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Antenna: News in English (PM), 98-06-05Antenna News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: Antenna Radio <http://www.antenna.gr> - email: antenna@compulink.grLast Updated: Friday, 05-Jun-98 23:27:46CONTENTS
[01] Black Sea nations meetingEleven leaders of Black Sea nations have taken the step of turning what has been a regional economic forum into a fully fledged organisation. Meeting in Yalta, the heads of state signed a charter in which they pledge to promote peace, stability, and economic cooperation.The chief goal of the organisation is to create a European-Black Sea economic zone. There was speculation that the Greek prime minister would meet with the Turkish president on the sidelines of the summit. But Greece's Kostas Simitis said he did not request a meeting with Suleiman Demirel; nor did Demirel ask to meet with Simitis. The two men did have a brief informal chat. Simitis said they talked about summit-related issues. The Greek leader stressed the importance of maintaining peace in the region and of abiding by the rules of international law. Greece has repeatedly taken issue with Turkey ignoring international law in making claims on Greek sovereignty in the Aegean. [02] Tsohatzopoulos-Greek Turkish relationsGreece's defence minister said Friday that there is the political will in Athens and Ankara to implement a ban on military flights over the Aegean in July and August every year.But, talking to the press Friday, Akis Tsochatzopoulos added that there is still a lack of commitment to implementing the 1988 Greek-Turkish agreement that includes the flight moratorium. Tsochatzopoulos said only implementation will allow Greece and Turkey to solve a series of problems between them. [03] International shipping conferenceThe merchant marine ministry held a reception for shipowners and other businessmen from around the world in Athens for the international shipping conference, Posidonia.Posidonia has been a week of opportunities for people involved in shipping to talk shop. Greek merchant marine minister Stavros Soumakis says this year's conference has been a great success. Among those who attended Thursday night's reception was Antenna president Minos Kyriakou, who is also a shipowner. Greece is one of the five top commercial shipping countries in the world, and first among European Union members. That makes shipping Greece's strong card in its international financial transactions. Calling shipping a vital part of the nation's economy, Soumakis said the government is committed to supporting it. [04] Economy-Greek Tax systemThe advent of the single European currency will usher in changes to the Greek tax system.The impact of the euro was discussed by tax officials at a press conference Friday. Starting in the year 2000, all tax transactions must be conducted in euros, meaning all cash registers will have to be converted to compute in the European currency. One tax officer points out that the single currency system will result in greater coordination of the work of tax offices on a European scale. (c) ANT1 Radio 1998Antenna News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |