Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-04-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] Parliament approves government’s policy statement

[02] Premier and culture minister discuss 2004 Olympic Games

[03] Gov't spokesman comments on election law dialogue

[04] Greek government not involved in presence in Athens of Serbian opposition representatives

[05] Ankara's military chief comments on prospect of Greek-Turkish contacts over Aegean

[06] Armenians hold protest rally outside Turkish embassy

[07] New ambassadors present credentials

[08] Justice minister discusses issues of mutual interest with Australian counterpart

[09] Senior EIB official sees Greece joining euro zone on time

[10] Greek stocks end lower on Monday

[11] Labor minister discusses with SEB 10,000 drachma increase in worker salaries

[12] EFG Eurobank joins latest round of rate cuts

[13] Blue Circle of the UK welcomes okay for Greek takeover

[14] HATTA says Athens needs new luxury and first class hotels

[15] Clerides to meet Greek Prime Minister in Athens on way to New York

[16] Government does not oppose channeling of EU funds to Turkish Cypriot community

[17] Australian justice minister on brief visit to Cyprus

[01] Parliament approves governments policy statement

Athens, 25/04/2000 (ANA)

Concluding the debate, Prime Minister Costas Simitis said that the basic differences of the parties in Parliament became clearly apparent during the debate.

On this note he accused main opposition New Democracy (ND) party of reiterating its neo-liberal beliefs, according to which the market is the regulator of social developments, even in sectors such as health and education.

He also accused ND of maintaining "far rightist tendencies", adding that the main opposition party was more interested in gaining votes rather than solving the countrys problems, "thus it is interested in the cultivation of confrontation, continual negativity and conscious overstatements".

To confront this opposition, Simitis said, his aim would be to establish a progressive governance of the country, with specific goals toward reliable, effective and transparent actions.

He added that this governance will be socially sensitive, a governance of freedom and solidarity, a governance of participation, a governance along with the civil society."

Socialist PASOK won the April 9 early general elections by a slim majority, which however remedied by the electoral law, allowed for a comfortable majority of 158 seats in Parliament.

Papandreou says steadfast on his foreign policy: Foreign Minister George Papandreou said in parliament on Monday he will continue foreign policy on the values and targets set from the day he had assumed his duties and called on opposition parties for cooperation, requesting their active participation in Balkan affairs, Greek-Turkish cooperation and the European environment.

"I will personally guarantee processes of consensus and dialogue," he said.

Outlining the ministry's priorities, Papandreou underlined the country's participation in European affairs, with emphasis on strengthening Cyprus' accession course, monitoring Turkey's adjustment to European established practice, promoting the proposal on drawing up a European human rights charter and substantiating proposals for the inter-governmental conference, placing emphasis on the democratic deficit and social Europe.

He said the issue of Cyprus is the cornerstone of Greek foreign policy and linked normalization of Greek-Turkish relations to Turkey's position on the Cyprus issue, saying that the neighboring country's non-compliance with UN resolutions constitutes a permanent source of instability in Greek-Turkish relations. However, he added that cooperation in low-profile sectors will continue.

Papandreou also referred to peace in southeastern Europe and its incorporation in European institutions to "enable a Balkan voice to be developed" and announced that a discussion will take place at the European Union in two weeks on undertaking initiatives in the Balkans.

Former PM calls for ND support of "correct" government policies: Former Prime Minister and main opposition New Democracy (ND) honorary president Constantine Mitsotakis on Monday stated his support for the speedy implementation of structural changes in the Greek economy.

Addressing parliament, he said those changes are necessary and should take place with the "widest possible consensus", adding that if the government proceeds without this consensus, it will soon find out that citizens have abandoned it.

He also said that Greece is moving faster than the government fathoms toward the formulation of a new political stage, stressing that if the necessary structural changes are not made "we are moving toward a sudden landing".

He asked of the main opposition to support government initiatives, if correct policies are applied.

Speaking on the April 9 election results, Mitsotakis said that those results did not meet his expectations, despite his efforts, adding that ND should move on with its self-criticism through the responsible party institutions.

He added that ND should discuss in parliament the way this election was conducted, adding that the government called for early elections knowing full well the negative course of the Athens Stock Exchange and because the European Union can not wait any longer for the structural changes of the economy, which Prime Minister Costas Simitis was "avoiding", as he "preferred the convergence (with the Union) via taxation and not via reforms".

Finally, the veteran politician criticized the leadership of the foreign ministry for "setting aside experienced diplomatic service (allowing) the management of the ministry to take place by counselors, who do not have the experience and the knowledge on issues, diplomats have".

