Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-04-18
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1167), April 18, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Pangalos: Turkey must first make certain moves for 'substantial
improvement' in relations
[02] Papandreou on talks with Oymen
[03] Gov't spokesman
[04] State Dept. reiterates Washington's interest in Greek-Turkish dialogue
[05] Positive reaction to Greek decision concerning
[06] V. Papandreou stresses potential for Greek-Israeli co-operation in
energy, tourism
[07] Van den Broek: Turkey's EU accession not an imminent priority
[08] Simitis, Tsohatzopoulos confer on defense issues
[09] Kasteli airport operational for military duties
[10] Cavanaugh, Greek-American diplomat favorites for new US envoy to
Athens
[11] Parliament's Director dies of heart attack
[12] Kaklamanis meets visiting Romanian deputies
[13] Working visit by premier to Austria next week
[14] Karamanlis briefed on Cyprus situation by Vassiliou
[15] EU, NATO expansion tops Estonian FM Ilves' talks in Athens
[16] Greek oranges as humanitarian aid to several Balkan countries
[17] Greek embassy in Bonn unveils Internet sites
[18] G. Papandreou says he's not a plaintiff in lawsuit over former
Papandreou property
[19] Copyright protection discussed between Greek official, US assistant
secretary
[20] Several chambers agree to form body to better organize exports
[21] Greek economy in an 'auspicious' phase, IOBE reports
[22] No problems with Easter flights, minister assures
[23] Papaioannou stresses employment issue at EU ministers' meeting
[24] Int'l conference on Greek Jews of Thessaloniki
[25] European Court says widower entitled to pension benefits
[26] Marathon in Rhodes
[27] Herma column found near Parliament
[28] Athens Festival opts for no August performances at Herod Atticus
[29] British envoy to visit western Greece
[01] Pangalos: Turkey must first make certain moves for 'substantial
improvement' in relations
Athens, 18/04/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos reiterated last night that
for a substantive improvement to be achieved in Greek-Turkish
relations it is necessary for Turkey to find some way to state
that it abandons its threat of war against Greece and to further
state that it recognizes and accepts the institutional framework
governing relations between the two countries.
Mr. Pangalos was speaking after two-hour talks held at the
Maximos Mansion under headed Prime Minister Costas Simitis last
night. The meeting was attended by the foreign ministry's entire
leadership and focused primarily on developments in
Greek-Turkish relations.
Reports from Malta on Wednesday said that during consecutive
meetings between Greece's Alternate Foreign Minister George
Papandreou and his Turkish counterpart Onur Oymen, important
steps towards finding processes for resolving problems in
Greek-Turkish relations were taken.
The meetings were held on the sidelines of the
Euro-Mediterranean Conference.
Mr. Pangalos reminded that this framework is composed of
international and bilateral agreements and is supplemented by
international law and the international law of the sea.
"We must state that we accept this and from then on, we can
discuss issues concerning its implementation and
interpretation," he added.
Referring to the process "from then on", Mr. Pangalos reminded
that Greece has accepted the jurisdiction of the International
Court at The Hague.
Mr. Pangalos referred in turn to process issues which are not
linked to the two previous ones and reminded that the European
Union Dutch presidency has made a proposal on the creation of
what is called a "committee of wisemen", which Greece has not
accepted because Athens believes it has no prospects of success.
Mr. Pangalos further reminded that Greece has counter-proposed
the creation of two groups composed of representatives of the
two countries, who will present the arguments of each side and
will comment on the arguments of the other side.
He said that the contacts Alternate Foreign Minister Papandreou
had in Malta concerned precisely these issues, which are still
being processed and will be completed in the next few days,
while Greece will give its reply to the Dutch presidency.
He went on to explain that the study and processing currently
taking place has to do with complicated legal formalities on the
framework with which this committee will operate.
Mr. Pangalos once again said that Greece is in favor of contacts
of all kinds with the Turkish government but what it does not
accept is negotiating. He further said that the Greek
government's intention is friendship, co-operation, the prospect
of progress and the economic development of Turkey, adding that
Greece has a strong interest, probably the strongest of any
other European country, in a democratic, European and prospering
Turkey.
Mr. Pangalos said that the EU Association Council with Turkey
will be held according to schedule and that Greece has its views
on the common position of the 15 EU member-states and that
Greece does not consent to the lifting the veto on financial
protocol, which it links to the two general conditions and which
it sets as an improvement in Greek-Turkish relations.
He said that if Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller requests a
meeting with him on the sidelines of the session for Black Sea
Co-operation Pact Foreign Ministers, due to be held in Istanbul
on April 30, he will accept the meeting which, he said, will b e
a very good opportunity for an exchange of views.
Mr. Pangalos said that both he and Mr. Papandreou will
participate in the General Affairs Council and Turkey's
Association Council in Luxembourg on April 28-29.
Replying to a question on a statement by Dutch Foreign Minister
Hans van Mierlo on Wednesday and reported by Reuters on the
lifting of the deadlock on the islets issue, Alternate Foreign
Minister Papandreou categorically denied that this issue was
raise d in the discussions and that such a statement was made on
the part of the Dutch Foreign Minister.
Last night's meeting also focused on such issues as the
deployment of the multinational peace force in Albania, a
briefing on the recent visit by the Bulgarian Foreign Minister
and today's arrival in Athens of Cypriot Foreign Minister
Yiannakis Cassoulides.
[02] Papandreou on talks with Oymen
Athens, 18/04/1997 (ANA)
In statements earlier on his talks with Mr. Oymen, Mr.
Papandreou clarified that "we have not entered into negotiations
with the other side and in particular we are not negotiating
sovereign rights".
"However," Mr. Papandreou continued, "a dialogue helps towards a
better understanding by both sides and enables one to focus on
the dimensions of the problem".
Mr. Papandreou said that both sides appeared to accept "at least
as a basis" the formation of a committee of experts, adding that
his contacts in Malta with Mr. Oymen were simply a first step.
He reiterated that his talks with Mr. Oymen had not gone into
the "substance" of issues, while asked whether he had discerned
a different disposition on the part of the Turkish official
towards Greece, Mr. Papandreou replied:
"I hope so. There is, however, a final conclusion to this
initiative and I want to be optimistic but at the same time
cautious".
Replying to other questions, Mr. Papandreou said it would be
premature for one to forecast the next moves in the process.
"We have proposed a step-by-step process and, if we see during
this process that the issues proceed step-by-step, then the
climate will clearly improve and we could surely talk in terms
of there being something new," Mr. Papandreou said.
[03] Gov't spokesman
Athens, 18/04/1997 (ANA)
In his daily briefing, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas
warned against "premature interpretations" of the Malta talks.
Referring to a Dutch European Union presidency proposal for a
committee of experts from a third country to examine
Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Reppas added:
"Greece has expressed the view that two experts groups be
created to represent each of the (two) countries and to explore
the views of the other side."
It was on that basis, he said, that there was an exchange of
views between Mr. Papandreou and Mr. Oymen.
If such a committee of experts is eventually set up, Mr. Reppas
added, its task will be to explore procedures for the settlement
of issues raised by Greece.
The spokesman said Turkey's reply to the Greek proposal was
awaited in order for the committee to be formed.
Mr. Reppas clarified that the three conditions set by Foreign
Minister Theodoros Pangalos for rapprochement between Athens and
Ankara did not constitute prerequisites for the formation of the
committee.
He also said that no decision had yet been taken regarding the
formation of the committee "and if there is something positive
it is the fact that there was a discussion between Mr.
Papandreou and Mr. Oymen".
Commenting on remarks by Mr. van Mierlo, who on Wednesday spoke
of a "break-through" in Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Reppas
expressed the view that Mr. van Mierlo was most probably
referring to the Papandreou-Oymen discussion "and considered it
to be an important event in itself".
Mr. Reppas stressed, however, that the discussion in Malta
yesterday did not go into details and "there was no reference to
issues with which the committee might be occupied".
The spokesman added that it was even too early to talk about
issues as such, since the committee had not yet been formed, but
he cited as an example of an issue that of the Imia islet, while
ruling out any possibility of the committee discussing any issue
in its substance.
"There are issues which concern respect for international law
and sovereign rights which not only do not constitute a subject
for discussion in substance but not even the subject of
discussion within any procedural context," Mr. Reppas said.
Replying to other questions, the spokesman said the committee
would be made up of "experts and not politicians or diplomats".
Commenting on statements reportedly made by a US official,
according to which a plan is in currently in progress aimed at
securing a settlement of the Cyprus problem and Greek-Turkish
differences as a "package", Mr. Reppas reiterated Greece's fixed
position that the two issues were quite separate.
"Of course, the fact that the Cyprus problem remains outstanding
negatively affects the climate of Greek-Turkish relations," the
spokesman said, adding "Greece wants there to be procedures for
both issues which will lead to a solution of problems in order
to enable the consolidation of peace and security in the region."
[04] State Dept. reiterates Washington's interest in Greek-Turkish dialogue
Washington, 18/04/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)
US State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns yesterday
reiterated the Clinton administration's wish for a normalization
of Greek-Turkish relations.
"We hope that Turkey and Greece will sit and solve their many
problems. We have claimed for many years that Greece and Turkey
must negotiate their differences," he said in reply to
reporters' questions.
Commenting on an off-the-record briefing by a high-ranking
Pentagon official on Wednesday, according to which an American
initiative is at the last stage of planning, Mr. Burns said that
US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright had, since assuming her
duties, made intensive efforts for a settlement of problems
between Greece and Turkey, particularly the Cyprus problem.
"We wish to be actively present in the efforts for a resolution
of the Cyprus problem. But the interested parties in Cyprus must
also show the necessary goodwill, political will and flexibility
in order to agree. We are working very closely with the UN, the
European Union and Britain. We want a solution as soon as this
is possible," he said.
[05] Positive reaction to Greek decision concerning
WEU, Paris (ANA- Y. Zitouniatis)
The French presidency of the Western European Union (WEU) is
reportedly satisfied with Greece's decision not to veto
participation of WEU associate members in the decision-making
process, sources said here yesterday.
The French presidency said Greece's position was "totally
positive for the constructing of the European edifice," they
said.
The same sources noted that the French presidency's text
regulating co-operation between the member-states, expected to
be published in May, will not change the status of associate
members, which requires previous accession to the WEU.
Turkey is an associate member of the WEU.
According to the text, NATO member-states which participate in
joint operations with the WEU will no longer be excluded from
the WEU's decision-making process.
Meanwhile, a NATO forum to be held on May 2-3 in Athens is
expected to focus on dialogue between the WEU, the United States
and Canada.
[06] V. Papandreou stresses potential for Greek-Israeli co-operation in
energy, tourism
Tel Aviv, 18/04/1997 (ANA - D. Tsalapatis)
Development Minister Vasso Papandreou commented here yesterday
on what she called the great potential for developing economic
relations with Israel, particularly in the energy and tourism
sectors.
She made the statements after talks with the Israeli minister of
Infrastructure, Ariel Sharon, and Tourism Minister Moshe Katzan.
"We particularly discussed the prospects for co-operation in the
energy sector, as the Israeli government wishes to be supplied
with natural gas from Greece. Israel is a country which can play
an important role in the development of the region, and we hope
that the stabilization of peace will be achieved, so that this
aim may be realized," she said after an initial meeting with Mr.
Sharon.
The Israeli minister also noted his country's interest in
expanding economic relations with Greece.
Talks with Mr. Katzan centered on co-operation in attracting
tourists from countries of the Far East and the Americas.
In statements later, Ms Papandreou said Greece intends to
participate in the group set up by eight Middle East countries
for co-operation in the tourism sector. She also invited Israeli
businessmen to invest in Greece by participating in the tenders
for the sale of land by the Greek Tourism Organization (EOT).
It was agreed in the two meetings to speed up procedures for the
signing of accords for the mutual protection of investments and
the prevention of double taxation.
Ms Papandreou is expected to meet today with the Orthodox
Patriarch of Jerusalem Diodoros, and tomorrow with Palestinian
Authority President Yasser Arafat.
[07] Van den Broek: Turkey's EU accession not an imminent priority
Brussels, 18/04/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)
Turkey's accession to the European Union could be realized in
the long-term if the country noted progress in the sectors of
human rights, the Cyprus issue, relations with Greece and the
economic sector, EU Commissioner
Hans van den Broek told the European Parliament's external
economic relations committee yesterday.
The Dutch Commissioner said that Turkey's accession to the
European Union "is not an issue of imminent priority for the
Community."
Mr. van den Broek told the Committee that in the recent
unofficial meeting of the EU foreign ministers in the
Netherlands, the "15" had announced that Turkey could be
eligible for EU accession. He added, however, that "important
steps towards progress" should precede such a development.
In reply to questions, Mr. van den Broek said that "in order to
release the funds which Turkey is entitled to, according to the
terms of the customs union, it must first show goodwill in its
relations with Greece."
According to Mr. van den Broek, the volume of trade between
Turkey and the European Union has soared after the signing of
the customs union, reaching ECU 30 billion.
This rise is mainly attributed to increased EU exports to
Turkey, which recorded a rise of 30 per cent after the customs
union, while Turkish exports to the Union posted a 7 per cent
increase.
According to the EU Commissioner, Turkey was aware of such
development before signing the customs union.
In reference to the MEDA program, Mr. van den Broek said funding
to Turkey would take place on the basis of the agreement between
the presidents of the European Committee and the Europarliament.
[08] Simitis, Tsohatzopoulos confer on defense issues
Athens, 18/04/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Defense Minister Akis
Tsohatzopoulos covered a gamut of security and defense issues -
foremost among them the dispatch of Greek troops to Albania - at
their meeting yesterday morning.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the meeting examined issues regarding
Greece's policy in the Balkans and in Albania, where 720 Greek
troops will be participating in the multinational protection
force.
The minister said that Albania was facing a plethora of problems
but that he was optimistic that order will soon be restored. The
entire Greek contingent will have been deployed by the end of
the next week, he said.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos added that the Cyprus issue, NATO matters,
security policy and activities that must be undertaken on a
European Union level and at international organizations were
also examined during his meeting with the prime minister.
Responding to a press question, the minister said that Greece
had not yet entered a phase of dialogue with Turkey in regard to
the essence of Greek-Turkish relations but that there was
discussion and specific efforts under way on the procedure.
[09] Kasteli airport operational for military duties
Athens, 18/04/1997 (ANA)
The strengthening and widening of the unified defense doctrine
between Greece and Cyprus will be achieved with the resumption
of the operation of the Kasteli military airbase in Crete,
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said on Wednesday.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos was on hand for the commencement of the
airport's operation as the 133rd combat squadron.
The airport is expected to cover air defense needs for air space
region between Crete, Rhodes and Cyprus.
The minister said almost every type of modern warplane can use
this airport, which reduces the distance to Cyprus by 150 miles.
"The reduction in the distance by more than 300 km provides new
possibilities in time utilization for Greek aircraft flights..."
he said.
National Defense Under-secretary Dimitris Apostolakis said "that
Irakleio and Crete, in general, will acquire a special
importance in the country's defense and I believe that the whole
effort will upgrade the region of Kasteli."
[10] Cavanaugh, Greek-American diplomat favorites for new US envoy to
Athens
Washington, 18/04/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)
Carey Cavanaugh, the director of Southern European affairs at
the State Department, and John Negreponte, a career diplomat of
Greek descent, are front-runners for the position of US
ambassador to Athens, sources said yesterday.
Current US envoy Thomas Niles is due to leave the post in the
summer, on completion of his three-year posting.
US State Department sources told the ANA that there had been no
decisions made as yet but that both Mr. Cavanaugh and Mr.
Negreponte were favorites.
Mr. Cavanaugh is best known in Greece for his recent shuttle
trips between Nicosia, Ankara and Athens in aid of the US
initiative on the Aegean and Cyprus while Mr. Negreponte has
served as US ambassador to the Philippines, Mexico and Honduras
and was U S consul general in Thessaloniki from 1975 to 1977. He
also served as assistant national security adviser under the
Reagan administration.
[11] Parliament's Director dies of heart attack
Athens, 18/04/1997 (ANA)
Parliament's General Director Antonis Angelopoulos died
yesterday of a heart attack while in Seoul, Korea, to attend a
meeting of Interparliamentary Union secretary generals.
Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis has issued a statement
expressing his condolences to the bereaved family, who have gone
to Seoul to accompany Angelopoulos' body back to Athens.
[12] Kaklamanis meets visiting Romanian deputies
Athens, 18/04/1997 (ANA)
Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis yesterday received
Romania's representatives at the Parliamentary Assembly of the
Black Sea Economic Co-operation (PABSEC) organization.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to confirm
the traditional relations of co-operation between Athens and
Bucharest and their desire to further develop bilateral ties for
the benefit of both peoples.
The Romanian delegation re-stated Romanian interest in joining
NATO and other West-European structures and asked for Greece's
support, nothing that Athens was the first to sign the agreement
establishing Romania's association with the European Union.
Mr. Kaklamanis referred to a tendency prevailing in the EU for
enlargement to be in the direction of the countries of central
and eastern Europe rather than the Balkans.
He stressed however that Greece, along with France, Spain,
Portugal and Italy wanted more balance, with the participation
in the EU also of Balkan countries.
Mr. Kaklamanis also underlined the need for the creation of a
pan-European security system reaching as far as the Urals, with
the highest possible participation of European countries.
[13] Working visit by premier to Austria next week
Vienna, 18/04//1997 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis is to pay a working visit to
Austria between April 20 and 23 for discussion concerning the
further development of bilateral economic co-operation.
According to the Greece's commercial attachi in the Austrian
capital, Alexandros Mitrogogos, beyond the traditional trade
exchanges, the sectors of construction and subcontracting in
third countries also presents considerable interest for
co-operation.
He also referred to similar possibilities in the fields of
banking and small- and medium-size enterprises for the
application of new technologies.
Mr. Mitrogogos said he considers that the further development of
bilateral economic and trade relations can be based on certain
existing positive elements which each of the two countries
possess, such as the particularly strong Austrian banking
presence in central and eastern Europe, and the just as
energetic Greek business activity in the Balkans and the Black
Sea region in recent years.
He also stressed that the relatively high number of Austrian
tourists in Greece (about 400,000 annually) creates a large
potential market for Greek products.
[14] Karamanlis briefed on Cyprus situation by Vassiliou
Athens, 18/04/1997 (ANA)
Former president of Cyprus George Vassiliou briefed main
opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis
yesterday on developments in the Cyprus issue.
Responding to questions after the meeting, Mr. Vassiliou
expressed the view that the Greek-Cypriots should respond
positively to the impending invitation from the UN
Secretary-General and to assume initiatives in order to reduce
tension in the island republic.
With regard to a reported US initiative for a package of
proposals on Greek-Turkish differences and the Cyprus issue, Mr.
Vassiliou said:
"... the only package that could be in the offing is that being
prepared by Sir David Hannay (special UK envoy for Cyprus) and
this is where the policy being followed by Cyprus is mistaken,
since recently there has been an attempt to abandon UN
resolutions ... resulting in the way being cleared for new
initiatives that could lead to a package entailing unpleasant
surprises for our side."
Mr. Vassiliou also met yesterday with the president of the
Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI), Dimitris Tsovolas.
The meeting focused on the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish
relations.
During the meeting, Mr. Tsovolas said he feared that Cyprus'
accession to the EU would be used as a means to put pressure on
Nicosia to close the Cyprus issue and legalize the status quo on
the island republic.
[15] EU, NATO expansion tops Estonian FM Ilves' talks in Athens
Athens, 18/04/1997 (ANA)
Estonian Foreign Minister Toomas Ilves, currently on an official
visit to Greece, had separate meetings yesterday with Prime
Minister Costas Simitis and Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos.
After talks with Mr. Pangalos, Mr. Ilves described his contacts
in Athens as "particu-larly important," underlining that the
views of the two governments on the enlargement of NATO and the
European Union were "very close."
Mr. Ilves, the first Estonian foreign minister to visit Greece,
said his country's foreign policy was focused on efforts for
accession to the EU.
Noting that Greece had never recognized Estonia's annexation by
the former Soviet Union, Mr. Pangalos said Estonia was the first
Baltic country to open an embassy in Athens.
Greece would in turn open an embassy in Estonia, he added.
During the talks at the foreign ministry, attended also by
National Economy Under-secretary Alekos Baltas, two agreements
were signed - one relating to reciprocal investments and the
second to marine transport.
Mr. Pangalos said Greece would support Estonia's bid to join
NATO, adding that his talks with Mr. Ilves had covered the issue
of the alliance's enlargement and the possible problems this
might create for Russia.
On Estonia's efforts to join the EU, Mr. Pangalos said the
Baltic nation satisfied all the prerequisites for membership.
Mr. Pangalos reiterated Greece's steadfast position that all
Council of Europe member-states should be able to apply for
accession.
[16] Greek oranges as humanitarian aid to several Balkan countries
Brussels, 18/04/1997 (ANA)
The European Commission yesterday approved Greece's request for
the free distribution of 23,800 tons of Greek oranges in the
form of humanitarian aid to Serbia and Montenegro, Bulgaria,
Romania and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).
Albania has been excluded due to political instability
prevailing in that country.
[17] Greek embassy in Bonn unveils Internet sites
Bonn, 18/04/1997 (ANA - P. Stangos)
The Greek embassy in the German capital has inaugurated
German-language electronic sites on the Internet, at the address:
www.griechische-botschaft.de
Its E-mail address is:
press-and-information@griechische-botschaft.de
The sites aim to provide information on Greek government
positions concerning current affairs. So far, the webs have been
provided with briefs on developments in the Balkans and the
Greek positions on Albania, while archival material will be
added soon.
The development follows the inauguration, a month ago, by the
Greek Press and Information Bureau in Hamburg of a pilot program
at the address http://www.griechenlandinformation.de with more
general information on Greece.
[18] G. Papandreou says he's not a plaintiff in lawsuit over former
Papandreou property
Athens, 18/04/1997 (ANA)
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou stated yesterday
that he is not participating in litigation launched by his two
brothers and sister regarding ownership of a residence sold by
their late father, three-time prime minister and PASOK founder
Andreas Papandreou, in 1992.
The three of the late premier's children argue that a recently
discovered will of their grandmother, Sophia Mineiko-Papandreou,
bequeaths the property to them, and therefore, annuls the 1992
sale.
"The decision belongs to my brothers and sister and I respect
it. Personally, I have announced that I am not participating in
the legal procedure regarding the execution of my grandmother's
will," Mr. Papandreou said.
[19] Copyright protection discussed between Greek official, US assistant
secretary
Washington, 18/04/1997 (ANA - A. Ellis)
National economy ministry's international economic relations
Secretary General Nikos Zachariadis discussed the issue of
copyright protection with US Assistant Trade Secretary Stuart
Eisenstat on Wednesday in a meeting in the US capital.
Repercussions on bilateral trade and economic relations between
Greece and the US were also examined, while Athens has expressed
its desire to implement whatever commitments it has undertaken
towards Washington with a view to securing better operation of
the market.
Mr. Zachariadis is in the United States to accompany National
Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou. The talks
between Mr. Zachariadis and Mr. Eisenstat also covered
co-operation between the two countries on the transfer of
technology to the Balkans and joint support for business
initiatives which can be undertaken in the wider Balkan and
Black Sea region.
Yesterday morning, shortly before leaving for New York, Mr.
Papantoniou briefed US economic and diplomatic correspondents on
the Greek economy's positive course and the prospect of Greece's
participation in Economic and Monetary Union by the year 2000 or
2001.
[20] Several chambers agree to form body to better organize exports
Athens, 18/04/1997 (ANA)
Representatives from chambers of commerce in Thrace, Macedonia,
Thessaly and Epirus agreed during a meeting yesterday in
Thessaloniki that an organization should be established to
coordinate efforts to promote Greek exports to both traditional
and new markets.
The meeting was held at HELEXPO's initiative.
HELEXPO President Antonis Kourtis also put forth a proposal for
the creation of a publication entitled "A Business Guide of
Thrace, Macedonia, Thessaly and Epirus," as well as the for the
organization of seminars.
[21] Greek economy in an 'auspicious' phase, IOBE reports
Athens, 18/04/1997 (ANA)
The Greek economy is going through an "auspicious" phase within
the framework of the "long and difficult" period of adjustment
to the other European economies, according to the Institute of
Economic and Industrial Studies (IOBE), which generally reflects
the views of private initiative.
"This phase," according to IOBE's four-monthly report on the
Greek economy, "is characterized by an improvement in the
economy's main indicators, coupled with particularly encouraging
indications as to the drop in inflation, the revival of economic
activity and industrial production and the gradual improvement
of public finances."
The report warns however that the current phase does not
necessarily herald the permanent and non-inflationary
development of production and employment "since the necessary
bold structural reforms which would heal the major inflexibility
and deficiencies in the productive web of the economy continue
after a number of years to be absent."
IOBE criticizes the economic policy being implemented by the
government "since it remains focused on economic convergence and
continues to relegate the importance of real convergence."
For 1997, IOBE forecasts a GDP rate of growth of over 3.0 per
cent, compared to the national economy ministry estimate of 3.5
per cent.
Noting that "the nucleus of inflation remains solid," IOBE
describes the current account deficit (4.6 billion dollars or
4.0 per cent of GDP in 1996) as being a cause for concern while
ascertaining "little or no progress" in the curtailment of
public consumer spending and trends towards an ever-diminishing
increase in fiscal revenue.
The report also expresses concern over import penetration
"because domestic undertakings are losing segments of the market
and their profits are declining."
IOBE meanwhile describes as "inadequate" the improvement to date
of productivity and competitiveness and notes delays in the
government's denationalization and privatization programs as
well as in the taking of measures to tackle unemployment.
Echoing statements by Federation of Greek Industries President
Jason Stratos yesterday, the IOBE report stresses that "it is
imperative that social dialogue concludes at the earliest with
bold and concrete solutions."
Lastly, IOBE sounds the alarm bell over the situation prevailing
in social insurance funds, particularly the problems being
created by fund deficits and resultant "invisible public debts."
"The situation in the country's public finances would appear to
be much worse than is reflected by the state's current
accounts," the institute said, urging reforms in the social
security sector.
More specifically, IOBE underlines the need for reforms "aimed
at securing a level of contributions which on the one hand will
not discourage the creation of jobs while at the same time
enabling the full financial coverage of the domestic social
security system, so as not to put at risk the rehabilitation of
public finances in the long term."
[22] No problems with Easter flights, minister assures
Athens, 18/04/1997 (ANA)
Transport and Communications Minister Haris Kastanidis yesterday
predicted there would be no problems at the country's airports
next week (Orthodox Holy Week) or after that, despite work
stoppages announced by the civil aviation workers' union (OSYPA)
for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Mr. Kastanidis said that meetings to be held over the next few
days with individual sectors would avert what he called the
"revolutionary exercise being carried out by (Vassilis)
Alevizopoulos", the president of OSYPA.
[23] Papaioannou stresses employment issue at EU ministers' meeting
Brussels, 18/04/1997 (ANA - P. Pantelis)
Labor and Social Insurance Minister Miltiades Papaioannou
attended the Council of Social Affairs ministers conference in
Luxembourg yesterday, where he stressed that policy on
employment should be combined with dialogue with social partners
at a European and national level. He also said a special chapter
should be included in the revised Maastricht Treaty aimed at
combating unemployment.
Mr. Papaioannou said that the Commission must propose measures
aimed at the protection and reincorporation in the labor force
of the elderly unemployed and the unemployed resulting from
business restructuring.
He added that positive measures must be taken for equal
treatment for men and women on employment issues, and further
requested more intense consultations.
Referring to the transfer of a Renault plant from Belgium, which
will result in 3,000 workers losing their jobs, Mr. Papaioannou
expressed concern over such practices by multinational companies
and pointed to the negative experience with the now-closed
Goodyear plant in Thessaloniki.
Mr. Papaioannou also held talks with the European socialists on
issues of strategy on employment and social protection in the
framework of the European Socialist Party.
[24] Int'l conference on Greek Jews of Thessaloniki
Athens, 18/04/1997 (ANA)
An international conference entitled "Greek Jewry in
Thessaloniki and the Problem of Historical Responsibility" will
be organized in the city over the weekend by the area's Jewish
community and the Brussels-based foundation "Auschwitz."
The conference will be held under the sponsorship of the
organization "Thessaloniki Cultural Capital of Europe 1997."
[25] European Court says widower entitled to pension benefits
Luxembourg, 18/04/1997 (Reuter/ANA)
The European Court of Justice said on Thursday the principle of
equal protection for men and women creates a right for surviving
spouses to receive pension benefits under spouses' occupational
insurance schemes.
The court threw out a Greek law which placed the burden on men
to prove they were not otherwise provided for, when women would
not be required to do the same. The case involved a claim
against the Public Power Corporation (DEH) pension scheme.
Wives were automatically entitled to their husband's pension,
but men had to show they were "without means and totally unfit
for work and maintained by the deceased throughout the five
years preceding her death."
The court also reviewed the timeframe in which individuals can
claim rights under the principle of equal protection in the work
place. Article 119 of the EC treaty cannot be relied upon for
periods of employment prior to May 17, 1990, except where
persons have initiated legal proceedings or introduced an
equivalent claim under national law, the court said.
[26] Marathon in Rhodes
Athens, 18/04/1997 (ANA)
Athletes from more than 25 countries will participate in the
first international marathon race to be held on Rhodes this
Sunday, while various cultural events will take place in the
framework of the race, beginning today.
Countries declaring participation so far are Poland, Russia,
Ukraine, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Israel, Kenya, Zimbabwe,
South Africa, Tanzania, Sudan, Egypt, China, Saudi Arabia,
India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Palestinian self-rule
areas.
The race will start at 9:30 a.m. in ancient Kameiros.
[27] Herma column found near Parliament
Athens, 18/04/1997 (ANA)
Archaeological excavations adjacent to Parliament in central
Athens yesterday unearthed an inscripted Herma column complete
with a bust of Chrysippos, one of the most important stoic
philosophers.
The most common monument to the Olympian god Hermes - the god of
commerce and messenger of the other Olympians - a Herma was a
stone pillar which usually had a carved bust on top and was
placed on the side of roadways.
The column, 1.31 meters in height and made of Penteli marble,
was found in excellent condition.
Chrysippos lived in the third century BC.
In another development funds for reconstruction at the ancient
site of Mycenae in the eastern Peloponnese - damaged by heavy
rains in October - have been approved by the Peloponnese
Regional Council.
The council has awarded 150 million drachmas for the
reconstruction of the northern wall in the courtyard of the
palace on the city's acropolis, following studies approved by
the culture ministry.
[28] Athens Festival opts for no August performances at Herod Atticus
Athens, 18/04/1997 (ANA)
The annual Athens Festival over the summer will not include
performances at the ancient Herod Atticus theater during August,
due to the scheduled World Athletics Championship (Aug. 1-10)
and because of a poor record of receipts over past years.
Only two performances will be held in August, namely, for the
approximately 2,500 sportswriters and officials expected to
attend the championship.
A total of 51 performances have been scheduled for June, July,
August and September at Herod Atticus, Epidavros, Dodoni in
Epirus, Philippoi near Kavala and Dion near Katerini.
[29] British envoy to visit western Greece
Athens, 18/04/1997 (ANA)
Britain's ambassador to Greece Sir Michael Llewellyn-Smith will
begin a four-day tour of western Greece on April 18, accompanied
by the embassy's commercial attachi, Graham Thomas.
The tour will be Sir Michael's first official visit to the
region.
He is scheduled to meet with local representatives in Patras,
Messolonghi, Preveza and Arta, with the focus on expanding the
options for Greek and British economic and commercial
co-operation.
On April 19 and 20, Sir Michael will attend events commemorating
the 171st anniversary of the flight from Messolonghi during the
Greek war of independence.
End of English language section.
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