Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-09-04

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1280), September 4, 1997

Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[01] Education reform bill endorsed in principle

[02] Tsohatzopoulos pays last respects for Diana

[03] PASOK commemorates 23rd anniversary of its founding

[04] PM heads meeting on Parliamentary committee

[05] Geitonas, Simitis confer on health issues

[06] Reppas comments on Kastanidis claims

[07] Greek military officials meets US counterparts

[08] Athens assails Cem statements, draws EU's attention

[09] Bosporus issue erupts

[10] Dutch Euro-MP calls for immediate start to Cyprus' EU accession talks

[11] Kinkel reiterates Bonn's intention to help solve Cyprus problem

[12] Helicopter crash victims out of danger

[13] 2004 candidate-cities gear up for announcement

[14] Cape Town comments on gift allegations

[15] Int'l press federation, ESHEA announcements on Diana

[16] Broadcasting license procedure to begin Sept. 10

[17] GSEE sets out positions on array of issues

[18] Greek registry loses nine ships net in August

[19] Greek balance of payments perks up in May

[20] Greece raises about 300 bln drs from T-bills

[21] Greek stocks jump on Olympics optimism

[22] Capital market legislation considered

[23] EU-funded projects for Macedonia, Thrace

[24] Piraeus Port Authority deal with transport firm

[01] Education reform bill endorsed in principle

Athens, 04/09/1997 (ANA)

The bill, which came under strong criticism by opposition parties, envisages, among others, abolition of entrance examinations for colleges and universities by the year 2001, as well as of the system of teaching appointments based on seniority in graduation.

Education Minister Gerassimos Arsenis said that the system of public school teaching appointments based on seniority "does not constitute a system based on meritocracy."

Mr. Arsenis said abolition of the system was necessary in order to introduce reforms in education, pledging to find the necessary funds to finance the proposed reforms. He said education funds will increase by 25 per cent this year.

Main opposition New Democracy defended the abolition of the existing system of teaching appointments, but said it disagreed with the way this was promoted by the government.

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE), the Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) and the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) attacked the bill, saying that certain proposed reforms were not in line with provisions of the Constitution.

The bill, which has sparked strong reactions, particularly among unemployed and unappointed educators, who have already held and are planning further protest rallies, also prompted a reaction by ND honorary president and former premier Constantine Mitsotakis, who opposed abolition of the current system.

KKE Secretary General Aleka Papariga criticized the government, accusing it of "using the system of teaching appointments to overturn labor relations."

Synaspismos leader Nikos Constantopoulos called for a "social and political dialogue" on the issue, stressing that the reforms contained in the education bill would not solve problems of the education system.

DHKKI leader Dimitris Tsovolas also expressed his opposition, forecasting that the reforms will not be implemented.

The teachers' union (OLME) has left open the possibility of a strike at the start of the school year, while it also planning an information campaign to brief parents and students.

[02] Tsohatzopoulos pays last respects for Diana

London, 04/09/1997 (ANA)

It was also announced that Greece's ambassador in London, Vassilis Zafeiropoulos, would represent Greece at the funeral on Saturday.

[03] PASOK commemorates 23rd anniversary of its founding

Athens, 04/09/1997 (ANA)

Following the meeting, which also discussed the party's plan for the next six months, Mr. Simitis, who is also party president, said that the PASOK which was entering the 21st century would be a different one from the party of experiences, the "heroic past" and the focus on being an anti-right coalition. For the 21st century Greece needed a party that would be mature, responsible, and promoting large social economic and political transformations.

"We who responded to the call of (the late founder and former prime minister) Andreas Papandreou 23 years ago have lived through an astounding experience," Mr. Simitis said.

[04] PM heads meeting on Parliamentary committee

Athens, 04/09/1997 (ANA)

Parliamentary Committee chairman Paraskevas Fountas said after the meeting that decisions included a plan that PASOK deputies would visit all prefectures of Greece, regularly accompanied by members of the party's central committee for a more active presence in rural areas. The meeting also discussed the promotion of lawmaking and promoting draft bills as well as the issue of deputies who did not vote on bills promoted by PASOK.

The meeting was attended also by Under-secretary to the Prime Minister's Office George Paschalidis as well as executive bureau members Stephanos Manikas and Yiannis Souladakis.

[05] Geitonas, Simitis confer on health issues

Athens, 04/09/1997 (ANA)

Leaving the meeting, Mr. Geitonas said the meeting with the prime minister had been scheduled for a while and aimed at a briefing on all current health and welfare issues.

Reliable sources said Mr. Geitonas analyzed the priorities in primary health-care and discussed the implementation of the new health bill and reform of the National Health Service. They said Mr. Geitonas also discussed Mr. Simitis' speech at the Thessaloniki International Fair, particularly those parts related to health and welfare issues and social policy.

Mr. Geitonas denied recent press reports that he and other ministers had named by the prime minister at a recent Cabinet meeting as not pulling their weight in the government's work.

[06] Reppas comments on Kastanidis claims

Athens, 04/09/1997 (ANA)

"This work will continue with transparency and efficiency," Mr. Reppas said. "Politicians must deal with these interests referred to by Mr. Kastanidis when they arise and are expressed."

Mr. Reppas also criticized opposition party New Democracy for withdrawing its representatives from interparty committees, saying the move was part of the opposition party's attempt to fan talk of scandal "as it has shown itself unable to articulate politics".

[07] Greek military officials meets US counterparts

Washington, 04/09/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Lt.-Gen. Papayioudakis is scheduled to visit his former school, the US Army Staff Officers Academy at Fort Levenworth, Kansas, where he is to be honored as a distinguished graduate. In the meantime, the Pentagon announced that Turkish F-16 fighter planes participated in joint air exercises with US plans in Arizona in August, in the framework of the "Red Flag" exercise.

[08] Athens assails Cem statements, draws EU's attention

Athens, 04/09/1997 (ANA)

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said that the European Union also should not be surprised, but that Mr. Cem's stance should make Greece's partners think seriously about the way in which Turkey views its relations with the EU. "The neighboring country's outlook is not the same as that of the EU," Mr. Reppas said, noting that if the Union was unable to exert pressure on Ankara, then it should at least make it clear to Turkey that its road toward the EU would be a very long one.

Replying to reporters' questions, Mr. Reppas again called on Turkey to contribute to efforts for a solution of the Cyprus problem "so that automatically all the problems related to the continuation of the outstanding issue can be tackled".

Turkey is opposing Cyprus' EU accession course, threatening to annex the Turkish-occupied northern part of the island republic.

[09] Bosporus issue erupts

Athens, 04/09/1997 (ANA)

According to reports in the Turkish press, last week Turkish authorities an Egyptian-flagged vessel in the Bosporus Straits for components of the S-300 missile system purchased by Cyprus.

However, according to Reuters, Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit told reporters on Tuesday that the Egyptian ship "was found to be carrying a lot of missile and launch parts, but the consignment documents showed that it was an Egyptian order."

Mr. Ecevit also said officials in Cairo had confirmed that the components were bound for Egypt.

The spokesman clarified that checks had not affected Greek-owned vessels and consequently Athens did not intend to raise the issue first.

The matter, he said, should be raised by countries or shipowners who believe that their interests have been prejudiced.

Meanwhile, according an ANA dispatch from Washington, US State Department spokesman James Foley said that the US has no indication that weapons systems found aboard the Egyptian vessel by Turkish authorities were destined for Cyprus.

In a related development, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Sermet Atancali said yesterday that Ankara was determined not to allow navigation through the Bosporus straits to endanger its national security.

"Turkey cannot allow the use of the straits in a way that threatens its national security," he said, adding that his country was strictly enforcing the Montreux Treaty.

He made the statements in relation to the search of the Egyptian-flagged vessel.

Mr. Atancali denied an intention to carry out checks on all ships passing through the straits, but reiterated that Turkey will not hesitate "to adopt all measures required by its national security and the protection of the environment".

He also said Ankara was making every diplomatic effort to prevent the transport of Russian-made S-300 missiles to Cyprus, but denied that Turkish State Minister Sukru Gurel's current visit to Washington was in any way related to this issue.

[10] Dutch Euro-MP calls for immediate start to Cyprus' EU accession talks

The European Parliament must request from the EU Council of Ministers the immediate start to negotiations for Cyprus' membership on the basis of decisions already adopted on the matter, Dutch Euro-MP Gene Wilhelm Bertens told the assembly's external affairs committee yesterday.

"We consider the island as a whole and the European Union must undertake initiatives for the involvement of the Turkish Cypriots in the negotiations for entry," he added.

Mr. Bertens stressed that Turkey must not be allowed to use Cyprus as a pressure lever towards the European Union for its own cause.

He also accused Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash for intransigence during the recent direct talks in Switzerland, noting that he had refused to discuss the substance of the Cyprus issue, and that this unacceptable stand was followed by a threat of war against the Cypriot government.

[11] Kinkel reiterates Bonn's intention to help solve Cyprus problem

Bonn, 04/09/1997 (AFP/ANA)

The German foreign minister called on the Cyprus government to take into account the interests of the Turkish Cypriot community during Cyprus' EU accession talks, due to start early next year.

Mr. Kasoulides said that accession talks with the EU should contribute to a peaceful settlement of the Cyprus issue.

Last July the European Commission recommended the opening of accession talks with Cyprus as well as five east European countries.

Mr. Kasoulides is currently on tour of several European countries.

[12] Helicopter crash victims out of danger

Athens, 04/09/1997 (ANA)

The helicopter crashed late Tuesday night near the community of Arseni, Imathia.

The third person in the helicopter, the pilot, was discharged from hospital on Tuesday night after receiving treatment for minor injuries.

The two injured sergeant majors, Stratos Pipilios and Panagiotis Hatzaras, were being treated at the 424 General Military Hospital in Thessaloniki.

The Vice-President of the hospital, Major Zacharias Apolonatos, told the ANA that they would remain in hospital for at least 15 days.

[13] 2004 candidate-cities gear up for announcement

Lausanne, 04/09/1997 (ANA)

Delegations from all five cities - Athens, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Rome and Stockholm - converged in Lausanne this week to await the result, which is expected to be announced this afternoon.

The Greek delegation includes Athens bid committee president Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, Sports Under-secretary Andreas Fouras, Sports Secretary-General Yiannis Sgouros and Olympic gold medallists Pyrros Dimas (weightlifting), Nikos Kaklamanakis (wind surfing) and Yiannis Melissanidis (gymnastics).

Athens mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos was expected to arrive in here late yesterday.

In statements to the press, Ms Angelopoulos-Daskalaki said the committee's efforts were focused on "proving to the IOC that Athens is able to undertake the Olympic Games".

She said the Athens bid was "combines in a unique way sports, culture and education."

IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch visited the Athens bid pavilion on the premises of the IOC, accompanied by Ms Angelopoulos and Mr. Sgouros. Each city has set up its own pavilion promoting its bid.

In addition, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou is flying to Lausanne today to attend the final announcement ceremony.

[14] Cape Town comments on gift allegations

Lausanne, 04/09/1997 (Reuter)

Kurt Hipper, the treasurer of the National Olympic Committee of South Africa (NOCSA), told a news conference the committee that offered first-class air tickets Geneva to the wives of the 20 African IOC members.

"Three or four accepted," he said. "It was not a secret."

Mr. Hipper said Cape Town bid organizers had not received a warning letter but had instead been asked for clarification.

"This is nothing to do with Cape Town. We wanted wives to take part in what might be an historic occasion," he said.

"We firmly believe it has not contravened any rules whatsoever."

[15] Int'l press federation, ESHEA announcements on Diana

Athens, 04/09/1997 (ANA)

However, the federation also warned that the general indignation over the incident must not lead to measures affecting freedom of the press.

The excessive commercialization of the media has led to a deviation of journalists' ethics, federation's president Jens Linte states, stressing at the same time that "new laws against an irresponsible minority may prove non-functional and harm freedom of the press, doing more harm than good."

The Athens Journalists' Union (ESHEA) has also stressed in a statement the great responsibilities of the owners of certain electronic media and newspapers, mainly in Britain, but rejected any thought of new measures placing limitations on freedom of the press.

"Private life must be respected, but citizens have the right to be informed on the private life of public figures, particularly if these persons exercise authority related to the fortunes of many people," the statement read.

ESHEA will participate in a meeting of European journalists and photoreporters in London that will focus on ways of promoting "self-discipline" in order to prevent unnecessary invasion into the private lives of public figures.

[16] Broadcasting license procedure to begin Sept. 10

Athens, 04/09/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Reppas said that the listing of media enterprises on the Athens bourse was not the concern of the press and media ministry.

He added that the government was making several attempts to reorganize the mass media industry as well as the Athens Stock Exchange.

He said efforts have so far been effective, adding that the government had both the will and the ability to impose both the legal and qualitative operation of the mass media industry.

[17] GSEE sets out positions on array of issues

Athens, 04/09/1997 (ANA)

The press conference was called in view of the customary prime ministerial economic speech at the opening of the International Trade Fair in Thessaloniki on Saturday, as well as in view of the drafting of the 1998 budget.

A nationwide 24-hour strike has been scheduled for Oct. 23.

GSEE president Christos Polyzogopoulos said the mobilization will provide a "new breath" to the trade union movement.

Mr. Polyzogopoulos set as a basic aim the safeguarding of workers' incomes and its gradual improvement.

He placed particular emphasis on the price-indexing of the tax scales and an increase in tax breaks, given, as he said, that the approximate 8 per cent wage increase in the 1995-96 two-year period evaporated in the face of a 25-30 per cent increase in taxation for working people.

The trade unions are also proposing an increase in the tax on profits and an extension of probes into the sources of wealth to all economic activities.

Finally, Mr. Polyzogopoulos called for additional measures against unemployment and reiterated a GSEE proposal for a 35-hour work week.

[18] Greek registry loses nine ships net in August

Athens, 04/09/1997 (ANA)

The five new arrivals represent 113,189 gross registered tons. Two of the ships have an average age of 21 years and the remaining three an average of four years, the ministry said.

Two of the 14 ships left the registry were 42 years old, and the remaining 12 vessels had an average age of 18 years. The losses represent 219,510 gross registered tons.

Meanwhile a special committee being established on the initiative of Merchant Marine Minister Stavros Soumakis will examine the problems facing of ports around the country.

The committee, Mr. Soumakis said, will visit all ports and report on improvements needed. Work has already begun on 46 ports, he added.

[19] Greek balance of payments perks up in May

Athens, 04/09/1997 (ANA)

Bank of Greece figures showed that the current account deficit fell 15.7 percent year-on-year on a provisional basis to 668 million dollars from 792.3 million a year earlier.

The trade deficit was virtually unchanged at 1.66 billion dollars from the same month in 1996. The stagnation in the trade balance reflects a drop in imports despite higher fuel imports, offset by a drop in exports, the Bank of Greece said.

The figures were in line with market expectations and provided evidence of stabilization following a poor start in 1997.

Greece's foreign exchange reserves stood at 14.5 billion dollars in end-July, down from 16.3 billion a month earlier.

Analysts said the drop in the forex reserves indicates that the drachma took a serious beating in July along with other emerging market currencies.

The cumulative current account deficit in the first five months of the year was up 10.4 percent to 2,955 million compared to the respective period of 1996.

The trade deficit over the January-May period was 7.992 billion, 5.6 percent wider than its year-earlier value.

[20] Greece raises about 300 bln drs from T-bills

Athens, 04/09/1997 (ANA)

The T-bills offered a gross yield of 9.50 percent. About 663 billion drachmas of T-bills matured in the first two days of the week.

[21] Greek stocks jump on Olympics optimism

Athens, 04/09/1997 (ANA)

The general index closed 1.38 percent higher at 1,565.14 points with most sector indices scoring gains.

Banks rose 1.51 percent, Leasing was 0.75 percent up, Insurance increased 0.97 percent, Investment rose 2.17 percent, Industrials were 1.48 percent higher, Construction jumped 2.58 percent and Holding ended 0.82 percent up. Miscellaneous bucked the trend to end 0.07 percent down. The parallel market index for small cap companies eased 0.83 percent.

Trading was moderate and turnover was 13.1 billion drachmas.

Broadly, advancing issues led declining ones by 147 to 63 with another 22 issues unchanged.

Atemke, Thessaliki, Babyland and Parnassos scored the biggest percentage gains, while Athinea, Kekrops, Ippotour and Ermis suffered the heaviest losses of the day.

National Bank of Greece ended at 34,400 drachmas, Ergobank at 17,200, Alpha Credit Bank at 19,090, Delta Dairy at 4,125, Titan Cement at 14,615, Intracom at 12,495 and OTE at 6,425.

In the domestic foreign exchange market the US dollar was fractionally higher against the drachma.

[22] Capital market legislation considered

Athens, 04/09/1997 (ANA)

The bill, which was debated by the Economic Affairs Committee, provides for creation of a new parallel market trading in Greek certificates (ELPIS), and investment funds from emerging markets (EKAA), which will select securities from neighboring countries and will offer their shares to Greek or foreign investors.

The bill also contains reform provisions for stock brokers' Joint Surety Fund, promotes transparency in stock exchange transactions and enhances the potential for trading in state securities with a more effective functioning of the secondary market.

[23] EU-funded projects for Macedonia, Thrace

Athens, 04/09/1997 (ANA)

In the prefecture of Kavala, including the island of Thasos, the projects will help complete or improve existing port installations and fishery projects.

In Xanthi prefecture, projects include construction of a fish hatchery, dams, forest recreation areas and ecological tourism installations.

In Evros prefecture, projects will improve urban or intercommunal road construction, equipment for managing waste and the completion of port improving on Samothrace.

Projects are worth a total of 1.68 million drachmas and have been included in EU programs, which means they have the ability of being initiated immediately.

[24] Piraeus Port Authority deal with transport firm

Athens, 04/09/1997 (ANA)

Under the agreement, which is not expected to create any problems to other users of the port now handling about 65 per cent of cargo, Norasia will handle about 100,000 transit containers.

Meanwhile, OLP is continuing its investment program in the New Ikonio handling terminal. It will also announce a tender for upgrading the passenger port terminal.

End of English language section.

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article