Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-10-04

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1306), October 4, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Inflation rate drops sharply to 4.9 per cent in September

[02] Southeast Europe defense ministers meet in Sofia

[03] NATO's "Dynamic Mix '97" underway in various sites around Greece

[04] Foreign ministry examining measures in light of 'Observer' claims

[05] Athens to act on 'Observer' claims at 'right time'

[06] Letters of protest from playwright Pinter, Lord Avebury

[07] Dutch royal couple to visit next week

[08] Mirage 2000 raised

[09] Fouras returns from Lausanne with proposals

[10] Evert views on Greek foreign policy issues

[11] Sezgin critical of Pangalos

[12] Yilmaz on Pangalos

[13] Cabinet works on reforming state of television

[14] ND criticizes Simitis health comments

[15] New clinic to be set up for ethnic Greeks in Georgia

[16] Neolithic gold jewelry to go on display

[17] Tsoukatos on government's works

[18] Conference on inter-cultural education, social cohesion held

[19] Balkan bank employee associations meet in Thessaloniki

[20] Kasoulides-Holbrooke meeting prepares for Clerides' US visit

[21] Gov't to float 20 per cent of DEP on bourse

[22] Mastic's benefits for oral hygiene presented

[23] Papoutsis proposal to double EU's renewable energy sources by 2010

[24] Sarantis presence in Romania

[25] Greek stocks resume climb fueled by Sept's inflation drop

[26] Greek bourse sets three new highs in a week, nears 1,800 pts

[27] Greece to meet 1.2 trillion dr. shortfall Oct. through bond issue

[28] Tourist flows from Poland expected to rise

[29] Conference tourism

[30] Skoulas on hotel classification system

[01] Inflation rate drops sharply to 4.9 per cent in September

Athens, 04/10/1997 (ANA)

In September 1996, annual inflation was recorded at 8 per cent.

According to the ESYE, the general Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 1.7 per cent in September, compared to an increase of 2.3 per cent in the same month of 1996. The CPI increase in September was shaped as a result of a 0.5 per cent drop in foodstuffs, a 9.6 per cent increase in clothing and footwear and a 4.3 per cent increase in durable consumer goods.

On the outlook for inflation in October, ESYE Secretary General Nikos Karavitis said it appeared from estimates that the downward trend would continue.

[02] Southeast Europe defense ministers meet in Sofia

Sofia, 4/10/97 (ANA - N. Hios)

The summit finally accepted a Greek proposal for the opening of such sessions to defense ministers of countries not included in the NATO initiative, as well as ones included.

The final communiqui provides for periodic meetings of defense ministers and armed forces chiefs of staff, as well as exchange of information.

In addition, another Greek proposal was also submitted for establishing a center for monitoring crises in combination with the setting up of a security council in the Balkans.

On his part, National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos lauded Bulgaria's initiative to organize a meeting of regional defense ministers in order to promote ways of tackling security, co-operation and stability problems in the wider region and the Balkans.

Meanwhile, according to a Reuters dispatch from Sofia, the Greek minister was also quoted as saying that any regional council security council should include all countries in the region in order to function effectively. "In no way should we give the impression that we are creating dividing lines," he added.

The meeting brought together delegations from Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) as well as NATO members Italy, Greece and Turkey. The United States is also participating.

Russia protested at its exclusion from the talks, which followed a first meeting in Albania last year, but Bulgaria said that as Russia was not in southeast Europe and had no plans to join NATO, it did not qualify for an invitation.

Bosnia, Croatia and Yugoslavia were also not invited.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos added: "We have a series of new kinds of instability factors and threats for the security of Europe. Threats which are different from the past and which have to do with the involvement of economic, political and social phenomena. As w ell as threats coming either from nationalism or religious fanaticism or the infringement of human rights or international law as well as Helsinki decisions being ignored."

He said that "for problems in the region to be tackled, all countries in the region should have the possibility of participation in initiatives, because only then will it be effective."

Greeting the defense ministers, Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov said that by 1999 his country will have fulfilled conditions for its accession to NATO.

On his part, US Defense Secretary William Cohen stressed the need for political control over the armed forces and Parliament's participation in the preparation of the defense budget as an important criterion for future NATO accession.

