Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-09-30

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1302), September 30, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] US encourages Greece, Turkey to overcome differences

[02] ... Miller

[03] Gov't on possible Simitis-Yilmaz meeting

[04] ... KKE response

[05] Patriarch continues busy official visit to Thessaloniki

[06] ... Visit to Mount Athos exhibition

[07] Kranidiotis to attend European Socialist Party meeting

[08] Former Bulgarian premier due in Athens today

[09] Harold Pinter condemns human rights violations in Turkey

[10] Athens considers legal action over 'Observer' claims

[11] ... Kurdish group denies any relation with Hazar

[12] Yilmaz begins visit to Bonn

[13] Yilmaz insists on dialogue before Hague

[14] Simitis, Arsenis confer on education issues as universities strike

[15] Symposium on Ioannis Kapodistrias held

[16] Stephanopoulos-Simitis meeting on domestic, foreign policy issues

[17] Liani-Papandreou book on life with Andreas Papandreou

[18] Simitis chairs joint Gov't, PASOK meeting last night

[19] EU requests information on ground handling services

[20] Albanian officials in Greece on training seminar

[21] Report on Dornier forced landing released

[22] Sports officials discuss protection of 2004 logo

[23] Tax bureau offices open today

[24] Gov't decision on tax-free ceiling, index-linked taxation pending

[25] EBEA event to focus on Latin America

[26] Bulgarian deputy premier meets Greek industrialist

[27] 3E, Molino merger announced

[28] Greece nears completion of tight 1998 budget

[29] Greek stocks hit new all-time high buoyed by economic outlook

[30] European industry conference to be held October 6-7 in Athens

[31] Southeast European railway operators to meet in Greece

[32] N. Greece may have more say in Gov't business policy in Balkans

[33] Greece endorses Dr 4.3 bln. for roadbuilding, flood works

[34] EU is biggest single source of international tourism

[35] Meeting focuses on promoting Greek literature abroad

[01] US encourages Greece, Turkey to overcome differences

Washington, 30/09/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Commenting on the failure of the US effort to mediate between the two countries in New York last week, White House spokesman Michael McCurry said US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright "had good meetings" with Greek and Turkish Foreign Ministers Theodoros Pangalos and Ismail Cem, respectively.

"There were some statements from both sides, some rather unusual, that could have been misinterpreted in one capital or another," Mr. McCurry added.

"We heard both sides carefully. Both admit to having differences going beyond territorial differences in the Aegean - on Cyprus, for example - and we encourage them to continue active talks in the spirit of two NATO allies," he added.

The White House spokesman reiterated that Washington was opposed to the deployment of the Russian-made S-300 missiles on Cyprus.

"We have no information that any systems, absolutely operational systems, have been delivered. We are against things that would increase tension on Cyprus and are working with all sides on Cyprus to try and reduce tension and create a climate where all sides will be able to work together and promote dialogue," he said, adding:

"In the present situation on Cyprus the introduction of such arms would seriously concern the US," he added.

Asked to comment on a report by the British daily "Observer" referring to alleged terrorism activity in Greece, Mr. McCurry said:

"We consider Greece a close ally, a country with which we have absolutely positive relations. There is no hint in the State Department's annual report on terrorism that would verify the claim that Greece is a state promoting terrorism."

[02] ... Miller

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

The US official is quoted as saying that US diplomacy has not lost hope for a restart in Greek-Turkish dialogue, despite last week's deadlock in New York, according to an ANA dispatch from Istanbul.

Referring to the recent meetings of Greek and Turkish foreign ministers with Ms Albright on the sidelines of a United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York, Mr. Miller was quoted by the daily "Sabah" as saying: "We must see Greek-Turkish relations in the long-term. We must not stay on words but see the actions behind them".

He added: "The present situation of Greek-Turkish relations differs very much from the situation prevailing in 1987."

During that year Greek and Turkish warships faced-off in the northeastern Aegean, much in the same way they did in January 1996 during the Imia crisis, he noted.

[03] Gov't on possible Simitis-Yilmaz meeting

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

However, he also cautioned that it was possible that no discussion would be held.

Mr. Reppas called statements by Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit that the differences between the two countries were not confined to the Imia islets but included territorial waters, air space, the Aegean continental shelf and demilitarization of the islands "regurgitated declarations and words".

Mr. Reppas said Greece had no illusions about the talks between Greece and Turkey in New York last week.

"We were suspicious but what we expected was that the Turks would act in the spirit of Madrid," he said.

In a related development, it was announced that there will be a new meeting between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, Mr. Reppas said, adding the hope that the Clerides-Denktash dialogue would not be interrupted and would record progress on all issues, with the aim of demilitarizing the island republic.

[04] ... KKE response

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

Speaking in Nafplio, Ms Papariga also said Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos' "cries were either a smoke screen or an avoidance of personal responsibilities..."

[05] Patriarch continues busy official visit to Thessaloniki

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

The Patriarch, who on Sunday began a four-day official visit to Thessaloniki, was honored during a special ceremony at the Macedonia-Thrace ministry.

In his return address, in which he referred to the adversities in the wider region and Greece's role, the Patriarch also said that the creation of the European Union of the "rich, major and also smaller states and the tendency towards its enlargement through the entry of other states on the one hand opens new horizons, but on the other increases the problems, the antagonism and the correlation of power and prospects".

Consequently, he said, "necessary are contemplation and prudence, study and deep knowledge of the relative conditions and economic factors, in which a regional service is able to achieve more at local level that a central service."

The Ecumenical Patriarch met earlier with National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos.

The minister described the government's relations with the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate as excellent. "I was given the opportunity of confirming the government's excellent relations with the center of Ecumenical Orthodoxy. Any issues that may have existed I am certain are now in the past," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said, asked about an exchange of statements between the two sides after Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos did not visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate when in Istanbul in April for a BSEC meeting.

Referring to the Patriarch's scheduled meeting on Wednesday with the foreign minister, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said it would be an opportunity "so that any shadow that may have existed in the past be cleared up formally, as well".

What was important, he added, was that "the prospect opening up ahead of us the upgraded role of Ecumenical Orthodoxy demands that we follow a clear-cut relationship and basis as regards its targets".

Praising the Patriarch's initiatives in matters of human rights, quality of life and the environment, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said they should be reinforced, and described the Patriarch as a "steady symbol in the evolution of modern society".

[06] ... Visit to Mount Athos exhibition

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

He added that the artifacts were there for all, but particularly for women who do not have the ability to visit Mount Athos.

Vartholomeos met with Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos after his tour of the exhibition, who expressed the government's deep appreciation of Vartholomeos' visit, adding that his presence at the museum had given his "blessing" to the exhibition.

During an unscheduled city council afterwards, the Patriarch was given the golden key to the city.

Speeches were delivered by Thessaloniki Mayor Dinos Kosmopoulos and other city council members, who underlined the Patriarch's contribution to strengthening Orthodoxy's role, as well as his efforts on environmental protection and peaceful co-existence between nations.

In his own speech, Vartholomeos proposed the introduction of scholarships for foreign students at the humanities faculty of the Aristotelion University. The Patriarch's proposal was unanimously approved by the city council.

The head of the Orthodox Church also addressed a conference on "Intercultural Education and Social Cohesion", organized by the Europarliament, the Conference of European Regions and the Council of European Municipalities and Regions.

The Patriarch later visited the installations of the Thessaloniki International Fair - HELEXPO (TIF), the first such visit by a Patriarch since the institution's establishment.

[07] Kranidiotis to attend European Socialist Party meeting

Brussels, 30/09/1997 (ANA - P. Pantelis)

While in Brussels, the Greek official will have contacts with ESP figures and is expected to meet Dutch Eurodeputy Marten Bertens.

Mr. Kranidiotis yesterday had informal meetings here with EU commissioner for foreign affairs Hans van der Broek and NATO Secretary General Javier Solana. No statements were issued after the meetings.

[08] Former Bulgarian premier due in Athens today

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Videnov will be a guest speaker at the meeting which begins on Wednesday, but will arrive earlier for talks today with ruling PASOK party Secretary Costas Skandalides.

Speaking to the ANA in Sofia yesterday, Mr. Videnov referred to major aspects of Bulgaria's Balkan policy, noting that the policy of maintaining good relations with Athens and Belgrade "reflected the attitudes of public opinion".

"When the Bulgarian people hear about co-operation and relations, they always look to Greece and Serbia," he added.

On the Skopje issue, Mr. Videnov said "Macedonia" had always been the bone of contention in the Balkans. "The permanent problems in our Balkan policy originated from Skopje, but we place emphasis on inter-Balkan co-operation," Mr. Videnov said.

[09] Harold Pinter condemns human rights violations in Turkey

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

Speaking to an audience at the National Theater of Greece on Saturday, Mr. Pinter said: "The situation in Turkey is a great scandal in terms of human rights, which are now being violated more than when I had visited it in 1981 with Arthur Miller".

"The United States, Great Britain, Germany and somehow France, also, continue doing business (in Turkey), remaining silent before these atrocities."

Mr. Pinter was visiting Greece on the occasion of a film festival by the Athens daily "Eleftherotypia".

[10] Athens considers legal action over 'Observer' claims

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

According to an ANA dispatch from the Belgian capital, Mr. Kranidiotis described Sunday's front-page article in The Observer as "spurious and malicious".

"(The article) serves shady interests which are aiming to damage the country's position internationally. It has been ascertained many times in the past that the claims which were published are false and this is well known to all. Greece intends to protect itself against such actions," Mr. Kranidiotis said.

In the article, Seydo Hazar, 31, who is described as "a terrorist on the run", claimed that his Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) cell operated from Greece and had links with terrorist groups including Hamas, the Tamil Tigers, German neo-Nazis and Greece's deadly November 17.

Acting government spokesman Yiannis Nikolaou on Sunday immediately rejected the allegations, particularly those claiming that Hazar's group were "funded by elements close to the Greek security services", describing them as completely untrue and ridiculous.

Government spokesman Demetris Reppas yesterday described the allegations in the Observer article as "the repetition of crude Turkish propaganda" which were no more than the presentation of the claims of the Turkish side "which is trying to cover up its expansionist policy".

"An attempt is being made to blacken Greece's image but it will not succeed. In any case, an injustice is being done not only to Greece but also to the truth," he added.

Mr. Reppas said the article repeated phrases contained in the book "The Terrorism Dossier & Greece" by Turkish author Cem Basar which was published in the self-styled state in the Turkish occupied north of Cyprus.

"The Kurd Hazar does not exactly represent the best of human society," the spokesman said.

Replying to reporters' questions on the possibility of Greece taking legal action, Mr. Reppas said the Greek ambassador in London had been instructed to take the necessary steps.

[11] ... Kurdish group denies any relation with Hazar

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

According to various newspapers, the NLFK said, Hazar is mentally unstable.

The NLFK added that it was quite apparent from Hazar's contradictory statements to various newspapers that the whole affair was nothing more than "one of the plots frequently hatched by Turkey".

"For this reason, we also do not take such meaningless allegations seriously," the NLFK said.

"When one considers the attempts to drive Greece into a corner on the international scene, it becomes quite clear what these allegations really mean," it added.

[12] Yilmaz begins visit to Bonn

Bonn, 30/09/1997 (ANA - P. Stangos)

Today, he is to meet with Chancellor Helmut Kohl.

According to informed sources, Germany does not appear willing to change its position that Turkey will not be able to become a full member of the EU in the near future, but will keep to the formula of a "special relationship" between the EU and Turkey, referred to by German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel as a "customs union plus".

It presupposes the implementation of the customs union, that is the lifting of the Greek veto on funding to Turkey.

[13] Yilmaz insists on dialogue before Hague

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

"I want to resolve all bilateral differences with Greece by means of dialogue. Only if this fails will we be willing to take recourse to arbitration, such as the international court."

He referred to the Balkan summit scheduled to take place in Crete in November, where he said he hoped he would be able to have private talks with Prime Minister Costas Simitis, noting that both of them spoke German.

With regard to Cyprus' accession to the EU, the Turkish prime minister stressed that the Cyprus issue "is not a commodity that can be exchanged for Turkey's accession to the European Union..."

"We will not allow the Turks living in Cyprus to be subjected to Greek sovereignty," he said, adding:

"The Greek Cypriots' decision to buy Russian S-300 missiles directly affects Turkey's security interests and therefore we will take the necessary measures to protect ourselves."

[14] Simitis, Arsenis confer on education issues as universities strike

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

Meanwhile, the Athens University's Senate yesterday decided to close the institution for two days to press demands that university staff be employed exclusively on campus and that they be paid according to merit.

The Dean of the Pantion University, Professor Emilios Metaxopoulos, told the press he believed the upheaval would be resolved when the bill was debated in parliament.

However, professors at Thessaloniki University, the Athens Polytechnic, the Pantion, the Universities of Patra, Ioannina, Piraeus, the Aegean and the agricultural school are also out on strike.

Meanwhile, enrollment at all tertiary educational establishments is being delayed by a strike of administrative staff who are demanding payment of a bonus of 35,000 drachmas owed for the examination period.

[15] Symposium on Ioannis Kapodistrias held

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

Ioannis Kapodistrias was elected governor in 1827, following the Greek War of Independence. He was a veteran politician who had served as a diplomat for Tsarist Russia before being chosen to lead a land left in shambles after the war.

Events included an exhibition of personal items at the Nafplio Municipal Library and lectures.

[16] Stephanopoulos-Simitis meeting on domestic, foreign policy issues

Athens 30/09/1997 (ANA)

Meanwhile, government spokesman Demetris Reppas said yesterday that the prime minister would be meeting ruling PASOK Parliamentary representatives on Wednesday and would visit the health ministry on Thursday. He will chair a Cabinet meeting on press and information issues on Friday.

Mr. Reppas added that Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos enjoyed Mr. Simitis' confidence and said that PASOK executive bureau member Theodoros Tsoukatos' comments were not relayed properly.

"Mr. Pangalos exercises foreign policy, which the members of the ruling party not only support, but believe to be imperative," Mr. Reppas said.

He added that the Greek government was not aware by any move on the part of UN mediator on the Skopje issue Cyrus Vance to surrender his mandate on the dispute over the Balkan country's use of the term "Macedonia", as reported.

[17] Liani-Papandreou book on life with Andreas Papandreou

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

The book will be released later this week by Livanis Publishing - Nea Synora.

According to Ms Liani-Papandreou, the book was "written solely from the heart, a deposition of the soul."

Papandreou's widow refers to several prominent members of the current political arena, who she said "tried to limit the authority and bring about the removal, resignation or annihilation of Andreas Papandreou after 1988", when he faced serious health problems.

She says that her husband had refused before the elections of 1989, which he lost, to meet a prominent international Jewish lobbyist who, it had transpired, would propose the recognition of Israel by Athens in return for a moratorium in attacks against the PASOK founder by international media outlets controlled by Jewish interests.

"Andreas did not need to weigh it much. His friendship with the Arabs prevailed. 'I cannot sell them out, nor, of course, can I go back on my policy', was his answer," she writes.

In the same chapter, she says that "Andreas never forgot until the end of his life that he, who first broke his political isolation (at that period), was his great friend, Francois Mitterand, who in a great, courageous gesture, invited us to the Elysee Palace at a time when such a move, and indeed, by a president of the republic was not an easy thing".

She describes Papandreou's opinion of senior PASOK members, his views on events such as the Imia crisis, as well as the implications for Papandreou of his resignation from the prime ministership.

Government spokesman Demetris Reppas, asked to comment on the book's contents, said the government had not read the book as it had not yet been published, and therefore, had no comment to make.

Meanwhile, in statements to the "Flash" radio station, the prime minister's close aid, Theodoros Tsoukatos, was strongly critical of Ms Liani-Papandreou, accusing her of exploiting her husband's memory "to make money".

On his part, former government spokesman Telemahos Hytiris was also critical of her, saying that such books did not help in an appraisal of her husband's contribution and were an affront to "our intelligence, aesthetics and feelings".

Finally, the late PASOK leader's son, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou, refused to comment, saying he was not aware of the content of the book, while his former legal adviser, Antonis Vgontzas, said that the content of the book was "correct" .

[18] Simitis chairs joint Gov't, PASOK meeting last night

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

Discussion focused mainly on current political developments, coordination of the government's work and especially Greek Turkish relations.

The meeting was attended by National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, Interior Minister Alekos Papadopoulos, Development Minister Vasso Papandreou, Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis, National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, Education Minister Gerassimos Arsenis, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos as well as PASOK Secretary Costas Skandalidis.

Mr. Pangalos briefed his colleagues on the outcome of his talks in the United States.

After the end of the meeting, he told reporters that it was commonly ascertained that Turkey insisted on being inflexible, as well as lodging territorial claims against Greece.

The foreign minister said there was no basis for progress to be achieved in relations between the two countries.

"We insist on our well-known position of respect for international law and treaties and also to taking recourse to the International Court at The Hague, but we cannot accept any demands outside that framework".

Commenting on a possible meeting between Mr. Simitis and his Turkish counterpart Mesut Yilmaz, Mr. Pangalos said that on the sidelines of a Balkan conference on Crete in November, the prime minister will invite all participating leaders to bilateral contacts, and hopefully, the Turkish prime minister will respond to that invitation for a discussion with Mr. Simitis.

[19] EU requests information on ground handling services

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

The directive foresees that member-countries be in a position to implement legislative and administrative provisions at the most a year after the directive's publication.

The Commission is seeking to be informed by the Greek side of the measures which it will take, placing a deadline of no later than October 25, 1997.

[20] Albanian officials in Greece on training seminar

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

It was also announced yesterday that Mr. Laliotis is to visit Albania within October.

[21] Report on Dornier forced landing released

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

The plane, on route to the island of Milos, returned to Athens when the pilot noticed the problem.

The report, which was released, charges the various departments of the Civil Aviation Authority with lack of coordination and issuing confusing instructions to the pilot as to which airport to land.

It also said that the passengers exited the plane without any particular problem or panic after the plane had landed on its rear two wheels only on a layer of anti-inflammatory foam.

The committee which conducted the report found that the plane had been maintained according to the authorized instructions, and had undergone all necessary checks.

The report also recommended checks on all aircraft of the same manufacturer and a halving of the flying time recommended by the German producer for the carrying out of such checks.

Meanwhile, the pilot of another Olympic Aviation Dornier plane en route to Athens from Leros yesterday, with 16 passengers on board, reported a temporary problem which prevented the wheels from retracting.

Transport and Telecommunications Minister Tassos Mantelis has ordered preventive checks on all state-owned OA planes of this type.

[22] Sports officials discuss protection of 2004 logo

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

Sports Under-secretary Andreas Fouras and Greek Olympic Committee President Lambis Nicolaou met with the prosecutor, and despite lack of a final decision expressed confidence in the decisiveness of Greece's judicial system to protect the 2004 Olympic logo.

According to sources, Mr. Fouras is expected to file a report to the prosecutor within the week calling for specific action in protecting the trademark.

In another development Sports Under-secretary Andreas Fouras left for Lausanne yesterday where he was to meet International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Juan Antonio Samaranch in order to discuss organizational issues regarding the 2004 Olympics.

Mr. Fouras, who is accompanied by Greek Olympic Committee President Lambis Nikolaou, will leave for Amsterdam today to attend the 13th European Conference on Sport.

[23] Tax bureau offices open today

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

According to reports, they received assurances from Mr. Papantoniou that some of their demands will be met. These assurances, expected to be made in writing as well, will be examined today at a meeting of ministry staff representatives to finalize their future stance.

The reports said that among other proposals acceptable to the government is a proclamation of a nationwide examination in October for the hiring of 1,300 new employees, as well as coverage for losses sustained by finance ministry staff through the abolition of a tax-exemption they enjoyed on income tax.

[24] Gov't decision on tax-free ceiling, index-linked taxation pending

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

According to reports, this was the focal point at yesterday's meeting of dialogue's coordinating secretariat, which will convene again on Thursday to examine the issue of taxation. Thus, the "Development-Competitiveness-Employment" cycle of discussion, carried out on a proposal by National Economy Ministry Secretary-General Apostolos Fotiadis, will be concluded.

[25] EBEA event to focus on Latin America

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

Ministers and ambassadors from every Latin America country are expected to attend, while from the Greek side, speakers will include National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou and EBEA President Yiannis Papathanasiou.

An exhibition will also be held in the same building - 7, Acadimias St.

[26] Bulgarian deputy premier meets Greek industrialist

Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Industry Minister Alexander Bozhkov and the former president of the Federation of Northern Greece Industries (SBBE), Nikos Efthymiadis, on Friday discussed the potential for Greek investors and companies to intensify business activity in Bulgaria.

According to Mr. Bozhkov, the Greek federation is an influential organization whose members want to invest in Bulgaria and have a keen interest in all industrial sectors.

Potential Greek investors would like to have easy access to information about the industry and privatization in Bulgaria, as well as about the effective legislation on the two.

Mr. Bozhkov was invited to visit Thessaloniki, meet major Greek investors and inform them about the amendments to the privatization law, as well as to the legislation on concessions and foreign investment.

[27] 3E, Molino merger announced

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

Additionally, 3E will increase its share capital to cover the buying off price, issuing 40 million new shares in favor of Molino shares. These shares represent 28 per cent of the share capital after the increase.

3E has already called an extraordinary general assembly on Oct. 23 where the above initiatives will be approved. After the issue of the new shares and on the basis of 3E's closing price on Sept. 26, the group will have a bourse value of about one trillion drachmas or US$3.6 billion.

3E will also distribute to its shareholders one anonymous share free of charge for each old share before the merger took place.

3E's six-monthly turnover amounted to 82.9 billion drachmas, producing an increase of 12.5 per cent compared to the first half of 1996, while profits increased by 35.9 per cent compared to last year, totaling 18.6 billion drachmas. The group's unified sales increased by 12.5 per cent and amounted to 83 billion drachmas.

[28] Greece nears completion of tight 1998 budget

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou chaired a meeting on the budget yesterday attended by finance undersecretaries George Drys and Nikos Christodoulakis, and other senior ministry officials.

Discussed were plans for raising budgetary revenue.

Mr. Papantoniou was briefed on economic developments during his absence in Hong Kong attending a World Bank/International Monetary Fund meeting.

[29] Greek stocks hit new all-time high buoyed by economic outlook

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

Traders said the market was highly optimistic over the course of the economy and the government's privatization program. Analysts predicted that the market would break the 1,800 level in the next few weeks.

The general index closed 1.19 percent higher at 1,754.67 points, with all sector indices scoring gains.

Banks rose 0.85 percent, Leasing was stable, Insurance jumped 3.07 percent, Investment increased 1.50 percent, Industrials were 1.29 percent higher, Construction was 0.51 percent up, Holding rose 1.13 percent and Miscellaneous ended 2.01 percent higher.

The parallel market index for small cap companies soared 3.12 percent.

Trading remained extremely heavy and turnover was 34.3 billion drachmas, boosted by a block trade of 2,700,000 shares in Hellenic Cables worth 15 billion drachmas.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 156 to 72 with another 25 issues unchanged.

Hellenic Sugar, Sato, Metrolife, Kreka and Macedonian Plastics scored the biggest percentage gains, while Mouriades, Chalyps Cement, Lanakam and Eskimo suffered the heaviest losses.

National Bank of Greece ended at 34,500 drachmas, Ergobank at 18,555, Alpha Credit at 20,325, Delta Dairy at 3,870, Titan Cement at 16,900, Intracom at 14,800 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organization at 6,980.

In the domestic foreign exchange market the US dollar rose by 0.33 percent against the drachma.

[30] European industry conference to be held October 6-7 in Athens

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

Conceived by an alliance called the Euro-Mediterranean partnership, the conference will assess progress made so far in the venture and draw up policy recommendations to contribute to creation of the zone.

Organizers of the event are the Federation of Greek Industries (SEB), Greece's Development Ministry, the European Union's executive Commission, and the Union of Industrial and Employers Confederations of Europe (UNICE).

The Euro-Mediterranean partnership, which works to improve economic and social conditions, believes that governments can create the climate for economic growth but the private sector has to mobilize resources needed to attain sustained growth and development. The key to long-term growth lies in economic reform, privatization, market liberalization and inte-gration into the world economy, according to the partnership.

Among speakers at the conference are Panayotis Gennimatas, Vice-President of the Europe an Investment Bank; Kyriakos Christofis, Cyprus trade, industry and tourism minister; Iason Stratos, president of the Federation of Greek Industry; and Vasso Papandreou, Greek development minister.

On the agenda are promotion and modernization of small and medium sized enterprises and industrial zones; foreign investment, trade and tourism; networking and the role of industry federations; education and training; infrastructure, environment, energy , science and technology.

Countries represented at the conference are Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Malta, Morocco, Norway, Palestinian National Authority, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

[31] Southeast European railway operators to meet in Greece

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

The meeting of the International Railway Association's southeastern Europe group will be chaired by Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE), which currently holds the group's presidency.

In a seminar sponsored by the city's trade chamber on extending the railway network in northwestern Greece, OSE officials said a study was near completion to link Kalambaka, Ioannina and Igoumenitsa.

They also announced that a new railway line linking Agrinio with the main Greek railway network would be extended to the Albanian border.

[32] N. Greece may have more say in Gov't business policy in Balkans

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

Thessaloniki-based SBBE yesterday discussed joining committees and working groups formed to try to boost Greece's business presence in the Balkans with Development Minister Vasso Papandreou, who is visiting the second city.

The north accounts for much of Greece's industrial output and has traditionally maintained close links with Balkan enterprises.

Ms Papandreou held a separate meeting at Thessaloniki's Stock Exchange Center with northern Greek managers.

[33] Greece endorses Dr 4.3 bln. for roadbuilding, flood works

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

The main projects to receive funding are as follows:

- Improvements to a section of motorway linking Kyparissia and Filiatra in the Messinia prefecture, budgeted at 1.95 billion drachmas

- Widening a section of motorway linking Serres, Sidirokastro and Promahonas in the north, where a border post is sited, budgeted at 450 million drachmas

- Final stage of construction of a section of motorway forming part of the Halkida, Edipsos and Istiea link, budgeted at 200 million drachmas.

[34] EU is biggest single source of international tourism

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

He said in a message on World Tourism Day that recent analyses and forecasts have highlighted the driving force of the tourism industry in the service-oriented economies of the 21st century.

Having enjoyed steady growth over a long period of time, the further expansion of tourism and its contribution to growth and employment will be boosted by the social, cultural and industrial changes in society.

Europe is expected to remain the biggest single source of international tourism, by origin as well as by destination, thanks to the richness and diversity of its attractions, to the know-how of its business and work-force, to the openness and wide range of interests of European citizens.

Nevertheless, the success of this evolving industry cannot be taken for granted. The challenges of quality and competitiveness which tourism has to face must be addressed urgently.

Mr. Papoutsis stressed that tourism activities represented an immediate test-bed for applying a balanced and sustainable strategy of development to achieve growth and employment.

The European Commission will continue working in order to promote the competitiveness of Europe's tourism industry which is a necessary precondition to create new and sustainable jobs across the European Union. (Reuter/ANA)

[35] Meeting focuses on promoting Greek literature abroad

Athens, 30/09/1997 (ANA)

The one-day meeting was held by the National Book Center and aimed at pinpointing why Greek literature was not making its presence better known in Europe.

Part of the problem, participants claimed, is attributed to the fact that most foreign readers were not very interested in the social and political conditions of smaller regions in Europe, and part to an overall poor quality in translations.

British publishing representatives said that in Britain only about 3 or 4 per cent of foreign literature gets translated and published. The main criterion in selecting books for translation is that they not contain national elements already developed by British authors, they added.

A representative of a major French publishing house called for more meetings on this subject by the center, in order to give emphasis to languages other than English.

End of English language section.

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