Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-06-13
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1211), June 13, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] 1.7 trillion drs. five-year energy investment program announced
[02] Albanian Socialist leader Nano visiting Greece
[03] Business as usual at Greek consulate in Albania
[04] Meeting focuses on upcoming EU summit
[05] Cabinet discusses IGC today
[06] Apostolakis say Ankara must realize that Aegean borders won't
change
[07] Greek MPs concerned at ongoing Turkish actions in Iraq
[08] Washington says warship transfers to Greece, Turkey separate
issues
[09] Ankara displeased with events marking Greeks' genocide in Turkey
[10] Gov't says Schengen-related independent authority to be formed
soon
[11] Parliament committee to focus on Constitutional revision
[12] Mitsotakis ready to stand for presidential elections
[13] Karamanlis harshly criticizes Gov't on relations with Turkey, IGC
[14] Turkey again raises regional headquarters issue
[15] Pangalos, Kyrkos speak on center-left co-operation
[16] Greek-US memorandum on technological co-operation in Balkans
[17] Study for rehabilitation of Lake Pamvotis
[18] Minister sees GDP growth at 3.5 pct in 1997
[19] OECD forecasts restrained economic development for Greece in '97
[20] Russian envoy says delay in pipeline due to Caspian consortium
[21] Greece pioneers Gov't investment in Crete alternative energy
project
[22] Greece unable to meet EU public debt criteria in '97 - OECD
[23] Greece to combat public sector corruption
[24] Greek stocks end down in robust trade
[25] Greece-FYROM trade volume surge
[26] Chipita may build new plant in E. Europe
[27] UN ranks Greece 20th on quality of life
[01] 1.7 trillion drs. five-year energy investment program announced
Athens, 13/06/1997 (ANA)
Development Minister Vasso Papandreou yesterday announced 1.7
trillion drachmas (US$615 million) in energy investments over
the next five years.
The aim of the huge investment program is to secure the
country's energy adequacy and to increase Greece's
competitiveness in the energy sector in view of an imminent
deregulation of markets, the minister said.
Planned investments would be accompanied by structural reforms
in state enterprises so as to ensure their efficiency in the new
framework.
A study is currently underway for reorganization of the Public
Power Corp. (DEH), while the restructuring of the Public
Petroleum Corp. (DEP) is also being considered, aiming at its
listing on the Athens Stock Exchange by the end of the year.
Speaking on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the founding
of the Aspropyrgos Hellenic Refineries (ELDA), Ms Papandreou
said investments of one trillion drachmas were planned in the
power production sector and 500 billion drachmas in
infrastructure for the supply of natural gas, while the DEP
group would also make investments of 230 billion drachmas during
that same period.
She said another 150 billion drachmas would be invested in the
development of renewable energy sources by the year 1999 via the
Operational Program for Energy (EPE). Along these lines, she
announced a 4.7 billion drachmas project for the development o f
the world's largest photovoltaic power station in Mires, Crete,
by the US-based company Enron.
The minister said that in the first phase of the program, the
government has approved 51 investment proposals for 57 projects,
budgeted at 39.9 billion drachmas.
The approved projects are in the fields of energy-saving and
renewable energy sources.
Tenders for the second EPE will be invited early next month,
with the likely deadline for submission of proposals in
September.
Ms Papandreou said prospective investors would be provided with
a series of support means in drafting their proposals,
particularly in the areas of automation, small photovoltaic
systems as well as geothermal systems, for which the number was
low in the first EPE.
A separate invitation and a guide will be issued for energy
investments in small- and medium-sized enterprises, with
approximately the same dates for projects worth 30 billion
drachmas and backed by investment subsidies worth 8.5 billion.
Seventy-four per cent of the already approved projects, by both
private and public enterprises, are outside the Attica area.
They include the establishment of photovoltaic and solar
installations, wind parks, biogas and biomass units, small
hydroelectric works, substitution with natural gas etc.
