Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-05-08
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1180), May 8, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Simitis: Greece unwilling to even consider negotiation of
sovereign rights
[02] Results from Parliament group meeting
[03] Gov't spokesman
[04] Reppas: Better Greek-Turkish relations as soon as Ankara
improves attitude
[05] Samaras condemns 'committee of experts' development
[06] Return of Parthenon Marbles a basic foreign policy issue,
Venizelos says
[07] Kranidiotis briefed on Mideast peace process
[08] Greece, US conclude main portion of defense-related meetings
[09] Greek-Turkish business meeting at end of May
[10] Military exercises underway in the Cyclades
[11] US supports Dutch EU presidency initiative
[12] Dutch presidency
[13] Greek charge d' affaires to reopen Baghdad embassy
[14] Gov't: Delay in return of Greek ambassador to Iran due to
personal reasons
[15] Bavarian state delegation in Greece
[16] Constantine Karamanlis: Comments by ex-king 'unworthy of comment'
[17] Meeting between Karamanlis, ND 16 deputies
[18] Stephanopoulos receives AHEPA delegation
[19] News in Brief
[20] G. Papandreou meets with the religious leadership of Thrace's
Moslems
[21] Aid for Zlatograd leaves from Chrysoupoli
[22] Humanitarian aid from Crete to Albania
[23] Papantoniou: Greece close to achieving Maastricht criteria
[24] Annual fur trade turnover above $150 million over past years
[25] V. Papandreou on Softex, Elefsina shipyards privatizations
[26] EU directives threaten Greek wine producers
[27] IMF delegation briefed on economic prospects, inflation's slide
[28] Information campaign in light of upcoming tourist season
[29] Northern Greek industrialists want Santer to promote Black Sea,
Balkan development
[30] Partial privatization for tax-free shops
[31] Work continuing on Olympic Stadium in light of IAAF world
championship
[32] Gov't to establish council for road safety
[01] Simitis: Greece unwilling to even consider negotiation of
sovereign rights
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis stressed yesterday that Greece was
in no way prepared to negotiate its sovereign rights in any form
of dialogue and would not accept any process which questioned
the present status quo in the Aegean.
Addressing the ruling PASOK party's Parliamentary group, the
premier was replying to criticism from within his party of the
government's recent handling of Greek-Turkish relations.
"There is no place for rhetoric in foreign policy matters ...
With regards to national issues, the greatest responsibility is
borne by the cadres of a ruling party," Mr. Simitis said.
Thirty-two PASOK deputies late last month made public a letter
addressed to Mr. Simitis, protesting what they viewed as the
government's acceptance of a dialogue with Turkey.
"This form of public announcement promotes neither democracy nor
cohesion within the party, since there are statutory bodies at
which issues should be raised," Mr. Simitis said, noting that he
had first learned about the letter while listening to a radio
station.
The premier underlined that the government's position on the
entire spectrum of Greek-Turkish relations was "crystal-clear"
and had been ratified by the primary collective bodies of the
ruling PASOK party and the electorate.
"It is a fundamental position of the government that Greece does
not put up its sovereign rights, as these rights emanate from
international law and treaties, (for discussion) in any
dialogue," Mr. Simitis said, adding that Greece would not accept
any process which questioned the present status quo in the
Aegean.
Mr. Simitis said there was a substantial difference between
Greece and Turkey, namely, that while Athens had a clear policy
and positions based on international law and treaties, Ankara
was refusing to adapt its policy to the fundamental rules of the
European Union, which it nevertheless wanted to join.
"The result is, at the present time, that Turkey is a
destabilizing factor not only in the Aegean but in the greater
region," he said.
If Turkey proved that it respected international law and
abandoned its expansionist designs, the premier said, it would
find support from Greece in its European course.
If the tension and threat of force systematically fostered in
recent years by Ankara disappeared from the region, he added,
the Greek and Turkish peoples would only gain.
Mr. Simitis said in Athens' view, the purpose of the soon to be
formed "committee of experts" by Greece and Turkey to examine
the problems between the two neighbours was to improve the
climate in their bilateral relations.
