Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-06-25
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1220), June 25, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] New Athens airport on schedule, opening date set for Feb. 2001
[02] Future of current airport, OA discussed
[03] Philippines' president urges more investment from Greek
businesses
[04] Simitis meets with Australian politician
[05] Greek official in Melbourne
[06] Norwegian parliament president in Athens today
[07] Koliopanos points to socio-economic ills in environmental
problems
[08] Athens welcomes Albanian parties' agreement for free elections
[09] Tsohatzopoulos talks with Cohen center on CBMs for Aegean
[10] WEU forum
[11] Yugoslav premier in Greece today
[12] Vartholomeos to visit Hios in August
[13] Alexandria patriarch in Athens
[14] Ecclesiastical summit continues amid criticism
[15] Athens welcomes Holbrooke's interest in Cyprus problem
[16] Turkish military activity indicative of stance, Reppas says
[17] PASOK political secretariat meets on current affairs
[18] Simitis-Constantopoulos meeting tomorrow
[19] Draft bill foresees prosecutor's role in internal police probes
[20] Mitsotakis briefs Gov't on his recent meetings in Turkey
[21] ND central committee discusses results of Amsterdam summit
[22] Reppas comments on former justice
[23] KKE statement condemns 'imperialism, monopolies'
[24] Memorial event for Papandreou in Brussels
[25] Youth Parliament ends sessions
[26] Thessaloniki hosts regional conference on culture and
reconciliation
[27] Anthony Quinn arrives in Greece
[28] Greece unhappy with Dutch presidency's compromise on EU farm
prices
[29] Bank of Central Greece shareholders meet tomorrow
[30] Greek shipping inflows up 6.2 pct in February
[31] Greek equities end higher in correction
[32] Athens bourse, FTSE to present new share index
[33] Bayer Hellas sponsors on-line service for farmers
[34] EIB finances revival of tram for Kalamata
[35] Greek ports slap fines on maverick fishermen
[36] ATE, Beobanka sign agreement on deposit booklets
[37] DIEKAT five-month turnover at 2.7 billion drachmas
[38] Marlon Brando leaves for Cyprus
[01] New Athens airport on schedule, opening date set for Feb. 2001
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
Anew Athens international airport being built in Spata will
begin operation in February 2001, Environment, Town Planning and
Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis told a news conference
yesterday. He expressed satisfaction over progress made on the
project and said a set timetable was realistic and final.
Speaking to reporters after an inspection of the airport site,
the minister said construction in several sectors was well ahead
of schedule.
The organization and supervision of works by the Germany-based
engineering and construction contractor Hochtief was impressive,
he added.
He said that 45 per cent of the scheduled ground works have
already been completed and the rest would be finished by June
1998, while construction on the main terminal began in January
along with the main water and electricity systems.
In terms of the archaeological monuments on the site, the
minister said that the Zagani mound, featuring prehistoric
remains, would be leveled, while the Byzantine-era church of
Agioi Pavlos and Petros will be moved outside the airport area.
During the current phase, some 1,540 workers are employed on the
site, of whom 115 are foreign nationals. According to the
schedule, the number of workers will rise to 2,000 in July. Some
7,000 employees will work at the airport when it opens, Mr.
Laliotis said.
The new airport, budgeted at 658 billion drachmas, is one of the
largest construction projects currently under way in Europe.
It is funded by the Greek state and the European Union's
Cohesion Fund with a joint contribution of 117 billion drachmas.
The European Investment Bank is providing another 312 billion
drachmas with private funding and bank lending covering the rest.
[02] Future of current airport, OA discussed
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
Concerning the all-important issue of future land use for the
current Athens airport (both terminals), Mr. Laliotis said the
Hellenikon airport would shut down in 2001, when the new one
opens, and the area it occupies now will be turned into a park.
However, he noted that since the "costs would be very high",
parts of the present airport will be used for what he called
"mild construction development", without elaborating.
The minister also noted that talks have begun between the new
airport's contractors and Olympic Airways to gradually transfer
the latter's facilities to the new facility. Olympic Airways
will be given priority over its location at the Spata airport
since it will be the basic customer at the site.
The building contractors will manage the airport for 30 years
and the new airport will handle up to 16 million passengers
annually and around 600 flights daily.
[03] Philippines' president urges more investment from Greek
businesses
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
Filipino President Fidel Ramos urged Greek businessmen yesterday
to invest in his country, saying that bilateral trade has major
development prospects due to the two countries' stable economies
and their strategic geographical position.
Mr. Ramos was addressing the Commerce and Industry Chamber of
Athens (EBEA) on the last day of his official visit to Greece.
"Greece, as a member-state of the European Union and a bridge
between the Middle East, central Europe and the Philippines,
which lie at the crossroads of Asian and Pacific sea routes, has
many competitive advantages yet to be exploited on a bilateral
level," Mr. Ramos said. Urging closer links in the maritime
sector, he said Greek-flagged vessels already employed many
merchant seamen from the Philippines, while there also were
major investment opportunities in the shipbuilding sector.
EBEA president Ioannis Papathanasiou backed Mr. Ramos' call for
closer business ties between the two countries.
During their visit the Philippine delegation signed a
co-operation agreement with the Hellenic Foreign Trade Board
(HEPO).
In addition, businessmen from Greece and the Philippines
exchanged views during meetings of Europartenariat Hellas '97,
an international forum for business co-operation that was held
in Faliro's Peace and Friendship indoor stadium.
[04] Simitis meets with Australian politician
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday met with Victorian state
premier Jeff Kennet, who is currently on a visit to Greece.
The prime minister also met with a delegation from the Youth
Parliament currently in session, which was accompanied by
Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis.
[05] Greek official in Melbourne
Melbourne, 25/06/1997 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)
Melbourne is the third largest Greek city in the world, if not
due to the number of its Greeks, then because of the strong
presence of its Greek community, Constantine Dallas, special
advisor on educational issues to Alternate Foreign Minister
George Papandreou, said yesterday.
Mr. Dallas was in Melbourne to represent Greece at the three-day
International Congress on the Development of Cultural Ties,
which ended yesterday.
Mr. Dallas referred to Greece's cultural policy vis-a-vis the
overseas Greek community and stressed that distance was no
hindrance to tighter Greek-Australian ties.
Mr. Dallas met with Greek-origin MPs, and state government and
Greek-Australian community officials.
[06] Norwegian parliament president in Athens today
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
Norwegian Parliament President Kirsti Grondahl is due in Athens
today for a four-day official visit at the invitation of her
Greek counterpart, Apostolos Kaklamanis.
During her stay, Ms Grondahl will be received by President
Kostis Stephanopoulos and have talks with Foreign
Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis, Mr. Kaklamanis and the
members of the Greece-Scandinavia parliamentary friendship group.
She will also meet with main opposition New Democracy party
leader Costas Karamanlis and Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos.
[07] Koliopanos points to socio-economic ills in environmental
problems
New York, 25/06/1997 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)
The major environmental problems of the planet cannot be
successfully tackled and sustainability cannot be attained
unless major socio-economic ills, such as poverty, are
eradicated, Environment Under-secretary Theodoros Koliopanos
said in his address to the 19th special session of the United
Nations' second Earth Summit.
"The use of sustainable production and consumption patterns must
be identified and expanded... Capacity building and close
co-operation with third partners and major groups, as well as
public awareness, should be actively promoted," he added.
Mr. Koliopanos also stressed the importance of elaborating
strategies for freshwater and the oceans, of reducing greenhouse
gas emissions, and of the negotiation of a global convention on
forests.
"Greece, while being rich in forest resources, is also extremely
vulnerable to forest fires and deforestation, mainly due to
climatic conditions. Considering that forests are indeed one of
our most important assets, we strongly believe in sustainable
forest management, according to the Rio principles and the
proposals put forward by the IPF. In line with our partners in
the EU, we advocate the establishment by the UNGASS, of an
intergovernmental committee to negotiate a global forest
convention," he said.
In an interview with ANA on Monday, Mr. Koliopanos said that
apart from the major general issues, such as the climate and
biodiversity, the issues of special interest to Greece included
coastal and water management, and the effects of tourism.
"Our aim is to develop eco-tourism, conference tourism, and
generally tourism in the framework of sustainable development,"
he said.
The under-secretary, who participated in the crucial
coordinating meeting of the 15 EU member-states on Sunday night,
stressed that the issues at the top of the EU agenda "coincide
to a large degree with the priorities of the Greek government".
[08] Athens welcomes Albanian parties' agreement for free elections
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
Athens yesterday welcomed an agreement signed by Albania's major
parties in Rome pledging to ensure a free and fair ballot in
elections scheduled for this Sunday and recognizing the need for
a coalition government.
"We welcome this agreement... all of Greece's initiatives in the
period preceding (the elections) have been inspired by this
spirit as have the talks representatives of the Greek government
had with representatives of Albanian parties visiting our
country," government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said.
The Rome agreement, he added, would help in ensuring free and
fair elections.
In an announcement issued shortly later, the foreign ministry
reiterated Greece's support, stressing that Greek diplomatic
activity had contributed to the achievement of the agreement and
for the success of electoral procedures, which "is imperative
for stability and democratic developments in friendly and
neighboring Albania".
Greece, it added, would continue to follow developments in the
situation with unabated interest.
[09] Tsohatzopoulos talks with Cohen center on CBMs for Aegean
Washington, 25/06/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos met yesterday with
his US counterpart William Cohen with proposals by UN Secretary
General Kofi Annan on adopting confidence-building measures in
the Aegean dominating talks.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos pointed out Ankara's unwillingness to accept
a summer extension of a moratorium on military exercises in the
Aegean. He also rejected the possibility of Greece allowing
Turkish warplanes to use certain air corridors in Greek airspace.
"There never was, nor is there now such an issue," he said
following the meeting.
"I have made it clear that it is not possible that Turkish
military aircraft be accorded special treatment whenever they
want to pass through the international airspace in the Aegean,"
he stated.
"They are obliged to move according to ICAO guidelines, in other
words they are obliged to lodge their flight plans and their
nationality.
"Every country is obliged to do it because we have the
responsibility of safe passage for all planes flying over the
Aegean and if ICAO guidelines are not kept, then we cannot
guarantee the safety of flights," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos added.
Referring to the confidence-building measures in the Aegean, Mr.
Tsohatzopoulos said that he briefed the US side on the Greek
views, "which are very clear, and I expressed my regret that
Turkey did not accept the extension of the moratorium on air
force exercises in the Aegean".
[10] WEU forum
Washington, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
Earlier, while speaking at a conference of the Western European
Union's (WEU) inter-Atlantic forum being held in Washington, Mr.
Tsohatzopoulos reiterated Greece's proposal on the creation of a
"Balkan security council", as well as a "Balkan crises
prevention center" at the level of Balkan nations' defense
ministers.
He referred at length to the Albanian crisis, saying that it
shows in the most explicit way the need to strengthen democracy
and the institutions of a state of law.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos termed European contribution a "crucial
factor in the course of European stability and unification."
The focal point of European policy has clearly shifted from the
"center" to the "provinces" of Europe and more specifically to
southeastern Europe, he said, adding that the "strategic and
political concerns have shifted from what is now the
anachronistic east-west axis to the crucial north-south axis."
He said the foundations of the new Balkan security are
maintaining the border status quo, not creating geopolitical
axes of confrontation in the region and collective guarantees
and commitments by countries in the region that they will
abstain from the threat of the use of force and, of course, the
use of force as a method of resolving problems.
On Monday, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos met US Assistant Secretary of
State Strobe Talbott at the US State Department and called on
the US to exercise its influence on Turkey to stop disputing the
status quo in the Aegean and creating a climate of
destabilization in the region with its attitude.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the issue created by the statements made
by a Pentagon spokesman, who noted the Greek origin of the Imia
islets and the confusion created by the correction he made
afterwards was not raised.
[11] Yugoslav premier in Greece today
Belgrade, 25/06/1997 (ANA - M. Mouratidis)
Yugoslav Prime Minister Radoje Kodic is arriving in Athens today
on a one-day visit that will include meetings with President of
the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Costas
Simitis and Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis.
The two prime ministers will hold talks on the development of
bilateral relations, especially in the economic sector, the
integration of Yugoslavia into the international community and
issues relating to stability and co-operation in the Balkans.
In an interview with ANA, Mr. Kodic said relations between the
two countries were stable and based on traditional friendship,
emphasizing the historical, cultural and spiritual closeness of
the two peoples. These close relations were reaffirmed even
during the most trying periods of modern history, he noted.
"There are no problems between our countries," Mr. Kodic said,
adding that "continuous political dialogue is an important
contribution to strengthening bilateral relations".
"We are making efforts to promote bilateral relations both in
the interest of our peoples and in that of stability in the
area. Our co-operation is successful and this was affirmed
during the recent meeting of foreign ministers of southeastern
European countries in Thessaloniki," he said.
The Yugoslav prime minister said that economic co-operation with
Greece had been restricted due to the United Nations Security
Council sanctions, but economic relations had begun to develop
after they were lifted.
He cited as example the trade exchanges between Greece and
Yugoslavia in 1996, which amounted to US$250 million, and
expressed the hope that this year they would exceed US$500
million.
Mr. Kodic expressed satisfaction over agreements reached between
Greek company Mytilineos and the Trepca mines in Kosovo,
amounting to about US$500 million, and the purchase by the
Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) of 20 per cent of
the shares of the equivalent Serbian telecoms organization for
the price of 600 million deutschmarks.
"We wish to create with Greece the conditions for free movement
of people, goods and capital, and I'm expressing the belief that
in the talks I will have with Mr. Simitis and other Greek
government officials we will give further impetus to improving
our relations and create wider opportunities to fully develop
our bilateral relations," he said.
Referring to the predominately ethnic Albanian Yugoslav province
of Kosovo, Mr. Kodic said it remained an internal issue for
Yugoslavia, which would not accept its becoming international.
"Yugoslavia has been and remains prepared for talks with members
of the Albanian minority but within the legal institutional
agencies of the country," he said. "We are offering the
Albanians guarantees for human rights according to the highest
international standards," he added.
[12] Vartholomeos to visit Hios in August
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos will visit officially the
island of Hios on August 16 and 17 following an invitation by
the island's Union of Mastic Producers.
In a statement yesterday, the Patriarchate said the spiritual
leader of the Orthodox Church would visit the island "to express
his gratitude and give his blessing to the populace of Hios,
especially those who cultivate the trees of mastic, which is a
basic ingredient in the preparation of the Holy Myrrh".
[13] Alexandria patriarch in Athens
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
The Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Petros arrived in
Athens yesterday on a private visit.
He was accompanied by a Metropolitan of Kenya Irinaios and was
met by a delegation of government and church officials.
Petros is expected to meet with President of the Republic Kostis
Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Costas Simitis, the Archbishop of
Athens, ministers and other government officials to whom he will
set out problems faced by the Patriarchate.
[14] Ecclesiastical summit continues amid criticism
Vienna, 25/06/1997 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)
The Second European Ecumenical Conference went into its first
full day of meetings yesterday amid criticism that the Vatican
has allegedly tried to manipulate the event.
Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos canceled his participation and
in a statement charged that the Moscow Patriarchate and the
Vatican had tried to dominate the conference.
Criticism also came from Jan Fischer, secretary general of the
European Churches Conference (ECC), one of the two main
organizers of the event. Mr. Fischer charged the Vatican and the
Moscow Patriarchate with trying to "undermine" the conference.
The conference is organized by the ECC, which represents 123
Orthodox, Evangelical, Anglican and Methodist churches, among
others, as well as the Council of European Conferences of
Bishops, representing the Roman Catholic Church.
[15] Athens welcomes Holbrooke's interest in Cyprus problem
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
The government yesterday described as "positive" the interest
shown in the Cyprus problem by US special presidential envoy on
the Cyprus issue Richard Holbrooke. "Mr. Holbrooke appears to
want to deal in a systematic and diligent way with efforts to
find a solution to the Cyprus problem," government spokesman
Dimitris Reppas said. Mr. Holbrooke said on Monday that the
Cyprus problem should be resolved within the framework of a
single sovereign state.
He added that the solution of a single sovereignty in the
framework of a bi-zonal and bi-communal federation seemed
"unavoidable". The envoy also firmly opposed linking the Cyprus
issue with Greek-Turkish relations, especially concerning the
Aegean .
Mr. Reppas said however that the government would not "hasten to
judge the US official's stance on the basis of statements
alone", adding that "we shall wait for him to undertake the
initiative and shall judge him in practice".
In the government's view, Mr. Reppas said, Mr. Holbrooke's
initiative will be manifested after quite some time, possibly
following upcoming direct talks between Cyprus President Glafcos
Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and elections
in Cyprus.
[16] Turkish military activity indicative of stance, Reppas says
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
The increased Turkish military activity in the occupied part of
Cyprus reflects the "spirit" in which Turkish Cypriot leader
Rauf Denktash is entering into talks with Cyprus President
Glafcos Clerides, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said
yesterday.
This, the spokesman added, is precisely the message being sent
by Turkish activity on Cyprus.
Noting that Nicosia had lodged relevant protests, Mr. Reppas
expressed the hope that the Turkish military activity would be
"taken into consideration" by international organizations.
Mr. Clerides and Mr. Denktash will hold direct talks under UN
auspices beginning July 9.
[17] PASOK political secretariat meets on current affairs
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
Ruling PASOK's political secretariat met yesterday under the
leadership of Prime Minister Costas Simitis to discuss current
political developments.
According to sources, they discussed preparations for the next
central committee meeting scheduled for July 20 on local
government, and issues related of the parliamentary committee.
Party secretary Costas Skandalidis said they did not discuss the
issue of when a foundation for the later party founder and Prime
Minister Andreas Papandreou would be established.
[18] Simitis-Constantopoulos meeting tomorrow
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Coalition of the Left
(Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos tomorrow morning are
expected to discuss Synaspismos' proposal for dialogue between
all parliamentary parties, except the main opposition New
Democracy, with the aim of tackling the country's major problems.
Synaspismos has said such a dialogue would aim at reaching
programmatic agreements on problems, and on improving the
operation of the political system.
However, the ruling PASOK party, the Communist Party, and the
Democratic Social Movement have initially rejected the idea.
[19] Draft bill foresees prosecutor's role in internal police probes
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
The public order ministry will bring about significant changes
in police discipline regulations to achieve a more effective
handling in cases of alleged corruption among police.
Public Order Minister George Romeos publicized a draft law
anticipating for the first time the involvement of a prosecutor
in administrative investigations against officers or other law
enforcement officials.
Mr. Romeos said the measure concerning the presence of a
prosecutor was considered necessary to ensure that evidence will
not be gathered by officials but by specialized individuals.
Another reason is to have cases probed in depth and objectively
and the subject under disciplinary scrutiny to be protected in
exercising his legal rights.
[20] Mitsotakis briefs Gov't on his recent meetings in Turkey
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy party honorary president and
former premier Constantine Mitsotakis briefed Foreign Minister
Theodoros Pangalos for 40 minutes yesterday on his recent talks
in Ankara with Turkish President Suleyman Demirel and main
opposition Motherland Party leader Mesut Yilmaz.
According to statements by Mr. Mitsotakis afterwards, an overall
review of developments on national issues was made during the
meeting. Replying to a question on the appointment of Richard
Holbrooke as US President Bill Clinton's special envoy for the
Cyprus issue, Mr. Mitsotakis reiterated that this appointment
signals the fact that a painstaking and serious effort will be
made this time to resolve the Cyprus problem. He said the effort
will be completed and will heighten next year after presidential
elections are held in Cyprus.
Mr. Mitsotakis also referred to "problems in our neighborhood",
stressing to Mr. Pangalos that special care must be taken to
enable ethnic Greeks from northern Epirus to travel to their
place of residence in order to exercise their right to vote
(during Sunday's general elections in Albania).
Mr. Mitsotakis said the Greek government, in co-operation with
relevant authorities, must see that measures are taken to ensure
the safe passage of ethnic Greeks to Albania and expressed
satisfaction because "Mr. Pangalos has exactly the same view",
while assuring him that the government is doing everything
possible in this direction.
[21] ND central committee discusses results of Amsterdam summit
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
In a marathon session yesterday, the main opposition New
Democracy's central committee discussed the results of the
Amsterdam summit, as well as the issues of Constitutional
revision and party reorganization.
According to most ND central committee members, the results of
the summit were not particularly favorable for Greece, but
different approaches were suggested for the party's criticism of
the government.
Former leadership ND contender George Souflias and former
culture minister Dora Bakoyianni argued that the party must
strengthen its pro-European character at every opportunity while
conducting constructive criticism.
Former national economy minister Timos Christodoulou said that
the new European Union treaty is a moderate compromise text, but
noted that government claims about a socialist renewal and new
majority in Europe had collapsed.
[22] Reppas comments on former justice
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday that recent
statements by a former Supreme Court president that he would
again vote to try late PASOK founder and president Andreas
Papandreou on charges of embezzlement did neither him nor the
country any good.
"(Former Supreme Court President Vassilis) Kokkinos would do
better to not raise incidents which do no honor either to
himself or to the political life of the country," Mr. Reppas
said when asked to comment on Mr. Kokkinos' statements.
Mr. Reppas said the re-election of Andreas Papandreou in 1993
and of the Simitis administration in 1996 were evidence enough
of the people's regard for Mr. Kokkinos' opinions.
[23] KKE statement condemns 'imperialism, monopolies'
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
Important sections of the working classes are beginning to
realize that the real threat against them originates in the
discipline and compliance to the dictates of international
imperialist organizations and big capital, a Communist Party of
Greece (KKE) statement said yesterday.
"It is important that the popular indignation and opposition be
channeled to the fight against the monopolies and imperialism,
and the rejuvenation of the class trade union movement," the
statement added.
Referring to the climate created after left-wing victories in
France and Britain, KKE pointed out that the initial cries of
victory quickly died down, and that after the Amsterdam summit,
the working people are faced with new harsher measures which the
PASOK government has begun introducing. The statement said KKE
will insist on its position for a referendum on the new treaty.
[24] Memorial event for Papandreou in Brussels
Brussels, 25/06/1997 (ANA - M. Savva)
Members of the European Socialist group honored the memory of
the late prime minister Andreas Papandreou yesterday in an event
here organized by the ruling PASOK party's prefectural committee
in Belgium.
Addresses were made by the president of the Socialist Group at
the European Parliament Pauline Green, as well as by Greek EU
Commissioner Christos Papoutsis.
Ms Green paid tribute to Papandreou, saying that the strength of
his soul and the way with which he governed Greece brought it to
an equal position with the other European countries.
"Without compromises, without ceding even an inch of his
country's sovereign rights, Papandreou achieved rapprochement
with western Europe," she said.
[25] Youth Parliament ends sessions
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister
Costas Simitis, party leaders and cabinet members yesterday
attended the closing session of the Youth Parliament comprised
of 300 15 to 16-year-old "deputies" selected from some 17,000
high school students throughout Greece.
The "Parliament" focused on the entire range of domestic and
foreign policy issues facing Greece and called on their "adult
counterparts," to endorse their proposals for the modernization
of the country.
[26] Thessaloniki hosts regional conference on culture and
reconciliation
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
A conference on culture and reconciliation in southeastern
Europe begins tomorrow in Thessaloniki.
The three-day conference, which is organized by the "Union for
Democracy in the Balkans", will discuss the parameters which
affect contemporary culture in southeastern Europe.
The conference will be held with the participation of
politicians, scholars and scientists from Europe and the US.
Speaking to reporters yesterday, President of the Union's Board
of Directors, Nikos Efthymiadis, a former president of the
Northern Greece Industries Association, said the union, which
was established in 1995, was planning to create a "Center for
Democracy in the Balkans."
Main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis and
Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos are members of the Union's
Scientific and Political Strategy Committee.
[27] Anthony Quinn arrives in Greece
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
Film legend Anthony Quinn arrived in Athens yesterday to attend
a gala on Monday as the honored guest of a Greek monthly
magazine.
Mr. Quinn, who was accompanied by his wife and three children,
starred in the lead role in the film "Zorba the Greek". He is
also expected to attend an event in Irakleio, Crete, on the
legendary figure of Zorba.
He will be honored by the publication "Status".
In statements at the airport, he said he had played in four
films involving Greece and was currently participating in one on
the life of Russian author Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910). He will stay
in Greece until July 2.
[28] Greece unhappy with Dutch presidency's compromise on EU farm
prices
Brussels, 25/06/1997 (ANA - P. Pantelis)
Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas, like most of his EU
counterparts, said yesterday he was unhappy with the Dutch
presidency's compromise proposal for the Union's new farm prices.
Speaking at the EU farm ministers' council in Luxembourg, he
said the proposal not only did not provide answers to the most
direct and important Greek demands, but did not face them at
all. More especially for cotton, he mentioned the payment of
support s directly to the producers, the regionalization of
penalties for excess production, and the permanent demand -
along with Spain - for increased quotas.
The compromise proposal contained a vague reference that
Greece's wish for reforms in cotton, regarding the
regionalization of joint-responsibility, would be discussed with
the European Union.
"For all these demands, you included in your proposal a vague
statement. This statement must be made clear and include all the
issues which are important for Greece, and their acceptance does
not create additional fiscal demands.
Meanwhile, the Council of Ministers adopted the regulation for
improving the trading of honey, which is of direct interest to
Greece. The regulation provides for the financing of programs in
this field by the Community by up to 50 per cent.
[29] Bank of Central Greece shareholders meet tomorrow
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
The Bank of Central Greece is holding its regular general
shareholders' meeting at the Athens Chamber of Commerce and
Industry at 11 a.m. tomorrow.
The bank's board will propose the distribution of dividends at
40 drachmas per share, or 60 per cent of the net profit after
taxes.
They will also propose the free distribution to shareholders of
one new share per ten old ones. The new shares will accrue from
an approximate 985-million-drachma increase in capital following
partial capitalization of reserves.
On Monday, National Economy Under-secretary Christos Pachtas
inaugurated the new Bank of Central Greece administrative center
and branch in Kifissias Avenue.
During his speech, Mr. Pachtas stressed that the government was
firmly continuing its program for stabilization and
competitiveness.
He added that it was necessary to further reduce the difference
between interest and deposit rates and said the banks'
profit-making should be an outcome of reduced spending rather
than the high cost of borrowing for businesses , traders and
store owners.
[30] Greek shipping inflows up 6.2 pct in February
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
Greek inflows of shipping exchange increased by 6.2 per cent in
February to 164 million dollars compared to 154.4 million in the
same month last year, the merchant marine ministry said.
Shipping exchange inflows reached 344 million dollars in January
and February this year compared to 347.9 million in the
corresponding period of 1996, marking a 1.1 per cent drop.
[31] Greek equities end higher in correction
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
Share prices reversed a sharp six-day decline to end higher in
what traders described as a technical rebound of the market.
The general index closed 2.11 percent higher at 1,498.94 points
but was unable to recapture the 1,500-mark psychological level.
The volume of trade shrank considerably with turnover at 16.4
billion drachmas.
Most sector indices scored gains. Banks rose 3.56 percent,
Leasing was 0.93 percent up, Investment increased 2.06 percent,
Industrials rose 1.55 percent, Construction was 1.30 percent up,
Holding jumped 4.62 percent and Miscellaneous rose 3.22 percent.
Insurance bucked the trend to end 0.25 percent down.
The parallel market for smaller cap stocks rose 0.36 percent.
Broadly, advancers led decliners by 149 to 73 with another 15
issues unchanged.
Shares of Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE)
remained under pressure as institutionals continued to sell the
stock, which closed down 100 at 6,500 drachmas.
Rilken, Housing Bank, Commercial Bank of Greece and Allatini
scored the biggest percentage gains, while Fourlis, Tzirakian
and Bank of Central Greece suffered the heaviest losses of the
day.
National Bank of Greece closed at 33,750 drachmas, Ergobank at
16,890, Alpha Credit Bank at 18,300, Titan at 12,070, Intracom
at 12,050 and Aluminium of Greece at 15,045 drachmas.
[32] Athens bourse, FTSE to present new share index
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
The Athens bourse and FTSE International, owned by the Financial
Times and the London Stock Exchange, on July 1 will present a
new index for Greek shares. Athens Stock Exchange chairman
Manolis Xanthakis and FTSE International managing director Mark
Makepeace will outline the new system to journalists and then
introduce a technical presentation to members of the bourse.
Present will be technical specialists from both sides who
co-operated in the design and introduction of the new index.
[33] Bayer Hellas sponsors on-line service for farmers
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
Farmers in Thessaly, central Greece will now be able to pick up
the telephone to get vital information on crop protection and
weather thanks to a new 24-hour system sponsored by Bayer Hellas.
Up to now, such information was only available in the form of
"Farmers' Warning" bulletins on the television, radio or in
newspapers.
The new system, the necessary installations for which were
purchased and donated by the Crop Protection Department of Bayer
Hellas, will directly provide farmers with information and
solutions to everyday problems relating to their cultivations.
The overall program is being implemented by the Crop Protection
Service of the Agriculture Directorate of Larissa.
[34] EIB finances revival of tram for Kalamata
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
After more than half a century a tram service will start
operating again in the streets of the Peloponnesian town of
Kalamata on a track laid before the Second World War.
The Greek state signed a contract worth 3.5 billion drachmas
with the European Investment Bank to fund re-establishment of
the tram service and a face lift of the central and coastal
roads in the city.
The funding mechanism of the European Free Trade Association
will cover 85 percent of the project, with the remainder coming
from state sources.
Under the plan the tram service is expected to begin operations
in summer 2000.
[35] Greek ports slap fines on maverick fishermen
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
Greek port authorities imposed fines totaling more than 77
million drachmas on professional and amateur fishermen in 326
cases of illegal fishing in the first five months of 1997.
Port authorities found 155 violations of the fishing code by
professional fishermen and imposed fines of around 44 million
drachmas. Boat and fishing licenses were revoked for a total of
2,990 days.
Another 164 fishing violations involved amateur fishermen with
fines totaling 31 billion drachmas.
[36] ATE, Beobanka sign agreement on deposit booklets
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
Agricultural Bank of Greece (ATE) and the Yugoslav bank Beobanka
finalized an agreement yesterday establishing deposit booklets
in both the Greek and Serb languages.
ATE Governor Christos Papathanasiou and Beobanka President
Zlatan Perusic signed the agreement for their respective banks.
The new booklet provides the citizens of the Federal Republic of
Yugoslavia who have accounts with Beobanka in foreign exchange
with the possibility of withdrawing drachmas in Greece.
Addressing a joint press conference in Athens at noon, Mr.
Papathanasiou and Mr. Perusic announced the signing of a
co-operation protocol between the two banks, clarifying the
desire of both sides to co-operate closer.
The protocol anticipates the joint creation of a third bank in
Yugoslavia, establishment of joint venture companies in the
sectors of mutual funds, leasing, factoring, etc.
In another development, the Agricultural Life Insurance company
signed an agreement with the Yugoslav Beobanka Insurance, a
subsidiary of Beobanka, on Monday for co-operation in the
sectors of training, planning and promotion of insurance
products, as well as the development of computerization systems.
[37] DIEKAT five-month turnover at 2.7 billion drachmas
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
The DIEKAT company's turnover totaled 2.7 billion drachmas
during the first five months of the year, while it projects a
turnover of 8.2 billion drachmas for all of 1997.
The construction company's remaining projects that have not yet
been completed amount to eight billion drachmas. The dividend
per share is 145 drachmas and will be deducted from the price of
the share today.
DIEKAT's turnover totaled 7.95 billion drachmas in 1996, while
net profits amounted to 1.39 billion, an increase of 17 per cent.
According to a press release, the company's strategic target is
to expand into Balkan markets, particularly Romania.
[38] Marlon Brando leaves for Cyprus
Athens, 25/06/1997 (ANA)
Hollywood legend Marlon Brando left Greece today for Cyprus
after a four-day visit as a guest of shipping magnate Yannis
Latsis' daughter, Marianna.
Speaking on Monday night at an event on the environment entitled
"Biochemical Dilemmas of Our Times" at the Athena Pallas in the
Athens suburb of Kifissia, the often controversial actor said
"it is logical that you hate the Turks for invading Cyprus".
"There is not a page in history which has not been written in
blood. The weak have and will always be put against the wall,"
Mr. Brando said, speaking of the genocide of native American
Indians, the death of 800,000 Tutsis in Africa and "the
Americans w ho went to Vietnam and were dehumanized".
Speaking further on the war in Vietnam, Mr. Brando condemned US
presidents Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon for sending 60,000 young
Americans to their death "just to satisfy their political
ambitions".
The kids who were sent to Vietnam were not to blame, he said,
adding:
"The ones who sent them to fight, invoking freedom, the
motherland and economic prosperity were to blame."
End of English language section.
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