Constantopoulos calls for simple proportional election system: Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos called for the support of a constitutional amendment instituting a simple proportional election system.

He requested of the government to clarify issues regarding the meeting of Serbian opposition members in Athens.

Coalition sees rise in unemployment, upsurge in privatizations: Responding to the government's policy statements on Saturday, Coalition of the Left and Progress parliamentary spokesman Fotis Kouvelis said his party drew the conclusion that unemployment would increase, that there would be an upsurge in privatizations of key state enterprises and that the normalcy of the insurance system would be threatened.

According to Kouvelis, Greek social reality is characterized by deep inequalities and of a state failing to support the economically weak citizens.

Kouvelis also commented that although the government promised the creation of 300,000 new jobs, "it keeps quiet" concerning the low incomes in the country, in contrast to "the enormous profit-making of capital."

He said his party would vote against the government's policy statements.

[02] Premier and culture minister discuss 2004 Olympic Games

Athens, 25/04/2000 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Pangalos said "don't worry. Everything is under control." He added that he and the Prime Minister "primarily discussed the coordination and effectiveness of government action."

In another development, Deputy Sports Minister George Floridis said there was no problem concerning the holding of the 2004 Olympic Games but the country should forge ahead with faster rates. He was speaking after holding talks on the country's preparations for the Olympiad with Greek Olympic Committee President Lambis Nikolaou and his counterpart from the International Olympic Academy Nikos Filaretos, who are IOC members.

[03] Gov't spokesman comments on election law dialogue

Athens, 25/04/2000 (ANA)

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas simply stressed that the government is committed to election law changes in force for the next elections, adding that Interior Minister Vasso Papandreou is the responsible cabinet member to initiate and oversee such talks.

[04] Greek government not involved in presence in Athens of Serbian opposition representatives

Athens, 25/04/2000 (ANA)

Reppas said that Papandreou stressed that the Yugoslav people should be able to express their free will and decide on the form of government and the persons who will rule the country.

Reppas further said that in talks Papandreou held with Serbian opposition members, an identity of views was ascertained regarding the lifting of the embargo imposed on Yugoslavia.

He added that Greece remains steadfast in its position that borders in the region should be stable and inviolable.

According to an Athens News Agency (ANA) dispatch from Belgrade, representatives of Kosovo Serbs returned satisfied from Athens, where they participated in a meeting organized by the contender of the Serbian throne Alexander Karageorgevic, over their contacts with Papandreou.

Bishop Artemios, President of the Kosovo Serb National Council, said that Papandreou stressed on behalf of the Greek government Greece's support for a peaceful solution to the problem of Kosovo in the framework of UN Security Council resolution 1244.

Bishop Artemios said that in talks with Papandreou mention was made of the situation in Kosovo, the plans concerning the Serbs' stay in the region, the return of refugees, the normalization of the situation and Greece's mediation with the international community for a solution to the Kosovo problem.

Momcilo Trajkovic, a Kosovo Serb leader, said that various issues were raised in talks with Papandreou concerning security measures in Kosovo, the mass media and the sending of humanitarian aid to Kosovo from Greece.

He said an identity of views was reached on the political status for Kosovo and that it was stressed that talks cannot be held on the issue with the exclusion of Serbia.

Trajkovic said that Papandreou supported the position of the Kosovo Serbs that the region's fate cannot depend on Slobodan Milosevic staying in power.

[05] Ankara's military chief comments on prospect of Greek-Turkish contacts over Aegean

ISTANBUL, 25/04/2000 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

Turkish general staff chief Gen. Hussein Kivrikoglu also stated that "the Greek side is only referring to the issue of the (Aegean) continental shelf, while we are referring to four or five problems."

"We've already proposed bilateral meetings on the military level in order to reduce tension in the Aegean, as well as the holding of joint (military) exercises," Kivrikoglu said during a reception at the Turkish national assembly, before adding: "The Greek side said it would answer, but we haven't as yet received its reply."

Athens has long maintained that the only difference separating Greece and Turkey in the Aegean is the issue of the sea's continental shelf, a matter it holds must be adjudicated by the International Court of Justice at The Hague. The Greek side also counters that the provisions of specific international treaties and agreements nullify demands Ankara has raised over the past 27 years dealing with air space, territorial waters and uninhabited islets, among others.

Meanwhile, in a related development, Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem was quoted in a Turkish mass daily as saying that contacts between Athens and Ankara over the Aegean are expected to start in the coming period.

"After the elections in Greece we're able now to deal with Aegean-related issues," Cem was quoted in a "Milliyet" article as saying.

