Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-10-30

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't calls Turkish military chief's claims 'futile, hopeless'

[02] ... Tzoganis

[03] ND sees 'policy of compromise' in Greek-Turkish relations

[04] Turkish military's role an obstacle to EU, article says

[05] Greece to keep short-term rates steady after pressure on drachma

[06] Bank of Greece moves to support drachma

[07] Greek stocks plunge in spin-off from market dive abroad

[08] Northern Greek industries post 34.2 drop in 1996 profit

[09] Apostolopoulos launches insurance, credit cards

[10] Cooperatives heavily in debt to ATE, Tzoumakas says

[11] Report on boosting Greek industry's competitiveness unveiled

[12] Labor minister promises programs against unemployment in '98

[13] Pharmacists to begin strike tomorrow

[14] Greek military chief attends Turkish embassy reception

[15] Simitis chairs meeting on Balkan leaders' summit

[16] Turkish industrialist Koc hopeful of better bilateral climate

[17] Poland blames Gligorov for diplomatic row

[18] Orthodox Church-sponsored seminar for EU

[19] Parmenion '97 begins tomorrow

[20] Stephanopoulos to visit Lesvos for military exercise

[21] ND says Gov't failing to brief opposition over Crete summit

[22] Extended weekend traffic fatalities less than '96

[23] Police, criminals exchange gunfire at Corfu resort

[24] Aid for quake victims

[25] Simitis: No change in construction planning for major projects

[26] SETE elected to VP seat in World Tourism Organization

[27] Petrol prices rise

[28] Zeffirelli in Athens on lightning visit to oversee exhibition

[29] Amnesty condemns treatment of refugee children

[30] Taller Greeks confuse Australian scientists

[31] Student awards for essays on refugees

[01] Gov't calls Turkish military chief's claims 'futile, hopeless'

Athens, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

The spokesman also noted the "peculiarity" of Gen. Karadayi's action, namely, that a military official should raise a purely political issue.

The Turkish armed forces chief claimed in the letter that Greece and Russia had formed an "axis" which threatens the alliance's southeastern wing.

National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos on Tuesday had dismissed the letter as "revealing the guilt felt by Turkey for the tension and crisis it has caused in the region."

According to Mr. Reppas, Gen. Karadayi's letter illustrates the important role played by the military in Turkey, "something unknown in the institutional structure of European countries."

Mr. Reppas underlined that the Turkish military chief is also discovering issues and conjuring up problems, maybe as a result of what he called "Turkey's disappointment at the course of issues dealing with it."

The letter itself, the spokesman added, is full of claims which can easily be refuted.

Echoing earlier statements by National Defense General Staff Chief Gen. Athanasios Tzoganis, Mr. Reppas said Greece was not the only country to have military co-operation with Russia, while observing that Moscow also had a special relationship with the European Union and NATO.

Replying to reporters' questions, Mr. Reppas said the United States had expressed no "annoyance" whatsoever about Greece's relations with Russia.

Additionally, he was reserved when asked about the possibility of an improvement in Greek-Turkish relations emerging from the meeting next week between Prime Minister Costas Simitis and his Turkish counterpart, Mesut Yilmaz, on the sidelines of a Balkan leaders' summit on Crete.

Mr. Reppas said that there may be a "development" at the last minute if Turkey were to undertake some initiatives to conform with international law, while adding that he did not consider this to be very likely.

According to the Balkan summit agenda, Mr. Simitis is expected to have 20 minutes of talks with Mr. Yilmaz on Monday evening before an official dinner.

Mr. Reppas reiterated the government's view that the summit should not be dominated by Greek-Turkish issues but rather provide the opportunity for a top-level discussion of matters related to economic and political co-operation among the Balkan states.

"Greece would like the summit to become a permanent event for there to be regular meetings between the leaders of the Balkan countries and for a secretariat to be set up to facilitate the task of the leaders," Mr. Reppas told reporters.

Commenting on reports that Turkey is reinforcing its occupation forces in the northern part of Cyprus with heavy tanks, Mr. Reppas said this confuted the claims of Ankara and Gen. Karadayi, "and proves that Turkey does not want a solution to the Cyprus problem but desires the maintenance of tension".

[02] ... Tzoganis

Athens, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

Gen. Tzoganis said he had been told by the chairman of NATO's military committee that the letter had indeed been sent, but not about its content.

Gen. Tzoganis pointed out that many countries had signed agreements with Russia, including NATO, "and if Mr. Karadayi wants to exploit this fact, all the countries have the intelligence to judge this."

He expressed the view that his Turkish counterpart was perhaps attempting to justify the tension which Ankara itself had created in the region "or even future tension which it will create and for which Turkey will be solely responsible". He added that Greece's armed forces were "taking measures" daily and were completely ready to confront any provocation.

He did not rule out the possibility of a serious incident between Greece and Turkey, triggered by either a chance or a "planned" event.

[03] ND sees 'policy of compromise' in Greek-Turkish relations

Athens, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

He added what was needed of Athens was to change its policy and draft a clear policy on the national issues, while the government should set specific goals, both for the forthcoming Crete summit and development of Greek-Turkish relations.

On his part, the leader of the Political Spring party, Antonis Samaras, commenting on the Turkish military chief's letter, said the "methodical attempt by Turkey to mislead NATO required an immediate reply by Greece."

[04] Turkish military's role an obstacle to EU, article says

Bonn, 30/10/1997 (ANA - P. Stangos)

The article points out that the EU is concentrating on human rights and the Kurdish problem, the Cyprus issue and inflation, instead of paying attention to the way in which the military intervenes in Turkish politics. The author explains by writing that "the (army) officers still have the last word in Turkey on all issues. The view they have hold for their role touches on fantasy of omnipotence and they see their country as an army barracks. Criticizing them for being a 'state within a state' would be considered an insult, since the officers are the state".

The article's author calls Turkey's form of government as a "military democracy", and asks how it is possible for a country where the army general staff "pulls down a government and puts up a coalition it prefers" to become a member of the EU.

"How could one accept a situation where the military carries on a war as it sees fit, invades neighboring countries and sets its own limits on its budget without even bothering to consult the government of the country?" it asks.

"Is there a European country where generals, going against the will of the prime minister, may convene a high government body with jurisdictions of a dictatorial nature?" the article states.

[05] Greece to keep short-term rates steady after pressure on drachma

Athens, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

The national currency has been under pressure for several sessions, hit mainly by speculators in London.

No turmoil was reported by early yesterday afternoon.

The Athens bourse's sharp fall yesterday reflected a plunge in stock markets abroad and did not signify flagging confidence in the Greek economy, Mr. Reppas said.

[06] Bank of Greece moves to support drachma

Athens, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

The central bank was also active in the money market driving rates down to 12-13 percent from 14 percent in early trade.

The Bank of Greece has spent around 1.5 billion ECUs since Monday to ward off speculators, mainly in London.

[07] Greek stocks plunge in spin-off from market dive abroad

Athens, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 1,604.98 points, losing 2.87 percent. The market was 7.54 percent down since last Thursday when the crisis began in Hong Kong. Trade was heavy with 29 billion drachmas changing hands.

Traders said the market was creating a new support level around 1,600 points and predicted a technical rebound following a spectacular recovery in international markets on Wednesday.

Foreign institutional investors continued to liquidate their holdings in the Greek market with Wednesday's sell-off focused on Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, and blue chips Titan Cement and Alpha Credit Bank.

All sector indices lost ground. Banks dropped 2.52 percent, Insurance eased 0.91 percent, Leasing was 0.02 percent off, Investment fell 1.30 percent, Construction plunged 3.40 percent, Industrials nose-dived 3.88 percent, Miscellaneous ended 3.98 percent down and Holding was 3.82 percent lower.

The parallel market index for small cap companies ended 3.28 percent down.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 194 to 26 with another 18 issues unchanged.

Follie-Follie, Britania, Levenderis and Radio Athina scored the biggest percentage gains, while Ridenco, St. George Mills, Pairis and Elfico suffered the heaviest losses.

National Bank of Greece ended at 30,100 drachmas, Ergobank at 17,650, Alpha Credit Bank at 19,200, Delta Dairy at 3,700, Titan Cement at 14,300, Intracom at 13,850 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organization at 6,135.

[08] Northern Greek industries post 34.2 drop in 1996 profit

Athens, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

The survey was conducted in Macedonia and Thrace in September based on published balance sheets by 1,260 companies in the region.

Its results were presented in Thessaloniki yesterday by ICAP's managing director, Demetris Maniatakis.

The sharp drop in profits was attributed to stagnant sales and a nine percent rise in production costs, a trend which had made several profitable medium-sized industries loss-making.

However, industry representatives expressed their optimism for future financial results, helped by a planned expansion of northern Greek industries into the Balkans.

The survey showed that commercial firms' profits rose by 13 percent last year helped by an 18.2 percent rise in sales.

Enhancing northern Greek companies within overall Greek industry, ICAP said that according to cumulative figures from 4,997 industries, profits marked a 1.7 percent nominal increase.

[09] Apostolopoulos launches insurance, credit cards

Athens, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

Apostolopoulos has begun recruiting for the new company, which will be housed in a new office complex to be built by the Group in Athens for its subsidiaries.

In addition, Apostolopoulos will begin issuing Visa credit cards for use at its medical centers. The project is being carried out with EFG Eurobank, a member of the Latsis Group.

It is also about to launch a new emergency medical aid service in Athens employing mobile units. An emergency air service for isolated parts of the country is already in place, enabling patients to be transported to hospitals for treatment.

[10] Cooperatives heavily in debt to ATE, Tzoumakas says

Athens, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

The state has done its duty, he said, by paying its own debt, which totaled 900 billion drachmas, but the government can do no further and any cooperative that can't survive must close down.

The government would not subsidize any more of the cooperatives in debt, but would intervene to change the interest rate policy in loans to the farming sector, the minister added.

The government's Council on Agricultural Policy will meet in Athens tomorrow and Saturday, and the studies that will be discussed have already been released to the public, he clarified.

The meeting will deal with drafting a new law on cooperatives, ATE and incentives for areas in decline.

[11] Report on boosting Greek industry's competitiveness unveiled

Athens, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

The report, providing the basis for industrial strategy, is the product of broad dialogue and consensus among social partners in the sector and academics, and sets as a deadline the year 2006.

Among the proposals included are a boosting of the powers of a "Competition Commission", introduction of the concepts of "efficient size" and "network" in the investment incentives law, establishment of 'one stop-shops' for the founding of the new small and medium size enterprises in each prefecture, the definition of a new financing framework, and the development of 'venture capital', leasing and factoring facilities.

[12] Labor minister promises programs against unemployment in '98

Athens, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

Unemployed individuals will begin being provided with an "employment coupon" as of March, which will have three possible uses, according to the preference of the unemployed.

Specifically, it can be cashed as is the case of the present benefit, it can be exchanged with the right of subsidized training or it can be submitted to an employer as an incentive for subsidized hiring. Later on, the coupon will be replaced by the "magnetic employment card."

Mr. Papaioannou visited the Manpower Employment Organization (OAED) yesterday, where its governor C. Efstratoglou gave an account of the organization's work. OAED's training programs were attended by 25,000 unemployed people at a cost of 22 billion drachmas.

Unemployment benefits were provided for 220,000 beneficiaries as well as 300,000 families, totaling 155 billion drachmas. In addition, 50,000 new jobs were subsidized with the subsidization cost amounting to 50 billion drachmas for OAED. Mr. Papaioannou said priorities for employment policies are supporting young people up to 29, the long-term unemployed and dismissed people over 55.

[13] Pharmacists to begin strike tomorrow

Athens, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

The pharmacists are protesting because the government decreased the margin of profit they make per drug and lowered prices for the public. Meanwhile, drugstores reported that the public, especially elderly, were flocking to their stores to get more than the necessary number of supplies, for fear of shortages. They said that shortages had already started appearing in popular pain killers, heart drugs and antibiotics.

Health Under-secretary Manolis Skoulakis called on drug store owners not to go on strike, and said if shortages occurred during an extended strike, the public would be able to acquire drugs from social security (IKA) branches, hospitals and military outlets.

Drugstore union officials have said that as of tomorrow, the number of stores open by rotation include five during the day and another five at night only, or one pharmacy per prefecture.

The strike will affect all of Attica prefecture.

[14] Greek military chief attends Turkish embassy reception

Athens, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

Gen. Tzoganis told reporters afterwards that his presence signaled the desire of the Greek people and their armed forces for broad co-operation with all nations, while reiterating that "the armed forces are ready and resolved to defend the country's territorial integrity".

On his part, Mr. Pamir expressed optimism over the forthcoming Simitis-Yilmaz meeting on Crete this Monday, noting that the Turkish prime minister is coming to the Balkan leaders' summit with a positive spirit and with a constructive disposition.

He expressed the wish that Greek-Turkish relations, the framework of which is quite fragile, are normalized, as the two peoples have to co-exist.

Among other visitors to the embassy were National Economy Under-secretary Alekos Baltas, who represented the government, former ND premier Constantine Mitsotakis, and former foreign ministers Mihalis Papakonstantinou and George Papoulias.

