Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-09-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Simitis says globalization is a challenge which has to be faced

[02] Premier Simitis addresses UN Millennium Assembly

[03] Greek Prime Minister, US President discuss Cyprus problem, Greek-Turkish relations

[04] Simitis meets Cyprus Parliament speaker in New York

[05] Greek Prime Minister addresses event organized by US President

[06] Greek FM meets with Yugoslav president, discusses upcoming elections

[07] No agreement reached on independent observers of Yugoslav elections

[08] Three members of Yugoslav student organization "OTPOP" arrested outside Greek ambassador's home in Belgrade

[09] Washington terms 'unfortunate' Papapandreou's meeting with Milosevic

[10] Clinton and Turkish president discuss Cyprus issue

[11] Papariga calls for embargo on government measures for labor relations

[12] Constantopoulos presents proposals at TIF press conference

[13] Government expresses sorrow over 1999 earthquake's victims, memorial services mark anniversary

[14] Giannitsis says immobility is no longer allowed in the labor market

[15] Deutsche Bank's Breuer says Greece's EMU entry a success

[16] Greek stocks surge to six-weeks highs

[17] Greek inflation rises to 3.0 percent in August

[18] Diamantopoulou presents report on EU unemployment, responds to Eurodeputies' questions on Greece

[19] Commissioner Diamantopoulou proposes new mechanism to forecast industrial changes

[20] Papantoniou to attend informal ECOFIN meeting on Friday

[21] Hellenic Bottling completes merger with Coca-Cola Beverages Plc

[22] Hellenic Arms Industry carries out overhaul

[23] Coalition of the Left blasts gov't privatization bill

[24] Women's 'Culture of Peace' conference opens in Rhodes

[25] Statue of marathon winner Spyros Louis to be unveiled in Sydney

[26] Parliament throws out sports federation amendment as 'irrelevant' to current bill

[27] President Clerides holds 'interesting' meeting with Russian counterpart Putin

[28] Turkey called on to work towards Cyprus settlement

[01] PM Simitis says globalization is a challenge which has to be faced

NEW YORK, 08/09/2000 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

Simitis, who was speaking at a press conference after addressing the UN Millennium Summit and holding talks with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, added that "in the year 2000 it was imperative that the UN member-states should examine what the course of the UN was to date and which new challenges should be handled."

He said the UN contributed to peace and to the achievement of better understanding between peoples. However, the existence of huge problems has been ascertained such as of poverty and a gap between developed countries and countries which have not participated in development in past decades, as well as new gaps created by developing technologies and the failure of apparatuses to help less developed countries to tackle poverty.

"However, certain positive conclusions have been drawn from the discussion. First, the joint ascertainment that problems are supranational and there can only be a supranational response to supranational problems: an international organization which will coordinate and direct and, therefore, the UN is necessary," he said.

Simitis said "one positive ascertainment concerns the past and, at the same time, the ascertainment that it is necessary for all countries, the member-states to provide a new dynamism for the UN which will lose its prestige if it goes on like this."

Referring to his meetings, Simitis said he met with President Yasser Arafat, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Jordanian King Abdallah. He added that the purpose of the meetings was to stress that the finding of a peaceful solution to the issue of Palestine and the Middle East question as soon as possible is of great importance for Greece.

Simitis said that as long as tension exists it is reflected in the rest of the region, creates insecurity in the rest of the region and could lead to tensions, adding that Greece has every interest in a permanent and stable peace, which will be acceptable to all parties.

"I also met President Clinton yesterday night in the framework of the dinner and after the dinner on progressive governance. I saw President Clinton at the end of the dinner and when all the other guests had left and discussed issues concerning the region, issues related to Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue.

"I stressed the need in particular that a solution should be found to the issue of Cyprus and that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot community should abandon their negative stance. Solutions are necessary. And Mr. Clinton recognized that there is a need for solutions and the United States should contribute to this. I also discussed the same issue with UN Secretary General Mr. Anan," he said.

Simitis also met the presidents of Albania and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). Talks with them focused on issues concerning bilateral relations and developments in the Balkans.