[03] NATO's "Dynamic Mix '97" underway in various sites around Greece

Athens, 04/10/1997 (ANA)

Yesterday, 1,260 allied marines, including 350 Greek troops, landed on a beach in Peloponnese's southwestern coast, supported by a large number of amphibious means of armored personnel transports, tanks, ships and helicopters, in a mock attempt to dislodge the forces of an imaginary invader.

In all, 5,000 troops from 14 countries, 70 vessels and 180 aircraft will be used in the military exercise, underway in parts of Thessaly, Macedonia and the western Peloponnese.

Strategic reserve forces of NATO's SFOR command from the US, Italy and The Netherlands took part in a series of exercises, including enemy sniper suppression and minefield-clearing operations near Kyparissia, Messinia prefecture on Sept. 27. Those exercises were observed by, among others, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, US Gen. Wesley Clark, Commander-in-Chief of Allied Forces Southern Europe, US Adm. Joseph Lopez, National Defense General Staff Chief Gen. Athanasios Tzoganis as well as many other high-ranking NATO and Greek officers.

Also attending were military observers from Poland and Romania in view of their future participation in an exercise of SFOR strategic reserves.

Gen. Clark said the exercise was a multinational effort, representing the commitment of many countries in the implementation of the peace process in Bosnia-Herzegovina. He added that the combination of this commitment and the fighting capability of the forces constitute a guarantee that SFOR will bring its mission to a successful end, if this is required in any unforeseeable situation.

Another 210 special forces troops from Britain, Greece, Spain and the US are participating in maneuvers near Larisa, central Greece, while a tactical map exercise is also in progress in central and northern Greece.

On Thursday, the exercise will be carried to Macedonia, with an airborne assault of Greek and Spanish paratroopers at Megisto, Thessaloniki prefecture, and an assault by Greek and US forces to eliminate an enemy "bridgehead" at Askos Profitis, east of t he city. The final phase of the Dynamic Mix will take place on Oct. 13.

Observers note that with Dynamic Mix, NATO reportedly accepts the need for activating the Larisa regional headquarters, in the framework of the new structure of the alliance.

Greece is participating for the second time in the exercise, after a long absence, while it is the first time that Turkish forces are absent.

[04] Foreign ministry examining measures in light of 'Observer' claims

Athens, 04/10/1997 (ANA)

The ministry "will adopt all necessary measures, which are presently being studied," a statement said.

In reaction to "the continuing statements of Turkish officials, who, with groundless and libelous accusations, are trying to implicate Greece in issues of terrorism," the statement stresses that Greece's permanent position on terrorism is to co-operate closely at all international levels in order to deal with terrorism effectively.

"Greece supports the respect for human rights of all peoples in the world, while for the Kurdish problem there is a stated position of the European Union, according to which there must be a political solution so that the rights of the Kurds, which are violated by the Turkish government today, are respected.

"Offices of Kurdish organizations exist in Greece, as in almost all European countries, even in the United States, as long as the relevant laws are observed, without this meaning that these countries are abetting terrorism.

"The Observer report, based on the account of some Kurd who lived in Germany until the beginning of the year, is, of course, beyond the ethics of journalism, and it is deplorable that a serious British newspaper was drawn into it, adopting a classic pro vocation," the foreign ministry added.

"Of the fabrications, which comprise it, nothing is new. Some of these inaccuracies have already appeared since 1991, and have at various times been promoted by circles wishing to increase tension in Greek-Turkish relations," the statement concluded.

[05] Athens to act on 'Observer' claims at 'right time'

Athens, 04/10/1997 (ANA)

The statement was made by both Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, as he arrived for a Cabinet meeting, as well as government spokesman Demetris Reppas.

The article, which appeared in last Sunday's edition of the newspaper, was based on the claims of a Kurd named Seydo Hazar, which were immediately rejected by the Greek government as being totally unfounded. Mr. Reppas said the government was examining "all possibilities" including legal action over what he called the "libelous" article.

Commenting on recent statements on the terrorism issue by US State Department spokesman Jim Foley, Mr. Reppas said "there is a coincidence of views", while noting that Greece required clarifications "because US officials, after meetings with international officials, cannot express unacceptable views". "These opinions or accusations are unacceptable and are rejected by the Greek government," the spokesman added.

[06] Letters of protest from playwright Pinter, Lord Avebury

London, 4/10/97 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)

Critics include playwright Harold Pinter, who was recently in Greece for a film festival, and Lord Avebury, listed by Turkey as persona non grata for his efforts in support of human rights for the Kurdish minority.

The Greek ambassador to London Vassilis Zafiropoulos, who was in touch with the British Foreign Office over the press report, also condemned it as a fake and based on information from a "suspect person with a suspect past."

[07] Dutch royal couple to visit next week

Athens, 04/10/1997 (ANA)

The royal couple is expected on the evening of Oct. 6 in Corfu, where they will spend the night. They will meet President Stephanopoulos in Athens the following day, in the presence of the foreign ministers of the two countries.

The Dutch royal couple will later attend an official luncheon hosted by Prime Minister Costas Simitis, followed by a visit to Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and official dinner with Mr. Stephanopoulos in the evening.

On Wednesday, Beatrix and Klaus will visit the Great Meteoron monastery in Meteora, and will attend a briefing session on organizational matters for the 2004 Olympic Games at Zappeion Hall in the afternoon, to be followed by a visit to the merchant navy captains' school in Piraeus. They will attend a concert by the Amsterdam Loeki Stardust Quartet at the Athens Concert Hall in the evening.

Queen Beatrix and Prince Klaus will depart for Thessaloniki on the following day, where they will visit the Treasures of Mount Athos exhibition and will inaugurate an exhibition with works by 20th century Dutch engravers at Villa Melissa.

[08] Mirage 2000 raised

Athens, 04/10/1997 (ANA)

According to first estimates, the plane is salvageable.

[09] Fouras returns from Lausanne with proposals

Athens, 04/10/1997 (ANA)

Returning from a meeting with International Olympic Committee (IOC) members in Lausanne, where he went with Greek Olympic Committee president Lambis Nicolaou, Mr. Fouras said that talks included the release of funds from television rights within 1998.

Mr. Fouras also proposed that the Olympic Games be preceded by youth games competing on ancient Greek sports on the site of ancient Olympia. If finally approved by the IOC, the youth event will become a permanent feature prior to the opening of the main Olympics, he said.

[10] Evert views on Greek foreign policy issues

Athens, 04/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Evert was speaking on the occasion of his recently released book, focusing on Greece's role in international developments. He said his positions coincided with the positions of New Democracy.

"I will continue to fight for a long-term strategy in foreign policy issues," the former ND leader said, casting criticism on Prime Minister Costas Simitis' policy on Greek-Turkish relations.

Mr. Evert said the premier changed the country's foreign policy but that Greece gained nothing from this change, while he said ND pursued dialogue with Turkey under certain conditions, but that ND would have never signed the Madrid communiqui "which refers to Turkey's vital interests when it is known that Ankara aims to overturn the status quo in the Aegean."

The Madrid text to normalize relations between Greece and Turkey was signed by the two countries over the summer on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Madrid.

Mr. Evert also criticized Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos over his anti-Turkish statements in New York last week.

Citing government instability in Ankara, Mr. Evert said this was the wrong time for a US initiative to solve the Greek-Turkish differences, while adding that "unless Ankara changes strategy it is impossible to have a dialogue with Turkey."

Referring to US pressures regarding PKK offices in Greece, the former New Democracy leader said:

"...the Americans do not want to slander Greece but want the political wing of the Kurds to leave the country.

[11] Sezgin critical of Pangalos

Sofia, 4/10/1997 (ANA - N. Hios)

"The words Mr. Pangalos used do not concur with diplomatic usage," Mr. Sezgin said, in a reference to comments made by Mr. Pangalos in New York last week.

"The Greek people do not share the views of Mr. Pangalos," he added.

He expressed his regret at the "provocative character" of Mr. Pangalos' characterization of his Turkish counterpart as well as his hope that "it is possible that dialogue between the two countries can be restored".

[12] Yilmaz on Pangalos

Istanbul, 4/10/1997 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

Mr. Yilmaz's statements was picked by the camera of the "Show TV" television channel. He said, "Convey my greetings to Mr. Simitis, but none to Mr. Pangalos."

[13] Cabinet works on reforming state of television

Athens, 04/10/1997 (ANA)

Government spokesman Demetris Reppas said the decisions were based on the law and presidential decrees.

Announcing the decisions, he said the government would grant operating licenses to 111 regional stations of the 250 currently broadcasting, apart from the local stations in Attica.

Six stations will have the right to broadcast nationwide, while eight frequencies would be allotted to stations in Attica other than those six.

Mr. Reppas said both the local and national stations would be obliged to cover the entire area for which they have been granted a licensee.

He added that the National Radio and Television Council (ERS) would be upgraded and particular emphasis placed on respect for and protection of the personality of citizens, minors and private life.

Quality, he said, would not be imposed by laws and censorship, but by means of self-regulation.

[14] ND criticizes Simitis health comments

Athens, 04/10/1997 (ANA)

The ND notes that the prime minister spoke of improvements in hospital conditions while many services were seriously lacking, there were repeated strikes by hospital staff and a rampant "black market" in health services.

It also criticized the government for restricting benefits to hundreds of large families and closing state day nurseries.

[15] New clinic to be set up for ethnic Greeks in Georgia

New York, 4/10/1997 (ANA)

The clinic, housed in a 2,0000 sq.m.-building, will belong to the Greek community of the area and be managed by 19 Greek doctors who have been volunteering their services in the area up to now.

The equipment will be provided by "Counterpart", the US-based charity organization and pharmaceuticals by the "United Methodist Committee of Relief".

[16] Neolithic gold jewelry to go on display

Athens, 04/10/1997 (ANA)

The priceless collection will be put on permanent display at the National Archaeological Museum in early December.

The collection of 54 gold rings, beads and pendants, dating back to the 5th millennium B.C., was about to be sold to a 'customer' abroad for an estimated 2 billion dr.

Undercover police officers, posing as buyers, confiscated the collection and arrested a private security guard and a Greek-Canadian four days ago, after a six-month surveillance operation.

"The (objects) are of unique value, and fell victim to the most extreme form of crime against our cultural heritage," said Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos at the ceremony, adding that they were of "immense archaeological significance". This is the largest quantity of gold jewelry of the Neolithic era ever found, according to Dr. Ekaterini Dimakopoulou, director of the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, an expert on the prehistoric period. The treasures weigh a mere 232 grams in total, but their value to researchers of the Neolithic age is immeasurable.

[17] Tsoukatos on government's works

Athens, 04/10/1997 (ANA)

Addressing a gathering of officers of the party's youth section, Mr. Tsoukatos said "PASOK did not come to power to manage power, but to change its content and direction".

[18] Conference on inter-cultural education, social cohesion held

Athens, 04/10/1997 (ANA)

The conference was organized by the "Cultural Capital of Europe-Thessaloniki 1997" organization in co-operation with the committee of Europe's regions and the EU, and with the participation of the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, the assembly of the Regions of Europe and the Council of European Municipalities and Regions.

It was stressed that these funds must be provided in the direction of lifetime education, starting from pre-school levels and covering the next educational stages.

[19] Balkan bank employee associations meet in Thessaloniki

Athens, 04/10/1997 (ANA)

The conference, due to end tomorrow, is being attended by representatives of bank employee associations from Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Moldova, Yugoslavia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Romania, Turkey and Greece.

[20] Kasoulides-Holbrooke meeting prepares for Clerides' US visit

New York, 4/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Holbrooke briefed Mr. Kasoulides on the results of his recent trip to Ankara where he held meetings with representatives of Turkey's leadership.

The US mediator said he hoped to meet with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash when Mr. Denktash visits Washington towards the end of October.

Mr. Holbrooke also touched on the non-governmental business meeting to be held in Brussels next month, with the participation of businessmen from the free and Turkish-occupied parts of Cyprus.

Businessmen from Greece and Turkey are also attending the meeting, which is held under the auspices of Norway's' Institute of Peace and Columbia University in New York State.

Mr. Holbrooke has organized the meeting in his capacity as an international banker.

"The conference is to the interest of the entire people of Cyprus, both Greek and Turkish Cypriots," Mr. Holbrooke said, commenting on a recent Turkish Chamber of Commerce announcement condemning the conference.

Mr. Holbrooke expressed amazement at the Chamber's criticism, "since the conference is not about accession to the EU, but focused on economic co-operation," which is to the mutual interest of parties involved.

"Despite pending political differences, many peoples and many countries trade among themselves," the US mediator said.

"I don't see any reason at all," he added, "that Greek and Turkish businessmen should not trade directly among themselves."

Commenting on his meetings with the foreign ministers of Greece and Turkey, Theodoros Pangalos and Ismail Cem respectively, Mr. Holbrooke said:

"They are both exceptionally intelligent and tough defenders of their countries' national rights. We had serious discussions and I look forward to new meetings with them."

Mr. Holbrooke met with Mr. Pangalos and Mr. Cem on the sidelines of the United Nations' annual General Assembly meeting late last month in New York.

"With only a few exceptions, the Greek government makes great and serious efforts to solve the eastern Aegean issue," he said.

Regarding the Cyprus issue, Mr. Holbrooke said that "we don't look in the direction of Athens for a solution. We talk with the government of Cyprus."

Mr. Kasoulides said the meeting with the US mediator was very interesting, adding, however, that Mr. Holbrooke was still in search of a strategy to tackle the issue.

"Mr. Holbrooke is still concerned with strategy as to how and when to take a direct involvement in efforts to solve the Cyprus problem," he said.

Regarding the meeting between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot businessmen, Mr. Kasoulides said that "a business lunch should not be the focus of too much attention," stressing that Mr. Holbrooke has organized the meeting in his capacity as a banker an d not as the US representative on Cyprus.

[21] Gov't to float 20 per cent of DEP on bourse

Athens, 04/10/1997 (ANA)

The issue was discussed at a Cabinet meeting yesterday and, as announced, the relevant preparation will have been completed at the end of November, but entry into the bourse will depend on market conditions.

According to relevant decisions, a new organizing unit will be created in the public petroleum sector.

DEP will be renamed Greek Petroleum Co. in which the refineries and petrochemical industries will be incorporated, as well as the research department of DEP/DEP-EKY.

Two subsidiaries will exist: The first will be involved with trade issues, namely EKO and EL-DA "E", and the second will be the technical adviser company Asprofos.

Eighty-five per cent of shares of the DEPA company/public gas enterprise will be transferred to the state.

Among others, benefits DEP will enjoy from this development will be obtaining capital with greater ease, the presence of institutional and small shareholders will strengthen transparency in managing the group's affairs, as well as providing the group with international prestige and reliability, an essential factor in its international activities.

DEP is the largest commercial and industrial group in Greece and the second company in size after the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE). Its unified revenues exceeded 690 billion drachmas in 1996, its unified profits 28 billion drachmas and it employs about 3,000 people in all. Its potential includes two refineries covering about 50 per cent of the country's refining capacity.

By decision of the Inter-Ministerial Denationalization Committee on May 27, 1996, preparation was decided for the group of companies attached to DEP and the introduction of the latter's shares for negotiation at the Athens Stock Exchange.

Implementing this decision, DEP hired after international tendering on April 22, 1997 the joint venture SBC Warburg, Ionian Bank and Salomon Brothers as a fiscal adviser to pave the way for entry, with Ernst and Young being a cooperating reorganization adviser.

[22] Mastic's benefits for oral hygiene presented

Athens, 04/10/1997 (ANA)

On the second day of a symposium on mastic, professor Stavros Koiliaridis said that one in three people had orthodontic problems that were directly related to underactivity of their chewing system.

A random study of children between eight and 10 years old, he said, showed that chewing the hard mastic, a characteristic produce of Hios, reduced the problems.

He said the studies needed to be continued to determine more specific details.

The product, from local mastic trees which was so valued by Ottoman empire rulers that it led the island 's receiving a special status before the Greek Revolution, has also been found to remove dental plaque by the chewing.

The Union of Mastic Producers of Hios, who organized the symposium, markets mastic as chewing gum, using pure xylitol, a natural product used to replace sugar. Union representatives said no other chewing gum uses xylitol because it is too costly.

The event includes lectures, exhibitions and festivals.

[23] Papoutsis proposal to double EU's renewable energy sources by 2010

Athens, 04/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Papoutsis made the statement during a conference entitled "Energy Management - Local and Regional Development and Employment", organized on Rhodes.

Mr. Papoutsis said the target is to save energy with promotion and development of renewable energy sources, reaching 12 per cent by 2010.

The conference, held under the auspices of the European Commission, was attended by many experts and local government officials from European Union member-states.

Athens was represented by Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Alekos Papadopoulos.

Mr. Papadopoulos placed particular emphasis on support by the Center of the European Mediterranean's Regions and the Environment.

Addressing the conference, Mr. Papadopoulos said another of the center's targets is the creation of international exchange networks which, as he said, will safeguard the unified and indivisible nature of the Mediterranean basin through common action and common responsibility.

Mr. Papoutsis said 476,000 new jobs might be created in Europe through the use of renewable energy sources, compared to 72,000 expected from investments in conventional technologies.

[24] Sarantis presence in Romania

Athens, 04/10/1997 (ANA)

Two of the company's main products, macaroni of the same name and tomato juice pummaro, are already enjoying success in the Romanian market. The agreement, combined with the recent agreement concluded between Sarantis and a Greek biscuit company strengthens the position of Sarantis in the wider Balkan market.

Sarantis concluded the nine-month January-September period this year with a record increase in sales and profits which exceed 60 per cent compared to the corresponding period in 1996.

[25] Greek stocks resume climb fueled by Sept's inflation drop

Athens, 04/10/1997 (ANA)

Traders said sentiment was boosted by news of a substantial drop in consumer price inflation in September to 4.9 percent, paving the way for further interest rates declines.

The general index closed at 1,779.35 points, up 1.93 percent, to show a 2.6 percent gain on the week.

All sector indices scored gains. Banks rose 2.12 percent, Leasing increased 0.50 percent, Insurance ended 2.02 percent higher, Investment rose 1.13 percent, Industrials were 2.16 percent up, Construction increased 1.09 percent, Holding was 1.63 percent up and Miscellaneous soared 3.22 percent.

The FTSE/ASE index, calculated on a basket of 20 mostly banking and industrial blue chips, rose 2.03 percent to end at 1,043.08 points.

The parallel market index for small cap companies finished 2.53 percent higher.

Trading was heavy and turnover was 29.9 billion drachmas.

Broadly, advancing issues led declining ones by 175 to 44 with another 21 issues unchanged.

Sysware, Intrasoft, Athens Medical, Koumbas and Ionian Hotels scored the biggest percentage gains, while Lanakam, Lampsa, Maxim and Mouriades suffered the heaviest losses.

National Bank of Greece ended at 34,800 drachmas, Ergobank at 18,900, Alpha Credit Bank at 20,495, Delta Dairy at 4,000, Titan Cement at 16,920, Intracom at 14,960 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organization at 6,930.

[26] Greek bourse sets three new highs in a week, nears 1,800 pts

Athens, 04/10/1997 (ANA)

Helped by a substantial drop in the consumer price inflation rate, investors found shares irresistible.

Forecast is a further fall in rates on state securities, a prospect making stocks more competitive against other forms of investment.

Also boosting sentiment was a continuous improvement in corporate profits during the first half of the year.

The Athens general share index ended the week with a 2.61 percent net gain.

The FTSE/ASE index, calculated on a basket of 20 mostly banking and industrial blue chips, showed a 2.16 percent increase.

The Insurance and Miscellaneous indices scored the biggest percentage gains in the week at 6.81 and 5.56 percent respectively.

Total turnover was 144.9 billion drachmas, marking a daily average of 29 billion drachmas, down from 34.8 billion the previous week.

[27] Greece to meet 1.2 trillion dr. shortfall Oct. through bond issue

Athens, 04/10/1997 (ANA)

The issues are as follows:

* Fixed-rate bonds on October 10

* Floating rate notes on October 20 and again on October 29

* Treasury bills on October 31

Mr. Christodoulakis also told reporters the socialist government would keep to its policy of cautiously lowering interest rates.

[28] Tourist flows from Poland expected to rise

Athens, 04/10/1997 (ANA)

Meanwhile, according to a study carried out by the specialist US magazine "Modern Bride", with a circulation of 360,000, Greece was named a "diamond destination" for newlyweds, on the basis of the answers of some 3,000 travel agents.

Greece was the only European country given such a distinction, while all other destinations were characterized as "exotic" (Carribean, Africa, and Central America). The result was announced at the world conference of the American Society of Travel Agent s in Glasgow.

[29] Conference tourism

Athens, 04/10/1997 (ANA)

Participants will include the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the Society of Incentive Travel Executives (SITE), and the International Association of Professional Conference Organizers (IAPCO).

[30] Skoulas on hotel classification system

Athens, 04/10/1997 (ANA)

This was stressed in an announcement yesterday by Greek Tourist Organization (EOT) Secretary-General Nikos Skoulas in response to several press reports.

Mr. Skoulas said the new classification system "must have international recognition", adding that it must be acceptable to the international tourist industry, primarily travel agents.

EOT has already created a working group for the "five-star" classification of units.

End of English language section.

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