Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-03-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] Main opposition leader charges ruling PASOK of cultivating dilemmas ahead of elections

[02] Premier calls on intellectuals and artists to contribute toward 'a Greece of culture'

[03] Communist party leader says EMU accession process increased wealth of oligarchy

[04] Premier Simitis, ND leader Karamanlis in TV debate on Thursday

[05] Public works minister certain of PASOK's victory in elections

[06] Papaioannou replies to Karamanlis on insurance fund reserve capital

[07] Premier stresses PASOK's policies on research and technologies

[08] Elections will be conducted in impeccable manner, minister says

[09] Clinton, Gore salute Greece's Independence Day celebrations

[10] Greek EMU membership a 'momentous' decision, Portuguese president says

[11] Forces in Turkey oppose its EU prospect, defense minister says

[12] Archbishop not on Turkish gov't 'blacklist' - newspaper clarifies

[13] AKEL leader Christofias says rapprochement the basis for Cyprus solution, meeting with Papandreou

[14] Avramopoulos begins four-day visit to Washington

[15] National Bank's governor optimistic over stock market's course

[16] Building activity falls 9.0 pct in Jan-Nov 1999

[17] Government approves favorable housing loans for homeless Greek gypsy families

[18] Development minister calls for relocation of Thessaloniki Trade Fair grounds

[19] Two Greek banks eyeing Bulgarian purchase-report

[20] Greek stocks end mixed in subdued trade

[21] Tourism chief holds talks in Moscow

[22] Doctors of the World hospital operational in Granitsa, Kosovo

[23] Railway ticket discounts will be provided for judicial representatives and voters

[24] Finnish envoy says there is 'new sense of dynamism' for Cyprus solution

[25] US ambassador stresses need for more substantive talks on Cyprus

[01] Main opposition leader charges ruling PASOK of cultivating dilemmas ahead of elections

Athens, 28/03/2000 (ANA)

Responding to Prime Minister Costas Simitis that PASOK will stage a spectacular finish in the election race, Karamanlis said, they are attempting to create new blackmailing dilemmas, they are moving out of bounds and into irresponsible danger-mongering and insult the intelligence of a whole society.

They say they are preparing a spectacular finish with yellow press practices and they are driven mad because they see the ground moving under their feet and are resorting to uncontrolled actions because they realize that they played and lost, Karamanlis said.

He accused the ruling party of proving by its practices that it is a party of the establishment, of the past and one that preserves the status quo, adding that ND is the pilot for the new prospects for a dynamic Greece with balanced development, creativity and high aims, of solidarity and humanity.

He also accused the government for overlooking the real problems of society and the preconditions necessary for the real convergence of the Greek economy, allowing unemployment to assume explosive proportions.

He stressed that ND's government program connects the policies for development with the bridging of social inequalities in confronting unemployment, strengthening the creation of new jobs and the relief of those who are economically weak.

He reiterated his promise for a minimum pension floor for all Greeks at 150,000 drachmas and a raise of unemployment benefits at 60 per cent of the base salary, while he once again discussed his plans for tax reform and reduction of taxation.

He spoke of utilizing moneys of the third framework support fund of the European Union and of freeing the country's economy of wasteful state interventions.

He added that his program included measures for the upgrade of the Athens Stock Exchange, by ridding it of its dependency on influences, which damage the interests of hundreds of thousands of small investors.

Karamanlis noted that one of the basic aims of ND was the development of rural regions of the country, by raising the income of farmers, reducing the production costs and improving the quality of life in rural regions.

Finally, he announced a series of measures in support of Trikala prefecture in creating infrastructure projects, which will aid trade, tourism and upgrade the people's standard of living.

[02] Premier calls on intellectuals and artists to contribute toward 'a Greece of culture'

Athens, 28/03/2000 (ANA)

Addressing a gathering of artists, intellectuals and writers on "Cultural challenges in modern Greece" at an Athens hotel, Simitis announced that 450 billion drachmas have already been earmarked in the 3rd Community Support Framework to support cultural activities throughout the country. The amount is four times more than that anticipated by the 2nd CSF.

"Greece has changed over the years. Greece was looking at the world until today. Today the world is looking at Greece. The forces of culture are those which will give meaning and content to the country's new identity in this new environment, being a country of education and culture," he said.

Simitis said that culture cannot be abandoned to market domination and neither can it be placed under guardianship, adding that the market leads to standardization, the curbing of critical thought, the widening of inequalities and to new exclusions.

"Culture cannot be placed under the guardianship of the state or of monopolies, because every citizen is entitled to determine his aesthetic or cultural preferences by himself," he said.

Simitis said the state has adequate reasons to intervene to safeguard pluralism and creation, particularly at a time when creativity and innovation are important factors for renewing society.

"To restrict cultural inequalities, particularly at a time when the threat of new exclusions is looming. To promote the country's cultural image abroad, particularly at a time when international cultural changes are contributing to international cooperation and peace," he said.

Simitis said that the achievement of these targets necessitates sustained and systematic action, the reorganization of the state's main agencies, dialogue and the mobilization of forces of creation without cases of guardianship, good preparation and long-term planning, specific and workable interventions and initiatives and adequate funding.

"Guaranteeing pluralism and creation necessitates interventions at the level of infrastructures: from housing major public institutions (e.g. the National Theatre) and the building of the National Modern Art Museum to the expansion of the National Gallery and the completion of the Thessaloniki Concert Hall and the modernization of museums to enable them to become centers of cultural education, entertainment and learning, the inclusion of monuments and complexes in contemporary urban daily life through programs such as that of Unifying Archaeological Sites in Athens, interventions in the field of education (e.g. establishing a senior educational establishment for the cinema), helping exchanges with creators from other countries and interventions in the culture market to safeguard and strengthen qualitative elements in cultural production," Simitis said.

[03] Communist party leader says EMU accession process increased wealth of oligarchy

Athens, 28/03/2000 (ANA)

Addressing a party rally in the city of Patras, western Greece, Papariga appealed to the thousands of unemployed, both men and women, who have had "their fill of mockery and false dreams" and called on the people to increase KKE's election percentage.

Papariga said the real race should be conducted between the forces of conservatism and neo-liberalism, headed by EMU and NATO's new doctrine, on the one hand and the people on the other.

"The (European Union) Lisbon summit should become the spark for the popular explosion. Lisbon is blowing apart the illusions being created by all the parties that the EU can and wants to deal a blow at poverty and unemployment. KKE is the only party which has been exposing the EU's social policy since 1992," she said.

[04] Premier Simitis, ND leader Karamanlis in TV debate on Thursday

Athens, 28/03/2000 (ANA)

The two leaders will hold the debate on Thursday, at 9 p.m., on Greek State NET television channel, while the rules agreed upon dictate that the two leaders respond to questions journalists will field.

The two leaders will not discuss with each other and the panel of three journalists will be monitored by a presiding journalist controlling the debate, while the number of total questions the three journalists can ask will be limited to twelve.

[05] Public works minister certain of PASOK's victory in elections

Athens, 28/03/2000 (ANA)

Laliotis, who was speaking at an election briefing, accused ND of gray and black advertising during the election period, leaving open the issue of PASOK replying through TV messages. He also accused it of being ruled by an establishment mentality since it does not recognize the right of the people and of citizens to decide freely and without coercion which government they desire.

Referring to the upcoming election, Laliotis said there is optimism but no complacency in PASOK, as well as any conceit and arrogance.

Replying to Laliotis' briefing, ND spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos said his party seeks dialogue on all of the country's serious problems, something, which has not taken place, and accused Laliotis of choosing mottos and abuse.

Spiliotopoulos said that ND would not follow Laliotis' downhill course, adding that the government has reached such a point of arrogance that it denies the opposition even the right to speak of the country's major problems.

