Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-03-14
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1138), March 14, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] Kranidiotis, Vranitzky attempt Albanian mission; clashes in
Tirana
[02] Vranitzky statement
[03] Reactions
[04] Business community
[05] Appeal for humanitarian aid
[06] Minesweeper brings aid
[07] Greece moves closer to Schengen Accord
[08] German EuroMP's report on Euro-Mediterranean co-operation
ratified
[09] Austria's Fasslabend foresees Albanian crisis to continue in
future
[10] D'Alema in Athens today to address discussion on center-left
co-operation
[11] EU, NATO expansion dominate talks between G. Papandreou,
Poland's Zych
[12] Constantopoulos tables question on electoral law
[13] Kranidiotis meets Scandinavian envoys on Cyprus
[14] Leadership race in ND intensifies
[15] Meeting on PASOK's communication policy held
[16] Evert says premier deceived voters prior to last election
[17] Kastanidis threatens striking OA pilots with dismissal
[18] Five-year EU renewable energy sources program approved
[19] Greece stresses need to reinforce social cohesion in EU internal
market
[20] Gov't: Athens' absorption of CSF funds between '94-96 at 71 per
cent
[21] Greek Eurodeputy's report on maritime shipping industry ratified
[22] State borrowing rates within target
[23] New bond issues
[24] Tourism SMEs eligible for public funding program
[25] Multinational postal meeting in Thessaloniki tomorrow
[26] V. Papandreou holds meeting with several major business leaders
[27] Simitis to address major business conference next week
[28] Monument to Greek Jewish victims of WWII to be unveiled
[29] Daylight savings time
[01] Kranidiotis, Vranitzky attempt Albanian mission; clashes in
Tirana
Athens, 14/03/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis will travel to
Albania today together with OSCE special envoy Franz Vranitzky
in an effort to mediate for a political solution to the
neighboring country's severe crisis, as reports last night cited
fighting in Tirana.
Mr. Kranidiotis will fly to Italy first, where he will meet with
Mr. Vranitzky before the two travel by helicopter to an Italian
vessel anchored just outside the central Albanian port of Durres.
It was still uncertain late last night whether they would be
able to visit Tirana for talks with Albanian President Sali
Berisha and political opposition members, due to transportation
problems. If the two envoys are unable to visit the capital,
talks may be held somewhere in southern Albania or on board the
Italian ship.
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos postponed his trip to Tirana
due to difficulties in securing transportation, since the
Albanian capital's airport was closed until yesterday evening.
Earlier, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the
possibility was being discussed of Mr. Kranidiotis returning to
Greece by road via southern Albania after the talks in Tirana in
order to meet with the insurgents' leaders.
In another development, following an order by the national
defense minister, the Greek armed forces' Council of Chiefs of
General Staff held meetings yesterday in order to plan the safe
evacuation of Greek citizens from Albania, if this becomes
necessary.
According to reports following the meetings, measures have been
taken to deal with any situation which may arise. The Hellenic
Navy frigate "Aigaio" is sailing to Corfu, while a C-130
transport plane is on stand-by. In addition, the armed forces on
the Greek-Albanian border remain on alert in order to deal with
a possible wave of illegal immigrants.
Meanwhile, an ANA dispatch from Tirana said clashes continued
unabated in the Albanian capital yesterday, with gunfire being
heard throughout the city.
Government sources in Tirana have confirmed reports that the
jailed leader of the Socialist Party, Fatos Nano, has escaped
from the Krugia Prison, where he was being held and is now safe.
The same sources confirmed reports that former Albanian
president Ramiz Alia is also free.
There have been conflicting reports regarding President Berisha,
with some diplomats from western countries saying he has
requested political asylum from the US embassy, others claiming
he has fled to Italy and others stating that he has remained in
Tirana but has sent his family to Italy. Mr. Berisha chaired a
meeting with political parties until 5 p.m. yesterday. During
the meeting it was decided to call on the WEU to impose
constitutional order in the country.
WEU
Athens, 14/03/1997 (ANA)
On its part, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Western European
Union (WEU), which convened in Athens, said it would consider
intervening in Albania, even militarily, if civil strife broke
out in the neighboring country.
"When security in the Balkans is at stake, it is inevitable that
the European defense organization will be activated," WEU
Parliamentary Assembly President Luis Maria de Puig and head of
the Greek representation to the organization, Constantinos
Vrettos told a press conference yesterday.
They said the WEU has decided for the timely consideration of
the issue of taking appropriate measures in the possibility of
civil war breaking out in Albania, "especially following strong
criticism regarding lack of similar preparations in the case of
Bosnia."
The form of a WEU intervention in Albania, if the country
plunges into civil strife, will also be considered at a WEU
Council level.
The Athens conference, which ended its three-day sessions
yesterday, also focused on the future of the organization in
view of the expected enlargement of both NATO and the WEU.
The Greek representation to the Conference raised the issue of
the right to self-protection by members of the alliance against
other NATO member-states.
"NATO's enlargement will not be possible without this
amendment," Mr. Vrettos said, adding that "it is self-evident
that most countries will exercise veto."
The WEU Athens conference also endorsed a resolution forbidding
entry into the WEU to all countries failing to gain accession to
either NATO or the European Union.
Back in Athens, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou
said in a statement that Greece would not take sides in the
conflict currently sweeping Albania.
"We have not taken up a position for or against particular
persons. The Albanians will decide how they will translate this
process (a resolution of the crisis) into specific actions and
personalities," he replied when asked to comment on Albanian
insurgents' demand for President Berisha to step down.
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos yesterday called
on Europe to help eastern European states adapt to new
conditions and urged international organizations to keep a close
watch on events in Albania to avert further destabilization in
the region.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the problem in Albania had arisen due to
a lack of democratic institutions, as well as the country's
inability to adapt on its own to conditions in Europe. A broad
consensus was required so that a solution acceptable to all
sides could be found as a starting point for changes necessary
for the transition to democracy and a free market.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos expressed hope that a political solution to
the crisis would be found as soon as possible with the support
of the European Union and Washington.
International organizations should also keep a close watch on
developments in Albania in order to stop the unrest spreading to
other parts of the region which might be having difficulty
adjusting to new conditions, he added.
Greece and the international security organizations were closely
following developments, he said, due to the existence of the
ethnic Greek minority, whose security, he added, Greece was
prepared to ensure.
Government spokesman Reppas reiterated that any question of Mr.
Berisha's resigning was a domestic issue for Albania's political
forces. If Greece's assistance were requested, it would act
bearing in mind a final de-escalation of the crisis.
He reiterated that the question of a multi-national force for
Albania had not yet been discussed.
[02] Vranitzky statement
Vienna, 14/03/1997 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)
OSCE special envoy Vranitzky, yesterday described as "total and
full" Greece's participation and contribution in the OSCE's
efforts to try to work out a solution for the Albanian crisis.
Speaking prior to his departure for Tirana, Mr. Vranitzky told
ANA that he was in constant telephone contact with Mr. Simitis.
[03] Reactions
Athens, 14/03/1997 (ANA)
On his part, main opposition New Democracy party leader
Miltiades Evert, commenting on the Albanian crisis, called for
initiatives on the part of the European Union "for the truth to
be told and for President Sali Berisha to realize that he
himself should help... towards de-escalating the crisis".
Speaking after a meeting with President of the Republic Kostis
Stephanopoulos, Mr. Evert declined to give an opinion as to
whether he felt that Mr. Berisha should resign, saying:
"Don't oblige me to go any further. This is an issue in which
Greece cannot assume the burden alone." Expressing concern that
the conflict might spread to Kosovo and the Former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Mr. Evert urged the Greek
government to undertake joint action with the European Union and
the US.
On the other hand, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) said it
is categorically opposed to a multinational force being sent to
Albania and, more specifically, it is opposed to Greece's
participation in such a force.
An announcement by KKE says the decision taken by Albania's
political leadership to have a multinational force sent to the
country to restore order is provocative.
"If these thoughts are carried out (and the force is sent) it
will constitute a crime against the people of the neighboring
country, entailing dangers for more general repercussions in the
region," the announcement read.
Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) issued a
six-point action plan to deal with the crisis in Albania.
Synaspismos' action plan included a call for a viable political
solution to the crisis to be achieved through agreement between
representatives of the country's political forces and
representatives of the insurgents.
The action plan also calls upon the international community to
grant economic assistance to Albania and upon the Greek
government to make a move in the framework of the EU or on its
own.
[04] Business community
Athens, 14/03/1997 (ANA)
Despite the political instability in the Balkan countries,
especially in Albania, Greek business representatives said they
felt optimistic that the neighboring markets will soon recover,
adding that Greece should play a leading role in this direction.
Speaking in a press conference on the occasion of the
forthcoming fourth conference on business co-operation in
southeastern Europe to be held on March 17-18, Nikos
Efthymiadis, the president of the Federation of Northern Greece
Industries (SETE) elaborated on the issue of doing business in
the Balkans.
Prime Minister Simitis is due to address the conference, which
will be held with the participation of hundreds of businessmen
and politicians.
Mr. Simitis will elaborate on the axis of Greek policy in the
Balkans and the Black Sea co-operation countries under current
conditions in the regions.
Mr. Pangalos will also address the same subject.
Referring to Greek business interests in Albania, Mr.
Efthymiadis called for cool-headedness, adding that Greek
investors in Albania have not stated intentions to leave the
country.
[05] Appeal for humanitarian aid
Athens, 14/03/1997 (ANA)
In a related development, Greek representatives of the
humanitarian organization Doctors of the World made an urgent
appeal yesterday for food and medical aid for the people of
southern Albania, referring to a tragic lack of medicines,
particularly antibiotics and anesthetics.
In a press conference yesterday, organization president
Theofilos Rosenberg and his Cypriot counterpart Eleni Theoharous
urged all Greeks to respond to the appeal.
"Hunger is the worst counsel to someone with a gun in his hand,"
said Ms Theoharous.
The organization indicated that incidents of human rights of
abuse, such as beatings and wounded patients being chained to
beds, had been witnessed.
Doctors of the World have already sent 1.5 tons of medical aid
to hospitals in Gjirokaster and Sarande, while in the middle of
next week another shipment, this time of 20 tons, is to be sent
accompanied by two doctors.
They also emphasized what they called an incomprehensible delay
on the part of the special European humanitarian aid bureau, the
section of the Eighth General Directorate responsible for
freeing funds for aid to Albania. Doctors of the World said they
h ad not yet received a reply to an appeal lodged with the
bureau on March 6.
[06] Minesweeper brings aid
Athens, 14/03/1997 (ANA)
The Hellenic Navy minesweeper "Atalanti", carrying the
government's first shipment of humanitarian aid to the people of
southern Albania arrived in the port of Sarande yesterday.
Twenty tons of foodstuffs and medical aid were handed over to
insurgents' leaders Jevat Kotsiu and Arbri Kilini, in the
presence of Greek Consul General in Gjirokaster Nikos Kanellos.
Finally, a Greek reporter was hospitalized yesterday after being
injured in an army base near Korce.
The reporter, Foris Petalidis, along with a television crew from
the 'Star' channel, was following a story in the army base just
outside Korce when a young gunman shot at a box containing
dynamite, resulting in an explosion.
Mr. Petalidis suffered slight head and leg shrapnel injuries. He
was transported by car to a hospital in Kozani, where he has
been hospitalized and is out of danger.
[07] Greece moves closer to Schengen Accord
Athens, 14/03/1997 (ANA)
Parliament yesterday gave a green light to Greece's
participation in the European Union Schengen Accord, passing in
principle a draft legislation with 132 deputies voting for and
89 against.
Included in the bill for the agreement was a condition that the
civil liberties of citizens and their right to privacy be
respected and secured from electronic filing by public and
private entities.
Prime Minister Costas Simitis responded to criticism of the bill
by smaller opposition parties, saying it protected the citizen,
strengthened democracy and permitted transparency with regard to
the input of information.
Greece was one of the few European Union member-states that had
not yet ratified the agreement.
[08] German EuroMP's report on Euro-Mediterranean co-operation
ratified
Strasbourg, 14/03/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)
A European Parliament plenary session has ratified a report by
German Social Democrat party Eurodeputy G. Sakelariou concerning
the common position of the presidency, the council and the
Commission regarding Mediterranean policy after the Barcelona
Conference.
The resolution accompanying the report examines the individual
sectors of Euro-Mediterranean co-operation.
Participants in the partnership relationship between the
European Union and Mediterranean countries are called on to
undertake a conventional commitment to recognize and honor the
territorial integrity of all their partners which must be
integrated wit h an additional Euro-Mediterranean stability
accord on protecting the rights of minorities.
[09] Austria's Fasslabend foresees Albanian crisis to continue in
future
Athens, 14/03/1997 (ANA)
Austrian Defense Minister Werner Fasslabend, on a two-day visit
to Thessaloniki, expressed his belief yesterday that the
Albanian crisis will continue over the next few years.
Speaking to reporters after his visit to the Thessaloniki
Archaeological Museum, Mr. Fasslabend stressed the need for the
crisis to be contained within Albania's borders.
Questioned on whether there is a danger of the crisis spreading
to the former Yugoslavia, the Austrian minister said there is
some danger in the proximity of the two and in that many
residents in the former Yugoslavia are of Albanian descent.
During his stay in Thessaloniki, Mr. Fasslabend met with his
Greek counterpart, Akis Tsohatzopoulos, and visited facilities
of the Greek Vehicle Industry (ELVO).
Mr. Fasslabend returned to Vienna yesterday afternoon.
[10] D'Alema in Athens today to address discussion on center-left
co-operation
Athens, 14/03/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis, the president of Italy's
Democratic Party of the Left, Massimo D'Alema and Coalition of
the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos
tonight will attend a discussion entitled "the Left Before the
Challenges of Tomorrow's Europe".
Mr. D'Alema is expected to refer to the Italian experience in
the formation of the center-left coalition in Italy, now in
power.
Center-left co-operation has been the subject of much discussion
in Greece in the past, but in practical terms it is considered
to be still at an embryonic stage. For this reason, discussion
is expected to be in the context of a theoretical and
ideological search rather than of a promotion of practical steps
towards the creation of a similar scheme in Greece.
[11] EU, NATO expansion dominate talks between G. Papandreou,
Poland's Zych
Athens, 14/03/1997 (ANA)
Expansion of the European Union and NATO were the subject of a
meeting yesterday between Alternate Foreign Minister George
Papandreou and visiting Polish Parliament Speaker Josef Zych.
Commenting on the European security system, Mr. Papandreou said
Greece did not want to create new dividing lines on the
continent of Europe, saying Athens' goal was to find a way to
ensure the security of Poland and other central European states
as well as "good co-operation with Russia". Asked whether
Poland's accession to the EU would mean an economic sacrifice
for Greece, the Greek minister replied that the economic
repercussions of an expanded EU affected all 15 member-states,
while the question of resources was a major issue in
negotiations.
With regard to security of the EU, Mr. Papandreou said Greece
supported the wholly European institution of the Western
European Union (WEU), which "is a link with NATO".
Athens wanted close contacts with Warsaw on the main issues
related to EU accession, such as agricultural and transport
policy, he added.
[12] Constantopoulos tables question on electoral law
Athens, 14/03/1997 (ANA)
Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos
Constantopoulos has tabled a question in Parliament on a
possible change in the country's electoral law in the wake of a
recent statement by the Under-secretary to the Prime Minister's
Office George Paschalidis.
"It is commonly acknowledged that the electoral system played a
decisive role in shaping the political framework since the
transition to democracy, that the present law has met with
strong criticism and dispute from all sides and, lastly, that
democratic order necessitates settlements related to the
electoral system being taken at the beginning of the
Parliamentary period," Mr. Constantopoulos said in his question.
He called on the premier to specify whether the government
intends to reconsider the present electoral law, if he plans to
propose the proportional representation electoral system or any
other electoral system which will be more proportional than the
present one, and if the government will pursue a wide political
dialogue between parties before any relative legislative
initiative take place.
[13] Kranidiotis meets Scandinavian envoys on Cyprus
Athens, 14/03/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis met the special
envoys on Cyprus of Finland, Kalevi Sorsa, and Sweden, Mr.
Falkman, on Wednesday and yesterday, respectively, with their
talks focusing on recent developments and prospects for
resolving the Cyprus problem.
[14] Leadership race in ND intensifies
Athens, 14/03/1997 (ANA)
The four leadership candidates for the main opposition New
Democracy party top post are apparently turning their attention
to attracting undecided party members.
The election of a new party president is to take place during
ND's congress at the end of the month.
Parliamentary Group Secretary G. Panayiotopoulos, who supports
deputy Costas Karamanlis, implied that the current party
president, Miltiades Evert, should withdraw his candidacy,
saying "Mr. Evert is an asset to New Democracy and must see in
which way this asset can be safeguarded."
Former ND minister Stephanos Manos criticized Mr. Evert, Mr.
Karamanlis and the third candidate, Vyron Polydoras, for their
position against a set term being established for party
president, stressing that "ND has no need of a sultan leader,
but of more democracy and team spirit. Some of the candidates
seem to be jealous of the privilege of the pope or of the
archbishop. I hope the congress members will impose the party's
democratization."
The congress organizing committee, which convened yesterday,
decided to use the electronic voting system for the election of
the central committee, which will be held on the third day of
the party congress.
The election for a new party leader will be conducted "in the
traditional way" with 24 ballot boxes. The organizing committee
has also decided to meet the expenses of congress members
traveling from the countryside, depending on their method of
transportation.
[15] Meeting on PASOK's communication policy held
Athens, 14/03/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday presided over a meeting
in the ruling PASOK party's headquarters in order to discuss the
party's and government's communication policy.
PASOK secretary Costas Skandalidis said the two-hour meeting
discussed the implementation of the central committee's
decisions regarding communication strategy, such as the party's
newspaper, and issues relating to the structure PASOK must have
during its reorganization in order for it to obtain a broader
ideological and political character.
A decision was taken for a five-member communication board to
meet every Monday.
The meeting was also attended by Environment, Town Planning and
Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis, Press Minister Dimitris
Reppas, Alternate Foreign Minsiter George Papandreou,
Under-secretary to the Prime Minister George Paschalidis, the
head of the premier's press office George Pantagias and the
secretary of the communication sector, Nassos Alevras.
[16] Evert says premier deceived voters prior to last election
Athens, 14/03/1997 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert
yesterday described Prime Minister Costas Simitis as "a man with
a particularly serious hearing problem, whose ears are not
receptive to what happens in society and among the people".
Reacting to the prime minister's televised interview on two
private television channels and the state-run network (ET-1) on
Wednesday night, Mr. Evert charged that "Mr. Simitis admitted he
deceived the Greek people before the elections and usurped their
vote".
"What remains is for Mr. Simitis to realize that his party has
proved incapable of governing... Demagogues are revealed through
their works and cause the indignation of those deceived," he
added.
Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras described the
interview as "a stifling lecture," stressing that the prime
minister had the responsibility and obligation to secure calm
and social consensus for the country.
On his part, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas expressed
satisfaction over the premier's interview, saying it had helped
in making many issues of government policy understood. He added
that this policy had begun bearing fruit, and its results would
be more visible in the near future.
[17] Kastanidis threatens striking OA pilots with dismissal
Athens, 14/03/1997 (ANA)
Olympic Airways pilots on a work-to-rule strike were threatened
with dismissal yesterday by Transport and Communications
Minister Haris Kastanidis.
Since the strike began four days ago, two to three flights per
day have had to be canceled for lack of crews.
Greece is currently awaiting the outcome of a European
Commission report on reforms for the state-run air carrier.
"No one will be allowed to abort the reform plan. This applies
all the more to groups with an agenda of their own," said Mr.
Kastanidis, adding that pilots who caused problems for the
airline would be suspended immediately and called before the
dismissal council. Pilots are refusing to sign the new
collective labor agreement, saying they want a salary increase
of 12 per cent. They were awarded a 7 per cent increase on Dec.
31, 1996, while over the whole of last year they received a
total increase o f 36 per cent.
