Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-06-07

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1206), June 7, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis stresses need to consolidate peace in Europe

[02] Meeting with Blair, Jospin

[03] Albright reiterates US commitment for Cyprus settlement

[04] Russian delegation to arrive for CFE inspections

[05] Dutch PM, FM in Athens on Monday

[06] Air force exercise

[07] Kaklamanis points to role of nat'l parliaments in E.U. integration

[08] Athens guarantees return of Albanians leaving to vote

[09] Kasoulides: A solution would benefit Turkey

[10] Meeting of regional FMs on political, economic co-operation

[11] Greece rejects Turkish general's claims as 'beyond any reality'

[12] State Dept. comments on Albright-Kasoulides meeting

[13] Mitsotakis holds talks with Demirel, Yilmaz

[14] Tsovolas briefed by Pangalos on foreign policy issues

[15] PASOK deputies' proposal for Constitutional revision to be discussed

[16] Karamanlis meets with three EU Commissioners

[17] Gorbachev in Greece today

[18] Four IOC members in Athens, Coe supports Athens' bid

[19] Garbage strike leads to legal action against Athens mayor

[20] Meeting examines PHARE, INTERREG projects in Greece, Bulgaria

[21] European draft agreement for partial employment

[22] "Greek stocks nose-dive on institutional sell-off

[23] EU inflation drops to 1.5 pct in April

[24] Balkan businesses to discuss privatization

[25] Greece to fund Xanthi industry reform agency

[26] Helexpo to build Athens trade fair center

[27] Public subscription for OTE shares between June 11-13

[28] Int'l business conference ends in Sofia

[29] Four bids for Bank of Crete

[30] Agriculture Bank subsidies

[31] Conscientious objectors unhappy with bill on alternative service

[32] Thessaloniki hosts regional immunology congress

[01] Simitis stresses need to consolidate peace in Europe

Malmo, 07/06/1997 (ANA - S. Liarellis)

"International mobilization for peace must not be limited, as hitherto, to the cure of symptoms and problems when they arise, or to short-term solutions which only result in a temporary suspension of conflicts, or the threat of conflict," he said.

"Greeks have a full knowledge of this problem, given that we are in the center of a region where such situations arise with particular intensity Greece is among the countries which have felt the consequences of a fragile peace on our northern and eastern borders, but even to the south, where we only border on the sea," he stressed.

"We participate in peace missions in Albania and Bosnia, offer economic aid, and ascribe particular significance to the strengthening of infrastructure and institutions in the Balkans," he said, calling for the formulation of policies which will enable peace to acquire roots.

In an indirect reference to Greek-Turkish disputes, the prime minister said that "in certain cases, the seriousness of these localized problems leads to aggressiveness on the part of official state authorities against neighbors, and to the overthrow of the international status quo. Also indirectly referring to the Albanian problem, he said "in other cases, it leads to extensive immigration, of the type affecting our country at present".

He warned that the collapse of the socialist regimes of eastern Europe has brought about a situation where "behind an excessive nationalist rhetoric, amounting only to an ideological pretext, they hide many real political, social and economic problems, which some hope will find their solution through a desperate operation of national isolation".

[02] Meeting with Blair, Jospin

Malmo, 07/06/1997 (ANA)

On the sidelines of the summit, the Greek premier discussed with his British counterpart, Tony Blair, and newly elected French counterpart Lionel Jospin issues concerning the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) and Europe's social dimension, particularly employment.

Mr. Simitis said a broad convergence of views was established with both leaders, adding that he was in agreement with the new French government's positions on European unification, the IGC, EMU as well as EU and NATO enlargement. He also had a lengthy meeting with former EU Commission president Jacques Delors.

In statements to ANA later, a high-ranking Greek official cautioned that "if there are going to be changes expressing the new center-left coalition in Europe, preparation time is needed".

"What is of priority is the stabilization and competitiveness of the Greek economy. Greek citizens must see what is to the interest of our country. When the Greek economy acquires the characteristics of steady prosperity, then 'the fan will open'," he s aid.

Summing up the results of the summit, National Defense Minister and Vice-President of the ESP, Akis Tsohatzopoulos, stressed the need for socialist parties to formulate a new economic policy on the basis of "a different development logic", compatible with the terms of the treaty of Maastricht, but taking into account the peculiarities of each country.

"Beyond the need for reaffirmation of security and stability, it is necessary to find answers for a different economic policy, which will expand GDP, fight unemployment, and consolidate the credibility of the EU," he said.

At a special meeting parallel to the summit, Socialist EU finance and economy ministers discussed details of the ECOFIN meeting on Monday.

[03] Albright reiterates US commitment for Cyprus settlement

Washington, 07/06/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis/CNA)

In a joint appearance here before their meeting yesterday, Ms Albright said there could be "no more dramatic a demonstration of that commitment" than US President Bill Clinton's decision to assign Richard Holbrooke as his special envoy for Cyprus.

"We believe that the division of the island is unacceptable," she added.

The US secretary of state said her country's goal "remains to encourage a Cyprus settlement that establishes a stable, bi-zonal federation with adequate security guarantees for all".

She pointed out that a solution "is a task for the people of Cyprus themselves to accomplish" but pledged "the US will do all it can to help them find the right path."

Speaking after the 40-minute-long meeting, Mr. Kasoulides said they discussed ways with which the US could help efforts for a Cyprus solution, as well as prospects for a settlement.

Describing the meeting as "particularly interesting", the foreign minister said he reiterated the government's commitment to attend UN-sponsored direct talks aiming at a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue "in a positive spirit."

He also expressed the hope that Ankara will convince Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to attend the talks in the same spirit.

Mr. Kasoulides said he understands that the US will also have a meeting with Turkish officials, in view of UN-led direct negotiations between President Glafcos Clerides and Mr. Denktash, due to take place outside New York City in early July.

The foreign minister also said the government expects Washington and Mr. Holbrooke's involvement in UN efforts for a solution and stressed that he did not put forward any proposals during the meeting.

Mr. Kasoulides expressed to his US counterpart the Cyprus government's satisfaction with Mr. Holbrooke's appointment.

[04] Russian delegation to arrive for CFE inspections

Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)

According to reports, a Bulgarian delegation will pay a similar visit.

[05] Dutch PM, FM in Athens on Monday

The Hague, 07/06/1997 (ANA/Reuter)

The Dutch government said yesterday that the Dutch officials will travel to Athens on Monday for talks with Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos.

They will travel to Paris on Tuesday to meet French President Jacques Chirac and new Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine, before holding separate talks with new Prime Minister Lionel Jospin.

The Netherlands holds the rotating EU presidency until the end of June.

[06] Air force exercise

Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)

The exercise anticipates operations with transport aircraft and helicopters, the dropping of paratroopers as well as search and rescue on land and sea.

The exercise will include the participation of forces from the Netherlands, Italy and Bulgaria, while Romania and Georgia, which belong to the PfP program, will only participate with staff.

[07] Kaklamanis points to role of nat'l parliaments in E.U. integration

Helsinki, 07/06/1997 (ANA - V. Patouhas)

He was addressing the opening of the EU national parliaments' presidents conference, convening in the Finnish capital on the issue of "National Parliaments and EU Institutions."

"The making of a new, humane and democratic Europe can no longer depend on the intergovernmental co-operation," Mr. Kaklamanis said.

"Painful decisions which must be taken for a series of major issues, such as unemployment, development and solidarity," he added.

Mr. Kaklamanis, who has expressed support for the convening of a new EU national parliaments conference to assess the results of the Intergovernmental Conference, called for "a common strategy of action and intervention."

He also raised the issue of the EU enlargement, drawing emphasis to procedural talks for a Cyprus-EU accession and EU-membership to central and eastern European countries.

The Greek Parliament president further expressed hope that those states which have emerged from the dissolution of Yugoslavia be granted accession to the European Union.

On the sidelines of the conference, Mr. Kaklamanis held private meetings with the president of the Europarliament, Gil Robles, and other officials.

In a later interview with ANA, Mr. Kaklamanis stressed the need for a European security system transgressing any past alliances or defense accords, including NATO, from the Atlantic to the Urals, and without any dividing lines.

He said that the principles of the Helsinki Declaration, which was adopted by the leaders of the 35 countries 22 years ago were a significant step in mankind's endeavor to put order in international relations, and continue to provide the basis for the promotion of co-operation and security in Europe.

Referring to pressures exercised towards a smoothing of Greek-Turkish relations, through dialogue between the two countries, Mr. Kaklamanis said that both Europe and the US appear not to be recognizing that the cause of the entire situation is Turkey's permanent expansionist strategy and not the supposed refusal for dialogue by Greece.

"Our country has no reasons not to be seeking the peaceful resolution of any existing differences. We are not a bellicose people. Our potential is not unlimited, as perhaps Turkey's is, which, without particular cost, is able to maintain an army five times as large as ours, while at the same time, having the support of Americans and Europeans who help her in securing the most advanced weapons systems," he said.

He pointed out that Greece's relations with the other Balkan countries ranged from good to excellent, and therefore, Athens could play a stabilizing role for the consolidation of peace and democracy in the region.

[08] Athens guarantees return of Albanians leaving to vote

Strasbourg, 07/06/1997 (ANA)

Greece's permanent representative to the Council of Europe, Dimitris Konstas, conveyed Athens' official assurances to the Council of Europe's permanent representatives committee. Mr. Konstas, who told the committee he was conveying the assurances of Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, said that Athens guaranteed the safe return to Greece of both legal and illegal Albanian immigrants.

The statement was received in positive light by many Committee members, including Albania's permanent representative, who expressed his country's satisfaction.

Mr. Konstas said the Greek government was willing to make every possible effort to contribute to the normal conduct of elections as well as to normalize the situation.

[09] Kasoulides: A solution would benefit Turkey

Washington, 07/06/1997 (ANA/CNA)

It has also called on Turkey's "allies and friends" to convince her that a Cyprus solution will be to her benefit and reiterated its readiness to negotiate with "an open mind" during next month's talks, which provide a "real, unique window of opportunity for peace".

In his opening remarks here yesterday at the National Press Club, Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said the government "would have preferred if these negotiations were better prepared in advance and common ground narrowing the gap between the position of the two sides were to be established".

If negotiations were to collapse, he said, "this will increase the people's frustration since they have built expectations for a positive outcome".

Failure at the talks, he warned, would "erode faith in the negotiating process and give an opportunity to hard-lines from both sides to gain an advantage".

Expressing hope for "productive talks", Mr. Kasoulides said the government "desires to see tangible results in the negotiating process as soon as possible".

If the Turkish Cypriot side comes to the negotiating table "with the political will to be constructive and ready to negotiate a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem in a spirit of give and take, then peace and reconciliation can at last be achieved in Cyprus", he stressed.

[10] Meeting of regional FMs on political, economic co-operation

Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)

According to the foreign ministry, issues to be examined during the conference include encouraging political co-operation, building security and confidence-building measures in the region, developing economic co-operation and coordinated action for environmental protection, as well as promoting humanitarian, social and cultural co-operation.

Moreover, development of co-operation will be sought in the judicial sector to combat organized crime, terrorism and the trafficking of weapons and drugs. Countries participating in the conference are expected to discuss specific action in implementing goals.

[11] Greece rejects Turkish general's claims as 'beyond any reality'

Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)

"It is with surprise that we learned of the groundless and beyond any reality charges of the secretary general of the Turkish general staff. Unfortunately, we note that Turkey has turbulent relations, and considers that it is undermined by almost all the countries which have the misfortune to be sharing borders with it. This fact alone proves its destabilizing role in the region," he said.

"I hope that Turkey will find political solutions to the Kurdish and other problems, so that its military leadership stops seeking pretexts in the 'foreign factor', " he added.

[12] State Dept. comments on Albright-Kasoulides meeting

Washington, 07/06/1997 (ANA-T. Ellis)

Holbrooke as a special presidential envoy for Cyprus.

Mr. Burns made the statement in reference to a Albright-Kasoulides meeting, which also took place yesterday.

According to Mr. Burns, Ms Albright expressed Washington's concerns about the destabilizing results arising from the prospective import of the Russian made S-300 missiles.

"The S-300s will cause countermeasures from other countries in the region," the State Department spokesman said, adding that Cyprus is already militarized to a large degree and that any further import of weapon systems will not contribute to the finding of a solution.

[13] Mitsotakis holds talks with Demirel, Yilmaz

Ankara, 07/06/1997 (ANA)

Their talks focused primarily on the Cyprus issue, in the light of latest developments, especially after Richard Holbrooke assumed the post of US President Bill Clinton's special envoy on the Cyprus issue. President Demirel and Mr. Mitsotakis also discussed at length the internal political situation prevailing in Turkey.

In the morning, Mr. Mitsotakis held a 30-minute meeting with former prime minister and the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP), Mesut Yilmaz, on the Cyprus issue and internal developments in Turkey.

Referring to Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Mitsotakis said the creation of "committees of experts" is a good start, adding that he hopes new steps will be taken in the upcoming period.

On his part, Mr. Yilmaz said that there was almost never a phase of political stability in both Greece and Turkey at the same time over the past, and that at present, Turkey is harassed by intense internal problems which prevent the taking of decisive decisions.

Speaking to reporters earlier, Mr. Mitsotakis stressed with emphasis that Mr. Holbrooke's involvement in the Cyprus issue means that this time a serious effort is being attempted to resolve the issue, adding that Mr. Holbrooke has the possibility to urge the Turkish Cypriot side on to talks, primarily on two axes, the territorial issue and using the accession of all of Cyprus to the European Union as an enticement.

[14] Tsovolas briefed by Pangalos on foreign policy issues

Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)

During the meeting, Mr. Tsovolas expressed concern over "dialogue with Turkey, which can turn the unacceptable Turkish claims into Greek-Turkish differences," as he noted.

Speaking to the press afterwards, Mr. Tsovolas expressed opposition to what he called the Greek position whereby the International Court at The Hague should rule on the Imia islets and other issues related to Greek-Turkish differences, with the exception of the Aegean's continental shelf.

He further expressed opposition to the recognition of Skopje by Greece under a composite term containing the term Macedonia, while opposing any promotion of a confederate solution to Cyprus.

Asked to comment on the appointment of former US assistant secretary of state and Bosnia mediator Richard Holbrooke as a special US presidential envoy for Cyprus, he said:

"It is an obvious US effort to promote the Cyprus issue and to exert pressure mostly on the Cypriot side to accept some kind of a solution.

"The issue is that partition of Cyprus should not be the solution."

In the afternoon, Mr. Tsovolas held a meeting with Ismat Sabri, representative of the Palestinian diplomatic representation in Athens.

[15] PASOK deputies' proposal for Constitutional revision to be discussed

Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)

The 300-member legislature will decide which articles of the Constitution will be amended by the next Parliament, Mr. Reppas said, adding that the government considered it unacceptable for Parliament to be dissolved as a result of its inability to elect a president of the republic, something that is mandatory with the present Constitution. The election of the president of the republic by Parliament is considered t o be the most important of the issues pertaining to the revision of the Constitution.

The issue centers on the number of deputies required for election.

Mr. Reppas said PASOK's proposal, tabled on Thursday night, took into consideration "the experience of history" and was aimed at ensuring political stability and normality.

He stressed, however, that the government would seek the consent of all political parties in the proposed revision, noting a "coinci-dence of views" on a number of issues.

PASOK's proposal seeks the revision of articles on the appointment of top judges and proposes the establishment of a National Council for Foreign Policy with an all-party composition and the participation of experts.

It also provides for the consolidation of constitutional rights, such as the abolition of the death penalty and protection of citizens from the recording of information on computers.

Meanwhile, the main opposition New Democracy party yesterday tabled its own proposal on the revision of the Constitution.

"We have once again dragged the government in the right direction and we shall fight to prevent any expediencies which the government might pursue with regard to the revision of the Constitution," ND Vice-President Ioannis Varvitsiotis said, tabling the proposal at noon.

ND's proposal seeks the strengthening of the regulatory duties of the president of the republic, chiefly in order to enable the holder of the office to ensure that the legislative initiatives of the government are constitutional.

ND also proposes the establishment of private non-profit university-level institutes of education and the enactment of provisions relating to the election law. The main opposition also favors repeal of the death penalty.

The proposal, along with the one tabled by the PASOK deputies, will be debated in Parliament on Wednesday.

The president of the Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos), Nikos Constantopoulos, criticized the government and ND on their tactics for revising the Constitution.

Mr. Constantopoulos said that both parties are "trying to out do each other."

Synaspismos, he added, believes that a major constitutional reform is necessary and will table its proposals to the relevant Parliamentary committee.

[16] Karamanlis meets with three EU Commissioners

Brussels, 07/06/1997 (ANA - M. Savva)

Mr. Karamanlis' interlocutors were Spanish Commissioner for Institutional Affairs Marcelino Orega, Italian Commissioner for Internal Market and Taxation Affairs Mario Monti and the Austrian Commissioner for Agricultural Affairs Franz Fischler.

"We discussed issues of direct Greek concern, the first being the issue of institutional balance and equality and of course the prospect of the Intergovernmental (conference). The second is our persistent position in relation to the political solidarity clause for the protection of territorial integrity and borders.

"And the third, which I also consider a leading issue, is the prospect of supporting agricultural income which is a major issue for Greece," he said.

Last night, Mr. Karamanlis was due to attend a dinner with the prime minister of Luxembourg, Jean-Claude Juncker, whose country will assume the European Union's rotating presidency as of July 1. He will return to Athens today.

[17] Gorbachev in Greece today

Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Gorbachev will remain in Greece for 10 days at the invitation of the Apostolopoulos group of companies.

The former Soviet leader and George Apostolopoulos have been friends for several years, according to reports. The Apostolopoulos group owns and operates the Athens Medical Center, while a Thessaloniki medical center is under construction. The group is also active in the Balkans and Russia. It has yet to be clarified if Mr. Gorbachev will have any official contacts.

[18] Four IOC members in Athens, Coe supports Athens' bid

Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)

The Danish, Mongolian, Mauritius, and Slovakian IOC representatives will be briefed by members of the "Athens 2004" bid committee.

The IOC officials will also visit sports facilities in Athens and each will plant an olive-tree bearing their name at the "IOC Members' Park."

During their five-day stay, the officials will also be taken on a tour of archaeological sites and watch the end of the Acropolis Rally '97 on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Olympic middle-distance gold medallist Sebastian Coe, who held the post of junior environment minister in the Tory government of John Major, expressed his full support for Athens' bid to host the 2004 Games.

"The Greeks always had strong arguments for holding the Olympic Games. Particularly in the case of the 1996 Games, when the historical and cultural arguments were on their side. I am among those who believe in tradition, which is why I don't want to see the Olympic Games become just another commercial world championship," Mr. Coe said in statements to the state-run television channel ET-1.

He also referred to a second resolution by British MPs calling on the new British parliament to openly support Athens' bid to host the 2004 Games.

The resolution underlines the importance of the Olympics returning to their birthplace and the possibilities this would afford the IOC of leading the Olympic movement back to its original ideals.

[19] Garbage strike leads to legal action against Athens mayor

Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)

The head of the public prosecutor's office for Athens First Instance Courts, Anastasios Kanellopoulos, filed the action after press reports cited the health risks in the Greek capital posed by tons of uncollected garbage and the filing of a similar complaint by the Athens Medical Association.

Meanwhile, Athens prosecutor Georgios Koliokostas yesterday morning filed a complaint against "all persons responsible" for the violation of sanitary regulations and the health hazard posed by the piles of rotting garbage on the streets of the greater Athens area. Garbage collectors were due to meet yesterday morning with Interior Under-secretary Lambros Papadimas in an effort to find a solution to their demands for higher pay and job guarantees.

The strike, the second in a month, entered its fifth day yesterday.

The government warned this week that it would move to have the strike declared illegal if it was not immediately called off.

"The government has decided not to tolerate this situation any longer," Interior Minister Alekos Papadopoulos said on Thursday, describing the strike as "incompre-hensible, unacceptable and fundamentally and legally groundless."

Meanwhile, the main opposition New Democracy party issued an announcement stressing that "dangers for public health were imminent," and called on the government to find a solution.

The Political Spring party also called on the government to give a solution to the problem saying that "citizens' health is not to be toyed with."

[20] Meeting examines PHARE, INTERREG projects in Greece, Bulgaria

Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)

Several top EU Commission officials were also present at the meeting.

Finance Ministry general secretary Elias Plaskovitis said that projects underway in Bulgaria through PHARE will be reorganized because of minor delays, while the INTERREG-funded projects in Greece are satisfactory and will be completed in the year 2000.

During the meeting the progress of several road axis projects was examined.

[21] European draft agreement for partial employment

Brussels, 07/06/1997 (ANA)

Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) President Iason Stratos and SEB Vice-President Nikos Analytis participated from Greece.

The UNICE council approved a draft agreement for partial employment, the product of prolonged negotiations between employers and workers - an agreement anticipating the development of partial employment and the abolition of discriminations against part-time workers.

In a message to the Amsterdam summit, the presidents of the Industrial Federations of Europe stressed the need to avoid delay in negotiations in the framework of the Intergovernmental Conference and the taking of decisions which will maintain a balance between the European Union's economic and social targets.

The statement added that it is certain that an increase in the competitiveness of European enterprises and the creation of an environment which will attract in-vestments and will allow for economic development will constitute a factor developing employment.

[22] "Greek stocks nose-dive on institutional sell-off

Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)

Traders said institutional investors were taking higher liquidity positions ahead of the flotation of the second tranche of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) on the market. Trading was moderate at 22.2 billion drachmas.

All sector indices lost ground. Banks fell 3.30 percent, Leasing was 3.39 percent off, Insurance dropped 0.20 percent, Investment eased 3.08 percent, Industrials fell 3.47 percent, Construction dropped 3.54 percent, Holding eased 2.68 percent and Miscellaneous ended 3.20 percent down.

The Parallel Market index fell 1.71 percent. Decliners overwhelmingly led advancers by 199 to 35 with another 13 issues unchanged. Xylemporia, Viokarpet and Sato scored the biggest gains, while Britania, Flexopak, Rocas and GEK suffered the heaviest losses hitting the eight percent daily volatility limit.

Blue chips National Bank of Greece closed at 35,950 drachmas, Ergobank at 18,050, Alpha Credit Bank at 18,890, Titan Cement at 25,000, Intracom at 13,390, Delta at 3,580 and OTE at 6,965 drachmas.

[23] EU inflation drops to 1.5 pct in April

Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)

April inflation also was sharply down on 2.6 percent in April 1996. Belgium and Finland reported the lowest inflation rates at 0.9 percent, while France, Luxembourg, Germany, the Netherlands and Austria all showed inflation rates below the EU average.

Greek inflation fell to 5.7 percent in April from 5.9 percent in March. It was 8.5 percent in April 1996.

Inflation rates in the United States and Japan were 2.5 percent and 1.7 percent respectively in April.

[24] Balkan businesses to discuss privatization

Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)

The business meeting, to be held on the initiative of the Greek foreign ministry and supported by the Northern Greek Exporters' Association, will be attended by privatization ministers and officials from Balkan states.

They are expected to refer to specific companies, by sector, being offered for privatization and to the legal framework of each country and prospects for their markets' growth.

Representatives of the fifteen largest companies in energy, transportation, telecommunications, industry, construction and banking from each country are also expected to attend the meeting, among them more than 50 Greek businessmen, bank governors and utility chairmen.

National Economy Under-secretary Alexandros Baltas has been invited to attend the meeting.

[25] Greece to fund Xanthi industry reform agency

Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)

Xanthi prefect Panagiotis Saltouros said that the development ministry would meet in full the demands of the prefecture for the creation and operation of the new agency.

The agency's task will be to promote regional development, attract investments, boost employment and monitor economic data.

[26] Helexpo to build Athens trade fair center

Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)

The European Union will fund 50 percent of the project through an industry program with state-run Helexpo, which holds trade fairs on its Thessaloniki premises throughout the year, providing 25 percent, and the government the remaining 25 percent from the public investments program.

"This (project) is very important for the national economy as there is no trade fair center of such a scale in (the prefecture) of Attica," Helexpo's managing director Andonis Kourtis told the signing ceremony.

The two-story Athens center will be housed on 11,250 square meters of land offered by the state in the northern suburb of Maroussi.

[27] Public subscription for OTE shares between June 11-13

Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)

According to Greek and foreign institutional investors, the share price expected to be formed after the submission of competitive offers (book building) begins on Monday, will be in the range of 6,500 drachmas. The price at the subscription stage will be 200 drachmas lower, while its fluctuation limits will be set on Tuesday, and the determination of its sale price will take place on June 14-15.

In case of strong demand, the finance minister has the right to increase the number of 45 billion shares offered by 2,109,977.

After the completion of the public subscription process, OTE will proceed to an equity capital increase, at the rate of six new for every 80 old shares.

[28] Int'l business conference ends in Sofia

Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)

The conference presented the new Bulgarian government to the international business world.

H. Stamatopoulos, the governor of Ioniki, commented on the progress of the bank's Sofia branch. He announced the opening of two new branches and added that the possibility of expanding business with the subsidiary companies, Ioniki finance and Ioniki leasing, is being considered.

He also said that the Sofia branch will soon be offering direct financing rather than through Athens.

[29] Four bids for Bank of Crete

Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)

The tenders were tabled by the Nanjing Star Co. Ltd and the An Ran Industrial Group Ltd, which are headquartered in the People's Republic of China, the Consolidated Eurofinance Holfing S.A. and the Bank of Piraeus.

An evaluation committee for the purchase of the Bank of Crete will convene on Tuesday to examine tenders.

[30] Agriculture Bank subsidies

Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)

Three of these investments include green house units and other crops, costing 107 million drachmas and subsidized at 52 million, while 16 investments, related to agriculture services and costing 1.47 billion drachmas will be subsidized with 534 million.

[31] Conscientious objectors unhappy with bill on alternative service

Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)

Parliament on Thursday night passed the law by a majority vote, enabling conscientious objectors to work in state hospitals or municipal services for 36 months, double the normal 18 months of military service.

Representatives of the Association of Conscientious Objectors told a press conference yesterday that although the introduction of an alternative to military service was a positive step, "albeit with a delay of 11 years compared to other European countries," the new law contained a number of serious weaknesses.

Association spokesmen Yiannis Chrysovergis and Dimitris Sotiropoulos said the law's weaknesses constituted violations of "respect for free conscience and the equality of citizens before the law."

The doubling of the length of alternative service, they said, was clearly a punitive measure and contrary to the recommendations of international organizations.

They also criticized provisions in the law ruling out the choice of alternative service by persons who in the past had licenses for hunting rifles or handguns or who have been convicted of felonies.

Mr. Chrysovergis and Mr. Sotiropoulos pointed out that "crimes of violence" included participation in peaceful demonstrations such as sit-ins, which had been prohibited by the police.

[32] Thessaloniki hosts regional immunology congress

Athens, 07/06/1997 (ANA)

Antibiotics, until recently considered a cure for all ills, are today less than effective due to their misuse and are actually aiding in the spread of infectious diseases.

These issues were the focus of the first day of sessions at the 1st Balkan and Southern European congress on immunology, currently being held in Thessaloniki.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), despite progress in medical research on combating infectious diseases, research has been outpaced in the past 30 years by the emergence of new and deadly viral strains, such as AIDS and Ebola.

The expansion of these viral strains has been attributed both to the misuse of antibiotics and to the ease of movement of large numbers of people as well as to tourism. In fact, many cases of potentially serious viruses are not reported to WHO for fear of the repercussions on the local tourist industry.

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics in the developed world has led to a weakening of the immune system while, paradoxically, in the developing world their scarcity often leads to rapid expansion of the disease.

End of English language section.

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