Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-05-29
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1198), May 29, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Greece winning int'l business confidence, Simitis says
[02] Papantoniou
[03] SEB president
[04] '17 November' terrorists resurface
[05] National Defense Fund set up
[06] Premier says Gov't attempting to reveal Ankara's intentions
[07] Gov't on experts' committee
[08] Curious Turkish map
[09] Kaklamanis on anniversary of Constantinople's fall
[10] Border patrols beefed up for summer months
[11] Papariga foresees possible confrontation in Aegean
[12] Gov't on Mitsotakis statements concerning 'dirty '89'
[13] Peponis cautions against weakening election process for
president of the republic
[14] Karamanlis calls for more effort by party cadres
[15] Cabinet to discuss constitutional revision tomorrow
[16] Gov't committed to free public education
[17] Opposition leader meets with pensioners
[18] Greek waterpolo team qualifies for world championships
[19] Sweden's IOC delegate in Athens
[20] IAAF's Nebiolo in Athens
[21] Greece to host 1999 weightlifting championships
[22] FM archives provide sources for new books on ethnic Greeks of
Albania
[23] 'King Lear' makes rare appearance in Thessaloniki
[24] Greek presence grows in the Black Sea region
[25] Stock market moves in range
[26] Large increase in ASE value
[27] Greece shows rise in steel output
[28] Trade group sends aid to Bulgaria
[29] Greek-Israeli trade seminar
[30] Greek flour mill company expands in Balkans
[31] Greece to auction T-bonds
[32] Financial support to Port Police
[33] Greeks claim damages from Gulf war
[34] Korean shipyard seeks stronger presence in Greece
[35] Kastanidis harshly criticizes OA union reps
[36] 1997 may witness record number of Swedish tourists
[37] Subsidies for investors in Thrace
[38] Thessaloniki conference focuses on new textile technology
[39] Greenpeace wants recall of Chicco products
[40] Airports prepare for summer tourist surge
[41] OECD must extend talks, Turkish minister says
[01] Greece winning int'l business confidence, Simitis says
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
Greece is emerging as an important economic factor in the
Balkans and the eastern Mediterranean, is recovering its
credibility and is winning the confidence of international
organizations and business capital, Prime Minister Costas
Simitis said yesterday while addressing the Federation of Greek
Industries' (SEB) annual general assembly.
The SEB general assembly was inaugurated in the presence of
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and with
speeches by the premier and National Economy Minister Yiannos
Papantoniou.
On his part, Mr. Simitis called on Greek businessmen and workers
to respond energetically to new conditions facing Greece and to
take advantage of opportunities offered.
In his address, the premier said that "we must all realize we
are coming into a new order of things and must react
dynamically, especially you, the businessmen, who know that the
market follows its own rules, does not tolerate those who delay
making decisions, who don't invest, who don't seek new
opportunities and who don't adapt."
Noting the "positive results that inspired optimism" in the
current economic conditions, he said that businessmen and
employees should "respond to challenges of the times boldly and
methodically and take advantage of the opportunities offered
today".
Reviewing progress on the effort to prepare Greece for the
Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), Mr. Simitis said Greece
currently had "a rate of development that is among the highest
in Europe".
He cited as examples the downward trend in inflation and the
fact that the public deficit was on course in terms of the
convergence program.
"As long as we continue our efforts, we shall guarantee our
participation in the EMU by the beginning of the next century as
partners on an equal basis," he noted.
The premier said that efforts had already begun to reorganize
the State and the wider public sector, while an extensive
program of infrastructural works was under way, along with a
program of strong incentives encouraging businesses to make
large in vestments and improve competitive ability.
[02] Papantoniou
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
Mr. Papantoniou called on businesses to make investments since
loan interest rates will decrease even further in the coming
period.
Addressing the business world, Mr. Papantoniou said its position
on the economy's development is of "crucial importance."
However, the business world is showing "limited response"
despite the improvement in economic conditions, stressing "that
long-rang e business initiatives to a necessary extent are
lacking."
He also praised the role of certain dynamic businesses which are
expanding rapidly and are modernizing themselves, but which are
not enough to push the economy towards strong development rates.
He predicted that the gap between loan interest rates and
deposit interest rates will narrow over the coming period.
Namely, loans will become cheaper.
Commenting on the government's economic policy, Mr. Papantoniou
said structural changes which must be implemented over the
coming period are a "major challenge" to enable the country to
meet standards required for the third phase of Economic and
Monetary Union by the year 2001.
