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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-02-28
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1127), February 28, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] Simitis meets with ministers ahead of NATO chief Solana's visit
[02] More violations of Athens FIR reported
[03] Demirel terms Greece's behavior towards Turkey as 'hostile'
[04] WEU's de Puig will meet with Simitis, other Gov't officials
[05] Gov't on van den Broek statements concerning Cyprus' EU accession
[06] Kaklamanis to attend meeting of EU members' parliament speakers
[07] Kaklamanis' comments on Greek-Turkish relations
[08] Costas Karamanlis announces candidacy for ND's top post
[09] PASOK reaction
[10] PASOK political secretariat convenes
[11] Skandalidis-Haralambopoulos meeting
[12] G. Papandreou holds talks on EU-related issues with Italian
counterpart Fascino
[13] Simitis meets with pensioners
[14] High-ranking PASOK committee focuses on teachers' strike
[15] Regional restructuring announced as part of latest local Gov't
reorganization
[16] G. Papandreou to participate in EU informal development council
[17] Greek diplomat meets with Bosnian Serb officials
[18] Fishermen lift blockade on Thessaloniki port
[19] First land register deadline on March 29
[20] Public works fines
[21] Amnesty International official meets with premier
[22] Cochlea implant operation in Athens
[23] Thessaloniki carnival parade scheduled
[24] 3E subsidiary acquires majority of largest Yugoslav soft drinks
bottler
[25] Asian investment in Greece still low, report says
[26] Spata airport's construction consortium meets with Papoutsis
[27] Ministry calms investors as stock prices dive
[28] Greece bestows honor on Dumas
[29] Young Greek painter wins prestigious French award
[30] Drugs scheduled for destruction
[31] Sports subsidies slide from last year's levels
[32] IOC's shortlist for 2004 Olympics to be announced on March 7
[33] Cyclades '97 yacht race to be held in July
[34] Mangakis to be honored in Germany
[35] Archbishop Spyridon holds talks with State Dept. official
Cavanaugh
[36] ANA's Internet service gets 'Best of Europe' award
[01] Simitis meets with ministers ahead of NATO chief Solana's visit
Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis held a 90-minute meeting yesterday
with Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and National Defense
Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos which, according to sources,
focused on Greek-Turkish relations in the light of Ankara's
recent provocations and today's arrival of NATO Secretary
General Javier Solana. No statements were made after the meeting
but according to reports, Mr. Solana will attempt to advance
proposals aimed at improving Greek-Turkish relations in view of
the alliance's ascertainment that Ankara is an important factor
within the framework of NATO's enlargement eastwards. Mr.
Solana's proposals, according to the same sources, include
establishment of a "hot line" linking Athens, NATO and Ankara
for the avoidance of serious incidents between Greece and Turkey.
Other proposals envisage the placement of NATO observers on
Greek and Turkish warships sailing in the Aegean and the
continued operation of the RAP (Reconnaissance Aircraft
Projector) system, which provides NATO headquarters in Naples
with a picture of what is going on in the Aegean.
Mr. Solana is also expected to discuss the issue of NATO
headquarters in Greece.
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said later that the meeting
was held in the context of regular contacts with members of the
government.
[02] More violations of Athens FIR reported
Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
Five formations of Turkish warplanes yesterday infringed Athens
Flight Information Region (FIR) regulations and in some cases
violated Greek airspace, according to national defense ministry
sources.
The infringements and violations by four formations of Turkish
F-16 and F-4 fighters and a pair of RF-4 jets took place between
the eastern Aegean islands of Hios, Lesvos and Samos, the
sources said.
The Turkish warplanes were intercepted by Hellenic Air Force
F-16, F-1 and Mirage 2000 fighters.
[03] Demirel terms Greece's behavior towards Turkey as 'hostile'
Istanbul, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
Turkish President Suleyman Demirel yesterday told members of the
Turkish national assembly's committee of foreign affairs that
"Greece is avoiding discussions on the resolution of problems
and is continuing its hostile behavior towards Turkey."
An announcement issued by the presidential office said that "Mr.
Demirel stressed to the committee of foreign affairs which
visited him... that while Turkey supports the solution of the
Cyprus issue with peaceful means and has made the necessary
openings for the resolution of Greek-Turkish problems through
dialogue, Greece is avoiding dialogue and continues to act
towards Turkey in a manner that is not friendly."
[04] WEU's de Puig will meet with Simitis, other Gov't officials
Paris, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
The President of the Western European Union's (WEU)
Parliamentary Assembly, Luis-Maria de Puig, will meet with Prime
Minister Costas Simitis as well as government and opposition
party officials when he visits Greece on the occasion of a
meeting on the future of the WEU to be held March 10-13.
Apart from Mr. Simitis, Mr. de Puig will have talks with
Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, National Defense
Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, Alternate Foreign Minister George
Papandreou and the leaders of the political parties represented
in parliament. The Athens meeting is being held at the
invitation of the Greek government, which was accepted not only
by Mr. de Puig but by the chairpersons of all the committees of
the EU's fledgling defense wing. The meeting will focus on the
future of the WEU and is considered to be of decisive importance
for the organization's anticipated enlargement.
Mr. de Puig said that Greece was chosen as the venue because on
the one hand it was the last country to become a full member,
but mainly because enlargement concerns the countries of central
and eastern Europe and the Balkans "so Greece is entitled to
host the meeting from every point of view".
[05] Gov't on van den Broek statements concerning Cyprus' EU accession
Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
Asked to comment on EU Commissioner Hans van den Broek's recent
statement about the start of negotiations for a Cyprus' EU
accession six months after the inter-governmental conference
(IGC), government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said Mr. van den
Broek's statement corresponded to the Union's declaration of
March 6, 1995, "which nobody can reverse."
Mr. Reppas was also asked to comment on reported statements by
Britain's envoy on the Cyprus issue, Sir David Hannay, namely,
that the recent initiative by Britain, Germany and France to
involve the Turkish Cypriots in consultations for accession was
"a warning to Cyprus".
"What matters is that the policy of the European Union regarding
negotiations for a Cyprus accession six months after the end of
the IGC has not been changed," he said.
[06] Kaklamanis to attend meeting of EU members' parliament speakers
Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis left yesterday for The
Hague to attend an informal meeting of parliament speakers of
the European Union member-states.
The agenda for the meeting includes issues which will be raised
at the inter-governmental conference (IGC), such as the
strengthening of the role of national assemblies in the EU and
the powers of the European Parliament.
Mr. Kaklamanis is expected to point out the difficulties in
formulating common positions on the role national assemblies
should play in the EU.
[07] Kaklamanis' comments on Greek-Turkish relations
Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
Before departing, Mr. Kaklamanis also commented on recent
developments in Greek-Turkish relations.
"The aim of the Turks and those who encourage them or tolerate
their provocative behavior is to drag our country to the
negotiating table," he said.
"This is unacceptable from every perspective," he said, adding
"I am hopeful that it will not succeed."
[08] Costas Karamanlis announces candidacy for ND's top post
Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy deputy Costas Karamanlis, a nephew
of the former president of the republic and ND's founder
Constantine Karamanlis, last night officially announced that he
would contest the leadership of the party at next month's
congress.
In announcing his candidacy, Mr. Karamanlis said the party had
to rid itself of personal antagonisms plaguing it for a number
of years, and make the great leap forward, a leap in quality and
effectiveness, without big words, but with certainty,
self-confidence and a sense of responsibility and optimism.
"Greece is left behind in international competition, citizens do
not trust public life, while the country, having lost the '80s,
is in danger of losing the '90s too. This is an inadmissible
luxury with incalculable consequences for our future," he said.
Supporters of Mr. Karamanlis are preparing a "leader's
reception" for him in Thessaloniki airport today, as well as at
the pre-congress regional conference scheduled for the weekend,
to be attended by the leadership of the party and approximately
2,000 delegates.
Meanwhile, the other prominent leadership contender, George
Souflias, yesterday presented at a press conference his
proposals for changes in the party's charter.
He said ND needed democratic reform, its basic characteristic
being the abolition of appointed organs and their election by
the party's grass roots.
The proposed changes envisage the election of the leader by the
congress for a four-year term, subject to challenge by one-third
of either the congress, to be held every two years, or the
parliamentary group.
The vast majority of delegates to congress are to be elected by
ordinary party members.
The secretaries of the Parliamentary group and the central
committee would be elected and not appointed. Deputies would be
automatically included in election tickets, while other
candidates would be elected by party members in preliminary
rounds.
Mr. Souflias is also proposing the abolition of the party's
political council and the position of deputy leader.
[09] PASOK reaction
Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
ND's profile and strategy problem is not focused on the number
of candidates or their age, and will not be solved by the
election of a new leadership, PASOK secretary Costas Skandalidis
said in commenting on the ND leadership race.
"We are watching a match with special interest," he added.
[10] PASOK political secretariat convenes
Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis chaired a meeting of his PASOK
party's political secretariat yesterday, which agreed to the
creation of a joint committee composed of party and government
cadres to focus on promoting social dialogue.
Party Secretary Costas Skandalidis said afterwards that National
Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, Development Minister Vasso
Papandreou, Labor Minister Miltiades Papaioannou, Minister to
the Prime Minister George Paschalidis, Labor Under-secretary
Christos Protopapas, executive bureau members Stephanos Manikas
and Pantelis Economou and the secretaries of party sectors
responsible for social policy issues Yiannis Mangriotis, Loukas
Apostolidis, Christos Smyrlis and Rovertos Spyropoulos will
participate in the committee as permanent members.
Mr. Skandalidis said a plan of action will be announced at the
committee's first meeting, adding that discussions at party and
government bodies on social dialogue have ended and that from
now on emphasis will be placed on initiatives which have to be
undertaken.
[11] Skandalidis-Haralambopoulos meeting
Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
PASOK secretary Costas Skandalidis held a meeting yesterday with
high-ranking PASOK cadre and former minister Ioannis
Haralambopoulos, as part of a series of meetings with leading
party officials. On Thursday, Mr. Skandalidis met with former
minister Anastasios Peponis. Speaking to reporters after the
meeting, Mr. Haralambopoulos stressed that such meetings should
be held on a regular basis, especially in view of today's
"difficult conditions."
[12] G. Papandreou holds talks on EU-related issues with Italian
counterpart Fascino
Rome, 28/02/1997 (ANA - S. Aravopoulou)
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Italian Foreign
Under-secretary Piero Fascino held prolonged and very
constructive talks here yesterday, while an official
announcement by the Italian foreign ministry said a wide
convergence of views was ascertained on issues concerning a
peaceful settlement in the southeastern Mediterranean, the
Aegean, Cyprus and the Balkans.
Mr. Papandreou gave an in-depth explanation of Greece's position
on Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue at the General
Affairs Council last Monday and Tuesday, and thanked Mr. Fascino
on the different position he observed compared to other
member-states that proposed a change in phraseology, expressing
the conviction that Italy has the intention of contributing
constructively in Greek efforts to have the Cyprus issue
resolved.
On the question of Aegean issues, Mr. Papandreou and Mr. Fascino
held detailed talks on Greece's skepticism over the Aegean and
in relation to Turkey's accusations and positions.
Mr. Papandreou said Mr. Fascino was sincere in his effort to
understand and contribute truly to resolving and defusing
tension. The issue of stabilization and development in the
Balkans was discussed and the course leading to the European
Union.
The two sides agreed to co-operate on Balkan issues and support
insular regions and tourism with a specific policy. Mr.
Papandreou and Mr. Fascino discussed EU enlargement, economic
problems, cohesion funds, the single currency, Italy's position
on this, as well as those of Germany and France.
Regarding the Intergovernmental Conference, a general review of
prospects and problems was made on employment and common foreign
and defense policies, institutional issues and special issues
such as the abolition of capital punishment, the Schengen Treaty
and illegal immigration.
[13] Simitis meets with pensioners
Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
Pensioners' representatives held a meeting yesterday with Prime
Minister Costas Simitis, Under-secretary to the Prime Minister's
Office George Paschalidis, and Labor Under-secretary Christos
Protopapas, following a rally and march through the city center.
During the meeting, the pensioners received assurances for a
substantive, organized dialogue to be held in the near future.
Greek Professionals and Craftsmen Fund (TEBE) pensioners'
President Yiannis Triantis said after the meeting that the prime
minister had committed to finding a solution to a series
problems but referred the issue of pension increases to
dialogue. He said that Mr. Simitis promised however to intervene
in order to secure better results for the pensioners.
Mr. Paschalidis said that "we have entered a state of social
dialogue with the aim to find a social agreement in which
pensions will constitute a critical issue."
Mr. Protopapas said that the pensioners' requests constituted
one of the basic issues of social dialogue and promised that the
political leadership of the labor ministry will try to find a
solution to the problem.
[14] High-ranking PASOK committee focuses on teachers' strike
Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
The ruling PASOK party's "crisis management" committee yesterday
discussed the issue of the on-going secondary school teachers'
strike, which is currently in its sixth week .
The meeting was attended by the Minister to the Prime Minister's
Office, George Paschalidis, Education Minister Gerassimos
Arsenis, Education Under-secretary Ioannis Anthopoulos, Interior
Minister Alekos Papadopoulos, National Economy Minister Yiannos
Papantoniou, Labor Under-secretary Christos Protopapas, Cabinet
Secretary Michalis Kosmidis and the adviser to the premier,
Theodoros Tsoukatos.
After the meeting, Mr. Arsenis told reporters that he had
briefed participants on his meeting Wednesday with the teachers'
representatives, reiterating that the government had accepted
the teachers' institutional requests. Mr. Arsenis again ruled
out prospects for a mobilization of teachers. "We insist on the
need to inform public opinion and PASOK's members on the efforts
on the part of the government to respond to the teachers'
demands, and we believe that the teachers will respond to the
needs of the schools and students and will return to their
classes," the minister said.
[15] Regional restructuring announced as part of latest local Gov't
reorganization
Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
The country's 13 regions will be radically restructured and
converted into independent administrative units, while the
political role played by a regional governor will be upgraded
and employees working with them will be regional employees and
not ministry employees.
The changes are anticipated by a bill prepared by the interior
ministry on "organizing, manning, regional administration, the
settlement of issues for local self-administration and other
clauses" which Interior, Public Administration and
Decentralization Minister Alekos Papadopoulos tabled in
Parliament yesterday.
The bill transfers duties to regions, local and prefectural
self-administration, while contract employees working for local
government bodies (OTA) will become permanent and a tax
information certificate will also be initiated for debts owed to
municipalities and prefectural self-administration bodies.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr. Papadopoulos said the bill
is a "reform in the functioning of the state, having a
fundamental nature."
"The national centralized state will cease to exist. Our country
cannot survive if over the next three years we do not establish
an effective and flexible state structure which can stand up to
international competition," he said. Referring to reaction b y
prefects to regional strengthening, Mr. Papadopoulos said "I do
not share the logic of us not having strong regions."
Among others, the bill anticipates that employees serving in
regions are rightfully attached to positions in corresponding
regions and become regional employees, while their labor and
insurance status is safeguarded.
[16] G. Papandreou to participate in EU informal development council
Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou is to travel to
Amsterdam today in order to participate in the European Union's
informal development council, which has been called by the Dutch
EU presidency. Discussions in the informal council are to
include issues of cohesion in the sectors of conflict
prevention, immigration and food supplies and the review of the
Lome IV Accord (Green Book).
[17] Greek diplomat meets with Bosnian Serb officials
Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
Greece's charge d'affaires in Sarajevo, Rousos Koundouros, held
a meeting in Pale yesterday with the Serb representative to
Bosnia's cabinet Boro Bosic.
The meeting focused on economic co-operation between Greece and
the Serb Republic with particular emphasis on the deepening of
relations between the Serbian and the Greek peoples.
Mr. Bosic expressed his gratitude for Greece's humanitarian and
political aid to the Bosnian Serbs during the recent war and
called for more specific co-operation to be examined in the
following meetings. Mr. Koundouros also met Alexa Bouha, the
interior minister of the Bosnian Serbs.
[18] Fishermen lift blockade on Thessaloniki port
Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
Fishing boats withdrew yesterday morning from the eastern
entrance of Thessaloniki harbor, where they had been anchored
since Tuesday in protest over the abolition of tax-free fuel.
The move was decided early yesterday following a written
guarantee from Finance Under-secretary George Drys that the tax
would be paid back to the fishermen within a few days of
purchasing the fuel.
In a radio interview yesterday, Mr. Drys implied that the
petroleum companies, who had until recently acted as a
go-between with regard to tax-fee fuel to fishermen, had changed
their minds due to incidents in which petroleum companies,
agents and customs officials had been charged with smuggling
fuel and falsifying sales.
The problem mainly affects fishermen operating off the coast
outside large towns, far from tax-free fuel sources.
[19] First land register deadline on March 29
Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas
Laliotis announced yesterday that the deadline for submitting
ownership statements in 32 municipalities and communities
included in a pilot program for preparing the National Land
Register will end on March 29.
Fines for failure to submit a statement in accordance with the
law range between 20,000-500,000 drachmas.
Mr. Laliotis appeared satisfied with the development of the
pilot program and announced that 25 new studies will be assigned
by the end of March, budgeted at 3.5 billion drachmas and
concerning 54 local self-administration organizations.
The amount of 52 billion drachmas has been earmarked in the
Delors II package until 1999 for the preparation of the National
Land Register.
Four billion drachmas have been absorbed so far.
[20] Public works fines
Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
The environment, town planning and public works ministry
yesterday fined three companies carrying out public works
projects, following violations detected by inspectors.
Five-million-drachmas fines were imposed on Ergomihaniki, which
is constructing a highway overpass at the Magoula junction;
Mihaniki, which is constructing a by-pass on the Athens-Patras
highway and ELTER, which is constructing a polyethylene network
in Attica.
[21] Amnesty International official meets with premier
Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis held talks yesterday with the
president of the Greek department of Amnesty International,
Kostis Papaioannou, who handed him an appeal for Greece's help
in order to establish a permanent international criminal court
for crime s against humanity.
Mr. Papaioannou was also accompanied by the general director of
the state-run radio network (ERA), Yiannis Tzanetakos.
An Amnesty International campaign for this purpose, backed by
ERA, has received support from 10,000 Greek citizens.
Mr. Papaioannou briefed Mr. Simitis on Amnesty International's
concern over a series of other human rights issues, such as
policies on asylum and refugee issues and the establishment of
alternate social service for conscientious objectors.
Speaking after the meeting, Amnesty International's president
said "the Greek government's sensitivity remains to be proved in
practice on each pending issue concerning human rights."
[22] Cochlea implant operation in Athens
Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
The first successful operation in Athens for implanting a
mechanical cochlea into a deaf patient's ear was conducted at
the Ippokrateio hospital a few days ago.
The recipient of the new cochlea was a 28-year-old woman who
became deaf at the age of two due to typhus. Speaking during a
press conference yesterday, the surgeons who conducted the
operation said it involved implanting an electronic device into
the patient's ear, which converts sound waves into codified
electrical pulses, which in turn activate the brain's sound
receptors, resulting in the sensation of hearing.
No similar successful operations have been conducted in Athens,
although two which occurred in Veria a few years ago were deemed
to have been a success.
The director of the Ippokrateio's Otorhinolaryngology
department, G. Adamopoulos, said the cochlea implant can be used
only in certain cases, and only when the patient is completely
deaf. He clarified that it does not act in the same way as
hearing aids , as these simply reinforce existing hearing.
The Ippokrateio doctors said that over the last few years, they
have seen a significant increase in the number of new cases,
mainly young people, with impaired hearing.
They added that most of these young people either use a walkman
on high volumes, or go to nightclubs where music is played at
very high volumes.
Doctors referred to a study which they conducted on 5,500 pupils
from the Argolida region, saying that eight were deaf from one
ear, although neither they nor their parents had realized
anything was wrong.
[23] Thessaloniki carnival parade scheduled
Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
Thessaloniki's Cultural Capital Organization (OPPE) is to
organize a carnival parade in the northern port city this year,
the organization has announced.
A carnival parade, traditionally held on the last Sunday of the
carnival season before Orthodox Lent, has never been held in
Thessaloniki before. This year it will run from next Thursday to
Monday, in co-operation with the Italian Cultura dei Mari
Foundation, six Italian areas which traditionally organize
carnival events, such as Venice, Sardinia and Naples and with
the northern Greek municipalities which organize their own
annual carnival events.
OPPE is to spend 205 million drachmas in Thessaloniki for the
carnival events, which will include an all-night party after the
parade.
In an unrelated event, OPPE will hold an event on the works of
writer Vassilis Vassilikos on Tuesday.
[24] 3E subsidiary acquires majority of largest Yugoslav soft drinks
bottler
Belgrade, 28/02/1997 (ANA - M. Mouratidis)
The Greek firm Bulkaninvest, which belongs to the 3E group of
companies, has become the majority shareholder of Yugoslavia's
largest soft drinks manufacturer IBP Beograd, after purchasing
68 per cent of the company's shares.
Balkaninvest purchased the shares for approximately $US15
million.
The company said it has plans to invest another $US24 million
for the modernization of the company's installations, increased
production and improving the distribution network.
[25] Asian investment in Greece still low, report says
Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
The investments of developed Asian countries in the European
Union and particularly Greece remain at a low level although the
picture is expected to change, according to a United Nations
Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report released by
the UN office in Athens yesterday.
According to the report, the indications are that multinationals
based in countries such as Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand
and Taiwan are including Europe in their investment plans,
either in the industrial sector or in services. Although Asia n
countries have become major direct investors internationally,
the report notes, up to now they have preferred to focus their
attention in Southeast Asia, a region which absorbs two-thirds
of invested capital, or the United States, rather than Europe
which accounts for just 5 per cent of their investments.
With Asian countries accounting for only 3 per cent of European
direct investments abroad, the situation could be described as
one of "mutual indifference", according to the report.
The biggest investor in the EU is Japan, followed by South
Korea, while Asian investors display a preference for Britain,
followed by Germany and the Netherlands.
At the same time, the report notes, a large portion of Asian
investments have found their way to the countries of central and
eastern Europe, where companies have bought and are in the
process of modernizing large production plants.
Greece, according to the report, along with Denmark, Finland and
Portugal, are the four EU countries with virtually zero inflow
of Japanese capital for direct investments in the period
1991-1995.
Of the developed and developing Asian countries, Japan aside,
Greece has signed bilateral investment agreements only with
China and South Korea.
Reflective of the situation is the fact that Greece has signed
only one bilateral agreement for the avoidance of double
taxation with an Asian country - India.
[26] Spata airport's construction consortium meets with Papoutsis
Brussels, 28/02/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)
The leadership of the consortium constructing the new Athens
airport at Spata as well as executives of the German Hochtief
group met here yesterday with EU Commissioner Christos Papoutsis.
Consortium president and managing director, Haris Stamatopoulos
and Georg Sil, respectively, held talks with Mr. Papoutsis, with
discussions centering on the special airport construction tax
Greece levies on all flights to destinations abroad, as well as
the warning letter the European Commission has addressed to
Greece on the matter.
The commission considers that the practice contravenes Community
legislation regarding determination of airfare prices according
to distance.
Well-informed sources said that the Greek EU Commissioner
pointed out that a similar problem exists in eight of the 15
member-states of the EU, and therefore, the issue could be
subject to joint consultations between the interested parties on
a comprehensive basis.
[27] Ministry calms investors as stock prices dive
Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
The national economy ministry reassured investors yesterday that
recent developments on the Athens Stock Exchange were perfectly
normal, after share prices dropped sharply following nine
consecutive days of explosive trading.
The general price index closed yesterday at 1367.16 points, down
5.95 per cent on Wednesday.
Bourse sources attributed the sharp drop to statements on
Wednesday by the president of the Capital Market Commission,
Stavros Thomadakis, who expressed concern about the creation of
a climate of "unfair games and speculation" on the Athens Stock
Exchange following recent surges in trading. National Economy
Ministry Secretary-General Apostolos Fotiadis said yesterday
that Mr. Thomadakis' statements were aimed at warning new
investors to be careful in choosing securities and the way their
transact ions were handled. "The recent positive course of the
stock exchange is perfectly normal and all the prerequisites
have been secured for the continuation of this course," Mr.
Fotiadis said.
"Political stability, the success of the government's economic
policy, the positive developments with regard to all economic
indicators, the drop in inflation and interest rates, in
combination with our undoubted will to safeguard the credibility
of the institution have contributed decisively in this
direction," he added.
In yesterday's session, Banks lost 7.27 per cent, Insurance 3.99
per cent, Leasing 4.01 per cent, Investments 6.17 per cent,
Construction 7.19 per cent, Industry 5.10 per cent, Various 6.18
per cent and Holdings 5.92 per cent.
The over-the-counter market index dropped by 3.22 per cent.
The total volume of trading reached 31 billion drachmas,
compared to a record 45.2 billion drachmas on Wednesday.
[28] Greece bestows honor on Dumas
Paris, 28/02/1997 (ANA - J. Zitiounati)
Greece's ambassador to Paris Haralambos Korakas will represent
Greek President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos at a
ceremony today to bestow the Grand Commandeur de L'Ordre
d'Honneur on the president of the Constitution al Court of
France, Roland Dumas.
Mr. Dumas has previously served as European affairs minister
(1983-84), a deputy of the French Socialist Party (1984) and
foreign affairs minister (1988-93).
He was also president of the Greek-French Movement for Democracy
in Greece during the reign of the Greek colonels in 1967-1974,
actively helping to return democracy to Greece and thousands of
Greek political exiles.
Greece has bestowed the honor on Mr. Dumas for his contribution
to the return of democracy to Greece and for support of Greece
during his political and professional career.
[29] Young Greek painter wins prestigious French award
Paris, 28/02/1997 (ANA/AFP)
Greek painter Achilleas Papakostas yesterday beat out 533
contenders from 41 countries to win France's prestigious
Paul-Louis Weiller award from the Academy of Fine Arts.
Papakostas was born in Athens in 1970 and is a graduate of the
Athens School of Fine Arts. He moved to Paris in 1996 to study
at the Paris School of Fine Arts.
[30] Drugs scheduled for destruction
Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
Illegal narcotics confiscated between June 1996 and mid-February
1997 are to be destroyed today at an Attica incinerator in the
presence of police and judicial officials.
The drugs include 16.5 kilos of heroin, 3.2 kilos of cocaine,
700 kilos of hashish, 13 cannabis plants, 147 methadone pills,
508 ecstasy pills, 300 LSD tablets, 242 tranquilizers and 36
pills of a variety of amphetamines.
[31] Sports subsidies slide from last year's levels
Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
Subsidies for 35 sports federations in 1997 will be slightly
decreased this year, according to a relevant table unveiled by
the sports secretariat yesterday.
The total amount of subsidies is 10.46 billion drachmas,
compared to 10.62 billion drachmas last year.
Sports secretary general Yiannos Sgouros announced the
subsidies, saying the response by federations over the amounts
was "positive". Mr. Sgouros said the state has already given
about 5 per cent of this year's amount to federations, adding
that a special amount will also be provided for handicapped
people.
He further said there will be a separate amount covering
international sports events taking place in Greece and a
prediction that federations whose athletes have distinguished
themselves in Olympic Games will receive bonuses. The largest
amounts will be allocated to basketball (1.4 billion),
volleyball (1.1 billion), swimming-water polo (1.8 billion),
soccer (1.2 billion), athletics (800 million), wrestling (730
million) and weightlifting (600 million).
[32] IOC's shortlist for 2004 Olympics to be announced on March 7
Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
The International Olympic Committee selection group is scheduled
to select in Lausanne the four or five candidate cities for the
Olympics of 2004, which will continue contesting for the event
until Sept. 5, when the winner will be announced.
The shortlist will be announced on Friday, March 7.
The 11 candidate cities, including Athens, will present their
files on Thursday, March 6.
The Athens 2004 delegation includes the city's mayor Dimitris
Avramopoulos, Sports Under-secretary Andreas Fouras, and Bank of
Greece governor and member of the contesting committee, Loukas
Papadimos.
[33] Cyclades '97 yacht race to be held in July
Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
This year's fourth consecutive open sea yacht race "Cyclades
'97" will be accompanied by music and other festivities,
organizers said yesterday.
Organizers told a press conference that a photography
competition entitled "Sails and Sea" would be held at the same
time as the race in July.
Entrants to the competition will be restricted to the captains
and crew of the participating yachts. The first stretch of the
race, from Phaliro to Milos (81 nautical miles), will be held on
July 5, to be followed by Milos-Ios (48 n.m.) on July 7, Ios-
Serifos (43 n.m.) on July 10 and Ios-Serifos (55 n.m.) on July
12.
[34] Mangakis to be honored in Germany
Bonn, 28/02/1997 (ANA - P. Stangos)
Former alternate foreign minister George Mangakis will receive
an award from the Federation of German-Greek Associations today.
Horst Ehmke, a former minister under the Brandt administration,
is due to address a ceremony that will also be attended by
Athens' ambassador to Bonn, I. Bourloyiannis-Tsangaridis, and
Germany's ambassador in Greece, Friedrich Reiche.
"Despite problems in Greek-German relations, there are also
relations of solidarity and companionship," Sigrid
Skarpelis-Sperk, a Social Democratic Party deputy and the
federation's president said.
The ceremony will followed by a series of events, including
roundtable discussions on Greece's current foreign policy
problems, particularly the situation in the Balkans, the Cyprus
issue and Greek-Turkish relations.
[35] Archbishop Spyridon holds talks with State Dept. official
Cavanaugh
N. York, 28/02/1997 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)
Archbishop of America Spyridon held a meeting yesterday with US
State Department official Carey Cavanaugh focusing on
Washington's efforts towards a solution to the Cyprus issue and
Greek-Turkish relations.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Archbishop Spyridon said
Washington appears "determined to work in the direction of peace
in the region," adding that "if the time is ripe then the United
States will take advantage of every opportunity."
Mr. Cavanaugh, who is responsible for the State Department's
southeastern Europe bureau, said he had requested the Orthodox
Church's support for US efforts aimed at peace in the region.
Announcing his plans to visit the area, Mr. Cavanaugh expressed
the conviction that a solution "can and must be found."
"We are committed to proceed, but so far have been unable to do
so at a fast pace since our efforts were prevented by
developments, particularly the purchase of the Russian-made
missiles, as well as statements by the Turkish side threatening
the possibility of military conflict."
Asked to comment on Turkish violations of Cyprus' FIR, Mr.
Cavanaugh said they "create a feeling of great insecurity to the
island's residents and increase tension."
He added, however, that Ankara had given him assurances that it
would accept a possible overflight moratorium, but that the
issue did not proceed because Greece and Cyprus refused to
accept it.
[36] ANA's Internet service gets 'Best of Europe' award
Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)
The ANA's web site on the Internet has been chosen by Europe
Online for its "Best of Europe" award, based on criteria
including the user-friendly interface, navigation, content and
updating of the site.
In a letter announcing the award, Europe Online congratulated
the ANA on its "excellent web site and for contributing in such
a quality way to the overall presence of Europe on the Internet".
The award means that ANA's web site will be featured in the
Europe Online Gateway to the Internet in the "News & Weather"
section for Greece.
In co-operation with the Greek Internet provider "Forthnet", the
ANA provides information to tens of thousands of Greeks and
foreigners with two daily news bulletins, one in Greek and one
in English.
The English bulletin is updated twice daily and the Greek three
times. Both are immediately updated in the case of sudden
important events.
End of English language section.
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