"The committee in no way implies commencement of a political
dialogue nor any form of arbitration," Mr. Simitis said,
reiterating that its findings would not be binding.
The Greek premier said that "the procedural dialogue has two
alternatives: one is for it to constitute the turning point in
Turkey's policy vis-a-vis the respect of international law, with
the abandoning of every expansionist design, in which case the
way will open for the peaceful course of the two countries, also
within the framework of the EU, and with Greece as its
supportive neighbour.
"The other is for Ankara to be exposed once again, with the
exclusive responsibility of Turkey, that the neighbouring
country does not want true dialogue, in which case it will be
irreparably exposed where it wants to pass its examinations, and
from the European power it wants to turn into, it will withdraw
once again into the backwardness of an Ottoman vision which will
not find understanding in the current world.
"Greece has nothing to fear and nothing to lose...," Mr. Simitis
said. Government policy also aimed at improving Greek-Turkish
relations through a step-by-step approach, Mr. Simitis added.
The premier reiterated that the first step was for Turkey to
accept three conditions which reflect basic principles of
international law.
"Namely, a declaration (by Ankara) at the appropriate political
level, without terms or provisions, that it rules out the threat
of war and the use of force in relations between the two
countries, and at the same time, the unreserved declaration that
it will under no circumstances resort to war in order to resolve
any problem which Turkey may consider to exist between the two
countries.
"Secondly, the acceptance (by Ankara) of the institutional
framework which governs relations between the two countries and
shapes the existing legal situation in the Aegean, that is, the
existing international treaties.
"Thirdly, the subsequent acceptance by Turkey that issues which
pertain to the implementation or interpretation of international
treaties should be settled through legal procedures provided
under international bodies and specifically, at the
International Court at The Hague," Mr. Simitis said.
Following this, the premier went on, and Turkey's acceptance to
refer its claims regarding the Imia islets to The Hague, Greece
would give its approval for the financial protocol foreseen
under the EU-Turkey customs union agreement.
"The next step would be the drawing up of an agreement to refer
the issue of the delineation of the (Aegean) continental shelf
to The Hague, while at the same time, contacts could begin at a
ministerial and government level for an exchange of views and
the development of co-operation in sectors such as tourism,
commerce, combating crime, etc..." the premier said.
There is no hesitation or wavering in PASOK with regard to
national issues, Mr. Simitis said, adding that government policy
had been shaped through successive collective procedures and
ratified by virtue of the Greek people's mandate last Sept. 22.
Mr. Simitis said foreign policy was "closely and decisively"
linked with the attainment of the government's overall targets
such as the strengthening of the economy, preserving social
cohesion and the country's equal participation in the course
towards European integration.
[02] Results from Parliament group meeting
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
Mr. Simitis said afterwards that the meeting confirmed a
coincidence of views.
In spite of a tense atmosphere which prevailed in the meeting,
Mr. Simitis said that "on the core of policy there have been no
disagreements."
The meeting brought to the surface, according to Mr. Simitis, "a
series of questions on secondary issues."
"We cannot describe in full detail all our future foreign policy
moves," Mr. Simitis said. "On the other hand, a proud national
silence to international moves will not be sufficient either,
since Greece does not have a reason to look scared," he added,
saying that the government should focus on defense and
diplomatic alertness.
In an apparent reference to the letter of the 32 PASOK deputies,
the premier urged deputies to write letters, but not make public
announcements.
On his part, Justice Minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos, one of the
critics of the letter by the "32" said earlier that it makes "no
one proud."
However, one of the letter's supporters, former minister and
current deputy Yiannis Kapsis said that discussion of foreign
policy issues should be the focus of a future meeting. He said
the letter was leaked to the press and called for an
investigation.
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos said the content of the
letter which was copied by international agencies had reached
his European counterparts, put him in an embarrassing position
of having to convince them that he was not willing to make
concession s regarding the Greek veto on EU financial aid to
Turkey.
Greece has not withdrawn its veto on the grounds of continued
Turkish threats against Greece's sovereignty in the Aegean.