[02] Albanian Socialist leader Nano visiting Greece
Athens, 13/06/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis last night discussed the situation
currently prevailing in Albania in light of general elections in
that country on June 29 with Albanian Socialist Party leader
Fatos Nano, who is visiting Greece at the invitation of the
ruling PASOK party.
Today, Mr. Nano will meet National Defense Minister Akis
Tsohatzopoulos, main opposition New Democracy party leader
Costas Karamanlis and Coalition of the Left and Progress leader
Nikos Constantopoulos.
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos also held talks with Mr.
Nano, who is heading an Albanian Socialist Party delegation. No
statements were made after the meeting. Afterwards, Mr. Nano
later held talks with PASOK executive bureau members Yiannis
Souladakis, Theodoros Tsoukatos and Foreign Under-secretary
Yiannos Kranidiotis, centering on the possibility of
co-operation between the two parties in view of the general
elections.
On his part, Mr. Kranidiotis reiterated that the Greek consulate
in Gjirokaster will operate again fully when conditions
prevailing in the area are normalized.
After the talks, Mr. Nano and Mr. Souladakis appealed to Greek
media to contribute in creating a positive climate before the
run-up to the elections, noting that this would encourage the
thousands of Albanian nationals currently in Greece to return
home to vote.
Athens has already assured Albanians in Greece that it will do
everything to facilitate their traveling to Albania and return
to Greece.
Mr. Nano expressed satisfaction at co-operation between his
party and PASOK, as well as regarding co-operation between the
governments of the two countries.
"Socialists and Social Democrats in the Balkan peninsula may
constitute a more rapid alternative for the incorporation of
their countries in the European Union" he said. He also
underlined the importance for "all to co-operate in efforts
towards normalization and the overcoming of the crisis" in
Albania. He referred in particular to the members of the ethnic
Greek minority in Albania and what he called "Albanian refugees"
in Greece through "a course characterized by the direct
operation of institutions, democratic trust and the creation of
common opportunities in the future".
In addition, Mr. Nano explained that the multinational force
deployed in Albania will also undertake to protect OSCE
observers, who will arrive in the country for the elections.
[03] Business as usual at Greek consulate in Albania
Athens, 13/06/1997 (ANA)
Greece said yesterday that its embassy in Tirana and consulate
in Gjirokaster were operating as usual, with the exception of
the consulate section which issues visas. Government spokesman
Dimitris Reppas said that the suspension of visa issuing was
temporary.
The consulate in the southern Albanian town was again attacked
by gunmen on Wednesday. Guards said the gunmen fired about 40
rounds, causing minor damage to the building but no casualties.
Mr. Reppas said that the government was checking the accuracy of
reports concerning the "extent" of Wednesday's attack which
resulted in the suspension of the visa section's operations.
Commenting on elections in the neighboring country later this
month, Mr. Reppas said Greece was making every effort aimed at
the holding of elections in an atmosphere "without outrages".
He appealed to all parties wishing to act as observers in
Albania "to contribute to the smooth holding of the elections".
His appeal was directed to academics, journalists and others.
The number of Greek observers, he added, may surpass 100 "and
the government has taken all the necessary measures to
facilitate them in their task".
Meanwhile, Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos
Constantopoulos yesterday expressed concern over the situation
in Albania. Speaking at a press conference, Mr. Constantopoulos
attributed responsibility to President Sali Berisha, accusing
him of "pursuing tension of a civil war nature".
He also criticized the government over its diplomatic handling
of the crisis in Albania, as well as for the absence of Greek
diplomatic representatives in the neighboring country following
the recall of Gjirokaster Consul Nikos Kanellos and Ambassador
Constantine Prevedourakis. Mr. Constantopoulos is scheduled to
meet with visiting Albanian Socialist Party leader Fatos Nano
today.
[04] Meeting focuses on upcoming EU summit
Athens, 13/06/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis chaired a meeting at the Maximos
Mansion last night in light of the European Union summit in
Amsterdam and today's cabinet meeting, which will also examine
the Intergovernmental Conference.
