Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-07-01
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1225), July 1, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Greece expresses satisfaction with smooth elections in Albania
[02] Europarliament delegation monitors Albanian vote
[03] Consulate employee buried yesterday
[04] Abducted businessman still missing in Albania
[05] Delors confers with Simitis, political leaders on future of
Europe
[06] Unified socialist policy discussed earlier
[07] Kranidiotis meets with US official regarding SECI
[08] Greek 'committee of experts' replies to Turkish memo
[09] Kranidiotis on developments in Turkey
[10] US says it has no evidence on Turkish claims of Greek help to
Kurds
[11] EU culture ministers unable to agree on several issues
[12] Parthenon Marbles' return discussed between Venizelos, Fisher
[13] Military chief Tzoganis on official Polish visit
[14] Greek navy chief to visit Bulgaria
[15] Bulgarian president in Athens tomorrow
[16] Bridge agreement
[17] Stephanopoulos stresses Greek support for Bulgaria's accession
to NATO
[18] Clerides begins consultations with Greek leadership today
[19] Karamanlis speaks in Kavala and Serres
[20] Kranidiotis to represent Athens at NATO socialist FMs' meeting
[21] Civil aviation authority work stoppages
[22] Greek team wins fifth straight game at Eurobasket
[23] New super-catamaran to provide coastal tours of Mount Athos
[24] 364 fishing investment programs ratified
[25] Health sector beset by problems
[26] Helexpo employees threaten strike during Thessaloniki fair
[27] Macedonian Press Agency holds southeast Europe media conference
[28] Greek equities edge up, driven by state telecom
[29] Apostolopoulos Group acquires majority in Apollonion
[30] Greece's Gnomon to build new hospital
[31] EU holds traffic control conference in Thessaloniki
[32] EP committee adopts EU-wide transport policy declaration
[33] Commission takes action against member states
[34] Commission acts against Greece to curb water pollution
[01] Greece expresses satisfaction with smooth elections in Albania
Athens, 01/07/1997 (ANA)
Greece said yesterday that it hoped the completion of the
electoral process in neighboring Albania next Sunday would
result in a government of the widest possible consensus to
undertake the work of restoring order in the country.
According to a Reuters dispatch from Tirana yesterday, Albanian
President Sali Berisha conceded yesterday that his ruling
Democratic Party had lost the elections, which international
polling monitors had termed "adequate and acceptable."
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou expressed his
satisfaction that the elections had gone "relatively well".
"(Sunday's poll) was the first step towards restoring normality
in Albania through a legal and democratically-elected government
which will lead the country to economic and democratic
restoration," Mr. Papandreou said as he arrived to attend a
working luncheon for visiting former European Commission
president Jacques Delors.
Relative calm prevailed, he said, apart from the "unfortunate
and tragic incident at the Greek consulate at Gjirokaster, which
however, was unrelated to the electoral process". He was
referring to the death of a local employee on Saturday, after an
attack on the building by an armed gang.
"There appears to be a healthy participation in the new
Parliament of ethnic Greek-Albanians, whom I believe will
deservedly respond to the new challenge of Albania for a
democratic course, and respect for human rights," Mr. Papandreou
said.
Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis told reporters that
the international community and Greece hoped that the elections
would signal the beginning of the normalization of political
life in Albania and of the process of economic restructuring,
development and prosperity.
The latest reports from Albania said the socialists had claimed
to have won a resounding victory but no official results had so
far been announced.
There was relative calm in the country both before and during
the elections, called after weeks of violence had been sparked
by the collapse of five pyramid investment schemes.
Greece, Mr. Kranidiotis said, was pleased with the election
process, to which it had contributed decisively with important
and continual diplomatic initiatives both on a bilateral and
international level. He added that he considered the ethnic
Greek minority in the south of the country to be a bridge of
friendship that would lead to closer bilateral relations, noting
that the extension of the minority's rights would bolster the
ties between the two countries.
His comments were echoed later by acting government spokesman
Yiannis Nikolaou, who said Athens was concerned about the
restoration of normality in neighboring Albania and that it was
significant to Greece that the national poll had been conducted
as normal as possible.
Mr. Nikolaou told reporters that Athens wanted to see the
restoration and proper functioning of institutions in the
neighboring country, which would aid both bilateral relations
and stability in the wider region.
"A strong government, supported by as many parties as possible,
creates the conditions for the restoration of normality," he
said.