"I believe that these contacts show that the countries in the region have an interest in Greece's positions, our initiatives and that they expect us to contribute, just as we are trying to have solutions promoted and peace and cooperation in the region," he said.

Asked by reporters to comment on the discussions he had with President Clinton, Simitis stressed that they were confidential. "I cannot convey the content of what Mr. Clinton told me," he said. Simitis reiterated what he had said earlier, that Clinton expressed the need for progress to be made for a settlement of the Cyprus problem.

To a question on his meetings with the three leaders of the Middle East region, the Greek prime minister said that Greece expressed the need for solutions to be reached in the Middle East and that Greece was willing to help in this direction. He noted that repeated meetings have been held in Greece between Palestinian, Israeli and Greek officials and that various economic and cultural issues had been discussed in a very good climate.

On the Cyprus issue, and on what Clinton had told him on Wednesday, Simitis said "I was satisfied with what I heard, but because we have heard many times things that please us, we want to see actions."

On Greek-Israeli relations, Simitis said "we have very good relations with Israel," noting that the President of the Republic, the defense minister and the interior minister had recently visited Israel.

[02] Premier Simitis addresses UN Millennium Assembly

NEW YORK, 08/09/2000 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

"Our task must be to find new avenues through which we will control and gradually eradicate the causes of the plights that tantalize our common lives. This task requires cooperation at all levels, but mainly at the global level; because it would be otherwise difficult, if not impossible to have positive results in our world of close interdependence," Simitis said.

"We Strongly believe that the United Nations has a serious role to play in this respect," he said, adding "its experience in past achievements in these fields, its nature, as the only political international organization with universal participation, which is coupled with its specialized organs and agencies, are solid material upon which we may rely in our fight against the problems of our world."

"Greece believes that it is necessary to strengthen the position and the role of the main organs of the UN. The Security Council, in particular, needs a comprehensive reform to become more representative and more effective.

"Its long history and involvement in international affairs has demonstrated that its inability to solve problems of magnitude its due both to its structural deficiencies, which date back to its institutional inception, and the unwillingness of the member states of the UN to give it room to become effectively involved in matters where state sovereignty and vital interests are considered to override international concerns.

"We should note allow this situation to continue anymore. Now that we are all aware of the dangers surrounding us, but also of the potential that the United Nations have to properly deal with these matters.

"It would be unimaginable and unreasonable for us to waste such a comprehensive system and not to make full use of its precious services in security peace and amicable relations and fighting all deficiencies of the world order to which we have just referred," Simitis concluded.

[03] Greek Prime Minister, US President discuss Cyprus problem, Greek-Turkish relations

NEW YORK, 08/09/2000 (ANA)

The 20-minute meeting took place at the sidelines of the dinner hosted by US President Bill Clinton for the 13 world leaders of the "Network for a progressive governance in the 21st century".

Clinton was expected to meet with Turkish President Ahmed Sezer on Thursday.

Simitis also met with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and discussed the Cyprus issue and conditions in the Balkans.

According to reports, Simitis stressed the need for the new round of talks to deal with the substance of the Cyprus problem.

[04] Simitis meets Cyprus Parliament speaker in New York

NICOSIA, 08/09/2000 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

The meeting apparently took place immediately after Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides had addressed the UN general assembly.

[05] Greek Prime Minister addresses event organized by US President

NEW YORK, 08/09/2000 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

Addressing the participants, Simitis spoke of the new international political, economic and social environment, stressing the need for reexamination of the opinions and ideas of progressive thought.

He underlined that new developments force the readjustment of those opinions and ideas, adding that such a readjustment should take into account the "architecture of the new world", globalization, new technological breakthroughs and the dynamically developing sector of the new economy.

Simitis noted the points of difference between the progressive and the conservative thought, saying that what differentiated the two was the progressives' care for the confrontation of the negative phenomena caused by globalization; the maintenance of a stable economy in conjunction with economic development; use of new technologies and modernity; the quality of education; the strengthening of social cohesion and solidarity; and the strengthening of the society of citizens which is connected with the quality of democracy and the operation of institutions.

