Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 98-02-05
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1408), February 5, 1998
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] ND crisis deepens after expulsions finalized
[02] ... Reactions
[03] Greek Parliament delegation concludes visit to Sofia
[04] Kranidiotis meets with British leadership
[05] Simitis backs Pangalos' remarks on The Hague solution for Ankara
[06] ... Comments on Imia
[07] ... No request on assistance regarding Iraq
[08] Meeting of defense ministers in FYROM postponed
[09] Resolution for Kurds' political asylum
[10] Pangalos off on tour of Central America
[11] Turkish diplomat thanks merchant marine for efforts
[12] Athens 2004 organizing committee presented at Nagano Games
[13] Conference of Greek, Turkish journalists
[14] Political parties' funding
[15] Improved protection for Akrotiri site on Santorini
[16] Prince Charles to be patron of British Archaeology School
[17] School program targets rising incidence of gum disease
[18] Farmers block nat'l highway for one hour
[19] ... Fishermen to block port
[20] ... Court appeal
[21] Greek, Italian officials focus on euro
[22] OECD industry committee convenes in Paris
[23] Rising interest rates hit Greek stocks
[24] Transport ministry to hire private consultants
[25] Greece acts to improve merchant marine education system
[26] Finance ministry's measures to facilitate taxpayers
[27] Macedonia-Thrace Bank staff begin 48-hour strike
[28] Gov't promises bill on compound interest issue
[29] Petrol prices rise
[30] Industrial transformation bureau in Xanthi
[01] ND crisis deepens after expulsions finalized
Athens, 05/02/1998 (ANA)
A crisis within the ranks of the main opposition New Democracy
party, prompted by an ND disciplinary council decision to expel
three senior deputies and suspend another three, deepened
yesterday after the first three were removed from the party's
Parliamentary group while the others were suspended for a year.
ND leader Costas Karamanlis finalized the expulsions and the
suspensions from ND's Parliamentary group in a letter to
Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis.
The six deputies had abstained from a parliamentary vote on a
controversial amendment regarding labor relations in public
sector enterprises and utilities (DEKOs), disregarding the party
line of voting against the amendment.
"With their stance, they effectively placed themselves outside
the party," Mr. Karamanlis said after a roll-call vote early
Tuesday night.
ND's disciplinary council was urgently convened on Tuesday by
Mr. Karamanlis, and early yesterday decided on the expulsion of
George Souflias, Stephanos Manos and Vassilis Kontoyiannopoulos
from the party, and a one-year suspension for Petros Tatoulis,
Nikos Kakkalos and Anastasis Papaligouras. It took no
disciplinary action against a seventh deputy, George
Panayotopoulos, who did not show up for the parliamentary
session due to illness.
Mr. Souflias, 56, who held several ministerial posts under
various ND governments, including the national economy, tourism
and education portfolios, had contested the party leadership at
ND's last congress last March.
Mr. Manos, 59, also held several ministerial posts, including
the national economy, finance, industry and energy, and town
planning and environment portfolios. He had initially contested
the party's leadership, but eventually threw his support behind
Mr. Souflias.
Mr. Kontoyiannopoulos, 55, a former education minister, had also
supported Mr. Souflias' candidacy. All three abstained from the
vote, while Mr. Tatoulis and Mr. Kakkalos walked out of the vote
and Mr. Papaligouras did not show up. Mr. Tatoulis, Mr. Kakkalos
and Mr. Papaligouras had also supported the Souflias candidacy.
Mr. Panayotopoulos, 68, who had served in the past as minister
of transport and minister of commerce, had backed Mr.
Karamanlis' candidacy.
In statements yesterday the three expelled deputies harshly
criticized the decision, while there was speculation on the
prospects for the founding of a new political formation, fueled
by Mr. Souflias' unclear reference to "the other party".
Mr. Souflias described the decision as not in tune with the
party's charter, as politically unacceptable and morally
impermissible, winding up a series of pre-determined decisions
by a small group which arbitrarily replaced established organs
and procedures.
"New Democracy supporters are watching with surprise this group
which, with ample imprudence, is creating another party as it
suits them," he said.
He added, however, that he would fight on, as always, for the
good of the party and its victory.
Mr. Manos also said the decision was in contradiction of the
party charter, unjustifiable and above all unfair.
He said he expected that the decision will not be devoid of
benefits.
"Those who expelled us knocked down the party's barrier of
unity... The damage will be repaired one way or another. It's a
long way away and much effort will be required," he said.
Mr. Kontoyiannopoulos did not rule out the establishment of a
new party and his participation, when questioned.
He said the decision to expel him shows the weakness of the
party's leadership in responding to the challenges of tomorrow
which cannot be pursued through inertia and confusion. He also
noted he was a founding member of the party, and had served as
minister in all governments the party had formed.
"No one can write-off my contribution. I am a part of the great
liberal side, and I am not saying good-bye to its supporters, we
are forging ahead even stronger".
He ended by saying that New Democracy had to back any hesitant
steps the government made and press it to make even bolder ones.
Commenting on the expulsions and suspensions, ND honorary
president and former prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis said
"a small group of would-be guardians prepared and executed
persecutions in a manner alien to our democratic party. The
great progressive party of the 47 per cent should not and will
not be shrunken to the limits of that small group. I want to
believe that the new party leader, whom no one has undermined
nor disputed, will comprehend this reality".
Former prime minister George Rallis also expressed disapproval,
regretting the fact, as he said, that the leadership of the
party had led it to a rift.
He noted that the controversial amendment had been in the right
direction.
[02] ... Reactions
Athens, 05/02/1998 (ANA)
Commenting on the developments in ND, government spokesman
Demetris Reppas ruled out the possibility of the Greek political
scene becoming like that of Italy, with major political parties
splintering into smaller ones.
The spokesman said ND was the victim of its "anachronistic and
old-style party past" and attributed what he described as the
"fluidity" within its ranks to the vagueness of its policy and
the weakness of its program.
Asked whether the government was in contact with the expelled
deputies, Mr. Reppas said the government was not interested if
they held views close to certain government positions.
"The government does not intend to send any message to them, nor
to take any initiative for consultations with them," he added.
Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said "no one should be glad
for what is happening in New Democracy today. It is regrettable.
Disagreements within parties should be treated with democratic
means".
Communist Party of Greece Secretary General Aleka Papariga said
the expulsions from ND and the situation in PASOK has given rise
to a free debate on the immediate future of the country's
political future.
She added her party was looking forward to a broad front of
communists and non-communists with a view to effecting
substantial changes, beginning with this autumn's municipal
elections.
The Coalition of the Left press office predicted broader
realignments in the country's political map.
"The model of the two party system cannot express the processes
and quests taking place in society and political life today.
With a background of intensifying social unrest, the need for
changes in political life and system is strengthened," the
statement read.
Political Spring (Pol.An) party spokesman Akis Gerontopoulos
said the latest developments confirmed the view that internal
party differences were greater than those between parties.
[03] Greek Parliament delegation concludes visit to Sofia
Sofia, 05/02/1998 (ANA - B. Borisov)
Members of a delegation of Parliament's foreign affairs
committee said at the end of a visit here yesterday they were
convinced that both the Bulgarian Parliament and the government
had a strong desire to further develop bilateral relations with
Greece.
In statements to the ANA in Sofia at the end of a three-day
visit, the head of the delegation and chairman of the committee,
Lefteris Veryvakis, said its members were leaving Bulgaria
"completely satisfied".
He was speaking after talks with Bulgarian President Petar
Stoyanov.
During talks, Mr. Veryvakis reiterated Greek support for
Bulgaria's bid to join the European Union and NATO.
Mr. Veryvakis also announced an agreement providing for regular
meetings every six months between Greek and Bulgarian deputies
as part of efforts to upgrade co-operation between the
parliaments of the two countries, particularly in the areas of
security and defense.
[04] Kranidiotis meets with British leadership
London, 05/02/1998 (ANA)
Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis paid a one-day visit
to London yesterday at the invitation of Sir David Hannay, the
special representative of the European Union's presidency on the
Cyprus issue and the personal envoy of British P rime Minister
Tony Blair on Euro-Turkish relations.