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos told reporters
that the outcome had vindicated Gre-ece's decision to
participate in the multinational protection force. Asked whether
there was still a need for the deployment of forces in Albania,
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said this would be examined by the
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
On his part, main opposition New Democracy leader Costas
Karamanlis said all the Albanian political parties should make
efforts to lead the country to order and real democracy and
establish respect for ethnic Greeks living there. Coalition of
the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos, meanwhile,
sent a message of congratulations to Albanian Socialist Party
leader Fatos Nano, calling the result "a significant step for
democratic normalization and the development of Albania".
[02] Europarliament delegation monitors Albanian vote
Brussels, (ANA - G.Daratos)
A European Parliament delegation which had arrived in Albania to
monitor general elections met with political party
representatives, including Socialist leader Fatos Nano and Jene
Polo of the Democratic Party.
The EU delegation including four Greek Euro-MPs - Yiannis
Roubatis of PASOK, Costas Hatzidakis of New Democracy, Katerina
Daskalaki of Political Spring and Yiannis Theonas of the
Communist Party of Greece. They visited a total of 30 polling
stations in Tirana, the city's outskirts and Durres.
According to an announcement by the European Parliament's
secretariat in Brussels, the delegation ascertained that voting
was conducted in a satisfactory way and without noteworthy
incidents. The European Parliament's representatives also noted
that very good co-operation was brought about between election
representatives from all political parties.
Strengthening Parliamentary dialogue between the Europarliament
and the Albanian Parliament will constitute an important factor
in Albania's transitional democratic course, the announcement by
the European Parliament's Committee read.
[03] Consulate employee buried yesterday
Athens, 01/07/1997 (ANA)
Christos Kolas, 28, an employee of the Greek consulate in
Gjirokaster who was shot dead by an armed gang on Saturday, was
buried in his home town of Delvine yesterday in a Greek
flag-draped coffin.
The funeral was attended by a few thousands of ethnic Greeks and
Albanians, local government authorities and the consulate staff.
Meanwhile, a special Greek-Albanian committee investigating the
crime is continuing its collection of evidence.
[04] Abducted businessman still missing in Albania
Gjirokaster, 01/07/1997 (ANA - P.Barkas)
An ethnic Greek from the Sarande area that was abducted a week
ago is still missing.
Kidnappers of Vassilis Kromidas, a businessman and council
member from the village of Xamylia who is also the president of
the local ethnic Greek Omonia party, demanded 40 million
drachmas as ransom.
His abductors, however, have not communicated since his
abduction.
[05] Delors confers with Simitis, political leaders on future of
Europe
Athens, 01/07/1997 (ANA)
Representatives from three out of five parties in Parliament met
yesterday for talks with former European Commission president
Jacques Delors about the future of Europe.
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Costas Simitis,
Marietta Yiannakou-Koutsikou from the main opposition New
Democracy, and Coalition of Left and Progress (Synaspismos)
leader Nikos Constantopoulos.
The event was organized by PASOK secretary Costas Skandalidis at
a central Athens hotel.
All speakers at the event concluded that development and
progress cannot be achieved through uncontrolled forces of the
market.
Mr. Delors, the main speaker at the event, noted that under
present conditions "we are able to safeguard the principles of
democratic socialism", adding that today's socialists want
change, but also a sense of security.
The changes that have been completed or are under way today have
created three challenges that require answers, Mr. Delors said,
naming globalization, acceleration of technological advances and
the serious crisis facing the welfare state.
The former EC president defended the expansion of the European
Union by accession of less developed countries. He expressed
reservations about whether this would be achieved, since the
idea was meeting with resistance by certain EU members.
Mr. Simitis said that the liberalization of productive powers
was no longer enough to create a more humane society, because
the economy's independence had led to a new wave of productivity
that tore down social relationships. This, however, did offer
the groundwork for social relationships of a higher quality.
Whether productivity would prevail or new relationships was a
matter of political process and struggles that had to be made,
he said.
Mr. Simitis made special note of the social sector, stressing
that the systems of social welfare should be adapted to
demographic changes, and funds be funneled to those who had real
need of them. Social funding should not lead to social
discrimination, he said.
Ms Yiannakou-Koutsikou said that European unification posed a
challenge which belonged neither to socialism nor to liberalism,
but could proceed only with the co-operation of all forces.
Synaspismos leader Constantopoulos said that the fact that at
the end of the 20th century there are so many talks about
Europe's future is a sign of history lagging behind.
He also said that unemployment, poverty, the downgrading of the
quality of life and ecological destruction pointed to the fact
that one could not start building a united Europe from the top.
[06] Unified socialist policy discussed earlier
Athens, 01/07/1997 (ANA)
Earlier in the day, Mr. Simitis met Mr. Delors to discuss the
creation of a unified socialist policy ahead of European Union
economic and monetary union.
During a working luncheon at a central Athens hotel, the two men
also discussed Greece's problems in joining a single European
Union currency.
Attending the meeting were members of the ruling PASOK party's
executive bureau and senior government economy officials, headed
by National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou.
The meeting followed a weekend conference in Athens of European
Union socialist ministers that called for creation of an
Economic Coordination Pact, designed to link efforts in forging
EU economic policy, and to counter-balance the Bonn-inspired
Stability and Development Pact.
[07] Kranidiotis meets with US official regarding SECI
Athens, 01/07/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis held talks yesterday
with US ambassador Richard Shifter, President Bill Clinton's
special adviser on the Initiative for Co-operation in
Southeastern Europe (SECI), which focuses on improving and
developing cooperation between Balkan countries. An extensive
review was made of activities being developed in the framework
of the initiative, aimed at strengthening regional co-operation
between countries in southeastern Europe through the development
of economic, technical and environmental co-operation.
On his part, Mr. Shifter stressed the importance of Greece's
participation in the SECI initiative, inter-border co-operation
programs aimed at rendering technical assistance and improving
infrastructure at border crossings of member-states which are
part of this initiative.
Mr. Kranidiotis said Greece participates actively in all
initiatives strengthening co-operation in the Balkans and will
offer all support possible for activities developing in the
framework of the initiative. According to reports, the US
attributes particular significance to Greece's active
participation in the success of the SECI initiative and assesses
that the leading role it can play in the region will help
substantially in consolidating peace, stability and development
in the Balkans.
[08] Greek 'committee of experts' replies to Turkish memo
Athens, 01/07/1997 (ANA)
The Greek committee of experts sent its reply regarding the
Turkish committee memo to the Dutch presidency of the European
Union yesterday.
Both Greek and Turkish committees of experts were set up
following an initiative by the outgoing Dutch presidency to
present their differences through the EU in an effort to solve
them. The Greek committee, comprised of professors Krateros
Ioannou and Dimitris Fatouros, had been the first to respond
with a memo.
Turkey's committee followed with its own later, to which the
Greek experts replied yesterday.
The Turkish memo, according to sources, does not refer to the
process leading to solving problems, b ut proposes a
Greek-Turkish dialogue on all issues, a position Athens rejects.
In its reply, the Greek committee referred to existing
international laws and treaties and said Turkey should take
recourse to the international court at The Hague if it wishes to
solve certain issues such as the status of Imia islet in the
Aegean. Turkey's response will indicate how earnest it is in its
intent to deal in a positive spirit with Greek proposals, the
sources said.
The Turkish committee had proposed earlier that both committees
meet directly without EU mediation, a position the Greek
government has rejected outright.
[09] Kranidiotis on developments in Turkey
Athens, 01/07/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis said yesterday that
he was not aware if the new government being formed in Turkey
was "permanent or temporary".
Talking to reporters, Mr. Kranidiotis expressed his hope that
there would a strong government in Turkey which could talk to
the international community, the European Union and to Greece
and would be guided by democratic principles and respect for
human rights and international agreements.
[10] US says it has no evidence on Turkish claims of Greek help to
Kurds
Washington, 01/07/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)
Acting US State Department spokesman John Dinger said yesterday
that the United States does not have any indications to confirm
Turkish allegations that a Greek military officer was training
Kurdish separatists.
Replying to a Turkish reporter, who also quoted Turkish sources
as saying that the officer had been killed, Mr. Dinger referred
to a recent statement by the Greek government spokesman that
these charges were "unfounded".
[11] EU culture ministers unable to agree on several issues
Brussels, 01/07/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)
EU culture ministers failed to agree on a number of pending
issues yesterday, such as the prospects of the union's cultural
activities, establishment of a single finance body for culture,
the future of the "Rafael" program and prospects of the
"European cultural capital" institution.
They met in Luxembourg for the summit.
The EU culture ministers could not take any decision on the
establishment of a Fund for European audio-visual productions,
which was to receive ECU 50 million, owing to objections by
Germany, Britain and the Netherlands. Similarly, no agreement
was reached with regard to the "Rafael" program on the
protection of the union's cultural heritage. A compromise
solution on this issue will be attempted by the 15 EU culture
ministers at a special meeting in July.
Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, in a speech during the
meeting, placed emphasis on the fact that allocations on culture
were subordinate in the union's budget when compared with
culture allocations in national budgets.
The Greek minister told his European counterparts that it was
primarily culture that safeguarded social cohesion within the
union.
Mr. Venizelos also told the meeting that Greece backed the
Italian proposal for the setting up of a single finance body for
culture, while he submitted another proposal relating to the
establishment of a European museums network in all member-states
of the Union.
[12] Parthenon Marbles' return discussed between Venizelos, Fisher
Luxembourg, 01/07/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)
Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos raised the issue of the
Parthenon Marbles' return to Greece from the British Museum
during a meeting with British National Heritage Under-secretary
for the Arts Mark Fisher, on the sidelines of the EU culture
ministers' summit here.
Mr. Venizelos, who told Mr. Fisher that Athens was willing to
discuss the issue on bilateral level, told reporters that the
meeting was "especially cordial."
"The discussion has been clear and creative," he said.
Mr. Venizelos handed a text to Mr. Fisher containing Athens'
positions on the issue.
"I told Mr. Fisher that we raise the issue not in the name of
the Greek government and history but in the name of the world's
cultural heritage, international cultural sensitivity and mainly
in the name of the monument's whole entity."
The two men also discussed cultural co-operation between the two
countries.
[13] Military chief Tzoganis on official Polish visit
Athens, 01/07/1997 (ANA)
The chief of the National Defense General Staff, Lt.-Gen.
Athanasios Tzoganis, is to pay a visit to Poland at the
invitation of his Polish counterpart, Gen. Zumsky.
The Greek official, who is leaving tomorrow for Warsaw, is
scheduled to meet Poland's political and military leadership, as
well as the Polish parliament's defense committee.
During talks with Lt.-Gen. Tzoganis, Polish officials are likely
to repeat their proposals in relation to the purchase by Greece
of Polish-made transport helicopters, aircraft and AWACS-type
radars.
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos was briefed on the
Polish proposals during a recent visit to Warsaw.
Talks are also expected to focus on NATO expansion and issues of
mutual military concern.
[14] Greek navy chief to visit Bulgaria
Athens, 01/07/1997 (ANA)
The Navy General Staff announced that Hellenic Navy chief
Vice-Adm. L. Paliogiorgos has accepted an invitation by his
Bulgarian counterpart, Adm. Kristov Kontrov, and will leave for
Varna tomorrow to observe military activities exercises.
Officials from NATO have also been invited to observe
aeronautical exercises in the sea region of Varna.
[15] Bulgarian president in Athens tomorrow
Athens, 01/07/1997 (ANA)
Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov arrives in Athens tomorrow at
the head of a ministerial delegation for talks with the Greek
government and the signing of an agreement for construction of a
new bridge at the Promahonas-Kulata border post.
Mr. Stoyanov will meet with President of the Republic Kostis
Stephanopoulos shortly before noon tomorrow, which will be
followed by talks between the Greek and Bulgarian delegations at
midday. He will meet Prime Minister Costas Simitis one hour
later.
Mr. Stoyanov will meet with political party leaders in the
afternoon, while Bulgarian Deputy Foreign Minister Stefan Tafrov
will hold talks with Alternate Foreign Minister George
Papandreou, followed by the signing of the bridge agreement.
The Bulgarian government in April approved a proposal by Greece
to construct a new bridge in the area of the Kulata-Promaho-nas
border post between the two countries.
President Stephanopoulos will host an official dinner for his
Bulgarian counterpart on Wednesday night.
On Thursday, Mr. Stoyanov will visit the Acropolis and lay a
wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
He will later meet with Parliament President Apostolos
Kaklamanis and attend an official function at the Athens City
Hall, winding up the official leg of his visit before flying to
Thessaloniki, where Macedonia-Thrace Minister Philippos
Petsalnikos will host a dinner in honor of the Bulgarian
delegation.
Mr. Stoyanov will fly by helicopter for a brief visit to the
Mount Athos monastic community Friday morning, before flying
back to Sofia in the early afternoon.
Mr. Stoyanov recently pledged that a rare 18th century
manuscript stolen from a Mount Athos monastery in the 1980s and
recently located in Bulgaria would be returned to the holy
community.
The 1762 manuscript "Slavo-Bulgarian History", written by
Paissios Hiliendarios at the Agios Georgios Zografos Monastery
on Mount Athos has been on display at the National Historical
Museum of Sofia since September 1996.
[16] Bridge agreement
Athens, 01/07/1997 (ANA)
The new bridge at the Promahonas-Kulata border checkpoint will
improve transport at the point where the largest part of land
transport is conducted between the two countries.
Due to the importance of the checkpoint, it was agreed that a
new and bigger bridge should be built, while the Greek side,
taking financial and technical problems into consideration, has
undertaken to fully fund the entire project, including it in the
EU cross-border co-operation program INTERREG II.
[17] Stephanopoulos stresses Greek support for Bulgaria's accession
to NATO
Sofia, 01/07/1997 (ANA - N. Hios)
President Kostis Stephanopoulos told a Bulgarian newspaper that
NATO's enlargement towards central and eastern Europe should not
proceed on a selective basis, but should also include Balkan
countries such as Bulgaria and Romania.
"Greece is without reservation supporting Bulgaria's
Euro-Atlantic orientation," President Stephanopoulos was quoted
as saying in an interview, published yesterday in the Bulgarian
newspaper "Truud."
Athens has strengthened efforts to support Bulgaria's NATO
membership talks in the first wave of the alliance enlargement,
in view of the July 8-9 summit in Madrid.
According to analysts, however, the Madrid summit is expected to
invite only Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic - a smaller
expansion favored by the US - to begin negotiations for NATO
membership.
France, on the other hand, has argued strenuously in favor of
Romania; Italy on behalf of Slovenia and Greece in support of
Bulgaria.
Mr. Stephanopoulos said that "the objective of NATO's
enlargement to the Balkans, this sensitive European region, is
to consolidate stability and provide a sense of security," he
said, adding that Bulgaria's NATO membership should be deemed
necessary no t just for Greece but for the remaining European
states.
Even if Bulgaria fails to be included in the first wave of NATO
enlargement, Mr. Stephanopoulos said Athens would continue to
raise the issue in an effort to include the country in NATO's
second wave of expansion.
Mr. Stephanopoulos also touched on what he called the excellent
Greek-Bulgarian co-operation as a model for the region and
enhanced stability in the Balkans.
"Greek-Bulgarian co-operation is of primary importance for the
stability in the Balkans and for positive developments in the
region," President Stephanopoulos told the newspaper.
"I believe that the Bulgarian president's visit will give us the
opportunity to reaffirm our shared desire for those decisions
which will serve our mutual interests," he said. Turning to
other issues, the Greek president said that Athens had no
anxieties regarding the upgrade of Bulgarian-Turkish relations,
adding however, that "Turkey's conduct towards Greece endangers
peace not just in the Aegean, but in the entire region."
[18] Clerides begins consultations with Greek leadership today
Athens, 01/07/1997 (ANA)
President Kostis Stephanopoulos met yesterday with his visiting
Cypriot counterpart Glafcos Clerides, who is in Athens for
consultations ahead of his scheduled meeting with Turkish
Cypriot leader Ruaf Denktash in the US on July 9.
Mr. Clerides and Prime Minister Costas Simitis today will
jointly chair a meeting of the Greek and Cypriot delegations on
the stance to be taken at the talks.
Mr. Clerides has previously said his talks in Athens aim at
better coordination and not at any change in positions.
Mr. Clerides will meet tomorrow former prime minister
Constantine Mitsotakis and the present leader of the main
opposition party New Democracy, Costas Karamanlis.
Meanwhile, Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis told
reporters that Mr. Clerides' contacts today were an opportunity
for Greece and Cyprus to confer on strategies and tactics.
Mr. Kranidiotis said he hoped for a positive outcome from the
New York talks and confirmed that Greece's ambassador to Cyprus,
Alexandros Sandis, would be heading the Greek diplomatic
delegation to New York.
He left open the possibility of attending the talks himself,
whether in New York or Geneva, if need be.
[19] Karamanlis speaks in Kavala and Serres
Athens, 01/07/1997 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis
yesterday visited Kavala, where he met local officials and ND
party members.
Addressing a public gathering, Mr. Karamanlis told a crowd of
supporters that his visit was aimed at exerting the necessary
pressure in order to speed up work in infrastructure projects,
both in Kavala prefecture and in the wider area of eastern
Macedonia .
He said "such projects will allow the region play an important
role and contribute to improving living standards, both in
Greece and in the wider region of the Balkans".
After Kavala, the New Democracy leader traveled to the island of
Thasos, where he was welcomed by local officials, party members
and residents.
Later, main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas
Karamanlis lashed out against the government yesterday during a
party dinner at Serres late on Sunday evening.
"Those who govern us see everything through party blinkers," Mr.
Karamanlis said, accusing the government of "lack of seriousness
and coordination."
Criticizing government policy in nearly every field, Mr.
Karamanlis emphasized that the economic and growth policy of the
Simitis administration was not even in a position to create a
tax-collecting mechanism, while adding that it failed to address
the issue of rising unemployment.
On the issue of decentralization, Mr. Karamanlis accused the
government of "experimenting, through applying piecemeal,
conflicting institutions."
"This government cannot address the issue, which is to put the
state in order," the ND leader said, calling on his party's
supporters to make "a leap forward."
[20] Kranidiotis to represent Athens at NATO socialist FMs' meeting
Athens, 01/07/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis will represent
Greece at a NATO socialist foreign ministers' meeting to be held
on Wednesday in London, at the initiative of new Labor Foreign
Secretary Robin Cook.
The meeting, organized in view of the July 8-9 NATO summit in
Madrid, is aimed at mapping out common strategies between the
socialist governments regarding NATO enlargement to the central
and eastern Europe as well as the new structure of the alliance
- the main focus of the summit.
Mr. Kranidiotis will also travel to the Middle East between July
14-19, a trip aimed at presenting the Greek government's
positions on regional problems.
His tour entails visits to Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon.
Mr. Kranidiotis will also discuss the strengthening of bilateral
relations with these countries.
[21] Civil aviation authority work stoppages
Athens, 01/07/1997 (ANA)
Operations at the country's airports will face problems due to
strike actions called by employees at the Civil Aviation
Authority (YPA).
The federation of employees announced yesterday that it will go
ahead with a series of work stoppages, starting tonight from 10
p.m. until 6 a.m. tomorrow morning.
The work stoppage will be repeated during the same hours on
Thursday and Friday nights, while on Saturday night employees
will stop work at 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. Monday morning.
However, the YPA employees decision was depending on last
night's meeting between the president of the YPA employees'
unions and Transport Minister Haris Kastanidis.
The employees said they will go ahead with the work stoppages on
demands of unpaid overtime, night-time and holiday-time, in
spite of the fact they had been promised to receive back-pay by
June 1.
[22] Greek team wins fifth straight game at Eurobasket
Girona, 01/07/1997 (ANA - D.Efstathiou)
Greece posted its second victory yesterday in the second round
of action at the Eurobasket championship here, beating France
80-71 for its fifth straight victory.
The undefeated Greek basketball team beat Lithuania 73-66 in the
first match of the second round on Sunday. Today, it will face
the national team of Israel.
[23] New super-catamaran to provide coastal tours of Mount Athos
Athens, 01/07/1997 (ANA)
Women, traditionally barred from entering the Mount Athos
all-male monastic community in northern Greece, will now be able
to get a closer glimpse aboard a super catamaran to be launched
in late August.
The 45-meter 'Platytera ton Ouranon', named after the famous
Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mother, to whom Mt. Athos is
dedicated, will be making coastal tours around Mt. Athos
throughout the summer months, starting from Ouranoupolis, the
last point for women visitors. The 950 million dr. vessel was
built wholly in Greece, at the Macedonia shipyards in
Thessaloniki, and is the first catamaran to be employed in
routes in northern Greece.
The ultra-modern vessel, which develops a speed of 25 knots per
hour enabling it to cover large distances in day-cruises, is
also designed as a floating congress center and floating bar and
can accommodate up to 1,300 passengers.
According to Lazaros Makridis, public relations officer for the
catamaran's owners, "Athos Cruises Shipping Co.", during the
winter months the vessel will serve Thessaloniki's needs ,
hosting conferences, concerts and other cultural events.
He said the catamaran was wholly financed by private capital,
four-fifths of the cost being put up by the company's four
shareholders and the remainder through bank lending.
[24] 364 fishing investment programs ratified
Athens, 01/07/1997 (ANA)
The investment plan approval committee for the Fishing Operation
Program (EPAL) has ratified 364 investment plans amounting to
16.9 billion drachmas.
The Sea Fishing subprogram had 325 plans ratified, valued at 6.5
billion drachmas. Exactly 291 of them concerned the
modernization and renewal of the fishing fleet and the rest
concerned the withdrawal of 34 fishing boats. A further 30 plans
were ratified for the Fisheries subprogram valued at 7.2 billion
drachmas. Lastly, nine plans valued at 3.2 billion drachmas were
ratified for the Utilization of the Fishing Production
subprogram.
Approvals for EPAL's investment plans amounted to 25.8 billion
drachmas in the first half of 1997 as against 31.8 billion
drachmas over the 1994-1996 three-year period. According to an
announcement by the agriculture ministry, the upward trend is
due to the program leaving the preparation stage and entering
the progress stage and to the efforts made by the ministry.
[25] Health sector beset by problems
Athens, 01/07/1997 (ANA)
Hospital doctors in Athens and Piraeus continued their strike
for a third day yesterday with representatives noting that
participation in the strike was close to total.
Hospital presidents however disputed the figure, saying
participation was much lower.
Skeleton staff were on duty to deal with emergencies at all
state-run hospitals.
The doctors are on strike to protest a new bill to reorganize
the national health system. Today they will rally outside the
health ministry before meeting with Health Minister Costas
Geitonas at 5pm.
Pharmacists meanwhile said they would go ahead with a 48-hour
strike beginning today.
They are protesting the over-pricing of medicines in Greece and
want the government to revise recent changes reducing profit
margins from sales, which they fear will put small pharmacies
out of business and lead to the creation of pharmaceutical
retail outlet "giants".
[26] Helexpo employees threaten strike during Thessaloniki fair
Athens, 01/07/1997 (ANA)
Employees of the Helexpo-Thessaloniki International Fair went on
a 24-hour warning strike yesterday, demanding that profits for
1996 should be given to them instead of being turned over to the
state.
In a press conference, the union said that it would also go on
strike during the annual Helexpo fair in the fall unless two
more demands were met, namely, concerning pay rises and the
appointment of a new board for the organization.
The annual Thessaloniki exhibition is a major economic event, at
which time the prime minister presents the economic policy for
the year to come.
[27] Macedonian Press Agency holds southeast Europe media conference
Athens, 01/07/1997 (ANA)
A two-day conference entitled "Peace and growth in southeast
Europe: the role of the mass media" was launched in Thessaloniki
by Macedonia-Thrace Minister Filippos Petsalnikos.
In his opening address, Mr. Petsalnikos outlined the role which
the media could play to help promote political, economic and
social co-operation among Balkan states.
The conference is organized by the Macedonian Press Agency with
the Thessaloniki Cultural Capital of Europe 1997 Organization.
Transport and Communications Minister Haris Kastanidis told
delegates that the media could act as a model for co-operation
although the sector often equated news with disaster.
During a session focusing on Balkan media, the general directors
of state-run Greek Radio (ERA) Yiannis Tzanetakos and private
Flash 961 radio Panos Koliopanos suggested drafting a Balkan
journalists charter. The conference's executive committee
accepted the proposal.
The basic principles of the charter would ensure that
journalists served the interests of the public, defended peace,
promoted co-operation and understanding, and respected the
region's existing borders.
[28] Greek equities edge up, driven by state telecom
Athens, 01/07/1997 (ANA)
Stock prices resumed their upward trend to end moderately higher
on the Athens Stock Exchange led by a rebound in Hellenic
Telecommunications Organization (OTE) after a two-week decline.
The general index closed 0.72 percent higher at 1,518.51 points,
showing a 62.67 percent rise in the first half of 1997. Trade
was moderate with turnover at 18.1 billion drachmas.
Most indices scored gains. Banks fell 0.20 percent, Leasing was
0.76 percent higher, Insurance rose 0.12 percent, Investment was
0.02 percent off, Industrials increased 0.73 percent,
Construction eased 0.48 percent, Holding jumped 3.46 percent and
Miscellaneous rose 0.74 percent.
The parallel market for smaller capitalization stocks fell 0.28
percent. OTE's share price ended at 6,450 drachmas, up 3.9
percent from Friday. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 116 to
90 with another 30 issues unchanged.
Metka, Titan Cement, Faliro Medical Center, Parnassos and Atemke
were top gainers, while Xylemporia, Macedonian Mills and Bank of
Central Greece suffered the heaviest losses.
National Bank of Greece ended at 33,600 drachmas, Ergobank at
16,500, Alpha Credit Bank at 18,900, Titan at 13,550 and
Intracom at 12,510.
[29] Apostolopoulos Group acquires majority in Apollonion
Athens, 01/07/1997 (ANA)
The George Apostolopoulos Group, owners of the Athens and Paleo
Faliro Medical Centers, has acquired majority interest in the
Apollonion Clinic, it was announced yesterday.
The Apollonion Clinic, which opened in 1981, has a 130-bed
capacity and a fully-equipped intensive care unit. Last year it
recorded a turnover of 2.7 billion dr. and profits of 500
million dr.
The new management plans expansion of the Apollonion building
facilities on a 1,500 sq.m. connected lot, and a 50% increase in
turnover and profits over 1996.
[30] Greece's Gnomon to build new hospital
Athens, 01/07/1997 (ANA)
Greek engineering contractor Gnomon on June 27 signed a turnkey
contract for design and construction of a general hospital in
the Peloponnese town of Pyrgos.
Gnomon will handle construction of the hospital, budgeted at
five billion drachmas, and Germany's IMEC GmbH is to provide 1.5
billion drachmas of basic medical equipment. Completion is
scheduled in three years.
Contracts on Gnomon's order book total 20 billion drachmas,
double last year's figure. The firm sees profits of 1.165
billion drachmas in 1997 on turnover of nine billion drachmas.
[31] EU holds traffic control conference in Thessaloniki
Athens, 01/07/1997 (ANA)
The use of electronic systems and telematics tools in directing
traffic in major European cities is the topic of a two-day
conference being held in Thessaloniki under the European Union's
Concert research program.
Delegates announced the implementation of a pilot project in
Thessaloniki that will provide drivers with information
appearing on electronic panels.
The system supplies data on emergencies leading to traffic
problems, road accidents and faulty traffic lights. It also
provides information on parking availability, public
transportation schedules and environmental information.
Attending the conference are representatives from European
cities participating in the Concert program.
[32] EP committee adopts EU-wide transport policy declaration
Athens, 01/07/1997 (ANA)
The Third Pan-European Transport Conference has unanimously
adopted the Helsinki declaration "Towards a European Wide
Transport Policy - a set of common principles". The conference,
organized by the European Parliament and the European
Commission, hosted 1,200 participants from 51 countries, with a
strong representation from the Central and Eastern European
countries.
Despite financing problems, an agreement was achieved on the
priorities in transport corridors in Middle and Eastern Europe.
The conference therefore pleaded for a Europe Wide Transport
Network Partnership to be initiated to bring together all the
parties concerned in order to coordinate investment schemes.
High on the agenda was the situation at the EU borders and
combating crime.
Progress in traffic management, research and development,
telematics and other technical applications in the various modes
of transport as well as transport means of the future were also
shown in an exhibition.
Finally, the conference emphasized the need to promote public
transport, in order to reduce congestion and pollution.
[33] Commission takes action against member states
Athens, 01/07/1997 (ANA)
The European Commission has decided to take action against
Portugal, Italy, Germany, Greece and Spain for non-respect of
the directive on access to environmental information.
European Union environmental policy recognizes that citizen
information and citizen participation are crucial to raising
environmental awareness and to promoting best environmental
practice.
The directive reflects this recognition by creating a general
right of access to environmental information held by public
authorities.
Member states reports were due by the end of 1996. The
Commission has accordingly decided to notify letters of formal
notice to all of them.
[34] Commission acts against Greece to curb water pollution
Athens, 01/07/1997 (ANA)
The European Commission has decided to take further steps in
legal actions against Spain, Portugal, Greece and the
Netherlands for non-respect of European Union (EU) water
legislation.
In the case of Greece and the Netherlands, the Commission
decided to make applications to the Court for failures to give
proper effect to a directive aimed at reducing water pollution
by certain dangerous substances (Council Directive 76/464/EEC on
pollution caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into
the aquatic environment of the Community).
The directive requires member-states to put in place pollution
reduction programs for these substances with binding quality
objectives.
Greece and the Netherlands have failed to fix such quality
objectives.
End of English language section.
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