He said particular emphasis must be placed on the labor market
with measures facilitating its greater deregulation which the
government has already proposed in the framework of social
dialogue and are aimed at restricting salary increases, settling
working time over a wider timetable, extending part-time
employment to enterprises and organizations in the public
sector, etc. He further said priority must be placed on a
privatization policy in the sector of public utility and
state-run banks.
[03] SEB president
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
SEB President Iason Stratos noted that the private sector and
industry in particular are at present in the front line of the
struggle to gain a favorable position in the international
competition sector.
"In the face of new conditions today which dispute steadfast
certainties and impose new solutions, dialogue is being widened
and enriched. The common target is the triptych
'Development-competitiveness-employment' and the aim is shaping
a modern framework which will provide social protection and will
allow for an unimpeded improvement in competitiveness on which
the income and employment of working people depends," he said.
The SEB general assembly included two separate sessions. The
closed-door morning session concerned an account and
ratification of the administration's work.
Referring to statements made by Mr. Simitis and Mr. Papantoniou,
the SEB president said that indeed there were considerable
improvements in important macroeconomic indicators which
definitely had favorable repercussions for the business climate
and prospects.
"It is true that today we can henceforth expect a new phase of
speedier growth for the Greek economy," he said.
According to figures provided by Mr. Stratos, private
investments in industry currently represent more than a quarter
of total investments and concern, in their overwhelming
majority, the modernization and restructuring of enterprises. At
present, 56 per cent of Greek exports are industrial products,
while industry only produces 17 per cent of GDP.
[04] '17 November' terrorists resurface
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
Police suspect the killing of shipowner Costas Peratikos last
night was carried out by the notorious "November 17" terrorist
organization, after a ballistics report found the gun to be the
same as that used in 10 previous November 17 killings.
The organization, which took responsibility for numerous
bombings and shootings throughout the 1980s, had appeared to be
lying low. It was most recently suspected of launching an
anti-tank rocket at the US embassy in Athens in February 1996,
although November 17 never admitted responsibility.
Peratikos was fatally wounded yesterday afternoon when he was
apparently ambushed in a downtown Piraeus street.
The two gunmen escaped the shooting scene by hijacking a taxi,
which was later found abandoned, police reports said.
Peratikos was transported to Tzanneion Hospital with four
gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead on arrival. The two
gunmen apparently fired six shots, four hitting their target,
reports state.
According to eyewitness reports, two of three men lying in wait
for the shipowner in a Mitsubishi truck jumped out as Peratikos
approached.
An eyewitness said the two men, one of them holding a file of
papers, walked calmly away after the shooting, threatening
passers-by to keep back.
They escaped in a taxi after forcing its driver and a female
passenger out of the car, and returned gunfire from a police
officer who attempted to pursue them.
A police hunt was continuing for the culprits late last night.
Fourty-five-year-old Peratikos was born into an shipowning
family which bought the Elefsina shipyards in 1992, assuming the
post of managing director of the concern, but later deciding to
close the shipyards down three years later, when accumulated
debt s reached 27 billion drachmas.
Informed of the killing while attending a Federation of Greek
Industries (SEB) meeting, Prime Minister Costas Simitis
described it as "an exceptionally sad event. I expressed my
sorrow and I am expecting a detailed report from the public
order ministry. "
National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, speaking from the
meeting, also expressed his sorrow over the incident.
New Democracy honorary president Constantine Mitsotakis said he
was "revolted by the cowardly murder", while ND also issued a
statement late last night. In addition, the president of the
Coalition of the Left, Nikos Constantopoulos, and Democratic
Social Movement (DHKKI) President Dimitris Tsovolas also
expressed their regret.
[05] National Defense Fund set up
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos yesterday
announced the establishment of a National Defense Fund to
support the massive armaments program of the armed forces which
will cost an estimated four trillion drachmas.
According to an amendment to be contained in a bill regulating
matters related to draft-dodgers, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said, Greek
citizens will be able to make contributions to the fund in order
to bolster the country's defense.
The competent parliamentary committee yesterday began discussing
the bill on draft-dodgers, which also contains provisions
enabling conscientious objectors to perform an alternative form
of military service.
[06] Premier says Gov't attempting to reveal Ankara's intentions
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis held talks yesterday with the
deputies of his PASOK party's Parliamentary foreign affairs
sector, focusing on the latest handling of Greek-Turkish
relations and bearing in mind that about 18 deputies
participating in the committee had signed a memorandum on the
government's handling of the crucial issues.
