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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-10-01
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1303), October 1, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] Bill on Bank of Greece independence tabled
[02] Kohl urges Turkey to improve relations with Greece
[03] Simitis briefs president on foreign, domestic developments
[04] Gov't cautions over Greek-Turkish relations
[05] Kranidiotis discusses EU expansion, Cyprus
[06] US Ass't Secretary of State Grossman in Greece today
[07] Turkey's consul general in Komotini assumes duties
[08] Mirage 2000 fighter crashes off Skyros
[09] Romeos: 'Observer' terrorism claims baseless
[10] Iraq invasion
[11] Tsohatzopoulos sends letter to Bulgarian counterpart
[12] Pangalos scheduled to attend events for Amsterdam Treaty
[13] Committee urges Maastricht referendum
[14] Reppas on Liani-Papandreou book
[15] Reactions
[16] Premier, Geitonas confer on health issues
[17] Samaranch meeting with Greek sports officials
[18] Vartholomeos to wind up visit to Thessaloniki today
[19] Patriarchate-SAE relations
[20] Patriarchate delegation to Albania
[21] Conference on Venice-Crete relations
[22] Pangalos to meet Vartholomeos today
[23] Two more charges against Thierry Roussel filed
[24] Plan for new 'research city' presented in Thrace
[25] Conference links labor, culture in Thessaloniki
[26] Law enforcement decentralization proposed
[27] Vehicle confiscation order modified
[28] Greek officials tour quake-stricken areas in Italy
[29] Winter store hours announced
[30] Commission queries Greek ban on food supplements
[31] DEH profits expected to drop sharply in 1997
[32] Latest Spraos report details pension fund deficiencies
[33] Greece adopts outline figures for 1998 budget
[34] Greek stocks again post new record, seen breaching 1,800 pts
[35] Greek bourse jumps 16.72 pct in September
[36] Greek state telecom sees 30 pct jump in H1 profit
[37] International informatics trade fair opens in Greece
[38] HEPO seminars on Czech Republic, Slovakia
[01] Bill on Bank of Greece independence tabled
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
A bill on the independence of the Bank of Greece, Greece's
central bank, was tabled in Parliament last night by the
national economy ministry as part of an important step towards
the central bank's separation from the government.
The bill also hopes to further "Europeanization" of the
country's monetary policy on the basis of the new economic
environment being shaped in the framework of Economic and
Monetary Union (EMU).
The Monetary Policy Council will constitute the central body in
the new institutional framework, which from now on - and not the
government as was the case until now - will determine the
country's monetary policy and, in parallel, will supervise the
exchange policy preferred by the government.
The Council will have six members, three of whom will be the
incumbent governor and the two deputy governors of the Bank of
Greece. The remaining Council members will be appointed by the
government, but with the consent of the central bank's governor.
Following passage of the bill, the central bank will be more
directly linked to the European Central Bank - the future
watchdog of the euro - due to be created and less so to the
Greek government, which will be briefed on monetary issues by
the bank's governor. It is also anticipated that the bank's
governor will inform Parliament with a report every year and
whenever it is requested.
In essence, the bill harmonizes the Bank of Greece's charter
with the charter of the European Central Bank, a development
anticipated by the Maastricht Treaty, initiating its
independence from the Greek government and the other bodies of
political power.
The bill anticipates the creation of supervision and
sanction-imposing mechanisms by the central bank on all
companies and fiscal organizations in the local capital market
sector and not only on banks, as is the case today, but from now
on stock brokerage firms as well. The target is to supplement
the Capital Market Committee's existing supervisory duties
(which have been frequently criticized in the past as being
inadequate) and secure greater transparency.
The incumbent Governor of the Bank of Greece, Lucas Papademos,
and the two Deputy Governors, Nikos Garganas and Panayiotis
Thomopoulos, will be ipso jure members of the Monetary Policy
Council, and their six-year period of office will not include
their tenure at the central bank.
[02] Kohl urges Turkey to improve relations with Greece
Bonn, 01/10/1997 (ANA - P. Stangos)
Bonn urged Ankara to improve its relations with Athens and work
towards a solution to the Cyprus issue if it wanted to become
part of Europe. On the other hand, Germany clarified that it
supports Turkey's aim to become a member of the European Union
(EU).
Following the completion of talks between Turkish Prime Minister
Mesut Yilmaz and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl in Bonn, the
chancellorship released an announcement stating that, "the
chancellor stressed repeatedly the importance for the future of
Europe of the normalization of relations between Turkey and
Greece on a permanent basis and the quick solution to the Cyprus
issue. (The chancellor) has requested from Prime Minister Yilmaz
to utilize all possibilities in promoting the solution of
problems".
The announcement added: "The chancellor stated he supports
Turkey's aim to gain access to the EU in the future", which puts
him at odds with a decision of Christian Democrat parties in
Brussels last March, according to which Turkey cannot be
accepted by the EU on cultural and religious grounds.
Mr. Kohl also set another precondition for Turkey in terms of EU
membership, related to the need "to find a solution, mutually
acceptable, in the issue of citizens' free movement". At a press
conference following the talks, Mr. Yilmaz listed as several
problems in Greek-Turkish relations, namely, the Aegean
continental shelf, air space and territorial waters, as well as
the military fortification of the Greek islands.
"We propose negotiations," Mr. Yilmaz said, "talks between the
two countries, and if we do not reach (an agreement), then we
are willing to take recourse for all these to a mediator, to the
International Court."
He added: "Our friends, the Greeks, however, claim that the only
existing difference is the continental shelf and urge us to take
unilateral recourse to The Hague. But this is not the right
method".
[03] Simitis briefs president on foreign, domestic developments
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos was briefed by
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday on recent developments
in foreign and domestic affairs.
Emphasis was given to Greek-Turkish relations following last
week's talks in New York between Foreign Minister Theodoros
Pangalos, his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem and US Secretary of
State Madeleine Albright. Also discussed were economic issues
and plans for the organization of the 2004 Olympiad in Athens.
[04] Gov't cautions over Greek-Turkish relations
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
Greece said yesterday it could not rule out the possibility of
an incident in the Aegean or on Cyprus following the outcome of
talks between the Greek and Turkish Foreign Ministers, Theodoros
Pangalos and Ismail Cem in New York last week.
Replying to reporters' questions, government spokesman Demetris
Reppas said that as long as the crisis remains in Greek-Turkish
relations, there was always a possibility of an "incident" which
would best be avoided.
If there was an incident, he added, it would be due to the fact
that Turkey maintains its expansionist designs against Greece
which was ready to confront such an eventuality.
Asked whether Prime Minister Costas Simitis was annoyed with
certain statements made by Mr. Pangalos in New York, Mr. Reppas
said the premier had "constant collaboration" with Mr. Pangalos
and this was also the case when the foreign minister was in New
York.
Commenting on the discussion on Monday at the ruling PASOK
party's political secretariat, Mr. Reppas said Mr. Pangalos
briefed the participants on his trip to New York "and with
regard to Greek-Turkish relations there was unanimity on issues
of policy".
[05] Kranidiotis discusses EU expansion, Cyprus
Brussels, 01/10/1997 (ANA - P. Pantelis)
Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis, who represented
Greece at yesterday's session of the European Socialist Party on
the common position to be adopted on the Union's enlargement,
held discussions on Greek-Turkish relations, the Cyprus issue
and the island republic EU accession course with External
Affairs Commissioner Hans van den Broek and NATO Secretary
General Javier Solana.
Sources said that Mr. van den Broek continues to be concerned
over Greek-Turkish relations, particularly after the recent
fruitless meetings of the two countries' foreign ministers in
New York.
He agreed, at any rate, that the relations of the 15 with Turkey
cannot progress if that country's government does not contribute
to a solution of the Cyprus issue.
He estimates, according to the same sources, that it was a good
gesture on the part of the Cypriot government to accept the
participation of Turkish Cypriots in the negotiations for EU
membership, but is concerned on the manner in which it will be
implemented and how it will be accepted by the Turkish Cypriots
themselves - without this implying a recognition of the
self-styled Turkish Cypriot state.
As he let it be understood, the European Union is looking for
something to give to Turkey in return, and seems to favor a
strengthening of that country's customs union with the
Community. Also, that the European Parliament should ratify
Turkey's future possibility for membership.
The Greek side holds the view that the 15 cannot be continuously
concerned what they will give to Turkey, but also what Turkey
will give to the 15.
Mr. Kranidiotis also met with Luxembourg's foreign ministry
secretary general who assured him that the current EU presidency
will conduct the scheduled structured dialogue with Cyprus on
October 8, without the issue of the Turkish Cypriots.
The items on the agenda will the briefing of the Cypriot
government on the EU's Mediterranean policy, the Middle East
question, and Albania.
With Mr. Solana, Mr. Kranidiotis discussed the issue of resuming
Greek-Turkish talks in the framework of the alliance.
Mr. Solana reiterated his intention to invite the Greek and
Turkish permanent representatives in NATO to continue talks on
the Papoulias-Yilmaz agreement confidence building measures. Mr.
Solana accepted that the talks are not going to lead to a change
of the status quo in the Aegean, but will aim to create a
favorable climate in bilateral relations.
[06] US Ass't Secretary of State Grossman in Greece today
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
US Assistant Secretary of State Mark Grossman is expected in
Athens today in an attempt to try and diffuse tension and help
restart talks between Greece and Turkey.
Mr. Grossman, who is responsible for European affairs, plans to
hold talks with Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and
Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis this evening.
It will be the second meeting in seven days that the US official
has with Mr. Pangalos. Last week he was in New York to attend
the UN General Assembly. Mr. Grossman is also expected to travel
to Ankara and meet with officials there.
He will reportedly press both Greece and Turkey's prime
ministers to meet in Crete next month during an inter-Balkan
summit meeting. The US official was previously Washington's
ambassador in Ankara.
[07] Turkey's consul general in Komotini assumes duties
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
Sakir Torunlar, Turkey's new consul general in Komotini,
northern Greece, yesterday assumed his duties. Mr. Torunlar, 36,
with brief service in the diplomatic corps, is considered to be
a supporter of Turkish Premier Mesut Yilmaz. During a brief
meeting with reporters, Mr. Torunlar spoke about his
professional career, stressing in particular the importance of
personal relations, which help in approaching and better
understanding problems, on the fringes of exercising foreign
policy.
[08] Mirage 2000 fighter crashes off Skyros
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
A Hellenic Air Force Mirage 2000 fighter was reported missing
last night, after air force radars lost contact with the plane
at 9:15 p.m. Remains of the plane were later located two miles
north of the island of Skyros, while its pilot, Second-Lt.
Demetris Stratakias, is missing. Search efforts are continuing.
[09] Romeos: 'Observer' terrorism claims baseless
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
Public Order Minister George Romeos yesterday said records
showed that Kurd Seydo Hazar, at the center of a controversial
"Observer" newspaper article alleging the existence of Kurdish
guerrilla training camps in Greece, left the country through the
Doirani border post last Friday, probably on his way to Germany.
Mr. Romeos added that the Kurdish man had originally been given
a one-month visa, which after being renewed once, expired in
April 1997. He added that Mr. Hazar paid a fine upon exiting the
country for prolonging his stay without permission.
The minister said claims that Mr. Hazar was still hiding
somewhere in Greece as a member of a Kurdish guerrilla cell were
groundless and were part of a mudslinging campaign against
Greece that appears from time to time in certain international
press out lets.
He also stressed that the recent allegations had emerged at a
critical phase of Greek-Turkish relations. Mr. Romeos said
investigations had been carried out in the past over similar
allegations, including ones by US officials, all of which were
found to be completely baseless.
[10] Iraq invasion
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
In a related development, about 50,000 Turkish soldiers are
taking part in the latest operation against Kurdish guerrillas
in northern Iraq, the president of the exiled Kurdish
Parliament, Zubeir Aidar, said during a press conference in
Corfu yesterday.
Mr. Aidar accused Turkey of aiming at the genocide of the
Kurdish people, and expressed the view that Turkish forces would
again suffer the same sizable losses as in the previous invasion
of northern Iraq which began on May 14, when they had been force
d to withdraw.
He described the recent allegation about the existence of
Kurdish training camps in Greece as "well-orchestrated Turkish
propaganda", planned by the neighboring country's psychological
war center.
"The timing of the allegations is not at all coincidental.
Turkey has aimed at disorienting international public opinion
while attempting a second invasion of southern Kurdistan... it
(Turkey) is promoting a crisis on Cyprus prompted by the
(prospective installation of) S-300 missiles, and is creating
problems in the Aegean at the same time," he said.
[11] Tsohatzopoulos sends letter to Bulgarian counterpart
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos has sent a letter
to his Bulgarian counterpart Georgi Ananiev ahead of the Balkan
defense ministers' meeting in Sofia on Oct. 3, stressing that
"promotion of conditions of peace, security, stability, good
neighborliness and co-operation in the Balkan region is
undoubtedly a great need for the area".
At the same time, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos raises a number of
questions and concerns regarding certain organizational aspects
of the meeting, noting the fact that invitations were not sent
out to Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Yugoslavia, as well as to
observers from major countries of the broader region and members
of the Euroatlantic Co-operation Council, such as Ukraine and
Russia.
"I am sure that in your logic, too, the basic principle of
multilateral inter-Balkan co-operation will prevail, without
separating lines and exclusions, which guarantees the
consolidation of common security and stability in the region,"
he said.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos has, in the past, proposed the setting up of
a Balkan Security Council and a Balkan Conflict Prevention
Center.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos had a working meeting with Prime Minister
Costas Simitis last night in view of NATO 's defense ministers'
informal session, beginning today in Maastricht.
[12] Pangalos scheduled to attend events for Amsterdam Treaty
Brussels, 01/10/1997 (ANA - G. Daratos)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos is due to travel to
Amsterdam, where EU foreign ministers will gather tomorrow to
formally sign a treaty designed to pave the way for the Union's
expansion.
The only EU leaders attending the ceremony will be Dutch Prime
Minister Wim Kok and his Luxembourg counterpart Jean-Claude
Juncker, joined by European Commission President Jacques Santer
and the president of the European Parliament Jose Maria
Gil-Robles.
The Amsterdam Treaty, brokered at an EU summit in June, leaves
many hurdles still to tackle, including the issue of
streamlining the Union's decision-making process.
After the Amsterdam ceremony, the treaty, designed to prepare
the 15-nation block to function with up to a dozen new members
over the next decade, will head to national parliaments for
ratification and, in some cases, notably Denmark, be subject to
referendum.
Despite the problems left unresolved by the Amsterdam Summit,
its outcome is not likely to cause any problems EU regarding
enlargement, at least in initial stages.
[13] Committee urges Maastricht referendum
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
The Committee for a Referendum on Maastricht has called on the
prime minister and political party leaders for a referendum
before the Treaty of Amsterdam goes before Parliament for
ratification.
In a letter, the Committee also requested meetings with the
party leaders in order to put forward its views and intentions.
The Committee said that "such decisions affecting the future of
the country, with visible repercussions on matters of
employment, development, social rights, etc., must have as a
prerequisite the overall briefing of the citizens and recourse
to a nationwide referendum on this specific model of European
structure".
The letter is signed chiefly by university professors and
lawyers.
[14] Reppas on Liani-Papandreou book
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
Demetra Liani-Papandreou's book is not one of the serious
problems of the country nor is it one of the government's
priorities, government spokesman Demetris Reppas said yesterday
in response to press questions.
The book, "10 years and 54 days", is about Mrs.
Liani-Papandreou's life with the late founder and president of
ruling PASOK, Andreas Papandreou. It went on sale in Athens
yesterday.
The government does not comment on everything that is published,
Mr. Reppas said, adding that there was freedom of speech and of
the press in Greece and that everybody was free to voice his or
her opinion.
"The people expect the government to solve its problems," Mr.
Reppas said. What the late Andreas Papandreou believed and what
is attributed to him are two different things, Mr. Reppas said.
Referring to references in the book that Papandreou considered
Prime Minister Costas Simitis "a good technocrat but not a
politician", Mr. Reppas responded that the people had a
different opinion, entrusting him with the position of prime
minister. PASOK, he added, honors the memory of Andreas
Papandreou at every opportunity.
[15] Reactions
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
Justice Minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos declined to comment on
what the book had to say about prominent PASOK cadres, but noted
that what Mrs. Liani-Papandreou had written about his own
relationship with the former premier was correct.
"She's telling the exact truth about four or five things from
different times. Of course, I was close to Andreas Papandreou, I
fought for him to be absolved of that unjust criminal
accusation..." (referring to Papandreou's referral to a special
court, in connection with a financial scandal, by a New
Democracy-leftist coalition government that succeeded PASOK in
1989.)
He observed that the book expressed "the way the author wishes
to represent to the outside world her life with our departed
leader, Andreas Papandreou". "Every Greek citizen has the right
to write and those who have exercised power are obliged to write
their memoirs. Those who are close to those in power ought to be
very, very careful so as not to create problems," he said.
[16] Premier, Geitonas confer on health issues
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
Health Minister Costas Geitonas briefed Prime Minister Costas
Simitis yesterday on the policy and action required in the
health sector, in view of a visit by the prime minister to the
health ministry scheduled for later this week.
The agenda for the prime minister's visit includes a briefing on
primary health care problems and the implementation of new
provisions in the bill for the reorganization of the National
Health System (ESY).
After yesterday's meeting, responding to a question regarding
government policy on pharmaceuticals, Mr. Geitonas said the
government's policy reflected both a desire to protect public
health and to limit waste.
[17] Samaranch meeting with Greek sports officials
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Juan Antonio
Samaranch expressed his full satisfaction with the response of
the world press to the IOC's decision to award the 2004 Olympic
Games to Athens, during yesterday's meeting with Sports
Undersecretary Andreas Fouras and Greek Olympic Committee
President Lambis Nikolaou.
Mr. Samaranch described this fact as a particularly important
message for the IOC and for anyone involved in sports, adding
that Greece should vindicate everyone's expectations.
Discussion at the meeting centered on organizational issues of
the Games, and points of the contract and the Olympic Charter
were clarified. The IOC president also stated that he agreed
with the positions and views of the Greek side for the
organization of the event.
Mr. Fouras, on his part, assured him that Greece would fully
respect the terms of the contract. Discussion also touched on
the issue of protecting the Olympic and 2004 logos from illicit
use. Both Greek officials also attended yesterday the opening of
the 13th Conference on Sport by Mr. Samaranch in Amsterdam.
[18] Vartholomeos to wind up visit to Thessaloniki today
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos, who is continuing an official
visit in Thessaloniki, yesterday visited the city's Judicial
Building, where he met the president of the Thessaloniki Bar
Association (DSTH) as well as Justice Minister Evangelos
Yiannopoulos and other officials.
Addressing the Patriarch, Mr. Yiannopoulos referred to
contribution by both the church and the Patriarchate to the
nation's struggles. The justice minister also conveyed a message
by Prime Minister Costas Simitis to the Patriarch and stressed
the need for unity between Churches.
The Bar Association president referred to the Halki Academy of
Theology, summarily shut down by Turkish authorities in 1971,
saying that the academy's re-operation was a demand by all
Orthodox faithful.
The Patriarch, an honorary president of the Thessaloniki Bar
Association since 1995, later attended a DSTH board meeting.
Vartholomeos later announced the establishment of a school of
Byzantine ecclesiastic arts at the Holy Monastery of Agia
Anastasia in Thessaloniki prefecture, during his visit to the
monastery.
The school will help future clergymen to develop skills in
Byzantine arts. In another visit, the Patriarch also gave his
blessing to the reforestation of the Seikh Sou forest, half of
which was burned down over summer. In a symbolic move,
Vartholomeos planted a tree.
[19] Patriarchate-SAE relations
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
Relations between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the World
Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) are steadily improving, while
Patriarch Vartholomeos would most likely extend his blessing to
the opening of the second SAE congress, slated for early
December in Thessaloniki.
The Ecumenical Patriarch, who winds up an official visit to
Thessaloniki today, received a Parliament committee concerned
with expatriate Greek matters yesterday morning and discussed
matters concerning the overseas Greek communities, co-operation
between the Patriarchate and SAE and also the committee's
imminent visit to the United States.
Committee president Grigoris Niotis, a PASOK MP and former
foreign under-secretary, told reporters the meeting had been
"significant", and underlined the role played by the Ecumenical
Patriarchate internationally.
The topics of discussion also focused on re-opening of the Halki
Academy, while the presidium assured the Patriarch that it would
put the issue before US officials.
On his part, SAE president Andrew Athens expressed great
pleasure at meeting with the Patriarch. He said they had
discussed the unity of oversees Hellenism with the Church and
the religious center, and pledged to support efforts for the
re-opening of the Halki School.
Finally, Vartholomeos laid the foundation stone of the building,
which is to house the Imvros Association of Macedonia and Thrace
in Thessaloniki. Patriarch Vartholomeos is a native of the
island of Imvros, which now belongs to Turkey.
[20] Patriarchate delegation to Albania
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
In a related development, a delegation from the Ecumenical
Patriarchate is scheduled to pay a visit to Tirana at the end of
the week for discussions with Albania's political leadership on
issues related to the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania.
Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania, who is
currently accompanying Vartholomeos in his Thessaloniki visit,
stated yesterday that the delegation's visit was part of
dialogue to settle pending issues, including a demand for the
placement of three Greek Metropolitans in Albania, which had
frozen under the Berisha government.
[21] Conference on Venice-Crete relations
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
An international conference on the history of relations between
Venice and the island of Crete begins today in Iraklion, to mark
the 200th anniversary of the fall of the Republic of Venice.
Crete belonged to the Venetian Republic from the 13th to the
17th centuries.
The conference, to last until Saturday, with one session in
Hania on Friday, is being organized by Venice's Institute for
Science, Letters and Arts and will concentrate on
political-institutional, economic and social themes, urban
issues and culture.
During the conference, a book by Eugenia Bevilacqua on the
historical cartography of the island of Crete will be released.
[22] Pangalos to meet Vartholomeos today
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, who visited Mount Athos
yesterday, said relations between the Greek government and the
Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate are excellent and have never
been disrupted.
Mr. Pangalos will meet in Thessaloniki this morning with
Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos. "Our relations with the
Ecumenical Patriarchate have been continuous, there has been no
disruption", he said. "I've heard no complaint by the
Patriarch", he added.
Mr. Pangalos arrived yesterday morning in Karyes, accompanied by
the monastic community's political director.
[23] Two more charges against Thierry Roussel filed
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
The Supreme Court has decided that Thierry Roussel, the father
of 12-year-old Athena Onassis-Roussel, should stand trial on two
more charges apart from defamation, perjury and filing a false
lawsuit.
All charges relate to certain accusations Mr. Roussel had
launched against the Onassis Foundation's board, for which a
previous acquittal was based on insufficient evidence. As a
result, the case will be examined again by the Council of
Appeals.
Athena Onassis-Roussel will have to wait until she becomes an
adult in the year 2003 to be able to administrate the massive
fortune left by her grandfather Aristotelis to her mother
Christina.
[24] Plan for new 'research city' presented in Thrace
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
A specially designed municipality to encourage technological
research is being planned in Thrace to attract scientists and
their families from Greece and abroad, according to the Hellenic
American National Council (HANC).
Dr. Antonis Tomazinis, chairing a HANC committee that presented
the plan to the public in Alexandroupoli yesterday, said Thrace
would be an ideal place to build the "think-tank" town because
it already has the needed infrastructure, it's at the center of
the Balkans, and there is national interest in bringing more
activity to that area of Greece.
Dr. Tomazinis said the town would be spread over 4,000 hectares
and be built on the model of Sofia Antipolis in France's Cote
d'Azur , to encourage scientists to pursue work unobstructed.
The site will be selected by specialists and donated by the
state. It will be located near the borders of the Evros and
Rodopi prefectures or a nearby area with the necessary features.
The project would draw on HANC funds totaling 30 billion
drachmas, an amount already pledged, and European Union funds of
ECU 1.2 billion.
While falling under Greek law and regulations, it would retain
an independent status from the state, similar to universities.
The meeting was attended by regional officials and two deputies,
among others.
[25] Conference links labor, culture in Thessaloniki
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
A two-day conference on "Labor and Culture, the Institution of
Cultural Capital and Participation by Workers" opened in
Thessaloniki yesterday.
Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos opened the conference with
a speech, and lauded the initiative for such an event by the
Thessaloniki Labor Center showing the professionalism and
seriousness with which the center deals with theoretical
questions and scientific research, necessary to allowing the
labor movement to have positions that are based on facts rather
than emotions.
[26] Law enforcement decentralization proposed
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
A report prepared by a public order and interior ministries
special committee proposes the ceding of some important duties
of the Greek Police (EL.AS) to municipal police forces, set to
be established on a new basis.
The special committee, created at the initiative of Public Order
Minister George Romeos, proposes a full handover of certain
duties currently exercised by EL.AS to municipal police forces
which, however, will be established or reorganized with a
legislative settlement over a transitional period until the year
2000, since such a municipal police force does not function in
Greece at present.
The special committee anticipates that it is possible that such
law enforcement agencies will not be able to be established at
the same time in all local government organizations, and for
this reason a transitional period is essential to provide time
for these forces to be established, manned, organized and
trained.
[27] Vehicle confiscation order modified
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
Vehicle impounding for drunk driving violations will continue,
however, vehicles will only be permanently confiscated in rare
cases, Public Order Minister George Romeos said yesterday.
According to Mr. Romeos, recently stepped up breathalyzer checks
have been effective, sending a strong shock that made drivers
more aware of the problem of drunk driving and more observant of
traffic regulations.
He also announced that the ministry was revising certain
regulations and making them more legally compatible. He was
referring to rules imposed by an Athens prosecutor that led to
car confiscation and have been creating controversy for being
too severe.
Mr. Romeos said cars would no longer be confiscated except for
special cases where drivers are extremely reckless in observing
regulations and repeat offenders.
Drivers who disobey traffic rules will be handed stiff fines and
jail terms, while police units will be equipped with computers
to determine whether a detained driver is a repeat offender or
not.
[28] Greek officials tour quake-stricken areas in Italy
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
Officials of the environment and public works ministry and the
Organization of Anti-seismic Protection and Planning have been
visiting the areas of central Italy struck by the earthquake
last week, and following the efforts of the Italian Civil
Protection authorities in meeting the immediate needs of the
population affected.
The Greek officials exchanged views and experience with their
Italian colleagues, with whom they have had close and excellent
co-operation for a number of years. An Italian team offered
considerable help in the destructive earthquake that struck
Aigion two years ago.
[29] Winter store hours announced
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
The new winter store schedule will be effective as of today and
until May 31 in Attica prefecture, with the exception of the
islands.
A relevant legislative act has already been issued based on the
new timetable. Employees of public organizations and
enterprises, public services, public legal entities and local
government will turn up for work at 7:30 a.m.
Employees at banks and their subsidiaries will start work at 8
a.m. on Mondays to Thursdays and 7:40 a.m. on Fridays. Butcher
shops, fish shops, fruit stands, bakeries, building premises,
wholesale trade, handicraft industries and cleaners will open at
7 a.m.
Commercial stores, department stores, clothes boutiques,
jewelers, cosmetics shops, bookstores and electrical appliance
outlets will open at 9 a.m. Super markets located downtown,
namely, inside the downtown vehicle restricted zone and
surrounding streets in the interior zone will open at 8:15 a.m.
Stores violating the schedule will be fined from between 100,000
and one million drachmas.
[30] Commission queries Greek ban on food supplements
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
The European Commission has sent a letter to the Greek
authorities following a complaint submitted to Brussels about a
ban on the circulation in the Greek market of food supplements
which are lawfully manufactured in Britain.
In the letter, the Commission gives Greece one month to reply to
the complaint. The products banned by Greece are L-Glutamine 500
mg., L-Histidine 500 mg., Raba Tab and G- Lucomannan 500 tabs.
The Commission points out that the products circulate quite
legally in other member-states and that the banning of products
is only permissible on the basis of the instances contained in
article 36 of the EU Treaty and any refusal to approve
circulation should be accompanied by the scientific reasons for
the relevant decision.
[31] DEH profits expected to drop sharply in 1997
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
The Public Power Corp. (DEH) expects profits to reach 20.5
billion drachmas in 1997 against 80.3 billion drachmas for last
year. According to its budget plan, DEH profits for 1998 are
expected to reach 41.5 billion drachmas.
The budget for 1998 was the ma in topic of the agenda yesterday
during a meeting of the company's board of directors.
[32] Latest Spraos report details pension fund deficiencies
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday was handed a second
specially commissioned report on pensions and the social
security system from noted economics professor Ioannis Spraos.
Their meeting was attended by Mr. Simitis' adviser on social
security issues, Platonas Tiniou, who is also a member of the
so-called "Spraos committee", which drafted the report. Prof.
Spraos told reporters that he had no comments on the measures
recommended in the report and that he was awaiting the prime
minister's comments.
The previous Spraos report was on tax income and the course of
the economy. It records some of the ills plaguing the current
social security system.
According to reports, contributions paid to funds are used
almost exclusively to support pensions, while the system has
slided into a state of "generation solidarity" and has lost the
possibility of capitalization.
The report also notes what it calls the important role of
"widespread contribution evasion", a decrease in employment, the
aging of the population, existence of hundreds of funds and
chaotic clauses and increased percentages of disability
pensions, among others.
Projection of these problems apparently figures that around 2010
some funds might find themselves unable to pay pensions. In the
upcoming dialogue on the insurance issue, Labor and Social
Insurances Minister Miltiades Papaioannou intends to raise for
discussion, among others, measures aimed at the unification of
funds and preconditions for pensioning, as well as initiation of
new resources to finance the system.
[33] Greece adopts outline figures for 1998 budget
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
The government has endorsed preliminary proposals for next
year's tax policy and outline figures for the 1998 budget,
government sources said on Monday.
A meeting chaired by National Economy and Finance Minister
Yiannos Papantoniou adopted proposals for a 20 percent rise in
presumed income levels indicated by the possession of vehicles
and boats, and a 20-25 percent increase in the levels of the
so-called objective criteria for the assessment of traders' and
corporate taxable income.
Also adopted were a 30 percent rise in deemed real estate values
and a rise in the tax on government securities to 10 percent
from 7.5, the sources said.
The meeting also adopted a proposal to raise monthly tax
deductions at the source for middle and high incomes. Rejected
were proposals to tax mobile phones, and directly hike taxes on
companies and mutual funds.
Ministry officials said the government would continue discussion
on a proposal to raise the tax-free bracket on income and
inflation-linked indexation of the tax scale following
consultations with unions.
The government's incomes policy for 1998 will not exceed the
expected range of consumer price inflation (2.5-3.0 percent)
plus a rise in productivity (1.0-1.5 percent). The meeting
adopted a proposal setting the 1998 budget's regular revenue at
9.25 trillion drachmas from 8.35 trillion in 1997. Spending will
total 7.25 trillion drachmas.
[34] Greek stocks again post new record, seen breaching 1,800 pts
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
Greek equities surged to a new record close on the Athens Stock
Exchange, yesterday their third in the last four sessions. The
general index closed 0.95 percent higher at 1,777.37 points to
show a spectacular 16.72 percent rise in September.
The market looked extremely confident and the general index was
likely to break the 1,800 level in the next few sessions,
traders said. Trading remained heavy and turnover was 29 billion
drachmas. Most sector indices scored gains. Banks rose 0.87
percent, Leasing was 0.49 percent up, Insurance jumped 3.77
percent, Investment rose 1.06 percent, Industrials were 1.41
percent higher, Holding rose 0.94 percent and Miscellaneous
ended 0.38 percent up. Construction bucked the trend to fall
0.26 percent.
The parallel market index for small cap companies ended 2.37
percent higher. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 149 to 86
with another 23 issues unchanged, Bank of Central Greece, Radio
Athina, Macedonian Plastics and Selonda scored the biggest
percentage gains, while Elfico, Britania, Ideal and Eskimo
suffered the heaviest losses.
National Bank of Greece ended at 34,795 drachmas, Ergobank at
18,695, Alpha Credit Bank at 20,500, Delta Dairy at 3,935, Titan
Cement at 16,850, Intracom at 14,930 and Hellenic
Telecommunications Organization at 6,990.
In the domestic foreign exchange market the US dollar was
fractionally higher against the drachma.
[35] Greek bourse jumps 16.72 pct in September
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
Autumn of 1990. Athens had lost the battle for the Golden
Olympics to Atlanta and the Greek bourse declined 19.5 percent.
Monday, September 8 1997. Athens has won the 2004 Olympic Games
and the stock market soared to post a new record daily rise of
7.96 percent.
Those two events shaped the future of the Athens Stock Exchange,
analysts say. The prospects for the market ahead of the 2004
Olympics and an 8 trillion drachma European Union support
program were clearly reflected in the rising trend of share
prices during September.
The general index broke three new record highs and turnover
showed a spectacular improvement. The index was 253.71 points
higher, or 16.72 percent, in the month, and total turnover was
569.053 billion drachmas, more than double the August figure.
Insurance and Construction indices scored the biggest percentage
gains with 32.08 and 29.39 percent respectively, followed by a
23.46 percent gain in Industrials. Out of the 22 trading
sessions in September, 15 marked gains and 7 declines.
[36] Greek state telecom sees 30 pct jump in H1 profit
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation, which is listed on the
Athens bourse, posted profits after tax of 84 billion drachmas
in the first half, marking a 30 percent rise against the same
period of 1996.
The state telecom's revenue increased by 16.6 percent to 374
billion drachmas in the same period, and shareholders equity was
48 percent higher against the corresponding period last year,
exceeding one trillion drachmas, the firm said in a statement
yesterday.
[37] International informatics trade fair opens in Greece
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
An international trade fair on information systems and hi-tech
products opens in second-city Thessaloniki today. Organized by
HELEXPO, the state-run trade fair organizer, the exhibition will
run until October 5 in the grounds of Thessaloniki international
trade fair.
Among exhibitors are the European Union, the national economy
ministry, and the development ministry's general secretariat of
research and technology.
On display will be the state's EU-funded Cleisthenes computer
network to modernize the public sector.
Also taking part are the Association of Greek Informatics
Enterprises and Association of Northern Greek Informatics
Enterprises, both of which are also helping HELEXPO to organize
the trade fair. A conference on applications in informatics and
communications also will be held.
The conference organizers expect the annual event to be the
largest so far with 562 exhibitors, of whom 233 are from Greece
and 329 from abroad representing 23 countries.
[38] HEPO seminars on Czech Republic, Slovakia
Athens, 01/10/1997 (ANA)
The Hellenic Foreign Trade Board (HEPO) will organize two
seminars on doing business in Slovakia and the Czech Republic,
on Oct. 7-8. Experts from the two countries will be keynote
speakers at the seminars, focusing on growth, trade and
investment.
End of English language section.
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