Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 96-11-09
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN,
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] ASE suspends trading, Gov't says confidence not in peril
[02] Shareholders' president
[03] Gov't spokesman
[04] Investors to be reimbursed
[05] Reppas denies that state-run ERT network financially dependent
on Gov't
[06] IAAF lauds organization of 1997 World Athletics Championships
[07] Foreign, defense ministers examine better coordination between
ministries
[08] Rozakis says Athens fulfilling Lausanne Treaty
[09] Gov't to support Anastasopoulos candidacy for Europarliament
president
[10] Athens angrily rejects Turkish claims of 'aggressive exercises'
[11] Latest round of Skopje talks end
[12] Kuchma to visit Athens next week
[13] French warships to visit Piraeus next week
[14] Papadopoulos stresses local Gov't participation in EU convergence
[15] Still no sign of the four missing seamen
[16] Discussion on Muslim minority held in Athens
[17] Canadian FM calls for better climate of human rights in Turkey
[18] Stephanopoulos, Tsohatzopoulos attend air force's celebration
[19] Evert tables question on 12 nautical miles issue
[20] All New Democracy developments point to next year's party
congress
[21] Reppas comments on ND developments
[22] Criticism aimed at latest Garaudy book
[23] Merchant marine ministry directive issued on vessels carrying
dangerous cargoes
[24] Greek development group joins UN Mediterranean organization
[25] ADEDY calls for nation-wide strike on Nov. 28
[26] Gov't casino committee ratifies re-negotiated Loutraki casino
contract
[27] Evert criticizes Gov't policy on tourism
[28] Credits for highway projects earmarked
[29] Australian prime minister welcomes Vartholomeos
[01] ASE suspends trading, Gov't says confidence not in peril
Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)
The government yesterday said there was no problem with the
Greek economy, after trading on the Athens Stock Exchange was
suspended for the first time ever during yesterday's session
following a decision of the Union of Stock Exchange Members
(SMEXA) to abstain.
"There is no problem with the country's economy nor any problem
which might cause concern for the stock exchange," government
spokesman Dimitris Reppas said in response to press questions.
Mr. Reppas added that the stock exchange was experiencing
certain problems associated with its adaptation to a new
institutional framework, stressing that the bourse itself was
able to deal with these problems.
Brokers have called on the national economy ministry to
guarantee correct operation of the market's settlement system,
claiming that the Titles Depository, which is responsible for
clearing transactions, owes 2.6 billion drachmas to brokerage
companies, and therefore brokers lack cash to meet the demands
of their clients.
The SMEXA move was prompted by the inability of the Delta S.A.
brokerage firm to cover cash obligations to the Depository of
2.6 billion drachmas. Athens Public Prosecutor Georgios
Koliokostas has initiated proceedings against representatives of
Delta Brokerage S.A. after conducting an urgent preliminary
investigation.
At the same time, the prosecutor ordered a main investigation
into the affair and prohibited the representatives of the firm
from leaving the country.
In particular, Mr. Koliokostas initiated proceedings against the
president of Delta, Dimitris Argyriadis, its Vice-President,
Ioanna Gelestathi, and board member Theofanis Gravanis, for
charges of repeated fraud involving a particularly large amount
of money.
All three representatives of the Delta firm had authorization to
sign official documents.
A preliminary inquiry was conducted in the wake of relevant
press reports. Mr. Koliokostas also examined stock exchange
officials Georgios Malakis, Ilias Stasinopoulos and Nikolaos
Constantopoulos.
[02] Shareholders' president
Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)
Meanwhile, Dimitris Karagounis, the president of the Union of
Shareholders, told ANA yesterday that the present conditions
prevailing on the ASE were the result of bad operation of the
Depository which, "by delaying delivery of shares, nurtured
devaluatory speculation." He said the full extent of the problem
was disclosed after in-depth checks were made following the
intervention of the Union.
"It is better for the ASE to close for a few days in order to
fully clarify the situation and for the exemplary punishment of
all the brokerage firms that have contravened legislation
governing the stock market," Mr. Karagounis said.
[03] Gov't spokesman
Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)
Commenting on calls for the government to guarantee securities
being traded on the stock exchange, Mr. Reppas said the
government was doing all it could within the existing
institutional framework from "which it cannot go beyond".
The spokesman called on all parties involved in the operation of
the ASE to assume their responsibilities.
In a related development, the main opposition New Democracy (ND)
party strongly criticized the government, charging "a total lack
of supervision over the operation of the stock exchange".
"The case of Delta is just another characteristic example of the
sick climate prevailing on the stock exchange," ND spokesman
Prokopis Pavlopoulos said.
Mr. Pavlopoulos laid responsibility for what he called "the
total lack of protection of investors, particularly small
investors" on the government and above all on National Economy
and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou.
[04] Investors to be reimbursed
Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)
At a meeting later yesterday between National Economy Ministry
Secretary General Apostolos Fotiadis and representatives of
brokerage firms, it was decided that investors hit by Delta's
inability to meet its obligations - which actually amount to 2.6
billion drachmas rather than the 1.3 billion drachmas initially
estimated - would be reimbursed from the brokerage firms'
guarantee fund.
Mr. Fotiadis, however, impressed upon the brokerage firms'
representatives that the government would under no circumstances
undertake to make good losses in the case of future violations.
[05] Reppas denies that state-run ERT network financially dependent
on Gov't
Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)
Press Minister Dimitris Reppas told Parliament yesterday that
the reorganization of the state-controlled Greek Radio
Television (ERT) was on a good course.
He specified that two committees were currently tackling the
issue, one at the national economy ministry targeting the
financial restoration of ERT - whose debts amount to 35 billion
drachmas - and the other at the labor ministry, which is
considering the employment status of ERT employees.
A plan for the public broadcasting organization's administrative
and organizational restructuring was also in progress, Mr.
Reppas said.
Coalition of the Left and Progress deputy Petros Kounalakis, to
whom Mr. Reppas was replying, claimed that ERT was financially
dependent on the government, something Mr. Reppas categorically
denied. The deputy also raised the issue of dismissals of a
number of lower-salaried reporters from the network, and the
hiring of others with exorbitantly higher wages.
Mr. Reppas declined to reply on this claim.
[06] IAAF lauds organization of 1997 World Athletics Championships
Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)
International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) President
Primo Nebiolo expressed his confidence yesterday over the
organization of the 1997 World Athletics Championships, due to
be held in Athens in August next year.
"I believe Athens can organize a great event for the World
Championships. Here in Athens we have everything. We have a very
good stadium, four warm-up tracks and we have the full support
of the government," he said during a press conference at a
central Athens hotel.
"At the end of the championships, what I really want is to see
the Greeks satisfied, happy and proud that they will have
organized here in Athens the most important sporting event of
the last 100 years in Greece, after the Olympic Games of 1896."
The world's best athletes are scheduled to compete in the
championships, which will be covered by 200 countries and is
considered one of the three most important international
sporting events, along with the Olympic Games and the football
World Cup. "For 10 days, Athens will be the sporting capital of
the world," the IAAF president said.
Mr. Nebiolo stressed that disagreements which existed during the
past year between the sports ministry and the Greek amateur
athletics federation (SEGAS) are now firmly in the past, and
underlined that all Greek authorities are now united and have
reached an agreement on the event's organization.
"The only thing left is to work," he noted.
Replying to a question on concerns regarding weather conditions
in the usually hot month of August in Athens, Mr. Nebiolo said
that "the climate will be good, infinitely better than the
climate we encountered in Atlanta," where he noted there were no
health problems among the athletes.
Speaking on reports that US sprinter and prolific Olympic
gold-medallist Carl Lewis has refused to compete if the
championships are held in Athens, the IAAF president said that
although there is a bond of friendship between himself and Mr.
Lewis, "we al so have the rules of the game between us."
"There is a rule which says that if the federation enters an
athlete into the World Championships and he refuses to compete
the athlete will not participate in the Olympics, and will be
automatically disqualified for three months, and this means that
this athlete will lose his participation in all the Grand Prix,
which will be held after the World Championships. I don't know
if an athlete like Lewis is prepared to lose roughly a million
dollars," Mr. Nebiolo said.
Although he is also on the committee for Rome's bid for the 2004
Olympics, Mr. Nebiolo said the Italian capital is conducting a
correct campaign and that they will be the first to congratulate
the winners if they themselves are not successful.
Mr. Nebiolo also met with Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos
yesterday and discussed the organization of the World
Championships, as well as cultural events for the promotion of
Thessaloniki as Cultural Capital of Europe 1997.
[07] Foreign, defense ministers examine better coordination between
ministries
Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and National Defense
Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos had talks yesterday on ways to
better coordinate action by the two ministries. The 45-minute
meeting was also attended by Alternate Foreign Minister George
Papandreou,
Foreign Under-secretary Christos Rozakis and National Defense
Under-secretary Dimitris Apostolakis.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr. Pangalos said that
the two ministries already had a coordinating body which,
following yesterday's talks, was expected to function even more
efficiently.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said that the country's foreign policy was
linked with Greece's defense strategy and underlined the
importance of the so-called "defense diplomacy."
He said other issues concerning national defense had also been
discussed, as well as Greece's participation in defense
organizations, developments in the European Union's joint
foreign policy and security policy.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos added that both ministries were occupied on a
daily basis with Turkish aggression in the Aegean.
Replying to reporters' questions, Mr. Pangalos said that his
recent proposal to NATO requesting intervention by the Alliance
in instances of Turkish aggression against Greece was also
discussed. He stressed that the proposal was nothing new, since
Greece had repeatedly put forward the request, only to be given
the NATO reply that "there is no provision for this."
"Now that the nature of NATO is changing and is being converted
into a broader security mechanism, we are requesting the
existence of some mechanism for the settlement of claims," Mr.
Pangalos said.
Several replies had already been received from Greece's
partners, Mr. Pangalos said, noting that they were "not at all
disappointing."
The two ministers also discussed the political aspect of the
armaments program in view that purchase of weapons bears an
influence on Greece's relations with other countries.
Both of them reiterated that the government maintains its
step-by-step approach to Greek-Turkish relations, while Mr.
Pangalos added that both the United States and the European
Union supported this approach.
[08] Rozakis says Athens fulfilling Lausanne Treaty
Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)
Foreign Under-secretary Christos Rozakis told Parliament
yesterday Greece is applying the 1923 Lausanne Treaty on the
Muslim minority in Thrace with "faith and accuracy."
Mr. Rozakis was replying to a question by PASOK deputy and
former minister Stelios Papathemelis, who said Greece must
follow an aggressive policy towards Turkey, proposing in turn a
series of measures he said the government should take.
"What we are expecting from Turkey is what we have been
systematically doing for so many years," Mr. Rozakis said,
adding that for many years Turkey has been methodically
implementing a policy that drastically shrinks Hellenism on the
northeastern Aegean islands of Imvros and Tenedos, which are
specifically covered by clauses in the Lausanne Treaty.
Mr. Rozakis said Greece has prepared a package of measures to
maintain the Greek element on both Turkish-controlled islands,
but their implementation is rendered difficult due to reaction
by Ankara.
Mr. Papathemelis said Athens could apply an experimental land
register in Thrace as a kind of counter-measure for Turkish
policy applied over the past three decades on Imvros and
Tenedos, which were prior to the mid 1960s predominantly
populated by ethnic Greeks. He said that in any other case "in
the next two years there will be no trace of property left in
Greek hands (on the two islands)." ANA
[09] Gov't to support Anastasopoulos candidacy for Europarliament
president
Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)
The foreign ministry has said it will support the candidacy of
Euro-deputy Giorgos Anastasopoulos in the elections for a new
presidium for the European Parliament in January.
Mr. Anastasopoulos has served as a Vice-President of the body
for a number of years.
[10] Athens angrily rejects Turkish claims of 'aggressive exercises'
Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday that Athens
"angrily" rejected statements by Turkish Assistant Foreign
Under-secretary Inan Batu claiming that the recent military
exercise "Nikiforos-Toxotis", held with the joint participation
of Greek and Cypriot forces, was "clearly aggressive" in nature.
Mr. Reppas added that the presence of Greek forces on Cyprus was
the result of an official invitation from the legitimate
government of the island republic.
"Unlike the presence of Turkish forces in the occupied northern
part of the island which is the result of an invitation from an
occupation regime and is in violation of international law," Mr.
Reppas said.
[11] Latest round of Skopje talks end
United Nations, 09/11/1996 (ANA-M. Georgiadou)
The latest round of negotiations in the framework of the
Greece-Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) interim
accord ended shortly after midnight yesterday, sources said.
The talks, between Greece's representative, ambassador Christos
Zaharakis, and FYROM representative Ivan Tosefski, under the
aegis of the UN special representative Cyrus Vance were on the
subject of FYROM's name.
The two sides will brief their respective government and it was
agreed that talks would continue on a date to be determined
later.
[12] Kuchma to visit Athens next week
Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)
Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma will arrive in Athens on Nov.
11 on a two-day official visit at the invitation of President of
the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos.
