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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-10-09

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. 1310), October 9, 1997

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


CONTENTS

  • [01] Simitis says gov't committed to changes, regardless of political cost
  • [02] MPs told to toe party line on Kapodistrias
  • [03] ND reaction
  • [04] DHKKI
  • [05] PM: 'Step-by-step' approach to guide policy vis-a-vis Ankara
  • [06] Ankara back-tracks on Madrid
  • [07] Tsohatzopoulos
  • [08] Greece's Georgiou elected president of ATA
  • [09] Greece, Romania to confer on public administration
  • [10] Cem repeats Ankara's claims, leaves door open for talks
  • [11] Possible meeting between Greek, Turkish NATO reps
  • [12] Greece condemns Turkish policy of continuously presenting demands
  • [13] US State Department list of terrorist groups
  • [14] Greece to send help to quake-stricken Italy
  • [15] ELBO unveils new armoured vehicle model
  • [16] Holbrooke: Recent Greek-Turkish impasse won't affect US effort on Cyprus
  • [17] US official cites Athens, Ankara resolve to solve differences
  • [18] Papoutsis-Kasoulides meeting in Brussels
  • [19] Dutch royal couple visit Meteora, 2004 headquarters
  • [20] No extra cash for Athens metro contractors, minister says
  • [21] More EIB funding for Egnatia acquired
  • [22] CoE members inspect living conditions for Moslem minorities
  • [23] Gov't calls on trade union 'not to pose dilemmas' in social dialogue
  • [24] EU to take legal action to open up telecoms
  • [25] OA discounts on European destinations
  • [26] ELBO nets 90 bln Dr contract for Greek armed forces
  • [27] Elderly in Greece show high chronic depression rates
  • [28] Antiquities smugglers arrested, artifacts confiscated
  • [29] Greek stocks hit new record close, approach 1,800 pts
  • [30] Greek state telecom orders Dr 70 bln of supplies
  • [31] Athens hosts conference on public admin in central/eastern Europe
  • [32] ETBA contracts increase in first eight-month period
  • [33] Ergo mutual funds perform above average

  • [01] Simitis says gov't committed to changes, regardless of political cost

    Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis pledged yesterday that the government would proceed along with its choices regardless of any political cost, stressing that Greek citizens were demanding modernization and an economy which would improve their standard of living. Addressing the ruling PASOK party's Parliamentary group, Mr. Simitis said all the government's efforts were aimed at making Greece strong, noting that the position in which the country will find itself at the beginning of the next century depended on its course within the European Union (EU) and negotiations concerning the future of the EU.

    It was also a demand of the Greek people, he said, that the country not be relegated to the fringes of Europe, but to attain the targets of economic convergence within the prescribed time and to be placed among the "hard core" of EU countries.

    Referring to his government's achievements in the economic sector, Mr. Simitis cited the reduction in the deficit as a percentage of GDP by ten percentage points, the reduction of inflation from 14.4 per cent in 1993 to 4.9 per cent last month and the increase in the rate of growth from 1 per cent to 3.5 per cent in the period 1993-1997.

    Underlining that citizens were demanding further reforms to complete the modernization of Greek society, Mr. Simitis said that when the government first implements these reforms "there will be some who will not be pleased, who will protest and exert pressure".

    However, he added, the ills of society must be abolished and "unhealthy pockets of interests and negative social attitudes must be quashed".

    Responding to recent protests around the country against the government's "Kapodistrias" plan to streamline local government through compulsory mergers of small communities and municipalities, Mr. Simitis described the program as "a very important reform which cannot be sacrificed on the altar of parochial considerations of political cost".

    Referring to the upcoming parliamentary vote on the "Kapodistrias" bill, Mr. Simitis said party discipline would apply to PASOK deputies with respect to the number and names of the new municipalities to be formed, but not other provisions of the bill.

    Mr. Simitis said that 7,000 "life-giving" works were currently in progress around the country, predicting that in the next few years the face of the country would change radically up until the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004.

    [02] MPs told to toe party line on Kapodistrias

    Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)

    Government spokesman Demetris Reppas said later that the party discipline which would apply to PASOK deputies during the debate on the "Kapodistrias" bill was "necessary and useful".

    Asked whether deputies defying the call would face expulsion from the party, Mr. Reppas replied: "Costas Simitis will govern in the most effective manner in order to realize the task for which the Greek people chose him."

    Asked whether party discipline would apply also for the budget debate, in light of disagreement with the government's economic policy expressed by some PASOK deputies, Mr. Reppas noted that the budget vote by convention had the nature of a confidence vote, "since if the budget is voted down it would be tantamount to a vote against the government's economic policy as a whole."

    [03] ND reaction

    Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)

    The main opposition New Democracy (ND) party reacted to the prime minister's reference to the "Kapodistrias" plan by saying "Mr. Simitis decides the compulsive unification of towns and communities and orders his party's Parliamentary group to vote the relevant draft bill without any disagreements".

    ND condemned what it termed was an "arbitrary" attitude and claimed that this was proven by ordering that disagreements in his Parliamentary group be silenced.

    [04] DHKKI

    Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)

    The Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) said Mr. Simitis should refer to clashes within the parliamentary group should be addressed to the economic establishment, not the popular masses which feel strongly the repercussions of the government's anti-popular and authoritative policies.

    [05] PM: 'Step-by-step' approach to guide policy vis-a-vis Ankara

    Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday reiterated Greece's insistence that a step-by-step approach, involving international adjudication, was the way forward in solving differences with Turkey.

    "Only if Turkey adapts its policy to fall in line with international rules and international law will it find support from Greece in its course towards Europe," Mr. Simitis said in an address to the ruling PASOK party's Parliamentary group.

    Greece, he added, insisted on the principles of the joint communique signed by Athens and Ankara in Madrid over the summer, as well as on the "step-by-step" rapprochement of the two countries, starting from a referral of the Turkish claim on the eastern Aegean Imia islets to the International Court at The Hague.

    "If this does not happen, it is not possible to free financial aid to Turkey by the EU," he said.

    The premier said Greece would never allow its sovereign rights to be the subject of any dialogue nor to be disputed.

    He criticized Turkey, saying that its aggressive stance and failure to acknowledge the rules of international law not only posed a threat to Greece but to the entire region. "The region needs stability and for this reason all the countries of the region should condemn each aggressive policy which is aimed at revising established borders, international rules and international practice," he said.

    The premier stressed that the promotion of friendship and co-operation were in the interests of both Greece and Turkey, while noting that "short reckoning makes long friends".

    [06] Ankara back-tracks on Madrid

    Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)

    Commenting on the recent talks between Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and his Turkish counterpart, Ismail Cem, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Mr. Simitis said Ankara had tried to revert to its previous tactics, "refusing to accept even the most elementary logical consequences of the positions to which it agreed in Madrid".

    The premier reiterated that Greece would continue to exercise its foreign policy with continuous initiatives while at the same time strengthening its armed forces "with determination".

    Mr. Simitis said he had great expectations from next month's Balkan Summit on Crete, expressing the hope that it would constitute a landmark in creating "a new quality" in relations between the countries of the region.

    [07] Tsohatzopoulos

    Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)

    Also referring to Greek-Turkish issues, National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said Greece was prepared to discuss bilateral problems, but cautioned that "the logic of compromise and appeasement" does not lead to the attainment of national aims.

    "Greece is prepared to discuss the problems existing between the two countries, but remains steadfast on the basic pre-conditions, that is, that international law and treaties apply in the Aegean region, and there is nothing for negotiation. Turkey must understand that we cannot formulate our relations on the basis of the supposed problems existing between the two countries," he stated in Thessaloniki.

    He called on Turkey "to stop functioning as a destabilizing factor in the region".

    Commenting on Turkey's absence from NATO's "Dynamic Mix" military exercise in various parts of Greece last week, he said:

    "For decades Greece's participation in NATO exercises was not possible because Turkey managed to mobilize the majority in directions which in the end blocked our own participation. I think it has become understood this time, with a steady position on our part and without high tones, but with resoluteness and insistence on certain principles, that there can be co-operation between NATO members and exercises held in the broader region of the eastern Mediterranean in the measure that Greece's contribution is evaluated as basic. We have proved this, it is a fact."

    [08] Greece's Georgiou elected president of ATA

    Sofia, 09/10/1997 (BTA/ANA)

    Greek Atlantic and European Co-operation Association President Theodossis Georgiou is the new President of the Atlantic Treaty Association (ATA), elected to the post by absolute majority at the final session of the ATA General Assembly in Sofia.

    He replaces Haluk Bayulken, a Turkish career diplomat. ATA also has three new vice presidents - Alan Lee Williams of the UK, Jean-Antoine Giansily of France, and Troels Froling of Denmark.

    ATA Secretary General Alfred Cahen and Vice President Solomon Passi retained their posts as they were elected only a year ago.

    ATA will persevere in establishing a radically new organization that will obliterate the bitter memories of the Cold War, Mr. Georgiou told the delegates after his election.

    [09] Greece, Romania to confer on public administration

    Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)

    Public Administration Under-secretary Stavros Benos will meet with his Romanian counterpart Grigore Lapusanu tomorrow for an exchange of views on issues related to their area of competence.

    The talks will be held against the background of the interest expressed by Bucharest to join the European Union.

    The meeting will take place on the sidelines of the seminar "Administration and European Unification" which has been organized under the OECD's Sigma program.

    A nine-member Parliamentary delegation leaves for Bucharest today to attend the annual North Atlantic Assembly summit.

    The summit, titled "Trans-Atlantic relations with an expanded Alliance" will be held from October 9-14.

    [10] Cem repeats Ankara's claims, leaves door open for talks

    Ankara, 09/10/1997 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)

    Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said yesterday that Turkey wished to "leave the door open" for a continuation of Greek-Turkish dialogue, while reiterating the views that led to the deadlock in his meeting with Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos in New York last month.

    At a press conference to sum up his first three months in office, Mr. Cem reiterated Turkey's refusal to refer the Imia islet issue to the International Court at The Hague, but instead contended that its demand that the Dodecanese islands be demilitarized should be referred to the Court.

    "We want friendship with Greece, but we do not want our rights to be ignored," said Mr. Cem, adding that he believed "the world is leaning in favour of Turkey's positions".

    The Turkish minister expanded in depth on Ankara's positions, that led to the deadlock in last month's talks with Mr. Pangalos.

    He left open the issue of whether it would be "useful" to have another meeting with Mr. Pangalos at next month's Balkan summit in Crete, although he said a meeting between the two prime ministers would take place there.

    "At this moment there doesn't appear to be a reason for such a meeting (with Mr. Pangalos)," he said.

    "The Turkish government wants the Aegean to act as a bridge of friendship," he added, also referring to three major economic co-operation programs which he said could begin at once.

    Mr. Cem expressed the view that Greece saw Turkey as part of the domestic political problem, adding that Turkey "expects Greece to behave rationally".

    Meanwhile, in a written statement distributed by the Turkish foreign ministry after the press conference, Mr. Cem appears to be maintaining that Ankara is to ask NATO to discuss Greece's alleged connections with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

    The allegations were made by a supposed Kurdish defector from the PKK to the British newspaper "Observer".

    "We will be sending the related documents to the NATO secretary general," the statement said.

    With regard to the Cyprus issue, the Turkish foreign minister was careful to avoid the type of references made by other members of his government, and reiterated that Turkey would examine in good time, and not at the last minute "the military and security aspect of the missiles issue", referring to the planned purchase by Cyprus of Russian-made S-300 missiles.

    [11] Possible meeting between Greek, Turkish NATO reps

    Brussels, 09/10/1997 (ANA/G. Daratos)

    Tomorrow's meeting of Greece and Turkey's permanent diplomatic representatives at NATO, at the invitation of NATO Secretary General Javier Solana, will be of a typical nature if ultimately carried out.

    According to diplomatic sources in Brussels, Mr. Solana's ideas and proposals on decreasing tension in the Aegean, known as confidence-building measures, are being expected, but have not yet reached any of the two sides.

    However, until late on Tuesday night NATO's General Secretariat had not officially announced that the two permanent representatives, G. Savvaidis and T. Oceri, had been invited for tomorrow.

    The same sources said that in the event that Mr. Solana presents his new ideas, the Greek side will state that it will examine them and give a reply in the next few weeks.

    [12] Greece condemns Turkish policy of continuously presenting demands

    New York, 09/10/1997 (ANA/M. Georgiadou)

    Greece's permanent representative to the United Nations has expressed regret at Turkey's tactic of continually presenting demands aimed at changing the status quo in the Aegean.

    "Nevertheless, it is a fact, and not propaganda, that Turkey has presented since 1974 an open-ended agenda of claims that converge into the single objective of revising the existing status quo in the Aegean," he said.

    Replying to statements by his Turkish counterpart on October 3, he said that in its attempts to lay claim to the Imia islet and the island of Gavdos last year, as well as its references to "grey areas" in the Aegean, Turkey was distorting the truth.

    "In order to deny these facts, my colleague has distorted realities," he said.

    "Turkey maintains that all its claims against Greece can be solved through dialogue, without any reference to international law," the diplomat said, adding that no country would accept such a dialogue that would legalize claims that had no basis in inter national law.

    "One cannot begin a dialogue with a neighbour who wants to take away part of one's sovereignty," he said.

    "Turkey asserts that the whole range of arbitrary claims that she has put forward concerning Greek sovereignty or sovereign rights in the Aegean should be resolved through dialogue, a convenient code-word for negotiations without reference to the rules and principles of International Law. Such a dialogue is unacceptable for any country because it would legitimize claims that have no foundation in International Law. You cannot conduct a dialogue with a neighbour that intends to acquire parts of your sovereign territory," he added.

    He referred to Greece's proposal for a step-by-step process to improve relations with Turkey, a process which entailed referring Turkey's claim on Imia to the International Court at The Hague, for both countries to refer to the same body the issue of the continental shelf, as well as a dialogue on a series of bilateral issues already agreed upon.

    "Turkey has constantly rejected the realistic approach offered by successive Greek governments," he said.

    Greece had no claims against Turkey, other than it adopt good-neighbourly relations, as laid out in the Madrid communique signed this summer, calling for respect for existing provisions in international law and treaties determining existing borders.

    "The bottom line in Greek-Turkish relations is really very simple as far as Greece is concerned: on our side, we have no claims, or designs of any kind against Turkey. We have no demands from Turkey, other than good neighboring relations based on respect for the principles of International Law and Treaties," he said.

    Greece, he added, continued to support the principles contained in the communique and urged Turkey to follow Greece's realistic approach to all issues that were casting their shadow over bilateral relations, "in the spirit of Madrid," he said.

    "We call again upon Turkey to submit to the general jurisdiction of the Court, as Greece has done, and follow our realistic approach for clearing the issues that shadow our relations within the spirit prescribed by our Madrid statement," he concluded.

    [13] US State Department list of terrorist groups

    Washington, 09/10/1997 (ANA)

    US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright released a list yesterday of 30 groups Washington officially considers as terrorist.

    This action "sends a powerful signal that the United States will not tolerate support for international terrorism", she stated in an announcement yesterday.

    Ms. Albright acted under the authority provided by the US federal government's Anti-terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, with the concurrence of the US Attorney General and the US Secretary of the Treasury, the announcement said.

    It explained that on Oct. 1 the State Department notified Congress of Ms. Albright's intent to designate 30 foreign terrorist organizations. Congress also received the factual bases for her decisions on each of the designations, it added.

    The formal announcement of the designations was placed in the Federal Register on Oct. 8, and the Department of the Treasury has notified financial institutions to block funds of the designated organizations.

    "The designations are a significant addition to (US) enforcement tools against international terrorists and their supporters," it said.

    It added, "The 1996 law makes it a criminal offence to provide funds or other forms of material support or resources, such as weapons or safe-houses, to designated foreign terrorist organizations".

    The law applies to anyone within the United States or subject to the jurisdiction of this country, while violators are subject to fines and up to 10 years in prison.

    The 30 terrorist organizations from Asia, Latin America, the Middle and Far East, Africa and Europe include the two shadowy Greece-based groups, referred to as "Revolutionary Organization 17 November" and the "Revolutionary People's Struggle" (ELA).

    [14] Greece to send help to quake-stricken Italy

    Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)

    The environment, town planning and public works ministry will send assistance to the Italian government following a recent destructive earthquake in central Italy.

    Responding to an Italian request, the ministry said that within October it will send 15 portable units to be used for the housing of earthquake victims.

    [15] ELBO unveils new armoured vehicle model

    Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)

    A new type of armoured vehicle has been unveiled by the Hellenic Vehicles Industry (ELBO) for potential use by the Greek armed forces, ELBO president Lycourgos Sakelaris announced yesterday.

    At an event attended by National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, Mr. Sakelaris said that the "Centaur" model is slightly larger than the armoured personnel carrier "Leonidas" and features a gun and machine gun.

    It is a tracked vehicle which can reach a speed of up to 70km per hour and will be used to support infantry units.

    Armed forces officers will be shown the plans for the vehicle in Athens in a fortnight and decide if it is worth producing.

    [16] Holbrooke: Recent Greek-Turkish impasse won't affect US effort on Cyprus

    Washington, 09/10/1997 (ANA/T. Ellis)

    The recent failure of a US effort to record progress in Greek-Turkish relations will not affect Washington's efforts on the Cyprus issue, special US presidential emissary on the Cyprus issue Richard Holbrooke said yesterday.

    After a meeting at the Greek embassy with ethnic Greek residents in the US, Mr. Holbrooke said he planned to visit Athens, Ankara and Nicosia but did not know exactly when.

    He said that at this point he would concentrate his efforts on economic co-operation between Greek and Turkish businessmen and on promoting economic ties between the two communities on Cyprus.

    [17] US official cites Athens, Ankara resolve to solve differences

    Washington, 09/10/1997 (ANA/T. Ellis)

    Athens and Ankara have shown a willingness to resolve their differences, US President Bill Clinton's national security adviser told the 13th Hellenic-American Conference on Tuesday.

    Samuel Berger referred to differences which, he said, exist on land, air and at sea, saying that prospects for their resolution have been improved. He added that what is needed now "is an agreement on a process for resolution" so that at a time when NATO is preparing to welcome new republics, two of its oldest member-states will put an end to their differences.

    Mr. Berger also spoke of the Clinton administration's commitment to promoting peace in the Mediterranean.

    "We care about the region, not only because of the Hellenic-American community and the strategic position of Greece, but also because we see the potential that real peace can bring the people of Greece, Turkey and Cyprus...", he said.

    [18] Papoutsis-Kasoulides meeting in Brussels

    Brussels, 09/10/1997 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)

    Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides held talks with EU Commissioner Christos Papoutsis here last night.

    Shortly afterwards, both officials said the meeting was extremely useful.

    Mr. Papoutsis said the Commission's position is known that accession negotiations with Cyprus will start in 1998, adding that he and Mr. Kasoulides discussed how the small and medium-sized enterprises of Cyprus could be supported by European Union funds .

    Mr. Kasoulides said he was pleased both by his meeting with the Commissioner and with contacts he had with EU officials in past days, stressing that the climate he found was definitely better compared to his latest visit to European capitals.

    [19] Dutch royal couple visit Meteora, 2004 headquarters

    Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)

    Queen Beatrix and Prince Klaus of the Netherlands continued their three-day official trip to Greece yesterday with a visit to a monastery perched atop a unique tower-like rock formation at Meteora in central Greece.

    The royal couple, accompanied by Dutch officials, arrived at Larisa airport yesterday morning and were flown to Meteora by helicopter. Queen Beatrix visited the Monastery of the Transfiguration, the largest of the monasteries at Meteora, which literally translates as 'suspended in mid air'.

    Beatrix was welcomed by the Bishop of Stages and Meteora, Serapheim, and the abbot of the monastery, Archimandrite Athanasios. During her stay, she listened to Byzantine hymns, while Archimandrite Athanasios provided a brief history of the monastery, before presenting the Dutch Queen with an icon and a commemorative book.

    Yesterday's visit to Meteora was Queen Beatrix's second, having visited with her husband in 1961 when she was still a princess. During a special ceremony, held later yesterday afternoon at the Athens Town Hall, Queen Beatrix was handed the city's gold key and gold medal by Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos.

    Addressing the Dutch Queen, Mr. Avramopoulos stressed that Greece and the Netherlands were on a common course in the European Union.

    Afterwards, the Dutch queen visited the Athens 2004 bid committee's headquarters in Zappeion Hall.

    Beatrix congratulated Greece on winning the hosting of the Olympic Games of 2004.

    "I am sure you will succeed in this great challenge since you have the appropriate human resources", she said.

    Beatrix also toured the Merchant Marine Training Centre (KESEN) in Piraeus.

    The royal couple will visit the "Treasures of Mount Athos" exhibition today. The Byzantine Museum of Thessaloniki will be closed to the public between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to allow the Dutch royal couple to view the exhibits.

    [20] No extra cash for Athens metro contractors, minister says

    Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)

    Environment, Town Planning an d Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis yesterday criticized the international consortium building the Athens metro over its attitude to geological problems uncovered in central Athens during construction. Mr. Laliotis said Olympic Metro, the project's contractor, comprising more than 20 firms from Greece and abroad, was fully responsible for assessing geological data and selecting the method of digging underground tunnels.

    "The Olympic Metro consortium is fully responsible and the ministry will not earmark any more funds to deal with the new problems," he told reporters.

    Mr. Laliotis was responding to hints by a representative of the consortium over the need for extra funds for the additional works required.

    Earlier, Mr. Laliotis chaired a meeting of political party representatives, with the exception of the main opposition conservative New Democracy party, to outline developments.

    He stressed that works to build the Metro were being conducted safely in terms of both people and buildings, and dismissed talk of possible seismic problems.

    [21] More EIB funding for Egnatia acquired

    Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)

    Completion of the eastern part of the Egnatia Motorway project will now proceed after a contract for the first installment of a European Investment Bank (EIB) loan of 70 billion drachmas was signed yesterday in Thessaloniki.

    The contract was signed by Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis and EIB vice-president Panagiotis Gennimatas. Egnatia will span the breadth of northern Greece when completed, connecting the Ionian port of Igoumenitsa with the Greek-Turkish border.

    The eastern part of Egnatia relates to the Kavala by-pass and Komotini-Kipoi stretch.

    Mr. Gennimatas said that though the Komitini-Kipoi road will be of "low return", it will be funded by the EIB because it serves the economic development of Thrace. He added that the construction of the Egnatia Motorway "signaled the open proposals for co-operation and strengthening of economic ties with the other side (Turkey)."

    Mr. Gennimatas announced that next month he will travel to Turkey in order to hold discussions on a proposal for the extension of Egnatia as far as Istanbul, the construction of which will probably be co-funded by the two countries.

    On his part, Mr. Laliotis gave assurances that no cuts will be made on other major projects, including the proposed Thessaloniki metro.

    [22] CoE members inspect living conditions for Moslem minorities

    Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)

    A Council of Europe (CoE) committee responsible for overseeing the application of obligations by member-states completed its tour of Thrace yesterday.

    The committee for maintaining obligations and commitments of member-states of the CoE's parliamentary assembly spent three days visiting Xanthi, Rodopi and Evros prefectures to examine the living conditions of the Moslem minority in those areas.

    The visit follows protests claiming discrimination by Athens against members of the minority.

    The two-member committee is expected to arrive in Athens today to meet with ministers and deputies, in order to prepare a report for the council on their findings.

    [23] Gov't calls on trade union 'not to pose dilemmas' in social dialogue

    Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)

    Government spokesman Demetris Reppas yesterday called on social partners, particularly trade unions, to "weigh their own interests in relation to the interests of Greek society", amid unrest emerging among participants in the government-initiated process of social dialogue on economic and labour issues.

    Labour Minister Miltiades Papaioannou also called on the trade unions "not to pose dilemmas" and to formulate their stand "beyond expediencies", when asked about the repercussions of a likely walk out of the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) delegation from the dialogue.

    "I do not wish to become a prophet of doom, but in such a case, the government is ready to adopt the necessary decisions," he said.

    Coalition of the Left and Progress-affiliated GSEE delegates later called on the trade union to walk out from the dialogue, describing the process as "heavy-handed persuasion".

    In a letter to GSEE's board, Communist Party of Greece (KKE)-affiliated trade unionists called for an immediate withdrawal, a change in course and escalation of mobilizations, starting with the general strike of Oct. 23.

    They warned participants in the dialogue that they do not have "any authorization" to sign an agreement on the crucial issues under discussion, the eight-hour working day, full employment, social security, and free collective bargaining.

    In the face of a likely withdrawal of all other party-affilitated sides from the dialogue, GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos said trade unions would maintain until the end "the responsible, mature and beneficial for the workers stand".

    Meanwhile, the civil servants' union (ADEDY) warned in a statement that the government's insistence on a mass extension of part-time employment in the public sector could "dynamite" the process of dialogue, claiming that the measure falsified the permanent employment status of civil servants and led to a major loss of jobs.

    [24] EU to take legal action to open up telecoms

    Brussels, 09/10/1997 (Reuter)

    The European Commission said yesterday it plan-ned to take legal action before the end of the month against several European Union (EU) countries that have not properly opened their telecoms markets to competition.

    EU Competition Commissioner Karel Van Miert strongly hinted that Greece and Belgium would be among the target countries but declined to give further details.

    Mr. Van Miert made the comments when unveiling the Commission's latest "report card" on the actions taken in each of the 15 member states to liberalize their telecommunications markets.

    The report said that most EU states were on course to meet the January 1, 1998 deadline for abolishing all state telecoms monopolies, but that others needed to make "considerably more effort".

    It said the Commission planned to open "infringement procedures" -- which could ultimately end up before the European Court of Justice -- against the recalcitrant governments.

    "The champion in this division would be Greece," he told a news conference when asked which countries would be targeted.

    Greece won an exemption which gives it until January 1, 2001 to open its voice telephone market. But the report shows that it has lagged in implementing other EU rules in areas including mobile phone infrastructure and "intercon-nection" agreements between rival phone companies.

    Mr. Van Miert also criticized Belgium, noting that it had not yet adopted key texts on licensing and "tariff rebalancing" -- that is, orienting tariffs to actual costs rather than having long-distance calls subsidize local ones.

    "(Belgian) texts are being prepared but we haven't yet reached a stage where the procedure can be started for the granting of licenses -- and competition has to be up and working from the start of next year," he said.

    [25] OA discounts on European destinations

    Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)

    Olympic Airways is reducing its fares by up to 35 per cent as of October 1, to 15 destinations in Europe from Athens and Thessaloniki. The fares apply to the entire winter season.

    The return fare from Athens and Thessaloniki to London drops from 169,000 to 92,000 drachmas, Brussels from 186,000 to 89,000 drachmas and to Dusseldorf from 161,400 to 77,000 drachmas.

    [26] ELBO nets 90 bln Dr contract for Greek armed forces

    Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)

    The Hellenic Vehicles Industry (ELBO) is to undertake a 90 billion drachma program on behalf of the Greek armed forces for the manufacture of wheeled military vehicles.

    Making the announcement yesterday in Thessaloniki, National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said ELBO would be commissioned to undertake the program within the next three to four months. The procurement includes 2,000 large- and medium- size trucks, 611 multi-purpose vehicles, 88 military buses and dozens of jeeps. "

    It is necessary for co-operation between ELBO and the armed forces to be intensified within the framework of the general effort to bolster our defense, which constitutes a prerequisite for consolidating a climate of security in the region, and which in t urn will facilitate the economic development of the country," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said.

    During a visit to ELBO's installations yesterday, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos signed an agreement on behalf of the national defense ministry for the procurement of 57 Leonidas-type armoured personnel carriers at a cost of 19 billion drachmas.

    [27] Elderly in Greece show high chronic depression rates

    Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)

    More than 200,000 elderly Greeks suffer from chronic depression, the Greek Gerontological and Geriatric Association said yesterday.

    In an announcement for a seminar on the issue on Monday in Thessaloniki, the association said that 8 per cent of the total population experiences a depression crisis at least once a year.

    The percentage of younger people was lower, while 20 per cent of senior citizens suffered from chronic depression, experts said, with more men affected.

    Therapy could obliterate the problem, they said, but most people didn't even know they were suffering from the disorder.

    The association said the aged showed a higher rate of affliction mainly because most are no longer part of the labour force and felt they were useless to society, even if they lived with their children's families.

    [28] Antiquities smugglers arrested, artifacts confiscated

    Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)

    Antiquities smugglers in possession of five statues depicting the ancient goddess Artemis, all dug up in a rural area of Thessaloniki, were arrested by police when they attempted to sell the artifacts.

    Police arrested Georgios Triantafyllou, 60, on Tuesday after finding three parts of the statues and two parts from busts of the same goddess in the basement of his bar in Liti, Thessaloniki. Archaeologists said the findings are priceless and date back t o the 2nd century BC.

    Police said the statues were found 12 years ago at the location "Tessari" in the rural region of Lagino, Thessaloniki by Nikos Leloudis, 44, and Apostolos Polyzoudis, 44, who hid them in the formers' stall.

    They gave them to Triantafyllou last May to sell, according to reports.

    [29] Greek stocks hit new record close, approach 1,800 pts

    Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)

    Greek equities resumed their upward trend to post a new record close on the Athens Stock Exchange yesterday supported by a fall in inflation and a decision by National Bank of Greece to cut deposit and loan rates. The general index closed 1.07 percent higher at 1,794.14 points. Traders predicted that the index would break the 1,800 level by the end of the week.

    Sector indices scored big gains. Banks rose 0.85 percent, Insurance was 0.82 percent higher, Leasing jumped 7.12 percent, Investment soared 2.41 percent, Construction was 0.30 percent up, Industrials rose 1.29 percent, Miscellaneous increased 0.63 percent and Holding was 3.07 percent up.

    The parallel market index for small cap companies bucked the trend to end 0.12 percent down.

    Trading was extremely heavy and turnover was 31.4 billion drachmas.

    Broadly, advancers led decliners by 172 to 65 with another 20 issues unchanged.

    Sanyo, Fourlis, Halkor, Macedonian Plastics, Alte, Chipita, Metka and Alcatel scored the biggest percentage gains, while Lanakam, Benroubi, Medical Centre and Kambas suffered the heaviest losses.

    National Bank of Greece ended at 33,140 drachmas, Ergobank at 19,710, Alpha Credit at 20,995, Delta Dairy at 4,240, Titan Cement at 16,880, Intracom at 15,450 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organization at 6,900.

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

    [30] Greek state telecom orders Dr 70 bln of supplies

    Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)

    Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (EOT) will sign a series of contracts worth 70 billion drachmas for supplies over the next five years, its board said yesterday.

    The state telecom's board also decided to appeal to the Council of State, the country's highest administrative court, over a decision to abolish a decision by the national telecommunications committee allowing higher connection fees in the mobile telephone network.

    [31] Athens hosts conference on public admin in central/eastern Europe

    Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)

    Greece is ready to give countries of central and eastern Europe the benefit of its experience in reshaping public administration.

    "This will contribute decisively to the task of administrative reorganization," Public Administration Under-secretary Stavros Benos told the first day of a seminar for civil servants in the region, yesterday.

    The government was aware of the difficulties facing administrators in central and eastern Europe in adapting to unification of the European Union, and the role of public administration in achieving unity was crucial, Mr. Benos said. Greece has devised a scheme to reform local government, which has yet to be voted by parliament, and is trying to streamline operations in state services. The three-day seminar on administration and European unification is being held under Sigma, a program run by the Organization of Economic Coope-ration and Development.

    Hosting the event are Greece's interior, public administration and decentralization ministry with the National Centre for Public Administration.

    [32] ETBA contracts increase in first eight-month period

    Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)

    New contracts concluded by the Hellenic Industrial Development Bank (ETBA) over the January-August period increased by 122 per cent and amounted to five billion drachmas, compared to 2.3 billion drachmas over the corresponding period last year.

    The target set by the company's administration is seven billion drachmas by the end of the year, a development meaning more than doubling 1996 figures.

    Following the example set by the mother bank, the company is penetrating markets in Romania and Moldova. Lastly, ETBA Leasing is applying a plan to receive poor debts stemming from contracts which are not being serviced.

    [33] Ergo mutual funds perform above average

    Athens, 09/10/1997 (ANA)

    Total assets for Ergobank mutual funds totaled 601 billion drachmas on Sept. 30, achieving an 82.86 per cent increase against the corresponding period last year.

    During January-September 1997, the corresponding increase is 62.6 per cent, or 231 billion drachmas.

    Assets for Ergobank Anaptyxiako mutual funds totaled 15.8 billion drachmas, an increase of 1.46 per cent since the beginning of the year. Its total return of 79.72 per cent since the beginning of the year places it at the top level in its category and is considerably higher than the average in that category (75.26 per cent).

    Increases were also registered in assets of other categories of Ergo mutual funds.

    End of English language section.


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