Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-07-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] Third round of Cyprus proximity talks begins in Geneva

[02] Turks continue provocations in Cyprus' buffer zone

[03] Karamanlis: Cyprus solution necessary for full Greek-Turkish rapprochement; Papandreou briefs ND leader

[04] Defense Minister says Defense Revision Strategy of considerable importance for the country

[05] Tsohatzopoulos to make three-day official visit to Russia

[06] Stephanopoulos notes potential for expansion in Greco-Irish economic relations

[07] Simitis says modernization is the nucleus of a progressive governance in Greek reality

[08] Giscard d' Estaing welcomes Greek euro-zone entry

[09] Laliotis says he won't be swayed by threats from imposing solution for Kouroupitos dump

[10] Greece ordered to return EU farm cash

[11] PASOK deputies to vote according to conscience on ND proposal for optional listing of religion in IDs, Reppas says

[12] Gov't dismisses latest criticism over security for 2004 Olympics

[13] Foreign ministers of Greece and Slovenia say level of bilateral relations excellent

[14] Athens calls on Tirana to combat criminal gangs

[15] Pangalos in France for unveiling of bust of 19-century Greek intellectual

[16] Senior US commander on Greece visit

[17] Athens sternly condemns petrol bomb attack against Turkish consulate

[18] European Parliament sets up probe committee on ECHELON

[19] Olympic Airways, Hellenic Telecoms on course to sign strategic alliances

[20] Papantoniou says euro entry process would help to contain inflation

[21] Greece's shipping register rises significantly in June

[22] Independent panel to draft coastal shipping deregulation in Greece

[23] Petrol prices decrease, diesel rises

[24] Spectacular increase in number of Turkish tourists visiting Kavala, Thassos

[25] Greek stocks rebound after a five-day decline

[26] Greek Cables announce 7.68 bln drs share capital increase plan

[27] 17th session of Joint Greek-Romanian Economic Committee to start in Athens on July 10

[28] Ecumenical Patriarchate issues announcement on crisis in Ukrainian Church

[29] UN stands ready to contribute to Cyprus talks as necessary, envoy says

[01] Third round of Cyprus proximity talks begins in Geneva

GENEVA, 06/07/2000 (CNA/ANA)

The 50-minute meeting ended with no statements being made.

President Clerides told reporters that he would not make any statements, "respecting an appeal by the Secretary General that this time there will be a moratorium on statements and this time we shall all respect it". The UN chief had brief private meeting with the President and afterwards the five-member Cypriot delegation joined the talks.

Annan returns to New York on Thursday and the talks will continue under his Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto.

On his part, Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, speaking to the press in spite of the appeal by Annan for a news blackout on the substance and the procedures of the Cyprus peace talks, said the T/C side has prepared work for 15 chapters on the Cyprus problem.

He further claimed the T/C side is very serious about negotiations and hopes the Greek Cypriot side is serious as well.

Speaking after an hour-long meeting with Annan, Denktash said they had "a very useful meeting" with the SG and on Thursday they are starting with Annan's Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto.

He said "the Greek press has continuously alleged that we are not serious at these talks. So I informed the SG that we have brought the results of our very good preparation which covers 15 chapters of work and we are very much interested in serious negotiations and we hope the other side also is".

Asked when he will leave the talks, Denktash replied "not yet".

The Turkish Cypriot leader, having given his consent for open ended talks throughout the month of July, announced later he would return to Cyprus to "celebrate" the anniversary of the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island, which resulted in the division of the country since 20July 1974.

[02] Turks continue provocations in Cyprus' buffer zone

NICOSIA, 06/07/2000 (ANA)

At noon on Wednesday, the Turks removed two flags of Turkey and the pseudo-state, which they had hoisted, as well as one of the flagpoles. Shortly after noon, however, they brought back the flagpole but not the flags for the time being. The Turks had carried out a parade at the same location in the morning and had hoisted the flags of Turkey and the pseudo-state.

On the part of the government, Defense Minister Socratis Hasikos said that every effort is being made to restore the status quo in the region.

Greek National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos was also briefed on the situation by the ambassador of Cyprus in Athens.

During a debate in the plenum of the European Parliament on Tuesday, Greek Euro-MPs condemned the advancement of Turkish occupation troops in the buffer zone.

Communist Party Eurodeputies Costas Alyssandrakis and Stratis Korakas said Ankara and the Turkish Cypriots were becoming increasingly insolent as a result of the European Union's Helsinki decisions, which declared Turkey a candidate country and accepted that Cyprus could become a member without a prior solution of its political problem, Commissioner Guenter Verheugen's statements on the accession of only the Greek Cypriots to the Union, and the statement on Cyprus by the G-7 group of countries, which disregarded the resolutions of the United Nations.

[03] Karamanlis: Cyprus solution necessary for full Greek-Turkish rapprochement; Papandreou briefs ND leader

Athens, 06/07/2000 (ANA)

The one-and-a-half-hour meeting at the main opposition party's headquarters covered topics involving Greek-Turkish relations, the Cyprus issue, European Union matters and the current situation in the Balkans.

In statements to reporters afterwards, Papandreou said he briefed the ND leader in detail on the resumption of proximity talks by the two communities on Cyprus - the third round of which began on Wednesday in Geneva - as well as procedures for Greece's inclusion in the 'euro-zone'.

"There was also an agreement in terms of considerations for Europe's federalization," Papandreou said, before noting that he requested closer cooperation from Karamanlis over Greek foreign policy issues.

On his part, the ND leader focused squarely on the latest developments on Cyprus, stressing that "the strategy of compliance and unilateral concessions has failed miserably. As the latest incident on Cyprus and the (Turkish PM Bulent) Ecevit statements demonstrated, Ankara's intentions are such as to undermine the talks in Geneva. Turkey's intention to ignore the Helsinki agreement is obvious."

Karamanlis also reiterated the positions spelled out by ND honorary president and former Prime Minister Constantine Mitsotakis on Tuesday, namely, that a fair and viable solution for Cyprus is a paramount condition for a full rapprochement of Greek-Turkish relations.

Finally, he again proposed the establishment of a foreign policy council comprised of political party leaders.

Papariga, Constantopoulos: Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Wednesday afternoon briefed opposition party leaders in his office on the latest developments on the country's foreign policy issues.

After an hour-long meeting, Communist Party Secretary General Aleka Papariga told reporters her party was especially concerned over the government's efforts to enter the "hard core" of Europe.

"They wish to assign Greece with an unpleasant role in the broader region. We want Greece to play a leading role," she said.

Papariga expressed concern that the more the discussions on Cypriot entry to the EU progressed, the nearer the prospect of a bizonal confederated state appeared.

"The Greek government has been projecting a picture of certain progress regarding the issue while knowing full-well that it is going from bad to worse," she said.

Regarding the unfavorable comments of the international press on Greece's record in handling terrorism, particularly after the November 17 group's recent killing of Stephen Saunders, the British military attache to Athens, Papariga said that "the Americans have now brought the British into the game; this is how the victim was selected by November 17".

On the issue of German war reparations, she said the government had not utilized judicial rulings in order not to worsen its relations with other countries.

Coalition of the Left leader Nikos Constantopoulos said after his meeting with Papandreou that he had been briefed substantively, and that the current period required the greatest possible degree of political communication.

He said he was not optimistic regarding progress on the Cyprus issue, and that time was not necessarily on the side of Greece and Cyprus. It was necessary to ensure, he added, that the positive aspects of the EU Helsinki summit's decisions regarding Turkey were properly utilized so as to prevent differing readings of their meaning.

"Greece has to utilize its strategic advantage and the rapprochement with Turkey without its sovereign right being cast into doubt," he said.

Concerning terrorism, Constantopoulos spoke of pressures through the media aiming at the destabilization of the country, while on German war reparations he said the issue was a case of international law, "one of historical and moral order".

"We need bold political solutions and formulas," he said.

Papandreou told reporters after the meetings that their scope was not just to provide briefings but also possible cooperation and common initiatives.

[04] Defense Minister says Defense Revision Strategy of considerable importance for the country

Athens, 06/07/2000 (ANA)

Tsohatzopoulos said he will bring the DRS issue before the committee for discussion and relevant decisions will be taken by the Government Council of Defense and Foreign Affairs (KYSEA) in November.

He further said that through the study of DRS "we will proceed with a decrease in the volume of the armed forces, but at the same time increasing defense adequacy and military capability."