[13] French warships to visit Piraeus next week
Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)
The French Navy training helicopter carrier "Jeanne D'Arc" will
arrive in Piraeus on Thursday for a four-day port call.
The helicopter carrier is accompanied by the frigates "Germinal"
and "Georges Leygues" as well as the destroyer "Duquesne."
The warships will be open to the public on Saturday, Nov. 16
from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
[14] Papadopoulos stresses local Gov't participation in EU convergence
Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)
Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister
Alekos Papadopoulos yesterday called for local government
participation in an national effort towards fiscal recovery and
convergence with other European Union members' economies.
Speaking at the conference of the Central Union of
Municipalities of Greece (KEDKE), he emphasized that the
government would assist in making local government financially
autonomous, but would also press for control and utilization of
available financial sources.
Mr. Papadopoulos said the state was responsible for the fact
that "some local government organizations today faced the
specter of financial bankruptcy and inability to meet their
operational costs," adding that at times "they retained part of
their funds and transferred responsibilities without the
corresponding financial resources".
However, he added, this was only half the story.
"Unfortunately, local government has not utilized the means at
its disposal for solving its many problems," he said, and called
on them to rationalize their expenses.
He announced an end to the fragmentation of local government
authorities, pointing out that out of a total of 6,000 local
government entities in the country, about half had a population
of less than 500.
"The voluntary scheme for merging them, now more than 10 years
old, has failed, and for this reason the government has set a
deadline within 1997 for the utilization of existing incentives
for voluntary mergers, proceeding from then on to compulsory
mergers on the basis of local government proposals, and not
mechanistic choices of the ministry." He described Greece's
participation in EU economic and monetary union (EMU) as a
condition for national survival, adding that the role of local
government in local integration was decisive.
[15] Still no sign of the four missing seamen
Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)
A search of the wreck of the missile boat "Kostakos" using
robots equipped with cameras has so far failed to reveal the
fate of four crew members missing since the vessel sank after
being rammed by a passenger ferry on Monday night.
The remote-controlled cameras have filmed most of the sunken
missile boat which was located yesterday at a depth of 151
meters about one kilometer from the coast of Samos.
Navy divers were due to be sent down to examine the seabed
around the wreck yesterday afternoon.
Meanwhile, a Hellenic Navy committee of experts is continuing to
gather data concerning the circumstances surrounding the sinking
of the "Kostakos" in order to draw up a report of its findings
as soon as possible. In a statement, the General Navy Staff
clarified that it was unable to make public any information
before the committee has completed its task.
[16] Discussion on Muslim minority held in Athens
Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)
A discussion on the Muslim minority of Thrace was held yesterday
in the Athens School of Business Administration (ASOEE), on the
initiative of Youth Against Racism in Europe (YRE) and with the
participation of recently elected Coalition of the Left and Pr
ogress deputy Mustafa Mustafa.
The discussion broached the need to consider minorities as a
communication link between peoples and the active acceptance of
the multi-cultural social model.
Mr. Mustafa spoke of the "concern existing in minority circles",
of an "open discussion" for the solving of problems they face
and of an improvement of living conditions. He also spoke of the
minority's political behavior vis-a-vis the new conditions
created with the recent "opening up" of the Greek government.
[17] Canadian FM calls for better climate of human rights in Turkey
Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)
Canadian Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy has addressed a letter
to Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, stressing the need
for an improvement in the climate concerning human rights in
Turkey.
In a letter, constituting a reply to a letter Mr. Kaklamanis had
addressed in late July, in relation to the situation and recent
events in Turkish prisons, Mr. Axworthy refers to a meeting he
had on the issue of human rights in Turkey with the Turkish
foreign minister in Berlin, adding that the issue remains in the
news and stressed that "the Canadian representatives will take
advantage of every opportunity to remind Turkish authorities of
the need to translate their commitment on human rights into
specific actions and will watch developments."
[18] Stephanopoulos, Tsohatzopoulos attend air force's celebration
Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and National
Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos yesterday attended an event
at the Dekeleia airbase north of Athens in honor of the Hellenic
Air Force's patron saints, the Archangels Michael and Gabriel.
In his order for the day, the chief of the air force's general
staff, Lt. Gen. Georgios Antonetsis stressed that Greek airmen
have been successfully fulfilling the role of guardians of the
Aegean for the past 20 years in the face of Turkish provocations
.
"We are few and we have a lot to do. To numerical superiority we
reply with quality and morale," he said. During the event, there
was a display by formations of French-made Mirage 2000 and
US-made F-16 fighters.
