Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-01-16
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1090), January 16, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Simitis links equal EU participation with national interests
[02] Opposition
[03] Reppas denies reports of discord between Tsohatzopoulos, Pangalos
[04] Anastasopoulos re-elected Europarliament VP for fourth time
[05] Simitis points to Turkey as 'main destabilizing factor' in region
[06] Tsohatzopoulos condemns any linking of Aegean, Cyprus
[07] Dutch FM van Mierlo: Cyprus problem must be solved before
accession talks
[08] Belgium cancels Turkish weapons deal
[09] Ecumenical Patriarchate metropolitan convicted by Turkish court
[10] Laliotis urges demolition of illegal construction aggravating
flooding in Attica
[11] Pangalos briefs Stephanopoulos on national issues
[12] Holy Synod convenes to select date for election of new
Alexandria Patriarch
[13] Culture ministry confirms Lyceum's palaestra
[14] Greek film series opens in Belgian capital
[15] Mediterranean islands' infrastructure the focus of conference
[16] Report blames six officers for delay in responding to Dystos
accident
[17] Draft decree on illegal immigrants forwarded to respective
ministries
[18] Ships remained anchored for third day
[19] Air traffic controllers announce strike actions
[20] Gasoline price increase
[21] Evros wants industrial zone, Fotiadis says
[22] OTE expects profits of 304 billion this year
[23] Franchising gains foothold in Greece and Balkans, conference told
[24] EET's new role expounded
[25] Tourism and transport seminar
[01] Simitis links equal EU participation with national interests
Athens, 16/01/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis said yesterday that Greece's goal
of equal participation in the European Union was closely linked
to the country's foremost national interests.
"It must be understood by all that if we remain on the fringes
of European developments, the repercussions will be severe and
dangerous, not only for the economy and society but national
issues also," Mr. Simitis told a meeting of his ruling PASOK
party 's Parliamentary group.
In the other European countries, he noted, there was general
consent as to the main targets of convergence, while "this is
not the case in Greece."
The premier said this was due to the main opposition (New
Democracy) party, which he claimed "instead of being a
responsible force of criticism, has become involved with
unbelievable improvisations and fickleness vis-a-vis the
country's European course".
Mr. Simitis described the government's economic measures as
"necessary and just", underlining that "all Greeks are being
called upon to contribute proportionally to the national effort."
"Our economic policy protects workers' incomes and improves the
social infrastructure in the sectors of education, health,
social welfare and the insurance system," Mr. Simitis said.
He also referred to the way with which government policy is
exercised, the government's priorities and Turkish
provocativeness.
On the question of government policy and the government's
targets, Mr. Simitis said the PASOK government is not carrying
out its work with a view to being self-serving, but useful for
the people and the country.
"We are a government to achieve great national targets for the
benefit of all society and particularly the weaker strata," he
said.
Mr. Simitis said his government was not interested in balances,
which he said were paid for dearly by the Greek people and
undermined the future of younger generations.
Mr. Simitis further said that PASOK did not rule the country so
that a party nomenclature or powerful groups could obtain
special privileges and posts providing power. He added that
PASOK must acquire a new relationship with society and the
people, and has no need for populism because it is a part of the
people.
In the framework of these new relations, he said the government
avoided using the "language of promises" in its discussions on
the farmers' problems. He also said it avoided covering up real
problems, while the feeling prevailing among his ministers was
that both the government itself and the farmers were faced with
a common problem.
Mr. Simitis said if the government bowed to a policy of
benefits, on the one hand, it would throw away the only possible
and useful economic policy, and on the other, it would create
even greater problems for the agriculture sector.
In support of his policy, Mr. Simitis referred to a Chinese
proverb saying: "Give a fish to a hungry man. He will eat for
one day and be hungry again. Teach him how to fish and he will
never go hungry in his entire life."
Concluding, he added that Greece is one of the few countries in
Europe where wages are increasing in real terms, where there are
special benefits for people on low pensions and where (budget)
allocations are increasing for health, social welfare and the
insurance system.
The current year "will be one of great opportunities and major
choices for Greece," he noted.
[02] Opposition
Athens, 16/01/1997 (ANA)
In response to the prime minister's speech, main opposition New
Democracy party said in a statement that Mr. Simitis had engaged
in a "vain attempt to conceal his government's complete lack of
policy."
The prime minister "is guided by a mentality of submissiveness
and subservience, concessions and prevarications," the statement
read.
On his part, Political Spring (Pol.An) party leader Antonis
Samaras said Mr. Simitis had engaged "in exercises of vague
assurances of abstract policy," and called on him to immediately
explain what negotiations he was forecasting for 1997, and "what
great decisions and which issues he is referring to."
[03] Reppas denies reports of discord between Tsohatzopoulos, Pangalos
Athens, 16/01/1997 (ANA)
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas yesterday denied newspaper
reports claiming a difference of view between National Defense
Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and Foreign Minister Theodoros
Pangalos on the issue of a possible moratorium on the flights of
Greek and Turkish military aircraft over Cyprus.
Replying to questions, Mr. Reppas reiterated that Greece
remained open to anything which could facilitate any initiative
aimed at finding a settlement to the Cyprus problem in order to
make such an initiative effective.
Turning to comments about the prime minister's associates by
PASOK Secretary Costas Skandalidis in an interview recently, Mr.
Reppas said the prime minister was not in the habit of "forming
closed power circles".
He added that at Tuesday's meeting of the party's Executive
Bureau, Mr. Simitis had brought up the issue with Mr.
Skandalidis who had clarified that he was not happy with the way
the interview had been construed.
[04] Anastasopoulos re-elected Europarliament VP for fourth time
Strasbourg, 16/01/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)
Main opposition New Democracy Eurodeputy George Anastasopoulos
was elected fourth in the first round of elections for the
Europarliament's 14 vice-presidents on Tuesday, gaining 296
votes against 247 - the absolute majority required.
Shortly after the results were announced, Mr. Anastasopoulos
expressed his satisfaction at being elected Vice-President of
the Europarliament for the fourth time in a row. He also thanked
his associates for "showing once again that they know how to
appreciate the dedication and performance of each person."
PASOK Eurodeputy Paraskevas Avgerinos was also re-elected as
Vice-President, coming in 10th and receiving 271 votes in the
second round.
[05] Simitis points to Turkey as 'main destabilizing factor' in region
Athens, 16/01/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday accused Ankara of trying
to change the status quo in the Aegean and of provocativeness on
Cyprus, describing Turkey as "the main destabilizing factor" in
the greater region.
He was addressing the ruling PASOK party's Parliamentary group.
Noting a recent increase of Turkish provocativeness, Mr. Simitis
said the government has undertaken an international campaign to
brief and explain the current situation in the eastern
Mediterranean.
Citing the European Union's July 15 decision and recent
statements by the US State Department, Mr. Simitis said Greece's
effort had already produced results.
On many occasions, he continued, Turkey's actions merely reflect
domestic rivalry and for this reason they should not be blown
out of proportion by the Greek side.
The premier added that it would be a mistake if Athens allowed
itself to be dragged into an atmosphere of crisis.
"We would be playing into Turkey's hands because it would be
tantamount to accepting that there is a problem when in fact the
so-called problem has simply been created by Ankara," Mr.
Simitis said.
The prime minister reiterated that Greece would confront Turkish
provocativeness with cool-headedness.
He added, however, that the country's security was not a
two-sided power game between Greece and Turkey, "but chiefly the
result of overall correlations within the international system".
Commenting, meanwhile, on statements yesterday by Turkish
Islamist Premier Necmettin Erbakan concerning the
demilitarization of Cyprus and the Aegean islands, government
spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the two regions were quite
distinct and could not be compared.
"The Aegean is a sea, sovereignty of which is determined by
international law, while Cyprus is a state under occupation,"
Mr. Reppas noted.
