Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-09-23
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1296), September 23, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Papandreou: Athens positively views Turkey's European orientation
[02] Reppas on citizens' right to information
[03] Britain says Cyprus settlement not an EU accession condition
[04] Turkish defense chief on Greek-Turkish relations
[05] Billions spent for Turkish military's upgrade
[06] Expert committees unlikely to meet
[07] Greece receives new, improved F-16 fighters
[08] Tsohatzopoulos on Turkey
[09] Tsohatzopoulos visits army maintenance unit
[10] Greece signs CoE agreement on minorities
[11] Simitis-Angelopoulos-Daskalaki meeting
[12] Greek-Turkish relations, Cyprus included in Clinton's UN address
[13] Pangalos to meet Patriarch in Thessaloniki, visit Mount Athos
[14] Papoutsis tour of Thessaly
[15] Four-member Greek OSCE delegation meets with Milosevic
[16] No EU decision on drinking, bottled water expected soon
[17] Memorial service held in Moschonissi by Lesvos officials
[18] Construction of seven new prisons announced
[19] Gov't happy with performance but still work to be done
[20] Various opinion polls released by Athens media
[21] Youth delegations received by Stephanopoulos
[22] Karamanlis meets with ND's seven regional directors
[23] G. Papandreou meets with representatives of Imvros residents
[24] Exhibition of works with Alexander the Great theme opens
[25] Five early El Grecos on display at Athens Concert Hall
[26] Greece contributes marbles for EU monument in Austria
[27] Five new routes in next year's 'Acropolis Rally'
[28] V. Papandreou on hotel debt settlements
[29] Greek shipowners' representatives discuss sector's issues
[30] Changes to pension system on hold till Greece in EMU
[31] Greek bourse ranks top in Europe on Jan.-Aug. returns
[32] Greek stocks creep up in rangebound trade
[33] Outlook picks up for Greek building materials
[34] Greek consumer watchdog charts 1997 complaints by tourists
[01] Papandreou: Athens positively views Turkey's European orientation
Athens, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou said yesterday that
Greece is in favor of Turkey's European orientation because it
considers that this will be in line with Greek national
interests, on the condition that the neighboring country
respects the Madrid communiqui.
He was speaking at an international two-day conference organized
by the Federation of European Journalists on the "Role of the
Mediterranean in European Unification".
Athens and Ankara signed a joint communiqui over the summer in
Madrid establishing a set of principles governing bilateral
relations.
Regarding Nicosia's decision to purchase Russian S-300
anti-air-craft missiles, the Greek alternate foreign minister
said it was a response to the continuing military build-up in
the Turkish-occupied part of the island republic.
"If Turkey moved towards demilitarization, then Cyprus could
withdraw its S-300 missiles," he said. Mr. Papandreou stressed
that Cyprus was already on the road to becoming an EU member,
and that the development would work positively on efforts t o
find a resolution to the Cypriot problem.
When Cyprus is a member of the EU, he continued, Greek Cypriots
and Turkish Cypriots would benefit both on a economic and
institutional level, but also by being able to participate in
decision-making.
Referring to the spread of Islamists' influence in Turkey, Mr.
Papandreou said Greece would not place cultural or religious
issues on the negotiating table.
"The issues that interest us are political. The spreading of
fundamentalist Islam is due to economic and social problems," he
said, adding that it was a social rather than religious movement.
"We shall support efforts towards reform in Turkey," he
continued, "and not the military, which is portrayed as a
bulwark factor against (fundamentalist) Islam."
[02] Reppas on citizens' right to information
Athens, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
Speaking during the conference, government spokesman Demetris
Reppas stressed the need for drafting a social charter for
citizens' rights to information.
"Contemporary society needs not only a study of communication
technologies, but also a study for finding ways of solving
complex conflicts which are becoming increasingly difficult to
solve with the operation of new technologies. These conflicts do
not just concern a complex of conflicts between interests. They
are conflicts between moral claims and values, and chiefly
conflicts which must be clearly recorded in a charter," he said.
"The Euro-Arab dialogue, the initiative of the 4+4, the
Casablanca summit, and the contacts of third Mediterranean
countries with various European institutions gave important
results... The aims of policy in the Mediterranean include,
among others, the development of computer-linked networks
between the public administrations of countries, the upgrading
of telecommunications in rural areas, adoption of applications
such as 'tele-work' and training, as well as access to the
information superhighways, which are in the process of being set
up," he concluded.
In a related development, President of the Republic Kostis
Stephanopoulos received several members of the European
journalists' union yesterday, all participants at the conference.
[03] Britain says Cyprus settlement not an EU accession condition
United Nation, 23/09/1997 (Reuter/ANA)
British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook said yesterday membership
of Cyprus in the European Union should not be dependent on
resolving the division of the island, though that would be
preferable.
Asked about Britain's role on the Cyprus question, he told an
interviewer on CNN International: "We've got a very big role and
a very big interest in the Cyprus issue.
As a matter of fact, a very large number of Greek Cypriots
actually live in the London area of Britain. As many Greek
Cypriots live in London and Melbourne as actually live in
Cyprus," added Mr. Cook, now in New York for the UN General
Assembly.
"We've made a commitment that we believe Cyprus should have the
opportunity to join the European Union and that should not be
dependent on resolving the division of the island.
"Of course, it would be much better if we could resolve the
division of the island, and I have had a number of
conversations, both in Cyprus and in New York, to support the
process of trying to bring the two sides together," Mr. Cook
said, referring to differences between the Greek Cypriot and
Turkish Cypriot communities.
Negotiations on EU membership for Cyprus are due to get under
way early next year.
Turkey has threatened that it would proceed to the annexation of
the Turkish-occupied north of the island republic if accession
talks go ahead.
[04] Turkish defense chief on Greek-Turkish relations
Istanbul, 23/09//1997 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)
Speaking during the opening of a conference on defense systems
in Ankara yesterday, Turkish Defense Minister Ismet Sezgin told
reporters they should remove from their vocabulary words like
"order to strike" or "war."
"We always say we are the children of the two sides of the
Aegean, we are neighbors, we want to live in peace," he said.
"We see the huge amounts of money which are spent on armaments
by the Greeks and our Greek Cypriot friends, and we consider
that they (spent sums) take away from the prosperity of their
peoples," the Turkish minister stressed.
In reference to a Turkish armed forces' general staff briefing
for the government last week on the purchase of Russian-made
anti-aircraft S-300 missiles by Nicosia, the Turkish minister
said:
"We are taking the necessary measures, but I do not think this
could lead to some sort of attack."
"No country in the world with basic common logic would want the
two NATO countries to declare war against each other," Mr.
Sezgin said. He also claimed that through certain modifications,
the defensive Russian-made missiles could be turned into
offensive weapons.
"We are making efforts to take all diplomatic measures regarding
this issue. In addition, of course, there are military measures."
[05] Billions spent for Turkish military's upgrade
Athens, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
In a related development, a Reuters dispatch reported yesterday
that Turkey spends US$2.5 billion a year to modernize its armed
forces, the second largest amount by any country in the NATO
alliance.
Turkey, which had a budget deficit of around $11 billion last
year, in April announced a 10-year, $31-billion armed forces
modernization program, which includes plans to buy new
helicopters and armored vehicles as well as to build five
frigates.
Ankara had suffered a significant drop in military aid from both
NATO and individual member countries in recent years.
Some European countries have withheld arms sales to Ankara
because of Turkey's human rights abuses in its fight against
Kurdish separatists in the southeast of the country, Reuters
reported.
[06] Expert committees unlikely to meet
Athens, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
A planned meeting of Greek and Turkish expert committees has
been put on hold "because at the moment we do not have the best
conditions", government spokesman Demetris Reppas said yesterday.
Mr. Reppas said that the Greek committee was sending its
response to a report by its Turkish counterpart body to the
Luxembourg European Union presidency yesterday. The two
committees were established on an EU initiative earlier in the
year and are charged with examining Greek-Turkish relations,
under the mediation of the European Union presidency.
[07] Greece receives new, improved F-16 fighters
Athens, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
The Hellenic Air Force yesterday took delivery of eight new F-16
(Block 50) fighter planes, the first installment of a total of
40 new planes to be delivered to Greece by the end of 1998.
At an official ceremony, National Defense Minister Akis
Tsohatzopoulos said the new US-made warplanes would
"significantly upgrade the air force's fighting capability."
He added that the strengthening of the Hellenic Air Force also
bolstered the joint defense doctrine between Greece and Cyprus,
forged as a response to what he called the "continual threat
from the east".
The new aircraft possess greater operational capabilities than
previously acquired F-16s, and have an improved engine and
avionics. The remaining 32 aircraft will be delivered until the
end of next year, after completion of the delivery of anti-radar
HARM and air-to-air AVRAAM missiles, which will be fitted to the
new planes, in combination with existing air-to-air and
air-to-surface weapons.
[08] Tsohatzopoulos on Turkey
Athens, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
Responding to questions, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said a prerequisite
for improved relations between Athens and Ankara was Turkey's
adherence to international treaties and agreements and its
contribution to a resolution of the Cyprus problem. The minister
reiterated that Greece would be prepared to contribute to
Turkey's European orientation on condition that the neighboring
country accepted and applied international agreements and
treaties and facilitated a solution of the Cyprus problem.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos noted that while other countries primarily
aim at their long-term economic development, Greece, as a result
of the threat coming from Turkey, must also ensure the strength
of its armed forces, which must function as an effective deter
rent.
Finally, he said the presence of US ambassador Thomas Niles in
the delivery ceremony confirmed the constructive co-operation
between the two countries in the armaments sector.
On his part, main opposition New Democracy deputy Ioannis
Varvitsiotis, a former defense minister under whose tenure the
purchase agreement for the aircraft was concluded, told
reporters that the new F-16s would bolster the country's
deterrent capability, adding that he would like to see the pace
of the country's armaments program stepped up.
Outgoing US ambassador Niles told reporters that Washington
would continue its efforts to normalize Greek-Turkish relations,
while the meeting between the Greek and Turkish foreign
ministers in New York this week was part of such efforts.
[09] Tsohatzopoulos visits army maintenance unit
Athens, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos was briefed on the
activities of the Advanced Maintenance Unit (AMU) during a visit
on the premises at Agios Georgios, Velestino, base yesterday.
He was accompanied by the Chief of the Army General Staff
Lt.-Gen. Manoussos Parayioudakis and other officials.
AMU, founded in 1972, is the only specialized plant in Greece
that can carry out repairs, reconstruction and upgrading of
tanks and armored vehicles.
The plant extends over 22.2 hectares, of which 3.9 hectares are
covered, and employs 900 people.
Other activities include repairs of wheels for armored personnel
carriers, while it has new workshops for visual and electric
systems and tire reconditioning units.
In terms of annual production, with no overtime, it can upgrade
300 tanks, 150 tank engines, 50 gear boxes, 1,200 flanges and
8,400 wheels.
[10] Greece signs CoE agreement on minorities
Strasbourg, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
Greece yesterday signed the Council of Europe agreement for the
Protection of National Minorities.
The agreement was signed by the general secretary for community
affairs of the Greek foreign ministry, Stelios Perrakis, in the
presence of the organization's Secretary General Daniel Tarschys.
The agreement sets out the principles which must be observed by
member-states, such as the fight against discrimination,
promotion of full equality, promoting the conditions for
maintaining and developing the culture and identity of national
minorities, granting of the right of assembly, freedom of
expression and thought, conscience and religion, as well as the
confirmation of the right for free access to and use of the
media.
In the domain of freedom of speech:
- Use of a minority language, privately and in public, and in
contacts with public authorities.
- Recognition of the right to use one name for the minority
language and to replace place-names in that language.
In the sector of education:
- The provision of equal opportunities in the learning of
minority languages and the issuing of instructions in that
language.
- Recognition of the founding of educational and cultural
institutions.
- Non-prohibition of cross-border contacts.
- Facilitation of cross-border and international co-operation.
- Prohibition of the violent assimilation of minorities.
- Promotion of participation in public life.
[11] Simitis-Angelopoulos-Daskalaki meeting
Athens, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis received Gianna
Angelopoulos-Daskalaki at the Maximos Mansion yesterday for
talks on organizing the 2004 Olympiad.
Ms Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, who was president of Athens'
successful bid committee to host the 2004 Games, made no
statement after the 80-minute talks with Mr. Simitis.
[12] Greek-Turkish relations, Cyprus included in Clinton's UN address
United Nations, 23/09/1997 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)
The inclusion of Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue in
US President Bill Clinton's opening speech at the United Nations
(UN) General Assembly meeting is important, Foreign Minister
Theodoros Pangalos said h ere yesterday.
He made the statement upon exiting a dinner given by UN
Secretary General Kofi Annan for state leaders, foreign
ministers and other officials. "The world fervently hopes for
the solution of differences between Greece and Turkey or between
the great countries of India and Pakistan, which this year
celebrate their 50th independence anniversary," Mr. Clinton said
in his speech. "The United Nations continue to avert the threat
of bloodshed from many countries. In El Salvador and Mozambique,
in Haiti and Namibia and on Cyprus. As in Bosnia, where a lot
remains to be done," he added.
[13] Pangalos to meet Patriarch in Thessaloniki, visit Mount Athos
Athens, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos will visit Mount Athos next
Tuesday, while on the next day he will meet with Ecumenical
Patriarch Vartholomeos in Thessaloniki.
Mr. Pangalos' visit to Karyes is taking place at a time when
relations between Athens and Mount Athos monks are good. A
protest against the ratification of the Schengen Treaty by
Parliament, held in the form of a vigil in Karyes over the
weekend, is not considered enough to spoil the good climate.
Mr. Pangalos will be received at Karyes on Tuesday morning and
after meetings with the Holy Community and the civil
administration, he will visit the Iviron Monastery. In the
evening, he will go to the Simonos Patras Monastery where he
will spend the night.
On Wednesday morning, after attending mass, he will return to
Thessaloniki. At 11 a.m. he will meet Vartholomeos, who will be
in Thessaloniki as of Sunday at the invitation of the Cultural
Capital Organization.
[14] Papoutsis tour of Thessaly
Athens, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
Energy, SME and Tourism Commissioner Christos Papoutsis will
tour Thessaly on Sept. 25-27 on the occasion of his visit to
Larissa to attend the conference entitled "Young businessmen,
Enterprise and the Creation of Employment."
On Sept. 25, Mr. Papoutsis will visit the regional sugar
factory, the university hospital and the European Informatics
Center in Larissa.
On the next day, he will continue his tour in the Karditsa and
Trikala prefectures, where he will meet with local social and
economic bodies.
On Saturday he will visit Magnisia prefecture and visit regions
where projects are being carried out with assistance by the
European Union.
Mr. Papoutsis will give a press conference for the media on the
conference premises in Larissa on Thursday.
[15] Four-member Greek OSCE delegation meets with Milosevic
Belgrade, 23/09/1997 (ANA - M. Mouratidis)
A four-member Greek government delegation, currently here as
OSCE observers of the presidential and parliamentary elections,
yesterday met with Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic.
The Yugoslav president said relations between Greece and the
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia were a strong tool for peace and
stability in the Balkan region and an example of developing an
open and equal co-operation for all states in the region.
An announcement issued by President Milosevic's office said
relations between the two countries were especially friendly and
based on trust and a high level mutual interest in further
developing co-operation in all sectors.
The Greek delegation is headed by Parliament's second
Vice-President Panayiotis Sgouridis.
Talks with Mr. Milosevic were also attended by the Greek
ambassador in Belgrade, Panayiotis Vlassopoulos.
[16] No EU decision on drinking, bottled water expected soon
Brussels, 23/09/1997 (ANA - G. Daratos/M. Savva)
A work group of the European Union's Environment Ministers
Council which met here yesterday to examine issues relating to
the quality of drinking water in the Union, is not expected to
take any decisions on the protection of consumers of bottled
mineral or table water.
European Commission sources said the work group is working on a
new directive on the quality of both tap and bottled water. The
group will meet again tomorrow.
[17] Memorial service held in Moschonissi by Lesvos officials
Athens, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
A Greek Orthodox ecclesiastical service was held at a church on
the Turkish mainland on Saturday following an initiative by the
prefecture of Lesvos to improve ties with Turkish municipalities
across the Greek island.
The service was held at Moschonissi and at the Agios Georgios
Church. It was the first service after the church was closed
down in Sept. 14, 1914. Metropolitan Amvrosios was arrested on
that date, only to be executed by the Turkish army along with
hundreds of other ethnic Greek residents of Moschonissi. A few
of the survivors of the massacre that followed in the area were
able to attend the service, to commemorate the 75th anniversary
of the Asia Minor disaster.
The event was attended by Greece's consul general in Istanbul,
Fotis Xydas, Metropolitan Iakovos of Mytilini, who officiated at
the service, Lesvos Prefect Alekos Mathiellis and other local
officials.
[18] Construction of seven new prisons announced
Athens, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
Seven new prisons will be built in Halkida, Hania, Amphissa,
Trikala, Langada, Tripoli and Andritsaina, at a cost of 26
billion drachmas, Justice Minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos
announced yesterday.
He added that the aim was to provide more humane conditions in
prisons, along with technical improvements, including electronic
security.
[19] Gov't happy with performance but still work to be done
Athens, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
The government is satisfied with the results of efforts made
during the first year of its administration, government
spokesman Demetris Reppas said yesterday, on the first
anniversary of PASOK's win in general elections under Costas
Simitis.
"Greece has become an important factor of stability in
international developments, the 'step-by-step' approach to
Greek-Turkish relations has brought about some positive
connections, the economy has entered into the orbit of
convergence...," Mr. Reppas told reporters.
Mr. Reppas said the administration had produced satisfactory
results even though PASOK had assumed office at a difficult time
and under extremely complex circumstances.
The spokesman said that despite results, Greece was still a long
way from becoming a modern society, adding that the government
aimed at creating a strong Greece, a society without deficits
and debts.
[20] Various opinion polls released by Athens media
Athens, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
Recent public opinion polls do not show any significant changes
the electoral strength of parties, while Prime Minister Costas
Simitis is mostly ahead in preferences as the most appropriate
politician for the post.
A V.PRC poll conducted on behalf of the Athens daily "TA NEA"
newspaper, shows 41.4 per cent of respondents preferring Mr.
Simitis for the post, as compared with 25.6 per cent for main
opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis.
In intention to vote, PASOK leads with 30.9 per cent, compared
to 28 per cent for ND.
Another poll, conducted by Kappa Research on behalf of the
"Exousia" daily, places the two major parties neck-to-neck in
electoral strength, while a third one, conducted by Alco, on
behalf of "Antenna TV" station, places ND ahead with 30.6 per
cent, compared with 27.6 per cent for PASOK.
A fourth, a nationwide poll, conducted by MRB on behalf of the
"Mega TV" channel between Sept. 10-17, on a 1,600 strong sample,
shows ND leading with 27.7 per cent, compared to 27 per cent for
PASOK.
The polls give the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) between 4.5
and 5.6 per cent, the Coalition of the Left between 4.7 and 6.3
per cent, the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) between 3.7 and
4.1 per cent, and Political Spring between 1.5 and 2.5 per cent.
[21] Youth delegations received by Stephanopoulos
Athens, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
Representatives of Greek and Cypriot youth organizations, who
are attending conference entitled "Greek and Cypriot Youth:
Current Challenges", were received yesterday by President Kostis
Stephanopoulos.
The conference is taking place in Athens and is organized by the
Youth General Secretariat.
[22] Karamanlis meets with ND's seven regional directors
Athens, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis
held a routine meeting with the party's seven regional directors
on party activities over the coming period.
The meeting also touched on the issue of the party's
communication tactics and certain cadres, including Dora
Bakoyianni, said ND must take initiatives to improve its public
image.
It was also pointed out that there is a need for coordination
and greater co-operation between regional directors and the
party's Rigillis headquarters.
Stephanos Manos noted, according to reports, that inaccurate
information are leaked to certain newspapers "which can only
originate in Rigillis."
It was further decided that Yiannis Alogoskoufis will gather
evidence to reveal gimmicks used by the government to cover up
the divergence in the budget and in light of a Parliamentary
debate on the bill on shipyards.
On his part, Prokopis Pavlopoulos said that ND will table a
specific proposal on the entire local administration spectrum in
Eretria on Saturday, while party spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos
said the mergers of municipalities and communities will be part
of the discussion.
[23] G. Papandreou meets with representatives of Imvros residents
Athens, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou held a meeting
yesterday with representatives of several associations of Imvros
natives, who elaborated on their difficult living conditions on
the northeastern Aegean island given to Turkey under the Treaty
of Lausanne.
Representatives said ethnic Greeks' properties were being
usurped and the Greek schools shut down, while the continued
colonization of the island by Turkish mainland settlers was
changing Imvros' population demographics.
According to sources, Mr. Papandreou pledged to support
initiatives aimed at settling those issues.
[24] Exhibition of works with Alexander the Great theme opens
Athens, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
An exhibition of various woks inspired by the life and legend of
Alexander the Great opened yesterday in Thessaloniki's newly
built Telloglio Institute and will be open to the public until
Jan. 11.
The exhibition includes more than 140 art works dating back to
the Middle Ages through to the 20th century, taken from museums
and private collections in Europe and the United States.
The exhibition is being organized by the Thessaloniki Cultural
Capital '97 organization and was founded with 200 million
drachmas.
The works include paintings, tapestry, etchings, drawings etc.
[25] Five early El Grecos on display at Athens Concert Hall
Athens, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
An exhibition including five early paintings by Domenico
Theotocopoulos, better known as El Greco (1541-1614), opened at
the Athens Concert Hall (Megaron) yesterday.
The paintings were drawn by El Greco before he left Crete for
Venice and Spain, and will be shown along with a private
collection of paintings by Greek artists until Nov. 7.
Three of the El Greco paintings are on loan from the Benaki
Museum, one from a cathedral in Ermoupolis, Syros and one from
the Historical Museum of Irakleio, Crete.
[26] Greece contributes marbles for EU monument in Austria
Vienna, 23/09/1997 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)
Greece has contributed marble from Mount Penteli for a European
Union (EU) monument set up in an Austrian community by all union
member-states.
The monument commemorates the EU's 40th anniversary. Greece's
contribution was meant as a symbol of the Parthenon, as one of
the greatest monuments of western civilization.
The initiative for the marble was taken up by Greece's embassy
in Austria once the call was announced for contributions.
At the unveiling ceremony on the weekend, a message was read by
Austrian President Thomas Klestil. The event was attended by the
Austrian Interior Minister Karl Schloegl, as well as the
ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions from EU
countries.
[27] Five new routes in next year's 'Acropolis Rally'
Athens, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
Next year's "Acropolis Rally" will include five new special
routes and use Delphi as focal point for ending the first
special stage of the race and beginning for the next two.
The final dates are expected to be confirmed next week, but
likely dates are June 5 to 9 or June 12 to 16. The race, as
always, will set off from the foot of the Acropolis and end at a
yet to be determined spot in Athens after having covered a total
of 1,186.7 km.
The cost of the race is close to 150 million drachmas, as last
year, and is expected to be covered by sponsors.
[28] V. Papandreou on hotel debt settlements
Athens, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
Development Minister Vasso Papandreou attended a meeting of
local officials on the island of Rhodes yesterday, stressing
that "the government cannot force private banks to go ahead with
a settlement of debts owed by hotels."
"It is not possible for the government to intervene every time
that a hotel requests a settlement of its debts. The
precondition for such a thing is the viability of the unit," she
added.
Ms Papandreou said a possible settlement would be unfair for the
other hotels, saying that "instead of rewarding good
businessmen, the state is called on to give favorable treatment
to those who do not meet their obligations. This phenomenon must
gradually stop."
The issue was raised during the meeting, held at the Dodecanese
prefectural office, by hoteliers faced with the problem of debts
they owed to banks. Another issue discussed was lengthening the
tourist season on the fashionable island.
Tourist agency representatives complained to Ms Papandreou over
the implementation of a pilot program in Crete and not in
Rhodes. She replied that Rhodes will be the second island on
which the pilot program will be applied to lengthen the tourist
season.
[29] Greek shipowners' representatives discuss sector's issues
Athens, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
The boards of the Greek Shipowners' Union and the Greek
Committee for Maritime Co-operation of London held a joint
session in Piraeus yesterday.
The presidents of the two bodies set out their views on the
problems of the merchant fleet, the gist of which is as follows:
- Greek shipowners are continuing efforts to renew their fleets,
the largest in terms of tonnage internationally, and maintain
first place in terms of vessels in the European Union.
- There is concern regarding the competitiveness of
Greek-flagged shipping, following the re-determination of
shipping policy in the European Union and the measures recently
adopted by the Greek government.
- Development of Piraeus into an international shipping and
financial center.
- Relations between shipowners and merchant seamen are
considered as satisfactory, despite differing views on the
problem of competitiveness.
[30] Changes to pension system on hold till Greece in EMU
Athens, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
Greece's needs to make radical changes to its social security
and pension system but it will not make any changes to the
financing system before 2000, Labor and Social Security Minister
Miltiades Papaioannou said yesterday.
Speaking to a local radio station, Mr. Papaioannou said Greece's
priority up to the year 2000 was participation in European
Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).
He left open the question of raising more revenues for ailing
pension funds from the introduction of a "social fund" but
stressed:
"Any changes we make will aim at maintaining and improving the
welfare state."
Mr. Papaioannou was responding to reports in the Sunday press
that a new report from Professor Ioannis Spraos, an advisor to
the prime minister, warned that Greece would not be able to make
its pension commitments after 2010 if radical structural changes
were not made immediately.
The report is expected to be presented to Prime Minister Costas
Simitis sometime this week.
[31] Greek bourse ranks top in Europe on Jan.-Aug. returns
Athens, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
The Athens Stock Exchange ranked first among European stock
markets on returns in January-August, the European Stock Market
Association said yesterday.
The Greek bourse showed a 62.6 percent increase from the start
of the year until the end of August, to show a 60.5 percent rise
against August 1996.
The Amsterdam and Helsinki stock markets followed in second and
third place with total returns of 35.6 and 33.4 percent
respectively.
The association noted that all European stock markets showed
gains in the first eight months of the year with the lowest
score coming from Vienna and Luxembourg at around 14 percent.
The Greek market, however, remained at the bottom of the
European league on value with a total capitalization of 30.6
billion ECUs. Only the Portuguese market was smaller with a
capitalization of 29.4 billion ECUs.
[32] Greek stocks creep up in rangebound trade
Athens, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
Greek equities started the week in a tight range reflecting the
reluctance of investors to allow the market to rise to the 1,700
level.
The general index closed 0.22 percent higher at 1,684.29 points.
Most sector indices scored gains. Banks rose 0.19 percent,
Insurance jumped 3.40 percent, Investment increased 0.11
percent, Industrials rose 0.23 percent, Construction was 0.84
percent higher, Miscellaneous ended 0.95 percent up, but Leasing
and Holding fell by 0.96 and 0.77 percent respectively.
Trading was moderate and turnover was 16.7 billion drachmas.
Broadly, advancers led decliners by 134 to 84 with another 26
issues unchanged.
Pouliades, Kekrops, Halyps and Ekter scored the biggest
percentage gains, while Piraeus Investment, Athinea, Bank of
Athens and Heliofin suffered the heaviest losses.
National Bank of Greece ended at 33,540 drachmas, Ergobank at
18,280, Alpha Credit Bank at 19,895, Delta Dairy at 3,630, Titan
Cement at 16,350, Intracom at 14,280 and Hellenic
Telecommunications Organization at 6,735.
In the domestic foreign exchange market the US dollar rose by
0.43 percent against the drachma, while the DMark remained
stable.
[33] Outlook picks up for Greek building materials
Athens, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
Prospects for Greece's building materials sector significantly
improved after Athens was awarded the 2004 Olympic Games,
National Economy Under-secretary Alekos Baltas said yesterday.
Speaking at the inauguration of the European Association of
Building Materials' annual conference in Athens, Mr. Baltas
urged foreign businessmen to co-operate with Greek businesses in
marble, cement, aluminium products and plastics.
Mr. Baltas stressed that the products had great export
potential, citing the success of Greek marble exports to China.
Athens Commerce and Industry Chamber chairman Ioannis
Papathanasiou called on Greek firms to forge closer links with
building materials producers abroad in order to improve
efficiency.
[34] Greek consumer watchdog charts 1997 complaints by tourists
Athens, 23/09/1997 (ANA)
A Greek consumer watchdog reported yesterday that tourists filed
512 petitions this year over poor goods and services as part of
a legal aid program for visitors set up by the group.
Private EKPIZO said 38 percent of petitions and complaints were
lodged by tourists from abroad, and most were directed against
transport.
A breakdown of petitions lodged showed the following categories
and percentages: transport (33 percent); restaurants, taverns
and nightclubs for non-existent menus, poor service and high
prices (19 percent); noise pollution including nightclubs, bars,
motorcycles and jet skis (12 percent); garbage dumped on beaches
(11 percent).
Twenty five percent of petitions cited public services, rented
rooms, travel agents, and upsets including theft in ports and on
the street.
EKPIZO said figures for 1997 showed a marked decline in
petitions filed against hotels in comparison with the program's
previous three years of operation, which the group said boded
well for the tourist industry.
End of English language section.
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