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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 98-04-03Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] Increased activity over Cyprus issue with Tchizhov, Holbrooke visitsAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)Russia's special envoy for Cyprus, Vladimir Tchizhov, yesterday did not rule out a meeting with his US counterpart Richard Holbrooke, as they will be on coinciding visits to the island republic over the weekend."If we find ourselves in the same place at the same time, it would be normal to have such a meeting," Mr. Tchizhov told reporters in Athens yesterday during a joint press conference with Foreign Undersecretary Yiannos Kranidiotis after their talks. Mr. Tchizhov, who is on a tour of the region, arrived here on Wednesday night, and left for Nicosia yesterday for a visit through Sunday. Mr. Holbrooke, the US diplomatic troubleshooter who brokered the Bosnia peace agreement, is due in Nicosia today in order to attempt to revive stalled intercommunal talks. He will hold separate meetings, first with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash a nd then with Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides. Asked whether he would discuss the planned deployment of Russian-made S-300 anti-aircraft missiles on Cyprus, Mr. Tchizhov said "only if the question is raised by the Cypriot side." He said that "Russia, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, has a role to play in the settlement of the Cyprus problem". Mr. Kranidiotis described Russia's positions on the Cyprus issue as "constructive" and said its role and stance were "particularly substantial." Mr. Kranidiotis reiterated that the Cyprus problem was at a "crucial turning point" and said that "efforts for its settlement should be intensified." He called on the permanent members of the UN Security Council to exercise their influence on the Turkish side "to come to the negotiation table". The Greek foreign undersecretary said that "the conditions put forward by Turkey and its demands for a change in the basis of the talks cannot be accepted either by Greece or the international community," pointing out that all the Security Council resol utions and those of international and European organisations "have set out the intercommunal dialogue as the basis, and stress the need for a solution to be sought in the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation." Mr. Tchizhov described his Athens talks as "useful and constructive" and stressed that his country "will continue playing an active role in the efforts for a settlement of the problem." "We consider it Russia's duty to play such an active role," Mr. Tchizhov said, adding that when he returned to Moscow he will submit to Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeni Primakov "proposals for further action". Replying to questions, Mr. Tchizhov dismissed the view that the S-300 missiles issue complicated his mission, saying that, on the contary, it has contributed to a resolution of the Cyprus issue by speeding up developments. Gov't on possible Holbrooke visit : On his part, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday that Mr. Holbrooke has not scheduled a trip to Athens. Mr. Reppas added that an agenda of talks between Cyprus President Clerides and Mr. Holbrooke is not known in detail. Tchizhov meets Clerides and Denktash : NICOSIA (ANA - G. Leonidas/CNA) - Mr. Tchizhov said he did not feel more optimistic after a meeting here yesterday with Turkish Cypriot leader Denktash. The Russian envoy, arrived here yesterday, and had meetings both with President Glafcos Clerides and Mr. Denktash. He described his meeting with President Clerides as "useful and interesting" but pointed out he was not optimistic Mr. Denktash would abandon his demand for recognition of his illegal regime. The Turkish Cypriot leader has refused to participate in bi-communal talks aiming at a Cyprus settlement, unless the illegal regime unilaterally declared in the Turkish-occupied part of the island in 1983 receives recognition. Mr. Denktash's puppet state is not recognised by any other state but Turkey. Asked whether he was more optimistic after his meeting with President Clerides, he said he would be in a position to answer that after the conclusion of his visit. Commenting on the issue of S-300 missiles, purchased by the Cyprus government and expected to be deployed on the island later this year, Mr. Tchizhov said it was not the purpose of his visit to Cyprus. He stressed the purpose of his meetings, here , were the Cyprus problem and ways of resolving it. Asked to comment on the US opposition to the deployment of S-300, the Russian envoy stressed: "There is another good way" of achieving that, pointing out to Mr. Clerides' proposal for demilitarisation of the island. The Russian envoy refrained from commenting on whether Chapter seven of the UN Charter on "Action with Respect to threats to the Peace, Breaches of the Peace and Acts of Aggression", could be applied to the case of Cyprus. "There are many ways of achieving goals", he said, pointing to the UN Security Council resolutions. Miller prepares ground for Holbrooke's visit : US State Department Coordinator for Cyprus, Tom Miller, has said efforts to settle the protracted Cyprus problem have reached a very critical point. Speaking after a 75-minute meeting with President Clerides yesterday, ahead of a visit here by