[03] Gov't spokesman
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday that the
prime minister's speech was "the speech of a national leader".
"Mr. Simitis' speech was modest, clear and direct. The positions
the prime minister elaborated on were the positions of a
politician of a national calibre," he said.
[04] Reppas: Better Greek-Turkish relations as soon as Ankara
improves attitude
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas yesterday said a different
attitude from Turkey towards Greece could lead to notable
progress in relations between the two countries.
He was commenting on a meeting Tuesday in Strasbourg between
Greek Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou and the
Turkish Foreign Under-secretary Onur Oymen.
The two men had met on the sidelines of a Council of Europe
ministerial summit.
"The meeting was held in a good atmosphere but this should not
lead to a misunderstanding over the policies of the two men,"
warned Mr. Reppas.
Sources said on Tuesday that the meeting confirmed the
willingness of both sides for the committees of experts to begin
operating.
There is no fixed date yet, but Mr. Reppas said the committee
would soon begin its operation.
Regarding the committee's future, he said it would depend on the
experts' positions and the ability to find common ground.
Regarding Education Minister Gerassimos Arsenis's recent request
for the convening of a PASOK Central Committee meeting to
discuss Greek-Turkish affairs in view of the latest
developments, the spokesman confirmed that such a meeting would
take place but said the time for it has yet to be determined.
[05] Samaras condemns 'committee of experts' development
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
The leader of the Political Spring party, Antonis Samaras,
yesterday expressed his total opposition to the forming of a
"committee of experts" regarding Greek-Turkish differences.
Speaking after being briefed on the issue by Foreign Minister
Theodoros Pangalos, he described the committee as a "procedural
trap".
"This procedure is making us surrender our most powerful weapon,
which is international treaties, to some arbitration which will
obviously ... cut the Aegean in two," he said.
[06] Return of Parthenon Marbles a basic foreign policy issue,
Venizelos says
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos yesterday said that the
return of the Parthenon Marbles was a basic issue for Greek
foreign policy, while denying there had been a clash between
Greece and Britain over the return the friezes, handed to Lord
Elgin by t he Ottoman rulers in the early 19th century.
"There is no question of a Greek-British clash," he said at a
press conference this morning, expressing displeasure at foreign
press reports which he said put the issue out of proportion. The
minister reiterated that the return of the marbles was a basic
issue for Greek foreign policy, adding that a design by Italian
architects for a museum in Athens to house the frieze had been
submitted to the Mercouri Foundation.
The late actress and culture minister Melina Mercouri had first
put the Greek demand to the British government and had been met
with sympathy by the Labour Party, then in opposition.
Britain's new Heritage Secretary Chris Smith early this week
ruled out returning the Parthenon marbles to Greece, only days
after Mr. Venizelos said he would reinstate the long-standing
Greek request.
Yesterday Mr. Venizelos noted that the Greek government "is
speaking with the voice of the monument, which desires the
return of the marbles stolen by Lord Elgin".
The minister declined to disclose the content of a letter he is
to send to his British counterpart outlining the legal and
historical foundation for the Greek demand, invoking protocol.
Meanwhile the two ministers are to meet on June 30 at a European
UN ion Council of culture ministers' meeting.
[07] Kranidiotis briefed on Mideast peace process
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
Miguel Angel Moratinos, the EU special envoy on the Middle East
peace process yesterday briefed Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos
Kranidiotis on latest developments in the peace process. Mr.
Kranidiotis elaborated on Greece's positions and conveyed the
government's interest in developments in the Middle East.
[08] Greece, US conclude main portion of defense-related meetings
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
The main phase of Greek-American talks covering defense issues
was concluded on Crete yesterday with no "specific agreements
reached," according to National Defense Under-secretary Dimitris
Apostolakis.
Shortly after the departure of his US counterpart, Principal
Deputy Secretary of Defense Jan Lodal, from Irakleio airport,
Mr. Apostolakis addressed a press conference and referred to the
talks and discussions held on security in the eastern
Mediterranean and the Balkans, NATO's reorganization and
expansion, bilateral issues as well as issues regarding
armaments programs.