[06] Greek FM meets with Yugoslav president, discusses upcoming elections

BELGRADE, 08/09/2000 (ANA - I. Afentouli/M. Mouratidis)

Discussing the reactions of the Yugoslav side, Papandreou said that he tried to make clear to the people he met with that Europe wishes to change its position on the Yugoslavian issue, on condition that the elections will be a step toward Serbia's democratization.

According to diplomatic sources, in his 75-minute meeting with Milosevic, Papandreou focused on the issue of free and democratic elections in the Balkan country and Milosevic responded that he does not accept suggestions on the way elections should be conducted, as it is a sovereign and independent state.

Despite this reaction, the same sources said that Milosevic reassured Papandreou that the rules of democracy would be observed and that he himself would accept the outcome of the elections.

The presence of Organization for the Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) observers during the elections was not accepted by the Yugoslav side, but the Greek side proposed that effort should be made for observers from third countries to monitor the elections, following the Yugoslavian government's and the opposition parties' consent.

Papandreou also noted during the press conference that taking Milosevic to the International Court of Justice for crimes against humanity would be totally unproductive.

He also said that bilateral relations were not discussed, as the visit's only focus was that of the Sept. 24 elections in Yugoslavia, adding "we wish to see a European Yugoslavia. The destiny of Yugoslavia is in Europe."

Following his meeting with Milosevic, the Greek minister met with the country's main opposition candidate Vojislav Kostunica, non-governmental agency representatives and university student organizations.

Papandreou is scheduled to visit Kosovo and Montenegro on Friday.

Milosevic- press release: In a related development the Yugoslav president's office issued a press release noting that "The President of Yugoslavia Slobodan Milosevic received today the Foreign Minister of Greece George Papandreou and in an in-depth and open conversation they discussed the main issues regarding the development of relations and cooperation between Yugoslavia and Greece".

According to the press release, Milosevic stressed that the two peoples were connected with friendship which is the permanent base for the realization of common interests, firstly that of peace and stability, freedom, independence and equality of peoples and states in the region.

He added that Yugoslavia diligently pursued a policy of peace and being a state with a central location in the Balkans, it is an element of peace and stability and an example of independence in the region.

"The people of Yugoslavia," the press release stated, "defended with heroism its freedom and its country against the NATO attacks, and the solidarity of the Greek people in this effort was and remains a great encouragement for our people, as well as the unforgettable proof of true mutual friendship."

It also noted the UN Security Council decision mandating the territorial integrity of Yugoslavia, adding that Milosevic said that a policy of pressures and "blackmail" against Yugoslavia is incorrect and without prospects.

[07] No agreement reached on independent observers of Yugoslav elections

BELGRADE, 08/09/2000 (ANA - I. Afendouli)

In statements made after the meeting, Jovanovic made it clear that no foreign intervention would be accepted during the elections, which he described as "an internal matter" of Yugoslavia.

"The elections are being held to express the will of the people of Yugoslavia, not to satisfy the international community," he said.

He also stood by the statements he had made in an interview with the newspaper "Macedonia" last week, when he said that Greece's policy on Yugoslavia was "dictated by the United States."

In reference to Kosovo, the Yugoslav foreign minister asked that Serb police and troops be allowed to return to the province to combat what he called a "tide of terrorism" against the Serb minority living there, saying that the UN peace-keeping force and temporary authority had proved "ineffective."

Finally, he asked that the EU lift economic sanctions against his country and respect international borders.

In response, Papandreou said that the "political forces in this country are facing crucial choices and must make historic decisions for the future of their country."

"My message is simple," he added, "You are part of Europe. You must restore normal relations with it. Europe does not want an isolated country on its outskirts. It expects Yugoslavia to deepen its course toward democratization and as a first steps expects the holding of fair and free elections."

He avoided saying whether Athens would recognize the outcome of these elections, whatever that may be, and on whether Greece would be sending observers to monitor the elections.

For his part, Jovanovic noted that Yugoslavia had "no problem with the international community" and continued to maintain relations with two-thirds of the countries at the UN.

"We have a problem with the domineering stance of certain countries and their desire to dictate what policy we must follow," he quipped. He also insisted that the Yugoslav authorities had extended invitations to observers from many countries and that these had agreed.

The Greek foreign minister replied that the government and the opposition parties must agree on the individuals monitoring the elections and also which countries will send observers.

[08] Three members of Yugoslav student organization "OTPOP" arrested outside Greek ambassador's home in Belgrade

BELGRADE, 08/09/2000 (ANA - I. Afentouli)

Papandreou made it clear that relations between the two countries will be strained if the persons arrested were not released immediately.

At the time of the arrests, the Greek ambassador was giving a farewell reception attended by Papandreou, Jovanovic and representatives of Serbia's political groups.

The members of the OTPOR organization, the most dynamic part of the Serbian opposition lately, had been invited to the reception by the Greek ambassador and intended to hold talks with Papandreou on the occasion.

Spokesman on foreign minister's Balkan tour, arrest warrant for Milosevic: Acting government spokesman Telemachos Hytiris on Thursday avoided commenting on a delay by Yugoslav authorities in granting the aircraft transporting Foreign Minister George Papandreou to Belgrade permission to land.

Papandreou's Balkan tour, Hytiris added, demonstrates Greece's prestige in the Balkan region. "Greece wants development, peace and cooperation and the upholding of democratic processes in all the neighboring countries," he said.

Asked about a warrant for the arrest of Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic issued by Interpol, the spokesman noted that Greece would always respect its international obligations but added that there were no plans for a visit by Milosevic to Greece.

[09] Washington terms 'unfortunate' Papapandreou's meeting with Milosevic

WASHINGTON, 08/09/2000 (ANA - T. Ellis)

A State Department official said "we are aware that the Foreign Minister of Greece, George Papandreou, is visiting Serbia and Montenegro for the purpose of having consultations with the democratic opposition before the elections. He is meeting with members of the opposition and is discussing efforts for the democratization of Serbia. The Foreign Ministers of the European Union had expressed their support to this visit during the meeting they had in Evian, France, and we agree with their position."

Asked to comment on Papandreou's meeting with Milosevic, the official added: "We support a visit for the above purposes, that is, of offering support to the democratic opposition. But we feel it's unfortunate that any European leader of Papandreou's stature would have to meet with an indicted war criminal."

[10] Clinton and Turkish president discuss Cyprus issue

NEW YORK, 08/09/2000 (ANA - Y. Papachristos)

The spokesman said President Clinton told his interlocutor he supports Turkey's efforts to join the European Union but, on the other hand, also supports efforts for an improvement in relations between Turkey and Greece.

President Clinton, he added, encouraged Sezer to offer his help for a peaceful solution to the Cyprus issue.

The spokesman conceded that Sezer complained to President Clinton over the development of anti-Turkish propaganda in the United States concerning the genocide of the Armenians.

[11] Papariga calls for embargo on government measures for labor relations

Athens, 08/09/2000 (ANA)

Papariga called overall planning to promote Thessaloniki as a Balkan economic center an "illusion" and pondered "who will benefit from this and how could it be possible with competition by the big monsters existing in the region."

Speaking to reporters on the issue of interrelated interests, Papariga said "focusing this story on five and not 15 or 205 businessmen constitutes disorientation", adding that "even if the five were removed another five will appear."

Speaking at a press conference in Thessaloniki in the framework of his visit to the 65th TIF, Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos referred to labor relations, saying the government wishes to fully satisfy the Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) but fears the political cost and is trying to make some minimum concessions to the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE). However, he predicted that SEB "will ultimately take everything" and government policy will be judged there.

[12] Constantopoulos presents proposals at TIF press conference

Athens, 08/09/2000 (ANA)

He also pointed out that the process of revising the constitution could take months, during which time many things will have happened in the media sector and in the awarding of public contracts.

He therefore proposed that the process of issuing regular licenses to television stations be concluded as quickly as possible, that the National Broadcasting Council's transparency committee begin operating straight away to monitor and certify assignment of projects, that Parliament's Institutions and Transparency Committee be upgraded and given the role of monitoring the National Competition Committee and that anti-monopoly legislation be completed.

[13] Government expresses sorrow over 1999 earthquake's victims, memorial services mark anniversary

Athens, 08/09/2000 (ANA)

The spokesman spoke about the great ordeal that the earthquake's victims had had to endure and said that the government had proved its preparedness, though there were still many things left to be done.

He also announced that a special government meeting to discuss these issues would be held as soon as Prime Minister Costas Simitis returned from New York.

Hytiris took the opportunity to answer statements on this issue made by main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis earlier, accusing him of "taking advantage of the human pain of the earthquake victims." He expressed certainty that the government would make full restitution to them.

Anniversary events: Memories that are still raw resurfaced on Thursday in the west Attica districts that bore the brunt of the 1999 earthquake, where many people are still living in temporary shelters and camps.

In churches throughout Menidi, Metamorphosi, Ano Liosia, Anthoupoli and elsewhere, and at the ruins of the Ricomex building that claimed the lives of 40 people, emotional scenes were being played out at memorial services for the dead, while their relatives demanded that those responsible for the collapse of the "killer buildings" be named and brought to justice.

Environment and Town Planning Minister Costas Laliotis, who attended a memorial service in Menidi, called on judicial authorities to quickly process the dossiers on the 27 buildings put together by his ministry and to attribute responsibilities where they were due.

"There are criminal liabilities of engineers and owners for some of these buildings," he said.

He also assured the gathering that the government would stand by those left homeless by the earthquake until every one returned to his or her own home.

Also present at the service was Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis, Deputy Environment Minister Nassos Alevras, a representative of President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and other government officials.

The service ended with a minute's silence in memory of the victims, after which the government delegation visited nearby camps was briefed on the problems facing earthquake victims living there.

[14] Giannitsis says immobility is no longer allowed in the labor market

Athens, 08/09/2000 (ANA)

The key to change is combining the 38-hour working week with the timetable's flexibility which gives the employer the right to shape working hours ranging between 35 and 41 hours, according to the needs of production and instead of him paying overtime to workers he will return the above hours in the form of longer leave of absence or days off.

On the issue of collective dismissals, Yiannitsis and Protopappas termed the intervention market normalization, adding that it concerns a small number of businesses and will not lead to an increase in dismissals.

Meanwhile, the crucial phase of consultations between the government and trade unions and employers will get underway on Friday with a meeting with the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) and will develop next week with meetings with employers' unions.

Giannitsis' motto is that immobility is no longer allowed in the labor market.

[15] Deutsche Bank's Breuer says Greece's EMU entry a success

Athens, 08/09/2000 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, Breuer said that "in meeting the conditions for EMU membership, Greece's government and economy have proved all the skeptics wrong."

Deutsche Bank's chairman said financial markets' perception of Greece was positive. "There is a high degree of confidence in the credibility of Greek economic policy as Greece drachma and convergence of long-term interest rates show," he said.

"The Greek financial sector has become modern and efficient with a wide range of instruments including government bond maturities of 20 years and derivatives trading on the ADEX," Breuer noted.

The German banker, who is also chairman of Deutsche Borse, the German Stock Exchange operator, said, however, that much remains to be done in order to keep up with the rapidly changing economic structures worldwide.

"Greece has to move fast to be ready for the introduction of euro notes and coins in 2992. Its enterprises and public sector must take preparations under big time pressure. The challenge is tougher than for the other eleven EMU members who have had nearly four years to prepare," he said.

Breuer said he was optimistic over growth prospects in the EMU area, with employment rising steadily, inflation under control despite higher oil prices and euro weakness, budget deficits disappearing and government debt declining.

"The weakness of the euro exchange rate is disappointing but not disquieting," he said. Breuer said the weak euro is no economic problem both for the eurozone and the US.

Euro weakness is a mainly a political and psychological problem, he said, and noted that market interventions by the European Central Bank could not do much to strengthen its exchange rate.

The German banker said ECB was right to raise its interest rates, although he would prefer a more aggressive move last week.

"Europe can achieve sustained economic growth only on the basis of low inflation," he said.

Breuer called the current euro rate "undervalued" but said that exchange rates needed patience.

He said that Greece would benefit, on balance, more than other EU members from any eastern enlargement. He also predicted that progress in privatization and reform plans by the Greek government would make the Greek stock market more attractive to foreign institutional investors and would lead to the upgrading of the Greek bourse in the top league of international markets.

