Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-02-13
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1114), February 13, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Athens to propose EU initiatives on Balkan situation
[02] No fears of new wave of illegal immigrants, but Greece prepared
in any case
[03] Greece's consul general in southern Albania
[04] Eurosocialists express concern at Albanian developments
[05] Commemorative stamp series honoring Andreas Papandreou presented
[06] G. Papandreou says diplomatic pressure could be behind Rifkind
statements
[07] Foreign office clarification
[08] Turkish response
[09] Gov't again refers to EU's July 15 declaration in relation to
Greek-Turkish relations
[10] European socialists to meet in Athens over the weekend
[11] Ecumenical Patriarchate surfs the Net
[12] Border regions get priority in Northern Greece planning
[13] 100 million drachmas allocated to archaeological research
[14] Tsohatzopoulos visits State Aircraft Factory
[15] NATO exercise
[16] Acropolis closed as employees strike
[17] Albright notes 'time of opportunity' to solve Cyprus problem
[18] "The Greek Revolution: Delacroix and the French Painters"
exhibition opens
[19] Premier reiterates that Gov't unable to meet teachers' pay
demands
[20] High school teachers to continue strike
[21] Premier confers with ministers on need for social dialogue
[22] Ombudsman bill ratified by Parliament committee
[23] ATE cuts rates following latest inflation figures
[24] Olympic Catering considering entry into bourse
[25] Cabinet to discuss hiring more pilots for OA
[26] Public transport bill tabled
[27] Cancer of the uterus directly linked to virus
[28] Trial date set regarding collision that sunk missile boat
[29] Investigation into murder of Russian underworld figure continues
[01] Athens to propose EU initiatives on Balkan situation
Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)
Greece will propose at the next EU General Affairs Council the
undertaking of initiatives in the Balkan region, after turmoil
has gripped neighboring Albania and political upheaval in
Bulgaria.
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas made the statement
yesterday commenting on current situations in the neighboring
countries.
Albania has been rocked by violent riots following the recent
collapse of several pyramid investment schemes in the country,
while in Bulgaria the Socialist government in recent weeks has
been facing widespread protests due to severe economic problems.
"The spirit of the proposal will be for the entire situation to
be viewed in its political dimension. That is, we shall propose
the granting of economic assistance as well as consultations and
contacts with the leaderships of the Balkan countries aimed at
consolidating democratic institutions," he said.
"Greece is the catalyst for settlement of problems in the
Balkans and will not be a party to crisis in the region," he
added when asked if regional developments were worrying the
government.
In another development, Greece yesterday pushed for the holding
of a ministerial summit of the 15 European Union members, the
United States and Russia to focus on the political situation in
Albania, Bulgaria and Serbia. Representatives from the three
Balk an nations would also be invited.
Greece's permanent representative to the European Union, Pavlos
Apostolidis, during yesterday's regular meeting of permanent EU
representatives briefed his 14 counterparts on Athens'
initiatives, according to an ANA dispatch from Brussels.
According to diplomatic sources, the Greek side views that the
ministerial meeting in March could constitute a first step
towards a broader understanding in the Balkans. On his part,
Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos
Constantopoulos yesterday noted what he said was a "dangerous
discrepancy between the fluidity prevailing in the Balkans and
intense movement concerning our national issues, on the one
hand, and the government's passive inertia on the other."
Mr. Constantopoulos was speaking to reporters after a one-hour
meeting with President Kostis Stephanopoulos, which focused on
national issues.
Mr. Constantopoulos said he was planning a tour of the Balkan
countries, which would take in Albania, Yugoslavia, FYROM,
Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia, although specific dates had not
yet been set.
[02] No fears of new wave of illegal immigrants, but Greece prepared
in any case
Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)
The government has taken all necessary measures to deal with a
possible wave of illegal immigrants due to recent developments
in Albania and other neighboring countries, Macedonia-Thrace
Minister Philippos Petsalnikos stressed. Mr. Petsalnikos
expressed the view, however, that such an eventuality was not
likely at the present moment.
The collapse of get-rich-quick pyramid investment schemes has
brought financial ruin to hundreds of thousands of Albanians,
increasing the possibility of an increase in the number of
illegal immigrants streaming into Greece.
Asked at a press conference in Thessaloniki whether increased
measures had been taken at the border areas to prevent the entry
of illegal immigrants, Mr. Petsalnikos replied:
"The jointly responsible ministries have already planned for
such an eventuality. The measures are constantly at an increased
level with joint police and army patrols, but they have not been
intensified."
Mr. Reppas later confirmed that no extraordinary measures had
been taken at the country's borders since the government "does
not believe such a problem will manifest itself in an explosive
form."
He was replying to reporters' questions on the possibility of a
wave of illegal immigrants from Balkan countries entering Greece
and reports broadcast by the BBC that Greece had taken special
measures on its borders.
"The forces stationed along the borders are permanent and
adequate to deal with any problems. However, the government is
following developments very closely," the spokesman added.
[03] Greece's consul general in southern Albania
Tirana, 13/01/1997 (ANA)
Meanwhile, Greece's consul general to Albania, Nikos Kanellos,
toured the prefectures of Delvino and Sarande yesterday.
During his tour, Mr. Kanellos made donations to the schools
"Costa Chiavo" and "Adem Siemo," which included the teaching of
Greek into their curriculum this year.
During his visits, Mr. Kanellos also held talks with the
leadership of Omonia, an ethnic Greek political organization.
[04] Eurosocialists express concern at Albanian developments
Brussels, 13/01/1997 (ANA)
European Socialists have expressed their deep concern at recent
events in Albania, in a resolution tabled in the European
Parliament by PASOK Eurodeputy Yannis Roubatis.
The resolution expresses concern over the collapse of pyramid
investment schemes in Albania, the ensuing riots in which three
people have already been killed, as well as the effect on the
country's economic development and the consequences for the
entire region.
The European Socialists call on Albania's leaders to stop
persecuting members of the opposition and to begin "serious and
substantial" negotiations in order to halt political and
economic instability.
[05] Commemorative stamp series honoring Andreas Papandreou presented
Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)
A series of four commemorative stamps depicting late PASOK
founder and former three-time prime minister Andreas Papandreou
were presented yesterday at the old Parliament building in
downtown Athens.
The presentation ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Costas
Simitis, Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and PASOK
Secretary Costas Skandalidis, among others, who spoke of
Papandreou's contribution and personality.
The four stamps to be issued depict Papandreou as a university
lecturer on the first; the second depicts a scene from his
arrival in Greece in August 1974; the third shows him as a chief
legislator in a Parliament session; and the fourth depicts
Papandreou the international statesman.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Simitis said Andreas Papandreou "had
the courage to go against the traditional positions which
prevailed, and for this reason the party which he himself
created will dominate and is dominating modern political life."
The prime minister said historians will evaluate Papandreou's
work and contribution, adding that "we believe that he was one
of the great visionaries and reformers."
Mr. Kaklamanis said PASOK's founder was "a truly great man of
our time, with his talents and his weaknesses, as all great men
have."
He added that "no historian can speak of the second half of the
20th century without referring to Andreas Papandreou."
In his speech, Mr. Skandalidis described the late statesman as
"a great teacher and the father of many in politics," adding
that the party he created "has great stamina, deep roots,
inexhaustible reserves and a huge work to complete."
Transport Minister Haris Kastanidis also spoke during the event,
saying that the reasons behind the issuing of the stamps was
"the recognition of the fact that Andreas Papandreou connected
politics with the meaning of great ideas. His course was carved
in the country's memory."
Speaking after the event, Papandreou's widow, Dimitra
Liani-Papandreou, told reporters that the continuation of her
late husband's work "is the best respect, particularly from
those who owe him their political presence."
[06] G. Papandreou says diplomatic pressure could be behind Rifkind
statements
Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou told a Greek radio
station yesterday that he does not exclude the possibility that
British Secretary Malcolm Rifkind's recent statements about a
possible Greek-Turkish conflict were made for reasons of
diplomatic pressure.
In statements to BBC radio on Tuesday, Mr. Rifkind said there
was a "serious possibility" of military conflict between Greece
and Turkey over Cyprus.
"In view of developments in the region, those countries who have
an interest or wish to be involved one way or another, come
forward with their own statements and reasoning as to how
existing problems should be resolved," Mr. Papandreou explained.
The alternate foreign minister said the "responsibilities could
not be attributed equally" between Greece and Turkey.
Stressing that the US administration has a "sincere concern,"
Mr. Papandreou said that "I'm under the impression that the
Americans would like to see their initiative yield results."
"Therefore, they are trying to cultivate the ground, which they
regard as the most effective, in terms of results," Mr.
Papandreou added.
[07] Foreign office clarification
London, 13/01/1997 (Reuter/ANA)
In a related development, Britain sought yesterday to set the
record straight over the remarks by Mr. Rifkind concerning the
risk of war between Turkey and Greece.
The British foreign office said a number of press reports had
incorrectly interpreted Mr. Rifkind's comments on Tuesday.
In fact, the ministry noted, Mr. Rifkind made his remarks in the
specific context of tensions in the Aegean of the sort that
almost led to armed conflict last year over Turkish claims to
the uninhabited Greek islet of Imia.
"His point on Cyprus was a different one. He said there was
every reason why there should be a settlement, but that there
had been a lack of political will in both Cypriot communities,"
the foreign office stated.
In his BBC interview, Mr. Rifkind said: "When relations are
already bad and tense and difficult and both sides appear to be
looking for an excuse to make them worse, that is pretty grim."
Asked whether there might be conflict between Greece and Turkey
in the Aegean, he said: "It has to be a serious possibility. I
am not as confident as logic would imply because there has been
a real lack of political will on both sides."
British officials said they would make sure that governments in
the region knew the proper context of Mr. Rifkind's remarks,
which caused a stir.
Greece said the comments were unjust and blamed Ankara for
tension, while Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides said a war
between Turkey and Greece would destabilize the eastern
Mediterranean and the Balkans.
In yesterday's statement, the foreign office said: "Britain will
remain active and determined in support of the UN's efforts to
help the two communities achieve a settlement."
[08] Turkish response
Istanbul, 13/01/1997 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)
Commenting on Mr. Rifkind's recent statements, Ankara yesterday
said that "Turkey is not responsible for tension in
Greek-Turkish relations." Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman
Omer Akbel said "Turkey is determined to defend its rights,"
noting "that there is no change in our stance regarding the
resolution of problems through peaceful means."
[09] Gov't again refers to EU's July 15 declaration in relation to
Greek-Turkish relations
Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas yesterday invoked the
European Union declaration of July 15 last year when asked to
comment on the international pressure being exerted on Athens
and Nicosia concerning national issues.
"The declaration may still be utilized today, and constitutes
the basis of policy with which Turkey must fall in line," Mr.
Reppas said. The July 15 EU foreign ministers' declaration
called on Turkey to refrain from using or threatening the use of
force and to have recourse to the International Court at the
Hague concerning its territorial claims against Greece.
The spokesman called on international officials who express
interest in Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus problem to
ascertain which country's policy was against international law
and international treaties and "to obstruct the implementation
of this policy."
On what he described as the "much-vaunted" initiative expected
from the United States on the Cyprus problem, Mr. Reppas said
that no initiative had so far been forthcoming.
Asked whether the failure for such an initiative would be
regarded as a negative development, Mr. Reppas replied that "it
would be a negative development if there was a lack of interest
on the US side, as too would be the manifestation of interest
which undermined our national issues."
[10] European socialists to meet in Athens over the weekend
Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)
A two-day meeting of the European socialist parties which make
up the European Forum for Democracy and Solidarity and their
respective policy generating institutes will open on Saturday.
The meeting has been organized by the Andreas Papandreou
Institute f or Strategic and Development Studies (ISTAME).
Speakers at the meeting include the Vice President of the
European Socialist Party (ESP) Heinz Fischer and Sweden's
Development Minister and Deputy Foreign Minister Pierre Schori.
Representing the ruling PASOK party will by National Defense
Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, Alternate Foreign Minister George
Papandreou, Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis, party
Secretary Costas Skandalidis and Eurodeputy Paraskevas Avgerinos.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, ISTAME President
Yiannis Souladakis referred to the significance of the meeting,
saying "with such interventions, the prerequisites are created
for a starting point which can be useful for Greece, the
European Union and the countries of central and eastern Europe".
Among ISTAME's priorities, he added, was "the shaping of the
face of the new European left, in co-operation with the
corresponding institutes of the European socialist parties,
since it is clear that the problems being confronted on a daily
basis have a supranational root and can only be resolved through
the convergence of European forces."
[11] Ecumenical Patriarchate surfs the Net
Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)
The Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul has entered cyberspace
with a page on the Internet (WWW.EPNET.GR).
At an official presentation in Thessaloniki yesterday by
Metropolitan Panteleimon, head abbot of the Vlatadon Monastery,
said the move is aimed at "creating a network of information for
the faithful... in Europe, North and South America, Asia and
Australia, on the activities of the Patriarchate."
It provides access to the Patriarchate's administrative
services, a collection of Byzantine icons, a church calendar, a
history and detailed international bibliography, lists of
patriarchs and other church officials, monasteries and
institutions all around the world.
Plans are also in the offing for a news service on all church
matters, a photo archive of Byzantine monuments in Istanbul, a
video archive and data bank of libraries in the Patriarchate and
the Halki Theological School.
The Internet service has been prepared by professors at the
Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki.
[12] Border regions get priority in Northern Greece planning
Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)
The Macedonia and Thrace ministry will concentrate its efforts
this year on speeding up the economic, social and cultural
development of Northern Greece, giving priority to border
regions, minister Philippos Petsalnikos told a press conference
yesterday.
At the same time, efforts will be made to broaden inter-Balkan
and Black Sea co-operation, he said, announcing the ministry's
planning for 1997.
"In this direction, the upgrading of the ministry's role, with
the operation of the Macedonia-Thrace Special Coordinating
Council and the establishment in Thessaloniki of special
secretariats of other ministries, is a top priority for the
leadership of the ministry," Mr. Petsalnikos said.
The ministry's planning for the current year includes turning to
advantage the program for border areas, the development of
special programs of the Macedonia and Thrace ministry and the
use of new technology for the implementation of programs such as
distance training of teachers and the creation of an "electronic
trade zone". Other projects are the linking-up of the ministry
with the Internet, the operation of the National Institute for
Cartography and Cartographic Heritage and the preparation of a
draft law designed to alleviate the problems of ethnic Greeks
returning from abroad to settle in Greece.
Reviewing the ministry's activities during 1996, Mr. Petsalnikos
referred in particular to the implementation of special programs
in Thrace at a cost of 32 billion drachmas and in western
Macedonia totaling 82 billion drachmas, the setting up of
preventive medicine mobile units, the television coverage of
Macedonia-Thrace in co-operation with ET-3 and the establishment
of an Office for Inter-Balkan Co-operation.
[13] 100 million drachmas allocated to archaeological research
Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)
Mr. Petsalnikos announced yesterday that the ministry would fund
archaeological research in northern Greece to the tune of 100
million drachmas.
He made the announcement while opening the sessions of the
archaeology meeting "A decade of Archaeological Work in
Macedonia and Thrace" at Thessaloniki University, which is being
held for the tenth consecutive year.
Mr. Petsalnikos referred to the "great importance" attached by
the ministry to the archaeological finds uncovered in
excavations, adding that this was why it had decided to fund the
archaeological research of Thessaloniki University.
The sessions of the meeting will continue until Saturday with
speeches and presentations by Greek and foreign archaeologists
concerning excavations being conducted in Macedonia and Thrace.
[14] Tsohatzopoulos visits State Aircraft Factory
Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos yesterday said the
State Aircraft Factory has all the means and abilities to give
the Hellenic Air Force support, as well as assist in making its
mission better and more effective.
He was speaking during a visit to its installations in the
Elliniko suburb and in Elefsina, the first visit ever by a
national defense minister.
Reiterating that the country's defense constitutes the basic
condition for safety, peace and co-operation in the region, the
minister said that Greece's national strategy in the past 20
years, introduced by late premier Andreas Papandreou, has a
certain peculiarity.
"Its peculiarity lies in the fact that it combines the national,
social and economic (aspect) in a simultaneous effort for their
implementation," he added.
[15] NATO exercise
Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)
NATO's crisis management exercise '97 will be held on Feb.
20-26, it was announced yesterday.
Members of NATO's Co-operation for Peace program will also
participate in the simulation exercise, held under the auspices
of NATO's secretary general.
A group of officers at Greece's National Operations Center will
represent the country at the exercise.
[16] Acropolis closed as employees strike
Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)
Greece's most frequently visited monuments in Athens and
Thessaloniki were closed yesterday as a result of a strike by
culture ministry employees.
The rolling 48-hour strikes have closed the Acropolis museum and
archaeological site in Athens and the White Tower, Byzantine and
archaeological museums in the northern port city of Thessaloniki.
Representatives of the striking employees gave a press
conference yesterday at which they demanded a meeting with
Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos who, they said, was
refusing to listen to their demands.
Foreign tourists ascending the Acropolis yesterday morning found
banners and posters explaining the strike action.
The demands of the culture ministry employees include making
guards and security staff eligible for special allowances for
uniforms and being on stand-by, making employees hired on the
basis of contracts of indefinite duration subject to the
provisions of the new pay scale, an increase in family
allowances and eligibility for a number of categories of
employees for allowances for unhealthy and dangerous work.
[17] Albright notes 'time of opportunity' to solve Cyprus problem
Washington, 13/02/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)
New US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright yesterday cited a
"time of opportunity" to press for a solution to disputes on
Cyprus with the potential accession of the divided island
republic into the European Union.
She also said she would "use some American influence" to get
this process going.
Testifying before the US Congress' foreign operations
sub-committee, Ms Albright said she had spent a significant
amount of time last year on the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish
relations.
"I think that there has been an increase of tension during the
last month in Cyprus, which is unfortunate and dangerous for
stability in the region, and we should follow this with great
attention," she said.
Ms Albright also stressed the importance of NATO ally Turkey
remaining a secular state and said she had communicated this
message to Turkish Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan.
[18] "The Greek Revolution: Delacroix and the French Painters"
exhibition opens
Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)
An exhibition entitled "The Greek Revolution: Delacroix and the
French Painters" opened at the National Gallery in Athens
yesterday evening.
Speaking during the official opening, President of the Republic
Kostis Stephanopoulos said the exhibition is mainly "a national
event, a look back at the heroic efforts of our people, whose
feelings exploded into revolution after 400 years of slavery
filled with bitterness..."
Ninety oil paintings collected from French and Greek museums are
exhibited on the gallery's three floors, with the main exhibit
being, of course, Delacroix's "Greece on the Ruins of
Messolonghi".
A large number of guests attended the opening ceremony.
[19] Premier reiterates that Gov't unable to meet teachers' pay
demands
Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis reiterated yesterday that there
are no more margins for meeting the demands of striking
teachers, speaking after a meeting of PASOK's unions bureau,
during which the issue of workers' mobilizations was discussed.
Referring to striking teachers, Mr. Simitis said the government
has studied their problems for days and has considered all
possible solutions, which has discussed during long meetings,
but stressed there is no room left for anything more.
He said a detailed discussion was held during the meeting, which
ascertained that salaried employment no longer plays the role it
used to, and added that PASOK's aim is development and social
justice.
[20] High school teachers to continue strike
Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)
Meanwhile, high school teachers decided last night to continue
their strike for a fifth successive week, during a general
meeting. The decision was taken by 79 votes in favor, one
against and four abstentions.
Speaking after a meeting with teachers' representatives,
Education Minister Gerassimos Arsenis told reporters that
discussions touched on all demands, adding that the prime
minister said the financial issue is now closed, with the salary
increases already granted.
Meanwhile, striking teachers held a demonstration in central
Athens yesterday afternoon calling for salary increases.
Primary and nursery school teachers continued their meeting in a
central Athens hotel in order to decide on whether to continue
their strike into next week. No result could be foreseen until
late last night, as teachers appeared divided on the issue.
Meanwhile, in Thessaloniki, employees yesterday at state-run
childcare centers began a 48-hour strike, calling for such
centers not to be transferred to local government.
Employees rallied outside the Macedonia-Thrace ministry where
they handed a petition of demands to Macedonia-Thrace Minister
Philippos Petsalnikos.
In a related development, Mr. Petsalnikos claimed that the
participation rate in strike actions by high school teachers in
northern Greece is between 15-20 percent.
He added that the participation rate for primary school teachers
was even lower.
[21] Premier confers with ministers on need for social dialogue
Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis held a meeting yesterday with
National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, Labor Minister
Miltiades Papaioannou and Labor Under-secretary Christos
Protopapas focusing on the need to expand social dialogue in
order to prevent a new round or intensification of protests by
various social groups.
After the meeting, Mr. Papantoniou said the Cabinet will discuss
the issue in further detail at its Friday meeting.
He said yesterday's issue did not focus on specifics and
technicalities but covered the issue from the viewpoint of the
government's economic and social policy.
Mr. Papaioannou said the prime minister will announce the
results of the meeting on Friday.
Meanwhile, Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras
criticized the premier's statements on Tuesday evening, accusing
him of describing the people's demands as "blackmail by the
trade unions".
[22] Ombudsman bill ratified by Parliament committee
Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)
A bill concerning the ombudsman institution was ratified in
principle in a majority vote by a relevant Parliamentary
committee yesterday.
However, ruling PASOK party deputy Anastasios Peponis expressed
reservations, saying that hopes invested in the institution will
not be rewarded since a possible ombudsman will receive more
requests than can possibly be satisfied. He also expressed
doubts on Constitution grounds.
On his part, Interior, Public Administration and
Decentralization Minister Alekos Papadopoulos said the
institution will fail in the event it will not be appreciated by
all.
Main opposition New Democracy party Deputy Stephanos Manos said
the bill is useless and constitutes the product of public
relations and compromises.
The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) opposed the bill, while
reservations were expressed by the Coalition of the Left and
Progress and the Democratic Social Movement party.
[23] ATE cuts rates following latest inflation figures
Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)
The Agricultural Bank of Greece (ATE) yesterday announced a cut
in interest rates on deposits in view of the new conditions in
the market resulting from the latest drop in inflation.
The bank's governor, Christos Papathanasiou, said that the new
rates, effective as of today, would range between 0.25 per cent
and 0.75 per cent. Specifically, the basic interest rate for a
regular savings account will be 10 per cent for sums up t o
three million drachmas and 10.25 per cent for amounts over three
million drachmas.
The higher interest "Dimitra" account will have an interest rate
of between 10.75 per cent and 11.25 per cent, depending on the
amount deposited.
Similarly, the "Athina" account for students will have a rate of
between 10 per cent and 10.75 per cent and the "Estia" current
account a rate of 8.50 per cent to 10.50 per cent, again
according to the amount of savings.
[24] Olympic Catering considering entry into bourse
Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)
The administration of Olympic Catering is considering the
company's entry to the Athens Stock Exchange after the return of
49 per cent of its share capital to the state for 4.7 billion
drachmas.
Transport and Communications Minister Haris Kastanidis said
yesterday that in the past four years the company has produced
profits amounting to 500 million drachmas in 1993, one billion
drachmas in 1994 and 1995 and two billion drachmas in 1996.
Mr. Kastanidis said the re-acquisition of 100 per cent of
Olympic Cratering's shares by the state is an important success,
adding that a part of the shares to be floated on the bourse
will also be given to the company's employees.
Olympic Catering had sold 49 per cent of its shares to Rose
Hill, belonging to Lebanese interests, in 1992 for 2.2 billion
drachmas.
[25] Cabinet to discuss hiring more pilots for OA
Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)
The hiring of extra pilots by Olympic Airways will depend on the
airline's schedule, according to a statement by Transport and
Communications Minister Haris Kastanidis.
The recruitment of 36 new pilots is to be discussed by Cabinet;
the airline has asked for another 18.
The minister also stressed that no new staff will be hired for
posts already vacated in a voluntary retirement program which
provides for the withdrawal of 1,500 staff members. Already,
2,300 people have left for various reasons. Meanwhile, Mr.
Kastanidis commented that salary increases would be limited to
increases of 7.0 per cent.
[26] Public transport bill tabled
Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)
A bill on improving public transport will be tabled in
Parliament soon, Transport and Communications Under-secretary
Manolis Loukakis said yesterday.
Mr. Loukakis refused to disclose whether his proposal to the
Prices and Incomes Committee includes an increase in bus fares,
but said that economic and social policy related to fares and
funding should be equal. He said it is known that the
operational cost for buses is higher than the price of a fare.
Referring to urban transport companies debts, Mr. Loukakis said
that by virtue of law 2078/92 the state took over debts owed by
the previous urban transport company (EAS) amounting to 417
billion drachmas.
The new bill will settle debts owed by the Attica Urban
Transport Organization (OASA), the Thermal Bus Company (ETHEL)
and the HLPAP and HSAP services as follows:
Debts amounting to 195 billion drachmas will be written off
which concern outstanding debts up to Dec. 31, 1996, and fines
imposed by the state up to that date.
Moreover, OASA's share capital will increase by 102.6 billion
drachmas from amounts due from transport agencies' loan
commitments which have not yet matured and which will have to be
gradually paid off until the year 2004.
Mr. Loukakis said the inter-party committee will convene on
Friday and will take decisions concerning the procurement of new
buses.
The amount of 80 billion drachmas has already been earmarked and
25 billion drachmas will be disbursed every year until 2001. He
also let it be understood that a change in OASA's administration
is combined with the bill's institutional changes.
[27] Cancer of the uterus directly linked to virus
Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)
Cancer of the uterus apparently stems from a
sexually-transmitted virus, according to the results of
prolonged research.
The incidence of this cancer increases in younger women
belonging to so-called "high risk" groups, such as smokers and
individuals with a weaker constitution due to other illnesses or
the long-time consumption of medicines.
Intense sexual activity and premature pregnancies are another
negative factor and experts attribute this to a sharp increase
in uterine cancer among women in the 25-35 age bracket over the
past years.
"It is the generation of the women of the 1970s which
experienced a change in sexual behavior (frequent changes in sex
partners, abortions etc.) and took to smoking," according to
Aristotelion University professor of obstetrics Theodoros
Agorastos.
It is characteristic that research conducted with nuns (women
with a reduced or non-existent sex life) ascertained no cases of
cancer of the uterus.
Despite disappointing results, experts say this type of cancer
is curable if detected at an early stage and insist on the pap
(Papanicolaou) test, which detects possible tumors in female
reproductive organs, as well as use of prophylactics during
sexual intercourse.
[28] Trial date set regarding collision that sunk missile boat
Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)
Responsibility for the deadly collision involving the passenger
ferry "Samaina" and the missile boat "Kostakos" early last
November has been attributed to the captain of the ferry boat,
according to a court subpoena issued yesterday.
The collision cost the lives of four crewmembers on the missile
boat, which sunk during the accident.
A trial has been set for July 7.
Samaina's captain, Matthaios Pnevmatikakis, has been accused of
not having consulted the ship's radar during its course.
He has been charged with causing a shipwreck through negligence,
of violations of regulations regarding the avoidance of
collisions as well as four counts of involuntary manslaughter,
provided the four crewmembers of the Kostakos, who have been
missing since the accident, are deemed to have been killed in
the collision.
"Regardless of the possible responsibilities which the officers
and crew of the Kostakos missile boat may have, everything would
have been avoided if the captain (of the ferry boat) had
consulted the ship's radar," the indictment stated.
The subpoena is also directed to 12 witnesses, most of whom were
crewmembers of the Samaina.
Mr. Pnevmatikakis' defense has said it has irrefutable evidence
that the ship's radar was operating, but that due to
interference on the night in question because of an ongoing
military exercise, the radar could not pick up signals.
A report by a fire brigade investigation officer this week laid
the blame for the accident on the crew of the missile boat.
Meanwhile, divers descended to the wreckage of the Kostakos one
more time yesterday in order to gather more information
regarding the facts surrounding the accident. Preparations are
also underway for the missile boat to be brought to the surface.
[29] Investigation into murder of Russian underworld figure continues
Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)
Investigations into the murder of Russian fugitive Alexander
Solonik, found dead last week near Varibobi north of Athens, are
now concentrating on how he managed to obtain Greek
identification papers almost immediately after escaping from a
Russian prison .
Initial police investigations indicate that after arriving in
Greece, Solonik moved into a villa in Thrakomakedones, near Mt.
Parnitha. He later moved to Lagonissi, on the coast south of
Athens, where he lived with another four Russian gang leaders.
All five men, according to police sources, were dealing in arms
and drugs as well as supplying women from eastern European
countries to night clubs and brothels in Greece.
Police believe that Solonik was murdered in a house at Lagonissi
and his body then dumped in the field were it was later found.
It is believed his murder was related to a contract to kill a
prominent businessman living in Italy.
Shortly before Solonik's body was found, six Russian police
officers had come here on a tip that he had been murdered, and
that information was contained in a parcel hidden near Athens
airport. A box was found containing a diagram of the location of
Solonik's body.
End of English language section.
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