Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 98-04-02

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Moscow dismisses Turk threats over S-300 missiles,Tsohatzopoulos meets Russian leadership

[02] Simitis in London today for EU-Asia summit

[03] Kosovo solution a test of Balkan cooperation

[04] Santer in Greece next week

[05] Tripartite Balkan meeting on Santorini

[06] Poland's Kwasnievski in Athens next week

[07] Bomb attacks on gov't ministers' offices

[08] Simitis on construction of DEH line at Kryoneri

[09] Gov't adamant on pharmaceutical list

[10] Papandreou Foundation scholarship

[11] Parliament to vote on OA bill on Tuesday

[12] Israeli jubilee celebrations in Greece

[13] Belgian surgeon gets high-profile IOC job

[14] Greece gets 14 bids for road concession consultant

[15] Apostolopoulos Group to merge its medical centres

[16] Greek stocks drop in technical correction

[17] Public works ministry endorses credits of Dr 11.2 bln

[18] Greece expects over 750,000 French, Hungarian tourists in '98

[19] General Bank to take part in state pension payments

[20] Petrol prices rise

[01] Moscow dismisses Turk threats over S-300 missiles,Tsohatzopoulos meets Russian leadership

MOSCOW 02/04/1998 (ANA - D. Konstantakopoulos)

"If there are S-300s, there will be no threats," Marshal Sergeyev said, adding that "as far as we are concerned, and regarding what depends on us, we will do everything that is required. In any case, President (Boris) Yeltsin told this to your minister himself."

The Russian defence minister was replying to a question by the ANA regarding Turkish threats against Cyprus over the S-300 deployment and how Russia would react in the event the threats were carried out.

Referring to the same issue after meeting Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeny Primakov, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said Russia's position was "particularly impressive", "clear" and "decisive."

He said the position "leaves no ground for a misunderstanding. It supports absolutely and fully the right of the Republic of Cyprus to purchase and establish these missiles and that the issue of not using them will only exist with an overall agreement to demilitarise the island."

The Russian officials, starting from President Yeltsin, "did not mince their words" and neither did they do the same in offering assurances to him on the issue of the missiles for Cyprus.

Diplomatic observers in Moscow believe that Russian diplomacy does not take the Turkish threats seriously, and prefers to maintain a low-key approach on the issue. Of course, this does not mean that in Moscow's view there can be any doubt on the tremend ous consequences of "menacing" scenarios wielded by Turkish circles, a development which is improbable in principle at present.

Commenting on the same issue, President Yeltsin's spokesman Sergei Yiastrizemsky reiterated that Moscow is determined to go through with the S- 300 contract, adding that once again President Yeltsin assured Mr. Tsohatzopoulos about this and that the latter thanked him for the assurances.

Meeting with Russian leadership : Meanwhile, the purchase of hi-tech weaponry and developments in the wider region were the focal point of talks held between Mr. Tsohatzopoulos and his interlocutors yesterday.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos had a series of contacts with all the Russian officials involved in defence and foreign policy, including Mr. Sergeyev, Mr. Primakov, government Vice-President Ivan Rubkin, the head of the Russian Security Council Andrei Kokoshin and the heads of Parliament's two legislative bodies, Yennadi Selezniov of the parliament (Duma) and Igor Stroev of the senate (Federation Council).

Both Mr. Tsohatzopoulos' meetings yesterday and that with President Yeltsin on Tuesday reveal the importance Moscow attaches to Greece and particularly bilateral cooperation in the defence sector.

The Russian officials agreed with Mr. Tsohatzopoulos' ascertainments over the destabilising attitude of countries in the region.

Kremlin spokesman Sergei Yiastrizemsky said that Greek and Russian positions on the problems of Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq were convergent and placed particular emphasis on the two countries' support for the principles of free shipping through the straits to the Black Sea and through the Aegean.

The interest of the Greek side focused on specific cooperation plans and the possible purchase of Russian weapons systems for Greece's armaments programme.

Greek officials, wishing to retain their anonymity, let it be understood that Athens would be prepared to ignore possible displeasure and pressures on the part of its allies and its main weapons suppliers and make, to some extent, an opening towards the Russian weapons market as well.

However, Athens will disregard these expected pressures to acquire technological and military advantages by obtaining high-technology weapons and weapons capable of solving specific defence problems.

Replying to a question by a Greek reporter on whether Russia accepts and will satisfy all of Athens' views on the creation of an "um-brella" over the Aegean, Marshal Sergeyev said that "this issue was examined and we found a positive solution for the creation of an umbrella with defence systems over the Aegean Sea."

Athens News Agency

[02] Simitis in London today for EU-Asia summit

Athens 02/04/1998 (ANA)

The premier yesterday chaired a meeting to prepare for the summit, as well as for a special European Union summit in Brussels in early May, which will take final decisions for the third phase of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), commencing on Jan. 1, 1 999.

The meeting was attended by National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Foreign Undersecretary Yiannos Kranidiotis, among others.

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos was unable to attend due to illness.

After the meeting, Mr. Papandreou told reporters the Europe-Asia summit was particularly important, while he underlined Greece's active contribution to tightening Euro-Asian relations.

The 10 Southeast Asian countries which are to meet with the EU include Japan, China and South Korea.

The meeting will be chaired by British Prime Minister Tony Blair, while it will also be attended by European Commission President Jacques Santer.

Issues on the agenda include mainly economic and political cooperation between Europe and Asia, followed by issues dealing with the environment, employment and child prostitution.

One of the questions that needs to be addressed is whether cooperation between the two sides can be furthered without provoking reactions on the part of the United States.

Nevertheless, declarations by the EU and Asia do not give rise to such problems, as they place emphasis on the main principles of cooperation, as well as on opening up markets and backing the international monetary system.

Athens News Agency

[03] Kosovo solution a test of Balkan cooperation

Athens 02/04/1998 (ANA)

Addressing the final session of a two-day meeting in Athens on the European Union-led "Process for Stability and Good Neighbourliness in SE Europe", known as the Royaumont Process, Mr. Papandreou said the Kosovo crisis had "shown us the priority of the maintenance of stability, peace and full respect of human rights".

"The inviolability of borders in accordance with international law and the UN and OSCE principles are fundamental in this respect, he added.

"Resolving the Kosovo question," he said, "will inevitably be a major test for the potential of Balkan countries to cooperate peacefully and constructively."

"We believe that the two parties must find, through dialogue and peaceful means, a solution to this problem, which endangers the stability of the whole region," Mr. Papandreou added.

Mr. Papandreou stressed the importance of the Royaumont initiative "at this critical time when the Balkan peninsula is faced with yet another crisis in Kosovo. Our meeting today shows our solid resolve to promote stability and peace in this volatile region".

The Royaumont Initiative, named after the Paris suburb where the first session was held in December 1995, groups the 15 EU member states, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, FYROM, Hungary, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey and Yugoslavia, envisagin g a broad "European family" based on democratic principles, peace, stability and cooperation.

Mr. Papandreou said that the Royaumont Initiative, adopted by the EU and launched by the EU Council of Ministers on December 12, 1995, "constitutes the main expression of EU policy concerning the future of Southeast Europe", and its aim was to "prevent new tensions and crises and promote stability, confidence and dialogue between the states and civil societies of the region".

The Initiative, he explained, "guarantees the participation of all states on an equal footing, according to the decided format, and the active involvement of all Balkan countries".

Mr. Papandreou said the changes in the region in recent years have "created new challenges and new opportunities", while the region also faced many setbacks and problems. "Still, we created new perspectives for the promotion of our common goals," he ad ded.

Mr. Papandreou noted that the Balkan countries "share the common prospect of integration into Europe".

"Only yesterday, we made a historical step to further enlargement, beginning the process with 11 countries," he said, adding: "While this particular enlargement did not include all the countries in the region, all these countries are nevertheless orient ed towards the goal of integration, and all have developed a deeper relationship with the EU."

"This relationship for some may be a long-standing and more developed one, and for others it may be new with much potential for expansion. In either case, I can assure you that Greece is at your side and willing to support you towards this common goal of becoming part of United Europe. It is in our national interest that this integration process continues," Mr. Papandreou said.

"This is why Greece wants to have an active part in all regional initiatives. Being part of this peninsula, our stability and prosperity is tied in with the fate of our neighbours. Moreover, we are part of the European Union, and it is our duty to do our share in promoting stability and peace," he added.

Mr. Papandreou said the Balkan people should be able to deal with problems and crises of the region. "Balkan people are coming of age. It is a long process of maturing and learning, which will lead to a stronger role in the new Europe that we are trying to create," he said. He said the Balkan countries must take the future of the region in their hands and "influence the shaping of Europe as a whole".

"European integration cannot be completed without their participation," Mr. Papandreou said, adding : "We must continue to work together for the attainment of our common goals. In so doing, we will strengthen the multicultural profile of the region, which is an important asset for the development of the people of the Balkan peninsula."

Athens News Agency

[04] Santer in Greece next week

Athens 02/04/1998 (ANA)

Mr. Santer will be the main speaker at an official dinner organised by the "Economist" magazine (a roundtable discussion with the Greek government) on the same day within the framework of a two-day conference entitled "Welcoming a new business era".

He will visit Crete the following day where he will address the island's producer groups. He will also tour various regions of the island that are recipients of European Union programme funds.

Athens News Agency

[05] Tripartite Balkan meeting on Santorini

SOFIA 02/04/1998 (AFP/ANA)

The situation in the Balkans and the current Kosovo crisis will be the focus of the meeting.

According to the same sources, the presidents of Bulgaria, Petar Stojanov; Romania, Emil Constantinescu; and Turkey, Suleyman Demirel, are also expected to meet in Antalya, Turkey on the same issues.

Athens News Agency

[06] Poland's Kwasnievski in Athens next week

Athens 02/04/1998 (ANA)

The Polish president will meet with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and Prime Minister Costas Simitis next Wednesday.

Athens News Agency

[07] Bomb attacks on gov't ministers' offices

Athens 02/04/1998 (ANA)

An unidentified caller later told an Athens private television station that the makeshift devises were the work of the "Children of November" terrorist group. At presstime, authorities were still attempting to confirm the claim, as the group has never surfaced before.

The first bomb went off at the sixth-floor office of Labour and Social Security Undersecretary Christos Protopapas - 14, Sina St. - causing damages but no injuries, a fire department official said.

The other bomb went off at the third-floor offices vacated three months ago by Labour and Social Security Minister Miltiades Papaioannou, according to reports.

Reactions : Mr. Papaionnou said that this was an "act against the ordinary citizens, which is condemned by the Greek people" and added that such actions will not bend his will to serve the Greek people.

Mr. Protopapas said that "such abominable actions, from those who move in the dark, will not stop the work of the government for the working people and the public."

On his part, main opposition New Democracy (ND) party spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos said the attacks were cowardly, adding that "we believe the government will use all measures for the apprehension of the culprits..."

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) issued an announcement condemning the attacks, saying they can be used to disorientate and undermine workers' struggles.

Athens News Agency

[08] Simitis on construction of DEH line at Kryoneri

Athens 02/04/1998 (ANA)

He said the new study should be in accordance with the terms stipulated in a Council of State decision on the matter.

The premier was replying to questions by ruling PASOK deputy Ioannis Yiannakis and opposition New Democracy deputy Dora Bakoyianni, regarding DEHYs weakness in coping with emergencies and natural disasters, in the wake of a recent wave of poor weather and a subsequent power black- out.

Mr. Simitis used harsh language on the stance held by many Kryoneri residents - who have voiced objections and taken repeated legal action to block the construction of another high-voltage power line through their area - saying that "no one social group can selfishly hinder the completion of a project benefitting...society".

