Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-04-17
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1166), April 17, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Steps towards resolving Greek-Turkish differences taken in Malta
[02] Oymen comments
[03] Greek troops land in Albania to begin peace mission
[04] Gov't dismisses reports of changes to electoral system
[05] Gov't says WEU decision on associate members' status 'realistic'
[06] Party reactions
[07] Turkish foreign ministry
[08] ND on Greek-Turkish differences
[09] Stalev reiterates that Sofia will proceed with
Burgas-Alexandroupoli pipeliine
[10] No disagreement over combined Greek-Cypriot exercise
[11] Turkish exercise
[12] Euro-Mediterranean Conference ends without joint communiqui
[13] Makeshift bombs planted on army vehicles
[14] Premier announces formation of special border police units
[15] PM on local administration hirings
[16] Karamanlis meets with GSEE leadership
[17] Pangalos proposal for dialogue with the Left
[18] First int'l standard race track in Greece
[19] Vangelis to direct inaugural ceremony at World Athletics
Championship
[20] AEK beats Panathinaikos in Greek soccer cup final
[21] Owner of former Papandreou residence files injunction against
Ekali property
[22] Cinema version of 'Lysistrata' set to be filmed in Greece
[23] SEB calls 19-point text on social dialogue 'vague'
[24] Gov't spokesman
[25] Greek products at Melbourne foodstuffs exhibition
[26] Laliotis optimistic on Egnatia's completion
[01] Steps towards resolving Greek-Turkish differences taken in Malta
Valletta, 17/04/1997 (ANA)
Important steps towards finding processes for resolving problems
in Greek-Turkish relations were taken yesterday during
back-to-back meetings between Alternate Foreign Minister George
Papandreou and his Turkish counterpart Onur Oymen on the
sidelines of the Euro-Mediterranean Conference.
Mr. Papandreou said that the opportunity was given in the
Maltese capital for the Dutch European Union presidency to
mediate and have views exchanged between Greece and Turkey.
"Positive steps were taken but we have no final outcome," Mr.
Papandreou said.
According to a Reuters dispatch, Dutch Foreign Minister Hans van
Mierlo said that Greece and Turkey had made a breakthrough in
their dispute over a group of uninhabited rocky Aegean islets.
"Progress (has been made) in discussions between Greece and
Turkey in the problems they have," Mr. van Mierlo told reporters
at the end of the two-day conference.
"A breakthrough took place today and we shall see results in the
future," he said.
The Dutch foreign minister admitted that the breakthrough had
been overshadowed by the Middle East peace crisis, but added:
"We hope for success on this. I don't want to anticipate the
results we will have in the next few days, but they will be
procedural in nature... and could lead to a way out."
He declined to elaborate.
Replying to questions by reporters, Alternate Foreign Minister
Papandreou said that "we have always said that Greek-Turkish
relations cannot improve unless problems of decisive importance
are resolved, such as the Cyprus issue and the recent issue of
Imia."
In late January 1996, Greece and Turkey came close to an armed
conflict after Ankara disputed Athens' sovereignty over the
uninhabited Aegean islet of Imia, near Kalymnos.
On the question of what form rapprochement between the two
countries will take, Mr. Papandreou said Greece is in favor of
Turkey's European orientation, but this prospect can only be
linked to basic preconditions which Turkey must observe, such as
its position on the Aegean and the major issue of Cyprus.
According to reports, Mr. Papandreou and Mr. Oymen held
consecutive meetings and in most cases in the presence of EU
representatives. In one case, Mr. Papandreou and Mr. Oymen shook
hands in the presence of the president of the EU Council of
Ministers, Mr. van Mierlo.
Mr. Papandreou also met the president of the European
Parliament's Socialist Group, Pauline Green, who told him that
she believes that the Europarliament's stance towards Turkey
will contribute to the resolution of problems which have been
created, placing particular emphasis on the issue of human
rights in Turkey.
[02] Oymen comments
Istanbul, 17/07/1997 (ANA)
Turkish Foreign Under-secretary Oymen said his meeting with Mr.
Papandreou was "important" and "useful", according to a report
from Malta by the Anatolian news agency.
Mr. Oymen said after the meeting that these contacts secured
considerable developments, adding that the proposal put forward
by the Netherlands for the creation of a "committee of wisemen"
to record existing Greek-Turkish problems was discussed in
detail.
Replying to a question, Mr. Oymen said the two countries'
foreign ministers might meet on the sidelines of an upcoming
meeting between Black Sea Co-operation countries in Istanbul.
