Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-03-22
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN,
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] Costas Karamanlis overwhelmingly elected new ND leader
[02] Four contenders speak at fourth ND congress
[03] Improved co-operation noted in premier's visit to Romania
[04] Address to businessmen
[05] Meeting with Romanian Patriarch
[06] Head of Greece's Skopje liaison office meets FYROM interior
minister
[07] Constantopoulos to visit Skopje
[08] Greece, Armenia sign agriculture agreement
[09] Athens to assist in reorganization of Albanian army
[10] Question on humanitarian aid
[11] Kranidiotis talks with Fino
[12] KKE on Albania
[13] Fatos Nano in Thessaloniki
[14] Pangalos: if Ankara abandons disputes, Athens will help in its
European course
[15] "Gov't categorically denies press reports of any secret
Greek-Turkish deal
[16] Ankara welcomes Simitis proposal for meeting of Balkan nations'
FMs
[17] G. Papandreou calls for joint Greek-Swedish co-operation
committee
[18] Tsohatzopoulos says no EU foreign policy to deal with problems
in Balkans
[19] Fouras to meet with Samaranch in Lausanne
[20] Lentakis buried
[21] Two earthquakes registered in Crete, Alonisos
[22] Europarliament committee praises Athens' latest economic
indicators
[23] Gov't, Olympic Metro consortium dispute
[24] V. Papandreou says tourism sector must become more hospitable
[25] TEBE pensions increase by 8 per cent
[26] Papantoniou addresses new 'economic crime units'
[27] Current accounts deficit soars
[01] Costas Karamanlis overwhelmingly elected new ND leader
Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)
Costas Karamanlis, a nephew of the former president of the
republic by the same name, was elected late last night as new
leader of the main opposition New Democracy party during the
party's fourth congress, putting an end to seven months of
internal uncertainty sparked by the party's defeat in last
September's general election.
Mr. Karamanlis, who succeeds Miltiades Evert, was elected in a
second round ballot by an overwhelming majority of 2,350 out of
3,398 valid votes (70 per cent) cast by party delegates and
deputies, against 1,048 for contender George Souflias.
Thirty-eight blank ballots were counted.
In a first statement after his election, Mr. Karamanlis said
that there were no victors nor vanquished. Referring to his
rival Mr. Souflias, he stressed his respect for the former
minister and that he never viewed him as an opponent, "but as a
friend and associate."
Mr. Souflias lost a previous leadership contest to Mr. Evert
following ND's electoral defeat last September.
Mr. Karamanlis was born in Athens on Sept. 14, 1956. He studied
at Athens University's Law School and at the private Deree
college, continuing with postgraduate studies in the Fletcher
School of Law and Diplomacy in the United States.
He has been repeatedly elected as a New Democracy deputy for
Thessaloniki since 1989.
The nephew of New Democracy founder and former prime minister
Constantine Karamanlis, he is a member of the Macedonian Studies
Association and a life member of the council of the Constantine
Karamanlis Foundation. He is unmarried.
He was a leading member of the New Democracy Youth Organization
(ONNED) in 1974-1979, and was repeatedly elected to student
bodies under ND's student organization.
Costas Karamanlis continued his education in the US from
1980-84, where he gained a masters degree and a doctorate in
political sciences, international relations and diplomatic
history.
From 1985 to 1989, he was a member of ND's organizational
secretariat, the information secretariat and the party's
Parliamentary work group. In 1986, he became president of the
peace organization "KIPAEA" and of the Greek Center for
Promotion of European Union "Europe '92".
From 1987 to 1989, he practiced law while also working with the
magazine "Economicos Tachidromos".
In 1986, he wrote a history book, "Eleftherios Venizelos and Our
Foreign Relations - 1928-1932", and edited the compilation "The
Gorbachev Spirit and Era".
On May 5, 1989, he was elected Secretary of Parliament's
presidium and on Nov. 14, 1993, he became secretary of ND's
Political Planning Secretariat. In ND's third party congress on
April 24, 1994, he was elected member of the party's central
committee.
He was appointed member of ND's new political council following
a reorganization of the party on Aug. 22 of the same year,
keeping the post until April 1996, when he was replaced
following a decision by party president Miltiades Evert and was
appointed alternate parliamentary representative.
Mr. Karamanlis was elected president of ND's parliamentary work
group for foreign affairs in October last year.
[02] Four contenders speak at fourth ND congress
Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy party congress opened in Athens'
Peace and Friendship Stadium yesterday morning with the
resignation of incumbent leader Miltiades Evert, one of the four
candidates in yesterday's election for a new ND leader.
Mr. Evert was first to address the congress, calling for an end
to introversion and personal agendas within the party, and a new
spirit of collectivity.
What the party needed now, he said, was a program that inspired
credibility.
He criticized honorary ND president Constantine Mitsotakis and
deputy Stephanos Manos for suggesting the party was in danger of
splitting, while accusing the government of depending on various
vested interests.
Turning to foreign policy, he declared himself in favor of
dialogue with Turkey on three conditions - that Ankara respected
territorial integrity, international conventions and the
avoidance of force or the threat of force.
Costas Karamanlis, the eventual winner and ND's new leader, was
the second of the four candidates to address the congress,
speaking of a new beginning for the party.
Ruling PASOK had made a conscious choice to "lower the quality
of Greek society", he said, adding that PASOK was to blame for
the country's decline and that it was a victim of its servility
to vested interests.
It was time for the ND to rid itself of misfortune, misery,
introversion and personal vendettas, said Mr. Karamanlis.
Concluding, he called on everyone to rise to the occasion and do
their duty to the country and the party.
The third candidate to speak, Vyron Polydoras, said he had come
in for strong criticism for bidding for the ND leadership, which
he did not intend to answer.
"I am and shall remain a footsoldier of this party," he said.
"My dream is for the problems to be solved and I believe that
they can be solved only through New Democracy. The juggernaut of
Maastricht is coming and the state must make the necessary
maneuvers to avoid a head-on collision. Because Greece comes
first and then Europe," Mr. Polydoras said.
George Souflias, the fourth and final candidate to address the
congress before polls opened yesterday afternoon, said that the
person who would be elected to lead the party would have to
unite it, to be able to work in a team and to lead the party to
victory in the next elections. The next party leader would be
the next prime minister, he stressed.
Mr. Souflias called for a new beginning in the party, so that ND
could win the elections, fight for a free economy, for social
welfare and to be a responsible force in foreign policy, to make
Greece a leading player in the construction of a united Europe.
[03] Improved co-operation noted in premier's visit to Romania
Bucharest, 22/3/1997 (ANA - A. Podimata)
Greece and Romania yesterday declared their determination to
step up bilateral co-operation at all levels and work together
to make southeast Europe a region of stability, co-operation and
economic development.
Prime Minister Costas Simitis and his Romanian counterpart,
Viktor Corbea, were speaking at a joint press conference after a
second round of talks in Bucharest yesterday.
Mr. Simitis, accompanied by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos
and government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, arrived in the
Romanian capital on Thursday night for an official two-day visit.
Replying to questions, Mr. Simitis announced his intention to
visit all Balkan capitals, including Skopje, at the earliest
opportunity.
One of the ways Greece and Romania would achieve closer
co-operation, Mr. Simitis said, was within the framework of a
tripartite collaboration between Athens, Bucharest and Sofia,
which would enable the participation of more ministries, such as
tourism, transport and education.
Mr. Simitis announced the signing soon of a bilateral
co-operation agreement with Romania covering all sectors.
Stressing the need for a common Balkan course, the premier
underlined that Greek-Romanian co-operation belonged to the
framework of the two countries' common European perspective.
On the prospects of European Union and NATO membership for other
Balkan countries, Mr. Simitis said the same accession criteria
should apply for all candidate states "without differentiations
and arrangements which would in effect exclude the Balkan
countries."
Relations with the EU "should not be developed at different
levels, in other words, closer co-operation with certain
countries and looser ties with others, such as the Balkan
countries," Mr. Simitis said.
He added that the same applied with respect to NATO enlargement,
stressing that the relevant arrangements and procedures should
not leave certain countries on the fringe, through the adoption
of different treatment, discrimination and the creation of
spheres of influence.
Both men discussed Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus
problem, with Mr. Simitis expressing satisfaction for what he
called the great importance attached by Bucharest to respect for
the principles of international law, the settlement of disputes
through recourse to the International Court at the Hague and the
implementation of UN resolutions for the settlement of the
Cyprus problem.
Mr. Corbea noted that Mr. Simitis' visit was the first by a
foreign leader to Romania since recent elections.
He also linked its significance to the meeting between the
presidents of the United States and Russia in Helsinki,
underlining the importance of NATO membership for Romania. Mr.
Corbea agreed with Mr. Simitis that Greek-Romanian trade
relations had enormous possibilities for further development,
with the aim, echoing statements by the Greek premier on
Thursday, of the volume of bilateral trade reaching US$500
million.
Mr. Corbea said it had been decided to convene the
Greek-Romanian joint economic committee in Bucharest in April to
examine prospects for broadening economic co-operation, adding
that this would be facilitated by the economic reforms already
under way in
Romania. He thanked Mr. Simitis for Greece's support in
Romania's bid to join the EU and NATO and agreed with the Greek
premier that there should be no exclusions or discriminatory
treatment of candidate countries.
Replying to reporters' questions, Mr. Corbea said the Greek
premier had invited him to visit Greece, adding that he would do
so after the scheduled visit of Romanian President Emil
Constantinescu to Athens in May.
On the crisis in Albania, Mr. Corbea said Romania was closely
following developments with concern, adding that the cabinet had
recently expressed its readiness to offer any assistance for the
normalization of the situation. On the same issue, Mr. Simitis
stressed that Greece had from the outset insisted on a political
solution to the problem in the neighboring country, which should
be provided by all the political forces in Albania.
Noting that Greece had not asked for the removal of Albanian
President Sali Berisha, Mr. Simitis underlined that Athens was
in favor of a peaceful settlement of the crisis "but does not
want to get directly involved in one scenario or another."
Asked about the danger of the turmoil in Albania spreading to
other countries with ethnic Albanian minorities, Mr. Simitis
said Greece had been working since the outset of the crisis to
avert such an eventuality and referred in this respect to Mr.
Pangalos' visit on Wednesday to Skopje and Belgrade.
Replying to questions specifically on how Greece intended to
back Romania's bid to join NATO, Mr. Simitis said that in the
run-up to the alliance summit in July, Greece would intensify
its consultations with the NATO member-states "in order to
achieve t he desired result."
Mr. Simitis underlined the need for a plan providing for the
membership of all Balkan countries in the alliance, while Mr.
Corbea expressed the conviction that Romania would be among the
first group of countries to join NATO.
He also held a meeting later with President Constantinescu, who
expressed his gratitude for Greece's support to Romania's
request for accession to the Council of Europe, the European
Union and NATO.
The Greek premier said the enlargement of the European Union and
NATO's expansion formulated a common prospective for the Balkans
and "constitute the great issues which will find us on a common
course."
"My trip to Romania confirms the mutual friendship and will of
both countries for co-operation in all sectors," the premier
said, adding that Greece and Romania shared common interests.
"Both countries should co-operate even more closely in the
future," Mr. Simitis said, stressing the need for "practical
political solutions to problems."
Mr. Constantinescu said the talks between the Greek and Romanian
prime ministers earlier in the day were "fruitful."
The Romanian President is due to visit Greece in May after the
official invitation of his Greek counterpart Kostis
Stephanopoulos.
[04] Address to businessmen
Bucharest, 22/3/1997 (ANA - A. Podimata)
Speaking to Greek and Romanian businessmen later in the day, Mr.
Simitis said that the Balkan countries should "build a new
world," adding that the entrepreneurs should also assume
initiatives in order for this goal to be reached."
Referring to Greek investment interests in Romania, Mr. Simitis
said that "the Greek enterprises, which have both the
organization and know-how, are looking forward to their
substantive participation in the modernization effort currently
being held in Romania."
Stressing the importance of the sectors of transport and
telecommunications, Mr. Simitis said that the inter-European
road axis and especially the road axis linking Bucharest to
Alexandroupolis "open new perspectives for the increase of
economic and trade transactions."
The premier said the participation of both countries in the
Black Sea Economic Co-operation was an additional factor in the
framework of Greek-Romanian co-operation.
Stressing that obstacles in the co-operation of the two
countries, which existed in the past due to the differences of
economic systems between the two countries, no longer exist, Mr.
Simitis said his visit to Romania "aims precisely at directing
efforts to build a new tomorrow for the Balkans."
Mr. Simitis also held meetings with former Romanian president
and main opposition party leader Ion Iliescu.
[05] Meeting with Romanian Patriarch
Bucharest, 22/3/1997 (ANA)
Mr. Simitis ended his official visit by meeting with Romanian
Patriarch Theoktistos.
The Romanian Patriarch expressed his wishes for the prime
minister, the Greek people and Archbishop of Athens and All
Greece Serapheim, whom he described as an important friend of
the Romanian Church.
Mr. Simitis described his meeting with the Romanian Patriarch as
being useful, saying that "the contact of churches, the exchange
of cultural experiences and anything which can contribute to
joint tradition is useful."
"The Orthodox Church has many times contributed to this effort
and it is useful for us to be in contact with it," the prime
minister said.
[06] Head of Greece's Skopje liaison office meets FYROM interior
minister
Skopje, 22/3/1997 (ANA - M. Vihou)
The head of the Greek liaison office here yesterday met with the
interior minister of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
(FYROM) Tsokrevski, implementing an agreement made during
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos lightning visit to Skopje on
Wednesday.
It was agreed that a delegation from the FYROM interior ministry
headed by Under-secretary Dime Gurev will visit Athens on March
26 for talks with representatives of the public order ministry
on issues of mutual concern.
In the framework of regular contacts between Alexandros Mallias
and FYROM Defense Minister Blagoja Hatjinski for an exchange of
information and assessments on developments in the region and
possible side-effects emanating from the crisis in Albania, the
Greek diplomat delivered an invitation for the participation of
representatives of the FYROM defense ministry in a seminar on
the prevention of regional conflicts, to be held in Athens in
July.
[07] Constantopoulos to visit Skopje
Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)
In another development, Coalition of the Left and Progress
(Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos will pay a two-day
visit to FYROM on Thursday and Friday.
Mr. Constantopoulos will meet FYROM President Kiro Gligorov,
Prime Minister Branko Crvenkovski and Foreign Minister Ljubomir
Frckovski.
Prior to his departure, Mr. Constantopoulos will meet Foreign
Minister Theodoros Pangalos.
[08] Greece, Armenia sign agriculture agreement
Yerevan, 22/3/1997 (F. Myrtsidou)
Greece and Armenia yesterday signed a five-year agriculture
co-operation agreement.
The agreement was signed by Agriculture Under-secretary Vassilis
Geranidis and Armenian Agriculture Minister Vladimir
Bovshishian. The two countries have agreed to co-operate in
stockbreeding, the production of animal feeds, agricultural
research, bio-technology, fishing, fishfarms and forestry.
Mr. Geranidis expressed his understanding for the problems
Armenian agriculture is facing and pledged Greece's support both
on a bilateral level and relating to the European Union and
other international organizations.
The Armenian minister stressed his country is in urgent need of
wheat and of correct management of its water resources. He added
that the privatization process for businesses in the agriculture
sector has been completed by 90 per cent.
[09] Athens to assist in reorganization of Albanian army
Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)
Greece yesterday responded positively to a request by the
Albanian government for assistance in restoring its disorganized
and antiquated armed forces.
Tirana made the official request late Thursday night to the
Greek national defense ministry.
Acting government spokesman Nikos Athanasakis yesterday
confirmed that the government would approve the Albanian
request. However, he added that the issue would require further
examination and consultations with the Albanian side.
Asked whether this request was related to a possible
participation by Greece in a multinational force in Albania, the
spokesman said this would depend on developments, noting that
Albanian Prime Minister Bashkim Fino was to meet shortly with
the foreign ministers of the European Union member-states.
At the moment, he added, there was virtually no army in Albania.
Tirana has asked for initial assistance in the sectors of
military management, including medical supplies, fuel and
medical teams.
On Tuesday, National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos,
referring to the request which had been expected from Albania
government, cited Greece's particular responsibility in the
Balkans and as a neighbor of Albania, as well as Athens'
interest in the safety of the ethnic Greek minority in Albania.
[10] Question on humanitarian aid
Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)
In another development, humanitarian aid delivered by Athens
Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos and Corfu Prefect Andreas Pangratis
to the Albanian port of Sarande on Wednesday never reached the
orphanage it was destined for, according to Sarande's former
prefect and current councilor Dimitris Stefos.
Mr. Stefos told a Corfu radio station that the food and other
essential supplies delivered by a Greek naval vessel have been
spotted in several of the town's shops. He warned that unless
the political situation settles down, all efforts to offer
assistance will be wasted.
Another 40 ton of food from the municipality of Athens is still
in storage on Corfu. Following Mr. Stefos' warning and other
similar allegations, it was decided to keep the items on Corfu
until a means of guaranteeing delivery is found.
[11] Kranidiotis talks with Fino
Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)
Meanwhile, Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis yesterday
held a telephone conversation with Mr. Fino.
According to a foreign ministry announcement, the discussion was
particularly friendly, with both men agreeing that "the small
diplomatic misunderstanding which arose is considered to be over
by both sides."
Albania had lodged a demarche with the Greek embassy in Tirana
last week protesting a series of meetings between Mr.
Kranidiotis and representatives of insurgents in southern
Albania.
Athens reacted to the demarche, saying that the Albanian
government had been informed about the under-secretary's visit
to southern Albania.
[12] KKE on Albania
Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)
The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) in an announcement yesterday
said both sides are aiming at a political solution, but the
substantive difference lies in the fact that solutions sought
are moving on different paths.
KKE said positions concerning a political solution constitute
the greatest hypocrisy while the weapons of military
intervention are being wielded, threatening, blackmailing and
trying to split and terrorize the insurgent Albanians.
KKE called on the government to distance itself from those
supporting the staying on of Albanian President Sali Berisha,
because otherwise it will be directly implicated.
[13] Fatos Nano in Thessaloniki
Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)
The leader of Albania's Socialist Party, Fatos Nano, yesterday
met with Macedonia-Thrace Minister Philippos Petsalnikos, after
the former arrived in Thessaloniki to visit his two children,
who are studying at a private school here.
Although Mr. Nano's visit has been described as private, it
still bears some political significance as he appears to be
playing a leading role in developments in Albania, while reports
state that he may meet with other political figures during his
three -day visit.
Neither Mr. Nano nor Mr. Petsalnikos made any statements after
the one-hour meeting.
[14] Pangalos: if Ankara abandons disputes, Athens will help in its
European course
Istanbul, 22/3/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos stressed that if Ankara
abandoned its counterproductive tactics and disputes of Greece's
territorial integrity, Athens would make every effort towards a
solution of differences and strengthening Turkey' s European
course.
"We do not insist on Turkey referring disputes to the
International Court at The Hague, an announcement of the
decision concerning referral will be sufficient," he said in an
interview to the "Yeni G0zgil" newspaper, published yesterday.
"On the issue of the continental shelf, we could, after a
certain preparation, ask a third party to examine where justice
lies," he added.
He issued an appeal to the Turkish people "not to permit war,
and not to be trapped in the aggressive designs of some of its
leaders."
"In Ankara, they continuously use the threat of war against
Greece as a diplomatic weapon. This is an unacceptable
situation," he charged, noting that "we expect a statement from
the Turkish foreign ministry, the presidency of the republic, or
some other official source, clarifying that there is no issue of
war between our two countries".
"We are asking Turkey to confirm it respects international
treaties," said Mr. Pangalos, noting that in her letter to
European foreign ministers, Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu
Ciller referred to "absence of borders in the Aegean."
"This is a mistaken approach, it is a behavior disputing
Greece's territorial integrity and the borders in the Aegean,"
he added.
Regarding Cyprus, Mr. Pangalos referred to the need "to break
the wall erected in Nicosia between the two communities."
"Let's abolish the wall in Cyprus, even before talks begin.
Every Friday (for instance), let people move as they wish. For
those in the north, who face the problem of unemployment, the
possibility for temporary work could be given. At the end of the
week, people may get together, dance, or even get married," he
said.
He charged that the current European view of Turkey suffered
from superficiality, saying characteristically, "this issue of
the family photograph is nonsense and it belittles the Turkish
people".
"Islam is part of Europe. We lived together for years, your
culture is part of our culture, and our culture has been united
with yours. There can be no issue of accepting a cultural
distinction," he said, stressing, "Turkey's final goal must be
unification with Europe.
[15] "Gov't categorically denies press reports of any secret
Greek-Turkish deal
Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)
Acting government spokesman Nikos Athanasakis yesterday denied
reports in the Turkish daily "Milliyet" that a secret
Greek-Turkish meeting was held during which Turkish Foreign
Minister Tansu Ciller agreed to refer the Imia issue to the
International Court of Justice at The Hague.
"Milliyet" claimed that in return, Athens agreed to support
Turkey's candidacy for full entry into the European Union.
Replying to a question, Mr. Athanasakis also denied that Greece
has been pressured regarding Turkey's relations with the EU,
reiterating that it is Turkey that which must be pressured to
make the necessary moves.
The spokesman reiterated that it is Turkey which must refer the
Imia issue to the International Court at The Hague, "which is a
move it can and must do unilaterally as it does not need an
agreement, given Greece's acceptance of the general jurisdiction
of the International Court."
[16] Ankara welcomes Simitis proposal for meeting of Balkan nations'
FMs
Istanbul, 22/3/1997 (ANA)
Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Omer Akbel said yesterday
that a proposal made in Thessaloniki by Prime Minister Costas
Simitis concerning a meeting between the foreign ministers of
Balkan countries has not yet been officially conveyed to Ankara.
Commenting on the meeting scheduled in Thessaloniki, Mr. Akbel
said "it is not a formal inter-Balkan meeting, but there is no
reason why Turkey should not participate in the meeting."
Earlier, sources at the Turkish foreign ministry had made it
clear that the prime minister's proposal would be welcomed in
Ankara.
[17] G. Papandreou calls for joint Greek-Swedish co-operation
committee
Stockholm, 22/3/1997 (ANA - N. Servetas)
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou yesterday proposed
the establishment of a permanent committee for co-operation
between the two countries for the purpose of exchanging
information in order that Athens may play in the Balkans a role
similar to Sweden's among the Baltic states.
Commenting on Mr. Papandreou's proposal, Swedish Foreign
Minister Lean Hjelm-Wallen said the two regions could not be
compared, but her country would, nevertheless, do everything
possible to assist the Greek initiative.
The aim of Mr. Papandreou's visit was to discuss with the
Swedish government issues of common interest, the prospects of
Cyprus' EU membership, the Intergovernmental Conference and the
situation in the Balkans, as well as details of Prime Minister
Cost as Simitis' official visit to Sweden in June.
Regarding Cyprus' EU prospects, Mr. Papandreou said there was
agreement that the Turkish Cypriot community should be convinced
of the benefits of membership.
Ms Hjelm-Wallen stressed that occasional claims that Sweden
viewed the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides in the same way were
not valid, adding that "negotiations for membership must begin,
and this concerns the whole island."
"Both sides must take part in the negotiations. However, we must
find solutions to the problem. We know what the solution is and
both sides know it. The question is how we get there," she said.
[18] Tsohatzopoulos says no EU foreign policy to deal with problems
in Balkans
Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos spoke yesterday on
what he called the European Union's inability to forge a common
foreign policy and to deal with problems which arise, such as
those faced by countries of eastern Europe and the Balkans.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos, speaking during the opening of the
Mediterranean conference of the Socialist International Youth
yesterday, said the EU is unable to solve the peoples' problems,
paying attention exclusively to economic issues and figures.
[19] Fouras to meet with Samaranch in Lausanne
Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)
Sports Under-secretary Andreas Fouras is to meet with
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Juan Antonio
Samaranch in Lausanne this weekend in order to discuss issues
related to Athens' bid to host the 2004 Olympic Games and
relations between Greek athletics and the IOC in general.
Mr. Fouras left for Lausanne yesterday at the personal
invitation of Mr. Samaranch, accompanied by Olympic Games
Committee President Lambis Nikolaou.
"Fifteen days ago we returned from Lausanne having secured
Athens' candidacy for the final selection (of the 2004 Olympics
venue) on September 5. Today, (yesterday) we are going to
Lausanne at the invitation of the IOC president. An invitation
which is particularly interesting, given that it follows the
decision to include Athens in the shortlist of five candidate
cities," Mr. Fouras told reporters shortly before leaving for
Switzerland.
The sports under-secretary expressed hope that his meeting with
Mr. Samaranch would help Athens succeed in its bid to host the
2004 Olympic Games.
The IOC shortlist includes Athens, Rome, Buenos Aires, Cape Town
and Stockholm, chosen from eleven candidate cities originally
bidding for the Games. The final decision for the venue will be
made by the IOC plenary on September 5.
[20] Lentakis buried
Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)
Andreas Lentakis, the politician, mayor, writer and professor,
was buried at the Athens First Cemetery yesterday in the
presence of several members of the government, deputies and a
large crowd.
Songs by Mikis Theodorakis were heard while members of Lentakis'
family were accompanied by Political Spring (Pol.An) leader
Samaras. Lentakis was a founding member of Pol.An.
Eulogies focused on the character of Andreas Lentakis, his
fighting spirit, his writings and his love for those who stood
by him.
Officials attending the funeral included Parliament President
Apostolos Kaklamanis, Health and Welfare Minister Costas
Geitonas, Health and Welfare Under-secretary Manolis Skoulakis,
Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas
Laliotis, Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos and deputies from
all political parties.
[21] Two earthquakes registered in Crete, Alonisos
Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)
An earthquake measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale shook the
Sporades Islands at 8:17 yesterday morning and was felt as far
as the mainland prefecture of Magnisia.
The earthquake's epicenter was located 150 kilometers
north-northeast of Athens, north of the island of Alonissos, the
Athens Geodynamics Institute said.
Although the northern Aegean is not considered particularly
seismic, a strong quake measuring 6.5 Richter occurred in 1965.
In another incident, an earthquake measuring 4.7 on the Richter
scale was felt in eastern areas of the island of Crete at 1.50
yesterday morning. It's epicenter was in the Gulf of Meramvelo
in the prefecture of Lasithi.
No damages were reported from either earthquake.
[22] Europarliament committee praises Athens' latest economic
indicators
Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)
A six-member delegation of the European Parliament's economic,
monetary and industry committee yesterday expressed satisfaction
at Greece's economic indicators, particularly those related to
Maastricht Treaty targets.
The committee, which is currently visiting Greece, is headed by
its Vice-President, PASOK party Eurodeputy George Katiforis.
The Euro-MP noted that according to the competent government
ministers with whom the committee has met, the convergence
criteria for Greece's participation in Economic and Monetary
Union will have been satisfied during 1998.
This would mean that the Greek drachma will join the single
European currency - Euro - together with the second group of EU
member-states at the latest by the year 2001.
Mr. Katiforis' assessment was echoed by British Eurodeputy Alan
Donnelly, who referred also to the principle of solidarity among
those EU members joining the monetary system later.
"This European Parliament must safeguard this principle so that
apart from economic cohesion, social cohesion may also be
attained," Mr. Donnelly said.
[23] Gov't, Olympic Metro consortium dispute
Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)
A dispute between the government and Olympic Metro, the
consortium building Athens' underground railway, came to a head
yesterday after the environment, town planning and public works
ministry decided to cancel the agreement with the consortium for
the construction of the Syntagma-Keramikos section of the track.
Minister Costas Laliotis said the consortium is making an
"unreasonable demand" of 82 billion drachmas more than agreed
upon in the contract, according to an announcement after a
meeting between the two sides.
In November 1994, a supplementary contract was signed under
which the consortium was paid 65 billion drachmas. However,
eighteen months ago further financial demands were made, causing
delays to construction.
If Olympic Metro does not back down from its demands, a new call
for tenders will be announced for the specific section of track.
[24] V. Papandreou says tourism sector must become more hospitable
Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)
Development Minister Vasso Papandreou yesterday presented "a
tourist conscience campaign" at a downtown Athens hotel aimed at
providing foreign visitors with a more hospitable environment
during this year's tourist season.
The central slogan of the campaign, due to start in the country
on March 27, will be "The Greek Tourist Organization (EOT)
Warns: Smiling is Good for the Health and Our Economy."
The program was presented in the presence of many publishers and
media officials, as well as representatives of all agencies
involved either directly or indirectly in tourism.
Ms Papandreou said employees and managers in the sector must
become more professional in their dealings with tourists and
look upon them as guests, and not as currency.
She called on all agencies and the media to help the
implementation of the tourist conscience campaign in their own
way since "the development ministry cannot achieve many things
by itself."
[25] TEBE pensions increase by 8 per cent
Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)
Pensions paid by the Professionals and Craftsmen Fund (TEBE) are
to increase by 8 per cent retroactively as of Jan. 1, 1997.
Following a decision by the labor and social security ministry,
the increases will be calculated on the amount of pensions paid
a s at Dec. 31, 1996. There will be no increases for the part of
pensions exceeding the gross amount of 280,000 drachmas.
The lowest pensions will be set at 86,770 a month for retirement
and disability pensions as of Jan. 1, 1997 and 72,886 drachmas a
month for spousal pensions paid due to death.
[26] Papantoniou addresses new 'economic crime units'
Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)
Controls by the newly established "economic crime units" (SDOE)
will be directed at widespread tax evasion perpetrated by
well-known people, National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos
Papantoniou told the members of the units yesterday.
He said that plans of action are already being prepared for
controls concerning VAT-related to fuel and music halls by SDOE
officials.
Mr. Papantoniou sent a message regarding continuous tax controls
which will be conducted on the basis of business and scientific
expertise. Additionally, he told reporters that lists containing
the names of tax evaders will be provided, but only in case s of
ascertained tax evasion.
He said developments in the Balkans contribute towards shaping a
climate favoring an increase in smuggling, adding that there is
a need to prepare a special plan to handle the phenomenon.
Earlier, Mr. Papantoniou visited a large tax revenue center in
Athens, where he said that the heads of tax revenue offices will
be judged on the basis of their effectiveness and that new tax
settlements will not be brought about.
[27] Current accounts deficit soars
Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)
The current accounts deficit re-ached a record US$ 4.75 billion
between January-November 1996, compared to US$ 3 billion in the
corresponding eleven-month period of 1995, according to figures
released yesterday by the central bank.
The bank said the record deficit was due to a 5.7 increase in
the tra-de balance, resulting from a US$ 872 million rise in
imports against a US$ 32 million drop in exports, compared to
1995.
During the same period of 1996, invisibles also fell by US$ 812
million , the Bank of Greece said.
End of English language section.
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