However, Mr. Yiannakis said residents could not be held accountable for natural or other disasters. Those who were to blame, he said, were those who could have constructed the required projects but did not.

In a related issue, Environment, Public Works and Town Planning Minister Costas Laliotis said 180 billion drachmas had been spent between 1994-98 to finance 141 projects for the capital's anti-flooding protection.

Of those projects, which according to Mr. Laliotis represent about 70 per cent of the total number of required projects for the specific purpose, 80 have already been completed, while 71 are currently underway and another 38 will be up for tender soon, costing a further 60 billion drachmas.

Athens News Agency

[09] Gov't adamant on pharmaceutical list

Athens 02/04/1998 (ANA)

He said the list is in effect in all developed countries and was created following a study made by Prof. Moutsopoulos.

Commenting on the issue yesterday, Mr. Reppas said that the phenomenon of multiple medicine prescriptions will be tackled in this way, adding that 600 billion drachmas were spent last year - about 2 per cent of GDP - for medicines.

Athens News Agency

[10] Papandreou Foundation scholarship

Athens 02/04/1998 (ANA)

The subject matter of the study includes international politics and finance, European development, international cultural or technological developments, international politics of the environment or international relations in general.

The competition is open to graduate degree holders as well as those with significant work experience in the aforementioned fields, while it is not limited to academics.

The application deadline is April 10. For further information, call Nikos Kotzias at 3394078, e-mail: Kotzias@mfa.gr or Frances Tsakonas at 3394074, e-mail: frances@hol.gr

Athens News Agency

[11] Parliament to vote on OA bill on Tuesday

Athens 02/04/1998 (ANA)

The bill, which was tabled on Monday night, provoking strong reaction from OA workers' representatives who have asked for more time to study the draft law and submit their proposals, will be voted on Tuesday, after a compromise reached in yesterday's special parliamentary committee.

Mr. Reppas said party discipline would be invoked in order to send the message that the stance of the Parliamentary group is unanimous "in order to serve the public interest, which dictates the revitalisation of Olympic Airways".

The government is determined to ensure the revitalisation of the national carrier, Mr. Reppas said, because citizens are entitled to enjoy a high standard of services and OA must become modern, competitive and reliable.

Replying to reporters' questions, Mr. Reppas said the decision to table the bill was taken by Prime Minister Costas Simitis, to which Transport Minister Tassos Mantelis agreed. The final decision, he continued, was taken after consultations with Parliam ent President Apostolos Kaklamanis who gave the assurance that the voting procedure will be completed at the earliest.

The spokesman also clarified that voluntary retirement procedures had been ruled out because on the one hand OA would not be able to foot the bill and on the other, it would create "a huge gap" in the public deficit.

He left open the possibility of "marginal changes" being made to the bill, while underlining that its main provisions and "backbone" with regard to employer-employee relations at the national carrier must remain as they are.

Mr. Reppas also did not rule out workers being "mobilised" if they take strike action during the Easter holiday, saying that the company must continue operating without interruptions.

Replying to other questions, Mr. Reppas reiterated that OA chairman and managing director Theodoros Tsakiridis had not resigned.

The atmosphere was tense at the discussion of the bill at the parliamentary committee yesterday.

Following talks, negotiations, the intervention of the parliament president, and the transport and communications minister's agreement that the bill be debated under "emergency procedures", the committee decided on three sittings on the bill, and possib ly a fourth, before it is forwarded to the House for debate next week.

The committee also decided that the presidents of the federation of civil aviation unions, the confederation of Greek unions, and of Olympic Airways be called to speak before the committee, as would a former president of Olympic as well as the head of the Greek National Tourist Organisation.

An opposition New Democracy proposal to call all former transport ministers under PASOK governments from 1994 onwards was rejected.

Two ruling party PASOK deputies joined opposition party deputies in calling for the bill to be processed under "emergency" procedures, rather than "urgent" procedures, as the government had originally planned.

In reply, Mr. Mantelis said that everybody was aware of the need to deal with OA's problems as quickly as possible and was in touch with the parliament president to set a date for the debate before Easter. He clarified that the government was not in talks with anyone on a sale of Olympic.

Tempers between New Democracy and PASOK deputies flared at one point, with both sides calling the other various names.

After Mr. Kaklamanis restored some semblance of calm, Mr. Mantelis said that the government was determined to have a debate of substance.

Deputies from the Communist Party, Coalition of the Left and Pro-gress and Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) called for the bill's withdrawal.

24-hour strike : Meantime, the Federation of Civil Aviation Associations (OSPA) yesterday decided to call off its 24-hour strike planned for today, in a good-will gesture designed to add to the improvement of the climate following the government's decision to postpone tod ay's voting on the OA bill, and in view of the opening of new talks.

OSPA also cancelled a press conference it had planned for yesterday afternoon at the west air-terminal.

The federation further called on OA president and management to continue talks with employees, disrupted last Monday, in order to arrive at the best possible solution and safeguard the airline and its employees' future.

However, OA's technical staff announced stop work action for next week, with stewards also considering similar action.

Representatives of OA employees yesterday staged a demonstration in Syntagma Square and bloked traffic for an hour.

According to OSPA, no disruptions to flights are expected during the Easter period, with all flights to be carried out on schedule.

Opposition : "It is wise for the government and (Prime Minister Costas) Simitis to re-examine their OA policy... instead of resorting to tactical maneuvers in order to ease reactions...", the leader of the Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos), Nikos Constantopoulos, said yester-day.

He added that the government's measures actually had a disorganising impact on collective bargaining agreements, and if the government does not re- examine its policy, then this will mean it wants the dismantling of OA.

Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas called on the government to withdraw the controversial OA bill, and suggested substantial talks with the empolyees for what he called a real modernisation and restructuring of the airline.

Athens News Agency

[12] Israeli jubilee celebrations in Greece

Athens 02/04/1998 (ANA)

The keynote speaker at the event will be Athens Academy former president Ioannis Pesmazoglou, while addresses will also be delivered by president of the Central Baord of Jewish Communities in Greece Moses Constantinis, main opposition New Democracy lead er Costas Karamanlis, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, Education Minister Gerassimos Arsenis, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, ND honorary president and former premier Constantine Mitsotakis, Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos, and Israeli ambass ador in Athens Ran Curiel.

A variety of cultural exchanges will take place between Greece and Israel in the context of the jubilee celebrations, including an Israeli Cultural Week at the Athens Hilton in May, a summer performance by the Israeli Camerata in the summer,an exchange of visits between Israel's Cameri Theatre and the National Theatre of Greece, and an exhibition of Israeli art at the National Art Gallery in Athens in September, similar to a recent exhibition of Greek artists held at the Tel Aviv Museum. Ten young British artists are exhibiting their work in a group photo exhibition titled "Decomposition" organised by the British Council in Athens with the Ileana Tounda Gallery of Modern Art at 48 Armatolon kai Klefton street,Lycavittos. The exhibition runs through April 16.

Athens News Agency

[13] Belgian surgeon gets high-profile IOC job

LAUSANNE 02/04/1998 (Reuters/ANA)

IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch yesterday appointed the former yachtsman as chairman of the coordination commission for the 2004 Games in Athens.

Mr. Rogge, who also heads the same commission for the next summer games in Sydney in the year 2000, made a key move up in the IOC in February when he won a place on the organisation's ruling executive board.

The orthopaedic surgeon, a former Belgium rugby international, is regarded as a leading candidate to take over from Mr. Samaranch when the Spaniard steps down in 2001.

Athens News Agency

[14] Greece gets 14 bids for road concession consultant

Athens 02/04/1998 (ANA)

The largest projects include a highway linking the cities of Patras, Athens and Thessaloniki to the border post of Evzones; the Egnatia highway linking the country's northeast and northwest; and a road linking Corinth, Tripoli and Kalamata.

The following companies and consortiums submitted expressions of interest on Tuesday, the deadline for the tender's first phase: