Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-03-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis says ND expresses the center and liberalism

[02] Premier receives Federation of Greek Industries presidium

[03] Prime Minister receives delegation of left and ecology movement

[04] Top Greek delegation at Monday's EU General Affairs Council meeting, Kosovo to be discussed

[05] Greek, Yugoslav FMs focus on Kosovo during phone conversation

[06] Papandreou, US envoy discuss preparations for summit of SE Europe Stability Pact donor countries

[07] Defense Minister says peace and security in Kosovo require multinational force

[08] Greek FM Papandreou in Moscow on Sunday, talks with Ivanov scheduled

[09] Chinese president's visit to Greece to include island of Crete

[10] Tsovolas calls for condemnation of bi-partisanship in upcoming elections

[11] Synaspismos leader accuses government of double talk

[12] Ruling PASOK to file restraining order over Syntagma square decision

[13] Greek stocks continue recovering

[14] Bank of Greece eases terms on stock market loans

[15] No change in social security funds' investment policy

[16] Rise in pension fund investment limit

[17] Bank of Pireaus' Sallas says stock market above 7,000 early 2001

[18] Securities' transactions tax revenues up 270 pct in February

[19] NGO youths ponder creation of SE European Forum

[20] Athens meeting on Modern Greek studies abroad

[21] Johns Hopkins team to demonstrate remote-controlled surgery technique at Samos conference

[22] Clerides says France will support Cyprus' EU accession

[23] Greek ambassador to Cyprus says Turkey obliged to contribute to Cyprus solution

[01] Karamanlis says ND expresses the center and liberalism

Athens, 18/03/2000 (ANA)

Karamanlis, inaugurating his party's three-day conference on principles and positions at the indoor Peace and Friendship Stadium in Piraeus, expressed certainty that his party will win the April 9 general election, saying that ND is stronger and more mature now and more than ready to assume the responsibility of Greece's course in the new century.

He referred at length to all of the party's leaders of the past and said "there is spirit in this party and this spirit, which keeps the dream alive, was and is the big support and the strength which is leading to the new victory."

In the presence of former ND deputy and Minister Andreas Andrianopoulos who left the party, Karamanlis said "we are the expression of the political center, of liberalism and sensitivity for man. We do not define ourselves negatively, we are not against, we do not become those who deny and know and recognize positive presence everywhere."

Karamanlis repeated many times that ND's policy and principles have been vindicated and spoke of major projects which are proceeding with European Union funding secured by ND's options.

Underlining what he called need to reduce the public sector, he said the state should be a regulator in the economy and not a producer, adding that society should become fairer and citizens should be supported.

He said there was no issue of negotiations with Brussels after Greece secures entry into the Economic Monetary Union (EMU) and, focusing on his party's program, emphasized day-to-day problems and reiterated that ND wants consensus and understanding without dogmatism.

Karamanlis said the present government has given all it had to give and added that "Greece wants a new direction now which we are called on once again to give. We are called on to make the revolution, a revolution of common sense and of the return of politics to man."

Mitsotakis calls on ND cadres to join forces to achieve victory in elections: Addressing the conference, former prime minister and main opposition New Democracy party's honorary president Constantine Mitsotakis called on the party's cadres and supporters to join forces to achieve a great victory in next months' general election.

Buoyed by latest opinion polls, he said omens are favorable for the party and that "it is up to us to win the elections. If an appropriate, dynamic and overall effort is made, and I believe it will, victory will be splendid."

"The time has come for all of us to join forces for the common struggle. The time has come to forget complaints and bitterness, whether justified or unjustified, and look ahead," Mitsotakis said but warned that a heavy burden will fall on the party after victory since "we will be obliged again, as was the case in 1990 (when ND last won elections), to provide the bold and necessary solutions required by Greek society."

Mitsotakis said "the people will condemn PASOK at the coming elections, not so much for its economic policy, where it at least achieved nominal criteria necessary for joining Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), but because it failed to handle almost all the day-to-day problems which are dominant in the life of the Greek."

He said PASOK based the effort for EMU accession "exclusively on monetary policy which, in any case, was exercised in essence by the Bank of Greece and its able governor, but did not dare to make structural changes and did not make the Greek economy competitive".

Mitsotakis said that "PASOK has completed its duration. It has made people tired and has become tired itself and has offered all that it could."

On foreign policy issues, Mitsotakis said that PASOK turned to ND's positions regarding both Balkans and Turkey, "but is unable to find solutions".

"Even the issue of an honorable and compromise name for the state of Skopje (the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) is now being lost. We content ourselves with the good climate and with agreements with Turkey which are of limited significance," Mitsotakis said, and conceded that some efforts are being made, but underlined that "PASOK appears not to be aware of the axes around which it should move on such crucial issues."

[02] Premier receives Federation of Greek Industries presidium

Athens, 18/03/2000 (ANA)

National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou was present during the meeting of Simitis with the SEB presidium headed by SEB President Iason Stratos.

Stratos noted after the discussions that meetings with the leadership of PASOK and ND, before elections, has been a practice of SEB over the past few years.

Following the meeting, Papantoniou said that the two main axis elements of the PASOK government program are the speeding up of economic development and redistribution of social wealth, through the increase of the national income to the economically weaker classes of citizens.

[03] Prime Minister receives delegation of left and ecology movement

Athens, 18/03/2000 (ANA)

He stressed the importance of Greece's modernization over the next four years, as well as the country's role on the international stage and the idea of a socialist state.

[04] Top Greek delegation at Monday's EU General Affairs Council meeting, Kosovo to be discussed

Athens, 18/03/2000 (ANA)

Foreign Minister George Papandreou will arrive from Moscow for the session, while Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and Alternate FM Christos Rokofyllos are also slated to represent the Greek side.

A report by the Portuguese presidency on employment and social cohesion within the 15-nation bloc, the primary issue of concern at the Lisbon summit, will be discussed in the Belgian capital.

In terms of contacts by the Union's defense ministers, topics on the agenda include the so-called "European Security and Defense Identity" (ESDI) -- especially the matter of creating EU military mechanisms - creation of a committee to deal with non-military crises as well as a report by the Portuguese presidency on this issue, and finally, discussion on the relationship between ESDI and third countries, namely, NATO member-states that have not yet achieved EU accession.

Kosovo: The latest developments in the strife-torn Yugoslav province of Kosovo as well as the situation throughout the Balkans are also expected to be discussed by the "15" during a working luncheon on Monday. According to diplomatic sources in Athens, the EU's high commissioner for common foreign policy and security, one-time NATO head Javier Solana, will brief FMs at the session over his recent tour of the region. EU External Affairs Commissioner Christopher Patten, who toured Kosovo with Solana, will also brief the General Affairs Council.

The same sources reiterated that Greece insists that the EU formulate a policy regarding a Kosovo solution based on political means and UN Security Council resolution 1244.

Finally, it was announced that SE Europe Stability Pact special coordinator Bondo Hombach will participate at the Brussels session, in light of a summit by the pact's donor countries on March 29-30 in Brussels.

[05] Greek, Yugoslav FMs focus on Kosovo during phone conversation

Athens, 18/03/2000 (ANA)

Meanwhile, on Monday, Russian FM Ivan Ivanov will receive Papandreou in Moscow. Additionally, the Kosovo issue will be tabled at an extraordinary EU summit meeting in Lisbon on Thursday.

[06] Papandreou, US envoy discuss preparations for summit of SE Europe Stability Pact donor countries

Athens, 18/03/2000 (ANA)

No comments were made following the meeting in Athens, held on the initiative of the US ambassador in the Greek capital.

A letter recently addressed to Papandreou by the US diplomat outlined Washington's positions over the issue and the summit of donor countries, while Burns also reiterated the US administration's desire to work closely with Athens for the conference's preparation.

The summit was also the focus of a letter sent to Greek Premier Costas Simitis on Thursday from Stability Pact special coordinator Bondo Hombach.

[07] Defense Minister says peace and security in Kosovo require multinational force

Athens, 18/03/2000 (ANA)

Tsohatzopoulos, who was commenting in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, on protest mobilizations to be organized in the next few days, pondered why the passage of the military force should lead to mobilizations, despite the fact that they are arriving in the region to conduct exercises aimed at strengthening its stabilizing role in Kosovo.

"There should be a multinational force so there will be peace and security in Kosovo," he said, adding that "we support peace decisions in the Balkans when there is legality by the United Nations Organization."

[08] Greek FM Papandreou in Moscow on Sunday, talks with Ivanov scheduled

Athens, 18/03/2000 (ANA)

On Monday, the Greek FM will be received by his Russian counterpart Ivan Ivanov for talks on bilateral relations, Kosovo and the ongoing round of Cyprus proximity talks.

[09] Chinese president's visit to Greece to include island of Crete

Athens, 18/03/2000 (ANA)

Meanwhile, 10 Chinese officials are due to arrive at Crete's city of Iraklio where they will visit the Prefectural Office on Sunday morning.

[10] Tsovolas calls for condemnation of bi-partisanship in upcoming elections

Athens, 18/03/2000 (ANA)

Speaking at a press conference, Tsovolas accused the government of avoiding the comparison of ideas, policies and programs even during the election period in a campaign to deceive the Greek people. He said he had addressed letters to party leaders asking them to accept a televised debate, which all had accepted with the exception of the Prime Minister.

Tsovolas said the "deception" of Greek society primarily constitutes the announcement of the redistribution of the surplus created after the longstanding tight income policy since "not only did they not create a surplus, but they increased the public debt sevenfold in a decade with the money going to those who had money through the policy of high interest rates. Six hundred and forty billion left the pockets of the Greek people and went to the big stock exchange capital."

He said that for the majority of working people the neo-liberal policy exercised by the two mainstream parties has accumulated grave problems both at economic and social levels.

Tsovolas also accused the government that in its effort to have the drachma join the eurozone it embarked on a national downhill policy and "gave everything" at the European Union's Helsinki summit last December.

Tsovolas also announced the composition of his party's state election ticket for the April 9 general election.

[11] Synaspismos leader accuses government of double talk

Athens, 18/03/2000 (ANA)

"The government speaks in left of center language and then acts in ways of the right of center. There is a need for forces of resistance in the Parliament, so as to stop the monotony of the two party system, which is developing into a one party system," he said.

"We do not make acquisitions of people from other parties, nor do we use advertising tricks. We consolidate the forces of the left," Constantopoulos said.

[12] Ruling PASOK to file restraining order over Syntagma square decision

Athens, 18/03/2000 (ANA)

The Council of State, Greece's highest administrative court, had earlier in the week overturned a previous decision by Athens' city council granting Syntagma square - across from the Greek Parliament - to New Democracy, on grounds that an official dissolution of Parliament and election date had not been declared. However, the court declined to rule on whether proportionality should govern the decision over which party is granted the choice site.

The centrally located square has traditionally served as the site for the largest pre-election rallies in Greece for decades.

General elections in Greece are scheduled for April 9.

[13] Greek stocks continue recovering

Athens, 18/03/2000 (ANA)

Dealers said a positive climate in international markets, Bank of Greece's improved measures on stock market loans and a cautious return of retail investors in the market, all contributed in maintaining a firm note in the Athens bourse.

Buying interest remained focused in smaller capitalization stocks.

The general index ended 1.79 percent higher at 4,845.08 points, off the day's highs of 4,918.78 points.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 1.11 percent higher at 2,706.26 points and the FTSE/ASE 40 index jumped 5.32 percent to 746.50 points.

Turnover was a moderate 217 billion drachmas.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 9,197.36 +0.66% Leasing: 1,107.24 +2.43% Insurance: 3,185.94 +2.53% Investment: 2,386.66 -1.92% Construction: 2,566.72 +9.29% Industrials: 2,880.37 +2.33% Miscellaneous: 5,513.95 +2.29% Holding: 5,022.73 +5.88%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 936.17 points, up a spectacular 9.90 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 321 to 19 with another two issues unchanged.

Leading shares' closing prices (in Drs): National Bank: 23,690 Alpha Credit: 23,900 Commercial Bank: 21,300 Ergobank: 8,740 Eurobank: 11,805 Heracles Cement: 9,100 Titan Cement (c): 14,300 Hellenic Petroleum: 4,300 Intracom: 16,300 Minoan Lines: 7,715 Hellenic Telecoms: 9,820 Panafon: 5,550

Derivatives prices end week higher: Derivatives prices ended the last trading session of the week higher on the Athens Derivatives Exchange following gains in the two benchmark indices, FTSE/ASE 20 and FTSE/ASE 40, which ended 1.11 percent and 5.32 percent higher, respectively.

Trading was brisk with turnover at 16.7 billion drachmas.

A total of 2,050 contracts were traded on the FTSE/ASE 20 index, worth 11.3 billion drachmas. The March expiring contract ended at 2,704.25 points, the April contract at 2,754.50, the May contract at 2,760 points and the June expiring contract at 2,776 points.

A total of 1,772 futures contracts were traded on the FTSE/ASE 40 index, worth 5.4 billion drachmas. The March expiring contract ended at 745 points, the April contract at 782, the May at 793 and the September expiring contract at 830 points.

Bond yields maintain spread with German bunds despite increase: Greek bonds maintained their yield spread from German bunds in buy trade on Friday, as both increased at almost the same rate. The volume of transactions reached over 100 billion drachmas, with buy orders dominating the day-trade.

The benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 6.23 percent, with the spread over German bunds remaining unchanged from Thursday's 91 basis points. The increased liquidity in the interbank market forced short-term period rates downward, with the National Bank of Greece quoting 8.75 percent for overnight, 9.20 percent for one month and 6.85 percent for one year.

Drachma slips vs. euro and dollar: The drachma on Friday took a slight slip against both the euro and the US dollar in the domestic foreign exchange market, without, however, loss in foreign currency.

At the central bank's daily fixing, the euro was set at 333.690 drachmas from 333.660 drachmas in the previous session on Thursday.

Also at the fixing, the US dollar was set at 345.070 drachmas from 344.570 on Thursday.

[14] Bank of Greece eases terms on stock market loans

Athens, 18/03/2000 (ANA)

The central bank decided to allow commercial bank's loans to investors for the purchase or higher participation in a listed company's equity capital up to five percent.

It also decided to abolish the 18-month deadline for the repayment of a loan, signed by a company or a private person for the purchase of stock shares. Repayment will be freely negotiated between a bank and a borrower.

[15] No change in social security funds' investment policy

Athens, 18/03/2000 (ANA)

He was commenting to press reports saying that the government intended to use funds' reserves to support the Athens Stock Exchange.

Reppas said that the current rate of 20 percent of funds' reserves invested in securities or real estate would be maintained until 2002 when the rate would be increased to 23 percent.

He said that a recently signed ministerial decree envisaged that social security funds' special investment committees could, on occasion, change the current terms on the 20 percent rate.

The current legislation envisages that a 12 percent rate of the total 20 percent of reserves could be invested in equities and the remaining 8.0 percent in real estate.

[16] Rise in pension fund investment limit

Athens, 18/03/2000 (ANA)

He underlined that the funds increased their assets by 157 per cent over the last three years by investing 12 per cent of their assets in stocks and bonds, as well as another 8 per cent in real estate, with the remaining 80 per cent withheld by the Bank of Greece in the form of state issued bonds.

This recent governmental decision rose the limit of allowable investment to 20 per cent, which is set to increase to 23 per cent by the year 2004, the minister said.

[17] Bank of Pireaus' Sallas says stock market above 7,000 early 2001

Athens, 18/03/2000 (ANA)

The Greek banker, who has made positive forecasts in the past, noted that all technical analysis of the Greek market were positive, based on "a positive course of the world economy, favorable domestic macro-economic figures, Greece's entry in EMU and continued profitability by Greek listed companies".

"For those not in a hurry, not owning money, for all real stock market investors, the Athens bourse offers significant upward prospects," Sallas said.

He noted that hasty moves were hindering the market's development.

Sallas said that the media, businessmen and stock market authorities should work together to create a positive climate in the market and to keep retail investors in the bourse.

[18] Securities' transactions tax revenues up 270 pct in February

Athens, 18/03/2000 (ANA)

A ministry report said that securities' tax revenues totalled 31 billion drachmas in February, up a spectacular 270 percent from the same month last year.

The report also said that state revenues from mobile telephony taxes totalled 901 million drachmas, up 48 percent from February 1999. Tax revenues in the January-February period totalled 1.99 billion drachmas.

[19] NGO youths ponder creation of SE European Forum

Athens, 18/03/2000 (ANA)

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, Education Minister Gerasimos Arsenis, Foreign Minister George Papandreou and New Generation Secretary General Petros Sfikakis addressed the inaugural session of the conference.

Youths from Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia, Greece, Croatia, Cyprus, Yugoslavia, Romania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and Turkey represented their non-governmental organizations in the conference.

[20] Athens meeting on Modern Greek studies abroad

Athens, 18/03/2000 (ANA)

The meeting started on Friday afternoon at the old University of Athens and ends on Saturday.

Culture Ministry General Secretary Lina Mendoni opened the sessions.

The president of the European Union of Neohellenic Studies, Asterios Argyriou, said that the Greek state must come in contact with these academics abroad and not take decisions in their absence.

[21] Johns Hopkins team to demonstrate remote-controlled surgery technique at Samos conference

Athens, 18/03/2000 (ANA)

The scheduled teleconference is being organized by the University of Piraeus, Piraeus' Tzanneion Hospital and well-known US-based Johns Hopkins Hospital, with the main subject of discussion being "tele-medical" services in the next century.

Military physicians stationed on Samos will also participate at the conference.

[22] Clerides says France will support Cyprus' EU accession

LARNACA, 18/03/2000 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking on arrival at Larnaca airport after his four-day working visit to Paris, Clerides also stressed the need for a change in the intransigent stance held by Turkey and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf

Denktash in efforts for a Cyprus settlement, pointing out that otherwise the current UN-led process of proximity talks would end in a deadlock.

"I return from Paris with the best impressions", Clerides said, describing his meeting with his French counterpart Jacques Chirac as "more than friendly".

Replying to a comment that France had in the past linked Cyprus' accession to the EU with a solution to its political problem,

President Clerides said that this belongs to the past, adding that "the reasons for that stance were explained to us and they do not exist anymore. France will support Cyprus' accession to the EU." Asked about the prospects of the third round of UN-led proximity talks scheduled to take place on May 23 in New York, President Clerides said that "if Ankara does not change its stance and does not persuade Denktash to change his stance we foresee a deadlock".

He also said that Denktash keeps postponing a discussion on the substance of the Cyprus problem and insists on recognition of the illegal regime unilaterally set up in the northern part of the island

Turkey occupies since its invasion of Cyprus in 1974.

[23] Greek ambassador to Cyprus says Turkey obliged to contribute to Cyprus solution

NICOSIA, 18/03/2000 (ANA)

Commenting on intransigent positions voiced by Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem on the Cyprus issue, Rodousakis said the decision explicitly states Turkey's obligation in this context, while previous decisions taken at the Luxembourg and Cardiff summits are also included.

Rodousakis also said that the partnership relationship between the EU and Turkey would be signed this year, in which this obligation should be specified, which is now towards the EU and not Greece.

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