According to reports, Mr. Simitis said the government's main
target is to reveal Turkey's intentions, and stressed "we have
no illusions and we do not expect to resolve the main nucleus of
the problems."
Mr. Simitis further said he fears immobility in foreign policy,
expressing the position that at present Greece is in a much
better position in the international relations sector than it
was a year ago. He said a fact that can be considered positive
is that Turkey was obliged to move from the theory of gray zones
to disputing 130 islets because, as he said, in this way its
lack of arguments is fully revealed.
He disclosed that when he explained the issue of the island of
Gavdos to German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, the latter laughed.
Mr. Simitis said the only thing the Turkish leadership knows is
to provoke in general, but added, however, that their targets
and intentions are steadfast and are aimed at revising the
status quo in the Aegean. Whatever progress in Greek-Turkish
relations, he said, is linked to the terms and preconditions set
by Greece.
The Under-secretary to the Prime Minister's Office, George
Paschalidis, said it was one of the premier's best meetings with
the Parliamentary labor sectors (it is the sixth to take place),
adding that the entire foreign policy spectrum was discussed
since the common target is strengthening Greek positions and for
this reason careful diplomatic mobility is taking place these
days.
Mr. Paschalidis said Turkish officials must realize that
provocativeness in foreign policy is no longer without cost,
adding that those who provoke lose.
[07] Gov't on experts' committee
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, replying to reporters'
questions yesterday, said Greece's procedure with the committees
of experts on Greek-Turkish relations are not affected by
Turkish officials' statements.
He said the Greek side is now waiting for the two Turkish
committee members to make their positions known, adding that if
conditions are favorable, another step could be made after this.
Mr. Reppas said Turkish President Suleyman Demirel's proposal
for the signing of a bilateral non-aggression pact is not an
issue, as Mr. Demirel has not elaborated on his proposal.
"If he does, we will evaluate it," he said.
However, he said the proposal was positive, as for it to be
implemented, it would mean the lifting of Turkey's declaration
of casus belli.
Questioned on whether the recent statements made by Mr. Demirel
and Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Onur Oymen will affect a
possible meeting between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and
Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, Mr. Reppas said it would
be good for such a meeting to be held, in order to help resolve
the Cyprus problem.
However, he said he continues to be cautious as the Turkish
side's stance until now has not been convincing regarding their
will to resolve the problem.
In another development, an ANA dispatch from Brussels reported
that Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou had a series
of meetings, including a discussion with US President Bill
Clinton, in The Hague yesterday, where he was attending
celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the Marshall Plan.
According to diplomatic sources, Mr. Clinton expressed his
satisfaction over his discussions Tuesday with Prime Minister
Costas Simitis in Paris.
Mr. Papandreou also met with US Secretary of State Madeleine
Albright and discussed Greece's will to improve Greek-Turkish
relations.
During his discussion with Mr. Demirel, the Greek minister
informed the Turkish president on reactions in Greece to his
recent television interview.
Mr. Papandreou also met with Dutch Foreign Minister Hans van
Mierlo, who informed him that during yesterday's EU-US summit
meeting, Mr. Clinton asked to be briefed on the Cyprus issue and
on Greek-Turkish relations.
Mr. van Mierlo said the US president expressed his satisfaction
over the EU-Turkey association council's recent decision to form
the committee of experts to discuss Greek-Turkish relations.
[08] Curious Turkish map
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
Asked to comment on a geological map published by the Turkish
Middle Eastern Polytechic, which depicts the islands of Crete
and Cyprus as belonging to Turkey, Mr. Reppas said these designs
were known to Greece and should not be overestimated. The maps
were reprinted in the Athens daily "Athinaki" yesterday.
The government, he said, follows these issues with great
interest and takes them into consideration when defining its
foreign policy.
[09] Kaklamanis on anniversary of Constantinople's fall
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis issued a statement
marking today's 544th anniversary since the fall of
Constantinople.
The 1,000-year capital of the Byzantine empire fell into the
hands of the Ottoman Turks on May 29, 1453.
"The fall of Constantinople signifies the end of a remarkable
period in the history of Hellenism and mankind," his message
read.
"Byzantium brought together in a harmonious blend the elements
of the ancient Greek civilization and Orthodoxy. It gave
humanity the bright lights of civilization as the west was
sinking into the Dark Ages," Mr. Kaklamanis added.