Positive steps towards the creation of a framework to tackle
Greek-Turkish problems were taken in the repeated meetings in
Malta, Turkish correspondents reported.
[03] Greek troops land in Albania to begin peace mission
Tirana, 17/04/1997 (ANA/S.Tzimas)
The first company of Greek troops participating in the
multinational peace force in Albania landed at Tirana's airport
yesterday without any problems.
The first C-130 transport plane carrying Greek troops landed at
1:10 p.m. local time, with four more planes landing. The flights
transported a total of 126 troops, supplies, military vehicles
and weaponry. A short time later, the first Turkish troops
landed at Tirana airport.
The first company of Greek troops immediately set out for two
military bases on the city's western edge, where the main body
of the Greek contingent will be stationed, with the exception of
a company of troops to be stationed in Vlore.
The Greek embassy's military attachi in Tirana, Col. Alexandros
Xiros, said the operation was successful, with all details of
the operation executed as planned.
According to the central command of the multinational force, the
transport and deployment of the Greek contingent will have ended
by April 22.
The first wave of Greek troops had departed from Thessaloniki
airport shortly after noon yesterday.
They were seen off by National Defense Minister Akis
Tsohatzopoulos and the armed forces' chiefs of staff.
In a related development, the landing craft the "Samos" left
Thessaloniki later for Albania at 1:40 p.m. with a further 120
troops. Earlier, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos and the Chief of the
National Defense General Staff, Gen. Athanasios Tzoganis,
inspected the troops.
In addition to the troops, the "Samos" is also carrying 17
armored personnel carriers, 23 jeeps - three of which are
armor-plated - and ultra-modern telecommunications equipment.
[04] Gov't dismisses reports of changes to electoral system
Athens, 17/04/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday dismissed concern voiced
by former New Democracy culture minister Dora Bakoyianni that
the government was planning a surprise change in the electoral
system.
"The government is not considering a change in the electoral law
at this moment. But I cannot commit myself on a matter which I
have not dealt with," he said.
[05] Gov't says WEU decision on associate members' status 'realistic'
Athens, 17/04/1997 (ANA)
The government commented yesterday on a decision taken by the
Western European Union (WEU), saying it was "realistic" and that
it removed all "vagueness" about the regime applying to
associate members.
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said Greece's consent to
Turkish participation in WEU operations was a "realistic
handling of an issue, which had remained pending".
Noting that Athens could not have acted differently, Mr. Reppas
underlined that the regime governing the WEU's relations
remained unchanged.
Diplomats in Brussels said on Tuesday that the WEU had agreed to
a deal giving associate members Turkey and Norway a full role in
the decision-making process on operations using NATO equipment.
On his part, foreign ministry spokesman Costas Bikas said the
decision expressly stated that the participation of associate
members in the union's operations, exercises and planning was
within the limits defined by the regime governing such members.
"...decisions are taken by full members and there is no
possibility of such decisions being blocked by associate members
which simply have the option of acceding to the decisions of the
full members," Mr. Bikas clarified.
He underlined that given the fact that the WEU has no army at
its disposal and that the carrying out of any operations by the
union foresees the use of NATO troops, the lack of unanimous
agreement among NATO members would make it impossible to hold
such an operation. The spokesman expressed the view that
Tuesday's decision would contribute to strengthening the role of
the WEU so that it can become the European Union's defense arm,
"something which remains Greece's firm position".
Prior to the agreement, Ankara had threatened to veto the use of
alliance equipment and infrastructure by the WEU unless it was
involved in the planning of any European operations.
Replying to reporters' questions on Greek-Turkish relations in
general, government spokesman Reppas said Greece had repeatedly
made goodwill gestures to Turkey and intended to make more
"corresponding to deeds".
He stressed, however, that such gestures could not go beyond the
limits set by the need to safeguard national interests, adding
that Athens was awaiting similar gestures from Ankara.
At the same time, Mr. Reppas said Greece's veto of the fourth
financial protocol within the framework of EU-Turkey customs
union remained in place.
"This," he said, "is because Turkey has not taken those steps
expected by Greece".
The spokesman also confirmed that Greece had in effect consented
to the extension of the EU-Turkey customs union to cover also
agricultural products.
He said Greece had not "created any issue" concerning the matter
in question, adding that it was in Greece's interests for Turkey
to be more closely tied to the EU since Greece would benefit
from this relationship.
