Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-04-10
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1160), April 10, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Simitis urges private, public initiatives to strengthen economy
[02] Greece will be in EMU by 2001, central bank governor says
[03] Bank governors
[04] Chrysohoidis
[05] Tsohatzopoulos addresses Balkan issues
[06] Vassiliou, Varvitsiotis
[07] Greek, Albanian defense ministers discuss details of force
[08] Premier: Portion of loan to Albania will aid Greek businesses
reporting losses
[09] Apostolakis meets UN deputy chief on WEU-NATO relations
[10] Bulgaria's Stalev to visit Greece
[11] Gov't denies press reports on secret talks with Ankara
[12] Constantopoulos: recent foreign policy steps 'positive', calls
for even greater presence
[13] ELBO unveils new armored combat vehicle
[14] Simitis: Social dialogue on social security issue to begin in '97
[15] Gov't condemns striking construction workers' tactics
[16] Washington in favor of recourse to The Hague for Imia
[17] Gov't on judges' wage-scale
[18] Costas Karamanlis says PASOK responsible for current 'gray
environment'
[19] Development ministry introduces tourist-friendly measures
[20] Merchant marine ministry to invite tenders for new helicopters
[21] Mortgage Bank's pre-tax profits rise in '96
[22] Health ministry initiative to tackle illegal drug use
[23] Airline passengers give Hellenikon airport a vote of confidence
[01] Simitis urges private, public initiatives to strengthen economy
Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday called on private
entrepreneurs to undertake bolder initiatives that will allow
the economy to make the qualitative leap necessary to face
increasingly stiffer international competition.
Speaking at yesterday's session of the Economist's "Roundtable
with the Greek Government", which opened in Athens on Monday,
Mr. Simitis said this leap entailed the speedy stabilization of
prices, reduction in fiscal deficits and high rates of growth,
which required very specific forms of entrepreneurial action.
These concern the capacity to act effectively in a number of
fields, including control of costs, a dynamic perspective for
business growth rather than opportunistic profitability,
creation or utilization of innovations and research activities,
restructuring with a view to growth in size that affords greater
risk-taking and access to larger capital sources, establishment
of brand names, tuning in to the messages of the markets and
making good use of the conditions created by economic policy.
The modernization of public administration, implementation of
decentralization policies and the strengthening of the
adjustment of businesses to new realities are among the
priorities of the Greek government, he stressed.
He cautioned that "the performance of the Greek economy is
evolving satisfactorily but at a rate lower than feasible.
Production and productivity are increasing at very low rates,
and funds disbursed have not been utilized to the desirable
degree for the development of the country".
He also emphasized the role of private enterprise.
"Restructuring, modernization, and an increase in productivity
do not concern only the state, public utilities or working
people. They concern private enterprise to an even greater
degree," he said.
Mr. Simitis pointed out the government's goals do not concern
particular social or professional groups, but everyone without
exception. Despite the difficulties, the premier called on
economic partners to look to the future with optimism.
He said the focus of government strategy was increasingly
shifting towards the productive restructuring and the
strengthening of the country's growth dynamics.
"Nineteen-ninety-seven is a crucial year for our policy. The
extent of the improvement in the fields of fiscal deficits and
inflation will determine the distance from our goal, and the
intensity of the effort that will be required next year," he
said.
"Investment in infrastructure and the development of human
resources, the institutional changes, are gradually changing the
structure of our society and economy. The national strategy in
infrastructure, transport, communications, energy, ensures a
large part of the competitive potential of the national economy
in the coming decades," he added.
He cautioned that there is no other alternative for the
country's European prospects.
"This policy, the policy of convergence, is the only answer to a
multi-speed Europe. Policies which do not strengthen our
economy, no matter how many excuses they are dressed up with,
have one result only: they lead the country to the second or
third speed of Europe and annul the long expectations and
sacrifices of working people and the productive forces," he
stressed.
He further outlined four goals of the government's program,
namely:
- Ensuring Greece's participation in the final phase of EMU.
- Promotion of strong structural interventions that will speed
up growth.
- Contribution to the creation of conditions of political
stability and peace in the broader region, and ensuring the
existence of a strong deterrent force vis-a-vis the systematic
provocations in our eastern borders and in Cyprus.
"Our strength results from our overall performance, and
certainly not from armaments alone," he stressed.
The fourth goal is ensuring a high degree of social cohesion,
with the balancing of inequalities and creation of a society
based on trust and prospects.
Mr. Simitis said Greece's recent economic performance had
created new comparative advantages regarding investment,
monetary, institutional, and political stability.
"Nineteen-ninety-six was the first year that the growth rate of
our economy signaled, after many years, a real convergence with
the average of the European Union.
"This performance was achieved without increasing the burdens
for the coming years and generations. The positive course of the
country's finances has resulted in the boosting of its
credibility in international organizations, with secondary
positive influences in the cost of external borrowing," he said.
[02] Greece will be in EMU by 2001, central bank governor says
Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)
Bank of Greece Governor Lucas Papademos, addressing the
conference appeared optimistic that Greece would be able to
participate in the European Economic and Monetary Union by the
end of 2001.
He referred to progress made in recent years towards monetary
stability and satisfying the criteria of the Maastricht treaty.
"Conditions are favorable for a decrease in inflation to below
three per cent within 1998, approaching the limit set out in the
convergence criteria," he predicted, adding that meeting
monetary criteria for convergence would be the most difficult
task of macro-economic policy over the next few years.
Mr. Papademos also made extended reference to the consequences
of the EMU on Greece's monetary policy, stressing that even
though the same goals would be adhered to, two new elements
would be introduced. These were the introduction of an exchange
parity mechanism based on the Euro and a stability pact aimed at
a more effective supervision on fiscal discipline.
Turning to the repercussions of the EMU on the credit system and
the capital markets, Mr. Papademos said the trend towards a
smaller number of large banks offering the entire range of
banking services, along with the creation of specialized
financial institutions, would be encouraged.
Domestic credit institutions would be able to succeed in the new
environment if they reduced their operating costs, improved
their technological and personnel infrastructure and improved
their position regarding capital and risk management, he added.
The Bank of Greece, he concluded, was proceeding with necessary
preparations for adopting the single currency and would soon
establish new strategies to influence liquidity and inter-bank
market rates.
He also said the bank was coordinating its efforts to institute
the operation of an effective system of payments which would be
in line with comparative systems in other European nations and
that these systems will constitute the inter-European payment
system necessary for the unified monetary policy.
[03] Bank governors
Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)
Transformation of the Greek banking sector in view of the
Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) was the focus of yesterday
morning's Economist session.
Commercial Bank President Constantinos Georgoutsakos said that
in view of EMU, Greek banks should try to preserve their
competitive advantage in the local market.
"Greek banks should strengthen their position in the local
market, where they are traditionally competitive and have
developed strong ties with their local clientele," he said.
Mr. Georgoutsakos said Greek banks should also expand their
activities to the Balkans, where they could benefit from
Greece's traditional economic relations with these markets and
from the development of Greek business interests in the region.
Agricultural Bank President Christos Papathanasiou said the bank
aimed at development through expansion.
Stressing the difficulties emanating from globalization, Mr.
Papathanasiou said his bank would soon be transformed into a
cooperatives bank and become one of EU's specialized financial
institutions in the agricultural sector.
On his part, National Bank of Greece Deputy Director Theodoros
Pantalakis said certain sectors were likely to face problems of
acute competition and falling profit margins in view of EMU.
Among those, he said, were the sectors of general service
provision to large enterprises, investment banking and private
banking.
He said competition will lead to mergers, buy-outs and strategic
alliances. In the future, he added, profits will emanate from
the cheap cost of money, specialized service provision, quality
of services rendered and bank effectiveness in dealing with
crises.
Eurobank General Manager N. Nanopoulos referred to the role of
the state in view of EMU, saying that it should facilitate
developments in the banking sector and proceed with the
privatization of state-controlled banks.
"The state should operate as a "catalyst in the modernization
and creation of competitive conditions for the Greek banking
system," Mr. Nanopoulos said.
Elaborating on short-term consequences from the Economic and
Monetary Union, Xiosbank General Manager Panayiotis Poulis said
the "disappearance of national currencies will both eliminate
the risk and bring down the cost of transactions."
"This will be positive for consumers but negative for banks
which are the ones burdened with the cost of making the
adjustment," he added.
[04] Chrysohoidis
Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)
"Our aim is to protect the consumer," Development
Under-secretary Mihalis Chrysohoidis said yesterday in the
conference.
"In view of this political pursuit," he added, "we are
formulating the new rules of healthy competition in the
framework of a free market economy."
Mr. Chrysohoidis said that a draft bill to improve protection of
free market competition would soon be completed. He also said
the ministry worked towards the creation of a system to control
product quality.
The under-secretary further announced the establishment of a
"quality council" to formulate policies in various sectors of
the economy.
He also announced the tabling of a bill for the foundation of
the "Greek Consumer Institute."
[05] Tsohatzopoulos addresses Balkan issues
Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos stressed the need
for the European Union to intervene in the Balkans, not in a
fashion of managing crises through military presence alone, but
through promoting conditions of economic co-operation and
development, with a plan similar to those entailed in
Mediterranean programs.
"Greece can play a prominent role in a new developmental scheme,
having a national interest in ensuring stability in Albania and
the Balkans," he said.
Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis stressed that there
could be no normalization of relations with Turkey as long as
what he called Ankara's aggressive policy towards Greece
continued. He said Greece had rejected a Dutch proposal for the
establishment of a committee of experts from third countries
that would look into Greek-Turkish differences, because it
contained the danger of arbitration.
He said that instead, an exchange of views between Greek and
Turkish experts, with a view to preparing a report on how to
handle procedural matters would be useful.
[06] Vassiliou, Varvitsiotis
Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)
Speaking at the same conference yesterday, former Cyprus
president George Vassiliou said the largest stumbling block for
Greek foreign policy to be able to carry out its stabilizing
role in the region lies with tension in Greek-Turkish relations
due to Turkey's continuing aggressive and expansionist policy.
Mr. Vassiliou said the need for relations of good neighborliness
is an inescapable need for Greece, adding that Greece is right
in bringing to the attention of Europe and the world that it is
not Turkey's eternal enemy but a potential friend and a good
neighbor. He said Turkey's greatest enemy is the very policy it
is following.
Former New Democracy national defense minister and current
deputy Ioannis Varvitsiotis proposed the creation of a unified
and common policy strategy which will be applied with
continuity, consistency and patience, regardless of changes in
government.
Mr. Varvitsiotis said the unified and common strategy should be
based on the development of necessary diplomatic relations and
initiatives and continuous briefing of international public
opinion which, however, "have the strengthening of our
diplomatic service as a necessary precondition" and on powerful
armed forces which means excellent training, discipline and a
high morale in conjunction with remuneration and equipment.
Speaking at the conference, the general director of the Intracom
company, Mr. Tsoukalidis, proposed the initiation of a "real and
convincing Greek foreign aid program for countries in our region
in the framework of corresponding programs applied by all
exporting countries...".
[07] Greek, Albanian defense ministers discuss details of force
Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)
Greece's participation in the multinational protection force in
Albania, as well as in assisting in the reorganization of the
Albanian armed forces were discussed yesterday by visiting
Albanian Defense Minister Shaqir Vukaj and his Greek counterpart
Akis Tsohatzopoulos.
The Greek defense minister said the Greek corps would consist of
700-900 troops, depending on requirements, while today the final
decision will be made in co-operation with the Albanian
government regarding the deployment of the first troops on April
14.
Replying to questions regarding reports that the Italian
government of Prime Minister Romano Prodi could resign over the
issue, and the risks involved in the mission, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos
expressed the belief that the Italian parliament would approve
the deployment of an Italian corps in Albania. If not, he added,
others would take charge, as the UN decision (to send troops)
could not be canceled.
The dangers that would have to be faced by the multinational
force, said Mr. Vukaj, were limited to criminal gangs, as the
Albanian people in both the north and south of the country would
welcome the foreign troops.
Mr. Vukaj dismissed interpretations in the press that Albania
was in a state of civil war. There had never been a civil war,
nor had Albanians taken up arms against each other, even though
there were three different religious groups. Albania's ethnic
Greek minority, he added, served as a "bridge of friendship"
between the Greek and Albanian peoples.
At the meeting, details of bilateral co-operation were worked
out with regard to Albania's reorganization of its armed forces.
Discussions will be continued at military level, said Mr.
Tsohatzopoulos. Mr. Vukaj said the reconstruction would be based
on the history of the army, the traditions of the people, the
experience of the modern infrastructure of NATO member-states
and that of other countries similar to Albania.
In a related development, Communist Party of Greece (KKE)
Secretary General Aleka Papariga asked for a special
Parliamentary debate on the dispatch of Greek troops to Albania,
claiming in a letter that the government's decision to
participate in the multinational force "provokes serious
reactions."
[08] Premier: Portion of loan to Albania will aid Greek businesses
reporting losses
Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis said aid will be provided for
Greek enterprises in Albania which have suffered losses
immediately after an assessment and registration of damages has
been made.
Mr. Simitis, who was replying to a question by main opposition
New Democracy party deputy Haralambos Papathanasiou, said part
of a 20-billion-drachma loan Greece will grant to the Albanian
government will be provided for Greek enterprises suffering
losses in the neighboring country following several months of
turmoil, adding that the situation is still fluid and there is
no clear picture of real losses sustained by Greek enterprises
in that country.
Mr. Papathanasiou said there is also a climate of insecurity and
uncertainty among the Greek business world operating in the
neighboring country, stressing that this climate is intensified
by extortions from organized crime elements.
[09] Apostolakis meets UN deputy chief on WEU-NATO relations
New York, 10/04/1997 (ANA - M.Georgiadou)
Defense Under-secretary Dimitris Apostolakis discussed relations
between the European Union, its defense arm the Western European
Union, and NATO with United Nations Deputy Secretary General
Bernard Miyet, who is responsible for peace missions.
Mr. Apostolakis later expanded on these views during an event at
the European Institute.
In the meeting with Mr. Miyet, reference was made to the
multinational force for Albania, to be deployed next week, as an
example of an autonomous force not sponsored by the UN but which
had been approved by the Security Council, following approval by
the European Union.
Mr. Apostolakis, who is heading a delegation of the
Transatlantic Forum, addressed the European Institute gathering
on the European Union's initiatives in creating a common foreign
and security policy, NATO expansion and the role of the Western
European Union.
He made particular reference to problems that have arisen due to
the stance of the more powerful Western European nations, who
appeared to be less and less willing, following the collapse of
communism, to intervene in "foreign conflicts", resulting in the
acceptance of faits accomplis which were in opposition to the
values of the West. This stance, he noted, was of particular
concern to countries situated around the European Union's
"unstable periphery".
No guarantees existed for the security of these countries, he
noted, adding that the EU should develop an autonomous security
and defense body within NATO which would be parallel to that of
the North Atlantic Alliance.
The WEU's goals, he said, were to be on the one hand, the
European mainstay of NATO and on the other, to undertake the
defense of the European Union.
The next stop on the Transatlantic Forum's briefing tour of the
US is Los Angeles.
[10] Bulgaria's Stalev to visit Greece
Sofia, 10/04/1997 (ANA - N.Hiou)
Bulgaria's caretaker Foreign Minister Stoyan Stalev will pay a
working visit to Greece from April 14-16 at the invitation of
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos.
The dispatch added that Mr. Stalev would be received by
President Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Costas Simitis,
Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and have talks with
Mr. Pangalos.
Quoting Bulgarian foreign ministry spokesman Radko Vlaidkov, Mr.
Stalev's talks will focus on Bulgaria's desire to join NATO and
become a member of the European Union.
During his contacts here, Mr. Stalev is also expected to discuss
the general situation in the Balkans and bilateral co-operation
issues, particularly commercial and economic relations and
cross-border programs.
[11] Gov't denies press reports on secret talks with Ankara
Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)
The government yesterday denied a newspaper article claiming
that Athens was engaged in a secret dialogue with Ankara within
the framework of NATO.
A front-page article in today's edition of the Athens daily
"Eleftheros Typos" claimed that negotiations between Greece and
Turkey on the Aegean were already in progress.
According to the newspaper, talks were in progress in Brussels -
the headquarters of NATO - under the general supervision of
Alliance Secretary-General Javier Solana. Denying the report,
government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said "what is happening is
the study and drawing of conclusions on the basis of the picture
relayed to NATO by Greek radar concerning the violations of
Greek airspace by Turkish aircraft".
The spokesman underlined that there was "no other issue of
dialogue" while noting that "this dialogue does not constitute
negotiation".
Replying to other questions, Mr. Reppas said that the discussion
at the level of permanent representatives with the aim of
reducing tension in the Aegean was nothing new.
He added that Greece was also examining the issue of extending
the moratorium on military flights over the Aegean, currently
applicable to July and August, to June and September also.
"The present process at NATO strengthens Greece's relationship
politically because it shows that Athens is right to charge and
protest Turkish aggression," Mr. Reppas said.
[12] Constantopoulos: recent foreign policy steps 'positive', calls
for even greater presence
Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)
Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos
Constantopoulos yesterday acknowledged that the government had
taken positive steps in foreign policy matters but urged the
even stronger presence of Greece in regional developments.
Mr. Constantopoulos was speaking to reporters after talks
yesterday with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos,
during which he outlined his party's positions on foreign and
domestic policy matters.
Although acknowledging positive steps by the government, Mr.
Constantopoulos said its policy was too often "spasmodic" in
nature.
Synaspismos, he said, would continue to undertake initiatives
aimed at redetermining Greek foreign policy, which would include
a visit to Turkey at the end of May and visits to Tirana and
Sofia.
[13] ELBO unveils new armored combat vehicle
Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)
The Hellenic Vehicles Industry (ELBO) has designed a new armored
vehicle for combat and proposed its mass production to the
National Defense Ministry, ELBO President Lykourgos Sakellaris
told a press conference yesterday. Mr. Sakellaris however
declined to say whether the proposal had met with a favorable
response from the ministry.
Referring to ELBO's activities in general, Mr. Sakellaris said
the company was aiming to extend its activities.
In 1997, ELBO is expected to triple its profits, which are
expected to reach an estimated one billion drachmas.
Last year, the company recorded a turnover of 25.5 billion
drachmas and profits of 330 million drachmas, compared to 24.5
billion and 1.4 billion drachmas respectively in 1995.
Mr. Sakellaris attributed the drop in profits to the high cost
of manufacturing products and the company's increased overheads.
According to Mr. Sakellaris, ELBO is currently negotiating with
the national defense ministry for the manufacture of 57
"Leonidas" armored vehicles and 355 small jeeps.
On March 28, he added, the company signed an agreement with the
Cypriot government for the supply of military trucks and jeeps
in a deal worth a total of 2.7 billion drachmas.
At the same time, an order has been placed by the Thessaloniki
Urban Transport authority for the manufacture of 45 buses, worth
1.8 billion drachmas. The first 15 vehicles will be delivered
this year. ELBO was recently awarded a Hellenic Railways
Organization (OSE) tender for the manufacture of 15 coaches in a
deal worth 1.5 billion drachmas which is expected to be
finalized shortly.
The company is currently completing an order placed by
Thessaloniki Municipality for the manufacture of 15 garbage
trucks.
Mr. Sakellaris noted that the company's exports were progressing
well, particularly with respect to Serbia, while expressing
optimism that negotiations with Egypt for the supply of 15
"Leonidas" armored vehicles would have a positive outcome.
[14] Simitis: Social dialogue on social security issue to begin in '97
Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis said dialogue on the social
security issue will begin in 1997 and that "we have time" for
necessary overall reforms, after visiting the labor and social
security ministry yesterday.
He was briefed on current labor issues by Labor Minister
Miltiades Papaioannou and by Labor Undersecretaries Christos
Protopapas and Nikos Farmakis, as well as pension fund governors.
Mr. Simitis said interventions will be promoted soon in places
where the social security system is weak. He said the bill on
curbing contribution evasion and the creation of an effective
collecting mechanism, the measure of implementing a medicine
list at all funds as well as the promotion of computerization
and an omni-bill on social insurance regulation are almost
ready. General issues concerning social security, necessitating
wider consensus, will be subject to social dialogue and will be
handled without the pressure of time, he added.
Mr. Simitis was reassuring in connection with rumors of changes
in labor relations.
"We respect collective agreements. We consider them a case for
employers and working people, as well as a democratic
acquisition, and we do not intend to degrade them," he said.
In general, Mr. Simitis refuted reports viewing his visit to the
ministry as a start of dialogue aimed at an unfavorable
amendment of labor rights - flexible working hours, mass
dismissals, an increase in contributions and a decrease in
working hours and remuneration.
Mr. Simitis again referred to measures in favor of the
professional and geographical mobility of working people as well
as to the need to include employment, as a special chapter, in
the text concerning the revision of the Maastricht Treaty.
Commenting on a demonstration by a group of construction
workers, Mr. Simitis termed it an "organized political
presence", adding that social dialogue must not be debased by
such political interventions.
Speaking in Parliament later, Mr. Simitis said the government is
determined to proceed on the democratic path of social dialogue
on the issues of labor and social security aimed at social
consensus.
Replying to a question from Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI)
leader Dimitris Tsovolas on the government's intentions
concerning insurance and pensioning, Mr. Simitis accused Mr.
Tsovolas of "alarmism", adding that the government does not
intend to decrease working hours and the salary scale.
[15] Gov't condemns striking construction workers' tactics
Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)
The government criticized yesterday's protest by striking
construction workers, marred by scuffles between the latter and
policemen, saying it "dynamites every good effort to tackle the
problems of the people".
Advising calm and sobriety, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas
noted that some of the construction workers yesterday wore hard
hats "which although not indicative of unlawfulness is
indicative of a certain attitude".
The scuffles, during which one policeman was slightly injured,
broke out near the labor ministry which was being visited at the
time by Prime Minister Costas Simitis, when construction workers
tried to break through a police cordon.
Order was restored after riot police intervened using tear-gas.
Earlier, about 1,500 construction workers, who yesterday staged
a 24-hour strike, attended a rally in central Athens.
Labor Minister Miltiades Papaioannou described as
"unaccep-table" the construction workers' insistence on reaching
the ministry during a scheduled visit by the prime minister.
Mr. Papaioannou said he had sent a letter to the construction
workers' labor federation asking them to postpone yesterday's
meeting. Not only had they refused, he added, but they also
assaulted the person who delivered the letter.
The President of the Panehellenic Federation of Construction
Workers, Andreas Zazopoulos, accused the government of
high-handedness.
During a 30-minute meeting with Mr. Papaioannou, a six-member
delegation representing construction workers outlined their
positions on the measures they believe must be taken to combat
unemployment in their branch.
The delegation also put forward social security demands and
underlined the problems caused by the illegal employment of
foreign workers in construction.
The Panhellenic Federation of Construction Workers is scheduled
to meet in the next few days to decide on further protest action.
[16] Washington in favor of recourse to The Hague for Imia
Washington, 10/04/1997 (ANA -T. Ellis)
The White House restated yesterday that it favored referral of
the Imia dispute to the International Court of Justice at The
Hague.
"We have repeatedly said that we believe that the dispute
between Greece and Turkey surrounding the sovereignty of
Imia/Kardak, the island that has two names, should be referred
to the International Court at The Hague... that is and will be
our position," White House spokesman Mike McCurry said.
[17] Gov't on judges' wage-scale
Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)
The government has undertaken the commitment to create a salary
scale for judges and this will be brought about during the next
period, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday in
reply to a question on the tug-of-war between judges and
Parliamentary deputies.
Referring to the amendment ratified in Parliament on Tuesday
night, Mr. Reppas said it concerns the cancellation of
write-offs of claims by deputies on the equation of their
remuneration with those of judges and does not concern the
specific payment of remuneration.
Mr. Reppas said this issue will be handled by the government and
the finance ministry, in particular.
[18] Costas Karamanlis says PASOK responsible for current 'gray
environment'
Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis
said yesterday that the ruling PASOK party was responsible for
what he described as the lost decade of the 1980s, adding that
"economic indicators show that we are in a danger of losing the
current decade as well".
"PASOK is responsible for the gray environment we are living in,
and it is our responsibility to make a break with this
environment," he told his party's chairmen of prefectural
committees.
He stressed that Greece needs to combat nepotism, unreliability
and cynicism, and spoke of collective work and responsibility,
without discriminations and exclusions.
He stated his resolve to maintain and respect ND's principles as
found in its charter, saying characteristically: "You cannot
convince others when undermining your own credibility."
[19] Development ministry introduces tourist-friendly measures
Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)
Development Minister Vasso Papandreou and Under-secretary
Michalis Chrysochoidis yesterday announced a series of measures
aimed at protecting consumers and upgrading tourism services
prior to the new tourist season.
According to the new measures, a number of basic goods such as
bottled water and soft drinks will as of this year go on sale
displaying a recommended retail price.
Although prices will be freely determined by producers and
importers and will not be binding on retailers, consumers will
know whether the price they are paying is reasonable and will
therefore to some extent control prices.
The recommended prices will be higher on the islands and in
tourist areas only in high season, but all the year round in
snack-bars on ferry-boats, trains and at airports, sports
grounds and archaeological sites.
The measures also introduce a "protest sheet" which will be
available (in triplicate) to consumers at the exits of stores
and other business premises. Consumers will be able to use the
sheet to complain about tax, market or sanitary violations,
leaving one copy with the store and sending another to the local
prefectural authorities.
A study will also get under way this year on a categorization
system for restaurants, entertainment centers and hotels. Using
"stars" to denote quality of services, the system will be
implemented during 1998. Brochures written in several languages,
accompanied by protest sheets, will also be distributed to taxis
for use by disgruntled passengers. At the same time, the police
will increase their patrols and checks at taxi ranks such as at
airports and harbors.
In addition, over the next three years all taxi drivers will
attend a special training course, completion of which will be a
prerequisite for the granting of licenses.
Assurances were also given yesterday that the general situation
for passengers will be much improved at airports and ports
around the country.
In view of the new tourist season, Ms Papandreou asked local
government authorities to strictly implement provisions on
tourist and related facilities and services, imposing fines and
other penalties where necessary, regardless of any political
cost.
[20] Merchant marine ministry to invite tenders for new helicopters
Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)
The merchant marine ministry will in the next few days invite
tenders for the supply of all-weather helicopters, following the
unanimous approval of the inter-party committee responsible for
examining the procurement.
Merchant Marine Minister Stavros Soumakis, who made the
announcement at a press conference yesterday, thanked all the
representatives of the political parties who participated in the
committee for their decision.
[21] Mortgage Bank's pre-tax profits rise in '96
Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)
Speaking at the National Mortgage Bank of Greece's (EKTE)
general assembly yesterday, bank governor Vassilis Rapanos said
EKTE's pre-tax profits amounted to 36.08 billion drachmas
compared to 20.06 billion drachmas in the previous fiscal year.
He further said that the price of the bank's shares at the
Athens stock exchange increased by 59 per cent in 1996 against
an increase of 22 per cent of the bank share indicator.
Mr. Rapanos added that apart from the bank's improved
productivity and efficiency indicators, efforts are underway to
modernize and develop EKTE and that a series of projects aimed
at a gradual change in the bank's basic structures and functions
has already been approved.
[22] Health ministry initiative to tackle illegal drug use
Athens, 10/04/1997 (ANA)
The health ministry announced a series of measures yesterday to
tackle the problem of illegal drug abuse in Greece at a time
when heroin-related deaths are increasing.
On his part, Health Minister Costas Geitonas said there are no
"magical solutions" for this problem and called on whoever has
any to come forward. The triptych of the government's effort to
tackle the drug scourge was set out as following:
- An active upgrading of centers preoccupied with the issue and
their close co-operation with many known centers abroad which
have made great achievements in tackling the problem.
- Action through the organization against drugs, the
establishment of new centers aimed at decentralizing prevention
and therapy programs and in remote parts of the country as well.
- An appropriate registration of data from around the country.
Health Under-secretary Manolis Skoulakis said the turnover
stemming from drug trafficking in Greece is estimated at 450
billion drachmas and called on every local association or group
to organize itself and combat the problem.
In a related development, an announcement by the Coalition of
the Left and Progress proposes an amendment toward the direction
of decriminalization of some drugs, as well as drastic support
for drug detoxification communities and the accelerated creation
of other treatment units.
Heroin- related deaths claimed 10 victims in eight days recently.
Prime Minister Costas Simitis, on his part, said yesterday that
the government isn't considering a change in the law against
illegal drugs, during a response to a question tabled by PASOK
deputy Nasos Alevras.
[23] Airline passengers give Hellenikon airport a vote of confidence
Geneva, 10/04/1997 (ANA/Reuter)
Athens' Hellenikon airport has been voted the world's most
improved airport by long-haul airline passengers, the
International Air Transport Association (IATA) said yesterday.
Athens was bottom of the poll last year and for years target of
fierce criticism in the travel industry.
The poll, based on the views of some 55,000 people and covering
54 airports, chose Singapore's Changi airport and Britain's
Manchester as the world's top two airports. Melbourne came a
close third, up from seventh last year.
End of English language section.
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