Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-03-28

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From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1149), March 28, 1997

Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[01] Greece, Romania sign two military-related agreements

[02] Spyridon leaves for visit to Ecumenical Patriarchate

[03] Nikos Skoulas named new EOT head

[04] EOT wins tourism fair award

[05] Greek, Turkish military chiefs may meet next month at NATO meeting

[06] Turkish national assembly president to visit

[07] Simitis holds talks with EU Commissioner Kinnock

[08] Pangalos meets with EU Commissioner Papoutsis

[09] Synaspismos delegation in FYROM

[10] Costas Karamanlis holds separate meetings with Mitsotakis, Kaklamanis

[11] Illegal immigration from Albania down, Romeos says

[12] Mob breaks into Greek consulate in Gjirokaster

[13] Olympiakos beats Greek rival in European League game

[14] KEDKE conference enters second day

[15] Arsenis briefs premier on education issue

[16] Health ministry announces expansion of methadone program

[17] Development minister denies plans for 'second OTE'

[18] Gov't spokesman

[19] Seminar organized on European energy planning

[20] Alpha Credit Bank assembly approves 76.2 bln capital increase

[21] Bank of Crete tendering reopens

[22] New issue of zero coupon bonds on April 1st

[23] Greek-Cypriot business symposium scheduled next week

[24] Trade mission to visit Havana

[25] Athens chamber delegation in Belgrade

[26] Prospects for Greek economy 'positive'

[27] Sports under-secretary says basketball league will turn completely professional

[01] Greece, Romania sign two military-related agreements

Bucharest, 28/03/1997 (ANA)

The two countries also affirmed common views regarding the terms for the development of co-operation, peace and stability as well as economic relations in the Balkans, particularly in the context of European Union enlargement, according to statements by Mr. Tsohatzopoulos after his talks with Romanian counterpart Viktor Babiouk.

"We ascertained common views regarding the terms for the evolution of co-operation in the Balkan countries, as well as peace and security in the region," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said, stressing that the traditional friendship between the two countries is finding new hopeful prospects after Prime Minister Costas Simitis' recent visit to the Romanian capital.

"Greece and Romania constitute stabilizing factors in the Balkans and we must promote the potential for co-operation, and the joint support for the new prospect for the European Union and enlargement eastwards. We believe, indeed, that Balkan countries are entitled to participate in this enlargement, with priority for Romania, in addition with the countries of central Europe..." he added.

Mr. Babiouk said the two men discussed problems in the region and his country's plan to join NATO, which Greece supports.

"We reviewed the situation in the area we live. We discussed the problems regarding Romania's NATO membership. We found once again that Greece supports us in our NATO membership," he said.

The Romanian defense minister added: "We sought sectors in which to develop our co-operation and we succeeded. The signing of these agreements has a logical character, for our countries to develop relations of co-operation, mainly in the military sector. Such agreements are necessary."

[02] Spyridon leaves for visit to Ecumenical Patriarchate

Athens, 28/03/1997 (ANA)

The visit will culminate in the celebration of the third Sunday of Lent with Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos.

The Archbishop is to meet with the Patriarch tomorrow in order to present the Presbyters Council and to discuss issues of mutual concern and an expected visit to the United States by the Ecumenical Patriarch in the autumn.

[03] Nikos Skoulas named new EOT head

Athens, 28/03/1997 (ANA)

Ms. Papandreou was speaking to reporters during an official ceremony appointing Nikos Skoulas to the post of EOT Secretary-General.

Mr. Skoulas, until recently the head of the national council on Tourism, replaces Vassilis Kourtessis, who resigned last week.

Mr. Skoulas, who was a national economy under-secretary responsible for the tourism sector from 1987 to 1989 and EOT Secretary-General from 1982 to 1985, pledged to continue the work begun by his predecessor.

"The pace, however, needs to be increased because our competitors will not wait for us," he warned.

He said he hoped to be in the post for a substantial period of time - such as five years - so that he could realize the plans he had and achieve more results.

Ms. Papandreou thanked Mr. Kourtessis for his contribution and said that significant steps in the exploitation of EOT's assets had been taken under his stewardship.

"These efforts," she said, "will continue as will the major administrative changes in EOT, which will be completed by the end of the year."

She stressed once again the need for Greece to qualitatively upgrade its tourist product and services.

Indications for the tourist season so far this year, she added, were encouraging, with arrivals expected to increase significantly over last year's figures.

[04] EOT wins tourism fair award

Athens, 28/03/1997 (ANA)

It is EOT's fourth consecutive year at the fair, joined this year by another 50 exhibitors from Greece, private organizations and local government bodies.

Russian officials said 1997 would be a good year for tourism to Greece with the number of visitors from Russia expected to continue to rise. The numbers are expected to be helped by Olympic Airways new Athens-Moscow route.

[05] Greek, Turkish military chiefs may meet next month at NATO meeting

Athens, 28/03/1997 (ANA)

Acting government spokesman Yiannis Nikolaou said that the meeting, if held, would be within the framework of "routine contacts" which take place on the sidelines of alliance meetings and could serve "to further broaden possibilities for improving the climate of Greek-Turkish relations". Commenting on an invitation from Gen. Karadayi to Gen. Tzoganis to visit Turkey, Mr. Nikolaou said an official invitation would have to be extended.

He underlined, however, that while all such initiatives were positive, they should be accompanied by "concrete measures for the implementation of Turkey's good intentions". "Such moves are meaningful when the conditions are secured, which are related to respect for international law, international treaties and the implementation of the principle o f refraining from using force or threatening the use of force," the spokesman said.

Gen. Karadayi attended a reception at Athens' embassy in Ankara to celebrate Greece's Independence Day on Tuesday. The government described his attendance as "a polite gesture".

The Turkish general reportedly spoke to Greek ambassador Dimitris Nezeritis of the need to resolve bilateral differences "so that future generations will not be burdened by these problems".

Although noting yesterday that Gen. Karadayi's statements had a positive value, the Greek government expressed the hope that they reflected a more general political direction.

[06] Turkish national assembly president to visit

Athens, 28/03/1997 (ANA)

According to Mr. Kalemli's office, the Turkish parliament president accepted an invitation extended by his Greek counterpart, Apostolos Kaklamanis, to attend the meeting.

Diplomatic sources attributed Mr. Kalemli's visit to Athens to efforts to improve Greek-Turkish relations, and stressed he has already discussed his visit with Gen. Karadayi.

Meanwhile, military sources told the Turkish press that Gen. Karadayi's gesture of appearing at the reception aimed to change the impression that the Turkish general staff is provoking tension in bilateral relations.

"We proceeded with an important step with the aim of showing this is not how things are. From now on, Athens and EU countries must make the required steps for friendship between the two countries," the same sources told the Turkish daily "Cumhurriyet".

"The non-military sector has not managed to forge the same friendly relations which we military have forged," the same sources said.

[07] Simitis holds talks with EU Commissioner Kinnock

Athens, 28/03/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Kinnock also held talks with Merchant Marine Minister Stavros Soumakis earlier yesterday on the EU's foreign relations in the sea transport sector and issues to be examined by the Transport Council in June, such as registration of passengers travelling with ships and the lowest levels of training for merchant seamen.

Mr. Soumakis briefed Mr. Kinnock on Greece's positions on these issues and on the country's general positions in relation to the EU's shipping policy, stressing the importance of shipping for Greece and the EU.

In this context, Mr. Soumakis stressed the need for an EU maritime shipping policy which will take into account the views of all member-states.

Mr. Kinnock said excellent co-operation exists between the European Commission and Greece in promoting the EU's shipping policy and agreed with Mr. Soumakis on the adoption of an EU shipping policy to benefit all member-states.

[08] Pangalos meets with EU Commissioner Papoutsis

Athens, 28/03/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Papoutsis had met earlier with Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis.

The main issues of discussion during the two meetings were developments in Albania and the European Union's involvement in efforts to resolve the crisis, expected EU expansion centering on Cyprus' induction procedure and the course of the Intergovernmental Conference.

Mr. Papoutsis is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Costas Simitis this morning, after which he will speak at the Parliamentary European affairs committee on the issue of the Intergovernmental Conference.

[09] Synaspismos delegation in FYROM

Skopje, 28/03/1997 (ANA/M. Vihou)

Mr. Constantopoulos, who is heading a Synaspismos delegation including Euro-MP Mihalis Papayiannakis, had meetings with representatives of FYROM trade unions, the writers' union and several political parties.

The delegation is scheduled to meet FYROM Foreign Minister Ljubomir Frckovski and President Kiro Gligorov today.

Earlier, at Thessaloniki airport, Mr. Constantopoulos called for a "dialogue on all issues" with FYROM.

"Greece and Skopje are strategic partners for stability and growth in the region," he added.

Mr. Constantopoulos called for political initiatives, a continual improvement in the climate, as well as talks aimed at "promoting formulas for mutually acceptable solutions to all problems, even the dispute over the name."

[10] Costas Karamanlis holds separate meetings with Mitsotakis, Kaklamanis

Athens, 28/03/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Karamanlis visited Mr. Mitsotakis at the latter's office and discussed national problems for about 35 minutes.

Speaking to reporters after leaving Mr. Mitsotakis' office, Mr. Karamanlis said he called on Mr. Mitsotakis to contribute to the effort aimed at the party's recovery.

He said the discussion was "constructive and friendly", adding that Mr. Mitsotakis assured him that he will assist the effort.

On his part, Mr. Mitsotakis said he had a very good discussion with Mr. Karamanlis, adding that it is self-evident that he will help, "as he has always done," the party and the new leader.

The new ND president also met with Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis.

Mr. Kaklamanis wished Mr. Karamanlis success in his work, while the ND leader told the Parliament president that "ND will make every effort in order to upgrade the work of Parliament."

The meeting also focused on issues related to parliamentary activities and the role of the Parliament in the promotion of Greece's national issues.

Concluding his round of meetings, Mr. Karamanlis visited former ND premier George Rallis, thanking him for "impeccable" party elections last week.

Mr. Karamanlis said the veteran ND cadre affirmed that he would assist in any way he could.

On his part, Mr. Rallis said, however, that he did not desire any post, saying he had no "political ambitions". He also denied that he intended to stand for the post of president of the republic in the year 2000.

[11] Illegal immigration from Albania down, Romeos says

Athens, 28/03/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Romeos was replying to a question tabled by main opposition New Democracy party deputy George Orfanos.

Since the end of February, Mr. Romeos said, the number of illegal immigrants entering the country from neighbouring Albania has dropped sharply as a result of increased security along the border.

A total of 42 joint army and police detachments had been set up along Greece's border with Albania, Mr. Romeos said, which had been reinforced with squads of riot police, two helicopters and patrol cars.

In the last two months alone, approximately 30,000 illegal immigrants have been sent back to Albania, he added.

Mr. Orfanos alleged that Kalashnikov automatic weapons smuggled into the country from Albania were available on the black market in the northern port city of Thessaloniki for just five to ten thousand drachmas.

Mr. Romeos disputed the claim, saying such availability was not possible because of the stringent checks in force.

"The measures taken by the government are such that arms smuggling on this scale is not possible...," he told Parliament.

In a related issue, Mr. Romeos said a meeting would be held on Monday with the participation of the mayors of the Athens district of Ano Liosia to discuss the problems which have been created in the area by Albanian drug smugglers.

[12] Mob breaks into Greek consulate in Gjirokaster

Gjirokaster, 28/03/1997 (ANA)

The incident occurred after several thousand people gathered outside the consulate, the second day that it opened following the unrest of recent weeks.

Staff-members were eventually evacuated to the consular residence, while the incident ended after about two hours.

[13] Olympiakos beats Greek rival in European League game

Athens, 28/03/1997 (ANA)

The half-time score was 30-29 in favour of the Piraeus club, which played on Panathinaikos' home court at the Olympic Indoor Arena.

The second game of the best-of-three series is scheduled for April 1 at the Peace and Friendship Stadium in Faliro. The series winner heads to the European championships in Rome.

[14] KEDKE conference enters second day

Athens, 28/03/1997 (ANA)

The conference focused on the government's proposed reform plan promoting the creation of "metropolitan self-admnistration structures."

In his speech, Mr. Papadopoulos stressed the need for the modernization and adaptation to the new order of the state agencies.

Elaborating on the "Kapodistrias" plan, a program for the modernization and restructuring of the local self-administration, Mr. Papadopoulos said the program was part of the "general political planning for the development, progress and prosperity of the country."

In his address, Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos referred to the creation of "metropolitan municipalities," calling for the government's co-operation in order to "have a solution implemented in the best possible and effective way."

"We should not erase history in the name of economic effectiveness, especially at a place where (history) played a major role in the survival of the nation," Mr. Avramopoulos said.

He said the new organizations, which will emerge from the mergers between municipalities and communities, should be financially supported in order to achieve a stronger and more efficient self administration structure.

"It would be criminal if support for the new structures is derived from the existing sources for local self-administration," he said.

The General Prefect of Greater Athens-Piraeus, Evangelos Kouloumbis, told the conference that the interior ministry's proposal for the merging of communities and municipalities was "serious and carefully compiled."

Mr. Kouloumbis said that in order for such a radical program to be successful local societies must believe in its necessity.

[15] Arsenis briefs premier on education issue

Athens, 28/03/1997 (ANA)

According to reports, Mr. Arsenis briefed the prime minister on the situation prevailing in schools in connection with lessons lost during teachers' two-month-long strike and the refusal of the Union of Secondary School Teachers (OLME) to implement measures he has announced.

Reports said Mr. Arsenis also briefed the prime minister on reforms he is promoting, primarily higher education, concerning the operation of "free study courses" at certain universities as of September, as well as the operation of the open university in the same month. Mr. Arsenis has said that he will announce details of the new institution on Monday.

[16] Health ministry announces expansion of methadone program

Athens, 28/03/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Skoulakis was replying to a question in Parliament by Coalition of the Left and Progress deputy Maria Damanaki, who called on the government to submit a report on the methadone program to deputies.

[17] Development minister denies plans for 'second OTE'

Athens, 28/03/1997 (ANA)

Responding to Communist Party of Greece deputy Achilleas Kantartzis she said that her recent meeting with entrepreneurs, "officials from DEH (the state power company) said they had received proposals from foreign companies for networking in light of the deregulation of the internal telecoms market, in other words, mobile telephony".

She reiterated that the government had proposed to the European Union that there be a transitional period of five years, but that at the end of this period, the telecoms market be fully deregulated.

[18] Gov't spokesman

Athens, 28/03/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Simitis and Ms. Papandreou, the spokesman said, were quite clear about OTE and the thing that the government is pursuing is the extension of the transitional period up to the deregulation of telecommunications.

[19] Seminar organized on European energy planning

Athens, 28/03/1997 (ANA)

The seminar is organized by the European Commission in co-operation with the Center of Renewable Energy Sources.

The seminar will be held with the participation of Christos Papoutsis, EU Commissioner for issues of Energy, Small-to-Middle Sized businesses and Tourism and Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Alekos Papadopoulos as well as Development Minister Vasso Papandreou.

[20] Alpha Credit Bank assembly approves 76.2 bln capital increase

Athens, 28/03/1997 (ANA)

The general assembly decided to increase the bank's capital by 72.6 billion drachmas with a lump-sum dividend payment and the right of purchase by old shareholders at the price of 11,000 drachmas for every new share in exchange for four old ones, and by giving one share free of charge for every four old ones resulting from the capitalization of reserves. Registrations will take place from April 7 to May 9, 1997.

The bank's Administrative Council President G. Kostopoulos said revenues emanating from the increase in capital will be used to develop the network of the bank's branch offices, which currently amount to 190, and informatics systems, participate in share capital increases of the group's companies, strengthen the capital yield and activate new products.

Referring to results achieved in 1996, Mr. Kostopoulos said that profits after tax increased by 18.8 per cent and amounted to 54 billion drachmas. Loans granted increased by 25.1 per cent and reached 890.6 billion drachmas, while deposits totaled 1,996 .1 billion drachmas (an increase of 32.1 per cent).

[21] Bank of Crete tendering reopens

Athens, 28/03/1997 (ANA)

According to the decision, the floor price for the purchase of the bank has been set at 30 billion drachmas, with payment to be made either in cash or with a down-payment of at least 30 per cent, with the remaining amount being paid within three years.

Offers, along with all required paperwork, must be submitted by June 6, 1997, while the three short-listed candidate buyers will be notified by June

[22] New issue of zero coupon bonds on April 1st

Athens, 28/03/1997 (ANA)

Given that inflation and interest rates are following a continuous downward trend, the investor choosing these securities avoids the risk of reinvesting his money with a smaller yield for two years, since the interest rate for the two-year bonds will re main stable throughout their entire duration.

[23] Greek-Cypriot business symposium scheduled next week

Athens, 28/03/1997 (ANA)

[24] Trade mission to visit Havana

Athens, 28/03/1997 (ANA)

According to HEPO, the main purpose of the mission will be to further develop bilateral relations at a business level.

At a recent meeting organized by HEP on the possibilities for further expanding economic and commercial co-operation with Cuba, opportunities were identified in the sectors of construction and infrastructure, foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, clothing, footwear, plastic household items and stainless steel kitchen utensils.

[25] Athens chamber delegation in Belgrade

Belgrade, 28/03/1997 (ANA/M. Mouratidis)

Talks between the Greek delegation and businessmen from Yugoslavia focused on specific forms of co-operation, joint participation in third markets and co-operation in projects of strategic importance in the southern Balkans.

The president of Belgrade's Chamber of Finance, Branislav Vujosevic, said that in the first two months of the year trade transactions between the two countries amounted to US$30 million, while the figure is expected to reach 400 million by the end of the year.

He said the new law on changing the ownership status of businesses and state-run corporations in Yugoslavia will contribute to further promoting Greek-Yugoslav economic and trade relations.

Greek businessmen are expected to sign specific agreements on co-operation in the sectors of industry, trade and building, stressing that tourism and small enterprises constitute suitable ground for future co-operation.

[26] Prospects for Greek economy 'positive'

Athens, 28/03/1997 (ANA)

According to the report, Greece will retain its present long-term foreign currency rating of BB and corresponding short-term rating of A3.

In addition, the report's evaluation of the Greek economy will now be using the term "positive" to describe prospects, a step up from the previous designation of "steady." With respect to long- and short-term local currency ratings, Standard and Poors give Greece an A and A-1 respectively.

The report notes that the evaluation "reflects the positive prospects that exist with the new government, which came to power last year with an absolute parliamentary majority and has a four-year term in which to continue to adapt the country's public finances and implement its economic policy in the public sector and to carry out other structural reforms, which have been set by Greece as a target for its entry to EMU by the year 2001."

Also underlined in the report are Greece's growth rates - which are above the European Union average - the country's stable democratic system of government "and the unimpeded and impeccable settlement of the post-war debt."

[27] Sports under-secretary says basketball league will turn completely professional

Athens, 28/03/1997 (ANA)

Basketball clubs will be converted into societes anonymes with a minimum equity capital of 100 million drachmas.

Regarding the issue of foreign players who acquire Greek citizenship, he said the undersecretariat will toughen its attitude and tighten procedures.

In an unrelated subject, the under-secretary said the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Juan Antonio Samaranch, will visit Athens on July 7 to attend a special event for "Olympic Day".

End of English language section.

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