Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 98-01-25

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From: The Macedonian Press Agency at http://www.mpa.gr and http://www.hri.org/MPA.

Last Update: 20:04 GMT+2

SECTIONS

[A] GREECE

[B] EUROPE

NEWS HEADLINES

[A] GREECE

[B] EUROPE

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] GREECE

[01] TRADE UNIONISTS REACT TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

Web Posted: 20:04 GMT+2

Athens, January 25 (MPA)

The country's General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) has called another

24-hour strike next week, while the government has reiterated its determination to proceed with a restructuring of overdebted public enterprises although it acknowledged workers' right to protest in defending their interests.

GSEE calls the strike over a provision in the government's new tax bill that allows a change in the status of workers at DEKOs (public enterprises and corporations) in the framework of their reform. Workers say that the provision directly undermines their status.

National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou has repeatedly stated to unionists presenting him with their demands that the provision applied only to loss-making or bankrupt DEKOs.

He said a six-month period of negotiations between DEKO management and unions was sufficient time to achieve an agreement on changes but has stressed that the final decision lay with the government.

However, the President of GSEE Christos Polyzogopoulos, said the union movement would not accept different conditions for workers in loss-making and profit-making enterprises and warned of increased labor unrest.

Reports said urban transport organizations - one of the sectors that Mr. Papantoniou says would be affected by the provision - were considering an indefinite strike.

Urban transport organizations alone have debts of 850 billion drachmas, which will be accommodated by legislation to be submitted to Parliament later in the year.

[02] MINSTER OF DEFENSE: NATIONAL AIR SPACE IS NON-NEGOTIABLE

Web Posted: 20:04 GMT+2

Athens, January 25 (MPA)

"It is ten miles and shall remain as such," he stated, thereby silencing the much ado heard recently over this matter.

Moreover, he stated that any discussion concerning a potential negotiation , or potential flexibility of the ten-mile limit is mistaken.

[03] ADVERSE WEATHER STRIKES GREECE, SNOW, HEAVY RAIN IN MACEDONIA

Web Posted: 20:04 GMT+2

Thessaloniki, January 25 (MPA)

In many areas of the national highway, all vehicles are required to be equipped with anti-skid chains.

[04] AGRICULTURAL TRADE FAIR AGROTICA '98 OPENS JANUARY 28 IN THESSALONIKI

Web Posted: 20:04 GMT+2

Thessaloniki, January 28 (MPA)

This year's event, which started 14 years ago, will feature an increased number of exhibitors and will occupy the largest area in the fair's history.

According to Helexpo, 1,517 Greek and foreign exhibitors will display their goods, on a site of more than 38,500 square meters. A total of 776 foreign exhibitors from 35 countries and 741 Greek companies will participate, while seven countries - Albania, Bulgaria, France, Spain, Italy, Poland and Tunisia - will participate with national pavilions.

[05] NEWS BULLETINS TO BE BROADCAST IN FOREIGN LANGUAGES

Web Posted: 20:04 GMT+2

Athens, January 25 (MPA)

The news bulletins will be produced by the Voice of Greece (ERA 5), by a team of 37 Greek and foreign journalists and broadcast on 93.6 and 103.7 FM daily at 7.03 (in Arabic and Russian), 8.03 (Polish, Albanian and English and at 9.03 (French and Bulgarian).

[06] THESSALONIKI'S FARMERS TO EMBARK ON 2-DAY PROTESTS

Web Posted: 20:04 GMT+2

Thessaloniki, January 25 (MPA)

Mr. Parlapanis also said that these demonstrations will be a warning and any further mobilization will depend on the government's response.

[07] TOURISM BETWEEN GREECE AND CHILE TO BE STRENGTHENED

Web Posted: 20:04 GMT+2

Athens, January 25 (MPA)

The meeting is prompted by tomorrow's arrival of Chile's Economy Minister Alvaro Garcia to Athens.

The officials will discuss specific plans aiming to upgrade tourism relations between the two countries, such as the organization of conventions, training and special forms of tourism.

[08] PASSPORT-VISA REVIEW AGENCY OPENS AT MACEDONIA-THRACE MINISTRY

Web Posted: 20:04 GMT+2

Thessaloniki, January 25 (MPA)

This was announced by the alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs George Papandreou, who added that the Ministry of Macedonia-Thrace will also host an agency that will grant visas to Greek-origin individuals from the former Soviet Union.

[B] EUROPE

[09] EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT TO VISIT ATHENS AT END OF THE MONTH

Web Posted: 20:04 GMT+2

Strasbourg, January 25 (MPA)

In a press conference given in Strasbourg, Mr. Robles stated that his contacts with Greece's political leaders will be of a general nature and he noted that he wants to form an opinion on Greece sees the structural hurdles of the European fulfillment, the Euro, the Amsterdam Accord, and the Greek Parliament's view on issues related to the unified European election process.

Referring to the dialogue which Athens pioneered with other Mediterranean countries and states from the Middle East, Mr. Robles stated that "Greece is the preferential observation post and I believe that the views of the Greek authorities will help us in developing our ties in that (geographical) direction. We have an interest in working toward the development of the Mediterranean's southern end, since Europe's' viable interests are not limited only to the North.

While avoiding comment on Greek-Turkish issues, Mr. Robles did say that "the European Union is always on the side of its allies."

Complete archives of the Macedonian Press Agency bulletins are available on the MPA Home Page at http://www.mpa.gr/ and on the U.S. mirror at http://www.hri.org/MPA/

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