"We left the issues on which we did not reach an agreement for
our staffs to process and raise them again at the meeting next
year," he said.
Replying to questions, Mr. Apostolakis said "it is known that
almost all friends and allies are trying to influence us to
contact Turkey, and they do the same thing with the neighbouring
country, to resolve our issues. This also occurred now, but we
reached no decision.
"We listened to their views and they listened to ours. We tried
to convince them, and I believe that we did convince them over
the just way we are handling the issues related to the Aegean
and Turkey in general. We told them about the steps we have take
n and the steps that Turkey must take to enable us to get out of
the deadlock," he added.
Asked whether efforts aimed at influencing are translated into
pressures, he said that "periods when our country received
pressures are over."
"Even friends and allies from the European Union are trying to
convince us of advantages from a decrease in tension in the
area," he said.
Replying to a question on whether the US delegation requested
something specific from Greece, Mr. Apostolakis said "they
simply say as an example: 'you have a problem with violations in
the Aegean. Can we possibly find another way so that the Turks
can use the right to fly in international air space without
violating international rules and national air space?'
"We explained to them that we insist on ICAO's rules, which are
applicable all over the world, internationally recognized and
accepted, and that if we try to implement even the
Papoulias-Yilmaz memorandum more precisely or rules implemented
in cases of aircraft flights in foreign countries, then there
would be no problem."
Mr. Apostolakis said that he explained to the US side that
flights by Greek aircraft over Cyprus are completely different
from the flights of Turkish aircraft. He said that the Turkish
aircraft violate the national sovereignty of Cyprus, while we
are invited and have the agreement of the Cypriot government.
"The request for warplanes not to fly over Cyprus in all
exercises is universal. It has been put to the Cypriot
government and it is that government's ... responsibility to
deny or accept it," he said.
Referring to the military exercise code-named "Toxotis", Mr.
Apostolakis said the exercise is developing smoothly as had been
planned in advance.
"It is one of the Greek armed forces' planned exercises. We are
trying to implement plans both in national airspace and the
unified defense zone, which also includes Cyprus," he added.
The meeting is due to continue until tomorrow.
[09] Greek-Turkish business meeting at end of May
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
A group of Greek and Turkish businessmen will come together to
discuss details concerning a forthcoming business meeting which
will be held in Izmir, on May 24-25.
In another development, 25 children from Cesme are currently
visiting Hios with their parents.
[10] Military exercises underway in the Cyclades
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said the
effectiveness and strength of the armed forces are undoubtedly
the best safeguard for positive prospects concerning national
issues.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos made his statement on board the frigate
"Adrias" yesterday, while watching the naval exercise "Astrapi",
which is combined with the air-sea exercise "Toxotis". He was
accompanied by the four general staff chiefs.
The small-scale exercise "Astrapi" is being carried out in the
Myrtoo Sea area and the Cyclades.
The "Toxotis" exercise also includes two frigates.
[11] US supports Dutch EU presidency initiative
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
US Ambassador to Greece Thomas Niles yesterday expressed support
for a Dutch European Union presidency proposal to form a
committee of experts to examine Greek-Turkish relations.
Greece and Turkey have each named two representatives to the
committee, to hold separate consultations on Greek-Turkish
differences.
Speaking after his first meeting with main opposition New
Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis, Mr. Niles said the US
considered there were possibilities for positive results and
progress in relations between the two countries. He declined to
comment on whether the US wanted a meeting between the two
countries' experts or an exchange of ideas by letter. The US, he
said, did not want to get involved in procedures.
"We are sure the Dutch presidency will make all the necessary
arrangements with the Greek and Turkish governments. The US is
not about to give advice as to how the talks should take place,"
said the ambassador.
[12] Dutch presidency
Brussels, 08/05/1997 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)
A Dutch foreign ministry spokesperson told the ANA yesterday
that the Dutch EU presidency has not yet appointed a person to
assume a mediating role in the experts committee which will be
formed to examine Greek-Turkish differences.
