Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 99-09-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gov`t stresses that efforts to house quake-stricken proceeding as planned

[02] Commission on quake aid

[03] Evgenidion Foundation donation

[04] Karamanlis tours quake-stricken regions of west Athens

[05] Dimitrios enthroned as new Archbishop of America

[06] Greece, Cyprus defence ties the focus of Tsohatzopoulos, Hasikos talks

[07] Istanbul mayor arrvives for visit

[08] Antiquities theft charge on Samos

[09] Thessaloniki area development the focus of 2-day conference

[10] 2 Turks arrested for smuggling illegals

[11] Papariga addresses youth festival

[12] Couple charged in 'Internet dating' scam

[13] Papademos cautions against over-optimistic bourse outlook

[14] Seventh passenger on fateful Falcon dies from injuries

[15] Study weighs in negatively on obesity among Greek youth

[16] Trade fair highlights rise in organic farm products` popularity

[01] Gov`t stresses that efforts to house quake-stricken proceeding as planned

Athens, 20/9/1999 (ANA)

The minister said 130 settlements would be established in the Metamorphosi region in some 15 days for use by the area's homeless. In eight to 10 weeks, he added, the ministry will have established 4,000 settlements of pre- fabricated dwellings in all the areas hit by the quake. The Sept. 7 quake measured 5.9 on the Richter scale and killed 139 people; most of whom were killed when three concrete factory/offices and several apartment houses in west and northwest Athens collapsed completely.

Of the 126,000 homes and buildings inspected in 43 municipalities so far, 9, 000 have been deemed unfit for habitation and require demolition; 38,000 require repairs before being fit for habitation and 74,000 are fit for habitation.

A second opinion on residences slated for demolition will be conducted, with figures so far showing that about 30 per cent of those homes slated for demolition could be saved if certain conditions were met.

Apart from providing housing for the homeless, the government will also extend rent subsidies ranging upwards of 80,000 drachmas to those homeless who choose to rent homes, whether in Attica or elsewhere.

Mr. Laliotis also had harsh words for landlords who have been accused in recent days of hiking up rental quotes.

"These people who have rushed to exploit the quake-stricken by making a profit at their cost must be marginalisedIRents must correspond to the limits of tolerance of those hurt by the quake and be close to market levels prevailing before the quake," he said.

Athens News Agency

[02] Commission on quake aid

BRUSSELS, 20/9/1999 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

The issue was tabled by Greece's new Commissioner (Employment and Social Affairs) Anna Diamatopoulou, who briefed her colleagues on the problems created by the Sept. 7 tremor.

She told the Commission that initial estimates of damage caused by the quake indicate the need for funding to the tune of 600 million euros, proposing that the European Union should provide aid of 600 million euros, adding that the Union should overcome the legal problems so the funding may be released.

According to the discussion following the proposal, the Commission demonstrated a positive stance toward Ms Diamantopoulou's request.

In statements to the press, Commissioner Neil Kinnock noted Ms Diamantopoulou and Regional Policies Commissioner Michel Barnier are to look into the legal details and necessary changes needed to allow for the release of non- used Union budget funds of pa st years.

He also said the issue will be on the agenda of the next Commission meeting.

Athens News Agency

[03] Evgenidion Foundation donation

Athens, 20/9/1999 (ANA)

Foundation President Nilolaos Vernikos Evgenidis handed over a check to Prime Minister Costas Simitis, of which 300 million was earmarked for the immediate needs of quake victims, while the rest was allocated for the reconstruction, repairs and replacem ent of school buildings and equipment.

"I would like to congratulate the Evgenidion Foundation for a very generous contributionI" Mr. Simitis said.

Athens News Agency

[04] Karamanlis tours quake-stricken regions of west Athens

Athens, 20/9/1999 (ANA)

Mr. Karamanlis said that 11 days after the quake there are still delays and needs, noting that "the government and state mechanisms were inadequete and unprepared to confront such a situationI"

He added that there are still problems with living conditions of quake victims, citing the need for programmes to improve conditions at this point as well as the permanent resettling of the homeless.

Finally, the ND leader said results of the quake demonstrated that the transfer of responsibilities to local governments did not succeed for a lack of personnel and means.

Athens News Agency

[05] Dimitrios enthroned as new Archbishop of America

NEW YORK, 20/9/1999 (ANA - M. Papoutsaki/CNA)

The 71-year-old Dimitrios was lauded by Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Grigoris Niotis and Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides, among others. US First Lady Hillary Clinton also attended the ceremony.

In an address, Dimitrios said that cultivating the Orthodox faith, extending love, charity and care for his fellow human beings and working for unity and concord among the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese are his top goals.

Archbishop Iakovos, the former Archbishop of North and South America also attended, referring to Dimitrios' "sparkling intellect, unclouded reasoning, sensitive conscience and devotion to the Lord".

At an official luncheon afterwards, Ms Clinton conveyed her husband's greetings and said this was a "very significant occasion, not only for the Greek Orthodox Church and Greek-Americans, but for our country as well."

On his part, Mr. Niotis stressed that "such a spiritual man and distinguished scholar fulfills the necessary preconditions for carrying out his duties in a productive way."

Mr. Clerides extended what he called the "profound gratitude of the government and the people of Cyprus for the way in which the Archdiocese and the Greek Orthodox Churches throughout the United States have always embraced our struggle for a just and vi able solution to the long-standing problem of the forcible division of Cyprus and its people."

Metropolitan Dimitrios of Vrasthena was unanimously elected Archbishop of America during a meeting of the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on Aug. 19 to succeed Archbishop Spyridon, who had resigned a day earlier.

A noted spiritual leader and scholar, Dimitrios has spent more than 20 years in the United States, first as a student and then as a professor at Harvard and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church School of Theology in Brookline, Mass.

Meeting with Greek FM: Finally, the newly enthroned Archbishop officiated at his first service yesterday at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in New York City, with Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Mr. Niotis in attendance. Mr. Papandreou expressed the "total confidence of the G reek government" in Dimitrios during a meeting of the two men, following the service. The Greek FM also conveyed Prime Minister Costas Simitis' regards.

Athens News Agency

[06] Greece, Cyprus defence ties the focus of Tsohatzopoulos, Hasikos talks

Athens, 20/9/1999 (ANA)

The two ministers focused on the further support of existing security and defence policies and the island republic's European Union prospects, while they also discussed cooperation in the fields of military training and equipment.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said Athens steadfastly supports Nicosia's accession to the Union, independent of the timetable for the solution of the long- standing Cyprus problem. He added that the more positive climate in bilateral relations following the deadly quakes in both Turkey and Greece does not influence the policy of securing stability and defence capability, adding that defence strategy is influenced only by the development of political elements.

"Turkey's European prospects pass through the acceptance by the neighbouring country of the rules of international law and UN resolutions," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said.

Mr. Hasikos noted that the October military exercise "Nikifiros-Toxotis" on t he island republic will take place as scheduled.

Athens News Agency

[07] Istanbul mayor arrvives for visit

Athens, 20/9/1999 (ANA)

Istanbul Mayor Ali Mufit Gurduna leads a delegation on his visit, set to hold talks in Athens with municipal officials. He will also pay a visit on President Kostis Stephanopoulos today.

"This visit by the mayor of Istanbul is symbolic but also has substantial consequences, if we take into consideration the messages that the citizens of both countries are sending to their political leaders these days," Mr. Avramopoulos said on receiving his counterpart at Athens airport.

"It is in this spirit that I welcome today my colleague the mayor of Istanbul who I hope will leave with the best impressions of his two-day visit to Athens and who will feel what I felt: that this joint initiative of ours is the spark for a new era in relations between the two peoples which we aspire to, want and will work for with all our power to inaugurate."

Mr. Gurduna said he carried to Athens "the regard and the condolences of the people of Istanbul," referring to the earthquake in Athens on Sept. 7 which killed 139.

"Although this visit is symbolic, we believe that it will create a bridge of love and friendship between the Turkish and Greek people, particularly the people of Athens and Istanbul," he said.

"A bridge has already been created by the earthquakes. We want to consolidate and create a better principle. We want peace to prevail in our region. I believe that Istanbul and Athens will achieve this," Mr. Gurduna said.

First call on the mayor's visit was a tour of the collapsed Ricomex factory, in which 40 people were crushed to death during the earthquake.

Mr. Avramopoulos visited Istanbul a week after the devastating earthquake, to coordinate an earthquake relief initiative undertaken by Greece's five largest municipalities.

As Mr. Avramopoulos toured the devastated areas of the city, he received a warm reception from Turkish residents expressing gratitude for Greece's support and assistance.

Athens News Agency

[08] Antiquities theft charge on Samos

Athens, 20/9/1999 (ANA)

According to authorities, the suspect was found in possession of ancient idols, lanterns, rare marble reliefs and a seal, among others.

The man told police he found the priceless artifacts at the "Kavo Fonia" site while fishing, which he collected in an effort to present them to the eastern Aegean island's archaeological service.

Athens News Agency

[09] Thessaloniki area development the focus of 2-day conference

Athens, 20/9/1999 (ANA)

Speaking at a two-day conference entitled "Development and Thessaloniki", he stressed the importance of industrial development in northern Greece with the creation of two new hi-tech units.

Mr. Venizelos said the BOPP-film unit in Komotini will be operational in December 2000 and will provide much needed employment opportunities in the region, while the Hellenic Petroleum (EL.PE) refinery in western Thessaloniki will begin operations on Oc t. 10, following repairs from a fire last February.

Mr. Venizelos said efforts are already underway for the creation in Thessaloniki of a new national research centre, a maritime research facility, and a regional office of Renewable Energy Sources Centre, among others.

He also announced initiatives for the development of the "Thessa-loniki Festival", in conjuction with the well-known Athens Festival.

Athens News Agency

[10] 2 Turks arrested for smuggling illegals

Athens, 20/9/1999 (ANA)

According to reports, Turkish nationals Sergan Duzmuesi and Toke Yikekri attempted to smuggle into Greece the 33 illegals, of which five are children.

Athens News Agency

[11] Papariga addresses youth festival

Athens, 20/9/1999 (ANA)

Addressing a rally during the annual KKE youth festival, Ms. Papariga said that the September 7 quake's consequences were due to the "bourgeois, killer-state" and the market economy, which, as she said, left the city and its citizens unprotected.

Athens News Agency

[12] Couple charged in 'Internet dating' scam

Athens, 20/9/1999 (ANA)

Constantinos Chryssagis and Chryssoula Bourgouli, both residents of the Ano Glyfada districts, faced a magistrate on Saturday. Police allege the couple, through advertising on an Internet site and in Greek and foreign newspapers, claimed they could prov ide men seeking relationships with videotapes of potential partners for 15,000 drachmas.

At the same time, they provided "more demanding" clients with videotapes of hard pornography.

Some clients were provided with the mobile phone numbers of women seeking partners, one of which police discovered belonged to Bourgouli. The others were disconnected.

For clients from outside Greece, an annual subscription of 150 euros was demanded.

Athens News Agency

[13] Papademos cautions against over-optimistic bourse outlook

Athens, 20/9/1999 (ANA)

Lucas Papademos' statements were published in yesterday's Kathimerini edition.

Mr. Papademos said he was concerned about the continuing rise of share prices of firms "with limited or non-existent profits, without worthy fixed assets and with uncertain economic prospects."

"The upward trend of share prices of the Athens Stock Exchange over the past two years reflects, to a great degree, the significant degree of improvement in the Greek economy's performance and the profitability of companies as well as favourable prospec ts of entry into the European (Economic and Monetary) Union," he was quoted as saying. "(However) over the past few months, there has been an increasing discrepancy between the rise in share price of many companies and the anticipated increase in their profits over the next few years," he said.

The Athens bourse has boomed in recent months, with the general price index rising 2,000 points since June. Fuelling the rise has been the injection of capital from new investors around the country, particularly rural areas.

On Friday, the general price index closed at 6,355.94 points, its 53rd record close this year and the sixth in a row.

Mr. Papademos warned investors to take into account fundamental economic indicators of companies they wanted to invest in and not to be swayed by rumours and hopes of unrealistic earnings.

"Whoever invests prudentlyIcan hope for satisfactory medium-term yields which will be in line with the internatioanl prospects of the Greek economy, " he said.

"Whoever invests with different criteria and without sufficient or reliable information must be prepared for the consequences of their actions," he warned.

Athens News Agency

[14] Seventh passenger on fateful Falcon dies from injuries

A cameraman seriously injured in the plane accident that claimed the life of Alternate FM Yannos Kranidiotis and five other people last week succumbed to his injuries yesterday. Panayiotis Poulos, 50, a cameraman with Greek state television (ERT ), died of heart failure shortly before 1 p.m., doctors at an Athens hospital said.

Poulos had been listed in critical condition since the accident on Tuesday evening, which occured as the prime ministerial Falcon approached Bucharest.

For reasons as yet not clear, the plane plummeted thousands of feet, killing six people immediately PKranidiotis and his 23-year-old son, a bodyguard, two reporters and a flight engineer. Poulos, the father of three, was the most seriously inj ured of the other seven people on the plane and his transfer to an Athens hospital was delayed a day because of his serious chest injuries.

Still hospitalised and listed in critical condition is Kranidiotis' diplomatic office director, Grigoris Papadopoulos, who suffered head injuries in the accident.

Gov't, opposition: On his part, Press and Media Minister Dimitris Reppas said Poulos' death had "provoked feelings of great regret".

"His loss deprives Greek television of an exceptional employee, always on the front line of duty," Mr. Reppas said in a statement, adding: "I would like to express our sincerest condolences."

Main opposition New Democracy and the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) also issued similar statements.

Athens News Agency

[15] Study weighs in negatively on obesity among Greek youth

Athens, 20/9/1999 (ANA)

According to the study, 13-year-old teens from eight countries around the world, including Greek children, and particularly girls, had the highest body mass of all.

They were followed by children from Kuwait, the United States, Germany, Finland, the Netherlands, Kenya and Thailand.

A Greek-based study, meanwhile, showed that four in 10 Greek children below the age of 10 were overweight, with girls more obese than boys in the same age group.

Experts stated that this bodes ill for their future health as adults, as childhood obesity is a signpost to adult obesity and an indicator of a range of later illnesses.

Four out of 10 children had at least one parent overweight, while seven to eight children in 10 had both parents overweight. Other studies at the conference revealed that overweight women were more susceptible to developing breast and cervical tumour s, with men more susceptible to prostate cancer.

Weight gain in women is almost directly linked to the danger of cervical cancer while the incidence of breast cancer is higher by 50 per cent in overweight women.

Athens News Agency

[16] Trade fair highlights rise in organic farm products` popularity

Athens, 20/9/1999 (ANA)

The fair, held at Zappeion Hall and organised by the agriculture ministry and Athens municipality, showcases methods and products employed in organic farming, a developing field dominated by the view that humans, plants and the ecosystem work in harmony to produce products untainted by chemical or toxic substances.

Recent food scares P such as dioxin contamination in chickens and the "mad cow" scare P as well as concerns about the effect of genetically modified foods has provided a firm base of support for organic farming.

More than 10,000 hectares in Greece are currently used for a wide variety of organically grown goods, while over the past three years, organic farming has grown at an annual rate of more than 70 per cent, according to the agriculture ministry. This is still, however, only 0.47 per cent of total arable farm land in Greece, making the country the very last in the European Union in cultivating this form of agriculture. Organic farming in Greece is supported by European Union subsidies. Strong growt h has also been noted in the retail market for organically-grown products. More than 3,500 bio-cultivators around Greece cater to the market. In some parts of Athens, outdoor markets have been set up to provide only these products, including Halandri, Kol onaki, Peristeri, Holargos and Egaleo.

Greece, with its Mediterranean climate and varied terrain, is probably the southern European country best suited to organic farming.

But the greatest problem facing this growing sector is a lack of technological knoweldge and problems in getting products to the market and consumer, speakers said.

Also playing a factor is the lack of knowledge about organic products among the wider public P two-thirds of respondents aged 25-55 were unaware of organic farming, according to a recent survey.

Athens News Agency

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