Mr. Holbrooke, Mr. Miller also said "we're making some very serious efforts to try to be helpful." The US diplomat, who was accompanied by the US ambassador to Cyprus, Kenneth Brill, described the meeting as "very good and productive" but refrained from getting into the substance of his discussions. Noting that Mr. Holbrooke will arrive here today , he said that when the Presidential emissary is here "there will be some very important meetings." Mr. Miller will meet Mr. Denktash this morning and is expected to have a second meeting either with Mr. Clerides or Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides later on in the day. Asked if he sees the possibility of a meeting between President Clerides and Mr. Denktash during their visit to Cyprus,Miller replied he did not think so. "I would never preclude any possibility but that is not what the effort is about," he added. Replying to a question if they are bringing any ideas, the US diplomat said "we've got a number of ideas but I prefer to discuss those inside." Mr. Miller refrained from replying to a question if most of the ideas deal with the security issue, but said that "security is one of the core issues in any settlement in Cyprus." "I think that you all understand what our efforts are all about, this is very serious and I think it's a very critical point that we've reached at this point of time," he said. Invited to comment on an editorial in the "Washington Post", that Cyprus' accession talks with the European Union will have a negative effect on efforts to settle the Cyprus problem, Mr. Miller said "we're not in the EU and it's not productive for us to comment on that." UN-led efforts to solve the Cyprus problem have reached a deadlock because Mr. Denktash insists on recognition of his illegal regime unilaterally established in 1983, in the areas occupied by Turkish troops since they invaded the island in 1974. The Turkish Cypriot leader told UN Secretary General's special advisor for Cyprus last month he will not return to the negotiating table unless he is on an equal footing with President Clerides. Athens News Agency[02] WEU military chiefs to meet in AthensAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)The 18-nation West European Union's (WEU) general staff chiefs' session will be held in Athens on Tuesday. Greece holds the WEU's rotating six- month presidency.The session will focus on issues concerning the upgrading of the organisation's operational capacity. Among others, issues to be examined regard the future role and duties of the WEU's planning group, participation of associate members in the meetings of the military representatives group, who are preoccupied with the WEU's exercises policy, and the WEU's military exercises doctrine. The session will be chaired by Greek National Defence General Staff Chief Gen. Athanasios Tzoganis and will be attended by the WEU's secretary- general, the 18 WEU national general staff chiefs, military representatives of the 10 full members, the three as sociate members, the seven observer states as well as the WEU's planning department director and satellite centre director. Athens News Agency[03] Navy staff chief to visit AlbaniaAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)The Chief of the General Naval Staff, Vice Admiral George Ioannidis, will embark on a three-day official visit to Albania yesterday. During his stay, Adm. Ioannidis will have talks with his Albanian counterpart on issues of mutual interest.Athens News Agency[04] New frigate arrivingAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)The frigate "Kountouriotis" will reach the Salamina naval base on Monday for an inauguration ceremony, in the presence of the country's political and military leaderships.The MEKO 200-class frigate is the sixth to be inducted into the Hellenic Navy. Athens News Agency Athens 03/04/1998 (ANA) A Turkish frigate yesterday approached four Hellenic Navy minesweepers at a distance of roughly 1,000 metres and as they were sailing just off northern Evia in the framework of the "Kataigida" naval exercise. The Turkish frigate was apparently observing the Greek exercise. Athens News Agency[05] Stephanopoulos to visit HungaryAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos will pay an official three- day visit to Hungary at the invitation of his Hungarian counterpart Arpad Goncz, it was announced yesterday. During his visit, from April 22 to 24, Mr. Stephanopoulos will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos.Athens News Agency[06] PM to stress need for closer Euro-Asian relationsLONDON 03/04/1998 (ANA - G. Papachristos)Prime Minister Costas Simitis is expected to stress the need for strengthening political dialogue and closer contacts between economic ministers of European and Asian countries, during his address to the Euro-Asian conference today.The conference, which unofficially opened yesterday and will wind up deliberations tomorrow, is focusing on the recent crisis in Asian markets which threatened economic stability worldwide, but will also touch on broader problems, such as the environment, drug trafficking and the protection of the dignity women and children. Mr. Simitis will call for the establishment of a business forum between the two continents, a proposal also backed by French President Jacques Chirac. The prime minister was due to meet British counterpart Tony Blair on the sidelines of the official dinner at 10 Downing Street last night. The probable topics