[06] Party reactions
Athens, 17/04/1997 (ANA)
Commenting on the WEU decision, the Coalition of the Left and
Progress's foreign policy affairs spokesman, Nikos Bistis,
expressed his party's "positive" stance on the development and
said it should be understood that adherence to a "veto" policy
does not promote Greek interests and does not shape
preconditions for the necessary improvement in Greek-Turkish
relations.
The Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) called the government's
policy one that leads to unacceptable national concessions,
party President Dimitris Tsovolas said.
Political Spring (Pol.An) party leader Antonis Samaras said in
connection with Greece's moves towards Turkey that "Athens'
sudden gifts for Ankara are unbelievable" and accused Prime
Minister Costas Simitis and Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos
of "making concessions without anything in exchange."
[07] Turkish foreign ministry
Istanbul, 17/04/1997 (ANA)
Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Omer Akbel said yesterday
that Ankara is viewing the lifting of Greek objections at the
WEU with satisfaction.
Mr. Akbel referred to efforts made by the Netherlands to have
Greek objections lifted and said "we hope a new period of
co-operation will start."
[08] ND on Greek-Turkish differences
Athens, 17/04/1997 (ANA)
The main opposition New Democracy party has issued a statement
calling on the government to clarify its stance with regard to
relations with Turkey, saying that while the ND wanted improved
relations with Greece's neighbor, recent developments and
statements by government officials had raised certain questions
regarding government policy.
The ND contends that respect for territorial rights no longer
appeared to be an inviolable condition for dialogue with Turkey,
while the impression was being created that Greece accepted
recourse to the International Court of Justice at The Hague on a
number of undetermined issues as a foregone conclusion. It asks
the government if this meant it had abandoned the Greek position
of accepting recourse to The Hague only on the question of the
continental shelf and the islet of Imia.
The ND announcement also asks the government to clarify whether
the proposal for an international committee of experts (on
Greek-Turkish differences) was aimed at bringing about a
substantial result or whether it was simply to create the
impression of activity.
[09] Stalev reiterates that Sofia will proceed with
Burgas-Alexandroupoli pipeliine
Athens, 17/04/1997 (ANA)
Bulgarian Foreign Minister Stoyan Stalev said yesterday that his
two-day visit to Greece was within the framework of Sofia's
efforts to accelerate its accession to the European Union and
NATO as well as further strengthening relations with Greece.
Mr. Stalev, who arrived in Greece on Monday, had talks yesterday
in Thessaloniki with Macedonia-Thrace Minister Philippos
Petsalnikos, whom he thanked on behalf of the Sofia government
for the continuing shipments of humanitarian aid from Greece.
The talks centered on bilateral relations and in particular
Bulgaria's economic ties with northern Greece.
Replying to reporters' questions on the planned construction of
the Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeliine, Mr. Stalev said
Bulgaria's positions on the project remained unchanged.
Following general elections next Sunday and the formation of a
new government, he said, a committee of experts would be set up
to push forward implementation of the relevant agreement.
As part of efforts for the development of the Bulgarian economy,
Mr. Stalev added that his government decided last Monday to
privatize 70 per cent of the refinery installations at Burgas.
Mr. Stalev noted that Greece-based enterprises had shown a
strong interest in the privatization.
On other matters of bilateral interest, Mr. Stalev acknowledged
that the waters of the River Nestos were being polluted on the
Bulgarian side.
However, he gave his assurance that within the framework of
efforts to privatize 500 state-owned firms, Sofia would set
about resolving environmental problems "despite the huge cost",
in order to attract foreign investors.
Mr. Petsalnikos, meanwhile , said Mr. Stalev had assured him
that Bulgaria's Kozloduy nuclear plant, about which fears have
been expressed concerning the risk of a Chernobyl-type accident,
had been modernized and that all the necessary measures had been
taken for its safe operation .
[10] No disagreement over combined Greek-Cypriot exercise
Athens, 17/04/1997 (ANA)
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas yesterday categorically
denied any divergence of views between Prime Minister Costas
Simitis and National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos
concerning the forthcoming joint Greece-Cyprus military
exercise, codenamed "Toxotis".
"There is no clash. On the contrary, there is excellent
communication and very good co-operation," Mr. Reppas said.
The spokesman added that Mr. Simitis and Mr. Tsohatzopoulos
would meet today prior to the meeting of the Government Council
for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) on Friday, which will
focus on the situation in neighboring Albania.
Mr. Reppas said the joint Greek-Cyprus military exercises would
be held as planned.
