Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-06-06
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1205), June 6, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] Greece notes divergence with Turkish 'experts' committee' memo
[02] Greece's European goals 'deficient', ND leader says
[03] Meeting with Robles
[04] Simitis calls for a 'socialist prospect' for Europe
[05] Gov't welcomes Holbrooke appointment on Cyprus
[06] State Dept. on appointment
[07] NY Times
[08] Garbage strike continues; meeting between Gov't, workers today
[09] Satisfaction with EU presidency's protocol on external borders
[10] Austrian cardinal regrets canceled visit by Vartholomeos
[11] Gov't on Europarliament condemnation of Turkey's treatment of
enclaved
[12] Australian politician calls for return of the Parthenon Marbles
[13] Discussion held on employment problems faced by Black Sea Greeks
[14] Postmen strike this month
[15] Several Greek opera stars to appear together at Herod Atticus
[16] Eurocopter's helicopter presented to Gov't officials
[17] EOF bans 31 food, diet supplements
[18] Inflation falls to 5.4
[19] Greece to auction fixed-rate bonds
[20] Stock market loses substantial ground
[21] Public Power Corp ready for liberalization
[22] Commercial Bank sees improvement in 1997
[23] Sofia seeks closer economic links
[24] Hellenic Sugar invests 6.5 billion Dr.
[25] Thessaloniki hosts Balkan conference June 9-10
[26] Ioniki head considers expansion of activity in Bulgaria
[27] European press meeting in Athens
[28] SME representatives cite decrease in turnover
[29] Calls on Gov't to correct law on real estate leasing
[30] CLARIFICATION
[01] Greece notes divergence with Turkish 'experts' committee' memo
Athens, 06/06/1997 (ANA)
The government said yesterday that the texts prepared by the
Greek and the Turkish "committees of experts", set up to examine
procedural matters relating to differences between the two
countries, reflected a "divergence of views and positions."
The texts of the two committees were exchanged through the Dutch
presidency of the European Union. "The texts are of the nature
of general frameworks, with the Greek (text) referring to the
use of the International Court at The Hague and respect for
international law and international treaties, while the Turkish
(text) refers to direct dialogue on the substance (of
differences)," government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said.
Mr. Reppas added that there was no movement regarding the matter
at the present time and consequently there was no issue of
arranging some meeting or preparing some agenda which could
serve as "a list of issues."
The spokesman said that the two members of the Greek committee
were studying the Turkish text and in the next few days would be
consulting with the political leadership of the foreign ministry.
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos yesterday called on Turkey
to stop its "bully" tactics and threats of war, and reiterated
that Athens was prepared to sign a non-aggression pact with
Ankara since this would change the climate in relations between
the two neighbors. Mr. Pangalos said Ankara was using war
threats as part of a policy aimed at creating a framework of
relations with Greece in which Turkey would have the upper hand.
He was speaking at the presentation of a book by ANA's Istanbul
correspondent, Alkis Kourkoulas, entitled "Imia - A Critical
Approach to the Turkish Factor."
Mr. Pangalos described Ankara's policy as "bully" tactics.
"This bullying approach has to stop so that there can be
relations of equality which would allow the shaping of a
framework of discussion and provision - from the outset -
regarding the institutions through which problems may be
resolved, institutions which are appropriate to the nature of
the differences rather than to the nature of the disagreement,"
he said.
Mr. Pangalos said the threat of war hurled by the Turkish
national assembly against Greece's right to extend its
territorial waters to 12 nautical miles did not hold water for
legal reasons, since this right emanated from the International
Law of the Sea.
In the event that Greece exercised this right tomorrow, Mr.
Pangalos continued, the possibilities provided in the Law of the
Sea enabling the passage of warships would automatically apply
(safe passage).
Pleasure craft and cargo vessels, he added, would continue to
sail in the Aegean as today. "If Ankara wanted to go to war
because of Greece's exercising this right, this would be
obstructed by the commitment undertaken by the United States
through its envoy in Athens, Thomas Niles, that Washington would
intervene in any Greek-Turkish conflict.
Mr. Pangalos reiterated that Greece would be willing to sign a
non-aggression pact with Turkey "because this would resolve the
problem created by the resolution of the Turkish national
assembly and would change the climate in our relations."
Turning to the possibility of Turkey one day becoming an EU
member, Mr. Pangalos said this would be a "windfall" and
"opportunity" for Greece, stressing that Turkey had a place in
Europe.
He added, however, that Ankara must display the appropriate
behavior with respect to international law, human rights,
democratic freedoms and the attainment of certain economic
targets set by the EU.
Mr. Pangalos, meanwhile, criticized Turkey's refusal to grant a
building permit for a new Greek embassy in Ankara, saying it was
an example of the poor relations between the two countries since
the end of World War II. He also described it as "a ridiculous
dimension of the point at which the mutual distrust between the
two countries has reached."
The piece of land belonging to Greece in the Turkish capital was
granted by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Mr. Pangalos said, noting that
the refusal to issue a building permit was in violation even of
Turkish laws.
Mr. Pangalos said Turkish Foreign Under-secretary Onur Oymen had
found a new pretext for not granting the permit, by asking
Greece for property of the same surface area in Athens.
"Mr. Oymen is demanding a ransom amounting to billions of
drachmas," he added.
[02] Greece's European goals 'deficient', ND leader says
Brussels, 06/06/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis/M. Savva)
The Intergovernmental Conference (IGC), Economic and Monetary
Union (EMU) and Turkey's relations with the EU were the basic
issues main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis
referred to yesterday in a press conference here.
Referring to the IGC, Mr. Karamanlis said the government's
objectives "were deficient", while the aims the PASOK government
had set in terms of serious issues, such as the guaranteeing of
EU member-states' borders, did not seem feasible, judging from
present indications.
In terms of the EMU, ND believes in Greece's participation as
soon as possible, Mr. Karamanlis said, because it would serve
national interests and prevent the danger of being excluded from
the common European currency.
The ND leader said that despite improvement in economic
indicators, real convergence continued to be a distant prospect
for Greece.
Due to efforts in part by ND's Eurodeputies, he said, it has
begun to be seen that the nature of economic development in
public investments should be taken into consideration, while
these investments should not be included in calculations of the
public deficit.
Commenting on the rise to power of the Left in France, Mr.
Karamanlis said there was no longer the same distance between
Left and Right as in the past, and that was mostly due to the
shift of leftist powers to a more conservative position.
Asked to comment on whether Turkey should not be included in the
European Union on religious and cultural grounds, the ND leader
said that Greece was "not the one who would prevent Turkey's
European future" but the priority was that Ankara take positive
steps towards improving relations with Greece and respecting
human rights and the principles of democracy.
Asked to comment on the recent appointment of former United
States assistant secretary of state Richard Holbrooke as a
special presidential envoy on the Cyprus issue, Mr. Karamanlis
said that it would be too soon to make assessments and what is
important is that international pressure on Turkey to solve the
issue be increased.
[03] Meeting with Robles
Brussels, 06/06/1997 (ANA)
Earlier, European Parliament President Gil Robles met with the
ND leader and expressed his satisfaction on hearing Mr.
Karamanlis' views on Greece.
Mr. Robles, also a EPP member, said after their meeting "I am
happy that a future prime minister has such deeply European
beliefs."
In his speech later to the EPP parliamentary group, Mr.
Karamanlis noted that his party would continue its efforts in
order that Greece meets the convergence criteria for the
Maastricht Treaty.
"There have been delays," Mr. Karamanlis said, "but I'm not here
to criticize my country's government. I'm here to help with all
my powers in our effort to succeed in the shortest possible time
in satisfying the criteria for participation in the Economic and
Monetary Union (EMU) with other peoples".
[04] Simitis calls for a 'socialist prospect' for Europe
Malmo, 06/06/1997 (ANA - S. Liarellis)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis said a socialist prospect for
Europe must be consolidated in negotiations for the new EU
treaty, adding that the "moment is favorable" since at present
socialists are in power in nine countries and participate in
coalition governments in four others. The Greek premier spoke at
the opening session of a conference of Socialist leaders of
Europe, held in this Swedish port city.
Mr. Simitis said "it is common knowledge that something must
change in Europe" and that the socialist values and prospect
must be consolidated in the new treaty. He said that what is
necessary is defining "a supranational co-operation policy
between socialist parties" to set the framework for future moves
and discuss tactical issues.
According to authoritative sources, during his meeting with his
counterparts, Mr. Simitis made special reference to Balkan
issues and insisted on the need for "Europe to awaken" in an
effort to shape an integrated presence. He also called for a
unified policy for southeastern Europe with a contribution by
NATO, the European Union, the OSCE and the Council of Europe.
Mr. Simitis expressed the view that the successes of Lionel
Jospin in France and Tony Blair in Britain create the
preconditions to tackle the problems of Europe and insisted on
the need for commitments to be undertaken on common targets,
common policies and actions for stability in Europe.
Earlier, at a meeting of cabinet ministers and PASOK Euro-MPs,
Mr. Simitis expressed the assessment that the wish of some for
"flexibility" in criteria for Economic and Monetary Union (EMU)
might not be realized, reminding of a past "threat" by German
Chancellor Helmut Kohl that he will veto a possible request for
a change in the timetable.
However, Mr. Simitis expressed the hope that the strengthening
of socialist forces in the EU will allow for the creation of
more favorable preconditions.
Before leaving from Malmg, Mr. Simitis met in Stockholm with
Swedish King Karl XVI Gustav.
[05] Gov't welcomes Holbrooke appointment on Cyprus
Athens, 06/06/1997 (ANA)
"The Cyprus problem is not being discussed as a package together
with Greek-Turkish relations and the Aegean," government
spokesman Dimitris Reppas underlined yesterday.
The government spokesman was replying to reporters' questions
concerning the appointment of former US Assistant Secretary of
State Richard Holbrooke as the Clinton administration's special
envoy on the long-standing Cyprus problem, as well as reports
that the US wants a package solution to Greek-Turkish problems.
"Mr. Holbrooke is an envoy for the Cyprus problem and has
nothing to do with Greek-Turkish issues and the Aegean," he
added.
Mr. Reppas, however, indicated that Athens welcomed Mr.
Holbrooke's appointment, saying that the US official had a
"greater political weight" than any other envoy who had
previously been involved with the Cyprus issue.
"Mr. Holbrooke's appointment clearly indicates the strong
interest of the United States in undertaking an initiative on
the Cyprus problem, which the former secretary of state can
discuss in an effective manner," Mr. Reppas said.
The spokesman reiterated Greece's position that any Cyprus
solution would have to be based on United Nations resolutions,
the EU summit agreements of 1977 and 1979 and the conclusions
from various talks on the issue. Commenting on forthcoming
direct UN-sponsored talks between Cyprus President Glafcos
Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, Mr. Reppas
said the US and other permanent UN Security Council members had
already expressed interest.
"The Cyprus government will be going to the talks in a spirit of
good faith and willingness," Mr. Reppas added.
In a related development, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE)
said the government's praise of Mr. Holbrooke's appointment
showed "preparations to put Cyprus under NATO control".
The appointment of Mr. Holbrooke, who mediated the Dayton peace
accord for Bosnia, has already been welcomed by the Cyprus
government and the Turkish Cypriot side.
[06] State Dept. on appointment
Washington, 06/06/1997 (ANA - A. Ellis)
US State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns reiterated
Washington's determination in promoting a solution to the Cyprus
issue yesterday, stressing that the appointment of Mr. Holbrooke
is a clear indication of the intention of US President Bill
Clinton and US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright for
additional pressure aimed at finding a solution.
Mr. Burns said the aim of the US is the reunification of Cyprus
with a status of bi-communal and bi-zonal federation and
stressed that Washington will not support a solution not
anticipating the reunification of the island.
Replying to a question, Mr. Burns assessed that the "realistic
and cooperative government of Greek Prime Minister Costas
Simitis, combined with the 'useful and positive' relation
existing with Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and the relation
with the Turkish government can help in promoting a solution."
He said all the efforts by the US will not be isolated but will
be coordinated with Britain, the UN and other interested parties.
Mr. Burns, who had an extensive discussion on the issue
yesterday with Mr. Holbrooke, who is in Europe, reiterated that
the method the US envoy will apply on the Cyprus issue has not
yet been decided since he wants a detailed briefing on the
situation first.
On the question of a possible adoption of a Dayton-type process,
Mr. Burns said the Cyprus problem differs from that of Bosnia
and for this reason Mr. Holbrooke will assess the situation
himself and then decide in accordance with what is required by
the specific reality in Cyprus.
Mr. Burns reiterated the strong interest of the US not only in a
solution to the Cyprus issue but also in normalizing
Greek-Turkish relations which, he said, create problems in the
region of the Balkans and the southeastern Mediterranean and
create a situation which does not serve American interests in
the region.
[07] NY Times
New York, 06/06/1997 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)
The "New York Times" yesterday termed the appointment of Richard
Holbrooke as US special presidential envoy on Cyprus as "a sign
of renewed American seriousness" for the issue.
Quoting a senior US official, NY Times staffer Steven Erlanger
wrote that the appointment aimed at "trying to resolve one of
NATO's most potentially destabilizing conflicts as the alliance
votes to expand".
He will "spend about a week every month on Cyprus issues and
will do so without pay, although with the help of a full-time
State Department officer", the article stated.
In a phone interview to the daily after his appointment, Mr.
Holbrooke was quoted as saying that Cyprus "along with Bosnia,
is the great unresolved flashpoint in Europe".
He said that "it's absolutely necessary for Europe, the United
States and the United Nations to try to settle this issue. It's
imperative we try, and I'm honored to be asked".
The NY Times quoted him as saying that the Greeks and Turks
"need to realize they both can gain by reaching a settlement of
the issue that respects both their communities", especially in
lieu of Cyprus' membership to the European Union, but he also
expressed reservations "whether political conditions in Ankara,
Athens and Nicosia will allow for a settlement".
On relations between Greece and Turkey, the former assistant
secretary said he agreed with the assessment of Czech President
Vaclav Havel, namely, that Greece and Turkey would have gone to
war at least twice since 1974 if not for their membership in
NATO .
"But while they are both NATO members, they have not normalized
their relations, the way France and Germany did after the war,"
he was quoted as saying, adding that "tensions between them
generally have been rising since the restraints of the cold war
w ere removed."
[08] Garbage strike continues; meeting between Gov't, workers today
Athens, 06/06/1997 (ANA)
Sanitation workers are scheduled to meet with Interior
Under-secretary Lambros Papadimas this morning in an effort to
resolve their rolling strikes, which have left thousands of tons
of garbage the greater Athens area's street.
The Panhellenic Federation of Local Authority Workers (POE-OTA)
have entered their third 48-hour strike since over demands that
workers on short-term contracts be given permanent posts.
At a press conference yesterday, Interior Minister Alekos
Papadopoulos said "the government has decided not to tolerate
this situation any more", and termed the strike as
"incomprehensible, unacceptable and fundamentally and legally
groundless."
The minister said that almost all employees status in garbage
and sanitation services for municipalities will be settled under
a memorandum expected to be sent to mayors soon.
Meanwhile, the public health office of Athens municipality has
been spraying garbage heaps near schools, hospitals and
restaurants with pesticides, to combat health hazards.
[09] Satisfaction with EU presidency's protocol on external borders
Athens, 06/06/1997 (ANA)
The protocol attached by the Dutch EU presidency to the text on
the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) refers specifically to
the difference between Britain and Spain over Gibraltar,
government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday. "The
protocol reiterates something which is self-evident," he added,
"namely, that the EU was never nor will be competent for
determining the borders between member-states or between a
member-state and a non-EU country," Mr. Reppas said.
The spokesman underline d that countries' borders are determined
by international treaties.
"Greece views the position of the Dutch presidency as positive
and expresses its full agreement," he added.
Mr. Reppas noted that the protocol in no way affected the
position expressed in the text of the treaty concerning the EU's
external borders, over which Athens has expressed its
satisfaction.
[10] Austrian cardinal regrets canceled visit by Vartholomeos
Vienna, 06/06/1997 (ANA-D. Dimitrakoudis)
The cardinal of Austria, Franz Koenig, yesterday expressed his
regret that Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos had canceled his
visit here.
Vartholomeos had been scheduled to pay an official visit to
Austria on June 17-21 and participate in the second European
ecumenical congress there on June 23-29, but canceled the trip
charging the Vatican and the Moscow Patriarchate with trying to
turn the latter meeting into a show of strength.
At a speech in Graz during the preparations for the congress,
the Austrian cardinal warned about the threat behind-the-scenes
politics posed to dialogue between the churches, and expressed
the hope the ecumenical movement in Europe would be able to over
come the difficulties that have arisen.
The Ecumenical Council of Churches in Austria also expressed its
regret yesterday about Vartholomeos' canceled visit and its hope
that it may still take place in the close future.
[11] Gov't on Europarliament condemnation of Turkey's treatment of
enclaved
Athens, 06/06/1997 (ANA)
"The resolution of the Europarliament condemning the Turkish and
Turkish Cypriot sides for its violation of the rights of the
enclaved Greek Cypriots in Turkish-occupied Cyprus shows that
there are international bodies which are vigilant and render
unto Caesar that which is Caesar's," government spokesman
Dimitris Reppas said yesterday.
The spokesman added that the positions adopted unanimously by
the European Parliament showed that it was a Community body
which respected individual rights and freedoms and attributed
responsibility to those who violated them.
"For this and other reasons, the Greek government would like to
see the stronger intervention of the European Parliament in the
operation of EU bodies," Mr. Reppas said.
[12] Australian politician calls for return of the Parthenon Marbles
Melbourne, 06/06/1997 (ANA -S. Hatzimanolis)
The premier of the Australian state of New South Wales has sent
a letter to British Prime Minister Tony Blair calling the new
Labor government's recent decision not to return the Parthenon
Marbles "harsh".
"As a colleague and an admirer of the British Labor Party," Bob
Carr writes, "I appeal to you to rescind your decision and to
honor the position of the former Labor Party leader Michael Foot
who had promised to return the Marbles to the Parthenon where
they belong ."
Mr. Carr, who is due to visit Greece in September to clinch a
deal with the Greek government regarding Sydney hosting an
antiquities exhibition during the Olympic Games in 2000, said
that he believed 2000 would be "the ideal time for such a
big-hearted and civilized gesture from Britain".
[13] Discussion held on employment problems faced by Black Sea Greeks
Athens, 06/06/1997 (ANA)
A discussion was held in Alexandroupoli yesterday on the issue
of "Employment problems faced by Black Sea region Greeks from
the former Soviet Union."
The event was held in the framework of the European Union
employment initiative and the program "Accession Through
Trai-ning and Employment" in which the municipality of
Alexandroupoli participates.
Views were expressed, among others, by a representative of the
general secretariat for Overseas Greeks, the Labor Center of the
Evros Prefecture, representatives of Black Sea Greek societies
and local businessmen.
About 4,000 Black Sea region Greeks (Pontians) live in
Alexandroupoli and about 600 people are employed, while the
others hold part-time employment.
[14] Postmen strike this month
Athens, 06/06/1997 (ANA)
Postmen decided yesterday to call two new 48-hour strikes on
June 12-13 and June 17-18.
The Greek Post Offices (ELTA) employees are complaining that
ELTA's administration is not hiring more postmen to relieve the
workload. The postmen are also demanding that their occupation
be classified as unhygienic and the payment of overtime for work
done on holidays due to a lack of staff.
[15] Several Greek opera stars to appear together at Herod Atticus
Athens, 06/06/1997 (ANA)
Well-known foreign-based Greek opera singers will appear at the
ancient Herod Atticus theater on June 11 for an event entitled
"Legendary Moments of the Opera".
The event is organized by the Hellenic Center for Fighting
Illiteracy Among Adults.
Singers include baritone Dimitris Kavrakos from the United
States, soprano Jenny Drivalas from Switzerland, tenor Marios
Frangoulis from Britain and mezzo-soprano Pamela Pantos from
Germany.
John Apeitos will conduct the European Festival Orchestra.
The performance is under the aegis of the embassies of the
countries in which the performers live and perform.
[16] Eurocopter's helicopter presented to Gov't officials
Athens, 06/06/1997 (ANA)
A helicopter touted as capable of being used in police missions,
rescue operations and firefighting missions was presented to
government officials and representatives of public organizations
and private enterprises in Athens yesterday.
The presentation was made by the PROMOT E.I. Lainopoulos S.A.
company, the representative in Greece of the Eurocopter company,
which manufactures the helicopter.
PROMOT president Ioannis Lainopoulos referred to the need to use
helicopters, due to the country's geophysical formation and the
nature of its terrain. He said successful co-operation between
his company and Daimler Benz has led to co-operation with
Eurocopter, in which Daimler Benz participates.
Eurocopter officials underlined the success of rescue operations
with the use of helicopters which, in contrast to ambulances,
can be used during traffic rush hours and over long distances.
[17] EOF bans 31 food, diet supplements
Athens, 06/06/1997 (ANA)
The National Pharmaceuticals Organization (EOF) yesterday banned
the sale of products sold as food supplements and special
dietary preparations, used mainly by athletes and body-builders.
Following checks carried out over the past two weeks at several
fitness centers, health food stores and import companies, EOF
revealed that 31 such products were sold illegally.
EOF said the products contained substances such as ephedrine,
caffeine, anabolic steroids and creatine.
In most cases, the products were imported, and according to EOF
President Gerassimos Kavvadias, none had received the approval
required from the state organization for sale to consumers.
Mr. Kavvadias said use of the products could cause serious
health problems.
[18] Inflation falls to 5.4
Athens, 06/06/1997 (ANA)
Greek inflation fell to 5.4 percent in May from 5.9 percent the
previous month, according to a National Statistics Service
announcement. The consumer price index rose by 0.4 percent in
May compared to a 0.8 percent increase in the corresponding
month last year.
The statistics service attributed the fall in the inflation rate
to seasonal factors and particularly the withdrawal of heating
oil from the index due to the onset of summer and also the price
increases of seasonal fruits.
[19] Greece to auction fixed-rate bonds
Athens, 06/06/1997 (ANA)
Greece will auction a new series of fixed rate three-, five- and
seven-year bonds on June 19 worth 250 billion drachmas, Finance
Under-secretary Nikos Christodoulakis said.
Christodoulakis was presenting details of the socialist
government's intern al borrowing plan for the second half of the
year. Due to increased internal borrowing requirements, the
ministry would reduce external borrowing from an initial target
of 4.2 billion dollars to 3.5 billion for the current year, he
said.
The government would raise money in the capital markets of the
United States, Japan and Europe. Part of the capital would be
raised through private placements. Christodoulakis also referred
to the future debt policy of the government, saying the finance
ministry would continue with a gradual and realistic fall in
interest rates.
[20] Stock market loses substantial ground
Athens, 06/06/1997 (ANA)
Share prices came under strong selling pressure on the Athens
Stock Exchange to lose substantial ground as the market looked
set for a correction. Traders said that the sharp fall in volume
was a worrying factor.
The general index closed 1.52 percent lower at 1,644.66 points
with all sector indices losing ground. Banks fell 2.07 percent,
Leasing was 1.0 percent off, Insurance dropped 2.15 percent,
Investment eased 1.93 percent, Industrials were 0.78 percent
down, Construction dropped 2.31 percent, Holding was 1.63
percent off and Miscellaneous fell 1.26 percent.
The Parallel Market index ended 1.51 percent lower. Trading was
moderate with turnover at 17.7 billion drachmas, almost half the
previous two-week average.
Broadly, decliners led advancer s by 177 to 40 with another 28
issues remaining unchanged. Papoutsanis, Interinvest and
Ippotour scored the biggest gains while Vis, Parnassos, Elviemek
and Alkar-Aemet suffered the heaviest losses of the day.
National Bank of Greece ended at 36,980 drachmas, Ergobank at
18,900, Alpha Credit Bank at 19,940, Titan at 26,500, Intracom
at 13,650 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) at
7,140 drachmas.
[21] Public Power Corp ready for liberalization
Athens, 06/06/1997 (ANA)
Development Minister Vasso Papandreou said the Public Power
Corporation (DEI) would keep its electricity rates steady for
two years, and the company was ready to compete in the
international electricity market from February 2001, the start
of the first phase of liberalization in the European energy
market.
Papandreou was briefing parliament's production and commerce
committee on the government's energy policy ahead of
implementation of a European Union directive on gradual
liberalization of the internal electricity market.
She added that by the end of the year the government would
submit a draft bill in parliament setting the terms and
conditions for the sale of up to 23-27 percent, initially, of
the domestic electricity market to the private sector.
[22] Commercial Bank sees improvement in 1997
Athens, 06/06/1997 (ANA)
Commercial Bank of Greece hopes to improve its performance in
1997 following a sharp drop in 1996 profits to 12.7 billion
drachmas from 26.2 billion a year earlier, its governor
Konstantinos Georgoutsakos said.
First quarter profits were markedly higher than in the
corresponding period of 1996 and earnings for 1997 should show
great improvement, barring adverse external factors,
Georgoutsakos told a luncheon for financial correspondents.
Management aimed to further cut operational costs following a
slower rate of increase in 1996 at 15.2 percent, down from 22.9
percent in 1995, he said.
[23] Sofia seeks closer economic links
Athens, 06/06/1997 (ANA)
Bulgaria is seeking to strengthen economic links with Greece
through the creation of joint industrial and manufacturing
ventures, according to a delegation of Bulgarian government
officials and businessmen currently visiting the northern town
of Drama.
Led by Development and Public Works Under-secretary Petko Evref,
the delegation includes officials from three Bulgarian
ministries, trade and tourism representatives and public sector
technocrats. In a meeting with Drama prefect Socrates
Demetriades and representatives of the local business community,
the Bulgarian delegation discussed creation of joint industrial
and manufacturing units in Greece and Bulgaria.
The delegation also proposed the strengthening of bilateral
tourist and trade co-operation. Greek authorities outlined
progress in a new customs post project in Exohi, at the
Greek-Bulgarian border.
Bulgarian officials stressed the urgency of the project for the
neighboring country as the government aimed to use the new
customs post to move exports into other Mediterranean and Middle
Eastern countries.
[24] Hellenic Sugar invests 6.5 billion Dr.
Athens, 06/06/1997 (ANA)
State-run Hellenic Sugar Industry SA has ploughed 6.5 billion
drachmas of its own capital into a modernisation plan for two
sugar producing units it owns in northern Greece.
General manager Theodoros Anthomelidis said the investment aimed
at modernisation of the two units in order to compete in the
European market.
The investments would be used to help reduce costs, improve
quality, automate operations and modernize the two units'
machinery. The factories would produce 100,000 tons of sugar
from a cultivated area of 165-170 hectares this year, providing
employment for around 9,500 farmers.
Xanthi sugar factory would proceed with the production of a new
light sugar product and launch a new packaging unit worth 1.2
billion drachmas, Anthomelidis said.
[25] Thessaloniki hosts Balkan conference June 9-10
Athens, 06/06/1997 (ANA)
A ministerial conference on stability and co-operation in the
Balkans will be held in Thessaloniki on June 9-10 in order to
help promote security and economic development in the region.
The conference will be attended by government ministers from
Balkan states and representatives of the European Commission,
World Bank, Western European Union, International Monetary Fund
and the Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
The Greek business community has shown great interest in the
conference with more than 5 0 major industries, companies and
banks expected to attend the meeting.
Among them are the Public Power Corporation, Motor Oil, Olympic
Airways, Michaniki SA, Hellenic Railways Organization, Intracom,
Hellenic Cables, the Union of Greek Shipowners, National Bank of
Greece, Alpha Credit Bank, Ergobank, Xiosbank, Viohalco, Balkan
Export SA, Titan Cement, FAGE and Petzetakis.
[26] Ioniki head considers expansion of activity in Bulgaria
Sofia, 06/06/1997 (ANA - N. Hios)
Greece should consider even more expanded business activities
Bulgaria, Ioniki Bank Governor H. Stamatopoulos said here
yesterday.
In statements to ANA, Mr. Stamatopoulos said that "Bulgaria is
an area of vital economic interest to Greece, therefore, the
presence and expansion of Greek businesses in Bulgaria should be
seriously considered".
He added that he had "observed an honest desire by Bulgarian
economy officials to promote economic co-operation with Greek
businesses".
The bank governor is attending the forum "Doing Business in
Bulgaria", which is sponsored mainly by Ioniki, and met with the
Bulgarian Vice-President and chief of the economy sector
Alexander Boskov.
Describing the conditions existing in Bulgaria, Mr.
Stamatopoulos said that "the economic situation in Bulgaria is
difficult, but reversible, while it is obvious the government
intends to proceed with the cleansing and restructuring of the
economy".
The Ioniki Bank has operated a branch in Sofia for the past two
years and is considering opening two more branches and expanding
the presence of its subsidiaries in the specialized services
sector.
Ioniki was the first foreign banks to operate in Bulgaria.
[27] European press meeting in Athens
Athens, 06/06/1997 (ANA)
Greece will host the annual general assembly of European
Financial Press Unions on June 11-14 attended by the publishers
of major financial newspapers and magazines in Europe. During
the meeting the future of the financial press will be discussed
and an annual prize awarded to the best performing company for
1996.
The name of the winner will be announced at a ceremony on June
13 to be attended by Development Minister Vasso Papandreou.
The members of the union will meet Prime Minister Costas Simitis
and be briefed on the Greek economy by National Economy and
Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, Bank of Greece governor
Lucas Papademos, and National Bank of Greece chairman Theodore
Karatzas. They will also meet with Athens Mayor Dimitris
Avramopoulos for a briefing on Athens' candidacy to host the
2004 Olympic Games.
Naftemboriki and Express, two of Greece's top daily financial
newspapers, and Economikos Tahydromos, an economy weekly, will
represent Greece at the assembly.
[28] SME representatives cite decrease in turnover
Athens, 06/06/1997 (ANA)
Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country
experienced a 30-40 per cent decrease in turnover last year and
as a result 58 per cent of them went bankrupt.
These figures were announced at a press conference yesterday by
the Federation of Handicrafts and Small Manufacturers
Associations of Athens (OBSA), which added that the sector is
determined to mobilize.
OBSA President Mihalis Diamantis said "we are making efforts to
prevent 80,000 enterprises in Greece from closing" and announced
that a protest meeting will be held at the Diana theater at 7:30
p.m. on Monday.
According to OBSA, their sector is protesting the government's
income policy, what they termed the uncontrolled activity of
department stores, working hours, heavy taxation, lack of proper
non-existent subsidization, as well as the social insurance and
pensioning issues.
Referring to "social dialogue", Mr. Diamantis said "although we
know its results beforehand, we will attend to listen and to
raise our positions."
[29] Calls on Gov't to correct law on real estate leasing
Athens, 06/06/1997 (ANA)
In a letter to Development Minister Vasso Papandreou, Athens
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEA) president Yiannis
Papathanasiou requests an amendment of the existing legislative
framework concerning leasing of real estate.
Mr. Papathanasiou states that despite the fact that the
government initiated the leasing of real estate with law
2687/95, a positive measure for small- and medium-sized
enterprises, in practice it remains inactive due to certain
weaknesses in the law it self. He further said that no leasing
firm will approve a leasing of real estate with the
preconditions set out in the law.
"I hope that the government, in the framework of its political
choice to support the effort of the country's small- and
medium-sized enterprises, will go ahead with necessary
corrective measures so that a law which has been ratified since
1995 will be able to be implemented at last," he stated in his
letter.
[30] CLARIFICATION
Athens, 06/06/1997 (ANA)
In yesterday's Bulletin, June 5 edition, in the story entitled
"Greece joins WEU multinational land, sea forces", it was
inadvertently reported that the WEU organization itself had
approved Greek participation in the forces, whereas it was the
WEU's Parliamentary Assembly that passed the amendment calling
for Greece's participation.
End of English language section.
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