of discussion were the Cyprus problem, the island's negotiations for memberhip to the EU, and issues related to EMU in view of the Brussels summit on May 2. Mr. Simitis is also likely to meet today with his Chinese and Japanese counterparts, Zhu Rongji and Ruitaro Hashimoto, respectively. The prime minister, who is accompanied by a large delegation, will remain in London until Tuesday to attend the conferen ce of his European socialist counterparts. Athens News Agency[07] Kranidiotis speaks at conference on Greece's Mideast policyAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)Speaking yesterday at a two-day conference in Athens, Foreign Undersecretary Yiannos Kranidiotis referred to the orientations of Greek foreign policy in the Middle East. "Securing peace and security in southeastern Mediterranean region is one of the main targets of Greece's foreign policy," he said, adding that the main waterways leading to and from Greece cross the region and a crisis in the Middle East would create chain reactions.The second target is the maintenance of existing balances in the Middle East at the level of countries in the region and at the level of forces which can affect the region's entire edifice and, lastly, Greece's target is to bring the countries of the Middle East closer to western Europe, facilitating cooperation between the two coasts of the Mediterranean. On the first day of the conference yesterday, attended by PASOK deputy Anastasios Peponis, prospects were examined for closer relations between the European Union and the eastern Mediterranean by PASOK Eurodeputy Yiannis Roubatis, the presidential commi ssioner of Cyprus Manolis Christofides, the studies director of Rome's International Relations Institute Roberto Aliboni, Alberto Bin from the political affairs- Mediterranean-NATO department, journalist Yiannis Kartalis and Palestinian professor Manouel Hasasian. The event was organised by the Philip Morris Institute, the Lambrakis Studies Foundation and the Greek European and Foreign Policy Foundation at the Concert Hall, and under the auspices of the foreign ministry. Athens News Agency[08] Andrew Athens - ConstantopoulosAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)World Council for Hellenes Abroad (SAE) president Andrew Athens briefed Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos yesterday on SAE activities in countries of the former Soviet Union. He mainly focused on medical and pharmaceutical treatment for ethnic Greeks in those nations, as well as SAE's future plans. Mr. Constantopoulos said SAE's activities and initiatives were exceptionally positive and told Mr. Athens that he will support them.Athens News Agency[09] Tsohatzopoulos dismisses speculation over final destination of S-300 missilesMOSCOW 03/04/1998 (ANA - D. Konstantakopoulos)National Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos yesterday dismissed press speculation over the possibility of Greece eventually taking delivery of Russian-made S-300 missiles currently under order by Cyprus."The government of Cyprus has purchased the S-300 missiles, which will be installed (on the island) by October," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos told reporters here before winding up an official visit to Russia. Commenting on Turkish threats against Nicosia not to install the anti- aircraft missiles, which Cyprus ordered to bolster its defences, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the Russian government "has made it clear that it guarantees the transportation and installati on of the system, unless there is a general agreement for the demilitarisation of the island republic". Replying to reporters' questions about Russia's ability to provide after- sales support and spare parts for the system, which is also competing with US-made Patriot missiles for a lucrative Greek tender, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said: "Anyone concerned about the capability of the Russian defence industry has only to come here and see the reality for themselves. We, who are interested in cooperation on weapons systems, have ascertained that Moscow is fully able to cope with requirements and is willing to give the guarantees which we need in order to take decisions". Asked whether Greece expected pressure from its NATO allies not to purchase Russian weapons, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos acknowledged that the procurement of weapons systems from Moscow might cause some displeasure in arms-producing allies. "But within the framework of the free market, the sole criteria should be quality, reliability and cost. Greece is entitled to procure the systems which suit it best, without any restriction. We must understand that there are countries in NATO, such as Germany, which h ave Russian-made arms. The dividing lines have been abolished in Europe once and for all and cooperation is now being promoted on a pan-European level among the defence industries of Europe," he said. Replying to other questions about purchasing arms from Moscow, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said Greece may be interested in purchasing Russian long- and medium-range vessels for the rapid sea transportation of up to 500 troops, such as hovercraft, and electronic technology in the field of guided missiles. Gov't spokesman : Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said later that the government had not considered the possibility of Athens eventually taking