In a related development, the leader of the United Democrats
Party and former Cypriot president George Vassiliou said in
Athens yesterday that he was opposed to the holding of the
"Toxotis" exercise, "since "it serves no purpose". He expressed
sup port for direct dialogue between the Greek Cypriot and
Turkish Cypriot communities on the divided island, saying "it is
more sound to place emphasis on dialogue that the flights of
aircraft".
Mr. Vassiliou was speaking to reporters after talks with foreign
Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis and ruling PASOK Secretary
Costas Skandalidis.
The leader of the United Democrats Party had talks with Mr.
Skandalidis within the framework of contacts between PASOK and
political parties of the Cyprus Republic.
Mr. Vassiliou, who later met with Premier Simitis, said that his
party approved of the Greek government's policy toward Turkey,
adding that there should be dialogue.
"We cannot count on Turkey making concessions before dialogue
and in no case should we give the impression that we are the
intransigent side..." he said.
[11] Turkish exercise
Istanbul, 17/04/1997 (ANA)
Ankara is considering the holding of a Turkish military exercise
on the occupied part of Cyprus with the participation of Turkish
Cypriot units, the Istanbul daily "Milliyet" claimed.
The paper reported that such an exercise would be in response to
the "Toxotis" exercise, scheduled on May 8 and 9.
However, officials at the Turkish foreign ministry said they had
no information on the issue.
[12] Euro-Mediterranean Conference ends without joint communiqui
Valletta, 17/04/1997 (ANA)
At the end of the Euro-Mediterranean Conference, which was wound
up last night without a joint communiqui due to disagreements
over the paragraphs concerning the peace process in the Middle
East, Alternate Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou said the
conference could have had more positive results.
Speaking during the last day of sessions yesterday, Mr.
Papandreou referred to the need for strengthening the relations
between the 27 countries, and reiterated his proposal for an
informal meeting in Greece, without agenda, which would
facilitate the lifting of existing reservations. He also
referred to the possible development of initiatives through
technological means, particularly the Internet, towards the
promotion of mutual acquaintance among the people of the
Mediterranean.
[13] Makeshift bombs planted on army vehicles
Athens, 17/04/1997 (ANA)
Two small explosions rocked a train carriage loaded with army
vehicles at a railway station in the suburb of Agioi Anargyri,
west of Athens early Wednesday, damaging two vehicles, but
causing no injuries, police said.
The home-made explosive devices went off at 01.45 local time as
the carriage was parked at the railway station facing the 301
"Koskina" military camp at Agioi Anargyri Square on Democratias
Avenue. Police said the devices were placed under one of the
vehicles. The vehicles were on their way to Larissa in central
Greece for dismantling.
[14] Premier announces formation of special border police units
Athens, 17/04/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday announced the
establishment of a special police force to guard the country's
borders in an effort to further stem the flow of illegal
immigrants entering Greece.
The premier said it was hoped that the force would become
operational in early 1998.
Mr. Simitis was speaking to reporters after a three-hour visit
to the public order ministry and talks with the ministry's
leadership on methods to improve policing.
In order to increase the manpower available for duties with new
services being set up or the reinforcement of existing
departments, the premier said, efforts would be made to release
officers from non-policing duties, such as serving court
documents and guarding low-risk "targets".
The premier said that every effort would also be made to improve
traffic safety enforcement, with the aim of reducing the high
number of road accidents and fatalities.
These efforts, Mr. Simitis added, would also be aimed at easing
traffic congestion in cities, particularly when exacerbated by
protests and street demonstrations.
[15] PM on local administration hirings
Athens, 17/04/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis told Parliament last night that
individuals employed by local administration organizations with
private law contracts of an indefinite duration will become
permanent employees, adding that the possibility of street
cleaners becoming permanent regardless of the contract they have
signed is also being examined.
Mr. Simitis was replying to a question put to him by Coalition
of the Left and Progress deputy Maria Damanaki.
However, Mr. Simitis categorically ruled out the possibility of
any other category in the public sector becoming permanent.
Apart from processes anticipated by law 2190, he said the target
is for the law to be applied in the wider public sector and
local administration organizations.
Referring to law 2190, Mr. Simitis said it contains certain
problems, adding that a bill will be tabled in Parliament to
enable processes to be speeded up.
On her part, Ms Damanaki said the government's insistence in
applying law 2190 is positive, but at the same time spoke of
illegal hirings taking place through "windows" in the relevant
law.
