Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-07-19
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1241), July 19, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] Simitis: Turkey must show consistency after Madrid communiqui
[02] Other issues
[03] ND on Simitis speech
[04] More discussion on communiqui necessary, 23 cadres say
[05] "Stoyanov thanks Greek leadership for support
[06] Greece, Georgia sign military co-operation protocol
[07] US Senate maintains 7:10 ratio of foreign aid to Greece, Turkey
[08] Kohl says he'll work to overcome Greek veto of EU support to
Turkey
[09] Kranidiotis arrives in Lebanon for talks
[10] G. Papandreou hails EU decision on Cyprus' prospects for
accession
[11] Transfer of EIYAPOE to Komotini
[12] Political leadership issues messages on anniversary of 'Attila'
[13] Czech Republic's Klaus continues unofficial visit
[14] Politicians' property statements released
[15] Seventh int'l Pan-Macedonian conference in Thessaloniki
[16] Greece will honor sports agreement, Gov't stresses
[17] IAAF to hold congress before championships begin
[18] Avramopoulos won't participate in championship's organizing
committee
[19] New legislation on used car tax in September
[20] OTE issue raises 12.2 of 14. 38 billion drachmas targeted
[21] Lavipharm shares purchase
[22] Greek cabinet meeting on information society
[23] Greece to promote business in Balkans
[24] Greek equities end week sharply lower
[25] Gnomon contractors in successful share capital increase
[26] ATE, Chinese agree to co-operation
[27] More Olympic flights to islands
[01] Simitis: Turkey must show consistency after Madrid communiqui
Athens, 19/07/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister and ruling PASOK President Costas Simitis
yesterday said that a joint Greek-Turkish communiqui did not
mean that problems with Turkey had disappeared, but, if the
neighboring country showed consistency in respecting
international law and treaties it would find Greek support in
its effort to approach Europe. He was addressing a two-day PASOK
central committee session in Nafplion, where he also termed the
Greek-Turkish communiqui of Madrid a "success for government
policy."
Mr. Simitis and Turkish President Suleyman Demirel signed a
joint communiqui last week in Madrid on the sidelines of a NATO
summit.
The communiqui contains the principles that should govern
relations between the two neighbors.
Mr. Simitis said the government's positions are known and
ratified by the Cabinet and PASOK's collective organs, while he
proposed that "these positions must be examined again when the
time comes at another central committee session."
He said the country's positions constitute the starting point
for every initiative, with strategic and tactical moves being
part of this framework. He further reminded that he had stressed
at a Parliamentary group meeting on May 7 that Greece will not
put forth its sovereign rights for dialogue, while it does not
accept any process placing the status quo in the Aegean in
question.
Mr. Simitis reminded that during the same meeting he had pointed
out that if Turkey proved in practice that it respected
international law and withdrew its expansionist designs then the
climate could change in relations between the two countries. He
said this was achieved in Madrid since the framework of
relations defined in the joint communiqui consolidates our
positions and allows for a "step-by-step" rapprochement.
Mr. Simitis underlined, however, that problems have not been
resolved, stressing that if Turkey shows consistency in
respecting international law and treaties it will find Greece in
support of its European course. Until then, he added, Hellenism
must be united with a strong deterrent force.
He termed the "experts committee" as the next step, one which
could lead to the International Court of Justice at The Hague.
If, he added, Turkey defaults it will bear all the
responsibility before the international public opinion and
Ankara will be left exposed, while Greece will emerge as a
stable pole of peace and co-operation in the Balkans and eastern
Mediterranean.
In this framework, Mr. Simitis called for an end "to the period
of labeling because in the party of the most profound democratic
traditions, divisions into nationalists and non-nationalists
cannot reappear because such a thing lies beneath the history of
PASOK".
Mr. Simitis said that in this way PASOK, "united and indivisible
is the party which safeguards national just causes because
national policy means Greece becoming strong, proud and
respected and slogans and banners for reasons of national
consumption are not national policy and (in parallel) failing in
your targets."
Mr. Simitis said the government will promote this "unwavering
policy because it has the approval and agreement of all the
Greek people."
[02] Other issues
Athens, 19/07/1997 (ANA)
Turning to other issues, Mr. Simitis also stressed the need for
administrative reform, saying that the government was determined
to clash with organized interests, large and small, towards
achieving that end.
Setting out the "Ioannis Kapodistrias" plan for devolution, he
said it was based on the principles of decentralized
administration, transfer of responsibilities on the basis of the
principle of efficiency, human sensitivity and transparency.
PASOK Secretary Costas Skandalidis described administrative
reform as an urgent political priority. "It provides the answer
to the requirements of modern democracy, the development of
modern Greece. PASOK is determined, in its current four-year
term, t o complete the plan for the creation of strong
municipalities, which will change the map of local development
of the country, setting aside political cost and unbridled
parochialism," he said.
Mr. Skandalidis issued an invitation to all the parties of the
Center and Left without exemptions for the formation of a joint
front in view of municipal elections in the autumn, emphasizing
that in elections there was a dividing line between the forces
of progress and conservatism.
[03] ND on Simitis speech
Athens, 19/07/1997 (ANA)
In reaction to Mr. Simitis' speech, main opposition New
Democracy spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos accused the premier of
"turning developments in Greek-Turkish relations into an
internal PASOK issue, avoiding briefing, as he should, the Greek
people on the reasonable questions, concerns and reservations
created by the agreement.
[04] More discussion on communiqui necessary, 23 cadres say
Athens, 19/07/1997 (ANA)
Twenty-three members of ruling PASOK's central committee called
for a special meeting of the body to discuss the joint
communiqui.
In a letter to Mr. Simitis, the 23 said the issue is too
important to be discussed briefly and discussion of the
government's position should take place also within party
agencies.
The signatories include former ministers Yiannis Kapsis, George
Katsifaras, Antonis Livanis, Kimon Koulouris, Anastasios Peponis
and Yiannis Haralambopoulos.
[05] "Stoyanov thanks Greek leadership for support
Sofia, 19/07/1997 (ANA - N. Hios)
Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov has sent letters expressing
gratitude towards Athens for its support in Bulgaria's bid for
NATO membership, the BTA news agency reported yesterday.
BTA said letters had been sent to President Kostis
Stephanopoulos and Prime Minister Costas Simitis.
According to the agency, Mr. Stoyanov also thanked the two
officials for the "interesting and comprehensive talks" held
during a recent official visit to Greece.
"The Bulgarian people will never forget this outstanding act of
solidarity by Greece," the letter to Mr. Simitis is quoted as
saying, terming the support "clear and definitive".
[06] Greece, Georgia sign military co-operation protocol
Baku, 19/07/1997 (ANA - D. Konstantakopoulos)
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos wrapped up a
four-day tour of the Caucasus with a visit to Azerbaijan
yesterday.
He arrived in Baku from Tbilisi, where he signed a defense
co-operation protocol between Greece and Georgia.
The Greek military is now called upon to play an important role
in the structuring of the Georgian army and particularly the
Georgian navy. Tbilisi is interested in upgrading its almost
non-existent military role in the Black Sea at present and
undertaking the guarding of its coast more actively, a mission
which is currently the responsibility by the Russian navy in
essence.
Speaking to reporters, Georgian Defense Minister Gen. Nadibaidze
stressed the "complete and mutual understanding" reached in
talks with his Greek counterpart and did not conceal the big
expectations of the Georgian military in Greece's contribution
towards its organization.
On his part, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos underlined Georgia's crucial
role in the security and stability of the entire Caucasus and
expressed support for the unity and indivisibility of the
republic, which is faced with the "de facto" secession of
Abhazia and southern Ossetia.
Replying to a question on possible Greek participation in a
peacekeeping force, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said Greece is prepared
to help in organizing joint exercises and other measures.
The two ministers appeared determined to implement the protocol
with speedy rates and which anticipates, among others, their
co-operation in the sectors of restructuring Georgia's army on
land, logistics and the infrastructure facilitating the armed
forces' readiness.
The agreement anticipates the training of Georgian officers in
Greece etc., while a Greek warship will visit Poti in the near
future.
[07] US Senate maintains 7:10 ratio of foreign aid to Greece, Turkey
Washington, 19/97/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)
The US Senate yesterday approved the 1998 draft bill for foreign
aid, without significant changes while retaining the 7 to 10
ratio of assistance to Greece and Turkey.
The Senate approved the proposals of its appropriations
committee, for aid of US$ 122.5 million to Greece and $150
million to Turkey.
The Senate also retained $15 million in aid for Cyprus, granted
for projects that will improve quality of life for both Greek
Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities as well as their
rapprochement.
The draft bill will become law only when a similar draft is
approved by the US House of Representatives and both combined
under one law.
The House draft bill calls for military loans of $105 million
for Greece and $150 million for Turkey.
There is also a proposal of granting a $40-million-grant to
Turkey, of which amount half will be allocated to
non-governmental organizations that promote human rights and a
political solution to the Kurdish issue.
[08] Kohl says he'll work to overcome Greek veto of EU support to
Turkey
Bonn, 19/07/1997 (ANA - P. Stangos)
German Chancellor Helmut Kohl said he will do everything in his
power to end a Greek veto on European Union financing toward
Turkey.
"This blocking is not proper, it is not justified. I have always
held this view. I retain a very friendly relationship with the
Greek prime minister, something I could not maintain for his
predecessor, with whom we clashed regularly precisely on these
issues. I am categorically in favor of ending, at long last,
this blocking. And this will constitute the subject of talks
with Turkish Premier Mesut Yilmaz, whom I will receive with
great pleasure," he said at a press conference to German and
foreign correspondents.
It may be noted that in reference to EU enlargement, the German
chancellor omitted mentioning Cyprus together with the first
batch of eastern European countries that are candidates for
membership.
German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel has recently ruled out
Cypriot membership in the EU without a prior solution to the
Cyprus problem.
[09] Kranidiotis arrives in Lebanon for talks
Beirut, 19/07/1997 (ANA - V. Mourtis)
Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis has elicited
Egyptian and Lebanese support for Greece's candidacy as a
temporary member on the five permanent-member UN Security
Council.
Mr. Kranidiotis, who is on a Middle East tour, arrived here
Thursday night, and held meetings with President Elias Hrawi,
Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and Foreign Minister Farez Buiz.
Sources said that Mr. Hrawi appeared satisfied with Mr.
Kranidiotis' explanations regarding Greece's defense agreement
with Israel (which is in abeyance), while expressing concern
over Israel's similar agreement with Turkey.
The Greek under-secretary discussed bilateral issues with Mr.
Hariri, who is expected in Athens on an official visit on July
24 and 25.
Discussion with Mr. Buiz centered on the Middle East peace
process.
The Lebanese foreign minister stressed that since it appeared
that hopes for the effective activation of the United States in
the process appeared to be diminishing, it was necessary for the
European Union to become involved.
The two men discussed the issues of Greece's candidacy for UN
Security Council membership and the Cyprus issue, for which
Greece was re-assured of Lebanon's support.
Mr. Kranidiotis also met with Patriarch of Antioch Ignatios and
Archbishop of Beirut Elias Ontech. An estimated one million and
500,000 Greek Orthodox faithful live in Syria and Lebanon,
respectively.
[10] G. Papandreou hails EU decision on Cyprus' prospects for
accession
Athens, 19/07/1997 (ANA)
Athens is satisfied with the European Commission report "Agenda
2000", which proposes that Cyprus be included in the first round
of accession talks set to begin early next year, Alternate
Foreign Minister George Papandreou said yesterday.
Mr. Papandreou told the Athens News Agency that the proposal,
which was released recently, is the "realization of a decision
that fundamentally assists the further promotion of a solution
to the Cyprus issue".
Referring to statements by top European Union officials that
Cyprus cannot be prevented from EU accession, Mr. Papandreou
said "we hope this position will be adopted by all EU
member-states".
[11] Transfer of EIYAPOE to Komotini
Athens, 19/07/1997 (ANA)
The Athens-based National Institute for the Reception and
Settlement of Repatriating Greeks (EIYAPOE) is to be moved to
Komotini.
The institute's president and Ioannina University dean, Dimitris
Glaros, said yesterday that a committee had already been set up
to look into the process to transfer EIYAPOE services and staff
to Komotini. A report by the committee is expected within the
next three months.
According to Prof. Glaros, the move shows the determination both
by the institute's board and the state, to operate decision
making centers for repatriating Greeks in the region of Thrace,
where settlement problems for repatriating Black Sea Greeks
(Pontians) are more acute.
Also, the board is looking into ways for additional funding,
mainly from the EU and international bodies.
[12] Political leadership issues messages on anniversary of 'Attila'
Athens, 19/07/1997 (ANA)
The July 20, 1974 invasion of Cyprus by Turkish troops and
occupation of the northern part of the island created tragic
conditions for the Cypriot people and comprised a violation of
all principles of international law and a great historical
injustice,
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos said yesterday
on the occasion of the 23rd anniversary of the Turkish invasion.
"Twenty-three years later, this large section of Cyprus remains
under Turkish military occupation with repercussions that deeply
affect life on the island and limit the freedom of the entire
Cypriot people," he said.
He said that despite numerous UN resolutions and the various
initiatives on the Cyprus issue undertaken at various times, a
solution "has not been rendered possible due to Turkey's refusal
to conform with the UN resolutions and the international
community's inability to impose them".
Mr. Stephanopoulos said a new mobility was developing with the
initiative of the UN Secretary General and the assistance of the
United States, while Cyprus' accession to the European Union was
positively looked upon.
On its part, the government reiterated its unwavering support
for the people of Cyprus in seeking a just and viable solution
to the Cyprus issue.
In a statement by the press ministry yesterday, the government
said the process of UN-led direct talks between Cyprus President
Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash "has
Greece's full support".
"We hope that all sides, especially Turkey, will respect
international law and contribute so that the people of Cyprus
may live again under conditions of freedom, peace, democracy and
social prosperity".
Main opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Costas
Karamanlis expressed doubt whether Turkey could fulfill
conditions to become a European Union member.
He also reiterated that "Greeks everywhere are always supportive
of the Cypriot people and make a stance against provocations by
retaining an unbroken national front and arming it with a
long-term unified defense and foreign policy".
The Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) called for
a "unified national strategy that will take advantage of
international activity and deflect Turkish intransigence" and
lead to a just and viable solution based on UN resolutions and
top-level decisions.
The Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) party leader Dimitris
Tsovolas accused the UN of "ineffectiveness and lack of will for
a just solution to the problem and the restoration of legality",
and criticized the plans for a confederation, saying the problem
should be seen as one of invasion and occupation of an
independent and sovereign state.
A similar message was sent by Political Spring leader Antonis
Samaras, who said that "Cyprus is one and indivisible. It cannot
be cut up in sections, it cannot be sold off, and it cannot be
given away".
A statement on the anniversary was also issued by Cyprus'
ambassador to Greece, who said that "if the Turkish side shows
the same goodwill as the Greek Cypriot side, and the same
positive and constructive spirit in which our side faces issues,
then perhaps there might be a result".
[13] Czech Republic's Klaus continues unofficial visit
Athens, 19/07/1997 (ANA)
Czech Premier Vaclav Klaus continued his unofficial visit to
Greece yesterday, participating in an international political
and economic seminar on Crete.
The seminar, organized by the Group for International Study and
Evaluation A.G. (GISE) and Alpha Credit Bank, will focus on
issues pertaining to foreign policy, security and international
economic relations.
On the first day of his visit Thursday, Mr. Klaus had talks with
Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Foreign Minister Theodoros
Pangalos.
During the talks, both sides underlined the lack of any serious
problems in bilateral relations and the good prospects for their
further development.
The two sides also agreed on an exchange of official delegations
led by the premiers of the two countries by the end of the year
or early 1998. Particular attention was given to economic and
trade co-operation, where there are excellent prospects for
development.
Reiterating Greece's support for the Czech Republic's bid to
join the European Union and NATO, Mr. Simitis underlined the
importance which Athens attaches to Balkan states becoming
members of these organizations for peace and stability in the
Balkans.
Mr. Simitis also briefed his Czech counterpart on Greece's
foreign policy priorities in the Balkans and the need for a just
and lasting settlement of the Cyprus problem.
Mr. Klaus briefed Mr. Simitis on the latest developments in his
country, including the catastrophic flooding which has
devastated one third of the Czech Republic, resulting in dozens
of deaths and enormous material damage.
[14] Politicians' property statements released
Athens, 19/07/1997 (ANA)
This year's property statements of political leaders, ministers
and deputies were released yesterday.
The statements do not show any marked changes from last year's.
Statements were not submitted by ND deputy V. Vyzas, PASOK
Eurodeputy K. Klironomos, and former PASOK deputy L.
Konstantinidis.
Several deputies appear to be only in possession of a private
car.
[15] Seventh int'l Pan-Macedonian conference in Thessaloniki
Athens, 19/07/1997 (ANA)
Pan-Macedonian associations from around the world are preparing
for the Seventh International Conference of Panmacedonian
Associations, starting this Sunday in Thessaloniki.
Board members of Pan-Macedonian associations arrived in
Thessaloniki yesterday at noon.
They later gave a press conference during which they officially
announced the holding of the conference, stressing their
attendance was aimed at "giving a message of unity and
co-operation of all Pan-Macedonian associations, as well as
stating their adamant determination to keep up the struggle."
Issues to be examined during the conference, which will last
until July 26, include foreign policy issues of national
importance to Greece, problems facing Greeks living abroad and
the coordination of Macedonian Greeks' activities around the
world.
During yesterday's press conference, it was stressed that
Pan-Macedonian associations had certain disagreements over the
Greek government's handling of the controversial issue the final
official name to be given to the Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia.
They charged that in spite of the 'interim accord' between
Athens and Skopje, which had been observed by Greece, the
Skopjans had launched an extensive propaganda, trying to
influence the international public opinion towards their own
positions on the issue of the name.
The conference is held every four years and this year coincides
with the 50th anniversary of the oldest Pan-Macedonian
association of North American.
[16] Greece will honor sports agreement, Gov't stresses
Athens, 19/07/1997 (ANA)
Greece will honor the agreements it has signed with
international sports organizations, government spokesman
Dimitris Reppas said yesterday, responding to press reports
claiming an eight-billion-drachma shortfall in the budget for
the World Athletics Championships in Athens.
At the present time, Mr. Reppas said, just days before the
staging of the championships, "we must all help to ensure the
best possible promotion of Greece."
"We shall deal with any problems which may exist afterwards," he
added, noting that all the political parties were participating
in the Athens '97 organizing committee.
[17] IAAF to hold congress before championships begin
Athens, 19/07/1997 (ANA)
The International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) will
celebrate the 85th anniversary of its founding on July 29 at the
ancient Herod Atticus theater, shortly before the opening of the
6th World Athletics Championships in Athens.
Prime Minister Costas Simitis will open IAAF's 41st congress at
the theater, which will end on July 31. The championships will
be held from Aug. 1 to 10.
IAAF was founded in 1912 in Stockholm with 17 members, including
Greece.
For its opening celebration, the IAAF has invited some of the
best-known past and present athletes to attend, some of which
won medals in past Olympics.
These include the following athletes:
-- Emil Zatopek (Czech Republic), winner of three gold medals in
the 1952 Olympic Games and world record holder at 5000m and
10,000m race;
-- Sydney Wooderson (Britain), world record holder in 800m and
mile in the 1930s;
-- Marita Koch (Germany), winner of four gold medals in the 1983
World Championships;
-- Fanny Blankers-Koen (the Netherlands), winner of four gold
medals in the 1948 Olympic Games;
-- Maurizio Damilano (Italy), Olympic and world champion in the
20km walk;
-- Kip Keino (Kenya), Olympic gold medallist in the 1500m and
3000m steeplechase;
-- Sohn Kee-Chung (Korea), Olympic champion in the marathon of
1936 (representing Japan);
-- Ernesto Canto (Mexico), the first male gold medallist in the
first World Championships in 1983, in the 20km walk;
-- Grete Waitz (Norway), the greatest woman distance runner of
all time;
-- Valeriy Brumel (Russia), Olympic champion and world record
holder in the high jump;
-- Viktor Sanyeyev (Russia), holder of two Olympic titles in the
triple jump;
-- Yuriy Sedykh (Russia), holder of the world title in the
hammer throw at the age of 36 years and 75 days;
-- Bob Matthias (USA), Olympic champion in the 1948 decathlon;
-- Bobby Morrow (USA), winner of three gold medals in the
sprints at the 1958 Olympic Games;
-- Dick Fosbury (USA), inventor of the high jump style which
bears his name, and Olympic champion; and
-- Carl Lewis (USA), winner of nine Olympic gold medals and
eight gold in the World Championships between 1983 and 1991.
[18] Avramopoulos won't participate in championship's organizing
committee
Athens, 19/07/1997 (ANA)
Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos addressed a letter to Sports
Under-secretary Andreas Fouras yesterday, informing him that he
will not participate in the Organizing Committee for the Athens
'97 World Athletics Championships.
"Being unable to participate substantively in the works of the
Organizing Committee of the World Athletics Championships Athens
'97, in which I had been included, I inform you that I will not
participate formally. The Athens municipality will be
represented by deputy mayor Angelos Moschonas," Mr. Avramopoulos
said.
"Being the mayor of the city which will host the championships,
I will contribute to the part of the program which is
anticipated by the World Athletics Championships manual. Best
wishes for the success of this great tournament," he added.
[19] New legislation on used car tax in September
Athens, 19/07/1997 (ANA)
The government intends to table legislation in mid-September
regulating taxation on the import of used catalytic converter
cars, controlled renewal of the fleet of older cars in Greece as
well as other issues concerning the "objective" tax value of
vehicles.
Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas
Laliotis said after a meeting with Finance Undersecretary George
Drys and car dealers or importers that the controlled withdrawal
of older cars would be over a period of six years, from 1998 to
2004.
He said the number of old-technology cars to be taken out of
circulation each year would depend on the funding earmarked in
the annual budgets for that purpose.
Incentives for withdrawal, he continued, would depend on the
engine and age of the vehicle being taken out of circulation and
would not be linked with the purchase of a new vehicle.
Informed sources said the target for 1998 was the withdrawal of
about 160,000 conventional technology cars of up to 22 years of
age.
[20] OTE issue raises 12.2 of 14. 38 billion drachmas targeted
Athens, 19/07/1997 (ANA)
The latest issue of Hellenic Telecommunications Organization
(OTE) stock brought in 12.2 of the 14.38 billion drachmas
designated for private individuals and institutional investors,
as 360,000 shares were not subscribed for.
The unsubscribed amount will be covered by the three main lead
managers of the issue, Salomon Brothers, HSBC Investment and the
National Bank of Greece. The total amount of the share capital
increase was 189.89 billion, of which 175.51 was paid up by the
state.
[21] Lavipharm shares purchase
Athens, 19/07/1997 (ANA)
The Lavipharm company announced yesterday that the brokerage
firm SBC WARBURG and Sigma provided foreign institutional
investors with 1,330,963 of the company's shares at 2,500
drachmas per share.
These shares were under the ownership of the company's old
shareholders who will use the product of the sale to exercise
their rights fully in the framework of the increase underway in
Lavipharm's share capital which started on July 16 and will end
on Aug. 22.
Sigma is the issuing advisor for the increase in share capital.
[22] Greek cabinet meeting on information society
Athens, 19/07/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday chaired a Cabinet
meeting which focused on formulating policy for guiding Greece
into the "information society."
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the premier had
submitted a four-point political framework for making full use
of informatics and resolving any problems which might arise.
The framework provides for the creation of a suitable material
and technical infrastructure to facilitate access by as many
Greeks as possible to the Internet information superhighway, a
role to be largely undertaken by the Hellenic Telecommunications
Organization (OTE).
At the same time, the framework envisages the modernizing of
public administration with the aid of new technology,
particularly through the implementation of the "Cleisthenes"
program for the computerization of ministries.
The third aspect concerns the completion and speeding up of the
implementation of the statutory framework for protecting
citizens' rights. According to Mr. Reppas, this has already
begun following the recent passing of the bill on securing the
confidentiality of information of a personal nature.
Lastly, the framework submitted by Mr. Simitis foresees the
creation of a "critical mass" of users of the new technology, to
be achieved through educational, initial and ongoing training
programs.
The purpose of this, Mr. Simitis told the Cabinet, is "to avoid
the creation of new forms of discrimination and social
inequality with respect to those familiar with the new
technology and the unqualified."
Within the same framework, the Cabinet unanimously decided to
speed up the modernization of OTE and make it compulsory for
each ministry to submit an action plan by September 10
concerning the modernization of their services.
The plans submitted will have to be implemented by November at
the latest, Mr. Reppas said.
[23] Greece to promote business in Balkans
Athens, 19/07/1997 (ANA)
Development Minister Vasso Papandreou will hold a meeting in
September with businessmen from northern Greece to discuss ways
of promoting Greek business in the Balkans.
The meeting to be held in Thessaloniki will be attended by 43
businesses. According to sources, the leadership of the foreign
ministry and representatives of the national economy ministry
will also take part. The president of the Northern Greek
Industry Association, Vassilis Takas, urged the government to
support the work of the Inter-Balkan and Black Sea Business
Center, created to facilitate Greek business activities in the
Balkan and Black Sea regions.
[24] Greek equities end week sharply lower
Athens, 19/07/1997 (ANA)
Greek stocks slumped for the fourth straight session, yesterday,
finishing 1.24 percent down with turnover sharply higher at 22.1
billion drachmas due to block trades.
The Athens general share index ended at 1,537.09 points, losing
3.42 percent for the week. The parallel market for smaller cap
stocks performed better than the main market, closing 0.61
percent lower.
The general index was 3.42 percent down on the week, reflecting
investors' worries over developments in the domestic money
market. Industrials and Construction suffered the heaviest
losses of the week, down 5.56 and 5.16 percent respectively.
Investment , however, managed to end 1.17 percent higher.
Most sector indices were down with Banks shedding 0.88 percent,
Leasing 2.25 percent, Insurance 0.09 percent, Investment 1.27
percent, Industrials 2.33 percent, Construction 1.12 percent and
Miscellaneous 0.13 percent.
Holding companies bucked the trend finishing 0.72 percent up.
Hellenic Telecommunications Organization dropped 50 drachmas to
close at 6,145 drachmas.
Declines led advances at 144 to 55 with 29 stocks remaining
unchanged out of 228 traded.
Scoring the largest percentage gains were Keranis, Macedonian
Plastics, Karelias and Pouliadis. The day's biggest losers were
Athens Bank, Sato, Parnassos Enterprises and Paleo Phaliro
Medical. ANA
[25] Gnomon contractors in successful share capital increase
Athens, 19/07/1997 (ANA)
Greek engineering contractor Gnomon, which is listed on the main
market of the Athens Stock Exchange, tapped the bourse for 1.44
billion drachmas through a successful share capital rise.
The firm issued 1.8 million new common shares at 800 drachmas
each, distributed as three new shares for 10 existing ones.
The funds raised will be used to advance self-financed projects
including a new marina, help finance a takeover of another
engineering contractor, and buy new equipment.
Omega Brokerage acted as consultant to the share issue.
[26] ATE, Chinese agree to co-operation
Athens, 19/07/1997 (ANA)
The Agricultural Bank of Greece (ATE) will expand its
co-operation with China's Agricultural Bank in the sectors of
farmers credit, technical assistance and loans. ATE governor
Christos Papathanasiou discussed the prospects of the two banks'
co-operation with the Chinese bank's governor during a meeting
in Athens on Thursday. The Chinese official is heading a
delegation which yesterday visited Crete for contacts with local
firms and cooperatives.
[27] More Olympic flights to islands
Athens, 19/07/1997 (ANA)
Olympic Airways, Greece's national carrier, will schedule larger
aircraft in flights to islands in order to attempt to handle
increased demand for tickets.
End of English language section.
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