecoms, National Bank, Hellenic Petroleum, Commercial Bank and Athens Water were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in Drs): National Bank: 24,750 Alpha Credit: 23,950 Commercial Bank: 21,910 Ergobank: 8,350 Eurobank: 11,730 Heracles Cement: 9,965 Titan Cement (c): 14,800 Hellenic Petroleum: 4,535 Intracom: 14,650 Minoan Lines: 6,850 Hellenic Bottling: 6,300 Hellenic Telecoms: 9,470 Panafon: 4,805

Derivatives prices end lower in subdued trade: Derivatives prices lost ground on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Wednesday following declines in the two benchmark indices, FTSE/ASE 20 and FTSE/ASE 40, which ended 0.12 and 0.41 percent lower, respectively.

Turnover was extremely thin at 5.9 billion drachmas.

A total of 728 futures contracts were traded on the FTSE/ASE 20 index, with a turnover of 3.8 billion drachmas. The April expiring contract ended at 2,679.75 points, the May at 2,690, the June at 2,698 and the September contract at 2.750 points.

A total of 807 futures contracts were traded on the FTSE/ASE 40 index, with a turnover of 2.1 billion drachmas. The April expiring contract ended at 655.50 points, the May at 656.25 and the June contract at 665 points.

Bonds edge up in higher turnover: Bond prices crept up on Wednesday for the third straight session in active buy-oriented trade, shortly before national elections on April 9.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 6.10 percent from 6.16 percent in the two previous sessions and 6.21 percent in the two trading days before that.

The paper's yield spread over German bunds was 97 basis points from 96 basis points a day earlier and 98 basis points on Monday.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 108 billion drachmas from 48.5 billion drachmas in the previous session and 48 billion drachmas on Monday.

Of Wednesday's total, buy orders accounted for 104 billion drachmas and sell orders the remaining 4.0 billion drachmas.

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 rises vs. euro, dollar: The drachma rose against the euro and the US dollar in the domestic foreign exchange market on Wednesday.

The central bank did not intervene in the market for the second straight session.

On Monday, the Bank of Greece had sold around 35 million euros to meet 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 Wednesday, the euro was set at 334.860 drachmas from 334.870 drachmas a day earlier and 334.760 drachmas on Monday.

Also at the fixing, the US dollar was set at 347.030 drachmas from 351.090 drachmas in the previous session and 351.190 drachmas on Monday.

[12] OA wins three ground service contracts

Athens, 06/04/2000 (ANA)

OA will undertake the luggage handling, cargo transport and fuel servicing in the new airport named after late Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos, the announcement added.

OA's stake in the fuel servicing contract stood at 65 per cent, while the construction of the new air cargo fully automated installations were budgeted at 6 billion drachmas, the announcement concluded.

[13] Greek Shipping Registry net loss in registered tons in March

Athens, 06/04/2000 (ANA)

The average age of the newly registered ships stood at 25 years.

[14] Black Sea bank meets in Athens April 15

Athens, 06/04/2000 (ANA)

The bank's share capital of 1.2 billion US dollars is distributed among Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine.

On the same day as the shareholders' meeting, a Black Sea Business Day will be held for representatives of the 11 countries involved.

The forum will detail the purpose of the bank, which launched operations in June 1999 in order to aid growth in the Balkans and Black Sea region and boost economic ties among shareholding countries.

Emphasis will be laid on explaining the bank's methods of financing commercial transactions among member-state enterprises, and outlining opportunities for co-financing with international organizations. Panel discussions will also be held.

The bank has already endorsed loans of 45 million US dollars for four investment and commercial programs. Another 150 business proposals are awaiting evaluation.

[15] Ergo gets Dr 875 ml. deal with Russian gov't

Athens, 06/04/2000 (ANA)

Under the terms of the contract, the Greek firm will supply high technology medical equipment and products to the government. Ergo said the contract marks the start of long-term cooperation with Moscow.

[16] National Bank acquires majority stake in Stopanska

Athens, 06/04/2000 (ANA)

The shareholders' general assembly in Skopje approved the election of NBG governor, Theodoros Karatzas, as chairman of the board.

[17] NY bourse official says PPC could apply for listing

Athens, 06/04/2000 (ANA)

[18] Indicative gasoline prices up, diesel drops

Athens, 06/04/2000 (ANA)

Super and unleaded were hiked by 0.5 drachmas per liter, whereas diesel fell by 0.4 and heating oil by two drachmas per liter as the cold season ends. Specifically, in the greater Athens area and Thessaloniki prefecture, super will sell for 255.2 drachmas per liter, 238.3 for unleaded. (One US dollar equals roughly 345 drachmas)

[19] Moses hopes for accelerated process in next round of proximity talks on Cyprus

NEW YORK, 05/04/2000 (CNA/ANA)

He was speaking after a working breakfast here with Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides. Cyprus Ambassador to the US Erato Markoulli, the Republic's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Sotos Zakheos, US State Department Special Coordinator for Cyprus Thomas Weston and US

Ambassador to the island Donald Bandler was also present at the 45-minute long breakfast.

Asked by CNA whether both sides share the view that there should be an acceleration of the UN process in the next round of UN-led proximity talks, Moses replied, "we certainly hope so, this is our position. I said it when I was in Cyprus".

Asked whether he is planning to visit the island in the next couple of weeks, he said he had no immediate plans but that he expected to see President Clerides again shortly.

[20] Uniqueness of Cypriot culture celebrated at Metropolitan Museum of Art

NEW YORK, 05/04/2000 (CNA/ANA)

"This marvelous art of Cyprus," as the Museum's Director Philippe de Montebello described the Cesnola Collection, which comprises sculptures, bronze vases, terracotta, gems, glass and jewelry, opened to the public on Wednesday and will be on a permanent exhibition.

The significant collection was exported during the last quarter of the 19th century by Luigi Palma di Cesnola, US consul in Cyprus at the time and the first director of the MMA.

President Clerides and First Lady Irene were the guests of honor at the inauguration ceremony also attended by a number of Cypriot, American and other personalities.

The First couple were given a tour of the four galleries, which "reveal the unique character of Cypriot art and highlight the exotic blend of classical and oriental influences that was felt in Cyprus throughout antiquity", as Montobello said in his speech during a formal dinner which followed.

In statements to the press during a tour of the galleries, Clerides said that the exhibition "is a display of our ancient civilization, which must make us all proud", adding that it is a "truly impressive exhibition".

Invited by CNA to comment on the new Cypriot galleries, Montobello said the Cesnola Collection is "a wonderful, complete collection" which shows "all the aspects of Cypriot civilization" and the fact that it "is the crossroads of the Mediterranean".

Speaking to the press, Greek Orthodox Archbishop of America Demetrios said he was deeply moved by the exhibition "which constitutes a most beautiful element in promoting our Cyprus".

He said the exhibition depicts the long history of Cyprus, which has elements of beauty, art, creativity, that have survived in spite of the many adventures it has gone through.

[21] Turkish Cypriot media say Ankara's plan to pipe water to island costs $300 million

NICOSIA, 05/04/2000 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

Turkish Cypriot media this past week featured reports on the plan to funnel water from the Asia Minor hinterlands to Turkish-occupied Cyprus via underwater pipes.

No information was provided on the financing for the ambitious project. The Turkish-occupied portions of the Cyprus Republic have lagged behind dramatically in economic and social development vis-a-vis the two-thirds of the island controlled by the internationally recognized Cypriot government, while a water shortage has reportedly worsened in the past few years as well.

Roughly one-third of Cyprus' territory has been occupied since 1974 by Turkish troops following an invasion of the island republic, and despite repeated UN resolutions calling for the departure of occupying forces.

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