delivery of the S-300 missiles ordered by Cyprus and installing them in Greece. Mr. Reppas was replying to questions on statements by US State Department spokesman James Rubin on the missiles earlier this week. "If the Americans want de-escalation of tension, they should address themselves to Turkey, which is threatening Cyprus," Mr. Reppas said. He added that the government was satisfied with Russia's response regarding the deployment of the S-300 missiles in Cyprus. Athens News Agency[10] Stephanopoulos in IrakleioAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos will visit Irakleio on Saturday to inaugurate the "Eastern Mediterranean: Cyprus-Dodecanese-Crete 1,600 to 600 B.C." exhibition.He will also speak at the "Olympic Games-Cultural Olympiad-Greek Regions" conference,organised by the Union of Prefectural Self-Governments of Greece and the Irakleio prefecture. Athens News Agency[11] Another Greek cemetery desecrated in TurkeyAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)The government yesterday described as "a barbaric act" the desecration of a Greek cemetery in Istanbul early Tuesday morning."The desecrators remain unknown, just as those who have perpetrated such acts in the past against churches and cemeteries of the Greek community (in Turkey) also remain unknown," government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said. The spokesman said "such deplorable acts must be dealt with decisively because they are blemishes on culture and institutions and should not leave the international community indifferent". Mr. Reppas expressed a hope that Turkish police will "this time" prove to be more effective. Guards at the Kourtoulous cemetery said yesterday that the desecration was the work of at least four persons, according to an ANA dispatch from Istanbul. They said some of the gravestones that were moved were so heavy that they could not have been lifted by one person. Vandals desecrated the Greek cemetery at Neohorio on the Bosporus in September 1993, while another cemetery in the Istanbul suburb of Kanitili was the target of desecrators last year. No arrests were ever made. Athens News Agency[12] Joint scientific conference between Athens, Istanbul universitiesAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)The first joint scientific conference between the Istanbul-based Bogazici University's philosophy faculty and the Athens University's methodology, history and theory of science faculty was held in Athens on the issue of "Science: Its Philosophy and History" .About 25 Greek and Turkish philosophy professors participated with papers presented, as well as historians and researchers. The papers were followed by a critical analysis and a public discussion. The conference will be repeated in Turkey next year. Athens News Agency[13] Mitsotakis warns against Samaras' return to NDAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)Honorary New Democracy president and former premier Constantine Mitsotakis yesterday issued an indirect warning to current ND leader Costas Karamanlis not to accept back into the party fold former FM Antonis Samaras, who formed his own breakaway PoliticalSpring party in July 1993. Speaking during a televised interview yesterday evening, Mr. Mitsotakis, who ultimately lost the parliamentary majority after successive defections to Political Spring, described as "unacceptable and politically dishonest action" his government's "overthrow" by Mr. Samaras. "I believe that New Democracy can never accept Samaras back, unless it wishes to state that it makes a total break with morality," he said. Athens News Agency[14] Synaspismos conference on Amsterdam TreatyAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos will today inaugurate a Synaspismos conference on the course of political developments surrounding the Amsterdam Treaty results.The party's standing conference will be called on to decide the Synaspismos' line in light of the Treaty's expected ratification by Parliament, since the party's central committee failed to issue a ruling. Supporters of the three different approaches - "yes", "no" and "present" - will address the conference, while a decision will be reached by members of the conference on Sunday. The conference will also discuss political developments and Synaspismos' tactics for upcoming municipal and European Parliament elections. Athens News Agency[15] Beis says he'll run in Athens mayoral race, PASOK condemnsAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)Former Athens mayor and PASOK deputy Dimitris Beis yesterday announced his candidacy for the Greek capital's top municipal post, a move that drew immediate criticism from the ruling PASOK party.PASOK is officially supporting one-time Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader and current deputy Maria Damanaki in her bid to become Athens' mayor. "PASOK's leading group, together with a section of Synaspismos, have opted for Damanaki with the only aim of promoting a different 'political game'," Mr. Beis said. He stressed that his candidacy was an authentic expression of PASOK and its founder, Andreas Papandreou, and that the current PASOK leadership was trying, "with threats and obstacles, to gag an independent political voice which does not bow to a system. " He pointed out that Ms Damanaki had played a leading role in Andreas Papandreou's referral to a special court in 1989, as well as her refusal to support current Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos' candidacy