The spokesperson said the Greek and Turkish representatives to
the committee are due to submit by mid-June a common temporary
report containing procedural proposals for the confrontation of
the issues.
Greece has appointed Professors Krateros Ioannou and Aristidis
Fatouros and Turkey Sukru Eletag, a former foreign ministry
general secretary and Suat Bilg, a former ambassador, to the
committee.
[13] Greek charge d' affaires to reopen Baghdad embassy
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
Greece has sent a diplomat to reopen its embassy in Iraq, closed
since the 1991 Gulf War.
"The (Greek) embassy will be fully operated," Christos Skoursis,
the newly appointed charge d' affaires, told Reuters yesterday.
Greece along with other western countries closed down their
diplomatic missions in Baghdad after the 1991 Gulf War, which
chased occupying Iraqi troops out of Kuwait.
Mr. Skoursis said the embassy would open after settling some
procedures.
"There are certain matters that we have to settle before opening
the embassy," he said, without elaborating.
[14] Gov't: Delay in return of Greek ambassador to Iran due to
personal reasons
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said Athens' announcement
concerning the return of the Greek ambassador to Tehran is valid.
Mr. Reppas, who was replying to a relevant question, said the
small delay in the ambassador's return is due to personal
reasons.
[15] Bavarian state delegation in Greece
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
A parliamentary delegation comprised of 18 Bavarian deputies is
on an official visit to Greece for talks with ministry
officials, professors and heads of scientific committees, within
the framework of the Greek-German prevention plan and an
eight-nation study program on tourism and health.
[16] Constantine Karamanlis: Comments by ex-king 'unworthy of comment'
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
Former president of the republic Constantine Karamanlis replied
yesterday to statements made by the ex-king Constantine on
Tuesday with a personal statement and an announcement by his
press office.
"I will not deal with the statements of the ex-king because both
their content and tone are unworthy of comment," Mr. Karamanlis
said in his personal statement, adding that "I will only
recommend to all those who still feel sympathetic towards the
institution of the monarchy to realize at last that the issue of
the form of government in Greece has been finally resolved."
The announcement by Mr. Karamanlis' press office also called
allegations by the ex-king "completely untrue. The ex-king
claimed that in 1966 Mr. Karamanlis reportedly accepted a return
to Greece from Paris where he stayed only if the then monarch
assigned the armed forces with imposing a dictatorship.
The announcement says that "Mr. Karamanlis stated to the
ex-king's envoy Dimitrios Bitsios (in 1966) that he does not
accept to return to Greece and in fact, explained the reasons."
KKE
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga
raised a number of questions on the pre-dictatorship era
yesterday on the occasion of the publication of the archives of
Constantine Karamanlis, saying that serious conclusions and
issues exist, particularly during the 1965-1967 period and
during the junta period (1967-1974) which are being concealed.
"Why did the coup take place? By whom and why?" she asked.
"All this is related to the popular movement and the left, but
there is also an international dimension in the April coup which
has to do with targets related to Cyprus, the Middle East and
the Israel-Arab war," she added.
[17] Meeting between Karamanlis, ND 16 deputies
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis
yesterday met with ND 16 deputies and other party members.
According to reports, the meeting was of a social nature, but
political developments were also discussed. The reports said a
number of deputies said ND should have a more aggressive policy
and a more active presence in political events. They added that
Mr. Karamanlis said steady steps must be taken without
"spasmodic actions", stressing that there is still a long way to
go until the elections and that the party must gain the trust of
the Greek people. The ND president stressed that when there are
"grumbles and disagreements within the ruling PASOK party, there
is no reason for the party to react, as differences in the
ruling party a re revealed. Speaking on the Constantine
Karamanlis archives issue, publicized recently by former premier
and president Constantine Karamanlis, the uncle of the ND
leader, the ND leader stressed there is no internal party
problems surrounding the issue. He added that there were plans
longtime plans to publicize the archives, but that it was
postponed due to the party congress. "The party has and must
have its attention focused on the problems of today and on
planning for tomorrow," Costas Karamanlis said.
[18] Stephanopoulos receives AHEPA delegation
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos yesterday
received an American Hellenic Educational and Progressive
Association (AHEPA) delegation, headed by its President Spyros
Makris. In another development, President Stephanopoulos will
visit Thrace o n May 13-14 to attend events marking the 77th
anniversary of the liberation of the region; the island of
Zakinthos on May 21 for events marking the anniversary of the
union of Ionian islands with Greece, as well as Souli in Epirus,
on May 25.
[19] News in Brief
Melbourne, 08/05/1997 (ANA/S. Hatzimanolis)
New South Wales State Premier Bob Carr is to visit Athens in
September to sign an agreement for an exhibition of Olympian
antiquities at Sydney's Powerhouse Museum during the Olympic
Games in the year 2000.
Cultural affairs officials Evan Williams and Terence Measham are
visiting Athens to discuss plans for the exhibition with
government officials.
[20] G. Papandreou meets with the religious leadership of Thrace's
Moslems
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou yesterday met with
the religious leadership of the Moslem minority of Thrace, upon
its return from a pilgrimage to Mecca.
The delegation briefed Mr. Papandreou on issues concerning the
Moslem minority.
[21] Aid for Zlatograd leaves from Chrysoupoli
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
A second humanitarian aid mission was due to leave early today
from Chrysoupoli, Kavala prefecture for the Bulgarian city of
Zlatograd.
The aid, amounting to 25 tons, includes foodstuffs and medicines
for residents of the region, which is twinned with the
municipality of Chrysoupoli.
The people of Chrysoupoli had sent another 75 tons of foodstuffs
and medicines to Zlatograd last month. The second convoy will be
accompanied by the mayor of Chrysoupoli and president of the
Local Union of Municipalities and Communities of the Kavala
prefecture (TEDK) Miltiades Passalidis.
[22] Humanitarian aid from Crete to Albania
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
Following a decision by the Holy Synod of the Church of Crete,
the Archdiocese of Crete has carried out a collection for
foodstuffs, olive oil and money for the Albanian people. In all,
15 tons of foodstuffs were collected, 2.5 tons of olive oil and
five million drachmas in cash.
The humanitarian aid was due to leave for the port of Piraeus
last night with a ship of the Minoan Lines and will be delivered
to a representative of the Archbishop of Albania Anastasios to
be sent to Albania.
[23] Papantoniou: Greece close to achieving Maastricht criteria
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou
yesterday said the Greek economy "is one step away from
achieving the Maastricht criteria which will allow our
participation in economic and monetary union by the year 2001,
at the latest."
He made the statement during the annual Athens Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (EBEA) awards presentation.
The awards are presented to "self-starting businessmen",
"businesses with tradition" and the businesses with the best
results in their sectors.
During his speech, EBEA president G. Papathanasiou said the
economy has improved over the past three years.
"But the combination of the hard drachma policy, the tax and
particularly the income policy in the public sector, which has
inevitably affected the private sector, and has made our
national economy less competitive," he said.
[24] Annual fur trade turnover above $150 million over past years
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
The annual turnover for fur businesses in the Kastoria area has
ranged between US$150 and 180 million in past few years.
Businesses involved in the sector believe that an annual
turnover of $600 million is a feasible target in the event of an
immediate expansion of their markets and a settlement of their
debts by the state.
The Federation of Kastoria Fur Producers will organize the 22nd
International Fur Exhibition from May 13-18. A total of 125
exhibitors will participate from a number of countries around
the world, including Italy, Canada, the United States, Spain and
Germany.
The production of furs has been an important economic activity
in the Kastoria region over the past 30 years and, according to
the president of the region's Fur Federation, Panayiotis Pavlou,
the sector has 2,500 businesses which employ over 15,000 workers.
Present-day production in the sector exceeds 1.5 million fur
overcoats a year and the main markets are countries from the
former Soviet Union, together with traditional markets, such as
Canada and the Far East.
[25] V. Papandreou on Softex, Elefsina shipyards privatizations
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
Development Minister Vasso Papandreou said yesterday that the
privatizations of the Softex paper mills and of the Elefsina
shipyards will be carried out under the best possible
conditions, particularly for workers.
Ms. Papandreou made the statement after a meeting held yesterday
morning, chaired by Prime Minister Costas Simitis.
The decisions were announced to the workers by Development
Under-secretary Anna Diamantopoulou.
"The formal aspect of the procedures has been completed. What
remain are some last moves," she said.
[26] EU directives threaten Greek wine producers
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
Greece's viniculturists have sounded the alarm that Greece is in
danger of becoming a wine-importer rather than exporter if the
current trend continues of uprooting vineyards to limit wine
production in accordance with European Union directives.
About 14 per cent of Greece's vineyards have been uprooted,
according to Yannis Boutaris, president of Boutaris Wines,
vice-president of the Industrialists' Association of Northern
Greece and president of the Greek Wine Association.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Thessaloniki on the
occasion of the 14th DETROP trade fair, Mr. Boutaris urged the
government to do everything in its power to abolish the policy
of uprooting vineyards.
"The government should make the European Union realize that
Greece has special characteristics and that the policy of
subsidizing viniculturists who abandon their vineyards should be
abolished," he said.
The viniculturists also want the agriculture ministry to take
action against an issue raised by Britain regarding the
abolition of taxation restrictions on ouzo, the traditional
Greek aniseed drink, in the Greek market.
"This is a thorn in the side of companies producing that Greek
traditional drink, recognized by the European Union as a Greek
patent," said Mr. Boutaris.
Greece's wine producers have begun a promotional campaign both
at home and abroad. Part of this effort is the Second
Gastronomic and Wine Festival to coincide with the DETROP fair
and which includes symposia, lectures and exhibitions of Greek
and foreign-language books on wine and nutrition.
The first restaurant guide to Thessaloniki has also been
published, to promote Greek wine at the same time as traditional
Greek cuisine.
Exports of Greek wine and ouzo are at satisfactory levels,
although the consumers' growing preference for spirits in recent
years, both in Greece and abroad, has seen a drop in annual per
capita consumption of wine from 45 litres in the 1960 to 30
litres today in Greece, while in France the decrease was from
120 to 70 litres over the same period of time.
Tourism has had a beneficial effect on the sale of Greek wines
and spirits, with Germany absorbing 90 per cent of ouzo exports
to EU member states and 80 per cent of Greek wines. Mr. Boutaris
also emphasized the role played by Greek restaurants in Germany,
which serve only Greek wines.
Ouzo exports in 1995 (11 million litres) brought in foreign
exchange valued at 4.5 billion drachmas.
Exports to Germany in particular are expected to increase
further as a result of a Foreign Trade Organization promotion
campaign budgeted at 500 million drachmas.
[27] IMF delegation briefed on economic prospects, inflation's slide
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
Inflation will be running at a 5.8-5.9 percent annual rate in
April according to predictions on figures due to be released
today.
The prediction for May is that inflation will decrease even
further and will decrease to 5 per cent by autumn. Meanwhile,
experts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who are in
Athens collecting information on the course and prospects of the
Greek economy, were briefed on the course of inflation. The IMF
delegation has already expressed their satisfaction over the
decrease achieved in inflation. After visiting the national
economy ministry and the State General Accounting Office on
Monday and Tuesday, they held talks yesterday with officials of
the Bank of Greece and were briefed on the course of monetary
policy and the policy concerning the drachma's exchange parity.
[28] Information campaign in light of upcoming tourist season
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
The INKA Tourist Protection Service and the General Federation
of Consumers of Greece (GOKE) received 6,403 complaints during
last year's tourist season, it was reported yesterday.
For this reason and to mark the beginning of the 1997 tourist
season, INKA/GOKE has begun a campaign to brief all enterprises
concerned with tourism, such as hotels, restaurants and hostels.
The campaign involves seminars, information leaflets and
educational material, while a "client satisfaction form" will be
made available, in order to allow customers to comment on the
establishment.