[06] Tsohatzopoulos condemns any linking of Aegean, Cyprus
Athens, 16/01/1997 (ANA)
Greece will oppose Turkey's efforts to link the issues of Cyprus
and the Aegean, National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos
stressed in Parliament yesterday, reiterating that the first
issue relates to invasion and occupation.
He added that Turkey had also changed its aggressive doctrine
since 1995, seeking to change the status quo in the Aegean.
"The Cyprus issue is one of invasion and occupation, and
Turkey's aggressiveness is due to the fact that Cypriot entry to
the European Union is approaching. Faced with this
aggressiveness, Greece shows cool-headedness and resolve and
supports Cyprus' en try to the EU, but also the completion of
its defensive capability," he said.
He described the recent Turkish reaction to Cyprus' intended
purchase of Russian S-300 surface-to-air missiles by Cyprus as
"hysteria", which he said was countered by repeated statements
by US State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns.
"It is precisely this hysteria which confirms Turkey's
aggressive and destabilizing role," he said, adding that he
would submit specific facts and information regarding this role
during next week's session of Parliament's defense and foreign
affairs committee.
"We are not the aggressors. On the contrary, we are a force of
peace, security and co-operation, and the readiness and
competence of the Greek armed forces gives us the confidence to
face this threat," he added.
[07] Dutch FM van Mierlo: Cyprus problem must be solved before
accession talks
Strasbourg, 16/01/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)
The president of the European Union's Council of Ministers,
Dutch Foreign Minister Hans van Mierlo, yesterday said that the
Cyprus problem must be solved before the beginning of accession
talks for Cyprus' entry into t he EU, otherwise, "there is a
danger of both the EU's and NATO's expansion being sidelined."
He made the statement while presenting the Dutch presidency's
plans for its six-month term, which began on Jan. 1.
Addressing Eurodeputies, Mr. van Mierlo stressed that the
15-member Union is fully aware of this possibility, and for this
reason it must make every effort for a lasting solution to be
found to the Cyprus problem.
"Dialogue will have to continue with all interested parties,
including, of course, Turkey," he said, noting that the dialogue
began with the United Nations and the United States.
The Dutch foreign minister stressed the importance of efforts
for a solution to Cyprus to be made "with one and only one
agenda, and for there not to be secret agendas."
The entry of Cyprus into the EU cannot depend on one country
only, "whichever one this is," Mr. van Mierlo stressed, adding
that a solution to the problem "is in the interests of all. It
is in the interests of Turkey, whose relations with the European
UN ion are in danger."
[08] Belgium cancels Turkish weapons deal
Brussels, 16/01/1997 (ANA - G. Daratos)
The Belgian government announced yesterday that it was canceling
a deal to supply Turkey with US-made surface-to-air Hawk
missiles, saying it wanted to avoid throwing further "oil on the
fire" of Greek-Turkish relations.
Athens has criticized the sale - handled through French
electronics giant Thomson - by both the Belgian and Dutch
governments to supply the missiles to Turkey.
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Watch Organization (HRW) has accused
Ankara of acquiring excessive quantities of modern weapons
systems that could be used in an opaque way for suppression of
the Kurdish rebellion in its southeastern provinces and engage
in systematic violation of the human rights of inhabitants in
the region.
The non-governmental organization said Turkey was negotiating
with the United States and Europe on the purchase of four CH-47
Chinook personnel carrier helicopters, worth US$135 million, 30
AS-532 Cougar combat helicopters, worth $400 million, 50 S-70 B
lack Hawk personnel carrier helicopters, worth $1.1 billion, 54
modernized F-4 "Phantom" fighters armed with 30 Popeye missiles,
worth $600 million, as well as a program for material and
technical support for its fleet of F-16 fighters, worth $125
million.
[09] Ecumenical Patriarchate metropolitan convicted by Turkish court
Istanbul, 16/01/1997 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)
A Turkish court yesterday sentenced an Ecumenical Patriarchate
metropolitan to five months in prison, for having officiated
over an Easter Saturday evening mass held in the Bulgarian
community's church in the Phanar district here.