for the municipality in 1994. That election resulted in the election of incumbent mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos, who was sponsored by the main opposition New Democracy party. Both the ruling party leadership and government spokesman Dimitris Reppas condemned Mr. Beis' decision to stand again. PASOK has decided to back Ms Damanaki's candidacy, and "it is self-evident that any other candidacy is categorically condemned by the movement (PASOK)," a party statement read. Mr. Reppas said the people had the right to judge all candidacies, although he hinted that disciplinary action might be taken against Mr. Beis. The former Athens mayor has also served as secretary of the party's Parliamentary group. Athens News Agency[16] Europarliament discussion on Parthenon marblesAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)The Europarliament yesterday discussed the issue of the Parthenon marbles' return to Greece, almost 200 years after Lord Elgin lifted them from the Acropolis' main temple and transported them to London.Eurodeputies from various political groupings and member-states tabled 10 questions on the issue, focusing on the need for cooperation between the EU and international organisations, such as UNESCO, which supports the return of the classical friezes. Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) Eurodeputy Alekos Alavanos, who was responsible for initiating the discussion, said that not even one Eurodeputy supported the British stance of not repatriating the friezes. He added that a British Labour party Eurodeputy requested the cancellation of the discussion, but was overruled by the Europarliament president. Mr. Alavanos noted that not even the British minister on European affairs supported the position of the British government. Athens News Agency[17] EU guide on wildlife trade, protection of endangered speciesBRUSSELS 03/04/1998 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)The European Commission yesterday announced the publication of a detailed guide on the European Union's laws for the control of wildlife trade.The guide will serve as a tool for enforcement personnel and aims at the protection and maintenance of bio-diversity and, of course, protection of endangered species. The Commission will join forces with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for an information campaign. Internet sites for more information are: http://europa.eu.int/en/comm/dg11/cites/citeshome.htm Athens News Agency[18] Talks over Olympic's future restartAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)Olympic Airways' management and union representatives did not make any statements after emerging from a meeting yesterday, in which discussions focused on a new proposed labour regulation, collective bargaining agreements and the proposed abolition of meal bonuses for staff.It transpired, however, that details were decided on the procedure for re- commencing dialogue, which is expected today. Meanwhile, Parliament's competent committee approved the goverment's draft bill on streamlining the airline, after sharp exchanges and tense confrontations between government and opposition deputies. Transport Minister Tassos Mantelis refused to be drawn on whether he would accept changes to a draft bill when it comes up for debate in the plenum next week. He also said that the state would settle all its debts to the airline within two months, and would retain control of 51 per cent of the loss-making company. The airline's staff took centre stage in a rally outside Parliament during a work stoppage between 5 and 8 p.m., called by the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) in all public utilities. The unions are planning a 24-hour strike for Olympic irways on Tuesday, a repetition of yesterday's three-hour stoppage, and a nationwide 24-hour strike, including civil servants, on April 9. Athens News Agency[19] Roussel libel trial todayAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)Thierry Roussel, the father of 13-year-old Athina Onassis Roussel, the heiress to the vast Onassis fortune, goes on trial at an Athens court today on charges of perjury and libel.Athina is the granddaughter of late shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis. The charges against Mr. Roussel were brought following a lawsuit filed by the board of the Onassis Foundation. Mr. Roussel stated on arrival at Athens airport yesterday afternoon that he had confidence in Greek justice. Stating that he was looking forward to the trial, as "the truth will be revealed," he added: "I have nothing against the Foundation but against the four members of the board."" He also said that the trial he would prove that actions taken by the members of the board were not correct. On March 23, Mr. Roussel filed two lawsuits for libel and defamation against the Foundation board members and against the "Naviera" company, which according to Aristotle Onassis' will is the Foundation's tributary company. Mr. Roussel demands five billion drachmas from Naviera, the biggest part of which he said would be used for establishment of a Foundation for the protection of children suffering from thalassaemia, to be named "Christina Onassis", in memory of Athina's mother. Athens News Agency[20] Lack of interest again hampers college students' electionsAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)A higher percentage of abstention was the most notable development in Wednesday's student elections, as the DAP-NDFK student group - affiliated to the main opposition New Democracy party - taking first place.The other main student groupings following were PASP, affiliated with ruling PASOK, the Student Cooperation Movements (PKS), affiliated with the Communist Party of Greece, the United Independent Left Movement (EAAK) and the New Horizons grouping, affili ated with the Political Spring party. Each grouping issued its own collective results. According to DAP-NDFK, and with votes being counted at 108 out of 110 faculties, DAP-NDFK polled 39.87 of the vote, PASP 19.38 per cent, PKS 11.93 per cent, EAAK 7.64 per cent and New Horizons 3.62 per ce nt. According to PASP, and with votes being counted at 113 out of 132 faculties, DAP-NDFK polled 32.85 per cent, PASP 21.38 per cent, PKS 10.72 per cent, EAAK 9.10 per cent and New Horizons 3.61 per cent. Athens News Agency[21] US Senate approves abolition of visa requirement for Greek citizensAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)The US-based National Coordinated Effort of Hellenes (NCEH) yesterday announced that the US Senate voted on Wednesday to waive visa requirements for Greek citizens.NCEH President Andrew E. Manatos said that "late last night the US Senate took a final Congressional action, which will allow Greek citizens to visit the US without a visa, beginning in a few weeks or months." He added that "in doing so, the Senate overturned its previous position which would have required Greece to continue its visa programme for two more years. This bill will now be sent to the President for his signature and implementation." Mr. Manatos said that this development was realised by the timely work of Senators Ted Kennedy (D-Massachusetts), Spencer Abraham (R-Michigan), and US ambassador in Athens Nicholas Burns. Athens News Agency[22] First Mediterranean Special Olympic Games in AthensAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)The first Mediterranean Special Olympic Games will take place in Greece from April 5-9, officials announced.The 1,420 athletes from 25 countries will participate in track and field events, basketball, and swimming, among others, while 380 volunteer coaches will also assist. Special Olympics Hellas President Andreas Potamianos said that about 5,000 athletes participate in programmes in Greece. Athens News Agency[23] Pachtas conveys Athens' request for increase in EU structural fundsBRUSSELS 03/04/1998 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)National Economy Undersecretary Christos Pachtas yesterday concluded a two- day visit here after concluding talks with European Commission officials for a Greek request to increase EU funding for a series of projects.The EU structural funds today contribute an average of 67 per cent of the total cost of projects, while the Greek government will request that the EU legislation limit of 75 per cent is reached until the year 2001 to offset a recent drachma devaluation. Athens News Agency[24] Gov't announces partial write-off of ATE farm loansAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)Agriculture Undersecretary Dimitris Sotirlis yesterday said that the Agricultural Bank of Greece (ATE) will be able to write-off up to 60 per cent of farmers' debts, in answer to a relevant question tabled in Parliament by PASOK deputy Nikos Salayiannis.Mr. Sotirlis also said local ATE branches will soon be briefed on new legislative regulations for compounding interest rates, allowing for overdue loan settlements. The undersecretary added that "the regulations will be enacted first and foremost for low-income farmers hit by poor weather or disasters, and who were not able to respond to loan payments." Athens News Agency[25] Greek stocks edge up in wake of correctionAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)Greek equities yesterday moved tentatively higher on the Athens Stock Exchange reversing a two-day correction. Traders said investors were particularly interested in small capitalisation companies, pushing the parallel index 3.77 percent higher.The market's general index rose 0.31 percent to 1,995 points with sector indices ending mixed. Banks rose 0.94 percent, Insurance increased 0.98 percent, Leasing dropped 0.59 percent, Investment ended 0.99 percent up, Construction fell 0.71 percent, Industrials eased 0.47 percent, Miscellaneous soared 4.65 percent and Holding was 1.0 percent up. The FTSE/ASE-20 blue chip index rose 0.26 percent to 1,175.53 points. Trading was heavy with turnover at 55 billion drachmas. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 124 to 99 with another 32 issues unchanged. Metrolife, Euromedica, Follie-Follie, Sysware, Teletypos, Phaliro Medical and Ippotour scored the biggest percentage gains at the day's 8.0 percent limit up. Demetriadis, Lanakam, Etma and Ekter suffered the heaviest losses. National Bank of Greece ended at 35,500 drachmas, Ergobank at 22,605, Alpha Credit Bank at 23,650, Delta Dairy at 3,365, Titan Cement at 22,350, Intracom at 18,500 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation at 7, 800. In the domestic foreing exchange market the drachma was weaker against the Ecu and the DMark. Athens News Agency[26] Greece's Boutaris bids for FYROM breweryAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)Greece's Boutaris winemaker has bid for a 51 percent stake in Bitola brewery, one of the largest companies in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).FYROM's