Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-07-26

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1247), July 26, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't to readjust legislation on electrical utility deregulation

[02] "Pangalos says 'time for a solution' to Cyprus

[03] Gov't spokesman accuses ND of not aiding transparency

[04] ND responds

[05] Defense industry restructuring considered

[06] Simitis interview to 'Financial Times'

[07] Pan-Macedonian conference ends yesterday

[08] Greek students in Britain begin campaign for Parthenon Marbles' return

[09] Lebanon's Hariri meets with political party leaders

[10] Greece expresses opposition to EU funding for Turkey

[11] Karamanlis visits border region in Kastoria

[12] Tsovolas criticism over Madrid communiqui

[13] Congratulations pour in for new Albanian leadership

[14] Skandalidis to visit Tirana

[15] Woman confesses to archimandrite's murder

[16] American climber rescued off Mount Olympus

[17] Greek bridge link gets 115 bln. drachma EIB loan

[18] Greek telecom seen awarding Dr 70 bln digital deal next week

[19] Greek rail subsidiary to manage Dr 500 bln in projects

[20] Greek equities end sharply up, pierce resistance

[21] Greek industrial output drops 3 pct in May yr/yr

[22] Manufacturers fire off another salvo at supermarket owners

[01] Gov't to readjust legislation on electrical utility deregulation

Athens, 26/7/1996 (ANA)

Following an Inner Cabinet meeting, where a unanimous decision was taken on the issue, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said that the institutional, organizational and administrative framework governing the electric power market must be completed by February 1999, announcing that the government has agreed to the single administrator system.

Mr. Reppas said this means that the private sector will be given the possibility of producing electric power and that the Public Power Corp. (DEH) will maintain public control. He further announced that an independent body will be initiated to supervise conditions set in tendering.

Mr. Reppas said it was decided that processes for linking Greece with the European networks (cable with Italy) to be accelerated and the institutional framework for the purchase of electric power to be promoted in Parliament by the end of the year, which will be completed with the study on reorganizing DEH.

He said this creates preconditions for the consumer to take an interest since the cost of electric power can be reduced then.

Mr. Reppas also said that the Inner Cabinet did not discuss the issue of the proposed power plant in Florina, adding that this will be discussed at government bodies in the future but explaining that it will not be included in the cabinet meeting's agenda for next Friday.

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) later issued an announcement on the Inner Cabinet decision for deregulation, denouncing the government "for delivering DEH to the greed of multinational capital."

The KKE announcement said that implementation of the decision will have "serious consequences not only for working people, who will be required to pay even more, but will also further intensify the country's dependence and its adjustment to the plans of the 'new world order'."

KKE called on the opposition parties to state their case on the issue and on working people "not to allow the mortgaging with monopolies of even typical independence.

[02] "Pangalos says 'time for a solution' to Cyprus

Athens, 26/7/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Pangalos noted "this is the time there must be a solution to the Cyprus problem" and reiterated that Cyprus was on the way to begin negotiations for European Union (EU) accession, along with other European countries.

Following a two-hour meeting with Mr. Kasoulides, Mr. Pangalos referred to the major changes taking place in Europe and said that in that context Cyprus should become a free country with basic human rights guaranteed and the rights of its citizens for free movement within the island republic to be ensured.

The Greek foreign minister said that a solution of the Cyprus problem would contribute to an improvement in the climate in southeastern Mediterranean and help the European future of Turkey, which at present is "isolating itself from international developments" by its occupation of northern Cyprus and its refusal to observe internationally accepted rules of behavior.

Cyprus' foreign minister said his meeting was necessary to talk about all recent developments on the Cyprus issue, including the second round of direct talks between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, scheduled f or August 11-16 in Geneva.

Mr. Kasoulides also expressed his appreciation for Greece's support in Cyprus' application for EU membership, saying that without Greece's efforts, the island republic would not have succeeded in reaching the stage of accession talks, due to begin early in 1998.

Cyprus hopes for a solution on the 23-year-old problem based on international law and human rights, and is participating in the direct talks in a positive and constructive spirit, he added.

Asked to comment on statements by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, who said Thursday that there was not much cause for optimism due to Turkey's stance, Mr. Pangalos said statements by the Greek president cannot be commented on.

He added that there were no differences in opinion from Mr. Stephanopoulos' statement, because the government had "also observed Turkish intransigence, which has been expressed by provocative statements and acts, on the occasion of the tragic anniversary of events of 1974 and the stance held by Mr. Denktash during the New York negotiations" with Mr. Clerides in July.

"This does not mean there is no possibility of reaching a solution, " Mr. Pangalos added. "If Turkey wishes to obstruct a solution, given its other problems and the general changes in world conditions, that's another issue entirely," he said.

He, nevertheless, expressed hope that Turkey would keep a positive stance, to allow a solution that would benefit all Turkish Cypriots, development for both sides and progress.

[03] Gov't spokesman accuses ND of not aiding transparency

Athens, 26/7/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Reppas criticized ND leader Costas Karamanlis for saying ND deputies would walk out of all such committees, and said transparency in projects was a major priority for the government.

Responding to the statements, Mr. Reppas said that committees had already unanimously approved a program worth 273 billion drachmas, as the government had decided to set up seven different inter-party committees to include armaments, and any other program that called for contracts exceeding 500 million drachmas.

The spokesman also said a draft bill had been tabled in Parliament to guarantee judicial protection of contracts with the state, and to align them with European Union directives.

ND is looking back into the past, but this will not prevent the government from taking the country into the future, he said.

[04] ND responds

Athens, 26/7/1996 (ANA)

He charged that "unfortunately, despite the fact that the prime minister condemned the action of networks of corruption in the greater public sector a few days ago, the government continues to insist on a recent Cabinet decision that judged that the existing status quo is adequate."

"We regret to announce that the sense of sincerity is also incompatible (with PASOK)," he concluded.

[05] Defense industry restructuring considered

Athens, 26/7/1996 (ANA)

"The reasons are economic and national," he said, adding that an inter-ministerial committee will be established, composed of the National Economy, National Defense and Development ministries, to coordinate policy in this sector.

Mr. Reppas said various proposals were made concerning the merging of companies having a similar objective (four state-run enterprises exist at present - EAB, EBO, ELBO and PYRKAL), closer co-operation between them, co-operation with the public sector and the need to increase their competitiveness, primarily in foreign markets.

[06] Simitis interview to 'Financial Times'

Athens, 26/7/1996 (ANA)

He also didn't rule out the possibility that Athens may resort to blocking EU accession of central European applicants if Cyprus isn't included in a future Union enlargement.

Mr. Simitis said Greece will not release EU funds to Turkey in the framework of the latter's customs union with the 15-member Union or proceed with dialogue if Ankara does not stop disputing part of Greek sovereignty or does not resort to the International Court of Justice at The Hague.

"Every word in Greek-Turkish discussions is important," Mr. Simitis said, explaining that the Greek side aims at achieving results through the experts committees and not "as in the past" discussions leading to disagreement.

Mr. Simitis said the spirit of Davos was "shortlived" because an effort was made to achieve a great deal in a short period of time, while not enough attention was paid to details.

According to the British newspaper, Mr. Simitis is aware that an improvement in Greek-Turkish relations will allow for cutbacks in defense spending, an element which will contribute towards the attainment of targets set in the Maastricht Treaty, something which constitutes a top priority target for the Greek government.

Describing Mr. Simitis' personal characteristics, the newspaper assesses that he is neither explosive nor charismatic but has much in common with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

"He gave a different image to an old-fashioned socialist party, managing to apply policies which would have met with strong reaction a few years ago," the newspaper reported.

Lastly, Mr. Simitis said in the interview that he believes he's closer to the French socialists, adopting measures favoring low-level pensioners and the unemployed.

[07] Pan-Macedonian conference ends yesterday

Athens, 26/7/1996 (ANA)

The World Pan-Macedonian Union, as the body has been named, will probably be headquartered in Thessaloniki where it will be holding its congress every four years.

The presidium will be assisted by issue committees on national issues, the charter, youth programs, Greek-language programs, education and a Greek studies faculty, the world network "Internet" and the Alexander the Great Monument Foundation.

[08] Greek students in Britain begin campaign for Parthenon Marbles' return

Athens, 26/7/1996 (ANA)

In a statement by the Union of Hellenic Student Societies in the United Kingdom released yesterday, the union said that they had designated November 14 as "Parthenon Day".

The campaign will include mass mailings to British officials calling for negotiations on a timetable for the return, debates, and Parthenon Day Web Sites at the Internet addresses of: http://www.greece.org/eefkmed and http://www.uk.digiserve. com/mentor /marbles.

[09] Lebanon's Hariri meets with political party leaders

Athens, 26/7/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Hariri arrived in Athens on Thursday for a two-day official visit.

In statements to reporters after talks with Mr. Hariri, KKE General Secretary Aleka Papariga called on Athens to support efforts for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon and the implementation of agreements on the Palestinian problem.

"Although the issue is an international one, it also has a bearing on the destiny of the Greek people," Ms Papariga said.

Coalition leader Nikos Constantopoulos stressed that "the historical and cultural ties between Greece and Lebanon can today be confirmed in all sectors".

Mr. Constantopoulos proposed the promotion of initiatives within the framework of Euro-Mediterranean co-operation, urged support for the Middle East peace process and the development "of multi-faceted relations of friendship and co-operation".

DHKKI President Dimitris Tsovolas called for closer relations between Greece and Lebanon "for the good of both countries", adding that Lebanon was in need of solidarity from all peoples and countries.

The leader of the Political Spring party, Antonis Samaras, during his talks with Mr. Hariri said he opposed unilateral withdrawals, expressing support for "the general withdrawal of all foreign troops from Lebanon."

Greece and Lebanon on Thursday signed two bilateral agreements, one providing for the protection of investments and the other for increased economic and technical co-operation.

The agreements were signed during a meeting between Mr. Hariri and Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

He was later presented with the Gold Medal of the City of Athens by Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos. Mr. Avramopoulos later signed a friendship and co-operation protocol with his Beirut counterpart, Nikolas Savak.

"Greece has always and will continue to stand by the hard-pressed people of Lebanon, where elements of Greece's presence are very strong," Mr. Avramopoulos said at a special awards ceremony.

The Gold Medal is Athens municipality's highest award.

[10] Greece expresses opposition to EU funding for Turkey

Brussels, 26/7/1997 (ANA - G. Daratos)

Greece's permanent diplomatic representative at the EU, Ambassador Pavlos Apostolidis, made the following statement during yesterday's meeting of the member-states' Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER), which he also submitted for the session 's minutes:

"The Greek delegation is opposed to the registration of funds for fiscal co-operation with Turkey (EU budget policy B7-4034), given that the required legal basis does not exist in accordance with the processes anticipated by the Treaty and on the basis o f the terms and preconditions of the relevant body for the (EU) budget.

"The Greek delegation also discloses that it does not agree with the selective implementation of the legal basis in accordance with the policies (of the EU budget) and the interests of certain member-states."

Athens had also submitted a similar statement in the minutes of the Council of Ministers on the EU budget last year.

Meanwhile, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said Athens' policy remained unchanged on the issue. Finance Under-secretary Nikos Christodoulakis had set out Greece's view on the matter.

[11] Karamanlis visits border region in Kastoria

Athens, 26/7/1996 (ANA)

He was accompanied by the ND Deputy in the prefecture by party officials.

Mr. Karamanlis visited the village of Dipotamia, where Albanian kidnappers recently abducted five farmers for ransom.

In a statement after the visit, Mr. Karamanlis applauded the sending of additional military and police forces to the region and termed the state's reaction to crime "slack and delayed."

Mr. Karamanlis also called on the state "to assume its responsibilities and strengthen security along the border", adding that "it is inconceivable for our citizens living in border areas to feel insecure and unprotected."

[12] Tsovolas criticism over Madrid communiqui

Athens, 26/7/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Tsovolas, who was speaking in Irakleio, said that with the agreement the government is making a start to replacing the existing legal status and is turning a legal issue into a purely political one.

Mr. Tsovolas further criticized the government over its economic policy, which, he said, leads to major economic and social deadlocks, adding that unemployment among young people has reached 30 per cent.

[13] Congratulations pour in for new Albanian leadership

Gjirokaster, 26/7/1997 (ANA - P. Tsakas)

He was conveying a message of congratulations by President Kostis Stephanopoulos and also conveyed the Greek president's invitation to Mr. Mejdani to visit Athens as soon as possible.

Mr. Prevedourakis also visited Parliament President Skeder Ginusi and Vice-President Pamik Dokle, in order to convey a message of congratulations from Greek Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis.

Mr. Ginusi was also invited to Greece in the autumn to attend a conference of presidents from parliaments of eastern Europe.

The ambassador also told Mr. Ginusi that Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos would visit Tirana shortly.

Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos sent the new Albanian president a message of congratulations noting that his election "marks Albania's entry into a new era".

[14] Skandalidis to visit Tirana

Athens, 26/7/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Skandalidis is scheduled to meet with leaders of the ruling and opposition parties.

[15] Woman confesses to archimandrite's murder

Athens, 26/7/1996 (ANA)

Ekaterini Yiannakopoulou was arrested late Thursday night outside a monastery in Mandra, western Attica, after evading police since shooting Archimandrite Anthimos Eleftheriadis in the Nea Smyrni district on Tuesday.

The suspect reportedly told police that she killed the Cypriot-born priest, who was also her confessor, because he had "ruined her life by rejecting her after a relationship spanning eight years."

She also told police that she bought the murder weapon from an undisclosed Athens store last September and began making plans to kill the priest, whom she at one point described as "god in human form."

Yiannakopoulou was charged with premeditated murder, illegal possession and use of firearms, and taken to a prosecutor to testify. She is scheduled to testify on Tuesday, following her request for an extension.

In statements to the press, she appeared confused and said, "I loved the archimandrite and I still love him. I died along with him the moment I shot him. But I had to protect his honor and that of my family".

[16] American climber rescued off Mount Olympus

Athens, 26/7/1996 (ANA)

Army personnel carried 32-year-old William Sheen overland down the mountain on a stretcher and from there by ambulance to an Athens hospital, where he reported in a relatively good condition.

According to reports, Mr. Sheen, who suffers from sickle-cell anemia, had been tended by a doctor while waiting for evacuation at the shelter, located at an altitude of 2,100 meters.

[17] Greek bridge link gets 115 bln. drachma EIB loan

Athens, 26/7/1996 (ANA)

The loan, which is guaranteed by the Greek state, covers around 50 percent of the project's 226 billion drachma budget.

National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou told the signing ceremony that the project, due for completion in 2005, was the key to development in northwestern Greece.

The winning "Yefyra" consortium, which will operate and maintain the bridge for 42 years, comprises engineering contractors GTM-Entrepose SA of France with a 55 percent stake, and Greek engineering contractors who hold the remaining 45 percent.

The bridge will have two traffic lanes in each direction, and the state has undertaken to build access roads to the country's main highway network. Around four million vehicles annually are expected to use the bridge.

The project will create 3,000 jobs, Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis said.

[18] Greek telecom seen awarding Dr 70 bln digital deal next week

Athens, 26/7/1996 (ANA)

The state-run firm's board postponed the first of three meetings to debate the deal in order to gain more time to prepare its recommendations. Meetings are scheduled for Tuesday and Friday next week.

OTE is expected to order 1.366 million switches, opting for the mid-point of a 600,000-1,800,000 range still being discussed, the sources said.

The digital supplies are part of a fast track investment program for 1997-1998 worth 135 billion drachmas.

OTE board members are expected to make the following recommendations at next week's meetings:

* Direct award of the digital switches deal to Intracom and Siemens to bypass new long-term contracts or an international tender, both of which would be time-consuming

* Direct award to Intracom and Siemens of a contract for installation of a network risk and fault management system

* Tender between Intracom and Siemens to provide network supplies

OTE president Dimitris Papoulias has informed Prime Minister Costas Simitis of progress in the firm's investment plan and fresh needs that have arisen.

[19] Greek rail subsidiary to manage Dr 500 bln in projects

Athens, 26/7/1996 (ANA)

State-owned OSE will keep control of projects in the final phase of implementation.

OSE is also due to hand over new projects and materials procurements to Ergose by the end of 1997.

[20] Greek equities end sharply up, pierce resistance

Athens, 26/7/1996 (ANA)

The Athens general share index finished 2.05 percent higher at 1,601.39 points, outperforming the parallel market for smaller cap stocks which rose 0.96 percent. The bourse gained 4.18 percent on the previous week.

Trade was moderate to active with turnover jumping to 15.3 billion drachmas.

National Bank of Greece gained 1,685 drachmas to close at 37,810 drachmas, propelled by a robust 94 percent rise in first-half net profit to 33 billion drachmas from 17 billion a year earlier.

Most sector indices scored gains. Banks rose 2.91 percent, Leasing 0.43 percent, Insurance 2.48 percent, Industrials 2.17 percent, Holding 1.57 percent, and Miscellaneous 2.02 percent. Bucking the trend were Investment, which lost 0.02 percent and Construction, down 0.01 percent.

Advances led declines at 126 to 67 with 37 shares remaining unchanged of 230 stocks traded.

The day's highest percentage gainers were Agrinio Metals and Plastics, Hellenic Investment Bank for Industrial Development (preferred), Benroubi (preferred) and Keranis (common).

The biggest losers were Evropaiki Pisti (preferred), Sato (preferred), Kekrops and Macedonian Textiles (common). Among blue chips, National Bank of Greece finished at 37,810 drachmas, Ergobank at 17,500, Alpha Credit Bank at 20,125, Delta Dairies (common) at 3,470, Hellenic Bottling at 10,250, Titan (common) at 14,990,

Intracom (common) at 13,190, and Aluminium de Grece (common) at 18,295 drachmas.

[21] Greek industrial output drops 3 pct in May yr/yr

Athens, 26/7/1996 (ANA)

Industrial output in January-May held steady, NSS said.

[22] Manufacturers fire off another salvo at supermarket owners

Athens, 26/7/1996 (ANA)

The Association of Greek Food Manufacturers argues that supermarket chains, by following informal cartel practices, reap the benefits of low manufacturing prices resulting from competition.

End of English language section.

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