Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-04-01

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From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1152), April 1, 1997

Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]

CONTENTS

[01] Formation of Greek contingent for Albanian mission underway

[02] FM delegation ministry to Tirana

[03] KKE opposition

[04] Albanian political leader visit

[05] Papantoniou emphasizes Athens' interest in backing joint Greek-Cypriot business ventures

[06] Van Mierlo in Athens on Thursday

[07] No Simitis visit to Turkey planned

[08] Uzbek President Karimov arrives for official visit

[09] Karamanlis continues contacts

[10] Tsohatzopoulos on official French visit

[11] Santer in Athens in early May

[12] Green paper presentation in Athens

[13] PM's schedule for the week

[14] Andreas Papandreou monument

[15] PASOK executive committee meets

[16] Four 'Kostakos' crew-members buried

[17] Papaioannou: Immediate measures needed for social security system

[18] Social dialogue to begin this month

[19] Premier briefed on Athens 2004 bid

[20] Renewable energy sources seminar begins

[21] Gov't spokesman on new ND leader's economic positions

[22] Evzones border post to be upgraded

[23] Shoe manufacturing sector faces tough foreign competition

[24] SBBE stresses that convergence program must be met

[25] Citibank reduces lending rates

[26] Europartenariat Hellas set for June

[27] EOT presentations in US

[28] Legal aid for disadvantaged citizens

[29] Breast cancer rates post increase in Greece

[30] Spyridon visits Patriarchate

[31] Tax crimes squad set to go

[32] PASOK-aligned group wins at TEE

[33] Conference on women's role in Balkan development scheduled

[34] Legislation enacted to benefit large families

[01] Formation of Greek contingent for Albanian mission underway

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

Asked by reporters in Thessaloniki whether the contingent would be made up of volunteers, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos replied in the negative, adding that "there is a specific unit of the armed forces which, as soon as the relevant decisions have been taken and we have determined the size of the force to participate, will undertake its task as a constituent section of the armed forces."

The United Nations on Friday gave the green light for the formation of a 5,000-strong force, half of whom will be deployed and half of whom will be held in reserve to protect humanitarian relief operations in Albania.

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday that Greece would participate in the multinational force with about 700 troops. He also said the UN-mandated mission will last for three months in order to help normalize the situation in the strife-ridden neighbouring country.

Asked whether Italy's "primacy" would create problems following the sinking of a crowded Albanian refugee boat in the Adriatic on Friday by an Italian naval vessel, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos replied that there was no problem as far as Athens was concerned, while noting that "there is no primacy in the multinational force, in which seven or eight countries will participate."

At least 80 people are believed to have died in the maritime tragedy. Asked to comment on reservations voiced as to the efficacy of the multinational force, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said it was the Greek government's choice "to express in the most effective way the solidarity we feel as neighbours, as a Balkan people and as a people which has a Greek minority in Albania."

Military commanders will meet today in Rome to examine details of the multinational force.

Mr. Reppas said the countries to participate in the force would be Greece, Italy, France and Spain from the European Union, as well as Hungary, Romania and Turkey.

The force will remain in Albania for three months, he added, in order to assist the distribution of humanitarian aid and keep open lines of communication as part of efforts to restore normality in the neighbouring country.

Mr. Reppas said the contingent should be made up of full-time soldiers rather than reservists and that Athens would propose that the Greek contingent be based in the Tirana area.

The spokesman, meanwhile, expressed his regret at the sinking of the Albanian refugee boat.

"We believe that an inquiry should be held into the circumstances surrounding the accident and, if there is responsibility, it should be attributed accordingly," he said.

Mr. Reppas said the presence of the Greek military contingent in Albania and the strengthening of Greek-Albanian ties would avert any attempts at provocations against the Greek minority in the neighbouring country.

Asked to comment on reports alleging plans by Tirana aimed against the ethnic Greek minority, Mr. Reppas said "we do not believe that there is any plan by the Albanian government for the annihilation of the Greek minority."

However, he did not rule out the existence of "circles and centers" which might attempt to destabilize Greek-Albanian relations and create hardships for the minority in order to force ethnic Greeks to leave the country.

"The Greek government is at the side of the Greeks of Albania," Mr. Reppas said, in response to a request from the minority for the Greek military contingent to be based in their areas.

He also said that Greece had never proposed that its contingent be based in the areas inhabited by the minority - namely the south of the country - since Athens believed that it would be more effective if based in central Albania.

In a related development, Archbishop of Tirana and all Albania Anastasios also expressed deep sorrow at the at the sinking of the refugee boat.

[02] FM delegation ministry to Tirana

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

The delegation includes the Secretary-General for international economic relations for overseas Greeks, Cost as Zachariadis, the director of Balkan affairs, Dimitris Kypraios, and officials of the ministries of the interior, health and welfare and public order as well as a representative of the Greek Red Cross.

The delegation will have talks with official s of the corresponding Albanian ministries in order to examine ways in which Greece can best offer assistance.

Mr. Filon will be received by Albanian President Sali Berisha, Prime Minister Bashkim Fino and the Albanian foreign ministry leadership.

[03] KKE opposition

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

In an announcement, Ms Papariga notes that the Greek government "not only is contributing but is the leading force" among those which supported the Berisha regime or played a leading part in "the robbery of the sources of wealth and the dissolution of the Albanian economy..."

[04] Albanian political leader visit

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Ceka expressed thanks on behalf of the Albanian people for the Greek help and hospitalization of the wounded, and his sorrow over the sinking of an Albanian ship by an Italian military vessel in the Adriatic.

[05] Papantoniou emphasizes Athens' interest in backing joint Greek-Cypriot business ventures

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

He said a Greek-Cypriot joint economic zone is promoted by both governments and is expected to be concluded by the year 2000.

"We will harmonize the institutional regime and we will expand the activities of the Exporting Credit Insurance Organization to Cyprus in a bid to help the creation of joint ventures in the Balkans," Mr. Papantoniou said in his address to the "Greek-Cypriot Business Symposium," held in Athens under the auspices the national economy ministry.

Addressing the symposium, Cypriot Finance Minister Christodoulos Christodoulou said that business co-operation between Greece and Cyprus was an "inevitable choice."

He said co-operation between the two countries could focus in the service sector, in tourism and banking, constructions, through the establishment of joint ventures for the construction of infrastructural works in the Balkans, the Black Sea region and the Arab countries, as well as in the sector of industrial output and industrial applications of renewable energy sources.

Stressing the need to find venture capital to finance such co-operation, Mr. Christodoulou said both governments should turn to the banking sector in both countries, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and EU Community sources.

In order to facilitate co-operation, Mr. Christodoulou said Nicosia has revised its criteria regarding the percentages of international participation in Cypriot businesses and has simplified procedures for the approval of such participations.

In his address, National Economy Under-secretary Alexandros Baltas said Greece and Cyprus constituted part of a common economic zone and their further co-operation in all sectors is necessary not only from an economic point of view but also to safeguard t he interests of Hellenism.

"Greek business activities, especially in the Balkan and Black Sea markets, reinforce the populations of Greek origin who need infinite support," Mr. Baltas said.

[06] Van Mierlo in Athens on Thursday

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

Discussions are expected to cover a wide range of subjects, including European Union issues - in view of the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Amsterdam this weekend - as well as EU-Turkey and Greek-Turkish relations.

The Netherlands currently holds the rotating EU presidency.

According to sources, Mr. van Mierlo has said he is prepared to contribute to the resolution of Greek-Turkish differences and to provide his help.

An EU-Turkey Association Council is due to take place on April 29.

[07] No Simitis visit to Turkey planned

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

An ANA dispatch from Istanbul quoted diplomatic sources as describing a series of planned visits by European ministers to Ankara in the next few days as "a parade for the boosting of Turkey's morale".

Following German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel's recent visit to Ankara, the Netherlands and France are sending their foreign ministers, Mr. van Mierlo and Herve De Charette, respectively, this week.

Mr. van Mierlo's is expected to discuss with his Turkish counterpart, Tansu Ciller, a proposal for the appointment of a "blue chip" committee to look into Greek-Turkish problems.

According to the dispatch, reliable sources pointed out that the success of the visits depends on unanimity among the Turkish government, the foreign ministry and the military, which however, does not seem to exist at present.

[08] Uzbek President Karimov arrives for official visit

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Karimov is to meet privately with President Kostis Stephanopoulos early today.

Later in the day he will meet with Prime Minister Costas Simitis for the signing of the protocol.

He is also scheduled to meet with Greek businessmen and Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis.

[09] Karamanlis continues contacts

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

The Parliamentary Group will elect a new secretary-general, following the revision of the party's charter.

Sources say Stavros Dimas is the most widely-accepted candidate and most likely to win the post.

Today, Mr. Karamanlis will meet with Stephanos Manos and is scheduled to meet with Dora Bakoyianni within the next few days.

Yesterday the New Democracy leader met with Yiannis Matsis, the leader of Cyprus's Democratic Alarm party, who briefed him on the course of the Cyprus problem.

[10] Tsohatzopoulos on official French visit

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

Talks will be held on the same day, while he will also visit the Le Clerk tank factory. On Thursday, he is scheduled to visit an air-base, where he will observe a Mirage 2000/5 air display.

[11] Santer in Athens in early May

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Santer is scheduled to meet President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Costas Simitis, the leadership of the foreign ministry, and main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis.

Discussions are expected to center on foreign policy issues and the role of the EU in the broader region.

[12] Green paper presentation in Athens

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

The event is being organized by the European Commission's representation in Greece and by the Greek Center of European Studies (EKEM).

The gathering will be addressed by Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis, among others.

[13] PM's schedule for the week

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

Tomorrow morning Mr. Simitis will chair a meeting of PASOK's Parliamentary group and at noon he will hold talks with his Albanian counterpart, Bashkim Fino, on the current crisis in Albania. On Wednesday afternoon he will reply to questions put to him by Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos on the electoral system and by Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga concerning the sending of a Greek force to Albania.

On Thursday, Mr. Simitis will meet with the secretary-general of European trade unions and on Friday he will chair a cabinet meeting which will focus on the conversion of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization's (OTE) capital into shares and the development of processes at the Intergovernmental Conference.

Mr. Reppas reminded that 8 per cent of OTE's shares has already been converted, adding that the percentage approved by Parliament amounts to 25 per cent at the most.

Lastly, Mr. Reppas said that Mr. Simitis will leave for Thessaloniki on Friday afternoon to attend the opening conference of Balkan socialist parties, which is being organized by the European Socialist Party grouping.

[14] Andreas Papandreou monument

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

[15] PASOK executive committee meets

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

The party's central committee secretary, Costas Skandalidis, said ND's new leadership will not be judged by its declarations or intentions, but by the positions it will take on the serious issues Greece is currently facing.

"PASOK is proceeding normally based on its planning," Mr. Skandalidis said.

He added that discussions on Albania were not extensive, and expressed the belief that the government's policy on the issue is adequate.

[16] Four 'Kostakos' crew-members buried

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

All four funerals, which were held separately, were attended by Hellenic Navy officials.

The four crewmen have been posthumously promoted by one rank.

[17] Papaioannou: Immediate measures needed for social security system

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Papaioannou said social dialogue was due to start in the next few days, and called on participants to submit proposals.

At the same time he warned that the government would not wait for the conclusion of such dialogue in order to solve pending problems, such as fighting tax evasion.

"Internationally, social security systems have been undergoing a deep crisis which resulted in huge deficits and limited their sources," Mr. Papaioannou said.

He said this crisis was triggered from demographic changes and the aging of the general population, prolonged recession in the world economy, as well as increasing budget deficits and public debts.

By the year 2050, Mr. Papaioannou said, half of Greece's economically active population will consist of over 65-year-old citizens.

To overcome the crisis of the social security system, the minister proposed a series of options including the increase of payments to the social security funds.

"The imminent problem we are faced with in Greece," the minister said, "is the settling of our social security funds. This will be overcome through the combating of tax evasion, the establishment of a special mechanism to receive contributions, the merging of social security funds as well as the participation of the state."

[18] Social dialogue to begin this month

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Paschalidis said the joint 11-member government and party committee is to meet on April 10 and will declare the opening of the social dialogue. He stressed that this is in no way a "political trick".

Meanwhile, workers' unions are reacting against plans revealed following Prime Minister Costas Simitis' speech to PASOK-affiliated union members regarding scenarios of changes in labour relations and the issues of employment and social security.

Public utility contracts are also raising objections, with the Public Power Corp. (DEH) workers' union announcing a 24-hour strike for next Wednesday, followed by a 48-hour strike on April 15-16. Bank employees are also likely to hold strikes.

On its part, the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) has stated that it will consider ratification of eight proposed measures as a "casus belli", while it is expected to strenuously protest to the national economy ministry over public utility contracts.

[19] Premier briefed on Athens 2004 bid

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

After the meeting, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou, a member of the committee, told the press that "we had a substantive discussion with the prime minister regarding this new phase which our candidacy for hosting the 2004 Olympics has entered."

Greece is one of the five countries included in the short list for hosting the Games. The final decision will be announced in September.

Head of the committee Yianna Angelopoulou-Daskalaki said the meeting focused on the committee's strategy in this second phase.

"We agreed that the strategy should be based on promoting Athens' real and symbolic advantages as a host city over those of the rival cities," she said.

Expressing reserved optimism, Ms. Angelopoulou-Daskalaki said the committee was prepared to face the hard struggle ahead.

Meanwhile, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the government did not share Coalition of the Left and Progress' belief that Athens should not claim the 2004 Olympic Games.

"The relevant decision was reached by the party yesterday (Sunday)," Mr. Reppas said.

"It had not been expressed at the critical and suitable moment, only after Athens had been elected in the short-list," he added.

[20] Renewable energy sources seminar begins

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

The seminar was held in Athens at the initiative of the European Commission and the Center of Renewable Energy Sources.

Mr. Papoutsis said the main purpose of RECs focused on implementation of a decentralized community energy policy through the promotion of the renewable energy sources, support of local investments, protection of the environment and citizens' awareness.

The EU Commissioner said the use of energy renewable sources in Greece was not as extensive as it should be.

Development Minister Vasso Papandreou and Interior, Decentralization and Public Administration Minister Alekos Papadopoulos also spoke at the event.

Ms. Papandreou said the development of the renewable energy sources constituted a national priority goal. She elaborated on a ministry-backed "entrepreneurial energy plan" providing economic incentives for investments.

[21] Gov't spokesman on new ND leader's economic positions

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

"Apart from proclamations, we will await the ND leader's practical behavior. However, we have seen the economic policy followed by his party in the past, which was painful for the people," he said.

Mr. Reppas also reiterated that there is no question of new taxes being imposed by the government.

[22] Evzones border post to be upgraded

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Drys visited the Evzones post early yesterday and spoke to customs officers about the problems they faced.

Later, speaking to reporters at the Macedonia-Thrace Ministry in Thessaloniki, Mr. Drys said the government would take all the necessary measures for the upgrading of the customs post, traffic through which was continuously increasing following the improvement of relations between the two countries.

The measures, he added, would include increasing the number of staff, improving equipment and the carrying out of a special study by the finance ministry in co-operation with Kilkis prefecture.

[23] Shoe manufacturing sector faces tough foreign competition

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

Those figures were released yesterday by the Association of Thessaloniki Shoe Manufacturers during a press conference on the occasion of the exhibition scheduled at HELEXPO's facilities between April 4-6.

The domestic shoe manufacturing sector today comprises 3,000 units, which produce 12 million pairs of shoes annually (of which 5 million are exported to Europe, North America, Australia and the Far East), with a turnover of 50 to 60 billion drachmas.

Greece's best customer is Russia, followed by Serbia.

[24] SBBE stresses that convergence program must be met

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

The memorandum sets out SBBE's positions on fiscal policy and a series of claims toward the finance ministry. Specifically, industrialists of northern Greece expressed agreement over a crackdown on tax evasion and the restoration of certain counter-productive settlements which constituted, as they said, the main targets of the taxation bill, adding that "the new settlements created considerable burdens for the functioning of business which might ultimately have unfavorable repercussions on competitiveness."

They further said that the stability of the economic environment and the avoidance of unannounced unilateral government measures constitute basic parameters for attaining the common target of development, adding that governments throughout Europe are bringing about drastic decreases in expenditures and reshaping the welfare state.

[25] Citibank reduces lending rates

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

Consequently, Citibank will offer the following rate structure: base rate for working capital loans 15 per cent (from 16.25 per cent), base rate for freely investible funds 15.25 per cent (from 16.50 per cent), business and professional base lending rat e 16.25 per cent (from 17 per cent), mortgage rate 15.50 per cent, auto loans through representative 18.75 per cent, branch auto loans 19.75 per cent, personal installment loans 22 per cent, personal installment loans with invoices 17 per cent (from 20 per cent) and home improvement loans 19.75 per cent.

The basic lending rates of the working capital loans in foreign exchange for the same period are: US dollars 8.31 per cent; yen 3.06 per cent; deutschmarks 5.81 per cent; ECU 6.75 per cent; Dutch guilders 5.85 per cent; French francs 5.87 per cent; British pounds 8.87 per cent; Swiss francs 4.44 per cent and Belgian francs 5.94 per cent.

[26] Europartenariat Hellas set for June

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

Europartenariat Hellas 1997 is an initiative of the European Commission that aims at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises explore their potential for cross-border co-operation.

Trade agreements, dealerships, establishment of joint ventures, sharing of common distribution networks and exchange of technology and know-how, are typical examples of desired co-operation.

The event is organized by the Exporters Association of Northern Greece, the same institution that successfully organized the Europartenariat of 1992 in Thessaloniki. Europartenariat Hellas 1997 is being financially supported by the European Commission, Directorate General XVI and XXIII and the Greek ministry of national economy.

[27] EOT presentations in US

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

An integrated presentation of tourist destinations will be featured at the seminars, to be held in Atlanta, Boston, Washington, Coral Gables, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Dallas and Philadelphia. EOT's director in the US, Alexandros Mourkoyiannis, will be the main speaker, while representatives of airline companies and travel organizations will also participate.

[28] Legal aid for disadvantaged citizens

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

The Bar Association is drawing up a list of lawyers, particularly young attorneys, who will assume these cases and will be compensated by DSA, although potential litigants will also be able to choose a lawyer with the Bar covering the legal fees.

During a press conference held yesterday, DSA stressed that for the measure to be implemented permanently, the justice ministry will have to provide a specific fund from its budget. The Bar Association has called for legal aid to be funded by the state, as occurs in other European Union countries.

[29] Breast cancer rates post increase in Greece

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

Specialists who held a press conference yesterday in view of the sixth Panhellenic Conference of Clinical Oncology said the five-year increase is estimated at around 10 per cent.

The increase is not due to better methods of diagnosis, although no one particular cause can be pinpointed for this upturn. However, researchers said a change in lifestyle is almost certainly a factor, such as less attention being paid to nutrition, smoking, greater exposure to radiation and bearing children at an advanced age.

Researchers noted that according to latest studies, women who have few children and become pregnant after the age of 30 are at much higher risk of developing breast cancer.

The current increase in breast cancer cases is expected to level off by the year 2000.

[30] Spyridon visits Patriarchate

Istanbul, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

The Archbishop officiated in a service in the Patriarchical Cathedral of Agios Georgios in the Phanar district yesterday, while on Sunday he officiated another service in the Agia Triada Church at the Halki Theological School.

The Archbishop of America is due to leave Istanbul today.

In a separate development, Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos yesterday visited Patriarch of the Armenians Karekin II and congratulated him on the celebration of Armenian Easter.

The Ecumenical Patriarch also blessed the leaders of the Armenian community in Istanbul.

[31] Tax crimes squad set to go

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

Based in Tripoli and with a branch in Kalamata, SDOE will be staffed by employees specially trained to effectively deal with tax evasion.

SDOE directors have undergone two-week training programs run by the finance ministry in Athens.

[32] PASOK-aligned group wins at TEE

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

According to the final results, PASK has garnered 29.7 per cent of the vote, slightly ahead of the ND-aligned Democratic Movement (28.9 per cent). The Coalition of the Left and Progress-backed Engineers Union came third with 16.0 per cent.

PASK gained 2.5 per cent support over the last elections in 1994 while Democratic Movement slid around two points.

The overall winner in the elections however appeared to be abstentions, which tallied at 40 per cent.

[33] Conference on women's role in Balkan development scheduled

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

It is the fifth international conference organized by the Federation of Inter-Balkan Co-operation Societies of Women of Thessaloniki.

The conference is aimed at promoting the rights of women living in regional areas, their equal participation in decision-making, the undertaking of responsibilities and the enjoyment of economic and social results.

According to initial official figures provided by organizers, women in the Balkans account for 60 per cent of agricultural labour and carry out more than two thirds of agricultural work.

The conference, in which all Balkan states will participate, will be held in the Aristotelion University of Thessaloniki's ceremonial hall until April 7, and will be under the aegis of President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos.

[34] Legislation enacted to benefit large families

Athens, 01/04/1997 (ANA)

The benefits and pensions are linked to the level of income of the recipient families, and are as follows:

- Forty thousand drachmas monthly for the third child of families whose income does not exceed seven million drachmas annually.

- Ten thousand drachmas monthly for each unmarried child under 23, beyond the fourth from families with income less than eight million drachmas annually.

- A life pension for mothers of large families when the annual income is less than three million drachmas.

End of English language section.

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