The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos,
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Foreign
Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis, among others.
[05] Cabinet discusses IGC today
Athens, 13/06/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis will chair a meeting of the
Cabinet today which will focus on the intergovernmental
conference (IGC), pharmaceuticals policy and the new fiscal code.
Announcing the meeting, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas
said the final text of the IGC was expected yesterday, from
which, he added, the protocol on Gibraltar has been withdrawn at
the request of Britain and Spain.
In the draft text of the new treaty, he added, the wording of
the Dutch presidency on external borders remains and will
"probably" be "an element" in the final text.
[06] Apostolakis say Ankara must realize that Aegean borders won't
change
Athens, 13/06/1997 (ANA)
National Defense Under-secretary Dimitris Apostolakis, currently
on a tour of the Dodecanese, said Ankara must accept that the
borders of the Aegean have been consolidated and will not change
in any way.
"The borders of the Aegean have been consolidated and will not
change in any way. If the Turks accept this and stop using the
threat of war it is certain that a better period can develop for
the two peoples," he said.
"We are living in a difficult region and we are facing a
specific threat. However, whatever act of force against Greece
will meet with a swift and painful reply. We are not a warlike
people. We want peace and Greece is working for stability in the
regio n. Unfortunately, we are faced with threats alone. We have
the right to defend even the last inch of land," he added.
Replying to a question on the extension of Greek territorial
waters to 12 nautical miles, Mr. Apostolakis said "it is the
government's steadfast position that no-one can doubt Greece's
right to extend its territorial waters. It reserves the right to
exercise this measure whenever it considers it expedient. Nobody
has waived or sold out this right."
Mr. Apostolakis arrived on Rhodes yesterday morning and was
given a briefing by division commander Maj.-Gen. Athanasios
Nikolodimos. He is accompanied by the chief of the Army General
Staff, Lt.-Gen. Manoussos Paragioudakis, ASDEN chief Lt. Gen.
Dimitris Arvanitis, and other officials,
He later visited the border island of Kastellorizo, where he met
the island's mayor P. Panygiris and local officials. The defense
under-secretary also flew to the islet of Ro by helicopter where
he inspected a military guard.
[07] Greek MPs concerned at ongoing Turkish actions in Iraq
Athens, 13/06/1997 (ANA)
Twenty-three MPs, members of the Parliamentary Committee on
Foreign Affairs, have expressed concern over and condemnation of
the ongoing Turkish military strikes in northern Iraq.
In an statement, the MPs said the strikes were a "blatant
violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity (by one
UN member state) of another UN member nation". They called on
the Turkish government to withdraw its troops from Iraqi
territory, adding that they were "monitoring with concern" the
developments in the Kurdish matter. They also appealed to the
Turkish government to realize that a political settlement was
the "only solution to any demands of the country's Kurdish
population".
The statement was signed by MPs Karolos Papoulias, Sifis
Valyrakis and Stelios Papathemelis of the ruling PASOK party,
and L. Lymberakidis and Christos Vyzovitis of the main
opposition New Democracy party, amongst others.
[08] Washington says warship transfers to Greece, Turkey separate
issues
Washington, 13/06/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)
US State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns said yesterday the
Clinton administration did not link the respective agreements
for the lending and transfer of warships to Greece and Turkey,
and reiterated its support for their implementation, which
requires approval of the US Congress.
"According to the law, Congress must be informed of our
intention to renew the lease of navy vessels to Greece. We
support a renewal of the lease of the Adams-type destroyers, and
the Knox-type frigates to Greece...
"In the case of Turkey, we want to proceed to the transfer of
frigates. I would be less than honest if I said that there
weren't certain problems with Congress, but we continue to
support the transfer of frigates to Turkey, and we shall
continue doing so. We want both agreements to be implemented,
but we don't link them. Greece and Turkey are two equally
important allies of the US," he said.
[09] Ankara displeased with events marking Greeks' genocide in Turkey
Istanbul, 13/06/1997 (ANA)
Ankara has filed a demarche with the Greek ambassador to Turkey
expressing its discontent with events marking the anniversary of
the Black Sea Greeks' (Pontians) genocide in 1919, a Turkish
foreign ministry statement stated yesterday.
"The effort to make fanatic accusations against Turkey causes
disappointment to the Turkish public opinion, while efforts -
with self-sacrifice - are made to find solutions to bilateral
issues," the statement stated, adding that efforts to find
solutions to Greek-Turkish differences may be reviewed.
The statement said the Turkish government was very annoyed at
the fact that "symbols of the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK) have
appeared in these events."
[10] Gov't says Schengen-related independent authority to be formed
soon
Athens, 13/06/1997 (ANA)
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday that the
composition of the independent administrative authority
envisaged by the Schengen Pact will be announced soon, and will
include prominent personalities of broad acceptance.
Meanwhile, the abstention of a sizable number of main opposition
New Democracy party deputies from voting on ratification of the
Schengen Treaty on Wednesday continued to cause varied internal
party reactions yesterday.
Main opposition ND deputy Panos Kammenos said 38 signatures of
ND deputies had been collected so far for discussion of the
possibility of holding a referendum on the issue, and that he
had noted a willingness on the part of smaller parties to also
sign the petition.
Former education minister Vasilis Kontoyiannopoulos said there
was an issue of functioning of the party's Parliamentary group
and relevant ethics rules had to be set.
With 78 deputies absent, the 300-member house voted 142 to 80
ratify the treaty.
Meanwhile, 35-year-old policeman Giorgos Triantafyllopoulos, who
joined religious protesters while on duty outside Parliament
during the debate on the treaty, was charged by a public
prosecutor with abandoning his post and insubordination.
[11] Parliament committee to focus on Constitutional revision
Athens, 13/06/1997 (ANA)
Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis yesterday set up a
50-member committee comprising deputies of all Parliament
parties, which will tackle the issue of Constitutional revision.
Speaking during yesterday's debate, main opposition New
Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis criticized the
government for its intention to abolish the existing provision
for dissolution of Parliament if a candidate for the presidency
of the republic fails to secure a three-fifths majority in the
third round.
He said the role of the president had to be strengthened in the
direction of exercising checks on the Constitutionality of laws,
instead of downgraded.
"Besides, we need an institutional counterbalance," he said.
Synaspismos cites disagreements with Gov't over Constitution
revision The Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos)
party yesterday expressed disagreement with government positions
concerning revision of the Constitution.
Synaspismos leader Nikos Constantopoulos also expressed strong
opposition to a proposed amendment to revise the procedure for
the election of the president of the republic.
The government wants to abolish the third round of elections for
president, proposing that the position be elected by an absolute
majority of 151 deputies' votes.
"If (ruling) PASOK wants to avoid elections (for the president
of the republic), then the solution would be to re-elect Mr.
(President Kostis) Stephanopoulos..." Mr. Constantopoulos said.
[12] Mitsotakis ready to stand for presidential elections
Athens, 13/06/1997 (ANA)
Former prime minister and current honorary president of the main
opposition party Constantine Mitsotakis said he would stand for
president of the republic if the constitution was changed to
provide for direct such elections.
Speaking to Athens daily "Eleftheros Typos", Mr. Mitsotakis said
New Democracy had not yet taken an official stance on the issue
and that "some do not accept the provision of direct
presidential elections on the legalistic pretext that it
undermines the position."
"This is mistaken," he said. "The president should be directly
elected by the people and not by small-party maneuvers of 151
votes of the sitting Parliament which PASOK is advocating".
[13] Karamanlis harshly criticizes Gov't on relations with Turkey, IGC
Athens, 13/06/1997 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis lashed
out against the government yesterday, criticizing its handling
of Greek-Turkish relations, its positions vis-a-vis the IGC and
proposed amendments to the Constitution.
Addressing his party's Parliamentary group, Mr. Karamanlis
warned the government that he would now allow mishandling of
issues of primary importance.
He added that dialogue between the peoples of Greece and Turkey
constituted a national goal, saying he supported cultivating
conditions which would allow for the conduct of dialogue.
Mr. Karamanlis said the government was presenting "a vague and
unclear attitude" to Turkey, while trying to "please"
international public opinion.
Commenting on the recent appointment of Richard Holbrooke as the
special US presidential envoy for Cyprus, the ND leader said:
"We have to be cautious because we have no tangible examples
that equal distances are held between the victim and the
aggressor."
Commenting on the Intergovernmental Conference, he said Greece
should stick to the Maastricht Treaty conditions and went on to
say that progress in the issue of common foreign and security
policy had been stalled.
Turning to the issue of constitutional revision, he criticized
the government for ambiguity and hypocrisy, and called on Prime
Minister Costas Simitis to make a commitment on the issue.
Mr. Simitis on Wednesday stated his support for the proposal to
disengage the election of president of the republic from the
possibility of dissolving Parliament, as envisaged in current
Constitutional provisions.
Opening Parliament's debate on constitutional revision, the
prime minister said that "recourse to elections is not justified
in the present context of the president's responsibilities," and
that "political life has conquered the level of maturity which
allows an appropriate innovation."
Mr. Karamanlis said the issue of the constitutional revision
would be discussed in a special party seminar.
Addressing the meeting, former ND leader Miltiades Evert said
the government should set priorities on foreign policy, with
Greek-Turkish relations at the top of the list, followed by the
Cyprus issue.
ND deputy and former minister Dora Bakoyiannis said foreign
policy issues should not be the subject of "demagogy" and
"populism," adding that society was confused over the crucial
issues facing Greece.
[14] Turkey again raises regional headquarters issue
Brussels, 13/06/1997 (ANA - P. Pantelis)
The issue of NATO's regional headquarters within the alliance's
new structural organization was again brought up by Ankara
during yesterday's Defense Ministers' conference here.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, National Defense Minister Akis
Tsohatzopoulos said Turkish Defense Minister Turhan Tayan's
proposal for a joint regional headquarters covering both Greece
and Turkey has the obvious intention of gaining more favorable
terms for Turkey's claims vis-a-vis Greece.
He added that Ankara has isolated itself, while no NATO
member-state agrees with the Turkish proposal.
[15] Pangalos, Kyrkos speak on center-left co-operation
Athens, 13/06/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos yesterday called for an
"ope-ning to society" in light of upcoming municipal elections
so that a gradual converge of political and social forces active
of the center-left area will be achieved.
Mr. Pangalos spoke at an event at the Nikaia municipal garden in
Piraeus, along with veteran leftist leader Leonidas Kyrkos, who
defended the Coalition of the Left and Progress' (Synaspismos)
proposal for dialogue over center-left issues and initiatives.
Premier Costas Simitis was also present at the event.
[16] Greek-US memorandum on technological co-operation in Balkans
Athens, 13/06/1997 (ANA)
A technological co-operation memorandum between Greece and the
United States concerning the Balkans was signed in Thessaloniki
yesterday.
The memorandum was jointly signed by National Economy Ministry
Secretary-General Nikos Zahariadis and the chief of the US
Commerce Department's technology section for Europe and Africa,
Lucy Richards, during a meeting held at the Thessaloniki
Technological Park.
Technological co-operation concerns the sectors of
telecommunications, informatics, the environment, construction,
foodstuffs and agriculture.
The memorandum signed determines specific actions to be
undertaken to promote co-operation as well as mechanisms to
promote co-operation.
[17] Study for rehabilitation of Lake Pamvotis
Athens, 13/06/1997 (ANA)
The Onassis Foundation and Western Australia University
professor Jorg Imberger yesterday signed a 68-million-drachma,
two-year agreement for the conducting of research and submission
of proposals for the rehabilitation of Lake Pamvotis in
Ioannina, northwestern Greece.
Australian ambassador to Athens Robert Merrillees and Ioannina
Mayor Mr. Glinavos attended the signing ceremony.
[18] Minister sees GDP growth at 3.5 pct in 1997
Athens, 13/06/1997 (ANA)
National Economy and Finance Minister Yannos Papantoniou
forecast GDP growth of 3.5 percent for 1997.
He said after a three-hour meeting with Prime Minister Costas
Simitis, Development Minister Vasso Papandreou, Finance
Undersecretaries George Drys, Christos Pachtas and Nikos
Christodoulakis, and Bank of Greece governor Lucas Papademos
that positive trends were emerging in key economic indicators.
Mr. Papantoniou said the budget was being strictly adhered to,
presenting an "impressive recovery" in public revenues in the
past two months, and that inflation was on a "steady decline",
while GDP growth this year would be 3.5 percent.
He said there was "absolutely no need for new economic measures,
simply strict adherence to the economic policy being exercised",
adding that this would ensure "development in 1998 will be very
positive for everyone".
[19] OECD forecasts restrained economic development for Greece in '97
Paris, 13/06/1997 (ANA/AFP)
The rate of economic development in Greece will be restrained
this year, while domestic demand will be considerable, powered
primarily by investments, according to a six-month prediction by
the Organization for Economic and Co-operation Development
(OECD) publicized yesterday.
The study estimates a 3 per cent increase in GDP this year
compared to a 2.6 per cent increase in 1996.
The recovery of private consumption will be favored by an
increase in available incomes for households, the OECD added.
Plans funded by European Union resources must help public
investments a great deal, while the decrease in interest rates
must continue to encourage investment in the housing sector.
A restrictive monetary policy has allowed for a considerable
decrease in the inflation rate, it was added. The OECD estimates
a 6 per cent increase in prices this year, the lowest inflation
rate since 1973. However, this rate remains higher than targets
set by the Greek government which is a 4.5 per cent inflation
rate.
The OECD expresses its reservations on the Greek economy's
possibilities to meet predictions. In its view there is a
possible danger of salary increases which will be higher than
predicted. In addition, the profit margins for businesses could
be dealt a blow by the cost of currency as well as by an
increase in the cost of salaries. Consequently, investments will
be shaken and this will affect the growth rate, constituting a
high risk scenario in implementing targets set by the budget,
the OECD stressed.
[20] Russian envoy says delay in pipeline due to Caspian consortium
Sofia, 13/06/1997 (ANA - N. Hios)
The main obstacle for construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupoli
oil pipeline is the Caspian Central Asian consortium for the
time being, according to a statement by the Russian ambassador
in Sofia Leonid Kerestedziants and published in the newspaper
"Trud".
The Russian official said the Caspian consortium must supply oil
which neither Russia, nor Bulgaria nor Greece possess.
Russia assumed the obligation to guarantee the project's
capacity and efficiency, while all three countries must
guarantee suppliers that they can also use the oil pipeline, he
added.
[21] Greece pioneers Gov't investment in Crete alternative energy
project
Athens, 13/06/1997 (ANA)
"The Greek government backs investments involving alternative
sources of energy and for this reason has taken the pioneering
decision to support the construction of the world's biggest
photovoltaic power station on Crete," Development Minister Vasso
Papandreou told a press conference yesterday.
In effect, Ms Papandreou inaugurated the beginning of a
promising relationship between the government and the
environmental organization Greenpeace in an effort, as she said,
to protect Greece by promoting alternative energy sources". "The
vast energy sources in Greece must be fully exploited," she
added, describing solar energy as "a choice of strategic
importance".
A Greenpeace press release meanwhile said that "solar power
today entered a new era" following the Greek government's
decision to begin construction of the photovoltaic power station.
The station is part of a two-year campaign by Greenpeace to
transform Crete into a solar-powered island.
According to Greenpeace, Ms Papandreou yesterday agreed to fund
the first 5 Megawatt tranche of the proposed 50 Megawatt power
station with the US company ENRON Solar.
The European Union and the Greek government will fund 55 per
cent of the capital costs. Total investment, the organization
said, is 17.75 million dollars.
ENRON's plan submitted to the Greek government proposes building
9 Megawatts a year until 50 Megawatts is reached by the year
2003. The largest photovoltaic power station at the moment is
3.3 Megawatts in Italy.
"This smashes conventional assumptions on solar power in terms
of scale and costs. The solar age is no longer a dream of the
future but a reality today," Thilo Bode, executive director of
Greenpeace International said in the press release.
At 50 Megawatts, the Crete solar power station would be fifteen
times larger than any other solar installation in the world,
more than four times cheaper than the average costs of
photovoltaic energy, and provide electricity for nearly 100,000
people, which is one-eighth of Crete's population. "This is the
type of energy investment which governments must now implement
if we are to have any chance of averting dangerous climate
change, and if countries are to meet their own greenhouse gas
reductio n commitments," Mr. Bode said.
Ms Papandreou yesterday visited Greenpeace's ship "Sirius",
which is anchored at Flisvos near Piraeus, and shown around by
Mr. Bode.
Mr. Bode thanked Ms Papandreou for the Greek government's
co-operation, saying: "Greece is taking the leading role in
renewable sources of energy in Europe and the entire world".
[22] Greece unable to meet EU public debt criteria in '97 - OECD
Athens, 13/06/1997 (ANA)
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development
(OECD) predicted that Germany, France and Italy, along with
Greece, would not fulfill the public deficit criteria set by the
Maastricht treaty this year. The Paris-based OECD in its
semi-annual report for 1997 said that the three countries would
show deficits of around 3.2 percent of GDP, while Greece would
show a 6.0 percent deficit.
The Maastricht treaty's criteria set a three percent target as a
condition to participate in European economic and monetary union.
The organization, however, predicted that Germany, France and
Italy would meet the public deficit criteria next year. In its
general economic report, the OECD predicted that industrial
nations would show the biggest growth in a decade in 1997 and
1998.
The average growth of the 29 member-states was expected to reach
3 percent this year, falling to 2.7 percent in 1998, it said.
The United States would lead the group's economic growth, with a
predicted 3.6 percent rate in 1997, while Germany's rate would
be 2.2 percent. Unemployment would remain an outstanding
problem, especially in the European Union, where the jobless
rate was expected to top 11.2 percent this year, and fall to
10.8 percent in 1998.
[23] Greece to combat public sector corruption
Athens, 13/06/1997 (ANA)
Interior and Public Administration minister Alekos Papadopoulos
intends to propose new disciplinary procedures designed to
combat corruption in public services.
The "regime of impunity" in the public administration had to
end, Mr. Papadopoulos said in a television interview on
Wednesday. He added that he would propose to the cabinet new
disciplinary procedures for civil servants implicated in
corruption, which would be contained in the new civil servants'
code.
Mechanisms to control and eliminate corruption in the public
sector were being established for the first time, Mr.
Papadopoulos said. He recalled the introduction of special tax
inspectors, public administration inspectors and the planned
introduction of an Ombudsman to protect consumers, which he
anticipated would begin in October.
Asked to comment on a recent ALCO opinion poll showing that 65%
of 2,400 people surveyed believed the state to be corrupt (18%)
or rather corrupt (47%), Mr. Papadopoulos said it was
unacceptable that one should speak of corrupt civil servants and
consider that society was blameless.
"Corruption does not apply to the total of civil servants, but
is in society itself", the minister said, adding that "the law
of omerta (silence) is applied by many parties because it suits
them".
[24] Greek stocks end down in robust trade
Athens, 13/06/1997 (ANA)
Stock prices halted a two-day rally on the Athens Stock Exchange
to end moderately lower despite vigorous trading and big gains
in the construction sector.
The general index closed 0.41 percent lower at 1,631.90 points
reflecting a drop in heavily weighted Hellenic
Telecommunications Organization (OTE) and a fall in bank shares.
OTE remained the barometer of the market on the second day of
subscription to a public offering of 45 million shares. Its
price fell 250 drachmas to 7,200 reversing a strong advance of
more than 800 drachmas in the last four sessions. Sector indices
ended mixed.
Banks fell 0.27 percent, Leasing was 0.65 percent higher,
Insurance rose 0.52 percent, Investment was 0.94 percent up,
Industrials eased 0.02 percent, Holding was 0.73 percent off and
Miscellaneous rose 1.10 percent. The Parallel Market inde x
surged 2.02 percent.
Trading was extremely heavy on turnover of 30 billion drachmas.
Broadly, advancers led decliners by 116 to 105 with another 23
issues unchanged. Keranis, Bank of Athens, Mouriadis and
Heliofin scored the biggest gains, while Mohlos, Ergodata and
Alysid a suffered the heaviest losses of the day.
National Bank ended at 36,845 drachmas, Ergobank at 18,450,
Alpha Credit Bank at 20,150, Titan at 26,000, Intracom at 13,750
and Aluminium of Greece at 18,900 drachmas.
[25] Greece-FYROM trade volume surge
Athens, 13/06/1997 (ANA)
The general director of the Hellenic Foreign Trade Board (HEPO)
elaborated on what he called the "positive prospects for both
economic and commercial co-operation between Greece and FYROM."
He was speaking during a special ceremony marking the close of
an HEPO-organized seminar for 20 senior managers of the public
and private sector in FYROM.
G. Koutsodimos said the volume of trade between the two
countries increased considerably in the past year.
"Greece now holds the fourth position on the list of FYROM's
most important trading partners with trade volume worth US$180
million," Mr. Koutsodimos said.
Greece stood at the 14th position in the beginning of 1996.
He forecast that in 1998 Greece will be FYROM's second most
important trading partner after Germany, with a trade volume
reaching US$300 million.
Meanwhile, according to HEPO data, Greece is expected to be the
largest investor to Skopje in 1997, with investments amounting
to more than US$160 million.
[26] Chipita may build new plant in E. Europe
Athens, 13/06/1997 (ANA)
Chipita SA, a Greek light snacks company, announced it will hold
a share split scheme by offering one free share for each old
one, reducing the nominal value of stock.
The company forecast a 15-20 percent rise in sales and turnover
for 1997 and speedier growth in 1998.
Chipita is due to launch two new production lines next year, one
for the production of a new type of croissant and another to
extend capacity for bake rolls in order to meet increased demand.
The company is carrying out market research for the creation of
a new factory in eastern Europe. Chipita holds 24 percent of
Bulgaria's light snacks market.
Last Saturday its subsidiary began sales of croissants in Egypt.
Last year's sales rose to 21.8 billion drachmas from 14.3
billion in 1995 and the firm's net profit was 1.8 billion
drachmas, up from 912 million. The company is paying a dividend
of 130 drachmas per share.
[27] UN ranks Greece 20th on quality of life
Athens, 13/06/1997 (ANA)
Canada, France, Norway and the United States have the highest
quality of life while Greece holds the 20th place, according to
the United Nations Human Development Index.
The index, published by the UN Development Program, measures
living standards according to per capita income, life expectancy
and educational standards. The latest report was based on 1994
figures.
Statistics showed that rich countries offer a better standard of
living even to poor people, but stressed that a high per capita
income does not necessarily raise the quality of life.
Poverty, however, has worsened in Australia, Belgium, Finland,
Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Britain and the United States
while it has decreased in Canada, Denmark, France, Italy and
Spain.
The United States has one of the world's highest per capita
incomes at $26,397. But the report said the number of people
living in poverty has gradually risen from 16 percent in 1974 to
more than 19 percent in 1994.
Among developing countries the poverty index showed deprivation
in health care, education and water quality. Malnourishment in
children also increased.
End of English language section.
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