Deutsche Bank is the first large European bank to cooperate with a Greek bank, through cooperation with EFG Eurobank Ergasias in which it holds a 10 percent equity stake.

Breuer said that this strategic partnership has been fostered since and has already produced tangible results.

He announced a joint venture between the two banks in real estate management and cooperations in project finance.

Breuer said that Deutsche Bank did not plan to raise its equity stake in EFG Eurobank Ergasias for now, but he did not exclude such a possibility in the future.

[16] Greek stocks surge to six-weeks highs

Athens, 08/09/2000 (ANA)

Traders said the market continued to easily absorbing waves of profit taking with buying interest remaining strong for blue chip stocks.

The general index ended 3.17 percent up to 4,060.20 points, off the day's highs of 4,071 and the day's lows of 3,886.42 points.

Turnover was a heavy 184.84 billion drachmas. The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended at 2,303.03 points, up 2.95 percent, and the FTSE/ASE 40 index soared 2.69 percent to 551.44 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 7,849.55 +4.38% Leasing: 735.81 +4.56% Insurance: 2,318.79 +0.01% Investment: 1,672.80 +7.10% Construction: 2,006.36 +6.67% Industrials: 2,460.56 +1.42% Miscellaneous: 4,351.23 +1.64% Holding: 4,928.78 +4.34%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 687.98 points, up 5.08 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 323 to 27 with only two issues unchanged.

Alpha Bank, National Bank, Panafon, Bank of Piraeus, Commercial Bank and Hellenic Telecoms were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in Drs): National Bank: 14,490 Titan Cement (c): 15,170 Alpha Bank: 14,200 Hellenic Telecoms: 7,905 Commercial Bank:

18,150 Panafon: 3,890 Hellenic Petroleum: 4,100 Eurobank: 9,510 Attica Enterprises: 3,100 Bank of Piraeus: 6,475 Intracom: 13,160 Lambrakis Press: 10,100 Minoan Lines: 3,705 Heracles Cement: 6,155 Hellenic Bottling: 4,500

Equity futures up, tracking Athens bourse: Equity futures traded on the Athens Derivatives Exchange finished higher on Thursday, in line with the indices on which they are based.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 2.95 percent up, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 2.69 percent higher.

Turnover was 28.36 billion drachmas.

A total of 4,184 contracts were traded on the FTSE/ASE 20 with turnover at 18.8 billion drachmas.

On the FTSE/ASE 40 index, 4,442 contracts changed hands on turnover of 9.5 billion drachmas.

Bonds end mixed in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Thursday finished mixed in heavy trade, spurred by activity in the German market.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 6.04 percent from 6.02 percent in the last session.

The Greek paper's yield spread over German bunds was 78 basis points from 79 basis points a trading day earlier.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 224 billion drachmas from 42 billion drachmas in the session before.

Of the total, buy orders accounted for around half of trade.

Drachma ends down vs. euro, dollar: The drachma on Thursday ended lower against the euro and the US dollar in the domestic foreign exchange market.

The rampant dollar soared on international markets and the euro fell sharply, which had a negative impact on the drachma.

At the central bank's daily fixing, the euro was set at 338.160 drachmas from 337.950 drachmas in the previous session.

Also at the fix, the dollar was set at 389.320 drachmas from 382.980 drachmas a day earlier.

[17] Greek inflation rises to 3.0 percent in August

Athens, 08/09/2000 (ANA)

NSS attributed the rise to higher fuel and fruit and vegetables prices.

A report said that a fall in the drachma's exchange rate against the US dollar, due to a weak euro, and a steady rise in world oil prices because of OPEC's reluctance to raise its production, "were two imported problems with inflationary pressures on the Greek economy."

[18] Diamantopoulou presents report on EU unemployment, responds to Eurodeputies' questions on Greece

STRASBOURG, 08/09/2000 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)

According to the report, which included statistics up to June 2000, unemployment continued to decrease throughout the Union and is expected to drop under 8 per cent in 2001, while in June 2000 it stood at 8.4 per cent and in 1999 9.2 per cent.