government privatisation service has valued its assets at 3.5 million marks. Other presumed bidders in the brewery's sale are MTI of Switzerland and Fosters of Australia. The deadline for bids is April 10, and Bitola's new owners will be announced on April 11. Athens News Agency[27] Hellenic Industrial Development Bank cuts loan ratesAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)Hellenic Industrial Development Bank (ETBA), which is listed on the Greek bourse, said yesterday it would cut its drachma loan rates by 0.75 percent, effective on Monday.The new rates are as follows: All rates carry a 0.12 percent charge. The bank may also offer a prime rate in special cases for customers with a high credit rating. Athens News Agency[28] Ionian Bank offers Easter holiday consumer loanAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)State Ionian Bank,which is listed on the Athens bourse, is offering a special cut-rate consumer loan at 16.5 percent, plus tax and charges.The loan, which covers amounts between 500,000 and one million drachmas, is available on the spot between April 6 and April 20. Repayment is between 12 and 18 months, with the first instalment due after three months. Athens News Agency[29] EU calls for better absorption of funds by GreeceAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)European Union social affairs commissioner Padraig Flynn yesterday urged Greece to speed up efforts to fully absorb EU social funds because the country needed to invest in human resources.Responding to a question by Greek Euro MP Mihalis Papayiannakis on Greece's absorption rate, Mr. Flynn said that outstanding funds to support programmes on improving education, combatting long-term unemployment and modernising public administration tota lled 1,770 million Ecus (632 billion drachmas). He said he hoped that the government would upgrade its programme on human resources by June. Athens News Agency[30] Greece, Algeria sign trade agreementAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)Greek and Algerian commerce authorities yesterday signed a bilateral economic and trade agreement at a seminar in Athens attended by businessmen from both countries. The agreement was signed by the Hellenic Foreign Trade Board (OPE) and Algeria's commerce and industry chamber.OPE chairman, Yiannis Tzen, said that the deal sets the foundation for permanent cooperation between the two countries. National Economy Undersecretary Alekos Baltas reassured the Algerian delegation that the Greek government would continue efforts to upgrade bilateral economic and trade relations to the same level as existing cultural ties. The Algerian delegation presented the seminar with its investment policy and incentives, the government's privatisation programme, plans to reform the banking system and opportunities in its energy sector. Athens News Agency[31] Greece sees little progress in Euro-Mediterranean cooperationAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou yesterday said little progress had been made in Euro-Mediterranean cooperation for more than two years.Mr. Papandreou was speaking at the opening of the two-day roundtable conference on the European Union's policy in the eastern Mediterranean being held in Athens. "The main reason for the lack of progress lies in the political sector. The peace process is presenting serious problems and affecting the Barcelona process," he said. Euro-Mediterranean cooperation could also contribute to peace. When cooperation at government level fails, contacts on a social level could help ease progress, Mr. Papandreou said. "Greece wants to and can be a bridge between Europe and the Mediterranean," he said. Athens News Agency[32] Trade unions divided after bus drivers ignore strike callAthens 03/04/1998 (ANA)Greek trade unions were split yesterday over action to combat a government streamlining plan for Olympic Airways after Athens bus drivers broke ranks and refused to go on strike.The General Confederation of Greek Labour (GSEE), an umbrella trade union group repsenting around one million workers, met to prepare a 24-hour national strike on April 9 to protest against the plan. Also taking part were Attica labour centres. ADEDY, the civil servants union, has called a strike the same day. Dissension at the meeting was rife after Athens bus drivers of the state ETHEL company decided to ignore a three-hour public utilities strike scheduled for yesterday. ETHEL official Andreas Kollas told journalists his union's members would stay on the job to avoid escalating the conflict and leave room for talks with the government on the future of Olympic Airways. The stoppage was called by GSEE and the Athens and Piraeus Labour Centres for workers in all public utilities. GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos said ETHEL's pullout would weaken the protest, but it was an error rather than a strike-breaking move; and an isolated incident rather than a revolt against GSEE decisions. Representatives of the communist-aligned ESAK group stormed out of the session in protest at what it called strike-breaking action by the PASOK- aligned PASKE faction operating through ETHEL's union. Union groups aligned with opposition parties advocated more 24-hour strikes but the proposals were rejected as PASKE held the majority. Beyond disputes over strategy, unions have the following three issues to tackle: Athens News AgencyAthens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |