Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 96-11-29
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1053), November 29, 1996
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] Greece awaits explanation into allegations of Turkish arsons
[02] Reppas
[03] Skandalidis
[04] EU forum
[05] Nationwide 24-hour strike protests government's economic policy
[06] Gov't insists on 'realistic policy', appeals for understanding
[07] High participation rate, unionists claim
[08] Evert
[09] Nationwide actions
[10] Opposition
[11] Simitis, Tsohatzopoulos meet
[12] Meeting to focus on adaptation of Greek legislation to EU laws
[13] Pangalos holds talks with Uzbekistan's leadership
[14] Duma president Zelezniev reiterates his parliament's support for
Greece
[15] Onassis Foundation to donate funds for new library at
Metropolitan Museum
[16] Internal dissension continues in New Democracy
[17] Greece aims at alliances with other EU states on IGC issues, G.
Papandreou says
[18] Vartholomeos concludes tour of Far East
[19] Archbishop Anastasios meets with premier
[20] Greek-Yugoslav investment agreement readied
[21] Survey reveals that one in 10 Austrians plans to spend 1997
vacation in Greece
[22] National Bank lowers interests rates for deposits
[23] Motion tabled to confiscate Delta Brokerage's assets
[01] Greece awaits explanation into allegations of Turkish arsons
Athens, 29/11/1996 (ANA)
Athens expects Ankara to fully clarify recent allegations that
Turkish secret services were responsible for several forest
fires that devastated a number of Greek islands in recent years.
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou stressed yesterday
that Greece would seek such "explanations".
Turkish True Path (DYP) party deputy Sedat Bucak outlined in a
recent television interview Ankara's involvement in the arson of
Greek forests.
Bucak was the only survivor of a fatal traffic accident earlier
this month near the western Turkish village of Susurluk in which
three people died, an incident that exposed connections between
the Turkish underworld and state.
The DYP deputy alleged that Abdullah Catli, one of the three
victims, participated in the arson attacks in Greece. The
following day, the right-wing publication "Yeni Safak" came out
with a headline reading "We burned Rhodes", although copies of
the newspaper were destroyed in a suspicious fire that destroyed
the newspaper's offices the same day.
Mr. Papandreou described as "worrying" Bucak's accusations,
noting that they constituted "a confession to a criminal
offense."
On her part, Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller defended
Catli, saying: "I don't know if he is guilty or not. However,
those who shoot or are injured in the name of this country...
will always be remembered by us with respect."
Mr. Papandreou said Ms Ciller's statements should cause concern
among the international community.
Athens, 29/11/1996 (ANA)
"The allegation by Turkish deputy Sedat Bucak that Turkish
agents torched Greek forests is extremely serious," government
spokesman Dimitris Reppas said later.
He added, however, that Greece must be particularly careful
"because many things are going on at the present time in Turkey
for domestic consumption."
"The government is carefully examining the entire issue," Mr.
Reppas said, adding that "the evidence presented to the security
authorities does not lead to final conclusions as to the
exclusive responsibility of Turkish agents in the fires last
summer."
Mr. Reppas stressed, nevertheless, that Athens intended to seek
explanations from Ankara regarding the issue.
Asked to comment on a statement by Ms Ciller, who claimed that
Greece had created the Imia dispute, Mr. Reppas replied that
"too much significance should not be attached to remarks by Ms
Ciller who, because of her involvement in non-transparent
affairs, is putting on a show of firmness."
Greece and Turkey came to the brink of war earlier this year
when Ankara openly disputed Greek sovereignty of the uninhabited
Aegean islets of Imia.
[03] Skandalidis
Athens, 29/11/1996 (ANA)
PASOK Secretary and Dodecanese deputy Costas Skandalidis noted
that "the provocative and cynical revelation by the Turks that
they are behind the arson attacks on our islands opens a huge
issue for the international community and law and order,
particularly when it is done by a Turkish deputy."
He added: "Greece calls for the clarification of the case and
the denunciation of Turkey as an official source of terrorist
activity. It is time to re-examine in depth the role of our
'responsible' services on the islands of the eastern Aegean and
particularly on Rhodes, and their effectiveness. Drastic
reorganization is needed."
The main opposition New Democracy party also issued an
announcement describing the Turkish deputy's statement as being
"particularly serious" and said it must be examined.
"The government must immediately ask for explanations from the
Turkish government and to bring this serious issue to the
relevant international fora," the ND statement read.
The Political Spring (Pol.An) party, on its part, issued an
announcement saying the government must bring the attention of
international organizations to the information regarding
organized arson attacks on Greek islands, adding that only with
such organizations will "such a serious investigation be
effective."
[04] EU forum
Brussels, 29/11/1996 (ANA - F. Stangos)
In a related development, PASOK Eurodeputy Yiannis Roubatis
raised the issue of Turkish involvement in arson attacks on
Greek islands, during questions to the Ministers' Council and
the European Commission.
He also asked whether the Union intended to financially
reinforce Greece's forestry services for "the more effective
protection of European forests from the threat they face due to
the activities of criminal Turkish organizations."
[05] Nationwide 24-hour strike protests government's economic policy
Athens, 29/11/1996 (ANA)
Public services, mass transportation and most industries came to
a standstill throughout Greece yesterday during a 24-hour
across-the-board strike to protest the government's economic
policy and especially its new taxation measures, contained in a
proposed 1997 budget to be tabled in Parliament today.
The government, meanwhile, appealed to workers for
understanding, maintaining that the social state is being
strengthened, while the new taxes introduced in the 1997 budget
burdened the higher income brackets exclusively.
The strike action, involving both the public and private sectors
and affecting utilities, transports, civil services, banks,
municipal offices, industry and businesses, was called by the
General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) and the Civil
Servants' Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY).
Strikes also shut down most schools and courts, while hospitals
operated with only skeleton crews. In the transport sector, the
stoppage caused delays in flights since Olympic Airways, the
national carrier, staged a three-hour stoppage from 9 a.m. to
noon, while ports shut down throughout the country as maritime
workers joined in the 24-hour strike.
Farmers also blocked national road junctures across the country,
asking for higher prices for produce.
One of the main demands of the unions is that the government
index link tax brackets to inflation. The unions claimed that
failure to do so would result in a drop in real incomes in 1997.
A meeting later in the day between National Economy and Finance
Minister Yiannos Papantoniou and the administrations of GSEE and
ADEDY turned out to be fruitless.
Immediately after the meeting, GSEE president Christos
Polyzogopoulos said the minister refused to satisfy labor union
demands concerning the index-linking of tax brackets to
inflation and an increase in the amount of income considered to
be non-taxable.
Mr. Polyzogopoulos told reporters that GSEE's executive
committee would convene next Wednesday "to take new decisions".
[06] Gov't insists on 'realistic policy', appeals for understanding
Athens, 29/11/1996 (ANA)
"The government was just recently given the popular mandate and
has the responsibility to lead the country to an equal
relationship with its European partners," government spokesman
Dimitris Reppas said, replying to questions on the government's
economic policy and yesterday's strikes.
"The government is following a realistic policy while refraining
from taking measures which would simply make it popular," Mr.
Reppas said, adding that it had also secured the minimum consent
for the measures.
He expressed a view that the Greek people would eventually
support the government's economic policy.
The government, Mr. Reppas continued, understands the reactions
of workers and those who are affected by the measures, "but the
policy being followed is the only one which will provide a
solution to the country's problems."
The spokesman noted that participation in yesterday's strike and
protest rallies had been small, "and this must be the basis for
drawing any conclusions".
The government later issued an announcement appealing to workers
and particularly the weaker social strata for understanding for
its economic policy.
The announcement explains the government's new economic
measures, stressing that the social state is being strengthened
while the new taxes introduced in the 1997 budget burdened the
higher income brackets exclusively.
The government said Greece was waging four major battles
-participation in EMU, development, the fairer distribution of
income and efforts to enhance the deterrent capacity of the
armed forces.
"A prerequisite in order to win these battles... is the securing
of additional funds by cutting state deficits and the more
rational operation of the state. This is precisely what the 1997
budget aims to achieve," the announcement stated. It added that
workers' real incomes (nominal remuneration less inflation)
would continue to increase at a rate of 2 per cent, while the
social state would be considerably strengthened in 1997 "as it
was in the three previous years".
Total expenditure on social protection would amount to 6.5
trillion drachmas in 1997, or 20.1 per cent of Gross Domestic
Product (GDP), compared to 3.9 trillion drachmas or 18.5 per
cent of GDP in 1993, the announcement said.
The Farmers' Insurance Fund (OGA) was being converted into a
principal social security fund, the announcement said, noting
also the "considerable" increases in farmers' pensions.
The government also pointed to the introduction of the Social
Solidarity Allowance for persons on low pensions and the
strengthening of the education and health sectors, "with
increases more than triple the anticipated rate of inflation."
"This government feels for the problems of workers and
particularly the weaker social strata and asks for their
understanding," the announcement stated.
[07] High participation rate, unionists claim
Athens, 29/11/1996 (ANA)
In contrast to Mr. Reppas' assessment, trade union officials
spoke in terms of 60 to 100 per cent participation in the
strike. Compared with recent years, they said, the participation
in the protest rally in central Athens and demonstration outside
Parliament was also very high.
Addressing workers at the rally, Mr. Polyzogopoulos stressed
that if the government did not modify its economic policy, it
would find itself "up against the resistance of the workers and
trade unions, which will be forced to step up their struggle".
The index-linking of tax brackets to inflation and the raising
of the limit of non-taxable income to two million drachmas were
now "central demands" of the workers, Mr. Polyzogopoulos said.
GSEE's president also urged an end to what he called "the
under-estimation of inflation for 1997."
"The government's forecast of 4 to 4.5 per cent is a mockery and
affects the unions' positions at collective negotiations," said
Mr. Polyzogopoulos, who also called for measures to increase
employment and protect labor relations.
Athens, 29/11/1996 (ANA)
GSEE and ADEDY trade unionists also met yesterday with main
opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Miltiades Evert, to
whom they handed a resolution protesting the government's
economic measures.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Mr. Evert said "the country's
problems are not solved with stabilization programs but only
with development."
"Before the elections the government promised that there would
be no new taxes, with the result that it has now been exposed as
unreliable. It cannot ask for the tolerance of the people with
austerity. If it (government) continues the same policy, there
will be recession and higher unemployment".
[09] Nationwide actions
Athens, 29/11/1996 (ANA)
In Thessaloniki and other cities around the country, the picture
was similar. Workers laid-off from the Thessaloniki Goodyear
plant earlier this year led the rally through the city's streets
in the morning. The rally marched to the Macedonia-Thrace
ministry where minister Philippos Petsalnikos was handed a
resolution.
Mr. Petsalnikos defended the government's economic choices,
saying they were "difficult" but aimed to assist the country's
growth at the same time as stabilizing the economy.
Union representatives in the northern capital said participation
in the strike was in the order of 50-65 per cent.
There was traffic chaos in the city in the early afternoon due
to the four-hour work stoppage by public transport workers. The
48-hour strike at the city's port meant serious delays for
unloading. Some 20 merchant vessels are reported to be affected.
In Thessaly, farmers protesting against a reduction in their
incomes blocked the national Athens-Thessaloniki highway at a
number of points. There have been similar blockades of major
road junctions throughout the prefecture.
Near Lamia, farmers blocked the road to Fthiotida with 120
tractors at 10 a.m. with another group blocking the old national
Lamia-Domokou road at noon. Traffic to and from Trikala and
Karditsa was forced to divert to side roads.
[10] Opposition
Athens, 29/11/1996 (ANA)
Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos
Constantopoulos described yesterday's nationwide mobilizations
as "a cry of agony", adding that it was the "deadlocked" policy
of a government that was "socially rejected and did not enjoy
political legitimacy."
For Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas,
the mobilizations were a "struggle for a life with dignity," but
also "an act of resistance to Brussels and the economically
strong."
The Political Spring (Pol.An) described as "the joke of the day"
a statement by government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, according
to which, "the majority of working people supports the
government measures."
[11] Simitis, Tsohatzopoulos meet
Athens, 29/11/1996 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis and National Defense Minister Akis
Tsohatzopoulos yesterday discussed a number of national and
defense issues at their regular meeting.
According to reports, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos briefed the premier on
his recent visit to Ostend in Brussels to attend the Western
European Union's Council and to Cyprus.
Sources added that the NATO headquarters issue was also
discussed. The sources said that the government remained
steadfast on the issue of the activation of the NATO
headquarters.
[12] Meeting to focus on adaptation of Greek legislation to EU laws
Athens, 29/11/1996 (ANA)
Issues of adapting Greek national legislation to Community law
are to be discussed in Athens today between government officials
and EU representatives.
According to reports, the discussion will include issues
concerning fertilizers, private vehicles and medicines.
[13] Pangalos holds talks with Uzbekistan's leadership
Moscow, 29/11/1996 (ANA)
Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov requested Greece's assistance
for his country's co-operation with European organizations in
talks with Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, who paid the
first-ever visit by a Greek minister to the Central Asian nation.
Apart from meeting President Karimov, Mr. Pangalos met
Uzbekistan Foreign Minister A. Kamilov and Deputy Prime Minister
and Petroleum Minister C. Hakulov. He also visited the offices
of the Political Refugees Society.
President Karimov called for the opening of a Greek embassy in
Tashkent and the speeding up of the appointment of a general
consul of Uzbekistan in Athens. He also requested preparation of
the entire legal framework in which relations between Greece and
his country will be based, so that it can be signed during his
official visit to Athens in March 1997.
President Karimov expressed his country's wish to co-operate
with European organizations, saying that he considers Greece a
natural channel and interpreter of the views of his country at
the European union.
He expressed his views on the situation prevailing in the region
and on his country's domestic affairs, stressing that in the
sector of democratic and economic reforms his government is
making "flexible and not revolutionary changes."
On his part, Mr. Pangalos said the Greek embassy in Tashkent
will open in 1998. He also referred to the importance of Mr.
Karimov's visit to Athens during which, he said, agreements will
be signed which will constitute the framework of relations
between
Greece and Uzbekistan. Mr. Pangalos and Mr. Kamilov discussed
the situation in Central Asia and Uzbekistan's foreign policy,
while Mr. Pangalos set out Greece's relations with the Balkans
and Turkey, as well as Greek positions on the Cyprus issue. At
the end of their talks, the two ministers signed two agreements
on the establishment of consular authorities and an airline
agreement.
Talks with Mr. Hakulov, who is responsible for energy issues,
focused on issues of an economic nature and possibilities of
co-operation between the two countries in the natural gas sector.
Mr. Pangalos also met with representatives of Greek expatriates
and held talks with a small number of Greek businessmen who are
primarily engaged in trade and tourist activities in Uzbekistan.
[14] Duma president Zelezniev reiterates his parliament's support for
Greece
Athens, 29/11/1996 (ANA)
Russia does not consider an act of aggression by Turkey against
Greece in the Aegean likely at present, Russian Duma
(parliament) President Gennadi Seleznyov said yesterday at the
end of a three-day official visit to Greece.
Mr. Seleznyov, who met President of the Republic Kostis
Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Costas Simitis and political
party leaders, said Russia is categorically opposed to the use
or the threat of the use of force on the international scene.
He stressed that the Duma has unanimously condemned the presence
of a Turkish occupation army in northern Cyprus and has called
for the demilitarization of the island republic in the most
categorical manner.
Referring to Russia's positions on the Cyprus problem, Mr.
Seleznyov said a precondition for its solution, which he called
a disgrace for Europe, is demilitarization, adding that the UN
should be the venue where the problem is resolved and a peaceful
solution found.
On his part, Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis thanked
Mr. Seleznyov for the positive stance observed by Russia and the
Duma on Greek national issues.
On the question of bilateral economic relations, Mr. Seleznyov
said he inferred from his contacts in Greece that Athens is in
favor of promoting co-operation with Moscow in the energy
sector, stressing that this is the desire of the Russian
government as well.
Mr. Seleznyov announced a beginning to common business
activities and said that in January a natural gas pipeline
linking Russia with Greece will be inaugurated. He further said
that in his talks with Greek officials he was pleased to
ascertain a willingness by Athens to have a proposed project for
an aluminum plant revived.
Mr. Kaklamanis referred to close co-operation between the two
parliaments within the framework of both the Council of Europe
and the parliamentary assembly of Black Sea countries.
[15] Onassis Foundation to donate funds for new library at
Metropolitan Museum
New York, 29/11/1996 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)
The Onassis Foundation will fund the establishment of a new
library of Greco-Roman art at New York's Metropolitan Museum.
"This donation ensures the creation of a library that will give
scholars, researchers and the public, the possibility to refer
to valuable historical archives and the amazing collections of
Greek and Roman art, which the Metropolitan has," the museum's
curator, Philippe de Montebello, said during a ceremony
announcing the donation.
[16] Internal dissension continues in New Democracy
Athens, 29/11/1996 (ANA)
Former main opposition New Democracy prime minister Constantine
Mitsotakis yesterday accused ND leader Miltiades Evert of
"trying to cause a rift that could lead even to a break up of
the party".
In a written statement, Mr. Mitsotakis charged that Wednesday's
attack against him during a political council session by Mr.
Evert, who said he would not be invited to future sessions as
his public statements undermined the authority and history of
the party, aimed at two things:
"To cause a rift that could even lead to a break up of the
party, and relegate to secondary place substantial discussion on
terms under which an honest and representative congress would be
held" next year.
"This effort failed. I am not willing to become entangled in
controversies, and I did not respond to the attack because I put
above all else the interest of the party and the country," he
said.
Mr. Mitsotakis also claimed that the political council is slowly
coming round to the view that the election of large number of
additional delegates is the only way to go to a congress which
will lead the party out of the deadlock.
"It is characteristic that three former prime ministers
supported this view," he emphasized.
Further, he stressed his contribution to the party:
"I am the only leader after Constantine Karamanlis who led the
party to victory, with 47 per cent of the vote in 1990. This
victory enabled me to propose Karamanlis for president of the
republic in 1990, whereby he was morally vindicated... Now the
rift is being attempted in his name".
Replying to Mr. Mitsotakis' statements, the ND party press
office said in a statement that, "at the time of possibly the
largest mobilization in the country in recent years against
PASOK's tax raid, Mr. Mitsotakis is continuing to busy himself
with internal party matters. ND, as a responsible political
force, is not going to follow him down the road he has
consciously opted for," the statement read.
The party's executive committee met a few hours after the new
exchange, chaired by Mr. Evert, and discussed opposition tactics
and deputy leader Ioannis Varvitsiotis' proposal for an enlarged
representation at the party congress.
Before the session began, Mr. Evert, referring to yesterday's
nationwide mobilizations in protest against the government's
economic policy, said:
"Today, the Greek people have given a sound answer to the
trustworthiness of the government with the strike mobilization
which met with success at all levels. The success of this strike
sends messages to both the government and opposition. We have an
obligation to stand by the working citizen, beginning with the
farmer who has mobilized in Thessaly, but also by the wage
earner and pensioner."
[17] Greece aims at alliances with other EU states on IGC issues, G.
Papandreou says
Athens, 29/11/1996 (ANA)
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou said yesterday that
his ongoing contacts with European counterpart s were aimed at
establishing "alliances" between Greece and other EU member
states in view of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC).
One of the main issues of the "tough negotiations" being
conducted by the 15 EU members, Mr. Papandreou told a press
conference, is that of "flexibility".
He said the issue concerned "the ability of certain countries to
create an interest group and take advantage of Community
institutions and funds as well as to create different speeds".
"The Greek position is that a policy of flexibility would
undermine the unity of the EU and lead to the creation of a
'directorate' and different speeds," he noted.
A policy of flexibility is supported by France, Germany, Italy,
Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
In view of EU enlargement, Mr. Papandreou said problems in
certain sectors could be resolved with the flexibility issue,
but that such problems should be chosen on the basis of strict
criteria.
As examples, he cited the conclusion of defense agreements and
incorporation of the Schengen Accord, aimed at removing border
controls and enabling the free movement of people within an EU
framework.
The second major issue which is expected to occupy the IGC, Mr.
Papandreou said, was that of "institutional reform".
"On this issue Greece, together with the smaller states,
believes that the existing balance in Community bodies
satisfactorily reflects the demographic characteristics of the
EU member-states, and in the event that there is a reduction in
the number of Commissioners, this reduction should come from the
larger countries, so that the smaller ones have at least one
Commissioner," Mr. Papandreou said. Another important issue, he
added, was that of a common foreign policy and "the prospect of
developing a defense identity for Europe".
"Greece acknowledges the difficulty of incorporating in the new
treaty a clause providing for automatic defense support to a
member-state, but has set as a target the inclusion in the
treaty of a 'solidarity' clause and respect for the
inviolability of borders and territorial integrity and political
independence of member-states," Mr. Papandreou said.
Replying to questions, he said that with respect to negotiations
on security, Greece had a "strong card", namely the particular
importance attached to the issue by the Greek Parliament, "which
in the last analysis will ratify the new treaty."
Regarding the further course of the IGC, he said the Irish
presidency's final text will be issued in Brussels on Dec. 6 and
7, which will be evaluated and amended during the Dublin summit.
The aim of the 15 EU member-states is for there to be a final
decision in June 1997, during the Dutch presidency's summit
meeting.
Mr. Papandreou also noted that the forthcoming elections in
Britain, scheduled for May 1997, could influence the course of
negotiations.
[18] Vartholomeos concludes tour of Far East
Istanbul, 29/11/1996 (ANA)
Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos returned to Istanbul yesterday
after an extended visit to Australia, where he toured Perth,
Adelaide, Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.
On his return, he praised what he called the "significant
achievements in all sectors of the clearly ecclesiastical,
educational, social and other activities of the Archbishopry,"
and noted the contribution of Archbishop Stylianos in the
Orthodox Church 's achievements in Australia.
In Canberra, Australian Prime Minister John Howard held an
official dinner in honor of the Patriarch, who met with all
prime ministers of the states he visited.
Patriarch Vartholomeos also visited New Zealand during a tour of
the Far East, while he earlier visited Hong Kong, where he
founded the new Orthodox Metropolis of Southeast Asia.
[19] Archbishop Anastasios meets with premier
Athens, 29/11/1996 (ANA)
Archbishop of Tirana and all Albania Anastasios visited Prime
Minister Costas Simitis yesterday, saying afterwards that the
premier is particularly interested in relations in the Balkans
and promotion of co-operation and friendly communication among
Balkan countries.
Anastasios said he has been in Albania for some five and a half
years to restore the Autocephalus Orthodox Church of Albania and
to promote friendship, co-operation and mutual understanding.
Consequently, he added, the exchange of views and opinions in
such a climate is always useful. Asked whether relations with
the Tirana government have improved, the Archbishop said "there
is a course of improvement in relations."
[20] Greek-Yugoslav investment agreement readied
Belgrade, 29/11/1996 (ANA - M. Mouratidis)
A joint Yugoslav and Greek committee is scheduled to convene in
Athens on Dec. 5 and 6 in order to discuss the drafting of an
agreement for the mutual promotion and protection of investments
as well as avoidance of double taxation.
According to a Greek embassy official here, the agreements will
be signed during Prime Minister Costas Simitis' visit to
Belgrade, expected early next year.
He added that a committee of Greek experts will soon be
established to consider details of granting Yugoslavia export
credits to the tune of US$100 million.
Athens has also expressed a willingness to organize seminars for
the briefing of Yugoslav businessmen on EU regulations, so as to
make more effective its co-operation with European firms.
[21] Survey reveals that one in 10 Austrians plans to spend 1997
vacation in Greece
Vienna, 29/11/1996 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)
One in 10 Austrians over the age of 16 intends to spend their
holidays next year in Greece, according to results from a survey.
Greece is second on a list of preferred holiday destinations for
Austrians with 10 per cent, behind Italy with 11 per cent and
followed by Spain with 8 per cent.
The survey's results, which were announced yesterday, revealed
that 43 per cent of Austrians intend to spend their vacations in
a European country, while 22 per cent will spend them within
Austria itself.
The poll's results are deemed to be particularly encouraging for
the Greek tourism sector, particularly after pessimistic
predictions made two months ago following the bankruptcy of the
large Austrian travel agent Itas, which specialized in holidays
to Greece and was owned by a Greek expatriate businessman.
Last year, roughly 500,000 Austrian tourists visited Greece.
[22] National Bank lowers interests rates for deposits
Athens, 29/11/1996 (ANA)
The National Bank of Greece has announced a significant decrease
in interest rates for deposits by half a percentage point, which
fall to 10.75 per cent from 11.25 per cent, while the current
accounts interest rate will be set at 9.25 per cent from 9.75
per cent.
At the same time lending rates will decrease by 0.25 per cent.
The Ionian Bank will also slash deposit interest rates by half a
percentage point as of Monday, while similar moves by the Credit
Bank are expected with interest.
The National Bank's working capital lending rate will be 17.50
per cent; for fixed assets 16.25 per cent, and for fluctuating
housing loans 15.25 per cent.
Ionian's interest rates for deposits will be 11 per cent.
[23] Motion tabled to confiscate Delta Brokerage's assets
Athens, 29/11/1996 (ANA)
A special judicial investigator is continuing the main
investigation over a 2.6 billion drachmas default at the Athens
Stock Exchange by the Delta Brokerage firm, while a motion was
submitted to an Athens court yesterday by the bourse's common
and consenting capital insurance.
The motion, to be discussed on Dec. 17, calls for confiscation
of Delta's movable and immovable assets up to the amount of four
billion drachmas for losses sustained.
The main lawsuit on the same issue will be examined in about
four months' time.
End of English language section.
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