Diamantopoulou noted that employment in the Union rose to 62.2 per cent in 1999, up from 61.3 per cent in 1998, but it still remained lower than that of the United States and Japan, which stood at 75 per cent.

Greece, along with Spain and Italy, recorded the lowest employment rates, being fewer than 55 per cent, with Denmark recording the highest at 76.5 per cent, according to the report.

Responding to a question regarding the low employment rate in Greece, tabled by Greek Eurodeputies Kostis Hatzidakis, elected with main opposition New Democracy, and Michalis Papayiannakis, elected with coalition for the Left and Progress (Synaspismos), Diamantopoulou said that conditions in the Greek labor market were complex and continue to face structural types of problems.

She said that such problems were lack of exact statistical data on the unemployment rate and the number of the unemployed who found a job, adding that there were only estimates that unemployment stood at 10.4 per cent, while there were no data on how many unemployed found jobs through social action and programs.

[19] Commissioner Diamantopoulou proposes new mechanism to forecast industrial changes

STRASBOURG, 08/09/2000 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)

Addressing the European Parliament she said, "I am convinced that it is necessary to provide to our European social partners and those charged with making decisions, a tool to forecast conditions, through a mechanism that will be dedicated to the long term study of changes, in industry on a European level. A mechanism that will aim at managing those changes with positive and preventative action."

The idea for such a mechanism begun to be discussed within the Union, following the closure of an automobile plant in Belgium that employed 3,200 workers.

This "Coordinating Center" will be charged with following economic, fiscal, technological and social developments in the Union and report to the European Commission, to the European Parliament, social groups, businesses, government agencies and local authorities.

Diamantopoulou noted that this mechanism should first and foremost serve the social dialogue between employees and employers, as well as government authorities, adding that it should be established as soon as possible and be given a flexible form.

[20] Papantoniou to attend informal ECOFIN meeting on Friday

Athens, 08/09/2000 (ANA)

The ECOFIN council's agenda includes discussion over a likely impact of rising world oil prices on the European economy and developments in the foreign exchange market.

[21] Hellenic Bottling completes merger with Coca-Cola Beverages Plc

Athens, 08/09/2000 (ANA)

Hellenic Bottlings chairman, Giorgos David, and CCBs chairman Neville Isdell made the announcement jointly.

The merged company's activities will cover an area with population more than 400 million. It expects to benefit from synergies and scale economy to maximize its growth potential.

The new company, named Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling will be listed mainly on the Athens Stock Exchange with secondary listing in London and Sydney.

Greece's Development Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, addressing the event, said that a new economic environment in the country, following Greece's EMU entry, would lead companies to cooperation and merger deals with foreign companies.

He said that the Hellenic Bottling-Coca Cola Beverages Plc deal was an example.

"Greek companies will seek to become strong international enterprises and soon Greece will emerge as a strong business pole with not only incoming but outgoing investments," he said.

[22] Hellenic Arms Industry carries out overhaul

Athens, 08/09/2000 (ANA)

The consultant helping in the overhaul is Planning SA, which won a tender for the project, EBO said in a statement.

The restructuring began several days ago, the statement said.

[23] Coalition of the Left blasts gov't privatization bill

Athens, 08/09/2000 (ANA)

The opposition party called on the government to keep to its pledge before national elections on April 9 that it would retain a 51 percent controlling stake in the companies.

Among the firms is Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, a heavily traded stock on the Athens bourse.

[24] Women's 'Culture of Peace' conference opens in Rhodes

Athens, 08/09/2000 (ANA)

The conference is attended by women from Mediterranean countries and will focus on issues concerning issues related to the undertaking of cultural initiatives on rapprochement and understanding, as well as on smoothing out possible differences between countries in the region.

"Over the past four years, we gave impetus to winning the wager concerning Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). It was a difficult wager and we won it. The coming four years is for us to build institutions. A strong Greece in Europe means and necessitates a renaissance in education and culture," she said.

Addressing the event, Culture Minister Theodoros Pangalos said that in democratic countries it is difficult for one to take peace initiatives because they might not be accepted by public opinion, which is accustomed to other performances and conceptions. The Dodecannese prefecture and the municipality of Rhodes under the auspices of UNESCO and the Femme Art Mediterranee network are organizing the conference.

[25] Statue of marathon winner Spyros Louis to be unveiled in Sydney

MELBOURNE, 08/09/2000 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)

Present at unveiling ceremony will be Australian and Greek officials as well as representatives of the Sydney Olympic Games Organizing Committee.

The 3.4-metre high bronze statue, weighing 360 kilos, is the creation of sculptor Pavlos Kougioumtzis. It will be placed at Cook Park on Grande Parade Street of Brighton-Le Sands.

The Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) financed the creation of the statue.

[26] Parliament throws out sports federation amendment as 'irrelevant' to current bill

Athens, 08/09/2000 (ANA)

Parliament speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis instructed Floridis to withdraw the bill and table it as a separate bill in its own right at a later date.

Despite Floridis' claim that the amendment was urgent, the opposition parties countered that it "bore no relation" to the current bill, while one New Democracy MP claimed that the amendment was a "personal vendetta" between the sports minister and the president of the federation of professional footballers, Victoras Mitropoulos.

Floridis to re-table amendment as bill on same day: At an emergency press conference on Thursday afternoon, Deputy Sports Minister George Floridis announced that he would re-table an amendment rejected by Parliament earlier in the day in the form of a separate bill by evening.

The bill will have exactly the same articles as the amendment blocked by the opposition and aims to stop suspected felons from holding positions of responsibility within sports organizations.

[27] President Clerides holds 'interesting' meeting with Russian counterpart Putin

NEW YORK, 08/09/2000 (CNA/ANA)

Russia reaffirmed its support to a peaceful settlement of the Cyprus problem through negotiations on the basis of UN Security Council resolutions, while President Clerides expressed his gratitude for Russia's steady support and invited Putin to visit Cyprus, an invitation the Russian president has accepted.

In a short statement after the 20-minute meeting on the sidelines of the Millennium Summit, also attended by Foreign Ministers of Cyprus and Russia, Ioannis Kasoulides and Igor Ivanov, President Clerides said it was "interesting" and he was "very satisfied."

Kasoulides said it took place in a very friendly atmosphere and that "Russia reaffirmed its steady support to the principles concerning a Cyprus settlement."

"President Clerides stressed the historic relations between our two countries," Kasoulides added.

Russian diplomatic sources told CNA President Putin accepted an invitation by President Clerides to visit Cyprus and added that "the prospects of greater bilateral cooperation in economic, technical and military fields were also discussed."

The sources said Russia reaffirmed its support to a peaceful solution of the Cyprus problem through negotiations on the basis of UN resolutions and President Clerides expressed his gratitude for Moscow's stance on the Cyprus problem.

Meanwhile, responding to another question, Kasoulides expressed the view the US would not exercise any pressure on Turkey in relation to efforts for a Cyprus settlement.

"I believe that if the US has not pressed Turkey during the past 26 years, they will not do it now. They could try to exercise influence but I doubt if they would exercise pressure," he added.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.

[28] Turkey called on to work towards Cyprus settlement

NICOSIA, 08/09/2000 (CNA/ANA)

The resolution was adopted by the Parliament on the basis of a report by French Euro MP Philippe Morillon, who also stressed the need for Turkey to work for a settlement in Cyprus.

Morillon, rapporteur of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, said the Committee considers the inclusion of these obligations by Ankara necessary for the allocation of EU funds and called on the EU Council to follow suit.

He said it is inconceivable for anybody in Europe to understand that Cyprus remains divided by a wall similar to those of Berlin, Beirut and Sarajevo, which fortunately have all collapsed.

Morillon's report was fully backed by all political groups in the parliament. Community Commissioner responsible for enlargement, Gunter Verheugen, speaking before the Parliament, said he supports the Parliamentary position on Turkey and said he hopes to convey to the Council the views of the Commission on the matter so that it (Council) will formulate its final view on it.

He said financial aid aims at helping Turkey get ready in the economic, social and political fields before accession negotiations commence.

Verheugen stressed that respect for the Copenhagen criteria is a prerequisite for any candidate country before membership talks begin.

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