[18] Five-year EU renewable energy sources program approved
Athens, 14/03/1997 (ANA)
The European Commission has ratified a proposal on the
implementation of a five-year program which will promote
renewable energy sources in the European Union, following a
relevant proposal made by the relevant EU commissioner Christos
Papoutsis.
Funding amounting to ECU 30 million is being proposed for the
first two years of this program's operation, which is entitled
ALTENER II.
The implementation of the program, expected to start in 1998, is
primarily aimed at creating a necessary legal framework to
encourage private and public investments to produce and use
energy from renewable sources.
[19] Greece stresses need to reinforce social cohesion in EU internal
market
Brussels, 14/03/1997 (ANA - P. Pandelis)
National Economy Under-secretary Alekos Baltas, speaking
yesterday during the Domestic Market Council of Ministers,
stressed the need to reinforce economic and social cohesion in
the EU's internal market.
Mr. Baltas referred to the effective implementation and
completion of the internal market and stressed the necessity for
additional measures to be promoted.
He added that EU legislation must be effectively implemented on
national levels and that it must be completed in sectors where
delays have been reported, such as commercial law regarding
value added tax.
Mr. Baltas also stressed the need for the reinforcement of
social and regional policy to ensure the convergence of economic
performances and the cohesion of the European Union.
During talks with eastern and central European countries, held
within the Council's framework, Mr. Baltas stressed that
agreements between these countries and the EU must be a "useful
tool" for their convergence, adding that Greece can help in the
harmonization of legislative, administrative and technical
structures in these countries.
The under-secretary also informed the Council of a two-day event
to be held in Athens in May regarding the free movement of
capital and financial services. The event will be organized by
the national economy ministry and the technical aid office for
central and eastern European countries.
[20] Gov't: Athens' absorption of CSF funds between '94-96 at 71 per
cent
Athens, 14/03/1997 (ANA)
The second Community Support Framework has entered a phase of
full development, and will be followed by a third, National
Economy Under-secretary Christos Pachtas said yesterday, adding
that the issue will be finalized after the end of the EU
Intergovernmental Conference.
He reported that the total amount of CSF funds spent in 1996 was
725 billion drachmas, and that the annual average absorption of
funds committed for the 1994-96 period was 71 per cent, ranking
Greece fourth among the 11 beneficiary countries. Greece ranks
third among the 11 countries in terms of the implementation of
commitments to the Community budget, with 107 per cent, Mr.
Pachtas added.
[21] Greek Eurodeputy's report on maritime shipping industry ratified
Strasbourg, 14/03/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)
A Europarliament plenary session yesterday ratified a report by
PASOK Eurodeputy Georgios Katiforis concerning shaping the
future of Europe's shipping industry.
The resolution accompanying the report stresses that the
maritime shipping industry in Europe and the European-flagged
fleet have decreased in size over the past 20 years in relation
to other regions in the world. The decrease in the shipbuilding
and ship repairs activities and the production of equipment
amounted to 82.5 per cent between 1985 and 1994. Economic and
strategic reasons necessitate a reversal of this decrease. The
resolution further stresses that strengthening the
competitiveness of mariti me shipping industries does not
conflict with the interests of other sectors but, on the
contrary, promotes them.
Strengthening competitiveness means tackling the reasons for the
decrease in industrial productivity.
[22] State borrowing rates within target
Athens, 14/03/1997 (ANA)
A decrease in state interest rates, related to a de-escalation
of the budget, will also lead to a decrease in the budget's
expenditures for 1997.
Finance Under-secretary Nikos Christodoulakis said yesterday
that the average interest rate with which the state receives
loans has been restricted to 10.4 per cent, which is the annual
target set from the first quarter of the year.
Mr. Christodoulakis said that benefits stemming from the
expected further decrease in interest rates will become visible
as of September.
He further said the target concerning the deficit will not be
revised but, apart from the decrease in expenditures, an
increase in revenues anticipated by the budget will also be
pursued.
[23] New bond issues
Athens, 14/03/1997 (ANA)
The finance ministry is now floating three new state bonds. The
first bond has a stable interest rate and a duration of five and
seven years. Tendering for this issue will start on March 19.
Index-linked bonds of a long duration (five or seven years) will
be circulated in April. Their value will be adjusted in
accordance with the course of inflation. Lastly, the third case
concerns bonds with a foreign exchange clause which will be
floated in US dollars or yen.
[24] Tourism SMEs eligible for public funding program
Athens, 14/03/1997 (ANA)
Small- and medium-size enterprises active in the tourism sector
are eligible for support through five special programs announced
by the development ministry within the framework of the European
Union business program "Tourism-Culture."
The purpose of the program is to improve the quality of tourist
services, decrease the seasonal nature of Greek tourism and
strengthen the competitiveness of local tourist enterprises.
Proposals to be submitted for funding must not exceed 25 million
drachmas for individual enterprises and 50 million drachmas for
companies. The subsidization percentage is 50 per cent and the
duration of the project must not exceed one year.
[25] Multinational postal meeting in Thessaloniki tomorrow
Athens, 14/03/1997 (ANA)
Representatives of postal services of southeast European
countries (Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Cyprus, Moldova,
Yugoslavia, and FYROM) will meet in Thessaloniki tomorrow to
discuss ways of co-operation with a view to forming a central
organization .
A one-day conference on the postal services (ELTA) and their
modernization program is also scheduled tomorrow, to be attended
by the general director of the World Postal Union, Thomas Livi,
and the representative of the European Commission's Third
Directorate Johann Ritbroek.
[26] V. Papandreou holds meeting with several major business leaders
Athens, 14/03/1997 (ANA)
Development Minister Vasso Papandreou yesterday held the third
in a series of meetings with prominent Greek businessmen, in the
framework of the government's promotion of a more aggressive
policy of economic co-operation with Balkan and east European
countries in the fields of energy and industry.
The group of businessmen who attended included Vardis
Vardinoyiannis, Socrates Kokkalis, Dimitris Kopelouzos, and
members of the board of the Public Power Corp. (DEH) and the
Public Petroleum Co. (DEP).
[27] Simitis to address major business conference next week
Athens, 14/03/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Foreign Minister Theodoros
Pangalos are to speak at the fourth annual conference on
business co-operation in southeastern Europe in Thessaloniki on
Tuesday, to be attended by hundreds of entrepreneurs and
political figures from countries in the region.
Addresses are expected with considerable interest, given the
current climate of political upheaval in Greece's northern
neighbors.
The conference, which opens on Monday, is organized by the
Federation of Northern Greek Industries, Macedonia-Thrace Bank,
and the Greek-American Chamber.
Subjects to be discussed include promotion of a new business
environment in the region, creation of mechanisms for support of
foreign investment in the Balkan countries, their integration in
the European Union, etc.
In addition, businessmen from Turkey and the Former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) are to attend the conference for
the first time.
Scheduled speakers include US President Bill Clinton's national
security adviser Richard Sifter, US ambassador to Greece Thomas
Niles, Cypriot Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides, National
Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, and others.
[28] Monument to Greek Jewish victims of WWII to be unveiled
Athens, 14/03/1997 (ANA)
The foreign ministry in association with the World Council of
Hellenes Abroad (SAE) and the World Hellenic Parliamentary
Commission will honor in Thessaloniki on June 29 the Greek Jews
who died during World War II.
At a press conference attended by Alternate Foreign Minister
George Papandreou and SAE President Andrew Athens in
Thessaloniki yesterday, it was stressed that "our society must
remember where Nazism led us, and our youth must know the
history of their country".
Events will include the unveiling of a monument for the wartime
Jewish victims and a concert by composer Mikis Theodorakis.
Delegations of Jewish communities worldwide are expected to
attend.
An event entitled "Jewish life in Greece" will be held on the
same day.
[29] Daylight savings time
Athens, 14/03/1997 (ANA)
Daylight savings time will come into force on Sunday, March 30
in line with European Union regulations, Transport Minister
Haris Kastanidis announced yesterday. At 3 a.m. on that day,
clocks should be turned forward to read 4 a.m. The measure will
be in force until Oct. 26.
End of English language section.
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