Mr. Kranidiotis also met Under-secretary of State for European
Affairs Doug Henderson and the British Foreign Ministry's
political director Mr. Greenstock.
His talks focused on Cyprus' accession course to the EU, the
formula for the Turkish Cypriots' participation in the
delegation to conduct accession negotiations and developments in
relations between the EU and Turkey, also in light of Sir
Hannay's recent meeting in Ankara with Turkish Prime Minister
Mesut Yilmaz.
According to reports, the British officials expressed their
interest to Mr. Kranidiotis on the proposal the government of
Cyprus will submit for the Turkish Cypriots' participation in
the group to conduct accession negotiations. However, they do
not raise this issue as a precondition for their start.
The British officials conveyed the assessment to Mr. Kranidiotis
that Turkey will not accept the invitation to participate in the
European Conference and briefed him on the British presidency's
intention to convene an EU-Turkey association council in May.
[05] Simitis backs Pangalos' remarks on The Hague solution for Ankara
Athens, 05/02/1998 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis last night backed Foreign Minister
Theodoros Pangalos' recent statements calling on Ankara to take
recourse to the International Court of Justice at The Hague on
any claims it had vis-a-vis Greece.
Speaking in Parliament, the premier said that in 1993, when
Greece accepted the general jurisdiction of the International
Court - with reservations on defense and security issues - it
had also approved of the Court's rules.
Mr. Pangalos had made the statements to the Turkish daily
"Milliyet".
Mr. Simitis further said the government had been observing this
new reality since then.
He added that Greece was calling on Turkey to embrace the same
principles of international practice, and to work on its foreign
relations in accordance with international law.
According to the prime minister, acceptance by Greece of the
jurisdiction of the International Court was an exceptionally
important fact, which further "buffered our proposal for a
step-by-step rapprochement.
"There is no change in our policy," he said.
[06] ... Comments on Imia
Washington, 05/02/1998 (ANA - A. Ellis)
A US official, who has first-hand knowledge of the Imia crisis,
yesterday said that "during the difficult hours of the crisis at
Imia/Kardak the actions of the political leaderships in both
countries were directed by their national interests."
On his part, US State Department spokesman Jim Foley stated that
"we followed the events very closely at that time in 1996, and
we were in close contact with the two governments in order to
help defuse a volatile situation and prevent the outbreak of
violence."
[07] ... No request on assistance regarding Iraq
Athens, 05/02/1998 (ANA)
Meanwhile, the government said yesterday that Assistant US
Secretary of State for European Affairs, Mark Grossman, had not
requested Greek assistance in any military operations which may
be carried out against Iraq.
Government spokesman Demetris Reppas said Greece was in favor of
the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, was
opposed to the use of weapons of mass destruction and desired a
peaceful solution to the crisis.
Mr. Grossman had talks here on Monday with National Defense
Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, who stressed that all diplomatic
efforts must be exhausted for a peaceful settlement of the Iraq
problem.
[08] Meeting of defense ministers in FYROM postponed
Skopje, 05/02/1998 (ANA - M. Vihou)
A meeting between the defense ministers of the Former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Greece, Albania and Bulgaria has
been postponed, at least temporarily.
The meeting was initially scheduled to take place in the town of
Ohrid in FYROM on Feb. 7-8 and afterwards on Feb. 14.
The relevant development was announced yesterday by the
spokesman of the FYROM defense ministry, which said that "a
reply had not yet been received from the Bulgarian defense
ministry, which complicated activities on organizing the
ministerial meeting."
Positive replies had been given by Defense Minister Akis
Tsohatzopoulos and his Albanian counterpart Sabin Brokaj, while
Bulgarian Defense Minister Georgi Ananiev had not given a reply
until yesterday.
Press circles in Skopje attribute this primarily to a recent
worsening in relations between Sofia and Skopje and also due to
the postponement of Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov's visit
to FYROM in April.
According to the announcement by the FYROM defense ministry, the
meeting was aimed at implementing an open dialogue between
neighboring countries with the purpose of exchanging views on
such issues as the illegal crossing of borders, weapons
smuggling, international terrorism and organized crime, as well
as better relations between countries in southeastern Europe, in
the spirit of the meetings held in Madrid and Sofia.
[09] Resolution for Kurds' political asylum
Athens, 05/02/1998 (ANA)
A group of organizations and groups yesterday presented a
resolution calling for the granting of political asylum to
Kurdish refugees in Greece.
The resolution noted that the Kurds are forced to flee for
political and not economic reasons, thus the granting of work
permits does not constitute a solution.
The General Confederation of Workers of Greece, the Civil
Servants' Supreme Administrative Council and the Athens Bar
Association signed the resolution, among others.
[10] Pangalos off on tour of Central America
Athens, 05/02/1998 (ANA)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos left yesterday on a 10-day
tour of Central American countries to promote Greece's candidacy
for a non-permanent seat on the United Nation's Security Council
for the 1999-2000 period as well as to promote bilateral
relations.
Mr. Pangalos will visit Bermuda, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and
Barbados and the west African country of Senegal before
returning to Athens on Feb. 14.
Mr. Pangalos was to arrive in Bermuda yesterday after a brief
refueling stopover in Portugal, before going on to Mexico City
on Thursday.
On Friday, Mr. Pangalos will hold separate meetings with Mexican
Trade and Commerce Minister Heminio Blanco, Foreign Minister
Rosario Green and chairman of the Mexican Congressional
Committee on Foreign Relations, Fernando Solana Morales. He will
also be received by President Ernesto Zedillo, while in the
afternoon Mr. Pangalos and Ms Green will sign a memorandum of
political consultations and attend the signing of the final act
of the third conference of the Joint Greece-Mexico Educational
and Cultural Committee.
Mr. Pangalos will spend the weekend in Mexico on a private
itinerary, including visits to archaeological sites and museums,
before traveling to Costa Rica on Monday where he will told
talks with Foreign Minister Dr. Fernando Naranjo Villalobos.
On Tuesday, Feb. 10, he will meet his Nicaraguan counterpart
Emilio Alvarez Montalvan before attending the ninth EU-San Jose
ministerial conference, comprising representatives from the EU
member-states, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Honduras, El
Salvad or and Colombia, a conference which aims at closer
co-operation between the EU and Central America.
On Wednesday, he flies to Panama where he will attend the 8th
ministerial conference of the EU-Rio Group, comprising
representatives of EU member-states, Peru, Chile, Brazil,
Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, which targets closer
co-operation between the EU and Latin America.
Mr. Pangalos will also inaugurate a Greek cultural center in
Panama on Wednesday evening.
The Panamanian government last April donated a 50-hectare plot
in the "City of Knowledge" to the nation's ethnic Greek
community for the construction of a Hellenic Cultural Center.
The center is part of an ambitious project called "City of
Knowledge", comprising an international center of training,
promotion of scientific and technological research, and
innovation in areas considered strategic for the development of
the sciences, economy, culture, sustainable development and
democracy.
After the conclusion of the two-day EU-Rio Group conference on
Thursday, Feb. 12, Mr. Pangalos will fly to Barbados for a
one-hour stopover before embarking on the last stop on his tour
in Senegal on Friday morning on a private itinerary.
He leaves Senegal at noon, Saturday (Feb. 14) and will return to
Athens, where he is due to arrive at 10:30 p.m.
[11] Turkish diplomat thanks merchant marine for efforts
Athens, 05/02/1998 (ANA)
Turkey's Consul General in Greece, Yasar Togo, has expressed
"heartfelt thanks" to the Search and Rescue Center of the
Merchant Marine Ministry for the gigantic operation launched to
save the crew of a Turkish-flagged freighter which sank off Evia
in December.
In a letter to the center, Mr. Togo also expressed gratitude for
the efforts made to find a Turkish seaman who was missing after
the ship went down on December 10.
Eleven crew members of the 996-ton "S. Ugurlu", sailing from
Thessaloniki to Italy with a cargo of magnesium ore, were
rescued in the operation.
Mr. Togo noted that "this exemplary effort" of the Search and
Rescue Center and the coast-guard officers of Kymi, Evia
"contributes further to the strengthening of friendly relations
between Greece and Turkey".
[12] Athens 2004 organizing committee presented at Nagano Games
Nagano, Japan 05/02/1998 (ANA - P. Pervolaris)
"Apart from the Olympic Games, democracy was also born in
ancient Greece. It is a great responsibility and challenge to
organize games according to the principles of the Olympic
Charter and the terms of the contract,"
Sports Under-secretary Andreas Fouras said in a video recording
yesterday, shown as part of an official presentation on the
Athens 2004 Olympic organizing committee at the current Winter
Olympics.
Mr. Fouras also stated that "we have placed particular weight on
efficiency and transparency, as well as the scheme of the
organizational committee," that the legal framework is ready,
and that Greece is geared to a national effort to achieve the
success of the Games.
The presentation, comprising video recordings and speeches, was
warmly received by the international Olympic Committee (IOC),
whose president Juan Antonio Samaranch expressed confidence that
"Greece will organize the best Olympic Games of all times".
Earlier, Alternate Foreign minister George Papandreou
re-introduced to IOC members a Greek proposal for establishment
of an international truce for the duration of the Games.
The proposal has envisaged the establishment of an ancient
Olympia-based international forum. The proposal has also been
warmly received by Mr. Samarach, who invited Mr. Papandreou to
discuss co-operation between the IOC and the Greek government.
[13] Conference of Greek, Turkish journalists
Athens, 05/02/1998 (ANA)
"The Journalists of the Aegean and Thrace for Peace," organized
a second meeting between Greek and Turkish journalists, which
will be inaugurated on Friday and will begin sessions on
Saturday.
More than 250 journalists, politicians and intellectuals from
Greece and Turkey will participate at the conference, which will
take place in Izmir.
The four discussion sections are:
- "The media and minorities in Greece and Turkey"
- "The first page of the newspaper. The trigger or the reason
for Greek-Turkish tension."
- "Anti-nationalist movements in Greece and Turkey"
- Greek-Turkish tension and the role of third parties."
[14] Political parties' funding
Athens, 05/02/1998 (ANA)
Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister
Alekos Papadopoulos yesterday approved a decision giving
political parties represented in the Parliament and
Europarliament a total of 10.24 billion drachmas in financial
aid.
The regular annual subsidy is 9.453 billion drachmas while the
rest of the money is allocated for research and educational
purposes.
PASOK will receive 3.754 billion drachmas, New Democracy 3.468
billion drachmas, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) 711
million drachmas, the Coalition for the Left and Progress
(Synaspismos) 670 million drachmas, the Democratic Social
Movement (DHKKI) 612 million drachmas and Political Spring 236
million drachmas.
[15] Improved protection for Akrotiri site on Santorini
Athens, 05/02/1998 (ANA)
The Central Archaeological Council (KAS) yesterday approved
plans for a four-billion-drachma structure to cover the unique
prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri, on the island of Santorini.
The previous structure, build some 30 years ago by the initial
excavating team is in disrepair.
The new roof will be made of local volcanic materials.
KAS members raised objections over the durability of the
building material, but according to a study, the structure will
be made of durable material.
[16] Prince Charles to be patron of British Archaeology School
Athens, 05/02/1998 (ANA)
Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, has agreed to become
Patron of the British School at Athens, in succession to the
Duke of Edinburgh, Patron since 1952, the British Embassy in
Athens announced yesterday.
It quoted Gerald Cadogan, Chairman of the School, as welcoming
the news as "a wonderful boost to the School that will give it
new vigor now that it is 111 years old", while addressing the
School's Annual Meeting.
The Prince also agreed to be the Patron of the School's
forthcoming Appeal for financial reinforcement, to be launched
in Athens and London later in the year.
British Ambassador to Athens Sir Michael Llewellyn Smith, who is
Vice-President of the British School at Athens, warmly welcomed
"this development which will encourage and hope the School in
realizing its development plans".
[17] School program targets rising incidence of gum disease
Athens, 05/02/1998 (ANA)
Between 60 and 65 per cent of Greek children suffer from tooth
decay - one of the highest rates in Europe, according to Athens
University's Laboratory of Preventive Dentistry.
Despite the fact that the incidence of tooth decay has been on
the decline in Greece in recent years, particularly in urban
centers, gum disease continues to afflict six out of ten Greek
children.
Before 1982, according to data published by the laboratory,
12-year-old children had at least four teeth affected by tooth
decay, while in the period 1982-1992, the average number of bad
teeth had fallen to two.
Ironically, according to the laboratory, one of the main reasons
for the poor level of dental hygiene has been the improvement in
the standard of living which unfortunately resulted in the per
capita annual consumption of sugar rising from 13 kilos in 1 960
to over 60 kilos in the present decade.
The figures were made known at a press conference yesterday
given by representatives of the Dental Association of Attica
which, in co-operation with Athens University, has organized a
"Preventive Dentistry Week" for February 9-13, during which
dentists will tour primary schools in Attica to inform children
about the importance of dental care.
A similar program was implemented in 1996 for children between
the ages of six and 12, resulting in an improvement in dental
hygiene of the order of 14 per cent and a 15 per cent increase
in visits to the dentist.
[18] Farmers block nat'l highway for one hour
Athens, 05/02/1998 (ANA)
Protesting farmers in central Greece, whose tractors have
remained parked along both sides of the Athens-Thessaloniki
national highway since Monday, yesterday blocked traffic on the
roadway for one hour between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.
The move is being seen as an indication that protesters are
determined to intensify mobilizations by setting up road
blockades, a tactic used extensively early last year.
Yesterday's blockades were set up on four points: Velestino,
Viokarpet, outside Volos and Socratous.
At the same time, area farmers were briefed on the latest
developments by members of the Panthessaly Coordinating
Committee (PASE), the group mostly behind the protests in
central Greece.
Meanwhile, new tractors arrivals are expected to join the
vehicles already parked alongside the national highway.
PASE members criticized both the government and other social
groups for not showing concern over protesting farmers' demands.
Two rallies are scheduled to be held today in Karditsa and
Trikala, while a meeting last night between PASE and the Larisa
Labor Center was considering whether to call a massive rally in
the city, probably tomorrow.
In a related development, a low turnout by farmers was recorded
earlier at a protest rally yesterday in Thessaloniki prefecture.
The prefecture's agricultural associations are planning a series
of gatherings in central village squares around the region to
inform farmers of future demonstrations against the government's
agricultural policy.
However, only a small number of farmers responded to a call to
deploy tractors and other farm machinery along highways in the
region, particularly the roads bet-ween Thessaloniki and the
Evzonoi border post.
[19] ... Fishermen to block port
Athens, 05/02/1998 (ANA)
A mobilization is also scheduled today at the Alexandroupoli
port by local fishermen, in protest over legal action taken by
the Social Security Foundation (IKA) with regard to social
security contributions for foreign workers.
Protesters will dock 20 fishing boats in the port's entrance to
block traffic.
A delegation of fishermen met Evros Prefect Giorgos Dolios
yesterday, who later described their demand as rightful.
A spokesman said that social security contributions for foreign
workers had been paid promptly to the Seamen's Pension Fund
(NAT), while IKA was arguing that they should be paid again and
with interest, on the virtue of an amendment in social security
regulations in 1996.
[20] ... Court appeal
Athens, 05/02/1998 (ANA)
Finally, the Confederation of Democratic Farmers' Associations
of Greece (SYDASE) has petitioned the Supreme Court to stop
trials of farmers charged with offenses related to previous
protest actions.
SYDASE President Yiannis Pittas submitted the plea yesterday,
saying that the government should realize that these trials did
nothing to resolve either the agricultural problem or the
protest actions.
He predicted that demonstrations would intensify over the next
few days and spread throughout the country.
[21] Greek, Italian officials focus on euro
Athens, 05/02/1998 (ANA)
A visiting Italian delegation, headed by Ambassador Vatani, met
Greek Foreign Ministry General Secretary for EU affairs, Stelios
Perrakis, yesterday in Athens. Talks between the two sides
focused on the course towards the common European currency, the
euro, and prospects for its implementation. Discussions were
also attended by officials from the Bank of Greece, the national
economy ministry and the PM's office.
[22] OECD industry committee convenes in Paris
Paris, 05/02/1998 (ANA - O. Tsipira)
The Organization for Economic Development and Co-operation's
(OECD) industry committee convened here yesterday, with one
conclusions stating that "the role of small and medium-sized
enterprises appears to be decisive in the future, both in the
production of wealth and the creation of jobs."
The session's primary target was focusing on new policies for
industry during globalisation and current major technological
changes, while it was the first time the session was held at
ministerial level.
Greece was represented by Development Under-secretary Anna
Diamantopoulou.
In her address, Ms Diamantopoulou spoke of the role played by
small countries in the globalisation of the economy and
particularly difficulties faced by the governments of these
countries.
"For small countries to survive and respond aggressively and not
defensively to this international competition, they must not
also incorporate international rules but also proceed with
special innovative programs for their own business world to
enable them to compete with other countries and other markets
which are much larger and more powerful," she said.
Referring to Greece's efforts, Ms Diamantopoulou spoke of the
new operational program for industry which has been underway
over the past three years, budgeted at one trillion drachmas.
However, special interest was created by reference to the
program "enterprise networks" which, compared with other
countries, is believed to have been developed particularly in
Greece.
It is a system for creating groups of enterprises (20-30) on a
horizontal level, enabling enterprises to receive aid with a
common development target, such as exports. The Greek
"enterprise networks" program is considered a pilot program at
the European level.
[23] Rising interest rates hit Greek stocks
Athens, 05/02/1998 (ANA)
Greek equities came under pressure yesterday to end
substantially lower on the Athens Stock Exchange.
Traders said the market was hit by a new rise in interest rates
at Tuesday's auction of Treasury bills.
The general index closed 1.37 percent lower at 1,413.52 points.
Sector indices ended lower. Banks fell 1.47 percent, Insurance
dropped 0.51 percent, Leasing eased 2.36 percent, Investment
ended 0.23 percent off, Constructions plunged 3.04 percent,
Industrials were 1.68 percent down, Miscellaneous eased 1.59
percent and Holding fell 0.29 percent.
The parallel market index for small cap companies rose 0.66
percent, while the FTSE/ASE index dropped 1.30 percent to end at
781.83 points.
Trading was moderate with turnover at 14.8 billion drachmas.
Broadly, decliners led advancers by 140 to 64 with another 29
issues unchanged.
Sea Farm Ionian soared 27.10 percent on its debut in the market.
Viokarpet and Macedonian Mills scored the biggest percentage
gains, while Technodomi, Thrace Plastics, Desmos, Tasoglou and
Demetriadis suffered the heaviest losses.
National Bank of Greece ended at 20,145 drachmas, Ergobank at
14,150, Alpha Credit Bank at 14,840, Delta Dairy at 2,980, Titan
Cement at 13,425, Intracom at 14,510 and Hellenic
Telecommunications Organization at 5,545.
[24] Transport ministry to hire private consultants
Athens, 05/02/1998 (ANA)
Greece's transport ministry will hire private consultants to
monitor the process of public enterprises' operational programs,
Transport and Communications Minister Tassos Mantelis said
yesterday.
Mr. Mantelis said public enterprises would be split into five
basic groups. The first will include public transport companies,
the second Greek railways, the third Olympic Airways and its
subsidiaries, the fourth Hellenic Telecommunications
Organization and the fifth the post office.
Hiring of private consultants was considered a necessity in
order for ministry to have a tactical briefing on an bi-monthly
or a quarterly base on the course of public enterprises'
programs.
Mr. Mantelis said private consultants' annual fees will range
from 30 to 40 million drachmas.
[25] Greece acts to improve merchant marine education system
Athens, 05/02/1998 (ANA)
Greece's merchant marine ministry yesterday announced measures
to modernize and upgrade the merchant marine education system.
Merchant Marine Minister Stavros Soumakis presented, during a
press conference, a draft bill to be submitted in parliament
soon.
Mr. Soumakis also detailed measures taken by the ministry to
improve the quality of merchant marine education in the country.
The measures included a modernization of syllabus according to
the latest international standards STCW '95, an increase of
laboratory studies, installation of GMDSS simulators on danger
and security systems and improvements in merchant marine schools
facilities.
[26] Finance ministry's measures to facilitate taxpayers
Athens, 05/02/1998 (ANA)
Greece's finance ministry has decided measures to facilitate
this year's tax statements procedure.
Finance Under-secretary George Drys said yesterday that the
measures were justified due to a lack of infrastructure at tax
collecting agencies which caused problems to taxpayers every
year.
The measures included the creation of different tax collecting
services for pensioners and hired workers and the self-employed,
extending working hours for tax collecting agencies and daily
inspection of tax agencies.
The finance ministry will also operate a four-digit telephone
service to inform taxpayers on tax statement matters.
[27] Macedonia-Thrace Bank staff begin 48-hour strike
Athens, 05/02/1998 (ANA)
Employees of Greece's Macedonia-Thrace Bank begin a 48-hour
strike today protesting the government's plan to partly
privatize the Thessaloniki-based bank by selling 27.5 percent of
its stock.
Bank employees will stage a demonstration outside the bank's
headquarters in downtown Thessaloniki and hold a press
conference.
Employees union spokesman George Gougoilis told the ANA that the
bank's 1,600 employees "will not accept its privatization", and
stressed the bank's "importance for the development of
Thessaloniki and northern Greece and its contribution to
economic co-operation among the Balkan countries".
[28] Gov't promises bill on compound interest issue
Athens, 05/02/1998 (ANA)
National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou will table a bill
in Parliament in 15 days to settle the issue of compound
interest for loans, Prime Minister Costas Simitis said last
night, replying to a relevant question by Democratic Social
Movement (DHKKI) leader Demetris Tsovolas.
Mr. Simitis clarified that the settlement will concern future
loans and a period of six months from the non-payment of
interest. He added that for past loans a decision has not been
finalized by the national economy minister since necessary data
has not been collected and due to repeated changes in the
compound interest status in past years.
Mr. Simitis further said that people receiving loans must be
safeguarded since they are not in a position to impose terms in
negotiations with banks.
On his part, Mr. Tsovolas said the compound interest status has
turned into "legal usury" and has led many small and
medium-sized urban and agricultural enterprises to closure.
"The state is obliged to resolve the issue finally and with a
retroactive effect," Mr. Tsovolas said and called on the premier
to order the termination of current compulsory measures.
[29] Petrol prices rise
Athens, 05/02/1998 (ANA)
The retail sales prices of gasoline will increase as of today
and for a week due to changes in international prices.
According to announcements by the Public Petroleum Corp. (DEP)
and the development ministry, the retail sales prices of
gasoline will increase by 1.40 drachmas per liter, while those
of diesel and heating oil by 2 drachmas per liter. Consequently,
the retail sales price of heating oil will be set at 87.40
drachmas per liter.
Super gasoline will cost 214.40 drachmas per liter in the Attica
area and Thessaloniki prefecture and unleaded gasoline 198.30
drachmas per liter.
[30] Industrial transformation bureau in Xanthi
Athens, 05/02/1998 (ANA)
An industrial transformation bureau has started to function in
Xanthi, northern Greece, and is aimed at supporting investment
potential, attracting new investors, registering and utilizing
potential, contributing to the prefecture's development in
general .
The bureau has been included in the framework of the Industrial
Operational Program aimed at the functioning of local industrial
change bureaus.
Commenting on the industrial change bureau's operation, the
Prefect of Xanthi Panayiotis Saltouros stressed that in this way
the possibility of co-operation will be provided at a local,
regional, national and European level for the development of the
region.
End of English language section.
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