[06] Papaioannou replies to Karamanlis on insurance fund reserve capital

Athens, 28/03/2000 (ANA)

Karamanlis had stated that insurance organization governors' investment activities in the Athens Stock Exchange could lead them to a prosecution

Papaioannou stressed that there is no question of fund intercession at the stock exchange since the committee for utilizing fund reserves will function long after the elections.

Papaioannou said the political struggle should be based on integrity, adding that Karamanlis' positions were a political game against the stock exchange and the property of insurance/pension funds.

Papaioannou also said that Karamanlis' purpose was to scare governors into not performing their duty and that Karamanlis is behaving as if he wants people to lose their money at the stock exchange so that he can win the elections.

[07] Premier stresses PASOK's policies on research and technologies

Athens, 28/03/2000 (ANA)

Simitis noted that the policies of his government aimed at strengthening the research network of the country, while stressing the national advantages of Greece in modern sectors of research and technology and their use in production activities.

He also stressed the government's efforts in developing the telecommunications network between the Greek research centers and their funding from abroad and banking institutions.

[08] Elections will be conducted in impeccable manner, minister says

Athens, 28/03/2000 (ANA)

Meanwhile, Delta Informatics general director Andreas Drymiotis told the press that results from 10 percent of polling stations will have been accumulated between 10 and 11 on the election night, adding that the time of broadcasting the first collective nationwide results will be decided by the ministry's civil leadership according to the difference between the two top parties to safely determine who the final winner will be.

"Whomever we show first on the collective results means that it will be first to the end," he said.

He said that in the event that differences are marginal the election result will not be clarified early and there will be an all night wait.

People wishing to replace lost or destroyed voting booklets may do so until April 7.

[09] Clinton, Gore salute Greece's Independence Day celebrations

WASHINGTON, 28/03/2000 (ANA)

Some 2,500 years ago "the birth of democracy in Greece ushered in one of the true golden ages of Western civilization," Clinton said, adding "while our democracy has its roots in Greek thought, the friendship between our two nations flows from our shared values, common goals and mutual respect".

On his part, Gore noted "I am pleased to extend my greetings to everyone as you celebrate Greek Independence Day. Though thousands of miles separate our two nations, America has very deep roots in Greece - from the visible expression of our shared values in the Greek revival architecture of our institutions of government, to the passion for truth and justice handed down from the ancients".

[10] Greek EMU membership a 'momentous' decision, Portuguese president says

LISBON, 28/03/2000(ANA)

"It will be a big moment not only for Greece but also for all of Europe. It proves the progress Greece has made in the economic sector," Sampaio said in an exclusive statement to ANA.

The EU is due, at the EU summit in the Portuguese town of Santa Maria da Feira in June, to formally approved Greece's EMU membership following the submission in early March of the country's application to join the eurozone, after it met the fifth and final entry benchmark, that of inflation, last month.

"I hope that the final decision to be taken at Santa Maria da Feira will be positive, because Greece is historically and culturally an inalienable part of the United Europe," Sampaio said.

[11] Forces in Turkey oppose its EU prospect, defense minister says

Athens, 28/03/2000 (ANA)

The list, which appeared in daily Sabah, included the names of prominent citizens and clergy.

Speaking in his home district, Tsohatzopoulos noted that Turkey should adjust to European Union standards, adding "the one who looses in this case is Turkey itself. It is quite obvious that those responsible for this move wish just that, in efforts to overturn the prospect and the course of Turkey's association with Europe".

"These moves, the use of racism, fascism and the use of outdated methods of the past are not in concert with the principles of the European Union," he said.

During his visit in Thessaloniki, Tsohatzopoulos met with the local management and employees of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) and Public Power Corporation (DEH).

[12] Archbishop not on Turkish gov't 'blacklist' - newspaper clarifies

ISTANBUL, 28/03/2000 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

On Saturday, the Turkish-language Sabah carried an article alleging that the Turkish foreign ministry had prohibited the entry into the country of 56 US, European and Greek nationals, designating them as "enemies of Turkey".

The 'blacklist', according to the press article, included Christodoulos -- the primate of the Autocephalus Orthodox Church of Greece -- seven Greek MPs and a Greek retired naval commander.

Following a stern condemnation by Greece's foreign ministry and several prominent politicians on Sunday -- including Foreign Minister George Papandreou -- in the event that such a list exists, Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos also commented on the report Monday from Thessaloniki.

Tsohatzopoulos said that if the article proves true, then Ankara would be the one losing, "as it is obvious that the ones responsible for this move desire exactly this, in order to overturn the prospect and course linking it (Turkey) with Europe."

"There is enough time before us to see how Turkey adapts to what Europe requests," the minister added.

[13] AKEL leader Christofias says rapprochement the basis for Cyprus solution, meeting with Papandreou

Athens, 28/03/2000 (ANA)

Christofias made the comments after a meeting in Athens with Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, where the latest developments regarding the Cyprus issue in light of ongoing proximity talks dominated the agenda.

On his part, Papandreou said Cyprus' European prospect verified the island's robustness, while shaping the prospects for a solution to the island republic's problem. He also said Christofias was instrumental in promoting rapprochement between the island's Greek- and Turkish-Cypriot communities, saying the AKEL leader also briefed him on his latest tour of the Turkish-occupied Karpassia peninsula on the island's north and his meeting with around 400 enclaved Greek Cypriots.

Papandreou said a "re-acquaintance" by the two sides creates a new base for solving the 26-year division on the island, while he stressed that Athens promotes such efforts as much as possible from within the EU's framework.

Christofias, in turn, called for western pressure on T/C leader Rauf Denktash to break the current deadlock: "The search for a solution becomes even more difficult as long as the current situation is prolonged."

Finally, he charged that even more Turkish mainland settlers are being funneled into the Turkish-occupied north, exacerbating the ratio of Turkish Cypriots vis-a-vis the former.

[14] Avramopoulos begins four-day visit to Washington

WASHINGTON, 28/03/2000 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Two mostly courtesy visits -- with White House Chief of Staff John Podesta and Assistant Secretary of State Mark Grossman --are planned, while Avramopoulos is expected to focus on planning and organization for the Athens 2004 Games during a meeting with the US State Department official responsible for international organizations, David Welts.

Other scheduled contacts include separate meetings with two US Senators of Greek descent, namely, Paul S. Sarbanes (D-Maryland) and Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine), as well as with a group of legislators interested in Greece, the "caucus on Hellenic issues", headed by Congressman Michael Bilirakis (R-Florida) and Carolyn Maloney (D-NY). A meeting with the mayor of Washington D.C., Anthony Williams is also scheduled.

Besides his scheduled meetings, Avramopoulos will speak at the Woodrow Wilson Foundation and the Western Policy Center regarding developments in the Balkans.

[15] National Bank's governor optimistic over stock market's course

Athens, 28/03/2000 (ANA)

Addressing an ETEBA's general shareholders' meeting on Monday, Karatzas said that the stock market's course "will be absolutely positive".

"Short-term fluctuations will not last long. The truth of the economy - which is generally good - will be reflected in the ASE," Karatzas noted.

ETEBA is the investment arm of National Bank of Greece.

[16] Building activity falls 9.0 pct in Jan-Nov 1999

Athens, 28/03/2000 (ANA)

The NSS said that building activity fell 8.0 percent in the Attica prefect and dropped 9.4 percent in the rest of the country.

[17] Government approves favorable housing loans for homeless Greek gypsy families

Athens, 28/03/2000 (ANA)

By decision of National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, housing loans will be granted with 80 percent interest rate subsidization for the purchase or building of 940 houses for homeless gypsy families living permanently in municipalities all over the country.

The loans will be provided by the National Bank with interest rate subsidization guaranteed by the state and will be for a duration of 15 years.

[18] Development minister calls for relocation of Thessaloniki Trade Fair grounds

Athens, 28/03/2000 (ANA)

"The TIF is asphyxiating, as it is located in the center of the city, it can not become a big modern Exhibition center within its present bounds, here," the minister said, addressing the boards of TIF and state owned exhibition organizer HELEXPO S.A.

"Our immediate goal should be that of transferring the exhibition center, the creation of a new, modern, dynamic, developing exhibition center of international standards, which will host the EXPO 2007 or 2008," Venizelos said.

Earlier in the day the minister visited the city bus depot of Thessaloniki and discussed relevant issues with both the management and employees.

[19] Two Greek banks eyeing Bulgarian purchase-report

SOFIA, 28/03/2000 (ANA/B.Borisov)

National, Greece's biggest commercial bank, has already begun acquisition negotiations with the management of the United Bulgarian Bank (OBB) while Bank of Piraeus is expected to send executives to the Bulgarian capital by the end of the week for talks. Also interested in buying a majority of shares in OBB is Italy's second largest commercial bank, Uno Credito Italiano.

The owners of OBB are a Bulgarian state bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, each of which holds 35 percent of the target bank's stock. Two investment funds from abroad hold the remaining 30 percent of shares.

[20] Greek stocks end mixed in subdued trade

Athens, 28/03/2000 (ANA)

The general index ended at 4,675.67 points, down 0.20 percent, off the day's highs of 4,703.49 and the day's lows of 4,648.33 points.

Dealers said investors were cautious ahead of the April 9 general elections with opinion polls showing the two big political parties moving neck-to-neck.

Turnover was a low 120.34 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended at 2,658.47 points, up 0.60 percent while the FTSE/ASE 40 index dropped 1.89 percent to 670.55 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 9,167.04 +0.87% Leasing: 1,057.90 -0.96% Insurance: 3,141.77 +1.37% Investment: 2,041.65 -6.61% Construction: 2,249.72 -2.63% Industrials: 2,727.13 -0.45% Miscellaneous: 4,950.32 -3.07% Holding: 4,983.02 -0.22%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 795.45 points, off 5.86 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 288 to 46 with another three issues unchanged.

Pegasos, Hellenic Telecoms and National Bank were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in Drs): National Bank: 23,970 Alpha Credit: 24,830 Commercial Bank: 20,300 Eurobank: 11,380 Heracles Cement: 8,950 Titan Cement (c): 13,205 Hellenic Petroleum: 4,190 Intracom: 15,400 Minoan Lines: 7,000 Hellenic Bottling: 6,240 Hellenic Telecoms: 9,745 Panafon: 5,050

Equity futures end mixed in derivatives trade: Equity futures finished mixed on Monday roughly in line with the two indices on which they are based.

The FTSE/ASE 20 closed 0.60 percent higher, and the FTSE/ASE 40 closed 1.89 percent down.

Turnover was 8.4 billion drachmas.

A total of 878 contracts were traded on the FTSE/ASE 20 index with turnover at 4.7 billion drachmas.

A total of 1,359 futures were traded on the FTSE/ASE 40 index on turnover of 3.7 billion drachmas.

Bonds slip in scant trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market slipped in thin trade on Monday with players apparently keeping out of the market before national elections on April 9, traders said.

Little action is expected until after the polls, despite the attractiveness of Greek paper, including the 20-year bond, analysts said.

According to the final opinion polls allowed under electoral law, the ruling socialist PASOK party and main opposition conservative New Democracy party will run neck-and-neck in voting.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 6.23 percent from around 6.13 percent in the two previous trading days and 6.17 percent on Wednesday.

The paper's yield spread over German bunds was 91 to 93 basis points from 93 basis points in the previous session and 96 basis points on Thursday.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system on Monday was a scant 34 billion drachmas in sell-oriented trade.

Of the total, sell orders accounted for 24 billion drachmas of turnover.

Trade in floating rate notes represented six billion drachmas' worth of trade.

Drachma down vs. euro, up vs. dollar: The drachma on Monday fell against the euro in the domestic foreign exchange market and rose against the US dollar, dealers said.

The central bank did not step into the market after selling about 750 million euros last week in interventions.

At the central bank's daily fixing, the euro was set at 334.260 drachmas from 334.250 drachmas a trading day earlier and 334.150 drachmas on Thursday.

Also at the fixing, the US dollar was set at 343.300 drachmas from 344.730 drachmas in the previous session and 347.280 drachmas on Thursday.

[21] Tourism chief holds talks in Moscow

Athens, 28/03/2000 (ANA)

International Tourism Exhibition and ascertained that tourist Greece continues to attract the interest of Russian tourists and professionals.

Among others, Stefanidis met with Russian Deputy Tourism Minister Vladimir Strazalkovski, the President of the Dumas' Culture and Tourism Committee Nikolai Gubenko and Georgia's Tourism Minister Vlaza Suvlaz.

Stefanidis also gave honorary diplomas to intellectuals promoting Greece in Russia.

[22] Doctors of the World hospital operational in Granitsa, Kosovo

Athens, 28/03/2000 (ANA)

The hospital was funded by the Greek government, private institutions and citizens to the tune of 50 million drachmas, operates in an unused warehouse and staffed by doctors and personnel of the organization, which has been in the region since its first mission in bombed Pristina, Kosovo.

[23] Railway ticket discounts will be provided for judicial representatives and voters

Athens, 28/03/2000 (ANA)

The discount rates were announced in light of general elections to be held around the country on April 9 and in order to facilitate judicial representatives, overseers and voters.

Voters coming from abroad will also be entitled to a 30 percent discount on international TGV prices for Greece and for trips from border checkpoints to their place of voting and back. The 30 percent discounts will be valid from April 4 until April 14.

[24] Finnish envoy says there is 'new sense of dynamism' for Cyprus solution

NICOSIA, 28/03/2000 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking after a meeting here on Monday with President Glafcos Clerides, Blomberg said the purpose of his visit is to "assess the current situation in the UN peace process and express the desire to have the parties move into substantive negotiations in New York."

The Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides have attended two rounds of proximity talks with the UN, during which they presented their positions on four core issues the UN outlined (territory, constitution, security and property) but there was no negotiation.

Talks are due to resume on 23 May in New York.

"We feel this is a unique opportunity, which should not be missed," the Finnish diplomat, who was accompanied by Finland's Ambassador to Cyprus based in Tel Aviv Pasi Patokallio, said.

Invited to give his assessment of the situation, he said "there is a new sense of dynamism in the process that should be acted upon and it is for the UN Secretary General to work with the leaders of the two communities."

Replying to questions, he said Finland supports the UN Secretary-General's mandate, which he described as the "only viable way to move ahead".

[25] US ambassador stresses need for more substantive talks on Cyprus

NICOSIA, 28/03/2000 (CNA/ANA)

The ambassador also said that direct negotiations are not on the cards at present, but eventually there will have to be direct exchanges between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides and expressed the view that the current differences in views between them can be bridged.

Reiterating strong US commitment to the success of the UN process and noting the close US working relationship with other members of the world community, the ambassador said "the international community, and we share this view, has stressed the need for the third round of talks to be even more substantive than the prior rounds."

Speaking after a meeting here on Monday with President Glafcos Clerides, he said the US "wants the talks to be on all the core issues and to be looking at all of them together, to have a meaningful negotiation" in order to ensure that problems that have cropped up in the past do not impede the next round of talks, due to begin on 23 May in New York.

Asked to explain what would be substantive negotiations for the US, he said the focus must be "across the board on the core issues and we want to see the discussions become more intense exchanges and the possibility of talking about the overall shape of a settlement."

Replying to questions, he said the core issues, which the UN identified as security, property, territory and constitution, that have been discussed in the past are now being dealt with "under the circumstances of the year 2000."

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