Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 98-04-25

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Statesman Karamanlis buried in private ceremony

[02] Tributes for Karamanlis continue

[03] Simitis, Clerides confer on US initiative on Cyprus

[04] Clerides appears hopeful

[05] Protesters demand recognition of Armenian people's genocide

[06] Memorial service for Thessaloniki Jews

[07] Bomb attack in Athens condemned

[08] Ionian Bank target of new bomb attack

[09] President ends visit to Hungary

[10] Gen. Tzoganis concludes Cyprus visit

[11] Culture minister meets Japanese, Ukrainian officials

[12] Tsohatzopoulos, Papariga discuss defence, security issues

[13] Flotation of OTE shares on international market

[14] AGET cement company increases turnover

[15] GSEE may stage new nationwide strike

[16] Greek stocks slump on fears Commercial Bank to remain state-owned

[17] International shipping fair begins in Piraeus in June

[18] National Bank of Greece to launch Romania branch

[19] Olympic Airways blames staff for financial doldrums

[20] Ionian bank staff call 24-hour strike a success

[21] Athens to host EU exhibition on euro

[01] Statesman Karamanlis buried in private ceremony

The funeral service, attended among others by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Costas Simitis, ministers, Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides, Cypriot House of Representatives Spea-ker Spyros Kyprianou, former French pres ident Valery Giscard d' Estaing, Greek former prime ministers, party leaders and deputies, took place in Karamanlis's favourite small church of Aghia Philothei, in the Athens suburb by the same name.

A large crowd, lined up along the route of the funeral procession, applauded and chanted, "Karamanlis is the nation's leader," showering with flowers the hearse carrying his casket, which was draped in the Greek flag.

The former president was buried, according to his own wish, in the courtyard of the Karamanlis Foundation, located in the same area, in a grave he had himself designed. His ex-wife, Amalia Megapanou, was also present. Also according to his wish, no spee ches were made and no military honours were presented.

A service was also held in Karamanlis's home village of Proti, in eastern Macedonia, from where a handful of earth was sent for the burial.

Public offices remained closed yesterday, in observance of the three-day period of mourning, which ends today.

Karamanlis died early Thursday morning, at the age of 91, after being hospitalised for seventeen days.

Athens News Agency

[02] Tributes for Karamanlis continue

Britain's Queen Elizabeth has sent a message of condolences. The message, sent to President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, was released yesterday by the British Embassy in Athens.

"It was with sorrow that I heard of the death of Constantine Karamanlis. As Prime Minister and President, he made an enormous contribution to the development of Greece as a democratic, European country. Please accept my condolences and those of the Brit ish people," the message read.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair sent a telegram to Mr. Simitis expressing his condolences, as well as those of the British government and people, over the death of Karamanlis.

"It was with regret that I was informed of the death of Constantine Karamanlis. The mark which he left, both in Greece and on the world scene in general, will not be effaced for a very long time," Mr. Blair said.

The British prime minister said history would remember Karamanlis for his role in restoring legitimate government and democracy in Greece in 1974.

"His prudent leadership was of great service to his country at that time," Mr. Blair said, adding that Karamanlis helped Greece become what it is today, namely "a full member of the democratic family of European nations".

Mr. Blair said Greece's entry to the EEC in 1981 was chiefly due to Karamanlis.

Dutch Premier Wim Kok yesterday sent a message to his Greek counterpart Costas Simitis, expressing his condolences over the death of the former president.

"Constantine Karamanlis was an outstanding figure in Greek politics for 50 years... We shall remember him as a courageous man who restored democracy after a tragic period of oppression in Greece. The entry of Greece to the then European Economic Communi ty in 1981 was, to a large extent, due to the efforts of Constantine Karamanlis... With his death, Greece has lost a politician of enormous stature," Mr. Kok said.

A cable of condolences was also received from Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands.

King Juan Carlos of Spain, expressed in a telegram sympathy for Constantine KaramanlisYs passing.

An ANA dispatch from Ankara reported that Turkish President Suleyman Demirel sent a message of condolences to his Greek counterpart, saying: "We will remember the deceased with respect and for the way he worked for peace and friendship between our two countries."

Mr. Demirel yesterday visited the Greek embassy and signed the book of condolences.

"The death of Constantine Karamanlis, of a great political figure who strived for peace and democracy, deeply grieved the Turkish nation as well, " Mr. Demirel wrote in the book.

The Turkish president asked of Greek ambassador Dimitrios Nezeritis to convey to the Greek government, the family of the deceased and to the Greek people, his profound sorrow for the loss of the great politician.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit was first to sign a book of condolences opened at the Greek embassy in the Turkish capital.

"President Karamanlis was a great personality," Mr. Ecevit wro-te, asking Greece's ambassador Di-mitris Nezeritis to pass on his condolences to the Greek government.

"I am deeply grieved at the loss of a great politician," he said.

Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem also signed the book.

President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Slobodan Milosevic in a telegramme to Greek President Kostis Stefanopoulos expressed his deep sympathy for the death of the elder statesman. The Yugoslav president said Constanine Karamanlis was the leader of modern and democratic Greece, and a real friend to Yugoslavia.

In neighbouring Albania, government officials and foreign diplomats in Tirana visited the Greek embassy to express their sympathy and sorrow at Mr. KaramanlisYs death.

Albanian President Rexjep Mejani sent a cable of condolences to his Greek counterpart, while Prime Minister Fatos Nano wrote in the Greek Embassy book of condolences: "I wish to express my sympathy and deep respect for the great personality of the Greek Nation and one of the most eminent figures in modern, European Greece".

"For Albanians, (Constantine Karamanlis) will remain a symbol in their continuing struggle for a new Balkans in a new Eupope," Mr. Nano wrote.

Albanian television for the first time placed enormous emphasis on the death of a Greek politician, broadcasting extensive and detailed reports on the late statesmanYs life.

CanadaYs Prime Minister Jean Chretien issued a statement following the news of the former presidentYs death.

"On behalf of the people of Canada, I offer sincere condolences to the people of Greece. Mr. Karamanlis will be remembered for his vision and leadership... with his passing Greece has lost one of its greatest statesmen and Europe one of its most promine nt political figures and supporters of democracy", the Canadian prime minister said in his message.

In the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), the book of condolences at the Greek Liaison Office was signed by a representative for President Kiro Gligorov, as well as by deputy prime minister Naser Ziberi and Culture Minister Slobodan Unkovsk i on behalf of the government.

Apart from FYROM Foreign Undersecretary Ugen Maleski, the book of condolences was also signed by a number of ordinary citizens, some of whom wrote in Greek.

German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel sent a telegram to his Greek counterpart Theodoros Pangalos expressing his heartfelt condolences over the death of Karamanlis and praising his enormous contribution to public life in Greece over a period of 60 years.

"He made every effort in the most admirable way for democracy and the freedom of the Greek people. Constantine Karamanlis was a friend of Germany and a great European. Greece's entry to the then EEC in 1981 was the result of his policy. The remarkable l ife's work of Constantine Karamanlis instilled respect and recognition in Germany and Europe. Greece and Europe have lost one of the greatest political leaders of the 20th century," Mr. Kinkel said.

Speaking to the ANA in Lisbon, Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio also expressed his sincere condolences. Newspapers and television stations in Portugal have been referring to Karamanlis as the politician who restored democracy in Greece.

PalestineYs ambassador in Athens Abdullah Abdullah yesterday visited the presidential mansion to convey to President Kostis Stephanopoulos the sincere condolences over Mr. KaramanlisY death on behalf of Palestinian Authority leader and chief of the Palest ine Liberation Organisation Yasser Arafat.

In his message, Mr. Arafat described the late statesman as "a great friend of the Palestinian people", while he praised the friendly ties between the two peoples. Mr. Abdullah also signed the book of condolences.

Athens News Agency

[03] Simitis, Clerides confer on US initiative on Cyprus

After Mr. Clerides's departure, a meeting was held in the foreign ministry, also with the participation of Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Foreign Undersecretary Yiannos Kranidiotis.

No statements were made.

Athens News Agency

[04] Clerides appears hopeful

The president told Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC) at Athens airport that US State Department special coordinator for Cyprus, Tom Miller, briefed him on his contacts in the Greek and Turkish capitals.

The two men met at Athens airport as one (Mr. Clerides) was arriving and the other (Mr. Miller) leaving.

Asked if Mr. Miller is bringing something different and more optimistic, the Cypriot president was quoted by CyBC as saying that "a lot more than I would have expected".

Invited to assess what Mr. Miller has conveyed to him, the president is said to have told CyBC that what he heard was good enough to revoke his earlier statements on departure from Cyprus that one cannot talk about developments because the Turkish Cypri ot position continues to be intransigent.

President Clerides said earlier yesterday that "there is no indication as yet of a positive response on the part of the Turkish side" to help efforts to resume the intercommunal dialogue.

Athens News Agency

[05] Protesters demand recognition of Armenian people's genocide

The protesters hung up a resolution outside the Turkish Embassy after a delegation was denied entry to the premises to deliver the resolution to the Turkish ambassador. They dispersed after singing the national anthems of Greece and Armenia.

Earlier, a te deum service was held at Nea Smyrni Square in memory of the genocide's victims. Wreaths were laid by Armenian Ambassador Armagy Rakosian, Mayor of Nea Smyrni Mr. Siotropos, as well as by a representative of the Athens Mayor.

Members of the Armenian community in Thessaloniki also held a te deum service at the Armenian Orthodox Church. They then marched to the monument of the Third Army Corps where wreaths were laid.

Thessaloniki Prefect Costas Papadopoulos made an address afterwards, stressing that the genocide of the Armenians, together with the massacre of Greek populations by the Turks at the same time, "is the first organised national cleansing taking place for specific geopolitical reasons."

Greek Parliament has officially recognised April 24th as a day dedicated to the genocide of the Armenians.

Athens News Agency

[06] Memorial service for Thessaloniki Jews

The annual memorial service will take place, as always, at 12 noon at the Holy Monastirioton Synagogue, where the few survivors will light six candles symbolically in memory of the six million European Jews exterminated by the Nazis.

The Jewish population in Thessaloniki numbered 49,000 people according to the census carried out in 1940. Five years later, and following the Nazi pogrom, Thessaloniki Jews were not more than 1,950. The percentage of losses was the highest in Europe and amounted to 96.5 per cent.

Athens News Agency

[07] Bomb attack in Athens condemned

The statement underlined that the attack was made on the day commemorating the Holocaust.

Athens News Agency

[08] Ionian Bank target of new bomb attack

The new group had also claimed responsibility for a similar attack on an Ionian Bank branch in the Athens suburb of Ilioupolis late Sunday night. In yesterday's attack, shortly after midnight, the attackers used a makeshift incendiary device compr ising at least ten gas cannisters and two cans of gasoline.

Six fire engines and 18 firemen were needed to put out the blaze which caused extensive material damage to the building.

According to initial reports, the anonymous caller told Flash that the attack was carried out to press for the release of Nikos Maziotis and as a show of solidarity with the inmates of Korydallos prison.

Maziotis, a self-proclaimed anarchist, was arrested earlier this year and charged with involvement in several bomb attacks in the Athens area.

Korydallos prison was the scene of a foiled escape attempt and riot earlier this week.

Athens News Agency

[09] President ends visit to Hungary

Accompanied by his Hungarian counterpart Arpad Goncz, the Greek president spoke to locals in a spirit of reconciliation and unity, stressing that Greece had paid dearly for the strife and the bigotry that marked its post- war political life.

"Had we known how many evils a civil war brings, we would have thought twice before starting the conflict," he said.

He expressed his gratitude to Hungary for the hospitality offered those who sought refuge from the persecution of those years, adding that the doors of the presidential palace were now open to anyone from Beloyiannis who would wish to see him in person.

Athens News Agency

[10] Gen. Tzoganis concludes Cyprus visit

During a press conference given prior to his departure from Cyprus yesterday, Gen. Tzoganis said his talks with the islandYs military and political leaderships focused on defence issues and the direction of the joint defence doctrine.

The Greek military chief also underlined that the Paphos air base was of a high level of readiness, being capable of cross-servicing all types of war planes.

Athens News Agency

[11] Culture minister meets Japanese, Ukrainian officials

Emphasis was placed on the Cultural Olympiad and the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Greek-Japanese diplomatic relations.

Mr. Venizelos also received the Ukrainian Culture Undersecretary Mr. Zaharevic who was accompanied by the Ukrainian Ambassador to Athens.

Mr. Zaharevic delivered a message to him from his Ukrainian counterpart. Their talks concerned the monument being prepared in Odessa for the "Filiki Etairia."

Athens News Agency

[12] Tsohatzopoulos, Papariga discuss defence, security issues

The results of Mr. TsohatzopoulosYs recent trip to Russia and a short visit to Athens by US Defence Sectretary Willian Cohen were also discussed.

"During the meeting we had a chance to ascertain points of agreement and disagreement with regard to the issues discussed", the defence minister said afterwards.

Ms. Papariga expressed her partyYs objection over the formation of a multinational rapid deployment force in the Balkans, saying such a force would not resolve any problems as it will be doomed to be under NATOYs command.

The KKE leader said she was concerned about the situation prevailing in Kosovo, saying she was against plans for the regionYs independence, which as she said were aimed at the establishement of new states and changing borders in the region.

With regard to domestic issues, Ms. Papariga objected to plans for privitisations in the countryYs defence industry, but demanded its further development. She further underlined that purchase of defence equipment should be based not on what the US wante d to sell, but rather on the countryYs needs, observing that the US loathed the purchase by Cyprus of the Russian-made S-300 defence missile system.

"We cannot accept US policy requirements for Greece to play the role of a dealer of US interests in the regions", she concluded. Athens News Agency

[13] Flotation of OTE shares on international market

National Bank Deputy Governor Mr. Karamouzis chaired a meeting on this issue yesterday which was attended by representatives of the brokerage companies SIGMA, Devletoglou, Midland-Pantelakis, Telesis and Alpha Chrimatistiriaki. On the part of internatio nal brokerage firms, representatives of Salomon Brothers, H.S.B.C., Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse, First Boston and SBC were present.

Athens News Agency

[14] AGET cement company increases turnover

Yesterday's general assembly decided to distribute dividends amounting to 140 drachmas per share and distribute to staff profits totalling 300 million drachmas.

The company's sales abroad amounted to 2.9 million tonnes. Strengthening its position, the company carried out increased depreciation amounting to 4.5 billion drachmas as against 2 billion drachmas in 1996.

Athens News Agency

[15] GSEE may stage new nationwide strike

Yesterday's board plenary authorised GSEE's Executive Committee to assess the situation which will develop and call a strike in May, if it is considered necessary.

In another development, GSEE's board called a 24-hour strike on May 1 and decided to celebrate May Day with a rally at Pedio tou Areos Square.

Meanwhile, GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos said the initiative by trade union organisations controlled by the ESAK labour group, affiliated to the Communist Party of Greece to hold a separate May Day rally in Syntagma Square was a divisive initiative.

Athens News Agency

[16] Greek stocks slump on fears Commercial Bank to remain state-owned

Despite the plunge in sentiment, the market had already begun a minor technical correction this week.

Sector indices lost ground across the board.

Banks fell 5.31 percent, Insurance was 5.57 percent off, Investment dropped 6.41 percent, Leasing eased 3.17 percent, Industrials were 5.51 percent down, Construction plunged 6.11 percent, Miscellaneous fell 6.33 percent and Holding ended 5.18 percent o ff.

The parallel market index for small cap companies fell 3.43 percent.

Trading was still heavy with turnover at 84.07 billion drachmas.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 215 to 36 with another 13 issues unchanged.

Piraeus Leasing, Dane and Klaoudatos scored the biggest percentage gains at the day's 8.0 percent limit-up.

Commercial Bank, Titan Cement, Silver Ores & Baryte, General Bank, Intrasoft, Singular and Euromedica suffered the heaviest losses hitting the day's 8.0 percent limit-down.

National Bank of Greece ended at 52,600 drachmas, Ergobank at 26,500, Alpha Credit Bank at 28,750, Delta Dairy at 4,300, Titan Cement at 24,380, Intracom at 18,300 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation at 9,010 drachmas.

Greek stocks correct during week following jump Greek equities embarked on a technical correction during the week after hitting yet another record on Tuesday. Traders said yesterday that the market needed a correction ahead of the government's final decisions on its privatisation plan and an EU summit on May 2 to launch the European Union's economic and monetary union.

The general index suffered its heaviest losses yesterday marking the first significant correction since March 14 when a rally begun in the aftermath of the drachma's 13.8 percent devaluation, linked to entry into the EU's exchange rate mechanism on the same day.

However, the market ended the week with a 1.04 percent gain and is 67.20 percent up since the beginning of the year.

Turnover remained heavy throughout the week to total 402.298 billion drachmas, or a daily average of 100.5 billion up from 86.9 billion the previous week.

The Leasing sector scored the biggest gains of the week at 16.91 percent, while Miscellaneous suffered a 7.43 percent decline.

Athens News Agency

[17] International shipping fair begins in Piraeus in June

More than 1,350 exhibitors have booked to take part in the event, and 18 national stands. The trade fair will cover 19,500 square metres.

New participants at Posidonia include Angola, Bangladesh, Chile, Ghana, Ireland, Latvia, Nigeria, Slovenia, Tunisia, Venezuela, the organisers said.

Among national participations, the US pavilion is the largest yet in the two-yearly exhibition.

In addition, the London-based Baltic Exchange is accompanied by representatives of two dozen leading maritime lawyers offices.

A strong presence is expected by Greek and foreign telecommunications companies.

A major increase will be seen in participation by exhibitors specialising in software applications and computer consultancy applied to ISM Code compliance and shipping office management systems.

International maritime organisations to be represented include Amver (US Coastguard), Bimco, Helmepa, Intertanko, the International Bunker Industry Association, the Salvage Association, the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, and the Institute of London

Underwriters.

The European Commission is also participating directly in Posidonia for the first time. Directorate General XIII has reserved a stand to demonstrate the achievements of projects within its Transport Telematics Programme.

Posidonia '98, the 16th in the series of international shipping exhibitions, will be held at the waterfront Exhibition Centre of the Piraeus Port Authority.

The event is sponsored by the Merchant Marine Ministry, the Municipality of Piraeus, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS), the London-based Greek Shipping Cooperation Committee, the Union of Mediterranean Cargo Vessel Ow ners, the Greek Shipowners Association for Passenger Ships, and the Union of Coastal Passenger Ship Owners.

Athens News Agency

[18] National Bank of Greece to launch Romania branch

National Bank of Greece already operates branches in Albania and plans to open new ones in Serbia.

The bank is likely to run its own network in Bulgaria if its bid to acquire Bulgaria's Postbank is rejected.

Athens News Agency

[19] Olympic Airways blames staff for financial doldrums

OA's management said in a statement that part of the airline's flight personnel, supported by trade unionists, had refused to work, disrupting schedules.

"(Through self-defeating trade union tactics) some are paving the way for other decisions that could be taken to serve passengers, salvaging both OA's prestige and the right to work of thousands of employees," the statement said.

The national carrier's management alleged that some trade unionists were acting on vested interests, and their tactics could jeopardise jobs.

Olympic Airways' image and credibility had been badly hit and business had slumped, aiding OA's competitors at home and abroad, the statement said.

It called on workers to support the drive to save the airline through a five-year restructuring plan approved by parliament that includes a three- year wage freeze and cutbacks in benefits.

Athens News Agency

[20] Ionian bank staff call 24-hour strike a success

The bank's staff association president told a strikers' rally outside Ionian Bank's headquarters in Athens that the government kept fuelling talk of the bank's impending sale, and management had been timid in handling the issue.

The bank's employees plan to form a front with the staff association of Commercial Bank, Ionian's parent company, which is also rumoured to be slated for privatisation; the state phoneworkers' union; unions of other public utilities; and the General Con federation of Greek Workers.

Representatives of those unions also took part in the rally.

The front will urge the government to call off any privatisation plans and instead modernise the bank and give assurances that Ionian's 4,400 workers will keep their jobs.

The government has not said it plans to sell Commercial Bank. Athens News Agency

[21] Athens to host EU exhibition on euro

Entry is free to the exhibition at the Zappion Hall on May 8-27.

Athens News Agency

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article