Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-03-08
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (1034), March 8, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] Kranidiotis in Tirana, van Mierlo calls for elections in Albania
[02] Van Mierlo's visit
[03] President of the Republic
[04] Ecumenical Patriarch
[05] Visas for Greece being issued
[06] Athens makes 2004 Olympics shortlist
[07] Action plan to improve Athens' quality of life, environment
[08] Daphne Simitis meets wife of Fatos Nano
[09] New Patriarch of Alexandria enthroned tomorrow
[10] No concessions to Turkey, President says
[11] Turkish warplanes violate Athens FIR, national air space
[12] Pangalos briefs UN chief on Albania, Greek foreign policy
[13] Pangalos' press conference
[14] Spokesman on Pangalos' statements regarding Turkey-EU relations
[15] New Democracy
[16] Reactions in Turkey
[17] Turkey must solve problems, Pangalos says
[18] Political leaders mark International Woman's Day
[19] Simitis grants television interview
[20] 'Alexis Zorbas' ballet performance in Skopje
[21] Goulandri predicts environmental issues will play leading role
in international relations
[22] Teachers unmoved by Arsenis' attempts to make up for lost time
[23] Shop closing times set by joint ministerial decision
[24] National Bank to expand activities in Balkans, Mediterranean
[25] Development minister to visit international tourism fair
[26] February CPI inflation drops to 6.6 percent
[27] Greece begins dispatch of aid to Bulgaria
[28] Kohl sends birthday greeting to Karamanlis
[29] News in Brief
[01] Kranidiotis in Tirana, van Mierlo calls for elections in Albania
Athens, 8/3/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis travels to Tirana
today in an effort to defuse tension in the neighboring country,
which has been racked by a week of violence following the
collapse of fraudulent pyramid investment schemes. At least 25
people have died in the past week.
Dutch President of the European Union Council of Ministers, Hans
van Mierlo, who met for over four hours with Albanian President
Sali Berisha and members of the opposition in Tirana yesterday,
said the EU favored fresh elections and a new constitution,
adding that the Albanian president was to consider such an
approach. Mr. van Mierlo held talks in Athens on Thursday with
Prime Minister Costas Simitis on the situation in the
neighboring country.
In Athens yesterday, Government Spokesman Dimitris Reppas said
Mr. Kranidiotis' visit to Tirana will contribute to the further
defusion of tension in the neighboring country.
The spokesman said Mr. Kranidiotis would be meeting with
President Berisha, opposition party leaders, Archbishop
Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania and the leadership of the
"Omonia" political organization which represents the country's
ethnic Greek minority.
Mr. Reppas expressed the opinion that "with the contribution of
the political forces of Albania, the critical period is over and
the situation will be further defused."
"What is important is for there to be cool-headedness and for
the situation to calm down, Mr. Reppas said, noting that all
sides were calling for a broadly accepted government, "a
development which would lead to the holding of objective
elections."
The spokesman said that this was also the position adopted by
the EU political committee which convened at the initiative of
Greece.
[02] Van Mierlo's visit
Tirana, 08/03/1997 (ANA- S. Liarelis)
The president of the European Union Council of Ministers, Hans
van Mierlo, said yesterday that the EU was seriously concerned
with the political and economic crisis in the country, adding
that he had asked Mr. Berisha to under take initiatives for a
speedy solution.
He said it was necessary for a political solution to include a
proposal for a new constitution under a new government that
would prepare the ground for elections and agree on the program
for economic recovery.
"The EU insists on the need to find a solution without violence
or a military confrontation. This is very important," he said.
He added that he had also urged opposition parties to contribute
to the restoration of order.
[03] President of the Republic
Athens, 8/3/1997 (ANA)
In another development, President Kostis Stephanopoulos said
from the island of Rhodes yesterday that it would be foolish on
the part of those governing Albania to turn against the ethnic
Greek minority in the neighboring country, in view of the fact
that Greece played the role of intermediary with the European
Union.
Mr. Stephanopoulos made the statement in reply to a press
question regarding his view on developments in Albania.
"I believe that the Greek minority is in no greater danger than
those dangers emanating from periods of partial or full
anarchy," he said.
The need to find a viable solution to the crisis in Albania was
also stressed by the main opposition New Democracy party
spokesman Prokopis Pavlopoulos.
Mr. Pavlopoulos said ND President Miltiades Evert's telephone
conversation with European Commission President Jacques Santer
was geared in this direction.
Mr. Santer reportedly asked Mr. Evert to intercede with Albanian
President Sali Berisha for a resolution of the crisis.
[04] Ecumenical Patriarch
Istanbul, 08/03/1997 (ANA)
Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos has spoken by telephone to
Orthodox Archbishop of Albania Anastasios, the Patriarchate
announced yesterday.
Vartholomeos is reported to have told Anastasios that the
archdiocese and the archbishop himself had the undivided support
of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
[05] Visas for Greece being issued
Gjirokaster, 08/03/1997 (ANA)
The Greek Consulate in Gjirokaster resumed issuing visas
yesterday after authorities restored adequate security for the
building.
The consul general had decided to suspend operations soon after
the beginning of the unrest erupted, considering that the
security force guarding the consulate was insufficient. The
building had been besieged by people apparently trying to obtain
visas to Greece.
The atmosphere was calm in Gjirokaster yesterday, according to
the report, with plainclothes police spread out around the town.
Five kilometers from the village of Georgoutsates, four tanks
and about 50 soldiers were checking traffic bound for the
Greek-Albanian border and the town of Sarande.
[06] Athens makes 2004 Olympics shortlist
Lausanne, 08/03/1997 (ANA - V. Tsiorou)
Athens yesterday cleared the first major hurdle in its bid to
host the 2004 Olympic Games when it was put on a shortlist of
five cities which will continue to vie for the event until
September.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) chose Athens, Rome,
Buenos Aires, Cape Town and Stockholm from eleven candidate
cities originally bidding for the games.
The final decision for the venue will be decided (Cont. page 3)
(Continued from front page) by the IOC plenary on September 5.
"We convinced the members of the (IOC) evaluation committee that
Athens is able to host the 28th Olympiad in 2004," the
chairperson of Athens' candidacy committee, Yianna
Angelopoulou-Daskalaki, told reporters shortly after the
shortlist was announced i n Lausanne.
"We are proud for the honor bestowed upon our city by the IOC
and will respond to this indication of confidence in Athens
during the next six months," she added.
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou told the ANA that
Athens' inclusion on the shortlist was an important achievement
for Greece.
Mr. Papandreou stressed the importance of the unity of spirit
behind Greece's bid among all parties involved, expressing
optimism that "we will do well if we continue this
co-operation... although the road ahead is long".
Sports Under-secretary Andreas Fouras also attributed Athens'
inclusion among the five candidate cities to the unity of spirit
of the agencies involved in Athens' bid "and the strategy which
has been chosen".
Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos said efforts would be stepped
up over the next six months "to make the city more functional
and more modern" in order to attain the "very important
organizational target".
The announcement of the shortlist was also greeted by government
spokesman Dimitris Reppas who expressed the hope that the
success would be consummated by Athens finally being chosen as
the venue for the Games.
"The first Olympiad of the new millennium will also serve as the
re-baptism of the Olympic spirit and ideals and will mark a new
beginning for athletics and modern civilization," Mr. Reppas
said.
Main opposition New Democracy party spokesman Prokopis
Pavlopoulos said that Athens' selection for the shortlist is
"the starting point for the reaching of the decision to host the
Olympic Games in Athens."
"We must all work united and effectively in this direction," Mr.
Pavlopoulos said, adding that such a decision will "vindicate
our country."
[07] Action plan to improve Athens' quality of life, environment
Athens, 8/3/1997 (ANA)
Following the announcement of the shortlist, the Athens Olympic
Games Committee has announced it will present, on March 12, an
action plan for the improvement of the quality of life and the
environment in the broader Athens region.
The action plan will be implemented in co-operation with the
Greek state.
The results of a survey on the atmosphere's quality in Athens,
conducted by the International Scientific Symposium, will be
presented during the same event.
[08] Daphne Simitis meets wife of Fatos Nano
Athens, 8/3/1997 (ANA)
Daphne Simitis, wife of Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, met
yesterday with the wife of the Albanian Socialist Party's leader
Fatos Nano. No announcement was issued on the meeting.
It is believed that Mrs. Nano briefed Mrs. Simitis on the issue
of the socialist leader's continued detention in an Albanian
prison and called for her solidarity to achieve his release.
[09] New Patriarch of Alexandria enthroned tomorrow
Alexandria, 08/03/1997 (ANA)
The enthronement ceremony for the new Patriarch of Alexandria
and All Africa Petros VII will take place at the Greek Orthodox
Cathedral in Alexandria tomorrow morning. The ceremony will be
attended by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, who
is due to leave Athens tomorrow morning and will return later in
the day. The Greek government will be represented by Alternate
Foreign Minister George Papandreou.
Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides will also attend the
enthronement ceremony.
Cyprus' left-wing AKEL party leader Demetris Christofias, who is
a relative of the new Patriarch, will also be present at the
ceremony. The Patriarchate of Alexandria is second in the
hierarchy of the Orthodox Church and covers all of Africa.
[10] No concessions to Turkey, President says
Athens, 8/3/1997 (ANA)
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos yesterday
emphatically rejected Turkish claims of 'gray areas' in the
Aegean, and stressed that no concessions to Turkey were ever
conceivable.
"Let those who try to seek out areas of any color bear in mind
that all (those) areas are Greek and will remain Greek," he said
in an address on Rhodes, during festivities marking the 50th
anniversary of the incorporation of the Dodecanese islands into
Greece.
"The Greek nation has been in defense and making concessions for
centuries. ... Turkey has been continuously displacing us from
our land... Of course, at some point, we regained our freedom.
And woe betide if they blame us for regaining our freedom, and
these islands near Turkey," he added.
"Enough is enough. No further concession is conceivable, nor
will one ever be made," he stressed.
[11] Turkish warplanes violate Athens FIR, national air space
Athens, 8/3/1997 (ANA)
Six pairs of Turkish F-16 military aircraft yesterday violated
air traffic regulations in the Athens Flight Information Region
(FIR) and infringed on Greek national air space, reports said.
The violations occurred in the regions between the northern
coastal town of Alexandroupolis and the islands of Samothraki,
Hios and Lesvos and north of the island of Skyros.
In all cases, the Turkish aircraft were recognized and
intercepted by Greek fighter jets.
Violating the rules of international navigation, the Turkish
frigate "Zapher" was involved in a minor collision yesterday
with the Greek gunboat "Karteria" in international waters 15
miles west off the island of Lesvos. The gunboat suffered slight
damages.
[12] Pangalos briefs UN chief on Albania, Greek foreign policy
N. York, 08/03/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos briefed United Nations
Secretary General Kofi Annan on Greece's perception of the
Albanian crisis on Thursday and discussed the Cyprus issue as
well as Greece's relations with the Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia (FYROM) and Turkey.
Speaking to the press after the meeting, Mr. Pangalos commented
that the international community had formed a general idea which
had not yet taken the form of a specific proposal on resolving
the conflict in Albania, and that only a government in which all
political and social groups were represented could restore peace.
He noted that the Secretary-General had promised to intensify
efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue over the next few months.
Asked whether the idea of direct talks between Cypriot President
Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash had
been raised, Mr. Pangalos said:
"We did not go into such detail. (Annan) stated however that
talks should be held, and that the appropriate conditions should
be created in order for such talks to be successful."
Referring to international initiatives on Cyprus, Mr. Pangalos
said "all initiatives, whether American, British, European or
Russian, are within the framework of the UN initiative, and we
insisted to the Secretary-General that the UN should have the
leading role."
Finally, with regard to Greece's relations with FYROM, Mr.
Pangalos drew attention to Greece's successful implementation of
the interim accord with its northern neighbor, noting that
Greece was now FYROM's second most important trade partner,
while 60, 000 FYROM citizens had visited Greece over the past
year.
However, he stressed that for a legal framework to be
implemented, there had to be agreement over the country's name.
Referring to the on-going talks between Athens and Skopje under
the auspices of the UN for a settlement of the name issue, Mr.
Pangalos said that the talks could not be continued indefinitely
and "this means that the end of the talks is near."
Asked why Greece persisted with its objection to the use of the
word "Macedonia" by FYROM, the foreign minister replied:
"We want to avoid confusion with Greek Macedonia, which covers
the largest part of the geographical area of Macedonia. We
believe that this is necessary for the development of future
relations. It would be good if FYROM assumed a name which
differentiated it from Greek Macedonia."
[13] Pangalos' press conference
N. York, 08/03/1997 (ANA- M. Georgiadou)
Mr. Pangalos yesterday reiterated that Greece was not prepared
to enter into negotiations for a resolution of Greek - Turkish
differences under a specific agenda as long as Turkey raised
claims on Greek islands.
"The Greek government's position, ... which I am under the
impression that the Americans understand, remains steady: that
negotiations under an organized agenda cannot take place as long
as Turkey includes in the subjects for negotiation its
territorial claim on Aegean islands, which cannot be specified,
as only indirectly do we know what the Turks have in mind," he
told reporters after winding up his meetings in Washington, New
York and Boston.
Regarding Cyprus, he said, "it is obvious we are going to
negotiations. The sum of UN resolutions form a common ground
from which we can begin. The question is whether the Turkish
government has decided to contribute to a solution. This must be
clarified during the negotiations. And this is a decision Ankara
must make, it is not up to Mr. Denktash alone."
[14] Spokesman on Pangalos' statements regarding Turkey-EU relations
Athens, 8/3/1997 (ANA)
The government reiterated yesterday that Greece was in favor of
Turkey's European orientation and the normalization of relations
between Turkey and Europe and between Athens and Ankara.
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas made the statement when
asked to comment on remarks by Foreign Minister Theodoros
Pangalos Thursday after talks in Washington with US Secretary of
State Madeleine Albright.
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...".
"Any misinterpretation of Mr. Pangalos' statements is
impermissible, since Turkey participates in European
institutions," Mr. Reppas said.
The spokesman noted however that Turkey should respect the
principles which in Europe have become vested.
The foreign minister's comments came after senior European
politicians spoke out clearly against Turkey's membership in the
European Union at a meeting earlier this week of the mainly
Christian Democrat European People's Party (EPP) in Brussels.
On Ms. Albright's urging of a Greek-Turkish dialogue, Mr. Reppas
said Athens had never refused political dialogue "the subject of
which however cannot be our sovereign rights."
[15] New Democracy
Athens, 8/3/1997 (ANA)
The main opposition party New Democracy party indirectly called
for Mr. Pangalos' removal from the foreign ministry yesterday,
following his comments.
"At a time when six European prime ministers (Continued on page
5) (Continued from page 4) declare that Turkey does not meet the
conditions to become a member of the European Union, the Greek
foreign minister gives (Turkey) a certificate of good conduct,
when indeed Ankara has reached the point of claiming almost half
of the Aegean," ND spokes man Prokopis Pavlopoulos said.
In later statements Mr. Pavlopoulos said his party was not a
priori opposed to Turkish membership.
"On the contrary, it agrees with it, on the self-evident
condition that Turkey fulfills the requirements set in general
for any candidate member-state," he said.
He further explained that "New Democracy unequivocally condemns
that part of Mr. Pangalos' position which seems to equate Greece
with Turkey historically, culturally and politically ."
[16] Reactions in Turkey
Istanbul, 08/03/1997 (ANA-A.Kourkoulas)
Mr. Pangalos' statements have pleasantly surprised Turkish
public opinion, which has so far been led to believe that Greece
was the only obstacle to its relations with Europe.
Mr. Pangalos' statements were immediately broadcast on national
radio and television and also made the headlines in the press
with "Sabah" headlining "An olive branch from Greece," and
"Milliyet", "Surprising support."
[17] Turkey must solve problems, Pangalos says
N. York, 08/03/1997 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)
In fresh statements yesterday, Mr. Pangalos said that Greece
wanted a "healthy and structured" relationship between Turkey
and Europe.
"This means, first of all, that Turkey should have no problems
with EU member-states, specifically with us, and namely problems
of territorial claims. Secondly, Turkey must have settled the
Cyprus issue, because Cyprus is a candidate for EU membership...
And, of course, Turkey should find solutions to its internal
problems.
"A country in which inflation runs at a rate of 60 per cent,
with zero credit rating and enormous social and human rights
problems, cannot be an EU member-state," he said. "We have a
great interest... in Turkey's European prospects. However, this
further promotion of the relation (with the EU) cannot occur
without the solving of the issues I have mentioned," he
concluded.
[18] Political leaders mark International Woman's Day
Athens, 8/3/1997 (ANA)
In a message to mark today's International Women's Day, Prime
Minister Costas Simitis said that March 8 was a call for new
efforts t o create an open, human and fairer society.
"Our government is striving to create such a society. Today,
when great problems of this transitory period, such as
unemployment and racism, particularly affect women, this effort
could be difficult, but acquires an even greater importance," he
said.
"The participation of women, their contribution and their
imagination are indispensable in order to answer to the
challenges of our times," Mr. Simitis concluded.
Labor and Social Security Minister Miltiades Papaioannou
referred to special ministry programs aimed at offering women
access to employment and vocational training, consolidation of
equal opportunities and special protection measures with
emphasis on motherhood.
"We have a progressive employment legislation consolidating
equal rights at work and protecting the working woman," Mr.
Papaioannou said.
"But this is not enough," he added, stressing that "it is
everyone's duty" to safeguard equality.
Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert said
that in spite of advancing their participation in the making of
society, Greek women continue to be confronted with biased
attitudes and fall victim to psychological or physical violence,
unemployment and social inequality.
Mr. Evert said his party aimed at building a society of equal
opportunities for all citizens, a society free of sexual
discrimination.
The women's sector of the ruling PASOK party called on all Greek
women to broaden democracy by intensifying the struggle for
equality of rights. The party's women's sector also called for
struggle against racism and xenophobia, saying it was organizing
a seminar on March 15 called "Women against Racism and
Xenophobia."
The seminar is expected to be attended by government and
political party officials as well as representatives of social
groups affected by sex, race, nationality or religious
discrimination.
New Democracy's Women's Secretariat issued a message stressing
the need for women to retain the role of the creator inside the
family, the culture and the society.
The Democratic Social Movement's Equality Bureau said that
despite winning many battles in the struggle to achieve
equality, today's women still find themselves in a very
difficult position in the family and the society.
The Coalition of the Left and Progress (SYN) blamed the
government for a noted lack of progress in the promotion of
equality between the sexes, accusing it of having failed to pass
relevant legislation. SYN also warned of new inequalities
between men an d women due to changes in the labor structure.
The Interparty Committee for Women Co-operation-Political
Women's Association stressed the "huge democratic deficit which
continues to characterize the political system and the
organization of society."
The association called on women to fight side by side in order
to achieve equal participation in politics and in the decision
making centers.
The Athens Labor and Employee Center announced the launch of a
campaign aimed at awakening working women in Athens to their
rights in the workplace.
[19] Simitis grants television interview
Athens, 8/3/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis has granted a television interview
to be screened next week, the government announced yesterday.
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said that, six months after
the elections, it was an opportunity for Mr. Simitis to inform
the people of government policies.
The interview will be conducted by three journalists - one from
state television and two from the largest private television
channels - MEGA and Antenna and screened on all three channels.
However, the Athens Journalists Union (ESHEA) came out strongly
against the "exclusion of all political reporters except for the
three chosen by the prime minister" for his first full interview.
"The exclusion of the majority of political reports, newspapers
and mass media, at a time when there are many outstanding social
demands and national issues, is unacceptable," an announcement
said.
[20] 'Alexis Zorbas' ballet performance in Skopje
Athens, 8/3/1997 (ANA)
A ballet production entitled "Alexis Zorbas", directed by
composer Mikis Theodorakis, will be performed at the national
theater of Skopje, capital of the Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia (FYROM), at the beginning of April.
The performance is part of a two-month-old initiative by Greek
members of parliament, academics, politicians and ordinary
citizens, aiming at promoting friendship between the two
countries.
"The burden for the defense of co-operation and freedom in the
region of the Balkans, which is going through critical hours,
falls on the shoulders of ordinary people," Mr. Theodorakis said
in a message for yesterday's initial presentation of the
initiative in Thessaloniki.
[21] Goulandri predicts environmental issues will play leading role
in international relations
United Nations, 08/03/1997 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)
The founder of Greece's Natural History Museum in Athens, Niki
Goulandri, yesterday forecast that environmental issues will
soon play a leading role in international relations.
"I believe that the issue of the environment is so great that in
a little while it will cover the entire range of international
relations," Ms. Goulandri told the press prior to attending a
United Nations reception in the honor of 25 women-leaders in the
field of environmental protection.
The reception was organized by UNEP director and former Canadian
minister Elizabeth Dowdeswell.
UNEP is a UN sub-organization which promotes international
environmental programs.
Ms. Goulandri is one of the 25 women whose portraits decorated
the walls of a gallery in the UN headquarters in New York
marking 25 years since the birth of UNEP.
Internationally renowned for her activity in the safeguarding of
the "unique treasures of the Greek countryside", as well as for
her participation in international campaigns for the protection
of the environment, Ms. Goulandri drew attention to the
Environmental Summit due to be held in May.
Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis will possibly attend the
UN-organized summit, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos said
from the United States on Thursday.
"A lot has happened since the Rio Summit," Ms. Goulandri said,
adding that although the meaning of that meeting has not been
conceived by everyone, "nothing is as it used to be."
"The fact that the United Nations are sending an urgent call to
the member-states' prime ministers inviting them to discuss and
try to solve issues of immense importance ... is certainly a
fresh, decisive step," Ms. Goulandri said.
Referring to the establishment in Athens of a foundation for the
protection of the environment, due to begin operating in 1998,
Ms. Goulandri said that the EU-funded foundation will be the
best and most advanced institution in Europe focusing
exclusively on issues of environmental protection and
communicating the message for environmental protection,
particularly to children.
[22] Teachers unmoved by Arsenis' attempts to make up for lost time
Athens, 8/3/1997 (ANA)
Striking secondary school teachers yesterday gathered outside
the education ministry to stress that they would continue their
strike for an eighth week and until all their demands were met.
Education Minister Gerassimos Arsenis late on Thursday announced
a series of proposals - including extending the school year,
cutting back on Easter and summer holidays and increasing the
school day by an hour - to make up for time lost over the past
eight weeks.
Teachers set up tents at the entrance to the ministry, saying
they were determined to camp out until their representatives met
with the education minister. They called his decisions
"one-sided" and an effort to pressure parents and students,
saying that they would "take initiatives, through established
institutions of schools, to deal with the problem created by
government intransigence".
Mr. Arsenis said on Thursday that the rate of participation in
the strike was constantly falling and attributed the
continuation of the strike to "political interests". He stressed
once again that teachers had received the largest increases of
all civil servants and that a large part of their institutional
demands had been met.
[23] Shop closing times set by joint ministerial decision
Athens, 8/3/1997 (ANA)
Following a joint decision between the labor, development and
national economy ministries, closing time for shops and
foodstores cannot be later than 8 p.m. during the winter and 9
p.m. during the summer, while they must have shut by 6 p.m. on
Saturdays throughout the year.
Shops' opening times is set out for each category of stores by
the relevant trade unions.
The decision was signed by Labor Minister Miltiades Papaioannou,
Development Minister Vasso Papandreou and National Economy
Minister Yiannos Papantoniou.
Mr. Papaioannou said the new framework for opening hours is the
result of a substantial dialogue which ended in an agreement.
"The government and I are coming with special satisfaction to
ratify this agreement, which concerns all the bodies involved,
such as merchants, wholesale and retail trade unions, the
General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) and working
people," Mr. Papaioannou said.
[24] National Bank to expand activities in Balkans, Mediterranean
Athens, 8/3/1997 (ANA)
The National Bank of Greece hopes to become one of the most
important regional banks in the Balkans and the southeastern
Mediterranean area, the bank's governor, Theodoros Karatzas,
said during a press conference in Thessaloniki yesterday.
Mr. Karatzas said the expansion of the National Bank's
activities "will take place with system and method. When
suitable structures are created in countries of interest to the
bank, then it will be dynamically present."
He said Balkan and southeastern Mediterranean countries are the
first targets for the bank's expansion.
The National Bank's Council for Coordinating Overseas Unit
Activities began its two-day session in Thessaloniki for the
first time yesterday. Mr. Karatzas said "it is a token of the
particular importance the bank gives to its expansion."
Outlining the activities of the National Bank's overseas units,
Mr. Karatzas said that "in 1996 the total assets of these units
amounted to 5.9 billion dollars, compared to 5.2 billion dollars
in 1995, while their total pre-tax profits amounted to 10.5
billion drachmas, as against 7.3 billion drachmas in 1995, an
increase of 42 per cent.
[25] Development minister to visit international tourism fair
Athens, 8/3/1997 (ANA)
Development Minister Vasso Papandreou will fly to Germany today
to visit the International Tourism Exhibition in Berlin. Ms.
Papandreou will tour the exhibition tomorrow, first visiting the
Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT) stand before giving a
press conference at the ICC international conference center on
the same premises.
At the press conference, Ms. Papandreou will present the main
axes of Greece's tourism policy for 1997 and the government's
priorities in the sector. As every year, EOT will be
participating in the exhibition with a large stand, which this
year covers 950 square meters. Greece will also be represented
by 45 exhibitors, ranging from hotels and tour operators to
local government organizations and prefectures.
[26] February CPI inflation drops to 6.6 percent
Athens, 8/3/1997 (ANA)
Inflation marked a further drop in February to 6.6 per cent from
the January level of 6.8 per cent, according to figures released
yesterday by the National Statistics Service (ESYE).
The reduction reflects a 0.4 per cent drop in the Consumer Price
Index in February, compared to a drop of 0.2 per cent the
previous month. According to the ESYE, the latest favorable
development on the inflation front was a result of reduced price
s in the categories of clothing-footwear, heating oil and
durable consumer goods.
ESYE Secretary-General Nikos Karaxitis forecast that the strong
downward trend in inflation, expected to be maintained during
the rest of the first half of 1997, would continue also during
the second half.
Commenting on the increase in the dollar's parity with the
drachma, Mr. Karaxitis said it was a factor which affected
inflation, clarifying however that the main volume of imports
was not related to the dollar.
[27] Greece begins dispatch of aid to Bulgaria
Athens, 8/3/1997 (ANA)
An air force plane took off from Elefsina for Sofia yesterday
morning carrying 20 tons of medicines, part of a total of 400
tons of food and medicines being sent by Greece's local
government associations as humanitarian aid to the Bulgarian
people. The defense ministry is subsidizing the initiative with
160 million drachmas. Shipments will continue until June.
[28] Kohl sends birthday greeting to Karamanlis
Bonn, 08/03/1997 (ANA-P.Stangos)
German Chancellor Helmut Kohl sent a congratulatory note to
former President of the Republic Constantine Karamanlis on the
occasion of his 90th birthday. In his message, Mr. Kohl said Mr.
Karamanlis had formulated Greece's policy through many decades,
adding that "the return of your country to democracy and its
course to the European Community will always be associated with
your name."
[29] News in Brief
Athens, 8/3/1997 (ANA)
- Bids for the building of a tunnel to divert the Acheloos river
to Thessaly finished being assessed on Thursday after objections
were adjudicated and a relevant decision was issued. The next
phase of tendering, which will be the opening of economic bids,
will take place on March 11. The project, with a budget of 35
billion drachmas, is expected to be completed in four years.
- Funds amounting to two billion drachmas has been earmarked for
the improvement of the K. Nevrokopi-Exochi highway in the Drama
prefecture. Apart from improving the national highway network,
the construction of the road will also contribute to linking the
Drama prefecture and the wider region with the Greek-Bulgarian
border.
End of English language section.
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