Sources told the Athens News Agency yesterday that the
Metropolitan of Laodikeia Iakovos was convicted by a
misdemeanors court in the Turkish city of Fatih. The decision,
which has not yet been officially publicized, does not mean,
however, that the metropolitan will be incarcerated.
The case was brought to court following a lawsuit brought
against the metropolitan by a plaintiff identified Muzindar
Cipov, a member of the Bulgarian parish's administrative board.
Mr. Cipov claimed that the presence of Iakovos at the Easter
service in the Bulgarian parish constituted part of an effort by
the Ecumenical Patriarchate to "Hellenize" the Bulgarian
community.
The Turkish court also issued the same sentence on the
Vice-President of the Bulgarian community for inviting Iakovos
to officiate the service.
However, several members of the small Bulgarian community in
Istanbul said Mr. Cipov does not express their opinion, adding
that the Bulgarian community remains faithful to the Ecumenical
Patriarchate and the Metropolitan of Laodikeia.
In an unrelated incident, the church of Agia Marina in the
village of Shinoudi on the island of Imvros was burgled
Metropolitan of Imvros and Tenedos Fotios told ANA that unknown
suspects broke the church's door and stole an icon, a cross and
silver trays. Metropolitan Fotios has called on the Turkish
authorities to ensure the capture of the perpetrators, while he
noted that 10 years ago, two similar burglaries occurred in the
Agios Georgios church in the Agioi Theodoroi community.
[10] Laliotis urges demolition of illegal construction aggravating
flooding in Attica
Athens, 16/01/1997 (ANA)
Environment Minister Costas Laliotis yesterday urged municipal
authorities in the eastern Attica region "to get the bulldozers
out" and knock down all structures illegally built, especially
ones erected over filled-in drainage ditches and creeks.
Illegal construction is blamed for causing problems in drainage
and thereby contribute to flooding.
He assured them that as much money would be made available as
necessary.
Meanwhile, main opposition New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert,
who toured the flood-stricken Fthiotida prefecture yesterday,
said the damage to infrastructure, particularly the road
network, was of biblical proportions, and much of it
attributable to a lack of preventative measures, such as
maintenance of bridges, clearance of river beds etc.
He said he would bring the issue up for discussion in Parliament
in order to force the government to be committed to a specific
timetable for the restoration of damage, and adoption of
measures that will prevent the re-occurrence of such problems in
future.
On her part, Communist Party (KKE) secretary general Aleka
Papariga tabled a question in Parliament asking for the stricken
regions to be declared in a state of emergency, and for full
compensation of the victims.
In a related development, the Agricultural Bank has announced
favorable loan terms for the farmers affected by the recent
floods.
[11] Pangalos briefs Stephanopoulos on national issues
Athens, 16/01/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos yesterday visited President
of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and briefed him on the
course of national issues.
According to sources, Mr. Pangalos briefed Mr. Stephanopoulos on
his recent visit to Belgrade as well as on US envoy Carey
Cavanaugh's talks in Athens and Nicosia concerning Cyprus and
Greek-Turkish relations.
[12] Holy Synod convenes to select date for election of new
Alexandria Patriarch
Alexandria, 16/01/1997 (ANA)
The Holy Synod of the Alexandria Patriarchate convened yesterday
under the presidency of the Commissioner of the Throne,
Metropolitan of Johannesburg and Pretoria Pavlos, focusing on
the date of the election of the new Patriarch of Alexandria.
The Holy Synod finally decided that the election of the
Patriarch, who will succeed the late Patriarch Parthenios, will
take place on Friday, Feb. 21 at the Agios Savvas Metropolitan
Cathedral in Alexandria.
The new Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa, who will be the
114th, will be elected by a plenary session of the Clerical and
Secular Assembly, which is composed of 196 members.
[13] Culture ministry confirms Lyceum's palaestra
Athens, 16/01/1997 (ANA)
The culture ministry has confirmed that a palaestra (wrestling
arena) discovered during excavations at the building site of a
modern art museum off Rigillis Street, near Syntagma Square in
downtown Athens, belongs to the ancient Lyceum of Aristotle.
The exact location of the school, considered one of the three
most renowned academies of philosophy in classical Athens, had
hitherto been unknown.
A statement yesterday said excavations had uncovered the largest
part of the palaestra, which is in very good condition,
according to the ministry.
It was constructed in the 4th century BC, which lends credence
to ancient historian Pausanias' reference to the Lyceum as being
one of the many projects sponsored by the orator Lycurgus. It
remained in use until the end of the 4th century AD, and its
various construction phases bear signs of all the significant
historical events of the intervening period.
[14] Greek film series opens in Belgian capital
Brussels, 16/01/1997 (ANA)
Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos yesterday inaugurated the
film series "Panorama of Greek Cinema", which is part of the
current International Film Festival here.
The series opened with a performance of Michael Cacoyiannis'
"Attila 1974", centering on events related to the Turkish
invasion of Cyprus.
Before the opening, Mr. Venizelos gave a press conference to
foreign correspondents on Thessaloniki's assumption of the role
of Cultural Capital of Europe this year.
[15] Mediterranean islands' infrastructure the focus of conference
Athens, 16/01/1997 (ANA)
An international conference on infrastructure development on
Mediterranean islands will be held in Irakleion, Crete, from
Feb. 6-8, at the initiative of the Technical Chamber.
The Technical Chambers of Western Crete, the Dodecanese, Corfu,
Cyprus and the architects' unions of Corsica, Cagliari, Palermo
and the Balearic islands will also co-sponsor the event.
The purpose of the conference is to contribute towards improving
infrastructures in Mediterranean islands, according to a press
conference given on its program yesterday.
[16] Report blames six officers for delay in responding to Dystos
accident
Athens, 16/01/1997 (ANA)
An inquiry into the capsizing of the dry-bulk carrier "Dystos"
off the port of Kymi last month, which claimed the lives of 20
people, including two women and a child, has placed the blame
for the delay in responding to the accident on two officers at
the merchant marine ministry's operation rooms and on four
ranking officers of the Kymi port authority.
Merchant Marine Minister Stavros Soumakis told reporters
yesterday that the six officials would be called on to make
statements to the chief of the port authority Vice-Admiral
Pericles Ousantzopoulos in the next three days. The officer will
then recommend to the minister the imposition of disciplinary
measures.
Mr. Soumakis has the final decision on the form these measures
will take.
The report will now be placed at the disposal of a Halkida
prosecutor conducting an investigation into the causes of the
accident.
In a related development, the lone survivor of the accident,
Christos Anagnostou, gave testimony for a full three hours
before the deputy prosecutor of the Standing Maritime Court of
Piraeus yesterday.
According to sources, the young seaman reiterated the testimony
contained in his previous two appearance before officials
conducting an inquiry into the accident.
Mr. Anagnostou refused to speak to reporters after giving
testimony but his father, Vangelis, an executive with the owner
company of the Dystos AGET-Heracles, said he condemned all press
speculation trying to blame his son for the accident.
[17] Draft decree on illegal immigrants forwarded to respective
ministries
Athens, 16/01/1997 (ANA)
A draft presidential decree on legalizing illegal immigrants in
Greece has been brought to the attention of several ministries
for consideration.
A special preparatory committee anticipated by Law 2434/1996 has
essentially completed its work and, if no new complication
appears, ratification and publication of the decree is expected
concerning the residence and employment status of individuals
considered "illegal immigrants."
According to reports, the decree anticipates that every
foreigner, with the exception of citizens from European Union
member-states, within two months from the law's application will
have to appear at offices of the Organization for the Employment
of Human Resources (OAED) and declare their full identity,
address, specialty, employer or sector where employment is
sought.
This time limit can be given a two-month extension by decision
of the labor minister. Foreigners failing to present themselves
for registration will not be entitled to legalization and, if
detained, will be deported.
OAED will provide illegal immigrants with a "temporary residence
permit card", which will also act as a temporary work permit.
The card will have a six-month duration and can be renewed for
only three months, and after a relevant committee gives its
approval.
A foreigner provided with such a card has the same labor rights
and obligations as a Greek national, including insurance rights
and deductions.
Additionally, the public order or national defense minister has
the right to suspend the validity of a card for security reasons.
[18] Ships remained anchored for third day
Athens, 16/01/1997 (ANA)
Ships remained tied up in ports for the third consecutive day
yesterday as seamen extended a nationwide strike for another 4
8-hours, after talks with the merchant marine ministry ended in
deadlock.
The stoppage, which affects Greek-flag vessels of all categories
as well as foreign ships employing Greek seamen, will end at
6:00 a.m. Friday. The seamen are pressing demands for increased
insurance and unemployment benefits, an increase in minimum
pensions and preservation of existing tax breaks.
The extension of the seamen's strike has created problems for
perishable garden produce cultivators on the island of Crete,
whose produce risk rotting in the trucks waiting to transport
them.
Producers from Ierapetra - thousands of tons of whose produce
are stranded in trucks waiting for transport - threatened to go
to Iraklion to slash the ropes tying the stranded merchant ships
to the dock.
The move was averted after arrangements between the merchant
marine ministry and a Piraeus-based maritime company for the
latter to send a ferry to a Cretan port, most likely Rethymnon,
this afternoon to transport dozens of trucks loaded with
perishable produce to the port of Kalamata, from where the
produce will head for the markets of Europe, mainly Munich, and
the rest of Greece.
Crete, whose shores are washed by the Libyan Gulf, has a milder
climate than the rest of the country and produces early fruit
and garden produce.
Merchant Marine Minister Stavros Soumakis told a press
conference yesterday that the strike was "unjustified",
stressing that the government had already given all it could and
"will not give in to such methods".
He said the strikers' demand concerning a reduction in crew
levels was a matter which should be discussed between the seamen
and shipowners so that an acceptable solution could be found
which the ministry would then ratify with legislation.
Meanwhile, the lorries arriving at Piraeus port will remain
there until Friday morning when the strike is due to end, unless
it is further extended, in which case the problems for Greece's
islands are expected to be acute.
[19] Air traffic controllers announce strike actions
Athens, 16/01/1997 (ANA)
The Federation of Civil Aviation Unions (OSYPA) yesterday
announced warning work stoppages and 24-hour strikes to protest
the abolition of several bonuses.
OSYPA said two four-hour work stoppages starting at 2 p.m.
tomorrow and on Sunday are planned.
Air traffic controllers announced a four-hour strike for 2 p.m.
Sunday.
Meanwhile, technicians at the Civil Aviation Authority (YPA)
have announced three 24-hour rolling strikes for tomorrow,
Saturday and Sunday, ending at midnight Sunday.
[20] Gasoline price increase
Athens, 16/01/1997 (ANA)
The retail sales prices of super and unleaded gasoline will
increase by 0.20 drachmas per liter as of today and for a week.
On the other hand, the retail sale price of motor oil will
decrease by one drachma per liter. Lastly, the retail sale price
of heating oil will remain unchanged at 108.4 drachmas per liter.
According to an announcement by the Development Ministry and the
Public Petroleum Corporation (DEP), the adjustments in prices
occurred due to a change in the international prices of fuel.
[21] Evros wants industrial zone, Fotiadis says
Athens, 16/01/1997 (ANA)
The Evros prefectural government has proposed the establishment
of a trans-border industrial zone in the region of Ormenios,
Evros, a proposal which the national economy ministry is
examining "in a positive light", ministry Secretary-General
Apostolos Fotiadis said yesterday.
Mr. Fotiadis, after chairing a meeting on the proposal, called
the initiative "very worthwhile and innovative, which will bring
relief to a very sensitive, from a national point of view,
region".
The initiative hopes to halt Greek business concerns from
relocating to Bulgaria, as their continued presence on Greek
territory would financially and psychologically boost this
downgraded region, which is the European Union's easternmost
border, Mr. Fotiadis said.
A team of technocrats is being set up to submit specific
proposals to Mr. Fotiadis in a month's time, regarding the
feasibility of the initiative and on the legal aspects.
[22] OTE expects profits of 304 billion this year
Athens, 16/01/1997 (ANA)
The Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) said
yesterday it would be recording profits for 1997 totaling 304
billion drachmas, compared to 250 billion drachmas in 1996,
marking an increase of approximately 22 per cent.
Speaking at a press conference attended also by Transport and
Communications Minister Haris Kastanidis, the OTE presidium said
the organization would be distributing a dividend of 160
drachmas per share for financial year 1996.
According to the recently approved general budget, OTE's income
for 1997 is estimated at 840 billion drachmas, and over one
trillion drachmas for 1998.
The organization's expenditures for 1997 are estimated at 535
billion drachmas, a 9.5 per cent increase on the 1996 figure of
488 billion drachmas.
Mr. Kastanidis said the course of OTE's share had been
encouraging since 8.0 per cent of stock was admitted to the
Athens Stock Exchange nine months ago.
He said the committee overseeing the procurement of 377,000
digital phones to cover the requirements of the first half of
1997 would soon award the contract to the lowest bidder, while
OTE would satisfy 150,000 new applications for telephone lines.
[23] Franchising gains foothold in Greece and Balkans, conference told
Athens, 16/01/1997 (ANA)
An international conference wound up its first day of sessions
here yesterday with the conclusion that the institution of
franchising had excellent prospects for further development in
Greece.
At the same time, franchising was giving rise to major business
opportunities in the other Balkan countries, a region regarded
by delegates as "virgin" territory.
The conference, organized by the magazine "The Economist" at a
central Athens hotel, is being attended by prominent figures in
the franchising sector, such as Don DeBolt, president of the
International Franchise Association and Manfred Maus, president
o f the European Franchise Federation.
It was clear at the conference that a number of major
international companies, mainly American, intended to use
franchising as a vehicle to expand their presence in Greece and
the other Balkan countries.
According to figures presented at the conference, franchising
has developed in recent years in Greece chiefly in the sectors
of foodstuffs, drinks and restaurants, with about 40 companies
using the system as a basis for their operation - 25 of which
are Greek and most of the rest American. Franchising has also
gained a foothold in the branches of clothing, furniture,
cosmetics, car hire, advisory services and porcelain.
[24] EET's new role expounded
Athens, 16/01/1997 (ANA)
National Bank of Greece Governor and President of the Union of
Greek Banks (EET) Theodoros Karatzas referred to the new role
undertaken by the EET in past years and to the crucial
responsibilities it is shouldering.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday on the occasion of the
Union's 70th anniversary, Mr. Karatzas said that in a
liberalized and dynamic market banks invest in highly-trained
staff and in advanced technology, trying to continuously develop
new activities and open new markets.
Mr. Karatzas said general proposals for the further development
of the banking sector, proposals for the creation of a definite
institutional framework for derivative fiscal products,
implementation of legislation on money laundering, bank security
and codes of established practice constitute examples of the
determination of EET's members to convey their knowledge through
it to the market being activated.
He said the activities of EET contribute to the consolidation of
the competitiveness of the Greek capital and money market and to
the attainment of the common strategic target which is to render
Greece an international fiscal center in the wider region of the
Balkans, the Middle East and north Africa. Professor Stavros
Thomadakis then presented a new book by Athens University
professor Costas Kostis titled "Co-operation and competition -
70 years of the EET."
[25] Tourism and transport seminar
Athens, 16/01/1997 (ANA)
A seminar on Greek tourism and air transport will be held today
at the Divani Caravel hotel in Athens. The seminar has been
organized by the Association of Greek Tourist Enterprises, the
Union of Air Traffic Controllers and Olympic Airways and aims at
finding practical solutions to the main problems affecting air
transport in Greece and averting any problems which may arise at
Greek airports this tourist season.
End of English language section.
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