[10] Border patrols beefed up for summer months
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
The national defense ministry will increase patrols of
Thesprotia prefecture and Corfu to protect these areas from
Albanian-based criminal gangs, Defense Under-secretary Dimitris
Apostolakis said in Parliament yesterday.
Replying to a question by a main opposition New Democracy
deputy, Mr. Apostolakis said that an additional gunboat will be
provided by the Navy for patrols, while a company of commandos
would be stationed at Filiates by the end of the month.
Recent raids on yachts rented by tourists have increased concern
in the area, which is very popular for the summer months.
[11] Papariga foresees possible confrontation in Aegean
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga
yesterday said a confrontation in the Aegean that would lead
Greece and Turkey into a short war is "possible".
Speaking from the northern Greek prefecture of Veroia, Ms
Papariga said the United States aims to impose its own
sovereignty of the Aegean
She added that if this is not successful, "then there may be a
provocation to push the two countries into a short war in order
for a Dayton-type agreement to follow, aiming to abolish borders
in the Aegean to the benefit of the US."
[12] Gov't on Mitsotakis statements concerning 'dirty '89'
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
Referring to recent statements by former premier and main
opposition New Democracy party honorary president Constantine
Mitsotakis on a law concerning the responsibility of ministers,
government spokesman Dimitris Reppas yesterday termed the
1989-1990 period deplorable.
He said the price for the "dirty '89" was political and
institutional, adding that it had neither a precedent nor
anything similar to it in the period which followed. Mr. Reppas
said that at a time when the world was changing there was party
hatred in Greece.
Referring to the coalition government ruling at the time, Mr.
Reppas said it was the unavoidable consequence of all that had
preceded.
Asked to comment on the role played by Costas Simitis at the
time of Andreas Papandreou's prosecution, Mr. Reppas said the
current premier stood at the front line with all of PASOK's
cadres to prevent Mr. Papandreou's conviction.
[13] Peponis cautions against weakening election process for
president of the republic
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
PASOK's Parliamentary group is the only competent body to decide
on the revision of the Constitution, deputy and former PASOK
minister Anastasios Peponis said yesterday, citing the
provisions of the Constitution.
Mr. Peponis opposed a proposal according to which the president
of the republic may be elected by a majority of 151 votes as
opposed to a two-thirds majority in the first two rounds and 180
in the third round. He said this would weaken the status of the
republic's highest state office.
[14] Karamanlis calls for more effort by party cadres
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis yesterday
called on the party's regional directors to convey "the message
and the deep conviction that the party will manage to turn the
page on what has shaken it all these years, far from personal
rivalries and managerial mistakes."
Mr. Karamanlis said the final result is the most important
issue, and called on party members to appeal to all Greeks "with
a flame in their soul and the appetite for work."
"In this way, no incongruous elements will gather in the party,
nor will opportunists, who will come to ND regardless when they
see there is movement," he said.
The ND leader said the party's main concern is "the quality of
the members and not the quantity." He added that ND members were
chosen on merit and not because they were friends of the
leadership, "as used to occur".
"If you think you have assumed titles to circulate in social
circles, you are wrong. You didn't take these positions in order
to be roving show-offs. You are pioneering workers, workers who
become leaders," he said.
[15] Cabinet to discuss constitutional revision tomorrow
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
The cabinet will for the first time discuss the revision of the
Constitution on Friday, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas
said yesterday, adding that the issue had not yet been discussed
with any politicians or state officials.
The spokesman clarified however that the revision of the
Constitution had been discussed within the ruling PASOK party
and the government. "The proposal which we shall formulate will
constitute the basis for a discussion," Mr. Reppas said,
expressing the hope that all sides would agree on the
substantial provisions of the revision.
Mr. Reppas underlined that the government had not yet decided on
issues such as the way in which the president of the republic is
elected.
The cabinet will most probably also discuss the special accounts
of ministries "with emphasis on the objective allocation of
credits", Mr. Reppas said.
In a related development, the main opposition New Democracy (ND)
party accused the government of attempting to weaken the office
of the president of the republic and turning the head of state
into "a decorative party figure".
The head of the ND committee on the revision of the
Constitution, Yiannis Varvitsiotis, accused the government of
trying to avoid "the obstacle" of the election of the president
by reducing the number of deputies' votes required.
Press reports have claimed that the government wants to reduce
the number of deputies' votes required to elect the president
from the present 180 votes to 151, which in effect would mean
that general elections would not have to be called if parliament
w as unable to elect a president.
[16] Gov't committed to free public education
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas yesterday reiterated the
government's commitment to free, public education, commenting on
a proposal by New Democracy president Costas Karamanlis on the
establishment of private universities.
Referring to ND's proposal to increase the percentage of GDP
allocated to education to 5 per cent, Mr. Reppas said the PASOK
government's spending on education, social welfare and defense
had received an above average increase in the budget and said
that ND had failed to implement such a proposal while it was in
power.
[17] Opposition leader meets with pensioners
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis met
yesterday with representatives of pensioners protesting against
the government's social security policy.
Mr. Karamanlis was briefed on problems facing the pensioners and
asked them to submit their proposals, President of TEBE (Greek
Professionals and Craftsmen Fund) Federation Christos Triantis
said.
Mr. Karamanlis pledged to support a number of requests that he
would just, Mr. Triantis said.
The meeting was held in the framework of contacts with political
leaders.
Afterwards Mr. Triantis told the press that the cost of
convergence should not take place at the expense of the
pensioners.
Mr. Karamanlis refrained from statements.
[18] Greek waterpolo team qualifies for world championships
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
The Greek men's waterpolo team yesterday qualified for the
semi-finals of the Fina World Cup, beating the Atlanta Olympics
gold medalists Spain by a final score of 7-6. The scores for the
four seven-minute periods were 1-1, 3-3, 2-1 and 1-1.
As Greece also beat Italy 6-4 in Tuesday's match and has now
collected sufficient points to qualify directly for the World
Championships, to be held in Perth in January 1998.
The world's top eight waterpolo teams are participating in the
Fina Cup, with the five top scorers automatically qualifying for
Perth.
Greece faces the United States this evening.
[19] Sweden's IOC delegate in Athens
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
International Olympic Committee (IOC) permanent member from
Sweden, Arne Ljungqvist, yesterday said he was impressed by the
facilities in Athens' Olympic Stadium, particularly by the
indoor and outdoor swimming centers.
He also visited the Panathenian Stadium, where the first modern
Olympic Games were held in 1896, and was later briefed by Yianna
Angelopoulou-Daskalaki, the president of the Athens 2004
Olympics bid committee, on the city's candidacy for the Games.
Mr. Ljungqvist is due to visit ancient Olympia today.
[20] IAAF's Nebiolo in Athens
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) President
Primo Nebiolo is due to arrive in Athens early this afternoon in
order to preside over an IAAF conference in Athens tomorrow and
Saturday.
He is also due to meet with President of the Republic Kostis
Stephanopoulos on Saturday.
[21] Greece to host 1999 weightlifting championships
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
Greece will hold the 1999 World Weightlifting Championship
following the decision yesterday of the sport's international
federation which is convening in Cape Town, South Africa.
The event was awarded to Greece without a vote, since Germany
which had also expressed interest in staging the championship
withdrew at the last moment when it became clear that the
majority of federation members favored Greece.
The championship has already been held twice in Greece, once in
Thessaloniki in 1979 and more recently in Athens in 1989.
The 1999 championship is considered to be particularly important
due to the fact that the next Olympic Games takes place the
following year in Sydney, Australia.
[22] FM archives provide sources for new books on ethnic Greeks of
Albania
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
Two new books on the ethnic Greek population of Albania and
relations between Greece and Albania, based on unpublished
archives from the foreign ministry, were presented by the
Onassis Foundation yesterday.
The two books complete a set of four on the same topic that
cover the period from 1897 to World War Two. They contain
hitherto unpublished consular memos and correspondence from the
foreign ministry historical archives.
[23] 'King Lear' makes rare appearance in Thessaloniki
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
The National Royal Theater of Britain presented William
Shakespeare's "King Lear" yesterday as part of the events for
the Cultural Capital of Europe '97.
The leading role is played by Ian Holm, who did not show up to a
press conference for the theater, preferring to avoid publicity.
"King Lear", directed by James Kerr, opened in London on March
27 and will be staged at an impromptu theater at Warehouse 1 of
the city's wharf, able to handle an audience of 450.
The play, sponsored by the British Council, will be performed
daily up to and including Saturday night.
[24] Greek presence grows in the Black Sea region
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
Greece has expanded its business activities in Black Sea
countries in sectors including major construction projects,
health services and a range of exports, Panayotis Koutsikos,
president of a regional Greek business group, told a seminar.
The development of Greek activity in the Black Sea area was
notable in exports including raw materials, apparel, tobacco,
medical supplies, chemicals, and dairy products, said Mr.
Koutsikos, who is also president of Ergo AEBE medical suppliers.
The factors acting as a deterrent to further development were
high inflation and lending rates up to 30 percent, he said.
Mr. Koutsikos outlined the role of the Black Sea Economic
Co-operation (BSEC) group, which was set up to help achieve
peace and prosperity in the region. He chairs BSEC's Greek
Business Council.
BSEC's financial arm is the Thessaloniki-based Black Sea Trade
and Development Bank.
[25] Stock market moves in range
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
Share prices ended mixed to slightly higher on the Athens Stock
Exchange reversing an early strong downward trend and helped by
heavy buying interest in stocks in the Investment and Industrial
sectors.
The general index closed 0.10 percent higher at 1,715.82 points.
Banks fell 0.60 percent, Leasing were 1.18 percent off,
Insurance dropped 1.01 percent, Investment rose 1.81 percent,
Construction eased 0.62 percent, Industrials increased 1.38
percent, Holding were 1.62 percent up and Miscellaneous rose
0.42 percent. The Parallel Market index ended 0.30 percent up.
Trading was heavy and turnover reached 25.7 billion drachmas.
Xiosbank's share price almost doubled during its second day of
transactions on the market to close at 6,328 drachmas, up 99
percent from Tuesday.
Broadly, advancing issues led declining ones by 114 to 104 with
another 36 issues remaining unchanged. Xiosbank, Titan Cement,
St. George Mills scored the biggest gains, while Remek,
Elviemek, Radio Athinae and Ideal suffered the heaviest losses
of the day. National Bank of Greece ended at 38,700 drachmas,
Commercial Bank at 14,000, Ergobank at 21,100, Alpha Credit Bank
at 21,900 and OTE at 6,830 drachmas.
[26] Large increase in ASE value
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
A large increase in price shares at the Athens Stock Exchange
has created large and unexpected excess values for the public
sector and many pension funds.
The finance ministry's treasury contains packages of shares
belonging to the National Bank and other state-run banks, as
well as shares of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization
(OTE) which, if liquefied, will yield several billions of
drachmas.
Greece is expected to have additional revenues exceeding 50
billion drachmas due to the impressive increase in the National
Bank's share.
When the National Bank's bonds loan was issued, the price of its
share was about 14,000 drachmas, while at present it is worth
about 39,000 drachmas.
[27] Greece shows rise in steel output
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
Steel production in the European Union rose to 13.674 million
tons in April, marking a 9 percent increase from the
corresponding month last year, according to the International
Iron and Steel Institute.
Austria and Finland showed the largest increases, 23.9 and 21.9
percent respectively, followed by Germany with an increase of
16.1 percent, and Denmark and Sweden with 15.4 and 13.8 percent.
Greece also marked a substantial increase of 13.3 percent.
[28] Trade group sends aid to Bulgaria
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
The Hellenic Export Promotion Organization (OPE), in
co-operation with the Greek embassy in Sofia and the Bulgarian
embassy in Athens, has undertaken to send humanitarian aid to
the neighboring country.
The aid will include pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, special
medical equipment for handicapped people, foods etc.
[29] Greek-Israeli trade seminar
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
The Greek Chambers of Commerce and Industry (EBEA) in
co-operation with the Embassy of Israel are organizing a joint
seminar on June 2 to discuss possibilities of further developing
trade and financial relations between the two countries.
EBEA president Yiannis Papathanasiou and Israeli ambassador Ran
Couriel will address the seminar, whose main speaker is the
director of the Infrastructure Ministry of Israel, Mandel King.
Greek-Israeli trade relations have improved rapidly during the
last few years. In 1995 the volume of trade rose by 50 percent,
rising to 300 million US dollars in 1996.
[30] Greek flour mill company expands in Balkans
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
Loulis Flour Mills SA, a company listed on the Athens Stock
Exchange, is steadily expanding in the Balkan region with the
creation of a flour production unit in Romania and a storage and
packaging facility in Albania.
The company's turnover rose to 10.020 billion drachmas in July
1996-April 1997 from 7.977 billion in the previous corresponding
period.
Profits rose to 637 million drachmas from 425 million in the
same period, a 49.9 percent increase on the year.
Loulis expects 1996-97 sales to top 12.8 billion drachmas and
pre-tax profits to reach 750 million drachmas. The firm's fiscal
year is July 1-June 30.
[31] Greece to auction T-bonds
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
The Greek finance ministry will auction new three-, five-, and
seven-year treasury bonds aimed to collect around 250 billion
drachmas.
The new bonds will be auctioned on June 17, carrying interest of
9.8, 9.2 and 8.9 percent respectively. The Treasury is expected
to announced details of a new 10-year bond in the next few days.
The finance ministry will auction 50 million drachmas worth of
three-year bonds, and the same amount for five and seven-year
paper, while its 10-year bonds will total 100 million drachmas.
[32] Financial support to Port Police
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis ordered urgent financial aid worth
1.2 billion drachmas to be granted to the Merchant Marine
Ministry for the purchase of boats and other vehicles needed by
the Port Police in order to improve operations.
Merchant Marine Minister Stavros Soumakis, speaking during a
news conference, said that the ministry will also receive
financial support worth 18 billion drachmas through the Schengen
Accord for a period of three years.
[33] Greeks claim damages from Gulf war
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
A special committee to decide on compensation payments to Greek
citizens and companies damaged by the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait
in 1990 was set up by the national economy ministry.
The Compensation Committee, set up by order of National Economy
Under-secretary Alekos Baltas, will examine claims submitted
under the terms of a UN resolution.
The United Nations has undertaken the proper distribution of
compensation.
[34] Korean shipyard seeks stronger presence in Greece
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
South Korea's Halla Samho Shipyard, one Korea's largest, is
making a breakthrough in the Greek shipbuilding market as part
of the Halla Business Group's expansion in southeastern Europe
and the Mediterranean.
According to Ted Shinn, the group's representative in Piraeus,
the Halla Piraeus Liaison Office was established in July 1995 in
an attempt to lure Greek shipowners to do business with the
parent company in Korea.
"Up to now the Piraeus office has achieved its goal," Mr. Shinn
told the Athens News Agency as he spoke on the occasion of a
recent visit to Piraeus of the group's Honorary Chairman Dr. In
Yung Chung, who was introduced to a large group of Greek
shipowners.
"So far Halla Samho Shipyard has achieved the signing of several
important contracts with some very reliable Greek shipping
companies," he said, adding that Greece, "although a new market
for the company, it is a promising market."
Halla Business Group was founded in 1962 and the company first
embarked on shipbuilding in 1977.
Over the past 20 years, Halla has accumulated rich experience in
building various kinds of vessels such as containers, product
tankers, chemical tankers, bulk carriers, cement carriers, LPG
carriers, passenger and other specialized vessels.
The group's work-force totals 20,000 in various key industries,
such as heavy construction equipment, automotive parts,
aerospace and defense, cement plants, power plants, pulp and
paper, steel fabrication and investment banking.
[35] Kastanidis harshly criticizes OA union reps
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
Transport and Communications Minister Haris Kastanidis yesterday
lashed out against Olympic Airways unionists, warning them that
the government will not fall victim to what he called
"black-mailing union circles."
"Olympic Airways is the national air carrier and should ensure
normal service for passengers," Mr. Kastanidis said when asked
why OA rented three aircraft over the weekend in order to serve
its scheduled flights.
"At the last minute, some unionists raised economic demands
against the company," the minister said, adding that the
government was determined not to yield to blackmail but to take
the matter to court.
Turning to other issues, Mr. Kastanidis expressed complete
satisfaction at the approval of the OA's action plan by
opposition political leaders regarding future aircraft purchases.
Mr. Kastanidis on Tuesday briefed political leaders on the
program for renewing the state-run Olympic Airways' fleet.
The minister asked party leaders to appoint representatives to
observe implementation of a first initiative dated from 1990-93,
worth 100 billion drachmas.
OA aims to purchase two long-range Airbus 300-400 aircraft in
the final phase, with the option of purchasing another two
airplanes, as well as buying five to seven Boeing 737-880s, with
a similar option.
The party leaders will have the right to intervene at any stage
of the agreement or purchase procedure.
An interparty committee is to operate for the purchase of a
further 21 aircraft, with the aim of replenishing the fleet by
the year 2001. Payment for the roughly 35 aircraft will have
been settled by 2008, while there will be a three-year extension
period. Greece has guaranteed to provide US$378 million for OA's
purchase of the new aircraft.
[36] 1997 may witness record number of Swedish tourists
Stockholm, 29/05/1997 (ANA - N. Servetas)
The record of 449,000 Swedish tourists visiting Greece in a
season, which was recorded in 1995, is expected to be broken
this summer, while the tourist wave to Greece from the remaining
northern European countries is expected to also reach high
levels this year.