[16] Karamanlis meets with GSEE leadership
Athens, 17/04/1997 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis
discussed social dialogue with the leadership of the General
Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) yesterday.
Mr. Karamanlis said his party believes in permanent and
substantive dialogue "despite the government's concealed
expediencies", adding that his party will present its views on
all issues to the Greek people soon and that an inviolable
precondition for N D is that priority should be given to social
protection and the struggle against unemployment.
Mr. Karamanlis said that structural changes are necessary, such
as bold privatizations, the rationalization and reformation of
public administration, cutbacks in extravagance in the public
sector and a different handling of existing problems since a
dramatic lag in the state budget's revenues is being observed.
GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos requested ND's support
for workers' claims, and referred to the problem of unemployment
which, he said, is also swelling for elderly people and added
that GSEE does not disagree with the modernization of businesses
provided that issues related to employment are safeguarded.
[17] Pangalos proposal for dialogue with the Left
Athens, 17/04/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos yesterday addressed a
specific proposal for dialogue to the forces of the broader
Left, in the context of the European Union and the changes being
sought in the framework of the EU Intergovernmental Conference.
(IGC).
"I am interested in the prospect of common action of the broader
Left -which should not be procedural, if we want to give Europe
a human face, with concern for the environment and a new social
profile, which will be contrary to xenophobia and racism. These
issues, and also the more general issues related to the future
of the European Union, can provide the basis for common action,"
he said on the occasion of the presentation of a book by his old
friend and now member of the Coalition of the Left party, Panos
Trigazis, entitled 'The citizens demand'.
The minister avoided using the term 'Center - Left', explaining
that he has always been a left-winger, and never a centrist.
"The Left is much broader than the parties which use the title,
and for this reason, I prefer to refer to the broader Left.
Besides, I don't understand what a centrist is. Perhaps he is
the one who does not find a place in existing political
formations," he said.
Mr. Pangalos stressed the significance which the activities of
non-governmental organizations hold for the future of Europe,
through positive changes they can bring about in the EU.
Coalition leader Nikos Constantopoulos, who attended the event,
said that citizens' movements demand new forms of co-operation
and solidarity, and announced that his party will hold a public
discussion on the IGC after Greek Easter. He referred to the
existence of a large democratic deficit in the EU, and spoke at
length on the dangers emanating from xenophobia and racism,
stressing the need for enlarging European institutions so as to
secure social protection.
[18] First int'l standard race track in Greece
Athens, 17/04/1997 (ANA)
The first racing track of international standards in Greece will
probably become a reality after ELPA, in co-operation with local
government authorities, hopes to inaugurate the track near
Orhomenos in the Viotia prefecture.
Although 25 years have passed since ELPA first considered the
issue of a race track, Greece is expected to acquire a modern
racing track in response to the long-standing demand by racing
car enthusiasts.
"The land was found in 1992 after searches lasting for 25 years
and now the second stage will begin, which had also been delayed
for five years," ELPA President Vassilis Despotopoulos said.
The track is expected to be ready in 20 months' time.
[19] Vangelis to direct inaugural ceremony at World Athletics
Championship
Athens, 17/04/1997 (ANA)
Oscar-winning composer Vangelis Papathanasiou has been assigned
the directorship of the artistic organization and inaugural
ceremony of the sixth World Athletics Championship in Athens,
August 1-10.
He is offering his services for free.
[20] AEK beats Panathinaikos in Greek soccer cup final
Athens, 17/04/1997 (ANA)
AEK Athens beat cross-town rival Panathinaikos yesterday 5-4 on
penalties to win the Greek cup, after the regular match ended
0-0.
AEK, last year's cup winner as well, takes the trophy for the
10th time in its 73-year-old history.
[21] Owner of former Papandreou residence files injunction against
Ekali property
Athens, 17/04/1997 (ANA)
Lawyers representing the buyer of a house sold by the late prime
minister Andreas Papandreou in 1992, yesterday submitted an
application for an injunction against the property of his widow
and heir, Dimitra Liani-Papandreou, for the sum of 500 million
drachmas.
The property, located in the Psychiko suburb of Athens, is being
contested by three of the late prime minister's children on the
basis of a recently discovered will of their grandmother. They
argue that the will, bequeathing the property to them, annuls
the sale, the proceeds of which were used to build Papandreou's
fashionable villa in Ekali.
The application for injunction will be heard on Tuesday. One of
the later premier's children, Sophia Papandreou-Katsaneva, said
yesterday that the house sold by their father was of great
sentimental value to her and her two brothers, and they were
only seeking to fulfill their grandmother's last wish, as they h
ad also done with their father.
[22] Cinema version of 'Lysistrata' set to be filmed in Greece
Athens, 17/04/1997 (ANA)
Aristophanes' "Lysistrata" is to be filmed in Greece by French
director Roger Coggio, under the auspices of UNESCO and
Education International. Details of the project were announced
at a press conference in Athens yesterday, addressed by French
Ambassador Bernard Claude Kessedjian, who referred to Mr.
Coggio's distinguished career.
The 63-year-old director is currently in Greece for a screening
this evening of one of his previous films, "Les Fourberies de
Scapin", at the Pallas Cinema on Voukourestiou Street in
downtown Athens.
In a message to the conference, UNESCO Director General Federico
Mayor said the organization's support for the project was
prompted by the comedy's message of non-violence.
Filming by Giorgos Arvanitis, a collaborator on the films of
Greek director Theo Angelopoulos, is to begin in September with
a budget of $15 million, while the finished work is expected to
be released in March 1998. Both a French- and English-language
version will be released.
[23] SEB calls 19-point text on social dialogue 'vague'
Athens, 17/04/1997 (ANA)
The Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) has described the
government's 19-topic text of social dialogue on incomes,
investment and employment policy, unveiled on Monday, as "vague"
and lacking in pungency.
SEB President Iason Stratos stressed in a press conference
yesterday that dialogue must tackle the essence of the problem,
namely, competitiveness of the Greek economy and particularly of
industry.
SEB Vice-President Nikos Analytis criticized the inclusion of
topics for dialogue such as restrictions on overtime work and
the setting of ceilings in incomes, stressing that 19 topics
were too large a number for the dialogue to be effective, as was
the number of social partners invited to participate.
SEB's board also criticized the government for postponing
discussion on the social insurance system, saying it was at a
loss to understand why self-evident issues, such as
privatizations, had been included.
"Social dialogue can prove very useful, but we are not sure on
the course it will take," Mr. Stratos said.
Referring to commercial issues, Mr. Stratos called on the
government to intervene in order to limit "the abuse of dominant
market position" by certain chain stores.
Finally, he stressed that "the climate in the Greek economy,
despite the undoubted improvement, has not yet fully
stabilized," citing as a characteristic indication the fact that
Greece has not yet become a country attracting foreign
investment.
His remark is considered an indirect reference to the prime
minister's recent call to Greek entrepreneurs to invest more, to
which he also commented that businesses in Greece continue to be
an easy target for the unloading of responsibilities which do
not belong to them.
[24] Gov't spokesman
Athens, 17/04/1997 (ANA)
Meanwhile, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas expressed
disapproval of a statement by General Confederation of Greek
Workers (GSEE) President Christos Polyzogopoulos that the social
dialogue plan constitutes a deregulation of the labor market at
the expense of working people.
"Such reactions are premature and do not help in the way of
creating the necessary climate for the good reception of the
initiative for social dialogue," he said.
[25] Greek products at Melbourne foodstuffs exhibition
Athens, 17/04/1997 (ANA)
The Hellenic Foreign Trade Board (HEPO) will organize Greece's
participation in the international foodstuffs and beverages
exhibition "Fine Food '97", to be held in Melbourne from Sept.
7-10.
Products to be displayed at the exhibition include dairy
products, canned foods, fruit juices, cheeses, wines and
beverages, cereals, pasta products, frozen food as well as
confectionery and baked products.
For more information call HEPO at 99.82.245.
[26] Laliotis optimistic on Egnatia's completion
Athens, 17/04/1997 (ANA)
Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas
Laliotis yesterday appeared optimistic regarding the prospects
for completion of the 680-km-long Egnatia Highway across the
breadth of northern Greece by the year 2000.
The minister said 122km have already been constructed, while
funds have been secured for another 430km, and that more will be
secured - possibly including participation of private
entrepreneurs - for the remaining 140km until autumn.
Mr. Laliotis also announced that the "para-Egnatia" project,
conceived by Turkey, Bulgaria, FYROM and Albania, as a rival
parallel axis to supposedly run from Istanbul to D0rres on the
Adriatic had been canceled on the basis of a relevant study, and
that the latter three countries had already expressed interest
in linking up with Egnatia at eight points, for which provision
was being made.
Egnatia is also planned to link with five ports and eight
airports. It will be a closed motorway, with two circulation and
one emergency lane per direction.
End of English language section.
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