[06] Armenians hold protest rally outside Turkish embassy

Athens, 25/04/2000 (ANA)

The annual affair, on April 24, commemorates the death of 1.5 million Armenians at the hands of the Turkish regime at that time. The protesters burnt a Turkish flag and posted a relevant protest memorandum on the embassy wall.

The protesters also demanded of Turkey to end its support of Azerbaijan, thus changing its stance in the Nagorno-Karabach dispute, between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Representatives of the Armenian committee said that Turkey is obliged to recognize the genocide and the violation of human rights in Turkey's past, noting that in any other case the "doors of Europe" shall remain closed for Turkey.

In a related development, Greece's Ambassador to Ankara Ioannis Korantis was summoned by the Turkish foreign ministry regarding the protest rally.

Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Sermet Atatzanli said that Ankara would notify Athens of its official reaction, regarding the affair, through the Greek ambassador in the Turkish capital.

[07] New ambassadors present credentials

Athens, 25/04/2000 (ANA)

The ceremony was attended by Alternate Foreign Minister Elizabeth Papazoi and the Presidency of the Republic's secretary general Costas Ailianos.

[08] Justice minister discusses issues of mutual interest with Australian counterpart

Athens, 25/04/2000 (ANA)

[09] Senior EIB official sees Greece joining euro zone on time

Athens, 25/04/2000 (ANA)

At the same time, entry into the 11-member euro club entailed commitments that the country would have to keep, Gennimatas told a meeting of the Greek Management Association in this northern port city.

Among the commitments were the continuation of economic and monetary policy harmonization with other countries, which should not slacken, he added.

In addition, deficits should be contained or the country risked a fine if they exceeded 3.0 percent of gross domestic product.

Gennimatas also noted that the full liberalization of markets had yet to occur in Greece.

In addition, the country was fearful of structural changes to the economy and gave too much credence to anti-reactions when new moves were proposed, the EIB official said.

[10] Greek stocks end lower on Monday

Athens, 25/04/2000 (ANA)

Dealers said Monday's fall reflected lack of buying interest as investors reacted cautiously to the Prime Minister's policy statement on Saturday.

The general index ended at 4,362.79 points, down 0.74 percent, after moving between a range of 4,445-4,343 points throughout the session. Dealers said the market could soon test the 4,500 level if it can hold the 4,300 support level in the short-term. Turnover was a low 100 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended at 2,473.80 points, off 0.57 percent and the FTSE/ASE 40 index dropped 1.56 percent to 585.26 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 8,574.13 -0.54% Leasing: 936.77 +2.07% Insurance: 2,894.54 -0.02% Investment: 1,860.53 -2.13% Construction: 2,226.34 +0.61% Industrials: 2,581.67 -1.57% Miscellaneous: 4,222.58 -1.52% Holding: 4,810.07 +1.90%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 761.37 points, off 2.76 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 265 to 74 with another eight issues unchanged.

Daios Plastics, ETBAbank and Athens Water were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in Drs): National Bank: 22,500 Alpha Credit: 21,500 Commercial Bank: 19,920 Ergobank: 7,400 Eurobank: 10,125 Hellenic Telecoms: 8,610 Panafon: 4,555 Hellenic Petroleum: 3,990 Intracom: 13,310 Minoan Lines: 5,915 Hellenic Bottling: 6,100 Heracles Cement: 8,420 Titan Cement (c): 15,100

Bonds nose up in negligible trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market rose in thin trade on Monday with interest focused mainly on 10-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 6.13 percent from 6.02 percent in the last two sessions, 6.06 percent for the two sessions before that and 6.11 percent on Monday.

The paper's yield spread over German bunds was 84 basis points from 78 basis points for three consecutive session and 84 basis points on Tuesday. The calculation was theoretical as the German bond market was closed for Easter Monday.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 6.0 billion drachmas from 12 billion drachmas for two straight sessions and 76 billion drachmas a trading day earlier.

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

Drachma drops vs. euro, rises vs. dollar: The drachma on Monday fell against the euro and edged up versus the US dollar in the domestic foreign exchange market.

The Bank of Greece did not intervene, traders said.

At the central bank's daily fixing, the euro was set at 335.600 drachmas from 335.550 drachmas a trading day earlier and 335.450 drachmas on Thursday.

Also at the fixing, the US dollar was set at 357.070 drachmas from 357.870 drachmas in the previous session and 356.950 drachmas on Thursday.

[11] Labor minister discusses with SEB 10,000 drachma increase in worker salaries

Athens, 25/04/2000 (ANA)

According to reports, the increase will result from the state budget covering the insurance and pension contributions of workers.

Deputy Labor Minister Christos Protopappas and Deputy Social Security Minister Nikos Farmakis were also present at the meeting.

[12] EFG Eurobank joins latest round of rate cuts

Athens, 25/04/2000 (ANA)

It was the latest bank to cut its rates in the wake of a decline in the central bank's intervention rates last week.

EFG Eurobank said in a statement that its base savings deposit rate would fall to 6.0 percent from 6.50 percent and personal loan rate to 19.0 percent from 20 percent.

[13] Blue Circle of the UK welcomes okay for Greek takeover

Athens, 25/04/2000 (ANA)

"We are to proceed immediately with signature of the final contract after which we will announce changes to the company's (the Heracles Group's) management," Michael Schofield, BCI's regional director for Europe and Africa, said in a statement.

"Our intention is to have broad Greek representation on Heracles' board and to keep the company's share trading on the Athens Stock Exchange," added Schofield, who headed his company's negotiating team in acquisition of the Heracles Group, which includes Halkis.

The statement said that BCI's presence in Greece would benefit Heracles, the country's industry and the national economy.

Its presence, combined with the investments it planned to make in the company, would also help to attract other investors from abroad, the statement added.

[14] HATTA says Athens needs new luxury and first class hotels

Athens, 25/04/2000 (ANA)

It also called on the Greek Tourist Organization (EOT) and the Development Ministry to suspend the change in hotel use in Athens and encourage return to use for buildings decided to be changed but for which the decision has not yet been carried out.

HATTA said that great emphasis should be placed on the crucial issue of residence and hospitality during the Olympic Games, which will also determine future tourist movement to Athens, and the rest of the country.

It was added that an additional number of luxury beds should be provided in the capital for the needs of the games' sponsors, who will be organizing many parallel events to promote products and services. HATTA further noted that a convention center for many uses and of international specifications is also necessary.

[15] Clerides to meet Greek Prime Minister in Athens on way to New York

NICOSIA, 25/04/2000 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking to the press on Monday, government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou also said that the forthcoming meeting in the US between the foreign ministers of Greece and Turkey George Papandreou and Ismail Cem is important, noting that the Greek Cypriot side hopes Ankara will be convinced to change its intransigent position and persuade the Turkish Cypriot side to enter substantive talks.

Papapetrou stressed that President Clerides' position remains that the third round of talks should be substantive and that there is no meaning in inviting the two sides to make further clarifications on clarifications already made.

"The key to the success of the third round of proximity talks and the general effort for a solution to the Cyprus problem is in Ankara," Papapetrou said, noting that the Papandreou-Cem meeting would be a good opportunity to raise the Cyprus issue to the Turkish foreign minister in the presence of the Americans, in an effort to convince Turkey to change its negative stance.

If Ankara continues with its intransigent position on Cyprus "there is no hope for breaking the deadlock", Papapetrou added. Referring to the one-day trip of Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides to Athens on April 26 for a meeting with his counterpart, Papapetrou said it would prepare the ground for the Clerides-Simitis meeting.

[16] Government does not oppose channeling of EU funds to Turkish Cypriot community

NICOSIA, 25/04/2000 (CNA/ANA)

Commenting on press reports that the EU is channeling funds for bi-communal projects through the United Nations, Cyprus government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou stressed on Monday that "it would be inconceivable for any assistance to be directed to the illegal authorities" of the occupied areas.

Papapetrou explained the government has no objection to the channeling of assistance to the Turkish Cypriot community but this should be done in such a way, which would not recognize the illegal regime and recognize the status of the Republic of Cyprus. Replying to questions Papapetrou said there are occasions when funds are channeled to communities or municipal authorities in the EU directly without the intervention of other organizations.

He pointed out, however, that the prospects of such an effort are not great, since Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash puts as a condition that any assistance should be directed to his illegal regime, not through the internationally-recognized Republic of Cyprus.

[17] Australian justice minister on brief visit to Cyprus

NICOSIA, 25/04/2000 (CNA/ANA)

The minister will attend an Australian police function on Tuesday morning at UNFICYP headquarters and is scheduled to meet Cyprus

Minister of Justice and Public Order Nicos Koshis.

The Australian police contingent numbers 20 persons and has been on the island for the past 36 years.

She will attend a dinner at the residence of the Australian High Commissioner, in which the Cyprus Chief of Police Andreas Angelides has also been invited.

Vanstone, who is visiting Cyprus for the first time, is planning to meet members of the media on Tuesday. She is due to leave Wednesday morning.

Vanstone has been a Liberal Senator for South Australia since 1984. She has served in various posts and sat on many parliamentary committees.

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