Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 99-09-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't vows to stamp down on stock manipulation

[02] Olympic Airways launches drive to attract customers

[03] Stocks hit new record led by blue chips

[04] Bonds end flat in light trade

[05] British Hellenic Chamber to hold energy conference

[06] Gasoline prices to drop this week

[07] Aspis Group buys Groater

[08] Aluminium de Grece may build power unit

[09] In-company training gets underway

[10] Athens Foreign Exchange

[11] PM Simitis pledges support to farmers

[12] PASOK to celebrate founding anniversary

[13] Greetings from Clinton

[14] Greece's Diamantopoulou seen positively by Europarliament

[15] Montenegrin president has good words for Greece

[16] Greece wishes greatest possible EU quake aid to Turkey, Kranidiotis says

[17] Izmit prefect thanks patriarch for quake aid

[18] Turkish businesses acknowledge Greek help

[19] Southern NATO wing activated in Larissa

[20] EU Balkan coordinator calls for patience

[21] Romanian president, with others, prays for Balkan peace

[22] Karamanlis announces ND economic proposals ahead of TIF

[23] Papandreou discusses Turkey quake aid with Pangalos

[24] Minister gives promises to seamen

[25] Train derails near FYROM border

[26] Storm causes chaos in Athens

[27] Commissioner gives assurance on Cyprus

[28] Strong quake rocks Zakynthos

[01] Gov't vows to stamp down on stock manipulation

Athens, 02/09/1999 (ANA)

"The rise in stocks of non-existent firms cannot be explained," Mr. Papantoniou told reporters during a presentation of a comprehensive legal code for the capital market that is destined for parliament.

The Athens Stock Exchange and Capital Markets Commission were studying the imposition of measures that included monitoring the transactions of companies with a wide share base whose stock displayed sharp fluctuations, and then notifying investors.

According to sources, the Athens bourse has compiled a list of around 20 companies it will be watching especially closely for inordinate fluctuations, especially increases to the daily eight percent upper volatility limit.

Among punitive measures being considered are suspending trade for several days in stocks exhibiting peculiar behaviour including a spate of limit-ups or rises based on rumours of their performance.

The minister ruled out for the time being any increase to the daily eight percent upper and lower volatility limits.

"A climate of calm has not yet been estabished. We are seeing unbridled enthusiasm," he added.

Investors should play the market with care, making sure they were well informed on the financial specifics of the companies whose stock they bought into, Mr. Papantoniou said.

He also mentioned that the bourse's performance had fuelled fears of fresh inflationary pressures due to high capital gains: the fears may in the future come true, but were not worrying at present.

The minister said the bourse's growth in recent years was spectacular with turnover rising from one trillion drachmas in 1994 to 14 trillion drachmas in 1998.

Its impressive performance had aided fiscal revitalistion and corporate transparency, also breaking a dependence by companies on bank borrowing, he added.

Athens News Agency

[02] Olympic Airways launches drive to attract customers

Athens, 02/09/1999 (ANA)

Speedwing, the UK firm which recently took over Olympic's management, is also considering special offers on domestic routes.

OA's new manager, Rod Lynch, plans to increase the number of daily flights to New York from one to two and merge flights with low demand.

The new management also plans to overhaul the national carrier's fleet and hire more aircraft technicians.

Olympic Airways is expected to submit by the end of the month its new growth plan to the European Commission for approval.

Athens News Agency

[03] Stocks hit new record led by blue chips

Athens, 02/09/1999 (ANA)

The general index surged 3.19 percent to end at 5,371.57 points after briefly breaking the 5,400 level. It was its 44th record close this year.

Technical analysts said the market was moving towards the 5,600 point resistance level.

Turnover was heavy at 429.301 billion drachmas with 50,366,670 shares changing hands.

Traders said investors were active buyers in marginal stocks despite a warning by National Bank of Greece Governor Theodore Karatzas over the dubious health of a large part of the group.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks (+4.62 pct), Insurance (+4.02 pct), Construction (-1.91 pct), Miscellaneous (+2.06 pct), Leasing (-0.52 pct), Investment (-0.32 pct), Industrials (+2.60 pct) and Holding (+2.43 pct).

The parallel market index for smaller capitalisation stocks rose 0.04 percent while the FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 4.04 percent higher at 2,895.60 points.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 190 to 102 with another 11 issues unchanged.

Hellenic Telecoms and National Bank of Greece were the most heavily traded stocks. National Bank of Greece ended at 23,850 drachmas, Alpha Credit Bank at 24,000, Commercial Bank at 32,000, Titan Cement at 34,200, Hellenic Petroleum at 3,560, Intracom at 28,100, Minoan Lines at 7,700, Panafon at 9, 380 and Hellenic Telecoms at 6,790.

Athens News Agency

[04] Bonds end flat in light trade

Athens, 02/09/1999 (ANA)

Electronic turnover was 18 billion drachmas from 17 billion drachmas in the previous session and 38 billion drachmas on Monday.

Of yesterday's total, buy orders accounted for around 12 billion drachmas of the total.

The benchmark 10-year bond was trading around 98.75, showing a yield of 6.58 percent from 6.50 percent a day earlier and 6.50 percent on Monday.

The yield spread over German bunds again moved between 161 basis points and 164 basis points from 164 basis points on Monday.

At the central bank's daily fix, the euro crept up versus the drachma.

It ended at 326.360 drachmas from 326.340 drachmas in the previous session and 326.430 drachmas on Monday. Also at the fix, the dollar fell against the drachma.The greenback was set at 307.340 drachmas from 309.800 drachmas a day earlier and 312.100 drachmas on Monday.

September, October futures bring gains : Players in the country's new derivatives market with open positions in the FTSE/ASE-20 index showed major gains yesterday after September and October futures rose sharply, traders said.

Trades totalled 269 September futures, which finished at 2,887.73 from 2, 780.14 a day earlier; and 241 October futures ending at 2,895.54 against 2, 790.41.

Turnover on the Athens Derivatives Market (ADEX) was 2.9 billion drachmas divided almost equally between September and October futures.

For the second day running, glitches were reported in ADEX trade due to delays in updating the FTSE/ASE-20, on which futures are based, of up to 13 minutes.

The loss of real time figures, which traders said lowered turnover, should be fixed this week, the bourse said in a statement.

Athens News Agency

[05] British Hellenic Chamber to hold energy conference

Athens, 02/09/1999 (ANA)

The object of the conference is to inform analysts and investors on the opportunities in Greece, and the impact of liberalisation.

Speakers from Greece and abroad will take part.

Athens News Agency

[06] Gasoline prices to drop this week

Athens, 02/09/1999 (ANA)

In the prefectures of Attica and Thessaloniki, the price of unleaded gasoline is suggested at 206.20 drachmas per litre, down 1.10 drachmas a litre from the previous week, the ministry said.

The indicative rates are based on global oil prices.

Athens News Agency

[07] Aspis Group buys Groater

Athens, 02/09/1999 (ANA)

Groater is to retain its autonomous status within the group and develop its business, Aspis said in a statement.

Athens News Agency

[08] Aluminium de Grece may build power unit

Athens, 02/09/1999 (ANA)

The company signed an agreement yesterday with the Public Gas Corporation and National Power, a subsidiary of ENI, to examine a feasibility and viability study spanning technical, financial and commercial aspects of the planned unit.

If the project goes ahead, then the signatories will work out the details of construction and management of the electricity plant, which will run on natural gas. According to estimates, the unit would absorb between 600 million cubic metres and one mi llion cubic metres of natural gas annually.

Athens News Agency

[09] In-company training gets underway

Athens, 02/09/1999 (ANA)

The decision was signed yesterday by Labour Minister Miltiades Papaiouannou.

The private sector project is budgeted at 17 billion drachmas and the public sector project at 15 billion drachmas.

Athens News Agency

[10] Athens Foreign Exchange

Athens, 02/09/1999 (ANA)

Parities in Drachmas

Banknotes             Buying  Selling
US Dollar             304.881 311.950
Can.Dollar            203.598 208.319
Australian Dlr        194.591 199.102
Pound Sterling        490.861 502.242
Irish Punt            411.077 420.608
Pound Cyprus          561.016 574.023
Pound Malta           711.871 741.532
Turkish pound (100)     0.063   0.066
French franc           49.355  50.499
Swiss franc           202.209 206.898
Belgian franc           8.026   8.212
German Mark           165.530 169.368
Finnish Mark           54.451  55.713
Dutch Guilder         146.911 150.317
Danish Kr.             43.545  44.554
Swedish Kr.            37.182  38.044
Norwegian Kr.          39.095  40.001
Austrian Sh.           23.528  24.074
Italian lira (100)     16.720  17.108
Yen (100)             278.603 285.063
Spanish Peseta          1.945   1.990
Port. Escudo            1.615   1.652

Foreign Exchange      Buying  Selling
New York              304.881 311.950
Montreal              203.598 208.319
Sydney                194.591 199.102
London                490.861 502.242
Dublin                411.077 420.608
Nicosia               561.016 574.023
Paris                  49.355  50.499
Zurich                202.209 206.898
Brussels                8.026   8.212
Frankfurt             165.530 169.368
Helsinki               54.451  55.713
Amsterdam             146.911 150.317
Copenhagen             43.545  44.554
Stockholm              37.182  38.044
Oslo                   39.095  40.001
Vienna                 23.528  24.074
Milan                  16.720  17.108
Tokyo                 278.603 285.063
Madrid                  1.945   1.990
Lisbon                  1.615   1.652

Athens News Agency

[11] PM Simitis pledges support to farmers

Athens, 02/09/1999 (ANA)

"It is the government's aim to improve the living conditions of farmers in order to provide them with a better standard of living," Mr. Simitis said.

The prime minister announced that the government was earmarking the sum of 9.5 trillion drachmas for the period 2000-2006 to guarantee farmers' incomes and ensure agricultural development.

He said the funds were from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the 3rd Community Support Framework and would be allocated for agricultural aids, price support and investments.

In 1999, the premier added, 7,000 investment projects have been approved compared to 2,600 in 1994.

He said that about 90 per cent of the 3rd Community Support Framework had been allocated to regional development, and, directly or indirectly, to the growth of agricu-ltural production and the improvement of farmers' standard of living.

"The prospects for the farming sector are very good," Mr. Simitis said.

Among the measures announced by the premier are the following:

- A 1 per cent reduction in interest rates on loans extended to young farmers from 8.5 per cent to 7.5 per cent, as from yesterday.

- Early retirement pensions will be increased, as from January 1st, by 25 per cent, while 50 per cent of compensation for crop damage will be disbursed immediately after initial assessments have been made and the balance as soon as final damage reports have been completed.

- The interest rates on crop cultivation loans extended by the Agricultural Bank of Greece will be cut from 14 to 12 per cent.

- The Agriculture Ministry will open offices in rural areas to foster improved communication and contacts with farmers.

- National Councils will be set up for each farm product in order to enhance the general handling of agricultural produce and improve overall strategy.

- Each September, the government will enter into negotiations with farmers on matters pertaining to the next crop season.

Athens News Agency

[12] PASOK to celebrate founding anniversary

Athens, 02/09/1999 (ANA)

The celebrations for the September 3, 1974 foundation of the party, will include a speach by PASOK President and Prime Minister Costas Simitis, a video presentation, and a photographic exhibition of the 25-year history of the party.

Mr. Simitis in a message in light of the anniversary said "PASOK 25 years later is united and decisive.

"Resolved to win again in the next elections the trust of the Greek people and in this way to proceed even further and to complete the restructuring policies, which we have begun," Mr. Simitis added.

"Those processes, which have led us to an already sizeable modernisation of society and economy," Mr. Simitis said.

Athens News Agency

[13] Greetings from Clinton

MONTREAL, 02/09/1999 (ANA)

Mr. Katsimatidis, who is expected to accompany Mr. Clinton on his November visit to Greece, will meet with the new Archbishop of America, Dimitrios, today.

Athens News Agency

[14] Greece's Diamantopoulou seen positively by Europarliament

BRUSSELS, 02/09/1999 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

According to reports the candidate Commissioner for Social Affairs, who underwent a three-hour question-answer session with members of the committee, was widely accepted.

A relevant press release of the European Popular Party (EPP) commented on the satisfaction of the largest group of Eurodeputies for Ms. Diamantopoulou's responses.

Athens News Agency

[15] Montenegrin president has good words for Greece

BELGRADE, 02/09/1999 (ANA-M.Mouratidis)

"The talks I had in Athens will constitue an important stone in the mosaic of future good relations between Greece and Montenegro," Mr. Djukanovic was quoted as saying. He said that his visit to Athens was important given the significant role Greece had in projects for the development of southestern Europe. The Montegrin president was also quoted as saying that Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Foreign Minister George Papandreou supported his republic's efforts to redifine relations with Serbia on new bases, which will guarantee long term stability not only in the Yugoslav Federal Republic, as well as in the broader region.

Athens News Agency

[16] Greece wishes greatest possible EU quake aid to Turkey, Kranidiotis says

BRUSSELS, 02/09/1999 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Following a meeting with EU Foreign Affairs Commissioner Hans Van den Broek, Mr. Kranidiotis said that talks, with both the commissioner and diplomats of the EU member-states, indicate the reaching of a total agreement regarding Union funds to Turkey in light of the quake.

Speaking to Greek journalists, Mr. Kranidiotis said that the informal Foreign Ministers' Council scheduled for Saturday and Sunday in Finland will discuss the issue and will ratify their final decision during their official meeting on September 13, in Brussels.

Mr. Kranidiotis added that the aid "package" will be composed of a wide spectrum of Union fund sources, including community funds provided by the two financing regulations that the European Commission proposed two months ago as part of the European stra tegy for Turkey, and which have not yet been approved by the European Parliament.

The two regulations proposed funds to the tune of 150 million euro. Greece had disagreed with the proposal suggesting that approval of one regulation regarding 135 million euro, require a special majority vote and not consensus among the member-states. Greece, Mr. Kranidiotis said, agrees with the release of those funds, as long as it is clear that they will be used toward relief of the problems caused by the earthquake.

He added that Greece is also ready to agree with the provision of loans to Turkey by the European Investment Bank so as the private sector along with the Turkish state may proceed with the reconstruction of the regions hit by the quake.

Additional funding will stem from aid funds such as ECHO and MEDA to the tune of 50 million euro, Mr. Kranidiotis said.

Speaking on the general framework of Greek-Turkish relations, the minister said that relations between the two countries are at a good point and expressed hope that this climate will be maintained and will aid the swift resolution of major issues based on the principles of International Law.

He also noted that the massive and popular expression of solidarity of Greek citizens following the quake acted as a catalyst.

Regarding EU-Turkish relations, and especially the issue of upgrading the neighbouring country to the candidate member-state status same to that of the other 11 candidate countries, Mr. Kranidiotis said that this issue will be discussed at the end of the year at the Helsinki Summit. Concluding, the alternate foreign minister expressed his thanks to Mr. Van der Broek as the latter is concluding his term as a commissioner.

Athens News Agency Athens 02/09/1999 (ANA)

The Greek national defence ministry yesterday delivered 100 chemical toiletes, 20 water tanks and three tonnes of decontamination and water purification chemicals to Turkey, via a Hellenic Airforce C-130 cargo airplane to Istanbul airport, the Hellenic Airforce General Staff announced.

Turkey's Galatasaray arrived in Thessaloniki yesterday for a soccer friendly today with PAOK, the proceeds of which will go for the earthquake victims of the neighbouring country.

The Turkish team was greeted at Thessaloniki airport by a PAOK delegation headed by Stavros Sarafis who said "we welcome you with the conviction that your short stay will be the start of a new road to friendship and cooperation."

Athens News Agency

[17] Izmit prefect thanks patriarch for quake aid

ISTANBUL, 02/09/1999 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

The check was handed by Mr. Vartholomeos to Prefect of Izmit Meduh Oghuz, who said "we thank you deeply for your offer, as well as for your presence here, as the quake aftershocks, have alarmed our citizens."

Prefectoral officials and the Izmit University Dean Baki Kosmuoglu toured the rubble that was the campus site with Mr. Vartholomeos and showed to the Orthodox prelate the gap in the ground created by the earthquake.

The patriarch also visited the hospital of the city, worst hit by the earthquake, where a deacon of the church will remain for a week to offer his services as he is a doctor.

Along with Mr. Vartholomeos, representatives of Greek youth organisations also visited Izmit.

Athens News Agency

[18] Turkish businesses acknowledge Greek help

ISTANBUL, 02/09/1999 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

An announcement of the Foreign Economic Relations Council in Istanbul expresses its satisfaction over the actions of support and solidarity of the Greek people, the Greek businessmen and the Greek government, as well as the material and non-material aid provided following the August 17 earthquake in northwestern Turkey.

The council has ceased unilaterally all activity following the arrest of Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) leader Abdulah Ocalan in Kenya last February.

The announcement also noted that following the meeting of the Greek and Turkish foreign ministers in New York on June 30, bilateral relations improved, conditions which lead to the council to reactivate.

Athens News Agency

[19] Southern NATO wing activated in Larissa

Athens, 02/09/1999 (ANA)

The official ceremony for the event, at least for the Tyrnavos headquarters, is scheduled for October 5 with the attendance of national leadership and NATO representatives, while the NATO representation level will be determined during a special meeting with the Greek General Staff leadership.

Final staffing for the Tyrnavos headquarters is forecast at 453 commissioned and non-commissioned officers, while 815 individuals are employed there today upon activation, of whom 50% are Greeks.

The activation of the Tyrnavos headquarters coincides with the first large air-naval exercise to be conducted early December at the Southern NATO Wing.

Within the activation-framework of the Southern NATO Wing sub-headquarters yesterday, the Airforce Operations Centre (AKE) of the Tactical Airforce Headquarters evolved into a Coordinated Action Operational Centre (CAOC), coming directly under the opera tional jurisdiction of the Southern NATO Wing Airforce commander.

The CAOC will be of a "temporary" nature until its relocation on the NATO installations at Kontohero.

Tactical Airforce Lieutenant General Panayiotis Manousos is the commander of the CAOC, while the position of the vice-commander will be held by a US brigadier general.

According to the staffing plan, the Centre will be staffed with 94 permanent commissioned and non-commissioned airforce officers, of whom 50% will be Greek.

Athens News Agency

[20] EU Balkan coordinator calls for patience

Athens, 02/09/1999 (ANA)

Mr. Hombach was speaking in the northern port city of Thessaloniki, which he will use as a 'second base' after Brussels for the activities that he will be coordinating in the region.

The EU official arrived in Greece on Tuesday and had talks with Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Foreign Minister George Papandreou.

He arrived in Thessaloniki yesterday accompanied by Mr. Papandreou and Deputy National Economy Minister Rodoula Zissi.

"Patience and care are needed. We must not cultivate expectations which cannot subsequently be realised. We are at the start of a marathon. Time is needed, but I must stress that the Stability Pact cannot do magic," Mr. Hombach told reporters.

Mr. Hombach visited a number of buildings in the port city, one of which will be chosen to house Stability Pact offices.

The German coordinator praised Thessaloniki's role in implementing the Balkan Stability Pact and described it as "the perfect springboard" for his visits and activities in the region.

Mr. Hombach said he intended to spend half of his time in Thessaloniki and replying to reporters' questions, he indicated that the Stability Pact offices would most pro-bably open sometime during September.

Mr. Papandreou said the implementation of the Stability Pact constituted an "historic opportunity" for the Balkans.

Greek initiative : Mr. Hombach said Greece's initiative to offer support to Turkey in the wake of the catastrophic earthquake was "particularly positive".

Foreign Minister Papandreou said that he had ascertained a consensus in Greek politics on the undertaking of a wider initiative to provide support to the victims of the earthquake through the European Union. "The government will take the final decisi on on the issue after it completes a series of talks with political leaders and former foreign ministers," Mr. Papandreou added.

Athens News Agency

[21] Romanian president, with others, prays for Balkan peace

Athens, 02/09/1999 (ANA)

The three-day meeting is conducted behind closed doors and was organised by two US Congressmen, Toni Hall and Frank Wolf, and US Senator Dan Coates.

Speaking to journalists, Mr. Hall insisted that the meeting was "totally unofficial" and "their is nothing secret in this, it has no relation with politics and agreements," adding that it was a "meeting of friends", who will exchange opinions over devel opments in the Balkans, while irrespective of their religious beliefs will pray for peace.

According to reports, Mr. Constantinescu, speaking in the meeting, said that the collapse of communism created a vacuum in eastern Europe and its citizens are full of anxiety and agony for peace and development.

Athens News Agency

[22] Karamanlis announces ND economic proposals ahead of TIF

Athens, 02/09/1999 (ANA)

During a press conference at Zappion Hall in Athens, Mr. Karamanlis called on Prime Minister Costas Simitis to take under consideration the view of ND in his speach on Saturday at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).

Mr. Karamanlis said that the real economy of the country is "ailing", while he appeared certain that Greece will enter the European Monetary Union (EMU).

He added that the economic policy proposed by the ND will boost the country to a new economic miracle.

Mr. Karamanlis called on the premier not to enter into a logic of panic induced offers, noting that tax cuts by themselves offer nothing to citizens.

He announced the ND plan on taxcuts and announced measures for the support of businesses, farmers, tourism and the merchant marine.

He also noted that that his party will re-examine all contracts of state projects regarding, what he called, shady points and lack of transparency.

Speaking on the Athens Stock Exchange, Mr. Karamanlis said that its course does not reflect the Greek economy, adding that the real reason behind its success is low interest rates and the good international climate.

Mr. Karamanilis also announced measures on the modernisation of the Stock Exchange and the protection of investors, noting that with the ND policies the exchange will flourish.

He added that the argument of the government, that should ND win the Euroelections, the Stock Exchange will tumble, was proven wrong.

Responding to Mr. Karamanlis, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said ND's economic policy proposal "is nothing more than a lackluster reiteration of non-specific statements, with exerpts of badly reproduced reports, regarding the planned announcement s of the government."

Mr. Reppas also said that Mr. Karamanlis "reached the point where, in order to oppose the government, he is using inaccurate arguments and forges the unchallengable reality.

"The comfortable way in which Mr. Karamanlis proceeded in his announcements - not withstanding the expediency which he is noted for - proves the strength of the Greek economy, which Mr. Karamanlis does not recognise," Mr. Reppas added.

Athens News Agency

[23] Papandreou discusses Turkey quake aid with Pangalos

Athens, 02/09/1999 (ANA)

Following the meeting, Mr. Pangalos said that Greece had supported from the very begining Turkey's rappochement with the European Union, but has also presented several preconditions.

These preconditions-principles were not pretextual, we have connected Turkey's European course with that country's recognition of the international bodies, application of interational treaties, abodonment of agressive policies and of course the resolution of the Cuprus issue, Mr. Pangalos said.

He added that these problems persist and that the current Turkish leadership has not shown signs of progress on those issues.

Mr. Pangalos, however, noted the "solidarity movement" of the everyday Greek people as well as the politicians of Greece toward Turkey, adding that the government should support it.

"We should say yes to the humanitarian aid, but I think that the fourth financial protocol, should remain as is, because the preconditions set have not been met," Mr. Pangalos said.

Mr. Pangalos also noted that even if Greece was to lift the veto on the financial protocol the Union budget does not include the 375 million euro allocated by the protocol to Turkey, thus a lifting of the veto would only be a political move, since the m oney is not there.

He added that "we can aid Turkey via other sources and of course support the country, so as for the funds not to end up in the pockets of the mafia or the militarists, but to the Turkish people, who needs it."

The meeting with Mr. Pangalos was part of Mr. Papandreou's concensus building among Greek political leaders and PASOK cadres.

Athens News Agency

[24] Minister gives promises to seamen

Athens, 02/09/1999 (ANA)

Similar arraingments also took place for the medical care of those insured under the Seamen's Healthcare Fund, which was financed by state budget, the minister said.

Speaking at a press conference the minister also noted that the bill for the Pireaus Port Authority has no elements of concessions to private interests.

The minister said "yesterday (Wednesday) I met with the leadership of the Port Worker's Federation (OYLE), where it became apparent that there are no problems with the employees.

"Next week I will meet with the rest of the Piraeus Port Authority (OLP) workers' unions. We call on the employees to aid our efforts. In any case the developments are for the benefit of the employees," Mr. Soumakis said.

Athens News Agency

[25] Train derails near FYROM border

Athens, 02/09/1999 (ANA)

According to police sources, five of the train's coaches slipped off the rails which probably gave in under the train's weight, and tipped over at some point while crossing the valley of the Axios river.

Police said that there were no injuries among the eight Belgian soldiers escorting the military equipment aboard the train.

Traffic at the railway lines to and from the Greece-FYROM border is disrupted.

Athens News Agency

[26] Storm causes chaos in Athens

Athens, 02/09/1999 (ANA)

Fire department authorities received fifty calls for assistance from owners and tenants of flooded basement apartments during the two-hour storm, which began at 11 a.m.

The driving rain caused the underpass on central Mesogeion Avenue to also flood, resulting in drivers abandoning their vehicles when they became bogged down in the waters.

The wet conditions also contributed to a number of minor traffic accidents on the roads.

The weather will improve today with rain and local storms expected later in the day in the northern Ionian and Epirus and Macedonia. Winds will be mild to moderate.

Temperatures will range from 17-28C in northern Greece, 19-31C in the mainland and Ionian sea and 22-29C in the Aegean. Athens will have scattered cloud and mild to moderate northerly winds, 21-31C. Thessaloniki will be fine with cloud increasing in the evening, and the possibility of local rain. Temperatures will range from 19-27C.

Athens News Agency

[27] Commissioner gives assurance on Cyprus

BRUSSELS, 02/09/1999 (ANA)

The commissioner gave answer to PASOK Eurodeputy Petros Efthimiou, who asked for Cyprus to have equal treatment.

The commissioner assured that the European Union will not be blackamailed by third countries regarding Cyprus' bid to join the EU.

Athens News Agency

[28] Strong quake rocks Zakynthos

Athens, 02/09/1999 (ANA)

There were no reports of damage or injuries.

Athens News Agency

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