Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-09-25

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1298), September 25, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece, US stress resolve to settle issues peacefully

[02] Pangalos press statements

[03] Premier meets with PASOK's Parliamentary group

[04] US reiterates view that Imia should be put to int'l arbitration

[05] Athens says Balkan summit another chance for Greek-Turkish talks

[06] Queen Beatrix to visit Greece

[07] Albanian defense minister in Athens

[08] Atlantic Co-operation unions to meet in Turkey

[09] Pangalos meets with Spyridon

[10] Black Sea countries working towards free trade zone

[11] Studies on Greece's image abroad completed in four countries

[12] Athens backs Nicosia on S-300 decision

[13] Stephanopoulos visits Paiania, Vorres Museum

[14] Greek MP delegation in Belgrade

[15] Gligorov meets Vance in New York, no comments afterwards

[16] Simitis-Avramopoulos meeting focus on Athens 2004

[17] Avramopoulos in Chicago

[18] Gov't admits to delays over environmental impact studies

[19] ... Natural gas

[20] Social dialogue committee encounters first difficulties

[21] Evert book launched

[22] OA plane makes forced landing, no injuries

[23] Belgian parliamentary delegation briefed by Kaklamanis

[24] Two election results overturned

[25] Labor rally in Thessaloniki

[26] Ex-publisher Vellidi found guilty in insurance fund case

[27] Rally in support for Rethymno prefect

[28] Commission stand fast on duty-free shops deadline

[29] Merchant minister message in light of World Maritime Day

[30] Commercial venture firm created

[31] Greece aims to meet EMU deficit criterion in '98

[32] Athens bourse, FT International launch new stock index

[33] Greek stocks sprint through key 1,700 level

[34] Playwright Pinter in Athens for film screenings

[35] Finishing touches for U2 mega-concert

[36] Some 100 children injured from swallowed toys every year in Greece

[37] Holbrooke believes two sides more productive

[38] US interest in Cyprus settlement

[01] Greece, US stress resolve to settle issues peacefully

New York, 25/09/1997 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

Ms Albright appeared reserved in statements she made after the meeting.

Replying to a question on what the outcome of the meeting was, she said: "We shall see how much we will be able to proceed today."

Referring to the meeting she had later with Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, she added "I hope we will have a series of productive meetings."

After his meeting with Richard Holbrooke, Mr. Pangalos said:

"We discussed the Cyprus issue. Mr. Holbrooke informed me that he is approaching the issue and I spoke to him of the contacts I had (at the UN General Assembly). It was a very useful discussion for both of us."

On his part, Mr. Holbrooke said "I am very pleased over the very positive stance concerning co-operation in the Aegean, which the government of Mr. Simitis and Mr. Pangalos is showing. I believe that we are on the eve of important developments in Europe."

Mr. Holbrooke said Washington supports the accession of Cyprus to the European Union and desires a decrease in tension in the Aegean, which Mr. Pangalos discussed with Ms Albright.

"We are very pleased that President (Glafcos) Clerides and (Turkish Cypriot leader) Mr. (Rauf) Denktash are starting talks this week (tomorrow) on security issues. A development which Mr. Miller promoted during his trip to Nicosia. I have not scheduled a personal visit to Cyprus but I want to stress that the US is participating and will continue to participate actively in these issues," Mr. Holbrooke said.

Replying to a question on his views on how a solution to the Cyprus issue is being promoted, he said "there are all the elements for progress, but the will of all the leaders in the region is necessary and I do not think that hasty assessments are helpful. I am neither optimistic nor pessimistic. I see the issue from its realistic aspect."

[02] Pangalos press statements

New York, 25/09/1997 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

"I explained the Greek approach to my American colleague and I replied to many questions. We also agreed on a series of future contacts at all levels. Assistant Secretary of State Mr. (Marc) Grossman will come to Athens whom, any way, I will be meeting in New York tomorrow. And so we will have, I believe, a close contact between the two governments. The purpose of both governments is the creation of conditions of peace and security in the eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean," Mr. Pangalos said.

"The conviction of the government of Greece and the government of the US is given that issues must be resolved peacefully with reference to international law and using the international organizations and mechanisms which are anticipated for this purpose," he said.

"After this, we had a long discussion with Mr. Holbrooke which, as you can imagine, primarily concerned the Cyprus issue. We discussed the Cyprus issue with Cyprus' European prospect as a given fact. Mr. Holbrooke is convinced that the European prospect of Cyprus is a strong argument which defines the necessity for all sides to speed up a solution to the problem. And he also set out to me his impressions to date from the contacts he had," he added.

Replying to a question on whether Washington's effort focuses primarily at present on confidence-building measures in the Aegean to allow for security in the region, Mr. Pangalos said: "The American effort also includes confidence-building measures in the Aegean, but this is not its main part. The main part of the effort is the effort to confront the situation created by the promotion of the known Turkish claim with Imia and the events which followed. This is also our effort and to the degree that we pursue the same purpose Greece and America coincide in our efforts."

"The Madrid agreement is a given fact concerning its content at least for us. And I would also say for the Americans as well with whom I discussed today. The best interpretation possible of it must be made and it must not be undermined and isolated. It is both our conviction and that of the Americans," he went on to say.

"Of course, as you know, there is a point which has not been raised in Madrid and this is the point concerning the body to resolve the difference which has arisen. We propose the self-evident. Namely, that Turkey states that the body to which it could possibly bring this difference is the Court at The Hague. The Turks are refusing for reasons which one cannot understand," he added.

Replying to a question on the relative disappointment which has been expressed by the US on the course of the Madrid communiquw, Mr. Pangalos said "we also had expressed disappointment. But I think that if there was US disappointment it could only concern the part of Turkey, because we, as you know, support the Madrid agreement. And we support it and indeed against those in Athens, who sometimes exceed even the Turks in zeal to prove that the Madrid agreement failed and they do this for selfish and partisan reasons."

Replying to another question on Mr. Holbrooke's observation that the stance of Athens and Ankara is positive on the Aegean and on whether he agrees with Mr. Holbrooke's assessment, Mr. Pangalos said that "if Mr. Holbrooke ascertains this, how could I disagree?"

On the question of whether the Russian-made S-300 missiles issue was raised during the talks, Mr. Pangalos said "the missiles issue was raised yesterday in the framework of the European Union discussion with Russian Foreign Minister (Yevgeny) Primakov. The EU presidency said that certain countries, but not the EU in its entirety, which are very concerned over the missiles issue."

"I must admit that Mr. Primakov replied in quite an absolute way. He dismissed all arguments against the installation of the missiles (in Cyprus) and my intervention was quite supplementary. I had very few things to say after what Mr. Primakov had said," he added.

Mr. Pangalos said he also had a meeting with the American Jewish Committee, with which the ethnic Greek community in America has developed a close and constructive relationship over the past two-three years.

"We discussed with the Jewish-Americans the Middle East problem and the problems of Greece. I invited them to the inauguration of the monument which we will have in Thessaloniki in November in memory of the holocaust of the Jewish-Greek community in Thessaloniki. We also decided that the Greek and Jewish community, in many cases, will combine their efforts to serve the interests of the two communities through their representatives," he said.

Mr. Pangalos said he had a meeting with important Greek community officials with whom he had an overall discussion on how the expatriate community will be mobilized to defend Greek national interests in the US.

"The discussion was very positive and we had very interesting ideas from all the participants. We agreed that I will come again to the US in spring with the purpose of some kind of body being established, which will not necessarily be composed of representatives of societies, organizations, etc., but of personalities on the base of the individual ability of each to help," he said.

Mr. Pangalos also met with the foreign minister of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) Blagoje Handzinski.

Mr. Pangalos said they discussed bilateral relations and FYROM' s participation in the upcoming Balkan summit on Crete. He said they discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations.

[03] Premier meets with PASOK's Parliamentary group

Athens, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

The head of the presidium, Paraskevas Fountas, said the discussion was held in a good climate, adding that the Parliamentary sectors will be upgraded to continuous committees to enable the party's deputies to know in advance which bills will be tabled i n Parliament and to participate even in shaping them.

Replying to a question on how phenomena of deputies differentiating their position from government policy in Parliament will be handled, Mr. Fountas said "there is no question of police measures and what is required is better organizing our presence in Parliament."

Under-secretary to the Prime Minister's Office George Paschalidis said the presence of the Parliamentary group in Parliament should be based on the triptych of collectiveness, joint responsibility and political unity with an opinion.

Called on to comment on the differentiation of ruling party deputies in the past, Mr. Paschalidis said they did not have a mass character and added that "the deputy's independence of opinion, which constitutes his constitutional right, must be combined with the popular mandate and party commitment."

According to reports, Mr. Simitis stressed at the meeting that deputies must participate more actively in Parliamentary work sectors and be continuously informed on bills to be tabled in Parliament.

Mr. Simitis, according to the reports, said that in the event there are continuous differentiation by deputies in Parliament on government policy, there will be no question of political measures being taken, but the deputies themselves who express a different position have a political problem.

The reports said Mr. Simitis referred to intraparty democracy and stressed that it produces ideas and political civilization.

He further said that "the deputy's conscientious independence does not absolve him from his institutional and political obligation to jointly act in implementing PASOK's program."

According to the reports, he called for full and substantiated data to be provided for deputies by the relevant ministers, according to the case, before bills are tabled and visit rates by mixed delegations of PASOK's central committee and Parliamentary group to rural areas must be intensified to allow citizens to have fuller and more effective information on the individual sectors of government work.

Mr. Simitis expressed the conviction that the Parliamentary group's presidium, assisted by liaisons appointed by the government and PASOK, will be able to contribute towards further promoting government work which, as he said, constitutes the outcome of a democratic collective effort.

[04] US reiterates view that Imia should be put to int'l arbitration

New York, 25/09/1997 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

"As you know, our view is that it is appropriate for such a matter (Imia) to be referred to the International Court at The Hague or another international forum," US State Department spokesman James Rubin said after US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's successive meetings with Greek and Turkish foreign ministers Theodoros Pangalos and Ismail Cem yesterday.

Ms Albright expressed disappointment for the lack of progress in the separate meetings.

"The secretary regrets that there was no progress to end the stalemate between the two countries," Mr. Rubin said.

He added that discussions focused on bilateral relations rather than the Cyprus issue.

There was a limit to what Washington could do to help in the situation, he said, but both sides had to show statesmanship and decisiveness.

He also expressed the hope that during the rest of Ms Albright's stay in New York the next 10 days there would be some progress made.

Asked to comment on the content of the talks, he said: "We don't think it's necessary to go into details, it's not useful."

Commenting on a forthcoming meeting between Greek and Turkish Prime Ministers Costas Simitis and Mesut Yilmaz in Crete this November, he expressed hope that there would be a better development.

[05] Athens says Balkan summit another chance for Greek-Turkish talks

Athens, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

Government spokesman Demetris Reppas said the meeting between Theodoros Pangalos and Ismail Cem brought "no result".

"I hope that the summit of Balkan nations in Crete, where there is a scheduled meeting between (Prime Minister Costas) Simitis and (his Turkish counterpart Mesut) Yilmaz will bring results," Mr. Reppas said.

Mr. Reppas said the failure of the Pangalos-Cem meeting to make any headway was entirely due to Turkey's stance, which, he said, "on the one hand laid out a general political position, and on the other, refused to take the step which would lead it to de al with the issue of (the Aegean islet) of Imia".

Mr. Reppas noted that the Madrid communiqui signed between Mr. Simitis and Turkish President Suleyman Demirel over the summer indicated that Turkey should take its claim over Imia to international jurisdiction, which it has not done.

At last night's meeting, Mr. Pangalos said that Turkey continued to dispute the status quo of the Aegean and that this was an issue that was not up for discussion.

It was the first high-level meeting between the Greek and Turkish sides since the signing of the Madrid communiqui, which drew broad guidelines for relations between the two neighbors.

Mr. Reppas said the Madrid text was "a starting point to deal with Greek-Turkish problems".

"Turkey has backpedaled on the spirit of Madrid," he said, adding that he thought it "unlikely" that there would be a tripartite meeting between Greece, Turkey and the United States at the UN this week.

[06] Queen Beatrix to visit Greece

Athens, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

The royal couple will visit Greece on the invitation of President Kostis Stephanopoulos.

[07] Albanian defense minister in Athens

Athens, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

The ministers are due to sign a new co-operation accord between their two countries in the military sector.

[08] Atlantic Co-operation unions to meet in Turkey

Istanbul, 25/09/1997 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

The meeting will deal with the "new security architecture in Europe."

It will be attended by the president of the Greek Union on Atlantic and European Co-operation Theodosis Georgiou.

[09] Pangalos meets with Spyridon

New York, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

Archbishop Spyridon said the meeting was held in "a friendly atmosphere" and centered on issues related to Greece and Hellenism, with particular emphasis on the role which expatriate Greek communities can play in dealing with those issues.

[10] Black Sea countries working towards free trade zone

Athens, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

The plan will have to be approved by BSEC's plenary meeting in Moldava in December, before proceeding. The plenary session will also discuss a BSEC stock and trade exchange, telecommunications and transportation.

During the meeting, Theodoros Kassimis, a deputy for the main opposition New Democracy, was elected president of the economic, trade, technical and environmental committee of BSEC's plenary session. BSEC members include Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Turkey and the Ukraine.

[11] Studies on Greece's image abroad completed in four countries

Bonn, 25/09/1997 (ANA - P. Stangos)

The institute conducted a series of two-hour-long interviews with politicians, economists, journalists, scientists and artists, asking them to also explain their answers.

The study was carried out over three months, and presented to Greece in July. Greece has also conducted similar studies in Britain, France and the United States. All of them have been completed and presented to the government already.

[12] Athens backs Nicosia on S-300 decision

Athens, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

"The Greek government supports this decision," government spokesman Demetris Reppas said. Mr. Reppas said Athens hoped that there would be ample time before the deployment of the missiles to begin demilitarization of the island, whose northern third is occupied by Turkish troops. "When there are no troops, there will be no S-300s," Mr. Reppas said.

[13] Stephanopoulos visits Paiania, Vorres Museum

Athens, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

The president also visited the Vorres Museum, accompanied by Paiania Mayor Ion Vorres, as well as Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos and several government and opposition deputies. Speaking on the country's international profile, Mr. Stephanopoulos noted that considerable progress had been achieved. However, he also referred to troublesome foreign policy issues which, as he pointed out, should be resolved promptly.

At another point of his speech, the president said even though there were some social groups which suffered economic hardships, such as the unemployed and pensioners, we should be optimistic as we are all making great efforts, as a country, to achieve specific targets.

[14] Greek MP delegation in Belgrade

Belgrade, 25/09/1997 (ANA - M. Mouratidis)

The deputies met with Serbian Parliament President Dragan Tomic, the acting president of the Republic of Serbia, Lower Parliament President Milomir Minic, also president of the Council of Citizens of the Federated Parliament, and other officials. The deputies were accompanied by the Greek ambassador to Belgrade Panayiotis Vlassopoulos.

[15] Gligorov meets Vance in New York, no comments afterwards

Skopje, 25/09/1997 (ANA - M. Vihou)

The meeting was also attended by FYROM Foreign Minister Blagoje Handzinski and former US special envoy Matthew Nimetz.

[16] Simitis-Avramopoulos meeting focus on Athens 2004

Athens, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Mr. Avramopoulos said "we had a particularly useful and constructive co-operation with the prime minister. As you can imagine, our discussion focused on issues concerning our preparation for 2004. Of course, we will not make any public announcement at present. However, what I can tell you is that all is going well. They have a good course and direction."

"I am certain that at the end of this preparation period, Athens... will give an impeccable, an excellent image from all aspects. We still have ample time to prepare ourselves," Mr. Avramopoulos said later.

[17] Avramopoulos in Chicago

Athens, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

The municipalities of Athens and Chicago will become sister cities, while a protocol of co-operation will be signed during Mr. Avramopoulos' stay.

The mayor of Athens will also hold meetings with federal, state, economic and business officials, as well as representatives of the Greek-American community.

[18] Gov't admits to delays over environmental impact studies

Athens, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

Asked if Ms Papandreou had submitted a memorandum to the prime minister criticizing the public order ministry for the delays in such projects, Mr. Reppas said that each one of the participants in the meeting had submitted his views on the weaknesses of the environmental studies program.

"It was decided to strengthen this mechanism and this is logical. When we are trying our best, it does not mean that there is disagreement," he said.

[19] ... Natural gas

Athens, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

Several former ministers charged that the provision amounted to a deception of the people and a downgrading of Parliament, while others said it was necessary if the Greek state wished to attract foreign investors who would possibly have 51 per cent in t he companies that would be set up.

Ms Papandreou said that it was not in her intentions to disregard the relevant law, and as a gesture of goodwill she would withdraw the specific provision.

The main opposition New Democracy party asked for a roll-call vote on whether the state would retain 51 per cent of the natural gas companies or would concede the majority holdings to foreign investors.

The vote was 50 in favor of the government's proposal and 42 against, and so control of the natural gas supply companies will remain with the state.

[20] Social dialogue committee encounters first difficulties

Athens, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

Labor Under-secretary Christos Protopapas, who has the political responsibility of the specific round of dialogue said that yesterday only the issue of training was discussed, which constitutes the "easy" point of convergence, while the difficult issues of incomes under conditions of low inflation and changes in the taxation system were left for discussion on Monday.

Responding to reporters' questions on the total number of weekly working hours, Mr. Protopapas said the government is proposing the issue on a longer than a week-time basis, even possibly a year.

He added that the government had also submitted a proposal for extending part-time employment in the public sector.

General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) president Christos Polyzogopoulos said the withdrawal of Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas' intervention in the Account for Unemployment and Vocational Training (LAEK) was almost a condition for the trade unions to continue the dialogue. If this does not materialize, then GSEE will proceed to set up an organization along with employers , which will undertake the management of LAEK funds.

Regarding the time of work, Mr. Polyzogopoulos said GSEE was only prepared to discuss its proposal for a 35-hour week.

Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) vice president Nikos Analytis expressed optimism on the prospects of the dialogue. He agreed with GSEE on the LAEK issue, describing the minister's intervention as "barbaric" and disappointing for the future of bilateral agreements.

He also said it was a mistake to place ceilings on part-time employment in industry.

[21] Evert book launched

Athens, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

The book, which records Mr. Evert's positions on the major foreign policy and economic issues facing the country, was presented yesterday to some 70 ND deputies, party officials and supporters.

In his address, Mr. Evert underlined the negative effect Greece's foreign policy bears on the country's economic development, drawing attention to the fact that 6 per cent of Greece's GNP is spent on armaments.

"Greece is facing great dangers due to its geopolitical position...," he said, adding that "the conditions which are currently being formulated in Turkey do not allow for optimism regarding the course of relations between the two countries."

Cyprus' ambassador to Athens, Christoforos Christoforou, said he anticipated mobility in the Cyprus problem and a possible breach in the present deadlock.

Commenting on the book, Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis said Mr. Evert's observations and proposals contribute to a cool-headed exchange of views on the appropriate policy.

He praised Mr. Evert's sensitivity on issues of foreign policy, and stressed that the fact that they had ideological and political differences did not mean that they could not "work towards achieving the broadest possible consensus..."

[22] OA plane makes forced landing, no injuries

Athens, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

All passengers and the two-member crew were safe and unharmed, the authorities said.

The Dornier was on a flight from Athens to the island of Milos in the southeastern Aegean when its hydraulic system malfunctioned, incapacitating its landing system, and it was forced to return to Athens.

Eyewitnesses and airport authorities watched as the plane circled over both the Athens and Tanagra airport, before it landed at the Tanagra base, north of Athens.

The plane had to circle the airport before it could attempt the landing as it had no capacity to dump fuel.

All emergency landing precautions had been taken at Tanagra, with rescue units in place and foam spread over the landing runway, where the pilot landed the plane without incident.

The 17 passengers were transferred to the airport to await another flight to Milos, although two of the passengers refused to fly.

Hellenikon Airport meets all safety regulations for flights, Transport and Communications Minister Tassos Mantelis said yesterday in response to criticism that the airport was unable to help in the landing of the Dornier.

When the control tower was informed, Mr. Mantelis said, the aircraft was flying between Tanagra and Hellenikon.

The pilot, with the agreement of the Civil Aviation controller, decided to attempt the landing at Tanagra, he said, because it was closer.

He confirmed that there was a problem with the foam-laying mechanism at Hellenikon and that orders had already been sent to the director of civil aviation to look into the circumstances. The report will be ready soon.

"I want to congratulate the captain and crew of the aircraft for their commitment to ensuring the safety of their passengers," Mr. Mantelis said. He also commended the passengers on their calmness and bravery.

He said the back-up safety system had worked effectively and had given orders for an inquiry into the incident and into why the foam-laying mechanism had not been ready.

However, the fire brigade said that an auxiliary mechanism was operating at Athens' airport and that fire engines present at the scene were also able to lay the foam.

[23] Belgian parliamentary delegation briefed by Kaklamanis

Athens, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

The meeting was also attended by a representative of the Greek deputies of the friendship group, as well as the president of the Greek Parliament's economic affairs committee.

Mr. Kaklamanis briefed the Belgian deputies on the operation of the country's political system and called for better co-operation among the national parliaments of European Union member-states to achieve "a Europe of citizens," and not "one of economic interests."

[24] Two election results overturned

Athens, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

According to the ruling, both deputies did not have the right to be elected, owing to the fact that they held a public office position in the three-year period prior to the elections.

Their seats in Parliament will be taken up by runner-ups, from the same party, Nikos Kokkinis and Emmanuel Bantouvas.

[25] Labor rally in Thessaloniki

Athens, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

The Thessaloniki Labor Center's main claims are measures to tackle unemployment, the redistribution of income, an increase in tax-free amounts, an index-linked taxation scale, abolition of what it calls anti-insurance laws, the safeguarding of workers' insurance rights and the safeguarding and consolidation of labor relations.

The Thessaloniki Labor Center terms the rally a "start to new mobilizations which will heighten with the 24-hour nationwide labor strike called by the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) on Oct. 23.

[26] Ex-publisher Vellidi found guilty in insurance fund case

Athens, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

According to the verdict, Vellidi should pay a bail of 50 million drachmas is order to have the right of appeal against the ruling and an appeals hearing.

From October 1992 to April 1994, Vellidi was convicted of failing to promptly pay to National Bank more than 529 million drachmas, which she had received for an advertising duty (aggeliosimo) on behalf of the Journalists' Social Security Fund (EDOEAP).

[27] Rally in support for Rethymno prefect

Athens, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

Participants handed a petition to Crete's police chief and the public prosecutor condemning the attack.

[28] Commission stand fast on duty-free shops deadline

Brussels, 25/09/1997 (ANA - P. Pantelis/ Reuter)

"With the particularly long transitional period that has been given to duty-free shops, these businesses should have prepared to continue their sales in a taxed retail form without employment positions being lost. However, the long transitional period was used to persuade the Council of Ministers, the European Commission and the European Parliament not to abolish the duty- free facilities. The result has been that intra-Community duty-free sales increased from ECU 3.6 billion in 1991 to Ecu 5.4 billion in 1995," the Commission said in a long statement.

It rejected arguments of duty-free firms that their revenue covers in part the expenses of airports and ferry boats. Regarding the issue of employment, it expressed the view that the loss of jobs would have been restricted had the firms adopted the appropriate measures.

The Commission also said that the increase in the consumption of tobacco and alcohol, which duty-free shops facilitated, was contradictory to the Community policy for promoting their reduction for health reasons.

The Commission clarified that the duty-free shops would remain for travelers toward destinations outside the Union.

The European Bureau of Consumers' Unions (BEUC), meanwhile, said in a statement, "there is no serious reason to support an extension to their operation".

The EU Commissioner for Taxation and the Single Market Mario Monti also warned EU duty-free shop operators that the scheduled abolition of the facility for travelers inside the Union would stand, despite the huge sums invested by the duty-free lobby in order to reverse the decision.

"It's high time you used this time constructively, instead of trying to turn the clock back," he told a conference on "Duty-free in Europe."

[29] Merchant minister message in light of World Maritime Day

Athens, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

"With the choice of this year's issue, particular emphasis is placed on training and improving working conditions for seamen and protecting the marine environment and of security standards on ships," the message said.

In a message addressed to organization members, IMO Secretary-General William O'Neal refers to the issue of the celebration which he terms one of the most important preoccupying shipping at present.

The message stresses two main sectors of concern for the organization, which is the effort to focus the world's attention on maritime security and the issue of protection for the marine environment.

[30] Commercial venture firm created

Athens, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

The bank's broader aim is to forge deeper business relations between the countries of the Balkans, central and eastern Europe, the Middle East and the Black Sea region.

[31] Greece aims to meet EMU deficit criterion in '98

Athens, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Papantoniou, speaking at the annual meetings of the World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Hong Kong, said the government was now discussing the 1998 budget.

"The government aims at a public deficit to GDP ratio of less than 3.0 percent which will satisfy the Maastricht Treaty criterion for entering the Economic and Monetary Union," he said.

Greece aimed to reduce its budget deficit as a proportion of its GDP to 4.2 per cent in 1997 compared with 7.5 per cent in the previous year.

"Preliminary results in the first seven months of the year suggest that the budget is on track," he said.

Mr. Papantoniou said good economic performance in the year had ushered in buoyancy in capital and money markets. "Interest rates are falling faster than forecast in the budget," he said.

[32] Athens bourse, FT International launch new stock index

Athens, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

The index, which monitors 20 mostly industrial and banking blue chips, was designed for the Athens Stock Exchange (ASE) in a joint project with FTSE International, a subsidiary of the London Stock Exchange and Financial Times newspaper.

"Introduction of the FTSE/ASE-20 is a major step in developing the stock exchange and in our effort to attract institutional investors from abroad," bourse president Manolis Xanthakis told an inauguration ceremony for the new index.

Its design has taken into account the creation of a derivatives market in Greece that is expected to occur next year after new legislation is introduced.

The new index will facilitate the calculation of returns on investments and the creation of new mutual funds, which function on the basis of stock indices.

"A new investment culture is growing in Europe at this time as investors seek opportunities further and further afield," Mark Makepeace, FTSE International's managing director said.

The bourse will handle daily operations and calculation supervised by a newly created committee of representatives from the ASE, key investment houses in Greece and abroad and FTSE International, which is also to act as an auditor.

The committee set the original specifications for the index's design and laid down the ground rules for operation.

FTSE stock indices are widely used by fund managers and investment companies around the world. Its best known index is the FTSE-100 for London's market.

"I believe that introduction of the new FTSE/ASE-20 index at the Athens Stock Exchange has consolidated a particularly successful joint endeavor which I am sure will lead to even closer and more fruitful co-operation between the two organizations," Mr. Makepeace said.

Banks tracked in the new index are Alpha Credit Bank, National Bank of Greece, Ergobank, Commercial Bank of Greece, Mortgage Bank, Ionian Bank of Greece, Piraeus Bank and Macedonia-Thrace Bank.

Industrials monitored are Titan Cement, Hellenic Bottling, Aget Heracles, Biohalko, Delta Dairies, Papastratos, Intracom and Aluminium de Grece.

Engineering contractors Michaniki and AEGEK are included in the new index along with Hellenic Telecommunications Organization and Goody's.

[33] Greek stocks sprint through key 1,700 level

Athens, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

The general index closed 1.33 percent higher at 1,716.34 points, its highest since May 28 and just 11 points off its all-time high of 1,727.70 points.

Buying interest once again focused on blue chips mostly in construction, banking and industrials.

Most sector indices scored gains. Banks rose 1.72 percent, Leasing was 0.05 percent up, Investment increased 1.68 percent, Industrials rose 1.27 percent, Construction soared 3.72 percent, Holding ended 0.29 percent up and Miscellaneous rose 1.55 percent . Insurance bucked the trend to end 1.25 percent down.

The parallel market index for small cap companies ended 0.89 percent up.

Trading was extremely heavy and turnover was 27 billion drachmas.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 161 to 56 with another 30 issues unchanged.

Cambas, Hellenic Bottling, Macedonian Mills, Vernikos Yachts, Terna, Sigalas and Ionian Hotels scored the biggest percentage gains, while Sanyo, Mouzakis, Heliofin and Allatini suffered the heaviest losses.

National Bank of Greece ended at 33,800 drachmas, Ergobank at 18,700, Alpha Credit Bank at 20,240, Delta Dairy at 3,850, Titan Cement at 16,580, Intracom at 14,895 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organization at 6,735.

In the domestic foreign exchange market the US dollar eased by 0.43 percent against the drachma. The DM/drachma parity was stable.

[34] Playwright Pinter in Athens for film screenings

Athens, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

The screenings will begin on Saturday at the Pallas Theater on Voukourestiou street in Athens and run until October 12.

They will be under the aegis of the culture ministry and include films from Europe, America and Asia.

Retrospectives include one on films with screenplays written by Mr. Pinter and one on Marlene Dietrich, as well as a screening of a new edition of Elia Kazan's "America, America".

[35] Finishing touches for U2 mega-concert

Athens, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

The stage has already been set up and the stage backdrop is expected to be completed by today, while the last 24 trucks carrying equipment were expected in the city by late yesterday.

The tickets (50,000) have already been sold out.

The concert is estimated to cost 650 drachmas, including pay for the group and its 564 technicians. The cost is being covered by 150 million drachmas from the Thessaloniki Cultural Capital Organization, 200 million from ticket sales, 100 million in emergency funds from the ministry of culture, and 40 million from the Youth Secretariat. The rest is covered by sponsors.

[36] Some 100 children injured from swallowed toys every year in Greece

Athens, 25/09/1997 (ANA)

Dr. Eleni Petridou, head of the center, said that in 1997 specifically, 117 children had been injured from swallowing such toys.

Dr. Petridou said that the European Union figure for such accidents was 2,000 for this year, including seven deaths from swallowing such trinkets.

[37] Holbrooke believes two sides more productive

New York, 25/09/1997 (ANA-M. Georgiadou/CNA)

Mr. Holbrooke also welcomed an agreement between the two sides to discuss security issues.

"It is another sign that everyone is trying to find ways to reduce tension, although I won't mislead you, they haven't addressed the issues but the fact that they are talking is procedurally important", he said.

After an hour-long meeting with Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, Mr. Holbrooke said the US is trying to define the substance of the issues relating to the Cyprus question.

"We are not on the edge of a historic breakthough. We are not in the middle of a Camp David or a Dayton type negotiation. We're trying to define the issues", he said.

Everyone is in a more productive mood than they were at the beginning of this year and I include in that the governments of Athens and Ankara, both of which have been trying to make positive statements".

The American official said it is important that President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash will be meeting in Nicosia to discuss security issues.

"That is where they should meet, that is where the problem is", he said.

The first meeting between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus will take place tomorrow.

Referring to Cyprus' bid to join the European Union, the American president's emissary reiterated US support but said it is up to the 15 member states to discuss modalities.

"President Clinton has repeatedly made clear that we believe Cyprus should join the EU, but the details, timing, modalities involve the 15 current EU members and is also affected by other countries that may join", he added.

The US official said the US "will not be in the room during these negotiations, but we will be outside the room cheering Cyprus on".

Mr. Holbrooke will also be meeting with President Clerides when he visits New York to address the UN General Assembly and will have a second meeting with Mr. Kasoulides.

On his part the foreign minister described the meeting as interesting and said they discussed issues of concern to all involved in a settlement in Cyprus.

"How to deal with the Cyprus problem, how to put the EU accession process to the service of efforts to solve the problem", Mr. Kasoulides said.

[38] US interest in Cyprus settlement

Nicosia, 25/09/1997 (ANA/CNA)

Ms. Albright met yesterday in New York with her Cypriot counterpart Ioannis Kasoulides and discussed efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem and the upcoming talks between the two sides on security issues.

According to an official announcement Mr. Kasoulides and Ms. Albright also discussed a dialogue between the two sides on humanita-rian issues, Cyprus' accession to the European Union as well as bilateral co-operation.

The talks between President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, beginning tomorrow in Nicosia, was announ-ced by the US Secretary of State earlier this month during a stop-over in Cyprus.

President Clerides and Mr. Denktash had also met in Nicosia earlier this summer and discussed humanitarian issues.

Officials from both countries were present at the Albright-Kasoulides meeting.

End of English language section.

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