A million tourists alone are expected to visit Greece with
charter flights, while a considerable number of tourists will
travel to Greece by car and rail. An increasing number of
tourists have been arriving in Greece by air in past years and
then traveling to islands with sailing vessels rented beforehand.
According to a survey conducted by Stockholm's mass circulation
newspaper "Expressen", 15 per cent of respondents prefer Greece
for a holiday, while Sweden itself is in second place, followed
by Spain with 11 per cent. The survey showed that Greece is p
referred by young people, employees and women, whereas Sweden is
preferred by workers and small businessmen.
The director of the Greek Tourist Organization's (EOT) office
for northern Europe Haralambos Lianeris told ANA that "the
Scandinavian market has had continuous increases in past years.
We want to stay at the high level where we are at present and
expand to new markets".
[37] Subsidies for investors in Thrace
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
The national economy ministry has provided 3.2 billion drachmas
for eastern Macedonia and Thrace to cover subsidies of private
investors active in Thrace.
According to other decisions taken by the ministry, one billion
drachmas were made available to subsidize private investments
through the Agricultural Bank of Greece (ATE) and two billion
drachmas from the Hellenic Organization of Small- and
Medium-Size d Enterprises and Craftsmen (EOMMEX).
[38] Thessaloniki conference focuses on new textile technology
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
The new technology applied in the textiles sector is considered
the key to its development and growth, according to the
conclusion reconfirmed by participants in the 78th Textile
Institute international conference and the 5th textiles
conference.
The conference was jointly organized in Thessaloniki by the
Federation of Exporters of Northern Greece, the Federation of
Weaving Enterprises of Northern Greece and the British agency,
with support from the Bank of Macedonia and Thrace and the
Cultural Capital Organization.
On the question of the Greek textiles and clothing sector, it
was noted that its response to a technologically changing
international environment is considered unsuccessful for the
time being. It was pointed out that "for the sector to be able
to acquire a competitive advantage what is necessary is
specialized human potential, organizations providing specialized
services, support for research at universities and technical
institutes and encouragement for investment initiatives by
enterprises in the sect or."
It was further stressed that the transfer of production to
low-cost countries should not be considered a "panacea", since
such a move could turn into a boomerang for businessmen due to
low quality and an increase in the time of the products'
delivery.
"The solution lies in adopting new marketing rules, the
differentiation of production and better organization aimed at
high production levels," it was added.
[39] Greenpeace wants recall of Chicco products
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
Greenpeace yesterday called for the immediate recall of all
Chicco baby teething rings manufactured with PVC plastic
following serious allegations of risks involved in the use of
the substance.
According to the environmental group, similar items have already
been withdrawn from markets in Denmark, Spain and Italy.
Recent studies claimed that hazardous substances used in PVC are
40 times above the safe limit imposed by the European Union for
foodstuffs. Their use in dummies and teething rings are
considered to pass directly into infants' digestive systems,
with harmful results, with some studies claiming they cause
sterility in boys.
[40] Airports prepare for summer tourist surge
Athens, 29/05/1997 (ANA)
Renovations at nine main airports in Greece, including Athens
and Thessaloniki, will be completed in time for this year's
tourist season, Transport Minister Haris Kastanidis stated
yesterday.
At a regular press briefing, Mr. Kastanidis said 52 billion
drachmas had been allocated for improvements at the airports of
Corfu, Ikaria, Irakleio, Kos, Mykonos, Paros and Rhodes.
Certain projects had already been completed and opened to the
public, such as an extension of the waiting area for Rhodes and
Corfu and a new runway for Mykonos.
Athens and Thessaloniki airports were allocated 3.49 billion
drachmas and 3.2 billion drachmas, respectively.
[41] OECD must extend talks, Turkish minister says
Paris, 29/05/1997 (A.A.)
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development
(OECD) should continue dialogue with developing countries which
are not members, Turkish State Minister Ufuk Soylemez said on
Tuesday.
Addressing an OECD meeting in Paris on its future and the effect
of globalization, Mr. Soylemez noted that "Turkey gives priority
to programs carried out with transition economies in Europe and
Asia within this framework."
The Turkish minister said the OECD should remain a global
organization and its high standards maintained when accepting
new members.
The meeting was expected to close with a symposium on
International Economic Co-operation in the 21st century, held on
the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Marshall Plan.
End of English language section.
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