Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-11-10

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't comments on composite name solution for FYROM

[02] EU report on Cyprus' accession progress especially positive, sources say

[03] PM rejects criticism of state response to floods last weekend

[04] Papandreou in New York for UN general assembly

[05] New York Times comments on Greek-Turkish agreement on illegal immigrants

[06] Protopappas calls protest at Cem exhibition an 'unfortunate incident'

[07] No plans for Greek mission to Afghanistan, Apostolidis says

[08] Archbishop of Albania Anastasios concludes visit to Greece

[09] Alternate FM meets Dutch and British parliamentarians

[10] Dutch Parliament delegation head touches on Cyprus issue

[11] Croatian parliament president in Athens next week

[12] PM: PASOK should make the difference with conservatives

[13] Law enforcement, fire brigade trade unions meet ND leader

[14] Communist leader accepts only courtesy meeting with Laliotis

[15] Communist leader says local elections need cooperation

[16] Greek economic weekly review

[17] National Bank official to head European bank group

[18] Magriotis speaks on German-Greek economic cooperation

[19] Greek deputy FM to attend WTO summit

[20] Turkish Minister of State addresses event in Thessaloniki

[21] Outcome of sale tender for Olympic Airways due in several weeks

[22] Sharp decline in inflation in October

[23] State telecom OTE gets FYROM mobile phone license

[24] State telecom denies talk of merger or acquisition

[25] Cross-border commercial centre to open in early Dec.

[26] Development minister optimistic for Greek tourism in 2002

[27] Alpha Bank launches new wave of rate cuts, tracking ECB

[28] EFG Mutual Funds ranks first in October

[29] Greek stocks end higher for eighth consecutive session

[30] Hellenic American National Council holds 12th Congress

[31] Thessaloniki Film Festival begins

[32] 14 kilos of heroin seized near Greek-Albanian border

[33] President Clerides says good idea to meet Denktash once he returns to UN process

[34] US supports bicommunal federation in Cyprus

[35] Socialdemocrats say threats for annexation are directed against the EU

[01] Gov't comments on composite name solution for FYROM

Athens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)

Government spokesman Christos Protopappas made the statement during his regular press briefing in response to comments by the foreign ministry’s Elias Plaskovitis on Thursday, who spoke during a joint session of the Greek and Dutch parliaments’ European affairs committees.

“Greece is ready to accept a composite name as long as it is mutually accepted by Athens and Skopje,” Plaskovitis said.

A day later the government spokesman said, “I believe it’s time to solve the outstanding issue that exists with the acceptance of a composite name that satisfies both sides.”

Asked about the particulars, he replied: “let’s leave the negotiations to proceed.”

The spokesman was also asked if the Greek government will take up the matter with opposition parties if any change in policy vis-a-vis the neighboring country’s name was decided, to which he said:

“When there is a new development in negotiations, it’s clear that this will occur.”

The Greek and Dutch parliament committees met in Athens to discuss issues related to terrorism, the EU’s expansion and the Union’s future prospects.

Athens has been at odds with FYROM for years over the issue of the land-locked Balkan state's name, insisting that the word "Macedonia" should not be included in the name of the former Yugoslav republic, as it implies expansionist designs against Greece’s own large northern province, Macedonia, as well as being a historical misrepresentation.

However, relations between Greece and the land-locked state to its north have dramatically improved since the two countries signed an interim agreement in New York under the UN’s auspices six years ago.

Under the terms of that agreement, Athens and Skopje are to proceed with negotiations to find a mutually acceptable solution for the “name issue”.

New Democracy: In later statements, main opposition New Democracy's Dora Bakoyianni said Protopappas' statements on Friday regarding FYROM presuppose the fact that negotiations conducted under UN auspices lead to results.

"The government is obliged to brief political parties over recent developments, and to request that a political party leaders' council be convened under the chairmanship of the president of the republic," she said in a written statement.

[02] EU report on Cyprus' accession progress especially positive, sources say

BRUSSELS 10/11/2011 (ANA - V. Demiris)

The Commission is expected to adopt the report on Tuesday, during its regular session, the same sources said.

They added that Cyprus' accession process is progressing in a satisfactory way and that the island republic has entered the final stretch for its accession to the Union.

