Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-04-03
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1154), April 3, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] Greece to provide economic, technical aid to Albania
[02] Greek forces in Tirana
[03] Reppas - Van Mierlo
[04] Simitis: Athens aims to protect Greek minority's rights, not to
create zone of influence
[05] Tirana's National Bank of Greece reopens
[06] Fourth 'Doctors of the World' mission to Albania
[07] EU Commission discusses political, economic support for Balkans
[08] Tzohatzopoulos concludes talks with French counterpart Millon
[09] Ankara accepts in principle a 'committee of wisemen' on
Greek-Turkish issues
[10] Uzbek president invites Greek investment
[11] Turkish air violations despite Karadayi's statements, Reppas
notes
[12] Samaras denies reports he will rejoin ND
[13] Costas Karamanlis addresses ND Parliament group for first time
[14] PM says no change in electoral system, only electoral legislation
[15] European youth ministers meet in Athens
[16] Balkan socialists to attend European Socialist Party conference
[17] Progress on Community Support Framework detailed today
[18] Ioniki's profits slashed in 1996
[19] Employment issues discussed between Papaioannou, European Trade
Unions secretary general
[20] Percentage of OTE stock flotation to be decided
[21] GDP rate rises slightly in '96, according to EU
[22] Branson plans for Hydra hotel complex rejected
[23] Third session of Greece-Cyprus coordinating committee ends
[24] EBEA official calls for radical changes to boost industry
[25] Conference by Panhellenic Federation of Employees of Social
Policy Organizations
[26] Premier to meet with PNO administration
[27] Compensation for livestock losses in Thrace
[28] Avramopoulos in Boston
[29] Greece beats Bosnia 1-0 in milestone match
[01] Greece to provide economic, technical aid to Albania
Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)
Greece will provide US$80 million (roughly 20 billion drachmas)
in urgent economic assistance to Albania, Prime Minister Costas
Simitis and his visiting counterpart Bashkim Fino agreed at a
high-level meeting in Athens yesterday evening.
It was also agreed that Greece will provide technical assistance
to the crisis-racked country for the holding of elections in
June.
"Sincerity and realism prevailed at the meeting," Mr. Simitis
told reporters afterwards, adding that Athens was prepared to
co-operate and provide any means necessary for the promotion of
peace and normalcy in Albania.
"The holding of elections and a smooth course towards democracy
are especially important issues and will facilitate the securing
and speeding up of the various aid which Albania needs," the
Greek premier said.
He did not specify whether the aid would be disbursed before the
holding of elections, but said Greece wished this to happen as
soon as possible, and on the basis of certain developmental
principles. He added that Greece would also examine ways of
further strengthening the presence of the European Union in the
neighbouring country.
Mr. Simitis reiterated that Greece would participate in the
"accompanying force" of European Union advisors in Albania, and
stressed the need to secure access for the Greek contingent to
as many Albanian regions as possible, "so that humanitarian aid
will reach them the soonest."
[02] Greek forces in Tirana
Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)
The Greek contingent, which will be stationed near Tirana, will
also assist with the distribution of humanitarian aid in
southern Albania.
The Simitis-Fino talks also dealt with the issue of
technical-advisory assistance Athens will provide for the
restructuring of Albania's armed forces and police.
On his part, Mr. Fino said relations between Greece and Albania
were excellent, and expressed his government's appreciation for
the dispatch of a Greek contingent to Albania as part of the
UN-mandated multinational force.
"The return to order and normalcy cannot take place that
quickly, and for this reason the Albanian government has asked
for the support of the European Union, and chiefly Greece and
Italy," he said.
Mr. Fino described as "a diplomatic and technical mistake" the
misunderstanding created with the visit of Greek Foreign
Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis in southern Albania last
month, stressing there would be no such misunderstandings in
future as a new page has now opened in the relations between the
two countries.
Asked if he desired the resignation of Albanian President Sali
Berisha, Mr. Fino answered in the negative, underlining that
what he desired was for Mr. Berisha to respect the agreements
which he made with the 10 Albanian parties and to lead the
country to democratic elections in June.
The Albanian premier arrived by helicopter in Ioannina, northern
Greece, yesterday and shortly afterwards boarded a special
Olympic Airways flight for Athens for two days of talks with
Greece's leadership on the Albanian crisis.
He is accompanied by the ministers for finance, trade, industry
and the interior.
Before leaving the southern Albanian town of Gjirokaster in the
morning, Mr. Fino said he hoped the visit would mark the
beginning of a new phase in Greek-Albanian relations, adding
that the ethnic Greek minority in southern Albania could become
a bridge of friendship between the two countries.
In addition, Mr. Fino also met with President of the Republic
Kostis Stephanopoulos last night.
A new meeting on the Albanian crisis is scheduled at the foreign
ministry today, with the participation of the Albanian premier,
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, the special envoy of the
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE),
former Austrian chancellor Franz Vranitzky, who was expected in
Athens last night, and the Dutch president of the EU Council of
Ministers, Hans van Mierlo, who is arriving this morning.
Mr. Fino's meetings today also include one with newly elected
leader of the main opposition New Democracy party, Costas
Karamanlis.
[03] Reppas - Van Mierlo
Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)
In a related development, the government announced that it does
not know what issues will be raised by Mr. van Mierlo during his
talks in Athens today prior to visiting Ankara, spokesman
Dimitris Reppas said yesterday.
Mr. Reppas added, however, that it was likely that Mr. van
Mierlo would want to raise the issue of the EU financial
protocol for Turkey and the lifting of Greek reservations.
Replying to reporters' questions, Mr. Reppas said no proposal
had been put to Greece concerning the formation of a committee
of experts to examine problems between Greece and Turkey.
The spokesman added that OSCE envoy Vranitzky would meet
separately with Mr. Simitis at noon today.
[04] Simitis: Athens aims to protect Greek minority's rights, not to
create zone of influence
Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis said yesterday that Greece's
interest in Albania was to protect the rights of the ethnic
Greek minority in southern Albania and not to establish a sphere
of control in the neighbouring country.
"Greece's presence on the Albanian problem is aimed at facing
the crisis through political means and safeguarding the rights
of the Greek minority. We do not intend to create a zone of
influence," Mr. Simitis said, adding that the Albanian crisis
was a prime example of "today's fluid international environment."
The premier made the statements during an address to the ruling
PASOK's Parliamentary group meeting. Citing improvements in
economic indicators, Mr. Simitis said the government's economic
policy has yielded positive results, adding that the policy must
be implemented.
Focusing on the role of the Parliamentary group, the premier
said that PASOK was the only Greek party with clear positions
and a complete action plan, whereas the opposition parties did
not offer alternative proposals.
Mr. Simitis said the Parliamentary group's operation had been
significantly changed, adding that its role should be maximized.
"The role of the deputy is changing since he is relieved of the
role of local community mediator and is no longer the conveyor
of requests, which are now received through institutional
procedures," Mr. Simitis said.
"Today's deputy has mostly a political role to play, he
expresses and formulates political orientations ... It is in
these new roles that all deputies will be judged, as long as
they realize the major goals instead of the secondary pursuits,"
he added.
Addressing the meeting, Parliament President Apostolos
Kaklamanis said the role of the deputy should be upgraded,
adding that "the government and the party's image reflects every
deputy."
Turning to other issues, Mr. Kaklamanis said the country's
national fronts should be resolved, putting special emphasis on
the Aegean, Thrace and Cyprus.
Regarding the main opposition New Democracy party, Mr.
Kaklamanis said that "a fragmented main opposition does not help
the political scene, therefore, it is positive that from now on
there will be a compact, cohesive main opposition."
PASOK Secretary Costas Skandalidis also echoed the premier and
Parliament president, saying the role of the deputy should be
upgraded.
"The changes which occurred in the (operation of the) state have
weakened the traditional relation between deputy and citizens,"
Mr. Skandalidis said, adding that PASOK's Parliamentary group
should be turned into the party's central political institution.
On his part, PASOK Parliamentary group secretary Paraskevas
Fountas said he was satisfied with the presence of PASOK
deputies, while again bring up the issue of increased salaries.
[05] Tirana's National Bank of Greece reopens
Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)
The National Bank of Greece branch in Tirana has resumed
operations as normal with transactions being conducted in
complete safety, the bank announced yesterday.
Security at the building in which the branch is housed is being
provided by armed security guards on a 24-hour basis.
In addition, customers' deposits and other securities are
considered to be perfectly safe thanks to the latest technology
installations at the branch's vault.
The branch first opened in the Albanian capital in November last
year.
[06] Fourth 'Doctors of the World' mission to Albania
Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)
Members of the Greek representation of the "Doctors of the
World" organization will leave for Albania tonight on their
fourth consecutive mission to the strife-ridden country.
The group will arrive in Dervitsani tomorrow to repair and equip
the local medical center, while they will also bring two tons of
pharmaceuticals for Dervitsani and other Albanian villages.
[07] EU Commission discusses political, economic support for Balkans
Brussels, 03/04/1997 (ANA/G. Daratos)
The European Commission yesterday discussed during their regular
weekly meeting the undertaking of a new coordinated initiative
for the economic and political support of Balkan countries.
The discussion took place following a request by the
Commissioner for Energy, Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises and
Tourism, Christos Papoutsis, who said the Commission should not
restrict itself to isolated actions in the Balkans such as its
recent decision to provide two million ECU in humanitarian aid
for Albania, but must draw up a comprehensive plan to support
all southeast European countries.
Mr. Papoutsis said such a new initiative would not require an
increase in the amount of funds provided by the EU for these
countries, but a better coordination of funds.
According to reports, the ensuing discussion revealed that many
EU commissioners were cautious or objected to the manner in
which Community Funds for Balkan countries are currently
disseminated. One complaint is that the main aid fund (PHARE)
which provides funds for all central and Eastern European
countries, unfairly favours the various western advisors
involved in these investments.
Mr. Papoutsis stressed the need for the better coordination of
all EU activity for Balkan countries, in co-operation with other
monetary international institutions such as the International
Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
[08] Tzohatzopoulos concludes talks with French counterpart Millon
Paris, 03/04/1997 (ANA/Y. Zitouniati)
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and his French
counterpart Charles Millon yesterday expressed their
satisfaction over the "excellent climate of talks and the
convergence of views" during their meeting here.
The French defense minister noted the convergence of views
between the two countries regarding the issue of security in the
Balkans, and particularly in Albania.
France has strongly supported the dispatch of a multi-national
force to safeguard humanitarian aid sent to Albania and to
participate with local authorities in the restoration of law and
order.
Mr. Millon stressed the quality of relations between Greece and
France, the high level of talks and his friendly relations with
his Greek counterpart.
He also spoke of NATO's expansion eastwards, particularly
Romania, referring to the common Greek-French position regarding
the entry of the latter into the alliance with the first batch
of candidate countries.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos stressed the importance of his talks with the
French defense ministry, saying changes were agreed upon to
promote the security and stability in the region and in the
circles of NATO and the West European Union (WEU).
He also spoke of NATO's new structure and its southern flank,
where Paris, despite objections from Washington, is insisting on
a European commander being appointed. Mr. Tsohatzopoulos added
that the two ministers also agreed on armament issues.
Questioned by reporters, the defense minister said
"Greek-Turkish relations could not have been left out of (the
discussions)," although he declined to give further details.
According to reports, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos presented Greek
positions regarding Turkey's destabilizing policy in the region
and Greece's intention to contribute to a rapprochement between
Turkey and Europe, provided the former adheres to international
law and facilitates a solution to the Cyprus problem.
The same reports said Mr. Millon described these positions as
"concise, clear and entirely logical," adding that he will
convey them to French Prime Minister Alain Juppe and President
Jacques Chirac.
[09] Ankara accepts in principle a 'committee of wisemen' on
Greek-Turkish issues
Istanbul, 03/04/1997 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)
Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Omer Akbel yesterday said
Ankara accepts in principle as positive the idea of creating a
"committee of wisemen" to handle Greek-Turkish problems.
"There are various methods of seeking a solution in co-operation
and understanding between the two sides. One of these methods is
the idea of the 'committee of wisemen'," he said.
"If this idea will help in resolving problems between the two
countries with dialogue and if help from third parties is
required, we will have no objection to this and face it with
satisfaction," he added.
Mr. Akbel said that what is necessary is a "sincere effort to
resolve all problems and we must start some sort of a dialogue
for this purpose."
[10] Uzbek president invites Greek investment
Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)
Visiting Uzbek President Islam Karimov yesterday invited Greek
businessmen to consider the many opportunities for investing in
Uzbekistan and establishing closer commercial ties with the
central Asian republic.
During a 90-minute visit to the Athens Chamber of Commerce and
Industry, Mr. Karimov underlined the opportunities related to
the exploitation of Uzbekistan's vast mineral wealth,
particularly its huge unexploited reserves of gold, oil and
natural gas.
Part of these resources, he added, could subsequently be
imported by Greece.
Mr. Karimov also called on the Greek business world to use
Tashkent as a gateway to the broader region, not only for access
to the other central Asian countries of the former Soviet Union
such as Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tadzhikistan and Kirigizia,
but also neighbouring countries including India, Pakistan and
Afghanistan.
Other possible sectors of co-operation, Mr. Karimov said, were
the processing of agricultural products such as cotton, fruit
and vegetables, the manufacture of computers and banking
co-operation.
Mr. Karimov and Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Monday signed a
bilateral friendship and co-operation accord as well as six
separate agreements related to a number of sectors ranging from
tourism and technology to the avoidance of double taxation.
Yesterday, the two countries commenced co-operation in the
banking sector with the signing of the first such agreement
between the Commercial Bank of Greece and the National Bank of
Uzbekistan.
It is hoped that the accord will considerably facilitate
business transactions between the two countries.
Mr. Karimov, in an earlier meeting yesterday with Parliament
Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis, expressed support for Greece's
positions regarding the Aegean and the Cyprus issue, saying the
resolution of these issues should be in accordance with
international law.
Mr. Kaklamanis presented Mr. Karimov with the medal of the Greek
Parliament and accepted an invitation to visit Tashkent in the
near future.
[11] Turkish air violations despite Karadayi's statements, Reppas
notes
Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)
The violations of Cypriot airspace by Turkish warplanes show
that the words of Turkish Chief of General Staff Gen. Ismail
Karadayi do not correspond to deeds, government spokesman
Dimitris Reppas said yesterday. Replying to reporters'
questions, Mr. Reppas added that the Turkish violations were not
violations of "some moratorium, which in any case does not
exist, but of the borders of an independent country, Cyprus".
Gen. Karadayi made conciliatory statements on Greek-Turkish
relations recently during a visit to the Greek embassy in Ankara
on the occasion of Greek Independence Day.
[12] Samaras denies reports he will rejoin ND
Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)
Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras yesterday rejected
press speculation of his return to New Democracy, saying that he
was leading his party on its independent course.
Mr. Samaras said "a wave of disinformation" was being directed
at his party and "they would do well to stop talking about me in
my absence".
[13] Costas Karamanlis addresses ND Parliament group for first time
Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)
"We will not oppose for the sake of opposition, but that doesn't
mean that we will not criticize the inadequacies, inabilities
and ineffectiveness", newly elected main opposition New
Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis said in his first
speech yesterday to the ND's Parliamentary group.
"The party's goal is to lead the government in a nationally
useful behaviour," Mr. Karamanlis said, adding that ND offered
credibility, hope and prospect, and therefore, was open to all
Greek citizens.
Calling for a new start, Mr. Karamanlis emphasized the
importance of "a creative unity, which can be reached with
respect to the history of the party, no distinctions, collective
action without prejudice and with prospect for victory and
creative contribution."
He also criticized the government of mismanagement and mistakes
on the national issues.
[14] PM says no change in electoral system, only electoral legislation
Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis told Parliament yesterday that the
government is not concerned with the issue of the electoral
system and that changes would take place only in electoral
legislation.
Replying to a question by Coalition of the Left and Progress
(Synaspismos) party leader Nikos Constantopoulos, Mr. Simitis
said that before the summer recess, an interior ministry draft
bill will be submitted to Parliament in order to simplify
electoral procedures and will include clauses regarding those
living in another municipality than the one in which they are
registered to vote, enabling them to vote in their place of
residence.
Mr. Constantopoulos accused the prime minister of avoiding the
issue, saying that both Mr. Simitis and certain ministers have
described the current electoral law as "chaotic".
He also called for clarifications on whether the electoral law
will in fact be changed and whether the interior ministry's
draft bill is preparing a new administrative organization for
the country.
[15] European youth ministers meet in Athens
Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)
An informal meeting of European Union ministers responsible for
youth issues was held yesterday in Athens on the subject of
"Young Europeans in a new Europe".
The aim of the meeting was to hold a broad-based discussion on
youth policy within the framework of the EU in view of the
Intergovernmental Conference (IGC), to which Greece has
submitted a number of proposals on youth-related matters.
The meeting, addressed among others by Education Minister
Gerassimos Arsenis, was attended by representatives from
Austria, Belgium, France, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,
the Netherlands, Portugal and Sweden.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr. Arsenis stressed
the need for measures to be taken to secure jobs for young
people in Europe.
[16] Balkan socialists to attend European Socialist Party conference
Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)
The two-day European Socialist Party (ESP) conference which
opens in Thessaloniki tomorrow will focus on issues of security,
stability, economic development and the creation of European
institutions in the Balkans.
For the first time, representatives of socialist, social
democrat and labour parties of all the Balkan countries have
been invited to attend the conference and present their
positions on the political situations and developments in the
region.
Discussions at the conference, which is being organized with the
assistance of Greece's ruling PASOK party, will center on the
triptych "peace-development-society".
On Friday, Prime Minister Costas Simitis will address the
conference. Speeches will also be delivered by ESP President
Rudolf Scharping, Vice President and Greek Defense Minister Akis
Tsohatzopoulos and ESP Secretary-General Jean Francois Valen.
Other Greek speakers are expected to include Foreign Minister
Theodoros Pangalos, Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis and a
number of PASOK Eurodeputies.
The parties of European and Balkan countries will be represented
by Pauline Green (Britain), Hans Fischer (Austria), Fatos Nano
(Albania), and Vassos Lyssarides (Cyprus).
[17] Progress on Community Support Framework detailed today
Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)
National Economy Under-secretary Christos Pachtas is to present
noted progress concerning application of the European Union
Community Support Framework at Zappeion Hall today.
According to ministry reports, the framework's monitoring
committee, which includes representatives of the European
Commission and the European Investment Bank, found during its
recent meeting that all projects within the framework are
proceeding at satisfactory rates.
The same sources said the committee "ascertained that most
organizational, administrative and institutional problems
concerning the implementation of the programs have now been
overcome," adding "that the changes made will contribute
significantly to the more effective utilization of funds."
However, the committee also noted the need to hire a financial
advisor for the Rio-Antirrio bridge and the construction of the
Stavros-Elefsina highway projects, as neither of the two are
advancing at expected rates.
It added that the hiring of a project manager for railway
projects would accelerate the rate of completion for these
constructions.
The monitoring committee's next meeting has been set for
November.
[18] Ioniki's profits slashed in 1996
Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)
Ioniki Bank President H. Stamatopoulos said at a press
conference yesterday that a special study will be commissioned
later this month regarding the types of possible co-operation
that can be achieved with the Commercial Bank of Greece.
He added that the state-controlled bank's annual balance sheet,
to be published in the next few days, posts 18.6 billion
drachmas in bad debts after the writing off of doubtful claims.
Mr. Stamatopoulos announced that pre-tax profits for 1996 stand
at five billion drachmas, compared to 16.5 billion in 1995, a
69.7 per cent decrease. He added that this drop is due, among
other factors, to the non-entry of extraordinary profits
resulting from temporary increases in the value of the bank's
portfolio, heightened competition in the banking sector,
increases in every type of operating cost, etc.
In view of the lower recorded profits, he said, Ioniki's
administration has decided not to pay dividends, but to proceed
with the distribution of new shares from an increase in equity
capital, which will result from a revaluation of fixed capital
and the use of extraordinary reserves.
He stressed that the bank has significantly cut back on all
kinds of expenses in the last six months, is expanding to new
banking products with competitive rates and is improving its
organizational structure.
Bank subsidiaries recorded an overall increase in profits of 7.3
per cent.
[19] Employment issues discussed between Papaioannou, European Trade
Unions secretary general
Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)
Labour and Social Security Minister Miltiades Papaioannou and
the secretary general of the Confederation of European Trade
Unions, Emilio Campalio, held a meeting yesterday focusing on
employment-related issues.
Mr. Campalio elaborated on the two main issues concerning the
confederation. These include transformation of European
industries with negative repercussions for employment, and the
confederation's request for inclusion in the Maastricht Treaty
of a new clause on employment policy together with that on
Economic Monetary Union.
After the meeting, Mr. Campalio said the Greek government should
seek a new strategy to resolve the issue of unemployment while
improving human resources.
Mr. Papaioannou said EMU's goal would not be achieved unless the
European Union consolidated social cohesion.
"Stabilizing macroeconomic policies is not adequate. A minimal
social program is also necessary," Mr. Papaioannou said.
In view of the beginning of social dialogue, the minister said
the goal was to combat unemployment.
"The consolidation of full time employment remains our principle
position and our end goal," Mr. Papaioannou said. "But we would
be irresponsible if we ignored the new forms of employment," he
added.
The minister said that adaptation to these new forms of
employment will be included in the agenda.
[20] Percentage of OTE stock flotation to be decided
Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)
The cabinet is to decide on Friday on the percentage of a new
stock flotation for Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation's
(OTE) equity capital, while an advertising campaign will get
underway in Greece and abroad to promote the issue.
Sources said the percentage of the flotation will be in the
region of 12-14 per cent, with a parallel increase in the equity
capital and a sale of old stock held by the state.
According to OTE management, the flotation will have been
completed by June.
Meanwhile, OTE managing director P. Lambrou announced yesterday
that seven companies have been short-listed in the international
tender for the procurement of equipment for the telecoms
utility's mobile services subsidiary (Cosmos-OTE), specifically:
Alkatel, Lushent Technology, Eriksson, Nokia, Northern, Motorola
and Siemens.
He said the Cosmos first mobile telephone is planned to ring at
Thessaloniki's International Trade Fair (HELEXPO-DETH) in
September, while the planned investment until 1999 amounts to
124 billion drachmas.
Cosmos will employ the DCS 1800 system and its service will
first be developed in Athens and Thessaloniki, expanding to the
rest of the country later.
[21] GDP rate rises slightly in '96, according to EU
Brussels, 03/04/1997 (ANA/G. Daratos)
The rate of GDP increase rose in Greece slightly in 1996
compared to 1995, according to figures provided by the European
Union's statistical service.
Greece's GDP rate increased to 2.38 per cent in 1996 as against
2.03 per cent in 1995.
Such an acceleration in GDP growth in 1996 occurred only in
Greece, the Netherlands and Portugal, in contrast to other EU
countries, which are all showing a slowdown in GDP growth.
Indicative of this trend is that the average EU rate decreased
from 2.48 per cent in 1995 to 1.59 per cent in 1996.
Ireland achieved a GDP increase of 10.73 per cent in 1995 and
7.84 per cent in 1996.
Greece ranks fourth after Ireland, the Netherlands and Portugal
in relation to the greatest GDP increase rate among EU countries
in 1996.
[22] Branson plans for Hydra hotel complex rejected
Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)
British businessman Richard Branson's plan to build a hotel
complex on the island of Hydra was turned down by Greece's
Central Archaeological Council last night.
However, the council gave Mr. Branson, owner of the Virgin
group, the option of presenting another proposal for a hotel
within the town limits, as their objection was not to the hotel
itself but to the fact that it would spoil the character of the
site, which contains ruins of an ancient city.
The Council's decision was issued after a six-hour meeting on
Tuesday night, during which the mayor of Hydra pleaded the case
of island residents who have petitioned in favour of the hotel
complex as they say the project will create jobs.
"The 2,600 citizens left on the island were distressed (at the
decision), believing that the state wanted them to leave their
homes and to turn the island into an empty archaeological site,"
the mayor said.
Citizens' representatives earlier told the council that Hydra
needed the hotel as it would give the island a much-needed
injection of capital, and create 100 permanent jobs and 300
summer jobs.
[23] Third session of Greece-Cyprus coordinating committee ends
Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)
The third session of the special Greece-Cyprus coordinating
committee responsible for economic, industrial and technological
co-operation issues came to a close yesterday.
The Greek delegation was headed by National Economy and Finance
Minister Yiannos Papantoniou and Cyprus' by Finance Minister
Christodoulos Christodoulou.
Implementation of all points included in the March 1996
memorandum was ascertained, while new aspects of action, targets
and priorities were set out for greater co-operation in
commerce, industry, investments, taxation and customs issues,
research, technology, tourism, public administration, transport,
public works, informatics, post offices as well as issues
concerning the European Union.
The two ministers signed a new co-operation agreement to
strengthen bilateral economic relations.
[24] EBEA official calls for radical changes to boost industry
Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)
The Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEA) has
recommended that the government institute a series of drastic
measures designed to boost activity in the industrial sector.
The measures were announced by EBEA Secretary-General and
president of the Union of Greek Textile Industrialists,
Eleftherios Kourtallis.
Mr. Kourtallis said it was imperative that current development
legislation be revised to extend incentives on the basis of
stricter criteria and not be restricted to tax breaks which will
benefit only a small number of profitable companies.
He said the deregulation of the labour market and "more
flexible" labour relations through institutional changes would
reduce production costs and that all sector-based collective
agreements should be abolished and renegotiated from the
beginning.
Pension contributions which burden labour costs should also be
reduced as should bank interest rates, which should come into
line with inflation, in an effort to compress production costs
and create more competitive products.
Mr. Kourtallis said estimates for the course of industry for the
first quarter of 1997 were pessimistic, resulting in the
business expectation index reaching its lowest levels since
December 1995.
He said he considered the de-industrialization of the economy
was continuing, saying that industrial production had been
ranging at the same levels since 1980, and that industry's
contribution to Gross National Product fell to 13 percent in
1995 from 23 percent in 1980.
Turning around this state of affairs, he said, will require the
government to take drastic and courageous steps, so that Greek
industry can regain its lost competitiveness in the
globalization of commerce.
[25] Conference by Panhellenic Federation of Employees of Social
Policy Organizations
Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)
The 14th annual conference of the Panhellenic Federation of
Employees of Social Policy Organizations focusing on insurance
funds finished yesterday.
The conference concluded that in their struggle for Maastricht
goals, European Union member-states were boosting unemployment,
cutting social expenditures and endangering significant social
and employment rights.
Federation president Koutroumanis said the "employees have the
advantage of having first hand knowledge of the real problems of
the insured, the pensioners and their insurance funds, and are
therefore not misled by alleged experts."
[26] Premier to meet with PNO administration
Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis will meet the administration of
the Panhellenic Seamen's Federation (PNO) today for a briefing
on merchant seamen's positions on employment and overall
problems faced by shipping.
The new leadership of the Union of Greek Shipowners held a
meeting with Mr. Simitis recently in the presence of Merchant
Marine Minister Stavros Soumakis.
[27] Compensation for livestock losses in Thrace
Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)
Compensation totaling 40 million drachmas has been granted to
stockbreeders in the Dasohori, Xanthi region for losses due to
cowpox. Another 64 million drachmas will be provided to
compensate other stockbreeders affected in the Xanthi
prefecture. A total of 2,100 sheep have been slaughtered in
Xanthi for this reason.
Similar amounts are expected to be transferred to the relevant
services in the Rodopi and Evros prefectures for stockbreeders
who lost livestock as a result of cowpox over the 1996-1997
period.
[28] Avramopoulos in Boston
New York, 03/04/1997 (ANA/M. Georgiadou)
Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos left New York for Boston
yesterday to attend Greek Independence Day celebrations, along
with three other mayors representing six thousand Greek
municipalities and communities.
Speaking to the press, Mr. Avramopoulos referred to a
co-operation protocol between the municipalities of Athens,
Montreal and New York. The latter protocol is to be made
official when Mr. Avramopoulos returns to New York in 1998 to
present a statue of Athena, a gift from the city of Athens,
which is to be erected in Athens Square, Astoria.
Mr. Avramopoulos also referred to the role that could be played
by local government in protecting investments by expatriate
Greeks.
Today, the mayor is to have meetings with Archbishop of America
Spyridon and the leadership of the World Jewish Congress.
[29] Greece beats Bosnia 1-0 in milestone match
Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)
Greece beat Bosnia 1-0 in a World Cup Group One qualifier in
Sarajevo yesterday, the first-ever official match played by the
Bosnian national club in the war-ravaged former Yugoslav
republic.
End of English language section.
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