On the question of Greek-Turkish relations, Tsohatzopoulos said "the Helsinki process does not handle Turkey's claims in the Aegean", adding that despite recent improvements in relations between the two countries Greece must insist on its defense shielding.

Tsohatzopoulos also referred to the recent Turkish advance in Cyprus, saying that "we are entering the third phase of talks on the Cyprus issue with unfavorable conditions after this act by Denktash."

Last Friday, Turkish troops set up a new checkpoint further into the UN-policed buffer zone that divides the two communities on the island.

Tsohatzopoulos said that "the key for the Republic of Cyprus is for Greece, as a member of the European Union, to pursue the provisions of Helsinki for the accession of Cyprus, unimpeded and regardless of a solution to the political problem."

Tsohatzopoulos revealed that final decisions on the new defense doctrine would be taken by KYSEA by November.

[05] Tsohatzopoulos to make three-day official visit to Russia

Athens, 06/07/2000 (ANA)

Tsohatzopoulos will be holding talks with his Russian counterpart, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexiy. He will also be attending an official dinner Sergeyev will be giving in his honor on Thursday night.

On Friday, Tsohatzopoulos will lay a wreath at the Kremlin and will be received by President Vladimir Putin. He will be arriving in the city of Chevok at noon to visit the military factory of Koupol and the Kalashnikov museum. He will return to Moscow in the evening.

[06] Stephanopoulos notes potential for expansion in Greco-Irish economic relations

DUBLIN, 06/07/2000 (ANA- N. Megadoukas)

Speaking to a forum of Greek and Irish businessmen, he said that Greece's economic progress was evident and that the country offered new opportunities to businessmen.

"There are considerable margins for the further growth of Greco-Irish trade and investment, which, among other things, will contribute to the fight against the most pressing problem of unemployment," he said.

Speaking at the same forum, Deputy National Economy Minister Yiannis Zafeiropoulos pointed out that the sectors of information technology, construction (particularly in view of the Olympic projects for 2004 and Balkan reconstruction), industrial food processing and beverages, and tourism offered considerable opportunities for an increase in exchanges and partnerships.

Earlier, Alternate Foreign Minister Elisavet Papazoi told Greek reporters that her contacts with Irish leaders on the EU's intergovernmental conference and reforms had yielded positive results. She said Athens and Dublin hoped the EU summit in Nice to close the issue of the Community's functional reforms so that it may be ready to receive the new members by 2002. It was also agreed, she said, that the European Commission should be strengthened, maintain the balance with the other organs in the Union and continue to be comprised of one commissioner from each country, as this enhanced its democratic legitimacy.

Papazoi said, however, that that two sides had not established identity of views on the issue of enhanced cooperation, which Greece considered as the model for deepening European cooperation.

Later in the evening, President Stephanopoulos hosted his Irish counterpart, Mary McAleese, to dinner at a central Dublin hotel.

Stephanopoulos attends official dinner given by Irish premier: President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on Wednesday underlined that his official visit to Ireland will further improve the already excellent relations between Athens and Dublin - both on a bilateral level and in the context of efforts to build a new Europe.

At midday, Stephanopoulos attended a dinner given in his honor by Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, at which he spoke about the future course of European unification, saying that a true and powerful European Union with supra-national characteristics demanded important decisions and initiatives and a constructive spirit on the part of EU member-states.

Regarding EU expansion, meanwhile, Stephanopoulos said that this was a political necessity that would help establish peace and security and promote economic prosperity on the old continent.

"In this context, Greece attaches great importance to the continuance and successful conclusion of negotiations for Cyprus' accession to the EU," noted the president. Athens, he added, welcomed the Helsinki decision that made the island republic's accession independent of a resolution of its political problem.

Otherwise, he noted, Cyprus would become a victim of circumstances for which it bore no responsibility.

The president of the republic also referred to relations between Greece and Turkey, saying that Athens wanted "a Turkey ready to contribute to preserving peace and stability in the region, not a Turkey that is the source of troubles and problems."

At another point, he expressed optimism that the French presidency of the EU would do a lot of work toward crisis management, while he said that gradually incorporating southeastern Europe in the EU would provide the key for stability and development in the region.

Earlier on Wednesday, Stephanopoulos visited the Dublin Town Hall and was shown around Trinity University and its famous library.

In statements afterward, the president referred to the long tradition of loyalty to the ideals of democracy and national independence shared by the Greek and Irish peoples, to the cultural ties between the two countries and to the Olympic Games in 2004.

[07] Simitis says modernization is the nucleus of a progressive governance in Greek reality

Athens, 06/07/2000 (ANA)

The conference was held on the occasion of the international conference held in Berlin in early June.

Simitis referred to the main issues he discussed at the Berlin conference, together with another 13 leaders from all over the world, which were development and prosperity, the strengthening of civil society and international cooperation.

"We have created a platform on which a new international community can be built. Basing ourselves on our steadfast values on solidarity and social justice, we sought replies and we planned coordinated actions for the major issues of our era. A wide dialogue in PASOK and Greek society should open on these positions. We should specify them in a program of government actions and we should examine in what way Greek society can benefit," he said.

Simitis referred at length to the debate, currently underway at international level, on globalization and saying "the global market coexists with a global society which feels the need to enact rules and the need to create a political and social counterbalance against global economic interdependence. This counterbalance should safeguard the smooth functioning of markets, as well as the self-evident: that mankind should maintain the control of its creations."

On the question of Greece's participation in this international development shaped at the Berlin conference, Simitis said it is the result of the policy defined and applied with success in past years.

"Modernization is the nucleus of a progressive governance in Greek reality. Modernization does not take place with orders. It takes place with changes in institutions, structures and attitudes. It is necessary for us to provide the means for every person to enable him to become an individual agent of modernization. We should give a new role to the citizens' society," he said.

[08] Giscard d' Estaing welcomes Greek euro-zone entry

Athens, 06/07/2000 (ANA)

Giscard d' Estaing was in speaking in Athens at a conference sponsored by EFG Eurobank under the aegis of the Association for the Monetary Union of Europe.

He also expressed certainty that Greece would be ready to introduce the EU's single currency in circulation in January 2002, despite the country's belated entry into the 11-member euro zone and abbreviated preparation time.

At the same time, the country needed to carry on lowering its public debt beyond 2002 and bolster the economy against a possible resurgence in inflation, Giscard d' Estaing added.

[09] Laliotis says he won't be swayed by threats from imposing solution for Kouroupitos dump

Athens, 06/07/2000 (ANA)

On Tuesday, Greece was fined 20,000 euros a day by the European Union's Court of Justice for failing to clean up the dump in line with a 1992 European Court ruling, payable for every day that it remains in breach of EU legislation. The Greek government has blamed local opposition to its proposals for the delay in cleaning up the site.

Laliotis declared that he was undeterred by the threats and that the "shame and disgrace of Kouroupitos" had to end, despite the pressures from those "brandishing firearms and black flags."

The minister said that he had been trying to find a solution to the area's problems since 1995 and had been foiled at every turn by local authorities and residents. "This time a solution will be given and the law will be implemented, though it would be better if there was agreement. If there is no agreement a solution will be given, because the country cannot be shamed in this way."

He also made it clear that the fine imposed by the European court would be paid out of funds destined for the Hania prefecture.

Laliotis also urged residents in Akrotirion, Hania, to cease opposing the temporary measure of bundling rubbish, which could begin in two months, proposed by the government as a stop-gap until a waste treatment and recycling center for the area had been completed. He said funds for the construction of the plant, budgeted at 4.5 billion drachmas, had already been secured.

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, meanwhile, appealed to the media to help increase sensitivity among Hania residents over the issue of the dump.

Saying that Greece had found itself in a "very difficult position" because of the situation, he admitted that the state had delayed in imposing a solution. Matters had now come to a head, the spokesman continued, and everyone had to put in the extra mile so that Greece would no longer be exposed to ridicule abroad.

[10] Greece ordered to return EU farm cash

BRUSSELS, 06/07/2000 (ANA/B.Demiris)

The Commission said in a statement that the sum, which emerged from accounts for fiscal 1997 and 1998, covered irrigated crops, management and control of funding, livestock, late payments and delayed payments.

Twelve of the EU's 15 member-countries were ordered to return funds for the same reason.

[11] PASOK deputies to vote according to conscience on ND proposal for optional listing of religion in IDs, Reppas says

Athens, 06/07/2000 (ANA)

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said on Wednesday the deputies are well aware of what they are voting and have the right to vote according to conscience.

The issue has led to friction between the state and the Church, which insists that religion should not be removed from identity cards. It has also organized rallies in Athens and Thessaloniki recently in support of its views.

[12] Gov't dismisses latest criticism over security for 2004 Olympics

Athens, 06/07/2000 (ANA)

Asked to comment on the issue after his briefing of New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis, Foreign Minister George Papandreou said such reports "...portray the country (Greece) unfairly and do not reflect reality." He added that Greece in the past has safely hosted major sports events and tournaments.

Prime Minister Costas Simitis had earlier termed the same press reports "exaggerations", after his morning meeting with 2004 organizing committee Vice-president Lambis Nikolaou.

Simitis also expressed his conviction that the Athens 2004 Games will be successfully hosted.

Nikolaou, one of two Greek International Olympic Committee (IOC) permanent delegates, declined to make any statements to reporters.

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas termed the reports as nothing more than "petty, disjointed and frivolous" approaches to the issue of the 2004 Olympiad's security.

"Greece will make an earnest effort to succeed and pull-off (the Games)", Reppas said.

Finally, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis also sternly condemned the press speculation over possible terrorist attacks during the 2004 Olympics, saying he is confident Athens will organize a safer Olympiad than the one organized in Atlanta.

Angelopoulou-Daskalaki optimistic over preparations for Athens 2004 Olympiad: The leadership of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games Organizing Committee had its first meeting on Wednesday with journalists covering issues related to the Olympiad's organization, at the new building housing the organizing committee. The meeting was set up in order for the new members of the organizing committee and their press relations staff to get acquainted with reporters covering these issues.

Speaking to the Athens News Agency (ANA), organization President Gianna Angelopoulou-Daskalaki said that things would have to move quickly in the next two months to make up the time lost but expressed optimism that all would go well and that Greece will organize the best Olympic Games yet.

Responding to a remark that she rarely speaks to the media, she said that when she has something important to say she will speak and hopes that she will have pleasant news on the Olympiad's preparation to announce soon.

Commenting on foreign press reports on the issue of security during the 2004 Olympic Games, senior members of the organizing committee expressed certainty that "there is no problem" and that these press reports were commissioned, rather than genuine reporting.

[13] Foreign ministers of Greece and Slovenia say level of bilateral relations excellent

Athens, 06/07/2000 (ANA)

The two ministers also ascertained the excellent level of bilateral relations between Greece and Slovenia.

Addressing reporters, Papandreou reiterated that Greece strongly supported Slovenia's accession course to the EU, as well as its participation in NATO. He added that they also discussed regional issues, stability in the region and the possibilities of further economic cooperation between the two countries and of promoting Greek investments in Slovenia.

On his part, Peterl said he agreed with Papandreou "that indeed we should improve and further deepen our economic cooperation", while terming the two countries' interests both in the Balkans and further afield "supplementary."

Peterl further expressed his strong desire for stabilization and democratization in the region.

[14] Athens calls on Tirana to combat criminal gangs

Athens, 06/07/2000 (ANA)

"Albania's authorities must understand that such incidents create a problem for Albania itself," government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said on Wednesday during his regular daily press briefing.

He also said the neighboring country's government must realize that bilateral relations are not a "one-way avenue, and that relevant actions must be taken by the other side (Albania), something that has so far not occurred."

The mostly ethnic Greek inhabitants of Dervitsani, a village in southwest Albania, spent most of Monday night in shelters after receiving a barrage of gunfire from the neighboring village of Lazarati over a five-hour period.

The shooting started at about 11 p.m. and lasted until 4 a.m. on Tuesday, according to reports.

A small police force arrived in the area, which was unable to act effectively. Similar incidents have occurred in the past but Monday night's incident was the worst.

The reasons for the attack are unknown.

One reason could be that the attack -- as well as frequent incidents caused by other criminal rings -- is aimed at forcing members of the Greek minority in Albania to abandon their property.

The Council of Europe (CoE) last week cautioned Tirana to take measures to safeguard the property of members of minorities living in the country.