The report also stresses that the resolution of the Cyprus problem does not constitute a precondition for Cyprus' entry to the Union and it reiterates the support of the EU for the efforts of United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan to achieve a comprehensive and lasting solution of the political problem.

The report also noted that the Greek-Cypriot abided by its obligations toward the UN secretary general in regards to the resumption of the inter-communal talks, while it expresses its sorrow and disapproval over the negative stance of the Turkish-Cypriots.

It added that there is still a window of opportunity to resolve the political problem, before the accession and it underlined the need to expend every effort for the Turkish Cypriots to also benefit from the Union's enlargement.

It is also noted that the Turkish Cypriots should also participate in the accession negotiations while the report also includes a series of ideas in the event that Cyprus enters the Union as a complete entity and not as is today, that is divided and with the northern part of the island republic being illegally occupied by Turkish forces.

Along with Cyprus' annual progress report, the Union's agencies drafted reports for all candidate member states, among them Turkey's, which evaluates that progress has been made in constitutional reforms that are not, however, adequate, the sources said. The report on Turkey stressed that these constitutional reforms were important in regards to the incorporation of the acquis communautaire in Turkish legislation, stressing, however, that they should also be implemented immediately.

It was stressed that Turkey does not fulfill the Copenhagen political criteria, while responsibilities are allocated to Turkey for the impasse on the Cyprus issue.

The report also notes that there was improvement in Greek-Turkish relations and expresses its optimism for their further advancement, lauding the efforts of Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou and his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem in that direction.

[03] PM rejects criticism of state response to floods last weekend

Athens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)

"Natural disasters always claim victims and cause damage," Simitis said.

He denied that the government response had been inadequate, saying that the public had been warned in advance about the coming storm and that state services had responded rapidly, though he admitted that there was still room for further improvements.

According to the prime minister, the rainfall during the crucial 12 hours on November 4 was 97 millimeters, compare to an average of 55 millimeters of rain.

"This indicates that these were extreme weather conditions and not normal bad weather as claimed by (ND parliamentary rep) Mr. Pavlopoulos," Simitis told Parliament.

Regarding the flooding of a section of the Athens-Lamia national highway near Malakasa, Simitis said this was not due to faulty workmanship but because the drainage system had become blocked by quantities of earth and other materials.

He blamed widespread flooding in several northeast Attica areas, meanwhile, on a lack of infrastructure due to runaway development and a rapid increase in the population of these areas.

ND parliamentary spokesman Prokopis Pavlopoulos, on his part, insisted that the weekend weather was not extreme and said it highlighted the lack of coordination in state services and the lack of anti-flooding infrastructure.

Pictures of the classic Marathon route flooded had been shown all around the world, he noted, and he advised the prime minister not to try to blame local government or main opposition New Democracy.

A report on Attica anti-flooding infrastructure made public by Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Vasso Papandreou on Friday, meanwhile, said that fully protecting the prefecture from floods would require 300 billion drachmas (880.4 million euros).

Similar protection for the entire country, she added, would require vast sums that were simply not available, since anti-flooding measures were not funded by the Community.

Environment minister releases report on weekend floods: Up to 300 billion drachmas (880.4 million euros) would have to be spent to fully protect Attica against flooding, Environment Minister Vasso Papandreou said on Friday after a presenting a report by ministry inspectors on the causes of the floods last weekend.

Papandreou, whose ministry is also in charge of town planning and public works, added that similar protection for the rest of the country would require vast sums that were simply not available since anti-flooding infrastructure was not funded by the European Union.

The minister said she would order in-depth inspection of projects found to be problematic by the initial survey, such as the Rapedosa dam on Mount Dionysos.

She noted that 270 billion drachmas (792.4 million euros) had been allocated to anti-flooding works underway in Attica at this time, while an additional 25 billion drachmas (73.4 million euros) would be spent on repairing badly constructed sections of the national highway from Corinth to Yliki. A fine of five billion drachmas (14.7 million euros) would be imposed on the contractors that built those sections of the highway, she added.

According to Papandreou, the problems were mainly caused by torrents, gullies and illegal construction, while she noted that environment was as much the responsibility of individuals as of the state.

Regarding the four problem areas inspected by the ministry over the past week, Papandreou said she had ordered a full-scale inquiry into the file of the Rapedosa dam, which inspectors described as incomplete. They said the dam provided little or no flood protection and might well need to be rotated and built on firmer ground.

With respect to the flooded sections of the national highway near Malakasa, the minister said she had sent letters to the public power and telephone utilities, instructing them to clear their drainage systems, and that emergency repairs had been carried out.

Problems along the Attic highway and the new Athens airport were not serious, she added, and had already been dealt with.

Meanwhile, the Athens metro company has blamed leaks in metro stations to bad workmanship by the construction contractors, over which it would take legal action.

Commenting on the environment ministry report during Friday's press briefing, government spokesman Christos Protopappas said that its conclusions were clear-cut.

Noting that the results of the report had been released in a very short space of time, he pledged that there would be an in-depth inquiry wherever problems had been ascertained.

"We can see that there are state mechanisms that are making an effort and, where there are problems, intervene," he said.

ND leader slams government for blaming floods on local authorities: Main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis attacked the government on Friday for blaming the flooding during last weekend's heavy rain on local authorities, and accused it of passing the buck.

Karamanlis made the statements after meeting the presidencies of the Union of Greek Prefectures (ENAE) and the Central Union of Greek Municipalities and Communities (KEDKE).

[04] Papandreou in New York for UN general assembly

NEW YORK 10/11/2001 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

Immediately upon his arrival he was to participate in a meeting of the European Union foreign ministers and attend the dinner hosted by the EU ministers for the ministers of the associate countries.

During his stay in New York, Papandreou will have the opportunity to meet with representatives of the Greek expatriate community here in an open event organized by the Greek General Consulate of New York.

On Saturday, the minister will attend the UN General Assembly session which U.S. President George Bush will address, as well as the session which the Belgian foreign minister will address as his country is currently holding the EU presidency,

On the same day, Papandreou will hold scheduled bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Romania, Cuba, Poland and other countries.

He is scheduled to address the General Assembly on Tuesday.

[05] New York Times comments on Greek-Turkish agreement on illegal immigrants

NEW YORK 10/11/2001 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

The newspaper's correspondent in Turkey, Douglas Frantz, noted that the agreement aims at safeguarding the borders of Greece and Turkey and at the same time at confronting the refugee problem and the new wave of illegal immigrants which Greece is afraid of due to the American bombardments in Afghanistan.

[06] Protopappas calls protest at Cem exhibition an 'unfortunate incident'

Athens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)

Video footage from the ceremony showed that a Turkish political refugee jumped out a couple meters from a photographers’ pool at an Athens municipal centre before shouting out protests. Authorities immediately arrested him.

Government spokesman Christos Protopappas on Friday said the “protest was condemnable, however, it shouldn’t be overestimated, especially when judged by Ismail Cem’s successful visit to Greece.”

Referring to the arrested protester, Protopappas stressed that “these type of people must respect the country that hosts them, and should not proceed with actions that undermine the country’s international image”.

Besides Cem, the event was attended by his Greek counterpart George Papandreou and Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos, among others.

[07] No plans for Greek mission to Afghanistan, Apostolidis says

Athens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)

The government was against terrorism and was ready to meet its obligations to NATO and the European structures to which it belonged but its first concern was to defend national interests, he added.

Defending national interests was achieved through prudent policies and an ability to adapt to changing conditions, he said.

[08] Archbishop of Albania Anastasios concludes visit to Greece

Athens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)

In the morning he held successive meetings with main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis, ND honorary president and former premier Constantine Mitsotakis, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) General Secretary Aleka Papariga, Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos, former left-wing leader Leonidas Kyrkos and Parliament's religious affairs committee.

Before departing for Tirana at 14:00, Archbishop Anastasios thanked Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos, the Greek State and the faithful for their warm welcome and hospitality during his stay in Greece.

Karamanlis called Anastasios an "enlightened church leader" and stressed that "in the modern world, Orthodoxy can and must be a beacon of freedom, love and solidarity towards all peoples. Especially, towards those that need it, irrespective of origin, religion, race or color".

He stressed that with the "intra -religious and intra-cultural dialogue, which is being promoted (by Anastasios), he is giving the example and he is showing the way that should be followed by the governments and the peoples of our region".

Addressing Albania's Archbishop, Mitsotakis lauded the prelate for his work for Orthodoxy, the nation and the region and wished him well in his efforts to continue his work in Albania, which, as he said, is important for Greeks and primarily for Albania.

After the meeting with Anastasios, Papariga called her 45-minute talks with Albania's prelate interesting and underlined her party's belief in the peaceful co-existence of peoples regardless of their religious beliefs, both within countries and between countries.

Constantopoulos, who visited Anastasios along with Kyrkos, lauded the character of the prelate and stressed that they exchanged views on the "great problems that are plaguing humanity today".

Kyrkos noted that "everyone of us is pleased by his enlightened thoughts, by his indefatigable activity, which shows the paths that the church could follow, so as to overcome today's chasms".

In his statements to the press Anastasios stressed, "we are the borderland of Orthodoxy and Islam. We have shown more than tolerance. We have decided to live with respect for one another. And this is resistance in an era in which there is an over bun-dance of hatred".

[09] Alternate FM meets Dutch and British parliamentarians

Athens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)

The British parliamentarians showed special interest on Greece's views regarding developments in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), talks on the Cyprus issue, illegal immigration, terrorism and the preparation of the Greek EU presidency (in the first half of 2003), according to a foreign ministry announcement.

Yiannitsis briefed the British delegation and focused his attention on the Cyprus issue, developments in the Balkans, terrorism and preparation for the Greek EU presidency.

On their part, the Dutch parliamentarians made positive comments on developments in Greek-Turkish relations, which they themselves had the opportunity to observe since their presence coincided with the visit made to Greek by Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem on Wednesday and Thursday.

They also conveyed the unanimous desire of the Dutch parliament for EU enlargement to proceed as soon as possible and stressed that candidate countries should be judged in accordance with the progress of each one.

They further said that Cyprus is a leader in negotiations, while on the issue of Europe's future they underlined the proximity of Dutch and Greek positions.

Yiannitsis presented Greece's views on these issues and underlined its positions on the Balkans, Greek-Turkish relations, the problem of illegal immigration, the EU accession course of Cyprus and enlargement in general.

[10] Dutch Parliament delegation head touches on Cyprus issue

Athens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)

The Dutch MP reportedly assured Kaklamanis that the Netherlands’ parliament will re-examine its position vis-a-vis Cyprus’ EU accession course, taking into account all the new information over the last two-year period.

The Dutch deputies are members of their parliament’s European affairs committee, with contacts this week held with their Greek counterparts.

[11] Croatian parliament president in Athens next week

Athens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)

Tomcic will arrive in Greece for a three-day official visit next week.

[12] PM: PASOK should make the difference with conservatives

Athens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)

The desire for a strong PASOK expressed by the party congress was boldly being put into practice, and on every issue PASOK should have a discernably progressive proposal to make to the Greek people, one based in the past and referring to the future, Simitis said.

To achieve this the party would have to be open to society, he stressed, and this in turn called for action with a broader focus by party executives and organs, mobilizing party organizations and constant open dialogue with society.

The meeting was also addressed by party secretary Costas Laliotis, who said the party had to grab the chance to make a new beginning and referred once again to a three-year plan focusing on local elections, the organizations of the Olympics, the Greek EU presidency in 2003 and national elections in April 2004.

PASOK Central Committee holds vote on action sectors: The ruling PASOK party's Central Committee ended its session on Friday with a vote for the promotion of action and policy sectors, as well as for the election of members of the ethics and economic control committees.

[13] Law enforcement, fire brigade trade unions meet ND leader

Athens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)

The trade unionists said they planned to take their case to the European Union and would be sending a delegation to Brussels during the foreign ministers' council.

[14] Communist leader accepts only courtesy meeting with Laliotis

Athens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)

Replying to a question by the press in Larissa, central Greece, on Friday, Papariga said "Mr. Laliotis phoned me and asked me for a purely courtesy meeting, being PASOK's new secretary. A meeting, which, as he said, he will seek with all parties. We replied 'yes' to a courtesy meeting. However, I do not understand why Mr. Laliotis is changing the discussion's agenda. If he told us that he wants to meet with us to discuss political cooperation with PASOK, we would reply to him that there is no object for such a discussion."

"Being PASOK's secretary certainly, if he so wishes, he can meet us for a courtesy meeting, for a mutual acquaintance, but we declare that we have no disposition, no intention of political cooperation with PASOK and nor, of course, with New Democracy," Papariga added.

[15] Communist leader says local elections need cooperation

Athens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)

Papariga, who was speaking shortly before visiting the town of Agia to address an event organized by the party's local branch, referred to the release of the Greek people from one-way policies.

"We state categorically that not even in one municipality nor in a prefecture will we deviate from our general position of voting against the tickets of both power parties and we do not consent to cooperations made at the last moment," she said.

Papariga further commented on the war of the capitalist countries, as she termed it, in Afghanistan and said the struggles of the people should not be identified with terrorism but with the renaissance and strengthening of the pacifist movement.

[16] Greek economic weekly review

Athens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)

The names of EFG Eurobank Ergasias, Commercial Bank, Piraeus Bank, Attica Bank and General Bank were mentioned in various scenarios, with Commercial Bank and Attica Bank officially dismissing such talk, while General Bank said it would seek an autonomous course.

Analysts, however, noted that the National-Alpha Bank merger would create a new round of takeovers and mergers that would result in the creation of a competitive new banking group.

The Athens Stock Exchange remained on an upward trend for eight consecutive sessions, signaling a change in climate. The general index has found new support levels at 2,600 points, while liquidity also improved.

The government reiterated it would fully implement all pledges regarding social benefits. Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis said that Greek economy would continue growing at a faster pace compared with other EU countries in 2001 and 2002 and that the government would strictly adhere to its fiscal discipline plans. He predicted that GDP growth this year would reach 4.0percent.

Inflation fell substantially in October, with the consumers’ price index falling to 2.8 percent, on a year-on-year basis, from 3.6 percent in September.

Greek commercial bank announced new lower savings and lending interest rates soon after a decision by European Central Bank to cut its base rates by 50 basis points to 3.25 percent on Thursday.

The Bank of Greece said that consumer and mortgage loan growth slowed in August from the previous month.

Greece's computer market grew significantly in 2000, a survey by Strategic International consultants showed in the week. The Greek market increased by 36 percent from 1999 to 560 billion drachmas and is estimated to exceed 1.3 trillion drachmas by 2003.

A Greek-Turkish Business Council agreed in the creation of an emergency crises management group between the two countries to deal with issues related to bilateral or international trade and economic relations.

Greece's current accounts deficit fell to 4.38 billion euros in August, down 225 million euros from the previous month, the Bank of Greece said.

[17] National Bank official to head European bank group

Athens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)

The term of office of Apostolos Tamvakakis, National's deputy governor, begins in January.

Inter Alpha's members are the AIB Group, Banco Espirito Santo, Banco Santander, BHF, Credit Commercial de France, ING, KBC, Nordea, Royal Bank of Scotland, S. Paolo IMI and National Bank of Greece.

The group works to develop ties among its members in order to secure better service for customers worldwide and cost sharing in the development and application of new technology.

[18] Magriotis speaks on German-Greek economic cooperation

Athens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)

Magriotis, having first conveyed greetings by Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Foreign Minister George Papandreou, outlined to the German and Greek entrepreneurs attending the conference, the picture of the Greek economy and stressed its positive course.

He noted the important role of the German-Greek Economic Association and of the expatriate entrepreneurs in the development and strengthening of Greek-German economic relations, underlining that a five percent increase in the number of German tourists to Greece is expected in 2002.

Furthermore, according to a relevant Foreign Ministry announcement, Magriotis noted the great opportunities currently existing in the tourism sector in view of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and termed suitable the time for joint Greek-German investment initiatives in the Balkans.

Finally, the minister stressed that the transfer of the General Secretariat on international economic relations to the foreign ministry provides a new impetus to Greek and expatriate entrepreneurial activity in the international field.

[19] Greek deputy FM to attend WTO summit

Athens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)

[20] Turkish Minister of State addresses event in Thessaloniki

Athens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)

He expressed the hope that Greek and Turkish coastal shipping companies will utilize the agreement between Greece and Turkey, which has already been in force for over a month now, to facilitate the coastal shipping of both countries.

The Turkish minister said that this agreement, among other things, foresees the creation of a coastal shipping route, which will link Izmir with Thessaloniki and Piraeus.

Referring to the trade relations between the two countries, Mirzaoglu characterized the Muslim minority in Thrace as "Turkish", saying that "the two sides should not regard as an obstacle the development of trade between the Greek minority which lives in Turkey and of the 'Turkish' which lives in Thrace, but should see it as a bridge of friendship between the Turkish and Greek people."

On his part, SBBE President Dimitris Symeonidis stressed that the interests of the two largest and most developed economies of the region are common and supplementary. At the same time, he expressed the conviction that the development of joint entrepreneurial activities with mutual benefit could contribute effectively to the achievement of substantial and long-term economic ties.

In statements later, Mirzaoglu expressed his intention to remain in Komotini on Saturday night to meet with mayors and representatives of the Muslim minority, despite the fact that this is not foreseen in the official program of his visit to Greece.

Greek diplomatic sources noted that these visits have a strict program and deviations are not customary in diplomatic practice.

[21] Outcome of sale tender for Olympic Airways due in several weeks

Athens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)

"The process is in the final stage," the minister said.

He was responding to a parliamentary question by the main opposition New Democracy party.

Verelis had announced on Thursday that the outcome of the sale of a majority stake in the ailing airline scheduled for November 15 would be delayed until the end of the month.

He had said that adverse market conditions were working against the sale of an airline, with banks unwilling to lend to the industry.

The government had been in talks with the Axon Group, the frontrunner in the tender.

Analysts said it was possible that Axon had so far been unable to raise cash or letters of guarantee through the banks.

Verelis had urged all groups interested in the airline to join forces for a purchase.

[22] Sharp decline in inflation in October

Athens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)

According to figures released by ESYE, the General Consumer Price Index (GCPI) in October 2001 rose by 2.8 percent over October 2000, against rises of 4.0 percent in October 2000 over October 1999, and 2.2 percent in October 1999 over October 1998.

On a month-to-month basis, the October GCPI rose 0.3 percent over the preceding month of September.

The 2.8 percent year-on-year rise in inflation in October was attributed to rises of 6.5 percent in "food and non-alcoholic drinks", 5.9 percent in "alcoholic drinks and tobacco", 4.9 percent in "hotels, cafeterias, restaurants", and 4.2 percent in "recreation, cultural activities".

Also, the year-on-year Harmonized Consumer Price Index, which is used for international comparisons, fell to 3.2 percent in October over the same month in 2000 from 4.0 percent in September over September 2000.

[23] State telecom OTE gets FYROM mobile phone license

SKOPJE 10/11/2001 (ANA - M. Vichou)

According to officials, the 25 million dollar contract gives OTE the exploitation rights for the second mobile telephony network in FYROM.

The 22-year agreement was signed in Skopje by OTE vice-president George Skarpelis and FYROM minister for transport and communication Ljubco Balkovski.

The second mobile telephone network is slated to begin operating in the spring of 2002.

[24] State telecom denies talk of merger or acquisition

Athens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)

It was responding to newspaper reports claiming the contrary.

[25] Cross-border commercial centre to open in early Dec.

Athens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)

The company said another 30 Greek firms will participate as well.

According to the company, the other participating firms include bourse-listed Fourlis, the Alco Group, the Galaxias supermarket chain, the retail appliance chain Kotsovolos, Sportsman and the cosmetics and perfumery retailer Papaellinas.

[26] Development minister optimistic for Greek tourism in 2002

Athens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with Deputy Minister for Tourism Dimitrios Georgakopoulos and Tourism secretary-general Dimitrios Georgarakis, Tsohatzopoulos announced a series of measures to support tourist demand, both in Greece and abroad.

He expressed, however, his optimism that in 2002 tourist arrivals in Greece would remain stable at this year's levels. He attributed his optimism to expectations of positive developments in the European tourist market.

Tsohatzopoulos said that Hellenic Tourism Organization’s offices abroad would be given clear instructions to promote our country and that an advertising campaign in foreign markets would begin in about one month. "More measures could be taken, depending on international developments," he said.

"We have chosen our priorities to accent tourism policy into a tool of economic and social development," Tsohatzopoulos said.

Measures approved include giving more emphasis to a quality upgrading of Greece's tourist product, supporting regional tourist areas and efforts to boost domestic demand.

Tsohatzopoulos said the ministry would draft a cohesive three-year intervention plan (2002-2004) in the framework of a wider 10-year plan.

He said that a business plan envisaging a more efficient use of tourist assets was progressing smoothly.

[27] Alpha Bank launches new wave of rate cuts, tracking ECB

Athens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)

Alpha, which leads the country's largest private banking group, is to selectively lower its borrowing rates by up to 50 basis points and deposit rates by 25 basis points.

The main rate changes are as follows: