Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-03-29

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1150), March 29, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papantoniou says Greek loan to Albania as soon as instability ends

[02] Consulate to open only under safe conditions

[03] Possible Fino visit to Greece

[04] Ioannina hospitals suffer shortages as Albanian casualties flood in

[05] Thessaloniki Bar Association to aid Albanian counterparts

[06] Kinnock meets with alternate FM

[07] Talks with transport minister

[08] Simitis confers with Papoutsis on IGC, European developments

[09] Costas Karamanlis meets with Souflias, Avramopoulos

[10] Papoutsis, Papandreou warn of difficulties at Amsterdam summit

[11] New law on public hirings discussed by cabinet

[12] Labour minister says latest Simitis' speech not prelude to 'unfavourable decisions'

[13] Constantopoulos, Synaspismos delegation hold talks with FYROM leadership

[14] Canadian ambassador discusses major investments with Thessaloniki prefect

[15] Turkish violations of Greek airspace

[16] Tsohatzopoulos winds up Romania visit

[17] Two-day conference on tourism sector labour relations

[18] IOC member on Greek visit

[19] Arsenis says decision on missed classes not at teachers' discretion

[20] Avramopoulos leaves on official visit to US, Canada

[21] Commission guide for handicapped tourists

[22] Greek-Uzbek trade agreement

[23] Way cleared for Xiosbank entry into ASE

[24] Savings accounts, state securities drop in February

[25] Shipping exchange inflows up 3.3 per cent

[26] Two suspected Creuzfeldt-Jacob cases in Crete

[01] Papantoniou says Greek loan to Albania as soon as instability ends

Athens, 29/03/97 (ANA)

National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, speaking to reporters in Ioannina, said that a decision earlier in the month by the government for a 20-billion-drachma loan with favourable terms to strife-ridden Albania would be implemented "as soon as the political situation normalizes in the neighbouring country."

The minister said he hoped that the crisis in Albania would soon be over.

"We hope that there is a quick stabilization in Albania. The (Greek) government is doing what it can on a political and economic level. We have decided to grant a long-term loan of 20 billion drachmas as soon as the situation normalizes," he said. "We a re now at the stage where final decisions will be taken, but a prerequisite is the stabilization of the political situation."

The loan will be guaranteed by the Greek state and granted by the National Bank of Greece.

He added that a favourable side-effect of the loan would be that it would assist Greece-based firms which had suffered losses in Albania.

[02] Consulate to open only under safe conditions

Athens, 29/03/97 (ANA)

Serious scuffles broke out at the consulate on Thursday when armed individuals demanding passport visas broke down the main door, threw tear gas grenades and threatened staff by firing automatic rifles in the air.

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

"Criminal activities have taken extensive dimensions in the neighbouring country," Mr. Reppas said.

The cabinet discussed yesterday the situation in Albania.

[03] Possible Fino visit to Greece

Athens, 29/03/97 (ANA)

Mr. Kranidiotis, who had extended the invitation during a telephone conversation with Mr. Fino, reiterated his offer during his meeting with the Albanian premier in Rome last week.

According to sources, Mr. Fino is to meet with Prime Minister Costas Simitis, officials of the Greek foreign ministry and possibly with economy ministers.

A Fino visit is considered to be particularly important as it will provide the opportunity to cement relations of friendship and co-operation, especially after accusations this past week by Albanian circles that Greece was involved in the recent events i n southern Albania.

Meanwhile, during a broadcast by the BBC's Albanian service from Tirana, the leader of the Albanian Socialist Party, Fatos Nano, said that although his visit last week to Greece was of a personal nature, this did not prevent him from maintaining contact s with Greek friends and politicians, with whom he said he exchanged views regarding the current crisis in his strife-ridden country.

Questioned on the recent allegations made by outgoing Albanian secret service head Bashkim Gazidede that Greek groups were plotting to "liberate" southern Albania and that they were behind the uprisings, Mr. Nano said:

"(Mr. Gazidede's) statements remind me of the Hoxha regime. I am sorry that the mentality for espionage issues is so deeply and irreparably rooted in the minds of Berisha and the people who serve him.

"The conspiracy against Albania, I see it only in the minds of those who speak of this term. We are talking about the uprising of a whole nation against a system which failed for 50 years and which continues to create dramatic situations both in Albania and in the region. A whole nation cannot fall victim to espionage," he said.

[04] Ioannina hospitals suffer shortages as Albanian casualties flood in

Athens, 29/03/97 (ANA)

The University Hospital and the General State Hospital are already treating 100 casualties, many of whom are children. In addition, they are providing medical care to about 300 Albanians either with various diseases or following operations.

Due to the high number of operations performed during the last few weeks, both hospitals are facing a blood shortage problem.

Operating theaters at the two hospitals are functioning on a 24-hour basis and a large number of operations scheduled for Greek patients have been postponed, resulting in protests from patients and relatives.

Meanwhile, the boards of administration of both hospitals are making efforts to transfer Albanians who have already undergone operations to other hospitals around the country, in order to free beds for Albanian casualties continuously arriving.

Another problem is that of the Albanian children who have arrived unaccompanied and been admitted to the hospital with gunshot wounds and cannot return home. In addition, a large number of relatives of Albanian patients have established themselves in every possible free space in and around the two hospitals.

At the Kakavia border post, a first aid station has been set up to provide treatment to injured and sick Albanians and to evaluate the seriousness of cases in order to decide whether their transfer to hospital is warranted.

[05] Thessaloniki Bar Association to aid Albanian counterparts

Athens, 29/03/97 (ANA)

The decision to provide the aid, amounting to three million drachmas, was taken during the last meeting of the Bar Association's board of directors.

According to an announcement, the decision was taken due to the co-operation of the bar associations of Albania and Thessaloniki within the framework of the Union of Balkan Bar Associations.

[06] Kinnock meets with alternate FM

Athens, 29/03/97 (ANA)

Replying to reporters' questions after the meeting, Mr. Papandreou said the Community was satisfied with the rate of implementation, with EU assistance, of major infrastructure works in Greece, while adding that a number of matters were yet to be resolved.

"I think we are on a good course," Mr. Papandreou said.

Asked to comment on the crisis in neighbouring Albania, Mr. Kinnock said the EU desired the normalization of the situation "and subsequently, apart from the dispatch of humanitarian aid, we shall hopefully be able to formulate a rational policy as far as our relations with Albania are concerned".

For a number of reasons, Mr. Kinnock added, it was still too early for the Commission to finalize its policy on Albania since, as he said, the main thing is for stability to be restored "before we can begin any development effort".

[07] Talks with transport minister

Athens, 29/03/97 (ANA)

Mr. Kastanidis said there was an identity of views with Mr. Kinnock on several issues, including the need for unimpeded rail links with the Community, without delays or formalities which entail higher costs and problems for perishable goods.

Mr. Kinnock, he added, also agreed to a Greek request for Community assistance in extending Greece's free rail links with the countries of eastern Europe.

Other issues discussed included the revision of prices, special taxation system and duties for goods transiting Austria and Switzerland.

Mr. Kastanidis said the Commission had agreed to take a final decision on assistance for the rehabilitation of the national carrier "Olympic Airways" at the end of April.

The only issue on which Mr. Kastanidis expressed some reservations was that of the uniform flight control system, regarding which he requested clarifications on matters such as which agency will be responsible for planning the new air corridors.

Mr. Kinnock agreed that these points should be clarified at the forthcoming meeting of EU transport ministers in Brussels.

The Commissioner, who celebrated his 58th birthday yesterday, said he was glad to be in Athens and that he preferred the Greek capital to Brussels.

[08] Simitis confers with Papoutsis on IGC, European developments

Athens, 29/03/97 (ANA)

After the one-hour meeting, Mr. Papoutsis said the "particularly useful and substantial" talks with Mr. Simitis would help to shape "a responsible and coordinated Greek presence in European developments".

Describing the current period for Greece's course in the EU as "critical", Mr. Papoutsis underlined the need for a determined and constructive stance on the part of all, particularly with regard to the IGC and developments in the Balkan region in general.

Replying to questions on Cyprus' course towards EU accession, Mr. Papoutsis reiterated the commitments undertaken by the Community concerning the commencement of negotiations six months after the end of the IGC.

He noted that the relevant EU decisions did not foresee other prerequisites, such as a prior settlement of the Cyprus problem and expressed the hope that Cyprus would definitely be among the first new members of the EU.

On developments in Albania, Mr. Papoutsis said the Commission had undertaken the coordination of EU efforts to restore normality in the neighbouring country and what was needed now was the activation of those agencies which will undertake to ensure that aid sent to Albania reaches its proper destination.

Asked to comment on Italian initiatives, Mr. Papoutsis said that Rome was interested in playing an important role in the region "in which it has interests, just as Greece has".

Mr. Papoutsis said Greece's role in efforts to defuse the crisis in Albania had been "responsible" and this had been acknowledged by the EU.

[09] Costas Karamanlis meets with Souflias, Avramopoulos

Athens, 29/03/97 (ANA)

Mr. Souflias stated afterwards that discussions had been very good and friendly, centering on the major problems of the country, and the policies and the future course of the party.

"Each one of us must give the best he can for rejuvenation and restructuring of New Democracy, so that it may respond to its great national mission and the need for solving the country's problems," he said.

Mr. Souflias added that the party must exercise a responsible and dynamic opposition, and expressed support for an "open doors" policy already announced by Mr. Karamanlis.

Sources said Mr. Souflias will participate ex officio in the party's central and executive bureau.

Mr. Karamanlis also met with Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos, who described the meeting as useful and constructive. He said he will wholeheartedly support the new ND leader.

[10] Papoutsis, Papandreou warn of difficulties at Amsterdam summit

Athens, 29/03/97 (ANA)

"A new Europe is created through revision of the Maastricht Treaty, and Greece cannot afford to stay out of developments," both officials told the Parliament's European affairs committee.

Mr. Papoutsis said "the Greek government should move swiftly, before it's too late, and request a political commitment from Brussels, regarding future financing from structural funds and accession procedures for Cyprus".

Mr. Papandreou said the problem for Greece "is growing larger due to the pressures exerted by the French-German axis for a multi-tier Europe."

In addition, he said that "certain people in the Community" were using against Greece the fact that "at times our country is blocking procedures for a Turkish-EU accession," as well as "expressing strong reservation on the issue of flexibility, the ability between certain member-states to co-operate in order to promote certain policies."

Mr. Papoutsis said Greece should clearly state that it would not make any concessions in Amsterdam, adding that a relative decision reached by Parliament, would result in the government being ready when called to ratify the new EU treaty.

Mr. Papandreou and Mr. Papoutsis also referred to the Cyprus issue, noting that Greece should help Cyprus, even in technical issues, in order to avoid any excuse from Brussels aimed to delay the island republic's accession to the European Union.

[11] New law on public hirings discussed by cabinet

Athens, 29/03/97 (ANA)

He said the bill, which was discussed at yesterday's cabinet meeting, anticipates its extension to the hirings of employees at banks, municipal corporations and organizations in the public sector.

Mr. Reppas said the speeding up of processes for hiring new employees is anticipated and the abolition of settlements creating injustices for interested parties.

He said that by virtue of the bill the criterion of five-year periods of evaluation will be abolished, service candidates chosen will be restricted to about 10 and, while services in Thrace and border islands will be manned on the criterion of local origin.

Mr. Reppas said a test on hirings in the public sector will take place in October and will be repeated every year in the same month.

Speaking after the cabinet meeting, Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Alekos Papadopoulos said that social criteria will be abolished in tests for hiring civil servants, adding that emphasis will be placed on the criterion of merit.

He said written tests will be completed in six months and hirings taking place with the process of indicators will be completed in seven months instead of 13, which is the case at present.

[12] Labour minister says latest Simitis' speech not prelude to 'unfavourable decisions'

Athens, 29/03/97 (ANA)

Many union officials interpreted a speech Mr. Simitis gave to trade unionists of the ruling PASOK party on Wednesday as a prelude to unfavourable decisions for salaries and pensions.

Mr. Papaioannou said that with his speech the prime minister placed the problems of the Greek economy's competitiveness, development and employment in their real dimensions, adding that no one, and primarily the government, can ignore economic reality.

He said the government maintains steadfast social references, serves the interests of the working people and also wants to forestall developments and make adjustments in the best possible way.

The meeting between Mr. Papaioannou and the prime minister focused on paving the way for Mr. Simitis' visit to the labour ministry on April 9.

[13] Constantopoulos, Synaspismos delegation hold talks with FYROM leadership

Skopje, 29/03/97 (ANA/M. Vihou)

The Synaspismos delegation is headed by party leader Nikos Constantopoulos.

FYROM Foreign Minister Ljubomir Frckovski said both sides "are expressing willingness to work towards constructive results" in pending talks under UN auspices", while FYROM Parliament President Tito Petkovski referred to "political contacts which create a useful and binding framework, which can, through positive steps, deal with the outstanding aspects of the interim agreement".

FYROM President Kiro Gligorov referred to a commonly acceptable solution, adding that "each country has its own existence and self-consciousness."

According to reports, the Greek political party delegation's interlocutors described as "historic" Athens' opportunity to help in promoting the links of Balkan countries with Europe, and no reservations were expressed regarding Greece's role in the Albanian crisis. Indeed, the view was expressed that the dangers posed by the crisis brought Greece and the landlocked former Yugoslav republic closer together.

President Gligorov, in particular, described the Greek government's stand and handling as "positive", stressing the need for a European course for his country, and emphasized that "there is no problem of disputing or contesting the border between the two countries."

It was also agreed that inter-party committees, comprising deputies from both countries, should be set up in order to promote parliamentary exchanges.

[14] Canadian ambassador discusses major investments with Thessaloniki prefect

Athens, 29/03/97 (ANA)

Mr. Papadopoulos briefed the Canadian ambassador on the projects currently underway or those due to begin in Thessaloniki prefecture. The two men also discussed bilateral co-operation prospects which are appearing in the Balkans and Black Sea countries.

[15] Turkish violations of Greek airspace

Athens, 29/03/97 (ANA)

Eleven formations of Turkish fighters, which flew over the northeastern Aegean, were intercepted and escorted out of Greek airspace by Hellenic Air Force F-16 and Mirage 2000 aircraft.

[16] Tsohatzopoulos winds up Romania visit

Bucharest, 29/03/97 (ANA/DPA)

Citing Bucharest Radio, the dispatch said Mr. Tsohatzopoulos had reiterated that Greece supported NATO and EU enlargement. During talks with Mr. Tsohatzopoulos, Corbea stressed that NATO membership was a priority for Romanian foreign policy.

Both men underlined meanwhile that their respective countries were ready to support an international initiative aimed at resolving the crisis in Albania.

Greece and Romania yesterday signed two military-related agreements, one in the technology and armaments sector and the other concerning the protection of military information.

[17] Two-day conference on tourism sector labour relations

Athens, 29/03/97 (ANA)

The conference will be organized by the General Confederation of Workers of Greece's (GSEE) Labour Institute, the Irakleio Labour Center (EKH) and the federation of tourist occupation employees.

It is expected to attract the interest of officials from such countries as Spain, Italy, Portugal, Belgium and Cyprus.

The conference will be inaugurated by EKH President Georgios Skoulatakis.

[18] IOC member on Greek visit

Athens, 29/03/97 (ANA)

Mr. Easton is the first IOC members to visit Athens since its qualification to a short-list of cities contesting the Olympics.

His schedule includes inauguration at the city's Olympic Park today of an olive grove which will symbolize the connection between the mythological derivation of the name of Athens from the goddess Athena and the Olympic Ideal. Mr. Easton will plant the first tree in the grove, and will be followed likewise by each IOC member to visit Athens. The trees will be named after their planters, and their branches will be used to crown the Olympic winners of 2004 if the city is awards the Games.

Mr. Easton will also attend the start to a Marathon rally of 53 antique cars at the Panathenian Stadium tomorrow morning. The vehicles will cover the classic route between Athens and Marathon, returning to the stadium for the finish.

[19] Arsenis says decision on missed classes not at teachers' discretion

Athens, 29/03/97 (ANA)

"It is not up to teachers' unions whether to implement the circular. The circular is from the ministry and will be implemented," Mr. Arsenis said.

The circular extends the school year until June 6, sets end-of-term and university entrance examinations between June 9 and 20, and leaves at teachers' discretion whether to hold classes during the Easter holiday and on Saturdays. Meanwhile, teachers' representatives late last night refused to abide by the ministry's circular, voting 48 against and eight for, with seven blank ballots.

[20] Avramopoulos leaves on official visit to US, Canada

Athens, 29/03/97 (ANA)

He will also attend events organized in Montreal and Boston at the invitation of the local mayors and Greek communities.

[21] Commission guide for handicapped tourists

Athens, 29/03/97 (ANA)

EU Commissioner Christos Papoutsis, who is responsible for the tourism sector, points out in the introduction to the guide that the number of Europeans who are unable to go on holidays for various reasons of disability stands at about 40 million, and that an increasing number of businesses in the sector are showing an increasing interest in adapting to cater for their special needs.

[22] Greek-Uzbek trade agreement

Athens, 29/03/97 (ANA)

HEPO President Yiannis Tzen and Uzbek Under-secretary Rauf Mukhamedov penned the agreement, in view of the forthcoming visit to Greece of Uzbek President Islam Karimov early next week.

After the signing, Mr. Tzen told reporters that the articles of association for the joint Greek-Uzbek chamber were completed.

The Tashkent-based chamber is expected to contribute to the further promotion of trade relations between the two countries.

An adviser of President Karimov present at the signing announced the abolition of double taxation for investments in his country and guaranteed that Greek investments in Uzbekistan will be supported by the government.

[23] Way cleared for Xiosbank entry into ASE

Athens, 29/03/97 (ANA)

According to an announcement by Xiosbank, the bank will increase its share capital with the issue of 1,672,060 new common nominal shares of which 1,592,450 will be offered to the public, with public registration taking place in the second fortnight in April, while the remaining 79,610 will be provided with a private provision only for the bank's staff.

As a result of the increase, Xiosbank's share capital will be set at 7,962,220 common nominal shares, each having a face value of 1,000 drachmas.

The bank is expected to obtain an estimated four billion drachmas and is destined to finance part of the investment program for the 1997-2000 period which, among others, anticipates an expansion in its branch office network from 25 to 45 and modernizing implementations and technological equipment.

Xiosbank's pre-tax profits increased by 20 per cent in 1996, compared to 1995, and amounted to 2.1 billion drachmas, while in the year 1997 they are expected to total 2.7 billion drachmas.

[24] Savings accounts, state securities drop in February

Athens, 29/03/97 (ANA)

According to the statistics, the amount in savings accounts fell by roughly 100 billion drachmas, down to 12.18 trillion drachmas in February from 12.28 trillion drachmas in January.

Treasury bills and state bonds fell to 5.25 trillion drachmas in February from 5.75 trillion drachmas the previous month, down 500 billion drachmas.

[25] Shipping exchange inflows up 3.3 per cent

Athens, 29/03/97 (ANA)

In November 1996, inflows of shipping exchange totaled $197 million, compared to $190.9 million in the same month of 1995, marking a 3.2 per cent increase.

[26] Two suspected Creuzfeldt-Jacob cases in Crete

Athens, 29/03/97 (ANA)

The two, both in their fifties, were suspected of having the disease about six weeks ago and a biopsy was performed indicating the syndrome. The tests have been sent to Athens for confirmation.

Infected meat had been found in tests carried out around Crete about a year ago.

End of English language section.

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