Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-03-07
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1133), March 7, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] Simitis, van Mierlo agree on handling of Albanian crisis, call
for democratic solution
[02] Kranidiotis
[03] Papandreou warns Albania troubles may spread
[04] Anastasios calls for peace
[05] Reports of Berisha distributing weapons
[06] COREPER discusses Albania situation
[07] Albanian soldiers request political asylum in Greece
[08] Greece has important role to play in Europe, Albright says
[09] Pangalos outlines Greece's proposal to help defuse Albanian
crisis
[10] Reppas on Ciller's letter to EU presidency
[11] Greece to request WEU acts as European 'security mechanism'
[12] Athens 2004 Olympics bid presented
[13] German president to receive honorary doctorate from Athens
University
[14] Premier to visit Romania
[15] Palestinian police officers to be trained in Greece
[16] Memorial service held for Melina Mercouri
[17] ND leadership candidates meet on changing party statute
[18] PASOK's Central committee issues conditions for party
restructuring
[19] Teachers will continue strike for eighth week
[20] Premier confers with advisory committee on social dialogue
[21] Local Employment Pact pilot programs to be implemented
immediately
[22] National Bank issues English-language bulletin
[01] Simitis, van Mierlo agree on handling of Albanian crisis, call
for democratic solution
Athens, 07/03/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Dutch President of the
European Union Council of Ministers Hans van Mierlo, who is
visiting Tirana today, last night expressed full agreement on
the handling of the Albanian crisis after two hours of talks in
Athens.
Mr. Simitis stressed the need for the democratization process to
proceed in Albania and that the use of violence would have
negative consequences.
"The strengthening of democracy in Albania will facilitate and
speed up procedures for the provision of aid by the European
Union to relieve the suffering Albanian people," he said.
Both men described the proposed OSCE mission to the country,
headed by former Austrian chancellor Franz Vranitzky, as "very
useful" and expressed the support of the EU to this initiative.
They also noted that in their separate telephone conversations
with President Berisha, the latter referred to the prospect of
proclaiming early elections in his country.
Mr. van Mierlo expressed the view that the crisis could be
controlled and noted that Mr. Berisha attributed great
significance to the economic aid the EU could provide. He said
he was fully in agreement with what Mr. Simitis said, and
particularly emphasized that the full identity of views among
all EU member-states on how to handle the crisis boosted the
prospects for lifting the impasse soon.
He added that Mr. Berisha had categorically assured him that
there was no problem for the ethnic Greek minority in his
country and that he did not consider them in any way responsible
for the current situation.
In Tirana yesterday evening, President Berisha, after talks with
Albania's opposition parties, agreed to suspend military
activity against armed rebels and offer them an amnesty.
In Athens, Government Spokesman Dimitris Reppas expressed the
hope that the international initiatives being undertaken to
defuse the crisis in Albania would lead to consultations between
the political forces in the neighboring country for a resolution
of the problem.
Mr. Reppas also expressed satisfaction over the fact that
developments had not been as unfavorable as first indications
may have suggested.
The spokesman noted that the visit of Foreign Under-secretary
Yiannos Kranidiotis to Tirana on Saturday would be the first
such visit by a minister since the crisis broke out. He
clarified that Mr. Kranidiotis, in meetings with Albanian
President Sali Berisha and opposition party leaders, would not
be conveying the positions of some international organization
but those of the Greek government.
Replying to a question on main opposition New Democracy party
leader Miltiades Evert's call on the government to declare that
it would protect the ethnic Greek minority in Albania using all
means, Mr. Reppas said that the minority was not in danger and
that it would be a grave mistake for the Albanian problem to be
turned into one concerning the minority.
He added however that Greece was prepared to deal with every
eventuality, but that what was important at present was for
Athens to contribute to efforts to find a political solution.
As far as the Greek government is concerned, Mr. Reppas said,
any political solution presupposed two elements - the formation
of a government of national consensus and the holding of
"objective and honest" elections.
"Mr. Berisha is the President of Albania, that is, a factor
which cannot be ignored," the spokesman added.
Mr. Reppas said that any European Union economic assistance
would be linked to a political solution and disbursed gradually
according to the progress in procedures towards such a solution
"and of course it will be given to the government which charts a
course for a way out of the crisis."
Greek humanitarian aid, Mr. Reppas added, would be given to
anyone in need of it, provided it was requested. Athens, he
stressed, would insist on these conditions and wished to avoid
creating problems. In this respect, the spokesman made clear
that Greece did not want to appear to wish to play any kind of
role in Albania's domestic political developments.
Asked whether Greece would be willing to participate in an
international military force for Albania, Mr. Reppas replied
that if such a force were set up, Greece would participate, but
that the issue would be addressed if and when it arose.
Mr. Reppas also said that National Defense Minister Akis
Tsohatzopoulos had been in contact with NATO Secretary-General
Javier Solana, on whom he had impressed the need for a political
solution and the avoidance of military force so as to avoid
creating conditions of civil war.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said, however, that NATO had a role, which it
should play if the strife in Albania escalated into civil war,
which would then necessitate the intervention of an
international force.
Mr. Solana assured the minister that if authorities in Albania
use force to put down the unrest then the alliance will review
its stance. At yesterday's meeting of the European Socialist
Party, Mr. Reppas noted, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos had raised the issue
of the release from prison of the leader of Albania's Socialist
Party, Fatos Nano, and other political detainees.
The resolution issued by the meeting contains a reference to
this, Mr. Reppas added.
[02] Kranidiotis
Athens, 07/03/1997 (ANA)
Meanwhile, briefing the members of Parliament's External Affairs
Committee yesterday on developments in Albania, Foreign
Under-secretary Kranidiotis said Greece's first priority was to
protect the ethnic Greek minority in that country.
When he goes to Tirana tomorrow, he said, he will convey
Greece's concern about developments and the rights of the Greek
minority.
Mr. Kranidiotis told the committee that the situation was out of
control in the neighboring country and was not being "guided" by
anyone. "The people in revolt are out of control and this
exacerbates our concern," he said.
Mr. Kranidiotis said the revolt was economic, social and
political in nature and was unrelated to the ethnic minority.
Noting that Mr. Berisha was displaying self-restraint, Mr.
Kranidiotis said there had been no really violent clashes
anywhere "unless this means that Mr. Berisha is unable to
strike".
Greece, he continued, had repeatedly stressed its concern about
the economic situation in Albania, both to Mr. Berisha and to
its EU partners, without however foreseeing the present
development.
"The response of our partners was luke-warm and failed to avert
the crisis," he said.
Mr. Kranidiotis added Greece's borders were being tightly
guarded and preparations had been made to prevent the
possibility of a massive influx of illegal immigrants from
Albania.
"Up to now, there is no such phenomenon," Mr. Kranidiotis said,
adding that Greece was making preparations to send humanitarian
aid to the neighboring country and provide medical care for the
wounded and for refugees.
Mr. Kranidiotis also held a meeting yesterday with a delegation
of ethnic Greeks from Albania, to whom he reiterated Greece's
complete support.
In a related development, four deputies of the ruling PASOK
party and a colleague in the opposition Coalition of the Left
and Progress have proposed, in a letter to Parliament President
Apostolos Kaklamanis, the setting up of an interparty committee.
According to the proposal, the committee would go to Albania for
talks with all official bodies and to express Greece's good will
and support to Albanian citizens.
Mr. Kaklamanis meanwhile has expressed Greece's sensitivity over
developments in Albania in a letter to his counterparts in the
EU member states as well as to the president of the European
Parliament. Main opposition New Democracy party honorary
President Constantine Mitsotakis said in Hania yesterday that
the Greek government observed a correct stance on the Albanian
issue, adding that ND is finding its course once again.
"The Greek government's stance is correct. Anyway, I was the
first to make a statement on what should be done and I think
that it is one of the rare cases in which all of us are agreed
on an important foreign policy issue today," he said.
[03] Papandreou warns Albania troubles may spread
Paris, 07/03/1997 (ANA/Reuter)
Greece's Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou has warned
that trouble in Albania could spread through the Balkans.
Asked in an interview published on Thursday by the newspaper "Le
Monde" if he believed the crisis could spread outside Albania's
borders, Mr. Papandreou replied: "Yes... and we Greeks want the
crisis contained within the borders of Albania and not to spread
to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, to Bulgaria or to
Kossovo.
"We have also asked Mr. Berisha to make sure the Greek minority
in southern Albania is not involved in this conflict, which is
none of its concern. In times of crisis, minorities are too
often chosen as sacrificial lambs," he said.
Mr. Papandreou said Europe should encourage Mr. Berisha to
introduce more democracy and open talks with all political
forces towards a coalition government.
[04] Anastasios calls for peace
Gjirokaster, 07/03/1997 (ANA - S. Tzimas)
Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania yesterday
appealed to all sides in Albania to exercise self-control and
display conciliation.
In exclusive statements to the ANA, the archbishop stressed that
conflict and bloodshed should be prevented at all costs.
"At this difficult moment in time for the country... I have just
a few words to say in all directions. No more bloodshed. No to
conflict. No to arms. No to hatred in the heart...
"Only with self-control, repentance, truth, forgiveness and
conciliation can substantial peace be secured and the path open
to a better future," Anastasios said.
[05] Reports of Berisha distributing weapons
Athens, 07/03/1997 (ANA)
There were persistent reports yesterday that the Berisha
government was distributing 5,000 weapons to members of the
ruling Democratic Party in the Gjirokaster and Sarande areas, as
armed rebels began to organize with the help of former military
officers.
Gjirokaster appeared to be becoming the base for military
operations to stamp out the uprising in the surrounding towns.
The town has been surrounded by army forces and three tanks
patrol the central roads.
Defense of the towns still under the rebels' control appeared to
be commanded by demobilized soldiers and officers. The
situation, however, appeared to be calm.
In another development yesterday, two Albanians who were wounded
in the unrest were transported to a Corfu hospital for medical
treatment.
[06] COREPER discusses Albania situation
Brussels, 07/03/1997 (ANA - M. Savva)
The European Union's Political Committee (COREPER) yesterday
discussed the latest dramatic developments in Albania.
Discussion produced a draft statement which will be handed to
the Berisha government in Tirana today by visiting Dutch foreign
minister Hans van Mierlo.
Sources said that the statement expresses support for a
political solution of the crisis in Albania and recognizes the
European 'dimension' of the problem, which, nevertheless,
certain diplomats in Brussels were describing as an "internal"
problem of a third country.
The statement also calls for a government of broad consensus in
Tirana, the holding of democratic elections in the framework of
a democratic constitution and respect for human rights and the
freedoms of the minorities, the same sources said.
It also urges President Sali Berisha to consent to a visit to
Tirana by former Austrian chancellor Franz Vranitzky.
[07] Albanian soldiers request political asylum in Greece
Athens, 07/03/1997 (ANA)
Seven unarmed Albanian soldiers in civilian clothes yesterday
crossed the border and asked for political asylum in Greece.
They are the first to do so since the beginning of the armed
revolt in the south of the country earlier this week.
Two Albanian airmen landed a military plane in Italy on Tuesday
and asked for political asylum.
[08] Greece has important role to play in Europe, Albright says
Washington, 07/03/1997 (ANA - A. Ellis)
US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, during a meeting with
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos yesterday, spoke of
bilateral relations, Greece's role in Europe and in the Balkans,
and Greek-Turkish relations.
"Greece has an important role to play in rebuilding Europe. We
will continue to work together on issues such as Bosnia and the
Balkans," she said.
"The US is ready to help, if it can, in resolving long-standing
differences between our allies, Greece and Turkey, in the Aegean
and elsewhere. We will also discuss opportunities which exist to
promote a solution between the sides in Cyprus and we will make
a review of the situation in Albania. Relations between Greece
and the US are strong and are becoming all the stronger," she
said, welcoming Mr. Pangalos at the State Department yesterday.
Ms Albright said Washington has "a great interest in the Cyprus
issue", describing it as a "top priority" and saying 1997 is "a
year of opportunity to resolve it due to the prospect of Cyprus'
accession to the EU."
Referring to the Aegean, the Secretary of State said "it is very
important for Greece and Turkey to discuss these issues. We are
concerned over increased tension in the Aegean. It is a question
of two NATO allies. The region is strategically important and we
think that the best way to have the issues resolved is through
dialogue between the two countries."
Commenting on the Albanian crisis, Ms Albright said the US is
"concerned over the wave of refugees and we believe that the
sole solution is a peaceful settlement. We are carefully
watching the whole situation. We support the OSCE's mission
under (former
Austrian chancellor Franz) Vranitzky, as well as the EU's
mission."
"We will not impose a solution on the political problem in
Albania. The political forces in Albania must find a solution
and take the country out of the present situation," she said.
Mr. Pangalos described the meeting as "very useful", adding that
Greece's relations with the US "are steadfast and continuous."
The foreign minister extended an invitation to Ms Albright to
visit Greece, which was accepted.
Speaking on Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Pangalos said "the
position of the US that a dialogue is necessary is known. They
explained to us of course that with this word they do not
necessarily mean negotiations, as Turkey is seeking.
"We have never turned down the possibility of there being
political contacts between Greece and Turkey even if it is to
.. see the list of our differences and see whether we can
revise it."
Referring to the Cyprus problem, he said "We will not take
spectacular initiatives. This is not the job of foreign
ministers."
Replying to a question by a Turkish reporter on Turkey's
position in Europe, Mr. Pangalos said "Turkey certainly belongs
to Europe. It is a big part of European history and Greece will
never change its position on this, because if Turkey is not a
part o f European history, then neither is Greece a part of
European history. But we believe that those people in Ankara who
promote differences which do not exist in reality and express
territorial claims and threats of war against Greece should
reconsider the whole approach of Turkish foreign policy.
"There are no real issues between Greece and Turkey which cannot
be resolved very easily, given that some will calm down. This is
what we are calling on Turkish officials to do."
He called on Turkey to "stop threats and claims against Greece.
You can find an important ally in Greece, because we know each
other well. We have great interests in being together."
Referring to Albania, Mr. Pangalos said "both the missions of
the OSCE and the EU will be supported and we will both
contribute to their success to the extent that we can."
He noted that Greece is in contact with the Albanian leadership
and parties.
[09] Pangalos outlines Greece's proposal to help defuse Albanian
crisis
Boston, 07/03/1997 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)
Mr. Pangalos, on a visit to Boston on Wednesday, referred to
Greece's proposal to help defuse the crisis in Albania, as well
as the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish relations.
The foreign minister's comments were made on a tour of
institutions including Taft University, the Kennedy School of
Public Administration and the Fletcher School of Legal and
Diplomatic Studies.
Mr. Pangalos emphasized that the Greek government's proposal for
a meeting of Albanian's political parties in Athens was simply
to enable the Albanian government and opposition to agree on a
transitional government to lead the country to new elections.
"We do not wish to become involved ourselves in such a meeting,"
he said, "Nor do we wish to play a mediating role."
He added that the situation in Albania would have been
unthinkable without indirect aid from Greece in the form of
earnings by Albanian illegal immigrant workers in Greece.
[10] Reppas on Ciller's letter to EU presidency
Athens, 07/03/1997 (ANA)
Greece's policy on Greek-Turkish relations is not to change in
any way, as it is "both correct and effective", government
spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday.
Mr. Reppas made the statement in reply to a question on whether
Greece's position will be amended following a letter addressed
to the European Union's Dutch presidency by Turkish Foreign
Minister Tansu Ciller.
The letter was a reply to the EU Council of Ministers decision
formulated on July 15, 1996.
Mr. Reppas said the letter became known to the Greek government
from what the European Council President Vim Kok told Prime
Minister Costas Simitis.
Mr. Reppas said the government is studying the letter, assessing
its points and will discuss the issue with its EU partners.
He added that Ms Ciller's letter contains some positive
responses to the July 15 recommendations.
However, he added, those elements which can not be considered to
satisfy the EU's positions must also be examined.
Ms Ciller sent a confidential letter to the EU last week,
presenting Ankara's stance on Greek-Turkish relations and saying
that Turkey will conform to the terms of the July 15 decision.
In the letter, reportedly sent to her Dutch counterpart Hans van
Mierlo, Ms Ciller provided guarantees to the EU regarding
bilateral relations.
[11] Greece to request WEU acts as European 'security mechanism'
Athens, 07/03/1997 (ANA)
Greece's representation to the West European Union (WEU) is to
request that the WEU acts as a security mechanism for Europe, it
was announced yesterday.
Greece's request will be officially made during a WEU symposium
to be held in Athens on March 11-13.
According to a Parliament announcement, the WEU Symposium will
center on "new problems emanating from the enlargement of NATO
and European institutions in security issues."
The Greek government will be represented at the symposium by
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, Alternate Foreign
Minister George Papandreou and Parliament President Apostolos
Kaklamanis.
[12] Athens 2004 Olympics bid presented
Athens, 07/03/1997 (ANA)
Athens' official candidacy to host the 2004 Olympic Games was
presented to the International Olympic Committee's (IOC)
14-member Selection Committee in Lausanne yesterday.
The presentation was made by President of the Athens 2004
Olympic Games Committee Yianna Angelopoulou-Daskalaki, who
offered the Committee members CD ROMs containing information
about the city of Athens.
"It is a fictitious journey to Athens seven years prior to the
hosting of the Olympic Games in Greece's capital," Ms.
Angelopoulou-Daskalaki said.
She further announced the organization of events in all Greek
cities which have a historic relation with the spirit of the
Olympics.
The events will last from 2001 through 2004.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Ms.
Angelopoulou-Daskalaki said she elaborated on issues ranging
from the construction of the Olympic village to matters of
environmental concern.
Regarding the environment, Ms. Angelopoulou-Daskalaki said that
a round table discussion will take place on March 12 in Athens
with the participation of specialists representing
non-governmental organizations, who will elaborate on the
findings of a survey on Athens' environment.
The capital's mayor, Dimitris Avramopoulos, who is also a member
of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games Committee, said environmental
pollution in Athens decreased by 30 per cent in recent years.
Mr. Avramopoulos said that in the next few years, Athens is
expected to be one of the cleanest European capitals.
The Mayor added that the Athens Metro and the Spata airport are
also expected to finish by the year 2000.
The IOC Selection Committee will announce the shortlist from the
11 candidate cities today.
[13] German president to receive honorary doctorate from Athens
University
Athens, 07/03/1997 (ANA)
German President Roman Herzog is to be awarded an honorary
doctorate by Athens University Law School at a ceremony to be
held on March 11, according to an announcement by the German
Embassy in Athens yesterday.
The embassy said Mr. Herzog would be honored for his scientific
work as a statesman and constitutional expert and for his
achievements as a former president of Germany's Federal
Constitutional Court.
[14] Premier to visit Romania
Bucharest, 07/03/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis will visit Bucharest on March
20-21 at the invitation of his Romanian counterpart Victor
Ciorbea, Greece's ambassador to Romania, Christos Alexandris,
announced yesterday.
Making the announcement during talks with Romania's Minister for
European Integration, Alexandru Herlea, Mr. Alexandris
reiterated Greece's full support for Romania's efforts to join
NATO during the first stage of the Alliance's enlargement.
"In the sector of military co-operation, after the USA, Romania
is a preferential partner for Greece," Mr. Alexandris said.
[15] Palestinian police officers to be trained in Greece
Athens, 07/03/1997 (ANA)
Greek and Palestinian officials yesterday examined ways of
cooperating on matters related to public security, combating
terrorism and drug smuggling and strengthening the Palestinian
police.
Talks in Athens between Public Order Minister George Romeos and
Palestinian Authority Interior Under-secretary Ahmad Al Tamimi
focused in particular on the training of Palestinian police
officers in Greece.
Mr. Tamimi is currently in Greece at the head of a Palestinian
delegation, following an official invitation extended by the
Greek government, for talks aimed at promoting co-operation in a
number of sectors.
Mr. Romeos responded positively to Mr. Tamimi's request for the
training of Palestinian policemen, accepting an initial six
officers to be trained in Athens.
[16] Memorial service held for Melina Mercouri
Athens, 07/03/1997 (ANA)
A memorial service was held yesterday at the First Athens
Cemetery to mark the third anniversary of the death of late
actress and Culture Minister Melina Mercouri.
Speaking on the occasion of the anniversary, Culture Minister
Evangelos Venizelos described Mercouri as "a symbol of Greek
culture."
"Melina has been identified with ... what Greek civilization
represents," Mr. Venizelos said, adding that the internationally
prominent figure will live through the ages "in the collective
conscience of this country."
"Those of us who met her consider ourselves lucky," government
spokesman Dimitris Reppas said, describing her as an outstanding
person.
Meanwhile, the Athens Prefectural Council announced that it will
launch a special annual prize, themed "the ambassador of
Hellenism", to be awarded to those who will have contributed to
the promotion of Hellenism in the arts.
[17] ND leadership candidates meet on changing party statute
Athens, 07/03/1997 (ANA)
The four candidates for the leadership of the main opposition
New Democracy (ND) party met yesterday for two hours to examine
possibilities for jointly proposing changes to the party's
statutes at its national congress later this month.
George Souflias said after the meeting that a "good discussion"
had been held, adding "I believe that we will attain common
positions on most issues".
Costas Karamanlis described the meeting as "constructive and
creative", saying "we can work towards improving institutional
principles which is of great importance but of course it is even
more important to strictly adhere to those principles on which
we in this party agree".
Vyron Polydoras said that the meeting was held in a very good
atmosphere and expressed the view that the contenders would
reach agreement on a common proposal regarding most issues
concerning the party's statutes.
He added that a new meeting would be held next week, possibly on
Wednesday.
The fourth contender, present ND leader Miltiades Evert did not
make statements after the meeting.
According to sources, the four agreed that the party's national
congress should be held every two years, the party leader should
have a four-year term and that the vast majority of congress
delegates should be elected directly by party members.
[18] PASOK's Central committee issues conditions for party
restructuring
Athens, 07/03/1997 (ANA)
A decision by the fifth session of PASOK's Central Committee,
released yesterday, set seven conditions for the party's
ideological and political restructuring.
These include a new relationship between government and party,
active participation in social dialogue, planning for action at
regional level, dialogue for the modern Left and the formulation
of permanent principles for the party's political action.
The same decision refers to the incompatibility of parliamentary
candidacy with the holding of top posts in public positions.
[19] Teachers will continue strike for eighth week
Athens, 07/03/1997 (ANA)
Secondary school teachers early yesterday decided to continue
their strike for the eighth consecutive week.
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the strike's
continuation was unjustified, as the government had already
satisfied a large part of the teachers' pay demands and there
was an almost complete convergence on institutional demands.
He added that the problem of the strike could be solved without
resorting to the old emergency practice of civil conscription,
as it seemed that an increasing number of teachers had begun
returning to classrooms. Meanwhile, Education Minister
Gerassimos Arsenis reiterated the ministry's aim to begin a
process of reform in September.
"The reform of education does not only require political will,
which is in place, it does not only need resources, which are in
place, it also needs the support of teachers, who must look
forward and not backwards," he said.
[20] Premier confers with advisory committee on social dialogue
Athens, 07/03/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis had a meeting yesterday with the
Economic and Social Committee focusing on the conduct of social
dialogue aimed at improving Greece's economy.
In statements after the meeting, Under-secretary to the Prime
Minister's Office George Paschalidis clarified that the meeting
aimed at defining the borders and equilibrium of the dialogue.
"The dialogue refers to common efforts for the restoration of
the economy, development with social justice and Greece's equal
participa-tion in European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU),"
Mr. Paschalidis said.
Committee President Ioannis Koukiadis said the government should
enter dialogue without any predetermined positions and be
willing to commit itself at the close of the dialogue.
[21] Local Employment Pact pilot programs to be implemented
immediately
Athens, 07/03/1997 (ANA)
Labor Minister Miltiades Papaioannou said Local Employment Pacts
(TSA) provide social partners with a framework "to agree on
issues of labor and production flexibility, productivity and
modernization."
Speaking at a conference organized by the National Labor
Institute yesterday, the minister said the pacts will be
implemented immediately, in the form of pilot programs, in the
regions of Kozani-Florina, western Athens and Piraeus, Achaia,
Magnisia, Drama, Imathia and Voiotia.
Mr. Papaioannou said the pacts will constitute a voluntary
co-operation formation in which local authorities, employers and
working people will also participate, with the aim of increasing
employment in the region through the creation of special tax,
lab our and insurance conditions.
[22] National Bank issues English-language bulletin
Athens, 07/03/1997 (ANA)
The National Bank of Greece yesterday issued the first edition
of its new English-language bulletin entitled "Economic and
Financial."
The new bulletin is directed at the bank's major clients and
foreign institutional investors and refers to developments in
the Greek economy and to fiscal markets.
Special reference is made to the course of certain basic
economic indicators, with the bulletin stating that the balance
of payments deficit is under control, inflation is following a
downward trend. Special emphasis is placed on the gradual
decrease in the deficit from 14.2 per cent of GDP in 1993 to 7.6
per cent in 1996 and an anticipated 4.2 per cent in 1997.
On the question of exchange policy, the publication stressed
that stability is expected to be maintained in the drachma
parity against a package of currencies, while at the same time
it predicts that it will increase in value against the mark and
decrease against the dollar.
The bulletin further said the trend for indicators to improve at
the Stock Exchange is expected to continue over the next two
years.
End of English language section.
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