Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-08-30
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1276), August 30, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Poos: Treaty of Amsterdam to be signed Oct. 2
[02] Clarification
[03] Athens Summit '97 opens at Pnyx Hill
[04] Arafat arrival
[05] Ankara cannot make compromises on Cyprus, Turkish minister says
[06] Clinton officially names Nicholas Burns for Athens post
[07] Simitis urges ministers to work together
[08] ND leader urges more US concern for region
[09] Athens' Balkan policy eyes leading role in developments, gov't
says
[10] Tsohatzopoulos
[11] Stephanopoulos continues Peloponnese tour with visit to Laconia
[12] Comments on Balkans
[13] Chinese Tibetan Song and Dance
[14] International architecture summer school in Drama
[15] Injured turtle saved by swimmers
[16] Noted female rebetika singer buried yesterday
[17] Russian tourist found dead on Mount Athos
[18] No gov't comment on Reuter Olympics poll
[19] Tory's support for Athens 2004
[20] Whales lose bearings, end up off Volos
[21] National Bank of Greece to tap market for 100 bln Dr.
[22] Athens bourse ends week sharply lower
[23] The week in the market
[24] DEH projects in Macedonia, Thrace on line
[25] Mortgage Bank renews T-bills for another year
[26] Special edition messages for Thessaloniki Int'l Trade Fair
[01] Poos: Treaty of Amsterdam to be signed Oct. 2
Athens, 30/08/1997 (ANA)
Current EU Council president Jacques Poos, the Luxembourg
foreign minister, said yesterday that the Treaty of Amsterdam
will be signed on Oct. 2, and will be followed by ratification
from the 15 national member-states' parliaments.
Mr. Poos made the statement after a meeting in Athens with Prime
Minister Costas Simitis, which was also attended by Foreign
Minister Theodoros Pangalos, Alternate Foreign Minister George
Papandreou and Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis. The
meeting dealt with a broad range of EU issues as well as
Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus problem.
Mr. Poos placed particular emphasis on the preparation of a
special EU summit on employment on Nov. 27, stressing that it
will adopt especially important decisions leading to "specific
actions which will allow the reversal of current market
tendencies".
Regarding the EU enlargement process, which involves 11
prospective members, Mr. Poos said that despite the significant
work done to date, it is not certain that the issue will close
until the end of the year.
Questioned whether the solution of the Cyprus problem was a
precondition for a start to negotiations for EU membership of
the island republic, the EU Council president replied that not
only the presidency but the EU as a whole had decided that
negotiation s would start early next year.
"The relevant decision has been confirmed at European Council
summits and EU ministerial councils, and the relevant assurances
have already been given to the Cypriot government," he said.
He added that the Cyprus problem and Greek-Turkish relations
would be discussed at greater length during a working dinner
with the leadership of the Greek foreign ministry, which was
scheduled for yesterday evening, and that the Luxembourg EU
presidency appreciated considerably Athens' decisions for an
improvement of relations with Ankara.
Mr. Poos will travel to Turkey on Monday, where he is scheduled
to meet in Ankara with Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz and
Foreign Minister Ismail Cem.
Concerning Economic and Monetary Union, he noted there are
encouraging signs, such as the current recovery, giving rise to
hopes for the participation of many countries.
Mr. Simitis stressed the particular importance for Greece of the
debate in the EU on the issue of employment, reminding that
discussions to date have placed emphasis on stabilization and
the monetary aspects of economic policy. He also said Greece
expects the adoption of specific measures for fighting
unemployment at the summit, and called for the allocation of
funds and the mobilization of organizations such as the European
Investment Bank towards that end. Regarding enlargement, Mr.
Simitis reiterate d that Greece supports the simultaneous start
to negotiations with all prospective members, so as to avoid
groundless objections, delays and enmities in the event of
different treatment of the various countries. However, he agreed
with Mr. Poos that the enlargement process would take time and
would not be completed until after 2000.
[02] Clarification
Athens, 30/08/1997 (ANA)
In the Friday, Aug. 29 edition of the "Bulletin" and in a
front-page article entitled "Rome's affirmation on Cyprus closes
Dini affair, Pangalos says," Mr. Pangalos was incorrectly
reportedly as stating that EU-Cyprus accession negotiations
should begin " prior to October 1998."
He actually said that such negotiations should begin before
April 2, 1998.
[03] Athens Summit '97 opens at Pnyx Hill
Athens, 30/08/1997 (ANA)
Athens Summit '97, an international congress on "Democracy and
Development: Europe's Contribution to the Globalization of the
Economy" officially opened at the historic Pnyx Hill across from
the Acropolis late yesterday.
The congress is organized by the National Technical University
of Athens, under the patronage of the European Parliament and
European Commission President Jacques Santer. It is also held in
association with the London newspaper "The European".
The schedule includes addresses by foreign ministers, bankers,
academics and clerics, among others, who will deliver speeches
today and tomorrow at the Vouliagmeni seaside resort, south of
Athens.
At the opening ceremony, messages were read out from Mr. Santer
and Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos, both of whom were unable
to attend.
Messages were delivered in person by European Commissioner
Christos Papoutsis, main opposition New Democracy leader Costas
Karamanlis, and the university's rector Nikos Markatos, on
behalf of Greek organizers.
Mr. Santer's message noted the importance of Europe's reform and
adaptation that would help it face future challenges. He added
in his message that it was necessary to develop a modern
democratic order where variations in history and institutions
would be taken into account and people would be able to
participate actively in its construction.
Mr. Papoutsis warned about the dangers of market globalization
and the possibility of social unbalance, especially the problem
of unemployment.
He mentioned three challenges modern European society is facing:
preserving the European social model, expanding the European
Union and the Union's intervention in the international scene
unfolding now.
The opening last night was attended by several high-ranking
Greek Orthodox Church clerics, ambassadors, mayors, and
representatives of political parties, armed forces, cultural
institutes and economic organizations.
[04] Arafat arrival
Athens, 30/08/1997 (ANA)
President of the Palestinian Authority Yasser Arafat is also
expected in Athens for the event.
Mr. Arafat was originally scheduled to speak at last night's
inaugural ceremony on Pnyx Hill, but the program was later
modified, most probably for security reasons.
Foreign ministry sources confirmed yesterday that Mr. Arafat
would take part, but were not able to furnish any more details
on the time of his arrival.
The same sources said the Palestinian leader will have contacts
on the sidelines of the event, probably including a meeting with
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos.
[05] Ankara cannot make compromises on Cyprus, Turkish minister says
Istanbul, 30/08/1997 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)
Turkish governments of the past five years have given Europe the
wrong impression that Turkey can make compromises on the Cyprus
issue, according to Sukru Gurel, the Turkish minister
responsible for relations with the European Union.
In an interview published yesterday in the Istanbul daily
"Cumhurriet", Mr. Gurel, who is also acting as government
spokesman, was quoted as saying:
"Due to the wrong policy applied by previous governments, Europe
was given the impression that Turkey can make compromises on the
Cyprus issue to develop its relations with the European Union.
"Against the wrong impression given on March 6, 1995 there is
nothing right now to bind the present government, "he added.
Mr. Gurel said the Turkish Cypriots should definitely be
supported financially, in order to be able to compete against
the Greek Cypriots in the economic sector.
He added, "Those who governed Turkey in the past five or six
years did not realize (there was) an international plan for the
economic and social emasculation" of the so-called "Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus", referring to the Turkish-occupied
northern part of the island which is recognized only by Ankara.
The Turkish minister claimed this "conspiracy" was meant to lead
the Turkish Cypriot community to accept any solution proposed
for the Cyprus issue.
The minister added, however, that the present government had
encouraged Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to continue
UN-led direct talks.
Mr. Denktash, he said, "had some reservations before the talks
in New York and Montreux, but we as a new government stressed
that this time-plan should be supported.
"Mr. Denktash thought finally that he should go there to explain
how the Turkish Cypriot people saw the issue and what parameters
there were for a solution to be found," Mr. Gurel explained.
[06] Clinton officially names Nicholas Burns for Athens post
Edgartown, Mass., 30/08/1997 (ANA/Reuter)
US President Bill Clinton as expected has appointed former State
Department spokesman Nicholas Burns as ambassador to Greece.
Mark Robert Parris was named Washington's new ambassador to
Ankara.
Mr. Burns is a veteran diplomat who served on the White House's
National Security Council as a Russian affairs expert until he
moved to the US State Department as spokesman.
Mr. Parris served as the National Security Council's expert on
South Asia until April this year.
All nominations require US Senate confirmation.
[07] Simitis urges ministers to work together
Athens, 30/08/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis called on Cabinet members to
display better coordination, co-operation and solidarity in
carrying out their duties, as he summed up the government's
first year in office while also discussing prospects for the
coming three years.
According to informed sources, at yesterday's Cabinet meeting
Mr. Simitis told ministers that the government's greatest foe
was inaction, as he said the main opposition New Democracy party
did not present a sound alternative.
Mr. Simitis made special reference on the need to keep campaign
promises, according to the same sources. Government spokesman
Dimitris Reppas later said the prime minister had stressed that
the government's economic program was on schedule, and that 1998
would be a crucial year for Greece with regard to meeting
targets of the Economic and Monetary Union.
At the same time, he said, efforts would be intensified to
improve economic indicators and achieve a higher rate of growth.
According to informed sources, the agenda of yesterday's Cabinet
meeting also included public administration, agriculture,
health, education and transport.
The spokesman said the government would be putting emphasis on
solving citizens' daily problems. For example, there are plans
to renew the urban bus fleet, with the old buses being sent to
neighbouring countries, particularly Albania.
In response to a press question, Mr. Reppas said that
Greek-Turkish relations were not discussed at the meeting.
He noted, however, that Turkey has chosen to create tension in
bilateral relations, adding that Greece should not be drawn into
"tricks" of Turkish officials.
The spokesman said that recent Turkish moves showed that Ankara
was not in a position to fulfill its obligations emanating from
the Madrid communique.
The Madrid communique, calling for normalization of
Greek-Turkish relations, was signed between Prime Minister
Simitis and Turkish President Suleyman Demirel on the sidelines
of a NATO summit earlier this summer.
[08] ND leader urges more US concern for region
Athens, 30/08/1997 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis
criticized Ankara yesterday for increasing uncertainty in the
region and said the United States should show more concern for
and sensitivity to Balkan issues.
"It is important that the United States consider with concern,
and even sensitivity, issues which may initially appear
unimportant yet are cause for concern in the region," Mr.
Karamanlis said, adding that the European Union should also
assume its responsibilities.
Mr. Karamanlis's made his remarks at the launch of a book on
"Security in southeastern Europe and Greek-American relations,"
edited by Thomas Varvitsiotis, son of ND's vice president,
Ioannis Varvitsiotis.
He said that to ensure security and stability in the region, the
countries of southeastern Europe should first ensure equality
their relations.
Making this remark, Mr. Karamanlis criticized Turkey for having
a destabilizing effect on the region.
He advocated a more active role for Greece in the defense of the
country's territorial rights, saying that Greece "should plan
and implement a policy aimed at defending our vital rights more
convincingly and with greater decisiveness."
The book contains the views of senior politicians and diplomats
from Greece and the United States regarding the present
situation in southeastern Europe and prospects for
Greek-American relations, stability in the Aegean, security in
the Balkans, the future of Greek-Turkish relations and the
Cyprus problem.
The views contained in the book were presented at a conference
held last year in the United States, organized by the
Constantine Karamanlis Foundation, the Lilian Voudouri
Foundation, and the Foreign Policy Analysis Foundation of
Fletcher University.
The book contains the views of President of the Republic Kostis
Stephanopoulos, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, Alternate
Foreign Minister George Papandreou, ND leader Costas Karamanlis
and other officials and diplomats from the US and Greece.
[09] Athens' Balkan policy eyes leading role in developments, gov't
says
Athens, 30/08/1997 (ANA)
The basic axis along which yesterday's Cabinet discussion on
Athens' Balkan policy revolved noted that the policy's basic
goal should be to play a leading role in regional developments.
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said later that during the
Cabinet discussion it was found that there is economic and
political instability in the broader area of the Balkans, saying
this is where Greece can play a leading role in the achievement
o f stability, security, but also economic and social
reconstruction of the neighbouring countries.
Mr. Reppas said Greece's relations with its Balkan neighbours
are at a very good level, and stressed that Greece is the only
country which can undertake initiatives for the strengthening of
relations between these countries and the European Union.
The spokesman also referred to Balkan co-operation, which,
beginning with the Balkan conference on Crete that is scheduled
for November, acquires a permanent character, with committees to
monitor implementation of the findings.
Mr. Reppas said it was very likely that FYROM President Kiro
Gligorov would be among the leaders who will attend the
conference. He also reported that Foreign Minister Theodoros
Pangalos attributed Mr. Gligorov's recent hardened stance
towards Athens to internal difficulties in Skopje and to poor
relations between FYROM and its neighbours.
Greece's policy towards FYROM, Mr. Reppas added, remains one of
"open doors".
[10] Tsohatzopoulos
Athens, 30/08/1997 (ANA)
Speaking at the opening of the Athens Summit '97 late yesterday
evening, National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos
underlined that the Balkans and the east Mediterranean are
especially troubled.
He added that NATO, its "Partnership for Peace" initiative and
the West European Union (WEU) are guarantees for security, peace
and stability, saying that when not found, "democracy is in
danger."
[11] Stephanopoulos continues Peloponnese tour with visit to Laconia
Athens, 30/08/1997 (ANA)
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos made an appeal
for unity and for logic to prevail in Greek-Turkish relations,
while speaking yesterday on a tour of Laconia, the second stop
in his three-day tour of the southern Peloponnese.
"If logic prevails, as we all hope, if foreign states act
according to a sense of justice and if it becomes understood
that relations between peoples can only be governed by
international principles and treaties, then our region will
become one of stability and security, which is what we all
desire," the president said.
He also referred to a "change in mentality" within all political
parties and among politicians themselves, which he said was to
the country's benefit.
Mr. Stephanopoulos visited Itylo, Areopoli and Gythio in the
Mani district of Laconia yesterday morning, the first leg of his
tour of Laconia.
[12] Comments on Balkans
Athens, 30/08/1997 (ANA)
In further comments, Mr. Stephanopoulos said Greece stands out
among other countries in the Balkan peninsula, including Turkey.
He made the comments after he was made an honorary member of
Skala, Laconia.
Speaking about the Balkans, Mr. Stephanopoulos made extensive
references to Albania, which he feared would not be able to set
up a proper democracy very soon.
Concerning the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), he
said Skopje was predominately inhabited by people of Bulgarian
origin and speaking Bulgarian. As far as Turkey is concerned he
said the neighbouring nation was under military control, whose
wrong choices would be displayed by its instability.
[13] Chinese Tibetan Song and Dance
Athens, 30/08/1997 (ANA)
The 30-strong Chinese Tibetan Song and Dance Ensemble kicks off
its first-ever Greek tour with a concert tonight in Piraeus.
The ensemble is famous for its performances of Tibetan songs,
dances, operas and comic dialogues. Tseden Dolma, a very popular
Tibetan singer in China, will also perform.
The performance will include traditional dances as well as some
modern pieces.
The ensemble has toured more than 20 countries and regions in
Europe, North America and Asia and has taken part in many
foreign art festivals, contributing to the development and
popularization of Tibetan culture and art worldwide.
The ensemble's program is as follows: August 30 - Veakio
Theatre, Piraeus August 31 - Aghios Andreas Municipal Theatre
September 1 - Tavros Municipal Theatre September 2 - Koropia
Municipal Theatre September 3 - American College, Ayia
Paraskevi. For more information call 672-3819.
[14] International architecture summer school in Drama
Athens, 30/08/1997 (ANA)
The Brussels-based association of schools of architecture is
holding a summer school in the eastern Macedonian town of Drama,
with the participation of professors and students from
universities all over the world.
According to an announcement by Drama prefect Socrates
Dimitriadis, the program consists of a seminar for new teaching
staff at European architectural schools and a workshop for
students, who are to develop proposals for specific projects.
This year the tasks deal with the use of marble and wood on
buildings in Drama.
The "summer university" program began today in the municipal
library and is to run until September 9.
[15] Injured turtle saved by swimmers
Athens, 30/08/1997 (ANA)
A Caretta Caretta sea turtle injured by an anchor was pulled out
of the sea at Kato Gatzea yesterday by swimmers.
The turtle was transported by the Volos coast-guard to the
Society for the Aid and Protection of Wild Animals and Birds on
the island of Aegina.
[16] Noted female rebetika singer buried yesterday
Athens, 30/08/1997 (ANA)
Rebetika singer Sotiria Bellou was laid to rest yesterday at the
Athens First Cemetery, following a state funeral.
Earlier in the day her casket lay in state at the small
auxiliary chapel next to the Athens Metropolitan Cathedral for
mourners wishing to pay their last respects.
Several popular Greek singers who had worked with her or known
her stood by before the service began early in the afternoon.
[17] Russian tourist found dead on Mount Athos
Athens, 30/08/1997 (ANA)
A Russian tourist was found dead in the autonomous monastic
community of Mt. Athos early yesterday and police say the man
was probably murdered. The body of Vladimir Kirikine, 37, was
found shortly after midnight outside his lodgings, near the
monastery of Vatopedio on the peninsula. Kirikine was visiting
the area with a group of his compatriots, who are being
questioned by police.
The police said the body had received wounds to the stomach but
that the body would be moved to Thessaloniki for an autopsy to
determine the exact cause of death.
--- Two masked and armed robbers got away with five million
drachmas when they robbed the Kriekouki branch of the National
Bank in Attica yesterday.
[18] No gov't comment on Reuter Olympics poll
Athens, 30/08/1997 (ANA)
Athens refused to comment on a Reuter poll indicating that Rome,
which plans luxurious accommodation for the International
Olympic Committee (IOC) members in the city's fashionable Via
Veneto boulevard, was ahead with regard to its facilities and
local sup port.
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas yesterday refused to
comment on the exclusive Reuter survey published on Thursday but
said that Athens met all the criteria for hosting the Olympic
Games.
"Athens is so ready as to demand to host the Olympic Games," Mr.
Reppas said. "Athens should be the first choice of IOC members."
According to Reuter, 16 of the 21 contributors, which included
international sports federations, sponsors and journalists who
follow the IOC, believed Rome would be the IOC's first choice
when it meets in Lausanne on Sept. 5. Four said they thought the
IOC would pick Athens and one thought Stockholm would prevail.
[19] Tory's support for Athens 2004
London, 30/08/1997 (ANA/L. Tsirigotakis)
Renowned author and influential Tory member Lord Geoffrey
Archer, a future candidate for mayor of London, said in an
interview with the Greek state-run television that he was
disappointed when Athens failed to win the bid to host the 1996
Olympics, adding he hopes that the city hosts the 2004 Games.
"Personally I was disappointed when the IOC gave the Olympic
Games of 1996 to Atlanta instead of Athens," he said.
Lord Archer was a distinguished track star in the 1960s while a
college student at Oxford.
The British politician had recently visited Athens for the World
Amateur Athletics Championships (IAAF) in August, and spoke
favourably of the organization of the event.
[20] Whales lose bearings, end up off Volos
Athens, 30/08/1997 (ANA)
Port officials and fishing boats have been trying to lead a
15-metre whale and her calf away from the central port of Volos
and towards the open sea.
The whales appeared at Plakes, near Voritsa, Volos, on Wednesday
afternoon, and reappeared at other parts of the Pagasitikos Gulf.
Port officials said the whales had apparently lost their
bearings and entered the gulf by following a cruise-ship.
[21] National Bank of Greece to tap market for 100 bln Dr.
Athens, 30/08/1997 (ANA)
The National Bank of Greece is preparing to take a "quantum
leap" towards modernization and international expansion with a
100-billion-drachma share capital increase due by the end of the
year.
A final decision will be taken by the bank's general
shareholders' meeting on September 16, it was announced
yesterday.
According to bank sources, the share capital increase project
will also benefit the interests of the Greek state which holds a
5.1 percent stake in the bank.
The National is the largest Greek bank, leading the most
powerful group of financial services in the country, with 26
companies operating under its umbrella.
The bank's total assets were 8.357 billion drachmas at the end
of 1996, taking 149th place worldwide according to Banker's July
edition. The National Bank Group's total assets stood at 11.304
billion drachmas. It held 47.3 percent of total deposits and
repos among Greek commercial banks, 34.1 percent of loans and 30
percent of the volume in bond and foreign exchange trading.
The bank operates 499 branches in Greece and 81 units in 15
countries abroad.
The National Bank of Greece has begun implementing a major
restructuring project adopting measures aimed at producing a
healthier balance sheet. The bank wrote off non-performing loans
of up to 55 billion drachmas in 1996 and ended its participation
in loss-making enterprises to a total of 63.6 billion drachmas.
The bank has already earmarked 61 billion drachmas from last
year's operating profits to write off non-performing loans in
1997.
The bank has cut back on more than 300 jobs since 1996 while its
operating costs rose by 12.4 percent last year, down from a 17.1
percent rate of increase in 1995.
The National Bank hopes a successful share capital increase will
help the bank implement its ambitious expansion program in the
United States and in northeastern Europe.
[22] Athens bourse ends week sharply lower
Athens, 30/08/1997 (ANA)
Greek equities ended the week sharply lower on the Athens Stock
Exchange yesterday.
A sharp drop in National Bank of Greece's (NBG) share created a
negative environment in the market and pressed share prices
lower.
NBG came under profit taking selling despite announcing a
spectacular 109.4 percent rise in pre-tax profits in the first
eight seven months of the year.
Market sources said the bank's share needed correction in
anticipation of its scheduled 100 billion drachmas share capital
increase before the end of the year. The general index closed
1.73 percent lower at 1,517.62 to show a 4.72 percent loss on t
he week. Sector indices also eased. Banks fell 2.35 percent,
Leasing was 3.32 percent off, Insurance dropped 1.35 percent,
Investment fell 0.24 percent, Industrials were 1.48 percent off,
Construction dropped 2.74 percent, Holding was 2.38 percent down
an d Miscellaneous eased 2.24 percent.
The parallel market index for small cap companies fell 0.50
percent.
Trading was moderate and turnover was 14.7 billion drachmas.
Broadly, decliners led advancers by 160 to 42 with another 22
issues unchanged.
Athinea, Lanacam, Mochlos and Hellenic Mills scored the biggest
percentage gains, while Bank of Athens, Mediterranean
Investments, Klaoudatos and Alysida suffered the heaviest losses
of the day.
National Bank of Greece ended at 33,115 drachmas, losing 1,385,
Ergobank at 16,550, Alpha Credit Bank at 18,520, Delta Dairy at
3,900, Titan Cement at 14,495, Intracom at 11,760 and OTE at
6.315.
In the domestic foreign exchange market the US dollar lost
substantial ground against the drachma.
[23] The week in the market
Athens, 30/08/1997 (ANA)
The Athens Stock Exchange operated in a very negative climate
during the week under review with share prices oftenly coming
under heavy selling pressure.
The general index lost 4.72 percent of its value reflecting
market concerns over the course of inflation, a
larger-than-expected budget shortfall and pessimism over Athens'
bid to host the 2004 Olympic Games.
Trading conditions improved however, with turnover totaling
65.915 billion drachmas for an daily average turnover of 13.18
billion up from 9 billion the previous week.
The bank sector suffered the heaviest blow losing 6.52 percent,
with National Bank of Greece at the centre-stage ending 10.4
percent lower since last Friday.
August, in general, proved a bear month for the Athens bourse.
Prices lost 5.05 percent in the month, while turnover totaled
217.566 billion drachmas, down from 286.749 billion in July. Out
of the 20 trading sessions of the month, 11 were negative and 9
positive. The market tried to move upwards during the first two
weeks of August but drastically changed direction the following
fortnight.
[24] DEH projects in Macedonia, Thrace on line
Athens, 30/08/1997 (ANA)
The Public Power Corp. (DEH) will create a new national energy
centre in northeastern Greece with two projects that will take
advantage of natural resources in the area, DEH president G.
Birdimiris said yesterday.
Mr. Birdimiris said the first major project to be set into
operation in the area would be the Thisavros hydroelectric dam,
taking advantage of the Nestos River waters. Two of its units
are already in operation, including the dam.
The second project is a power station under construction in
Komotini fueled by natural gas.
The long-term aim of the state-run utility, he said, was to link
up all energy producing units into a type of "energy highway"
that would also help the area's development.
Benefits include an abundance of water, which collects in the
natural reservoir of Nestos, and would provide water during the
dry summer months and prevent flooding during the wet months and
improved distribution of power in eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
[25] Mortgage Bank renews T-bills for another year
Athens, 30/08/1997 (ANA)
National Mortgage Bank of Greece is renewing treasury bills of
less than five years old that end on August 31, 1997 for another
year, at an interest rate of 10.30 per cent.
The bank's new T-bills, dated August 1997, will be issued with
the same interest rate and be taxed with a 15 per cent rate.
[26] Special edition messages for Thessaloniki Int'l Trade Fair
Athens, 30/08/1997 (ANA)
Messages included in a special edition published on the occasion
of the upcoming Thessaloniki International Trade Fair stress the
double significance of the event this year in projecting the
country's productive potential as well as being dedicated to the
40th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome, which
founded the European Economic Community.
The 62nd Thessaloniki trade fair commences next week.
Macedonia-Thrace Minister Philippos Petsalnikos writes, "the
economic activity of our country and the projection of many
businesses from various countries every year find their best
expression in the fair, which is an established institution of
international appeal and radiance".
The minister places particular emphasis on the Thessaloniki's
geographical position, stressing the city's role as a
springboard for the country's development effort and its
integration in the new world economic reality.
Greek EU Commissioner Christos Papoutsis welcomes the initiative
to dedicate this year's event to the 40th anniversary of the
signing of the Treaty of Rome.
"For Greek enterprises, today's challenge is to fully utilize
the single European market, but also the potential of new
markets, particularly in central and eastern Europe and the
Mediterranean."
Thessaloniki Mayor Dinos Kosmopoulos says the fair "gives
Thessaloniki the possibility to send messages of international
appeal, regarding the prospects and the dynamics characteristic
of its central presence in the Balkans, the eastern
Mediterranean basin and the Black Sea region."
End of English language section.
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