[15] Pangalos in France for unveiling of bust of 19-century Greek intellectual

Athens, 06/07/2000 (ANA)

The mayor of Montpellier declares himself a fan of Greek history and has given several streets and squares of the city ancient Greek names, as well as erecting several copies of ancient Greek statues.

He was recently decorated by the President of the Republic for his philhellenic activities.

[16] Senior US commander on Greece visit

Athens, 06/07/2000 (ANA)

Gen. Mayers will pay a visit to the Chief of the Greek Armed Forces' General Staff, General Manousos Paragioudakis, and discuss matters of mutual military interest with the leadership of the Greek armed forces.

Later, he will visit the archaeological sites of Athens and Olympia.

[17] Athens sternly condemns petrol bomb attack against Turkish consulate

Athens, 06/07/2000 (ANA)

An unknown assailant threw a firebomb at the building housing Turkey's consulate on the Greek holiday island, located in the southwest Aegean.

No injuries or arrests were reported at press time.

"These are irresponsible acts that are condemned by the Greek people in their entirety... they will not affect the positive climate in the two countries' bilateral relations," foreign ministry spokesman Panayiotis Beglitis said, adding that a police investigation has begun into the incident.

[18] European Parliament sets up probe committee on ECHELON

STRASBOURG, 06/07/2000 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

The committee is composed of 36 Eurodeputies from all political groups, including PASOK Eurodeputy Anna Karamanou, New Democracy party Eurodeputy George Dimitrakopoulos and Coalition of the Left and Progress Eurodeputy Mihalis Papayiannakis. The committee will have a 12-month term.

According to the European Parliament's decision, the committee will have to ascertain the existence of the ECHELON system and to examine to what degree its use by intelligence services violates European Union law and the rights of European citizens.

Moreover, it will have to reply to the question to what degree the coding of data is an adequate and effective method to protect personal data and, if not, to propose the taking of additional measures.

[19] Olympic Airways, Hellenic Telecoms on course to sign strategic alliances

Athens, 06/07/2000 (ANA)

The Greek government has already hired international consultants Credit Suisse and Warburg to find a strategic partner for Hellenic Telecoms in the European telecommunications market. The government intends to offer a significant stake in Hellenic Telecoms' equity capital to a major European telecommunications group - a leader in the creation of a new telecommunications map in Europe - and expects this procedure to be completed by the end of the year.

The government's plan also includes finding a strategic partner for Hellenic Telecoms' Internet activities.

The meeting also discussed plans to privatize Olympic Airways. Credit Suisse, the government's consultant to the sale, is expected to present its proposals within the month after contacts with major international airlines.

National economy ministry sources said the government would seek to ensure that the national carrier's domestic operations remained unchanged, although special talks would be held regarding the company's staff.

[20] Papantoniou says euro entry process would help to contain inflation

Athens, 06/07/2000 (ANA)

Announcing a government decision that Greek companies would have to sell products and services both in drachmas and euros, Papantoniou urged the country's media to begin a campaign to inform Greeks on the euro currency, adding that an extensive information campaign would begin in September.

He said that preparations for the conversion to the euro currency were progressing satisfactorily and that certain problems, faced by municipal authorities mostly, would be dealt with soon.

Papantoniou said that the government would submit a legislation to parliament in September covering all the legal aspects of the conversion from the drachma to the euro currency in the country's public sector.

Supermarkets to launch drachma/euro pricing in a year: The Association of Supermarkets of Greece said on Wednesday its members were prepared to begin marking their shelf prices in both drachmas and euros on July 1, 2001.

The trade group also recommended keeping the double pricing system beyond December 31 of that year in order to aid consumers.

The euro is due for circulation in the European Union on January 1, 2002.

[21] Greece's shipping register rises significantly in June

Athens, 06/07/2000 (ANA)

A total of 17 vessels were registered in the Greek registry last month, with a capacity of 450,420 tons, while four ships were struck off with a capacity of 69,239 tons.

The Greek shipping register has risen by 381,181 tons in the last four months.

Another significant aspect of this trend is the fact that incoming ships in the register had an average age of 10 years, while vessels outgoing the register had an average age of 20 years.

[22] Independent panel to draft coastal shipping deregulation in Greece

Athens, 06/07/2000 (ANA)

Papoutsis said the committee would hear the views of all interested parties and after a dialogue with ship-owners and sailors it would proceed with a new legislation.

He said a ship-owners' demand for a 10 percent increase in sea fares was not well timed, but noted the demand made sense due to an increase in international fuel prices and said it could be discussed in the future.

Papoutsis declined to comment on a recent decision by Minoan Flying Dolphins to raise a foreign flag on its ship servicing the Adriatic Sea.

He said that a ministerial committee decided the flotation of Piraeus Port Organization on the Athens Stock Exchange and that the government was also considering the transformation of Alexandroupoli port into a public company.

[23] Petrol prices decrease, diesel rises

Athens, 06/07/2000 (ANA)

Specifically, super gasoline decreased by 4.8 drachmas per liter, whereas unleaded fell by 4.7 drachmas per liter. Conversely, off-season heating oil increased by 3.2 drachmas per liter, 2.2 drachmas for diesel.

The suggested retail sales price for petrol and other fuels comes into effect at midnight on Thursday and lasts for one week.

In the greater Athens area and Thessaloniki prefecture, super gasoline will sell for 280 drachmas per liter, 263.9 for unleaded.

[24] Spectacular increase in number of Turkish tourists visiting Kavala, Thassos

Athens, 06/07/2000 (ANA)

Speaking at a press conference in Thessaloniki on Wednesday, Kavala Prefect Theodoros Kalliontzis said that according to data provided by tourist agents and the Greek Tourism Organization (EOT), the number of Turks visiting the prefecture of Kavala during the first four months of 2000 exceeded 10,000, while the number of visitors from Istanbul alone exceeded 6,000 during the first six months.

The figures are impressive if one considers that during the corresponding six-month period last year, the number of Turks visiting the region amounted to only 560.

[25] Greek stocks rebound after a five-day decline

Athens, 06/07/2000 (ANA)

Dealers said the market was now pondering whether this change of direction was a sign of a more sustained recovery of the market or it was just a technical rebound.

Analysts said the next two sessions of the week were extremely crucial for the market's short-term outlook.

The general index ended at 4,026.18 points, up 1.19 percent with turnover rising to 97 billion drachmas. The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 0.70 percent higher at 2,217.34 and the FTSE/ASE 40 index jumped 3.15 percent to 586.16 points.

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks soared 7.16 percent to 783.48 points.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 323 to 18 with only one issue unchanged.

Fanco, Hellenic Telecoms, Naoussa Spinning, Giannoussis and Klonatex (c) were the most heavily traded stocks.

Derivatives up in line with stock exchange: Equity futures traded on the Athens Derivatives Exchange finished higher on Wednesday, roughly in line with the two indices on which they are based.

The FTSE/ASE 20 closed 0.70 percent up, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 3.15 percent higher.

Turnover was 13.4 billion drachmas from 6.9 billion drachmas a day earlier.

A total of 1,276 contracts were traded on the FTSE/ASE 20 index with turnover at 5.6 billion drachmas.

Changing hands on the FTSE/ASE 40 were 3,476 futures on turnover of 7.8 billion drachmas.

Bonds edge up in buy-oriented trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market nosed up in brisk trade on Wednesday, fuelled by demand in 20-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 6.13 percent for the third day from 6.087 percent for two straight sessions before that.

The Greek paper's yield spread over German bunds was 86 basis points from 87 basis points for two trading days.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 156 billion drachmas from 26 billion drachmas in the previous session.

Buy orders accounted for 90 billion drachmas of turnover.

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

At the central bank's daily fixing, the euro was set at 336.700 drachmas 336.830 drachmas in the previous session.

Also at the fixing, the US dollar was set at 352.370 drachmas from 355.240 drachmas a day earlier.

[26] Greek Cables announce 7.68 bln drs share capital increase plan

Athens, 06/07/2000 (ANA)

Wednesday's decisions was a re-approval of decisions taken during the annual shareholders' meeting, February 18.

The plans envisage a split of the company's nominal share price, from 350 to 175 drachmas per share, and the issuance of 9,610,000 new shares to be offered free to shareholders at an one-to-one ratio.

The meeting also approved plans for a share capital increase through the issuance of 7,688,000 new common nominal shares, worth 175 drachmas each, with an offer price of 1,000 drachmas each.

The new capital will be used to fund the company's investment program both in Greece and abroad.

[27] 17th session of Joint Greek-Romanian Economic Committee to start in Athens on July 10

Athens, 06/07/2000 (ANA)

The Greek delegation will include representatives from ministries and the wider public sector, as well as representatives from public utility organizations and banks.

The agenda includes issues concerning all sectors of bilateral cooperation such as finance, trade, investments, cooperation in the banking sector, transportation, telecommunications, energy, agriculture, tourism and European and bilateral technical assistance programs.

[28] Ecumenical Patriarchate issues announcement on crisis in Ukrainian Church

ISTANBUL, 06/07/2000 (ANA)

An announcement by the Ecumenical Patriarchate on Wednesday said that "following a request by many Ukrainians, both dignitaries and ordinary Christians, it is holding discussions with the Holy Church of Russia and the other interested parties to find a way to restore the Church unity of the Orthodox Ukrainian people."

[29] UN stands ready to contribute to Cyprus talks as necessary, envoy says

GENEVA, 06/07/2000 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking at a press conference, before the resumption of the third round of proximity talks, de Soto said the UN will attempt to bridge the gap between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides as necessary and though recognizing that a comprehensive settlement is not on the cards by the end of the year, he said that is no reason to prevent very important progress towards this goal.

De Soto could not specify the duration of the talks but acknowledged that there would be "unavoidable breaks" for reflection, consultation and other reasons.

In an indirect, albeit clear reference to Turkish demands for a break in mid July, he said any breaks should be as brief as possible and consistent with the flow of the talks rather than any other consideration.

The leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Rauf Denktash, having given his consent for open ended talks throughout the month of July, announced later he would return to Cyprus to "celebrate" the anniversary of the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island, which resulted in the division of the country since 20 July 1974.

"We envisage this to be a resumption leading to intensified, continuous sets of talks that would lead over the next few months into the autumn and it is unavoidable there will have to be breaks both for reflection, consultation and other reasons," de Soto said, adding "this should be a comprehensive set of talks."

He said Secretary General Kofi Annan would expect the talks to "concentrate on the core issues (security, territory, distribution of powers and question of property) that must be part of a comprehensive settlement and that the talks will confine themselves to these core issues."

After Wednesday's first meetings, Annan will return to New York and de Soto will take over. "We hope the talks will go on for quite a long period of time," he said on the matter.

Asked if the UN will submit proposals or just listen to the two sides, he replied "there are certain questions which I will not identify on which we had asked the two sides to carry out some work during the period between the round of talks."

He said the UN is looking forward to hearing from the sides, particularly if their positions "reflect movement and a willingness to give and take in a spirit of compromise."

The UN, he added, "stands ready to make a contribution to the talks as necessary whether it is procedural or substantive", adding that Annan will put to the two sides his vision of how he sees events unfolding, including a calendar over the next few months.

Expressing hope that there would be progress in the next few months, he said "we have to adjust to what is possible within the capacity of the two parties to deliver and we are prepared to help bridge the gap as necessary." Commenting on Cyprus European Union accession course, he said this process is parallel to the UN process, noting the UN is in contact with the EU as there are certain issues that have to be dealt with in the course of accession negotiation that have a bearing on the core issues that need to be dealt with and vice versa.

He welcomed the improved Greco-Turkish relations and the EU Helsinki decisions of last December but said these "have not yet been reflected in the talks themselves and this is what we would hope would occur over the coming months."

Replying to questions, de Soto said Annan would very much hope for an "important and qualitative move in the direction of a comprehensive settlement in the course of this year which is probably not likely." That, he stressed, does not mean "some very important progress cannot be made."

On the implementation of UN resolutions, in the case of Cyprus, he said the Secretary General will assist the parties to address issues taking full consideration of UN resolutions.

The UN official said there was a need to observe a news blackout both on the substance and on the procedure of the talks and expressed the hope that this time a stricter discipline will be observed. De Soto said the problem created by the construction of a new check point by the Turkish occupation troops, on the south east of the island, in violation of the current status quo, is being handled by Annan's representative on the ground, Chief of Mission Zbigniew Wlosowicz.

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