[29] Northern Greek industrialists want Santer to promote Black Sea,
Balkan development
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
The Association of Northern Greek Industries (SBBE) is to
propose to European Commission President Jacques Santer
co-operation between the European Union, the Greek government
and the business world of northern Greece with the aim of
developing the Balkans and the countries of the Black Sea region.
The proposal will be put to Mr. Santer when he visits
Thessaloniki on Friday. The Commission head will be the main
speaker at SBBE's annual general meeting to be held the same day.
SBBE President Nikos Efthymiadis told a press conference in
Thessaloniki yesterday that proposals will be put to Mr. Santer
concerning EU enlargement and Greece's role, the way in which
Greek businessmen will develop activities and the way in which
the EU will become more active in the region.
"In order to confront the fierce competition from the Far East
and the United States, the EU must strengthen the positive
effects of economic integration...," Mr. Efthymiadis said.
Mr. Santer will pay an official visit to Greece from May 8-11
and have talks with President Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime
Minister Costas Simitis, Parliament President Apostolos
Kaklamanis and main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas
Karamanlis.
He is expected to discuss European developments, major EU issues
and issues of particular interest to Greece.
Mr. Santer will for the first time participate in events to be
organized in Greece on the occasion of Robert Schumann Day on
May 9.
[30] Partial privatization for tax-free shops
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
The partial privatization of tax-free shops, known as KAE, has
been announced. KAE shares will be registered with the Athens
Stock Exchange, as was done with the Hellenic Telecommunications
Organization (OTE).
According to reports, proclamation of tendering for a fiscal
adviser for the KAE privatization is expected to occur next week.
The partial privatization will amount to up to 25 per cent of
the share capital. KAE posted profits of 15.2 billion drachmas
in 1996, while profits are expected to reach 19 billion drachmas
in 1997.
[31] Work continuing on Olympic Stadium in light of IAAF world
championship
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
Officials said yesterday that work on Athens' Olympic Stadium
facilities has been progressing rapidly since the beginning of
April, in view of the International Amateur Athletics Federation
(IAAF) World Championships due to be held there in early August.
The tartan track has been completely replaced on two of the
warm-up tracks, and work on the third is nearing completion. The
track of the central stadium, where all the events will be held,
will have been replaced by May 18.
Part of the stands are being transformed in order to provide
facilities for media representatives from throughout the world,
while facilities for cameras are being installed both in the
stands and by the long-jump pits.
All the facilities will have been tried and tested by July 20,
the third and last day of the Greek national championships.
In another development, the US television network NBC has asked
for an extra 40 accreditations for the championships, in order
to bring its staff up to 130. The request was discussed
yesterday during a meeting with the Olympic Stadium officials.
The US network will have an area of 1,600 square metres at its
disposal.
[32] Gov't to establish council for road safety
Athens, 08/05/1997 (ANA)
The government will soon table a bill in Parliament providing
for the formation of a National Council for Road Safety,
Transport and Communications Minister Haris Kastanidis announced
yesterday.
The bill is currently being prepared by the ministers of the
interior, national economy, environment, town planning and
public works, education, public order, health and welfare,
labour and social security and transport.
The proposed council, Mr. Kastanidis said, will operate on a
permanent basis and be financially and administratively
independent.
"With clear and substantial areas of jurisdiction and duties,"
Mr. Kastanidis said, "the council will submit recommendations
concerning national policy on road safety and supervise its
implementation."
Mr. Kastanidis said the problem of road accidents in Greece must
be tackled with the same seriousness as drug abuse and AIDS.
In road accidents every year, he continued, the country loses
the equivalent of a small town's population, that is, 2,000
fatalities in approximately 22,000 accidents.
About 32,000 vehicle passengers are injured in road accidents
annually, Mr. Kastanidis added.
The minister estimated the loss for the national economy every
year at 150 billion drachmas - in terms of damage and
compensation - without taking into consideration actual loss of
life.
In the last thirty years, Mr. Kastanidis said, accidents in
Greece have risen by 105 per cent, while during the same period
in other countries they dropped by between 5.0 and 40 per cent.
End of English language section.
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