[19] Evert tables question on 12 nautical miles issue
Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert
yesterday asked Prime Minister Costas Simitis to inform
Parliament whether Greece has surrendered its right to legally
extend its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles. He also
asked Mr. Simitis to inform Parliament if Greece has curtailed
its sovereign rights in the Aegean.
[20] All New Democracy developments point to next year's party
congress
Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)
Developments in main opposition New Democracy party depend on
two issues, namely, the manner in which the party congress is
held and on the stance which ND president Miltiades Evert will
maintain until the congress is held and during the election of a
party leader.
All sides within the party remain cautious, although they said
they are satisfied by decisions taken by the party's political
council on Thursday, in expectation of a proposal to be
submitted by ND Vice-President Ioannis Varvitsiotis regarding
the manner in which the congress is to be expanded.
A few hours after the truce achieved within the party by the
political council, Petros Tatoulis, speaking on Antenna radio,
called for the immediate resignation of Mr. Evert.
On his part, Parliamentary group secretary General Giorgos
Panagiotopoulos, spoke with Mr. Tatoulis and called him to his
office for explanations.
Speaking on the Mega television station, former prime minister
George Rallis said that he has accepted a suggestion made by
Athanasios Tsaldaris during Thursday's political council
meeting, that he be made temporary ND president until the
congress is held, on the condition that there is unanimity in
the political council and the Parliamentary group. Mr. Rallis
expressed his agreement with the political council's decisions
to hold the congress sooner than scheduled, although he said he
had not originally intended to participate in the meeting.
[21] Reppas comments on ND developments
Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)
Commenting on developments in the main opposition New Democracy
party, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas yesterday said the
government wished for equilibrium and balance in the political
system.
Stressing that developments in ND concerned the party's
officials and bodies, Mr. Reppas said the government wished
political parties to be useful to the people.
ND's political council, which convened Thursday, arrived at a
compromise on the controversial issue of the procedure to be
followed for next year's party congress, deciding to hold it as
early as possible - March or April - with an expanded
composition.
[22] Criticism aimed at latest Garaudy book
Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)
Five Greek and foreign intellectuals residing in Greece
yesterday condemned the visit of French philosopher Roger
Garaudy, who launched the translation of his controversial book
in Athens, entitled "The Founding Myths of Israeli Politics".
The work expresses doubt over "the dogma of the six million"
Jews exterminated by the Nazis during the Second World War.
Garaudy, a former communist who has converted to Islam, was
arraigned in France last April for "negation of crimes against
humanity." At the request of the Central Jewish Council of
Greece (KIS), film director Jules Dassin, historian Hangel
Fleischer, dramatist Iakovos Kampanellis, political analyst
Thanos Lipovatis and writer Vassilis Vassilikos, the author of
"Z" and Greek ambassador to UNESCO, criticized the French
philosopher's thesis.
Mr. Garaudy "has chosen to live in shame," Jules Dassin said,
while Mr. Vassilikos said he "hopes that the book will flounder
in indifference, where its proper place is."
[23] Merchant marine ministry directive issued on vessels carrying
dangerous cargoes
Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)
The merchant marine ministry has issued a directive to merchant
vessel captains and officers, shipowners, maritime agents,
charterers and navigators, instructing them to report vessels
carrying dangerous or toxic cargoes sailing to and from Greek
ports. In the event the directive is ignored a vessel will be
barred from sailing from or into a Greek port and will be
subject to administrative sanctions in accordance with the
Public Maritime Law Code.
[24] Greek development group joins UN Mediterranean organization
Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)
Minister for the Aegean Elizabeth Papazoi yesterday described as
"an important success" for Greece the selection of the Chamber
Group for the Development of the Greek Islands as a member of
the United Nations Committee for the Viable Development of the
Mediterranean.
The committee will examine strategy for the protection of the
Mediterranean environment, plan co-operation among the countries
of the region and draw up programs on specialist issues such as
depopulation.
It is made up of representatives from the 20 Mediterranean
countries, the European Union, non-governmental organizations
for the environment, social and financial agencies and local
government networks.
Ms Papazoi said that the selection of the Chamber Group meant
that the specific problems facing Greece's islands could be
projected and measures taken which reflected the particular
nature of the country's islands from the viewpoint of number and
size.
The Hios-based Chamber Group represents the country's 19 island
chambers.
The first meeting of the UN's Mediterranean Committee will take
place in Morocco in December.
[25] ADEDY calls for nation-wide strike on Nov. 28
Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)
The Civil Servants Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY) has
called for a 24-hour nationwide strike in the public sector on
Nov. 28, protesting a change in the salary scale proposed by the
government.
According to trade unionists, it consolidates austerity in the
public sector and leaves a big part of employees outside
increases.
The decision is expected to be ratified by ADEDY's general
council on Nov. 18. The General Confederation of Workers of
Greece (GSEE) has also called a 24-hour nationwide strike on the
same day.
[26] Gov't casino committee ratifies re-negotiated Loutraki casino
contract
Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)
The government's casino committee yesterday ratified a recently
re-negotiated contract for the Loutraki casino.
In the re-negotiated terms, it was agreed that the percentage of
profits going to the Greek state would increase from 20 to 33
per cent, while the Loutraki municipality would get an extra 2
per cent of profits. In addition, the annual payment to the
Greek Tourism Organization (EOT) would increase from 50 million
to 250 million drachmas.
Negotiations restarted a few months ago, when Development
Minister Vasso Papandreou judged that a government decision to
suspend the Floisvos casino project in Athens provided new
advantages to the Loutraki casino, controlled by
Israeli-interests.
The re-negotiated project also provides for the acceleration of
investments accompanying the casino venture, such as
construction of a nearby luxury hotel within two years rather
than seven, and a marina in four years rather than nine.
Ms Papandreou is expected to formally ratify the agreement next
week.
The casino committee also discussed the issue of the Halkidiki
casino, as the US-based Casino Magic company which manages it
has already informed Athens that it intends to withdraw, due to
what it claims are losses incurred following the opening of a
competing casino in Thessaloniki by the US-based Hyatt Corp. It
is considered that the withdrawal may take place even this
weekend, while Casino Magic is reported to be looking for a
buyer of its share, which requires approval of the Greek
government.
Meanwhile, the largest Greek hotel chain, the Cretan-based
Daskalantonakis group's Grecotel, is reported to have decided to
abandon management of the Meliton Hotel in Halkidiki, fearing
that the closure of the casino there will lead to an abrupt fall
in revenues.
[27] Evert criticizes Gov't policy on tourism
Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert
yesterday lashed out against the government yesterday, accusing
it of damaging the tourism sector.
Commenting on the government's tourism policy, Mr. Evert told a
Parliamentary debate that "in order to have 20 million visitors
per year we must take advantage of our country's geographical
position."
He said this year's decrease in tourist arrivals was not
coincidental, but resulted from institutional problems stemming
from a lack of infrastructure.
Conversely, Development Under-secretary Anna Diamantopoulou said
that the government's tourism policy was aiming at developing
the tourist sector.
Ms Diamantopoulou also said the government was planning for
institutional changes in the tourism sector. She stressed that
there were problems in the tourism sector regarding absorption
of Community funds but added that important structural changes
have been made toward the right direction.
On Thursday, Development Minister Vasso Papandreou called on the
private tourism sector to raise its professionalism, promising
that the state would also show similar concern.
The minister was addressing a meeting of representatives of the
tourism industry from around the country.
[28] Credits for highway projects earmarked
Athens, 09/11/1996 (ANA)
Credits amounting to 1.9 billion drachmas have been earmarked
for tendering concerning projects on the motorway network
linking Serres with the Egnatia Highway.
The projects to be carried out are the construction of
overpasses, budgeted at 1.2 billion drachmas, and completion of
a detour at the Krinida-Nea Bafra site, costing 700 million
drachmas.
Credits amounting to 100 million drachmas have also been
earmarked for flood protection in the Timenio region of Arcadia
prefecture.
[29] Australian prime minister welcomes Vartholomeos
Melbourne, 09/11/1996 (ANA -S. Hatzimanolis)
Australian Prime Minister John Howard yesterday expressed his
great joy at welcoming Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos to
Greece.
"We welcome to Australia the spiritual leader of 250 million
Orthodox Christians. It is a great honor to have him among us.
He has come to bless and to admire the achievements of one
million Orthodox - mainly Greek - residents of Australia," Mr.
Howard told the Australian Parliament.
Vartholomeos will be the guest of honor at a dinner held by the
prime minister in the Australian capital Canberra next Tuesday.
Vartholomeos yesterday ended his visit to Perth, the capital of
Western Australia, meeting with the Premier Richard Court.
Some 200 people were on hand to greet the patriarch on his
arrival on Thursday.
Vartholomeos will arrive in Sydney today.
End of English language section.
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