[15] Simitis chairs meeting on Balkan leaders' summit

Athens, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

No statements were made after the meeting, but according to diplomatic sources, discussion focused on the draft communiqui to be tabled for adoption by the heads of state and government attending the summit.

ANA sources say the draft communiqui, to be adopted as the "Crete Declaration", refers to the consolidation of generally accepted rules and provisions of international law regarding the self-evident international obligations of states, such as respect f or territorial integrity, the status quo regarding borders, the non-use of force or the threat of force as well as the peaceful resolution of differences.

The declaration will also refer to co-operation in the sectors of economy, industry, tourism and culture between Balkan states and the creation of a stable climate of friendly relations.

Countries to be represented at the summit (Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, FYROM, Romania and Turkey) are also expected to agree to regular political consultations at all levels, as well as systematic co-operation by police forces to fight organized crime, smuggling and illegal immigration.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis.

[16] Turkish industrialist Koc hopeful of better bilateral climate

Athens, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Koc said he delivered the message last week on his way back from Athens, where he attended the fourth business forum on Greek-Turkish commercial relations.

Although he declined to reveal the exact contents of the message, Mr. Koc said:

"We discussed matters I am not authorized to reveal. The general feeling, anyhow, is that there must be friendship between the two countries, and that something had to be done to reduce tension in Greek-Turkish relations."

After holding talks with both Mr. Simitis and Mr. Yilmaz, Mr. Koc expressed his conviction that the meeting of the two leaders next Monday on the sidelines of the Balkan summit on Crete "will bring some normalization to relations between the two countries."

"The days when differences between the two countries were resolved by missiles, aircraft and ships belong in the past," Mr. Koc said. The well-known Turkish business leader, who is in Thessaloniki to attend a Greek-Turkish symposium dedicated to statesmen Eleftherios Venizelos and Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, declined to reveal details of his meeting with the Greek prime minister, although he did not deny he conveyed a message to Mr. Yilmaz.

Government spokesman Demetris Reppas, however, later denied the existence of such a message.

Mr. Reppas said that the Turkish businessmen who met with Mr. Simitis had expressed their desire, in general, for co-operation between the two countries in the economic sector, believing that this would help improve bilateral relations.

[17] Poland blames Gligorov for diplomatic row

The first state visit of Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's President Kiro Gligorov to Poland ended Wednesday in a diplomatic row.

Mr. Gligorov and his host, Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski, failed to sign a planned agreement on political, economic and cultural co-operation.

The row was sparked by Mr. Gligorov's insistence that his country be referred to as "Republic of Macedonia" in the text of the agreement, the news agency PAP cited Mr. Kwasniewski as saying.

Poland insisted that Skopje signed the agreement as "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia", the name under which it was admitted to the United Nations in 1993, following Greek objections that Skopje was usurping the name "Macedonia".

Poland, which has applied for NATO membership, strives to maintain good relations with all NATO member states, including Greece.

[18] Orthodox Church-sponsored seminar for EU

Luxembourg, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

The seminar, which will close on Nov. 11, is attended by delegates from the Patriarchates of Constantinople, Moscow, Serbia, Romania, and the Autocephalus Orthodox Churches of Greece, Cyprus, Albania, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland and Armenia. Issues to be examined during the seminar include the prospects of the EU's expansion, the role of churches in Europe, the contribution in Europe by the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the position of the Orthodox Church on the expansion of the Union in central and eastern Europe.

During the opening ceremony addresses were delivered by European officials and Greece's ambassador to Luxembourg.

[19] Parmenion '97 begins tomorrow

Athens, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

The aim of the exercise, which is held annually, is to train staff officers and military units in the planning and execution of joint operations in a modern warfare environment and in general to enhance the combat efficiency of the armed forces.

The all-service exercise will be directed by the Chief of the National Defense General Staff, General (Air) Athanasios Tzoganis.

The scenario of the exercise is a national crisis on the eastern borders which erupts into conflict after increasing tension.

The final phase of the exercise will be held in Evros and the island of Lesvos and watched by the President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, the political and military leadership of the national defense ministry and, possibly, members of the Parliament's foreign and defense committees.

Gen. Tzoganis told reporters yesterday that the exercise was not affected by the recent tension with Turkey nor by the Balkan summit on Crete early next week.

Asked whether the scenario foresaw dealing with a conflict in Cyprus, he said that the exercise centered on the wider Greek area and was not connected to the two Turkish exercises currently under way in the same region.

In response to questions over the dispute between Turkey and Greece last week over claims that a Turkish navy vessel "brushed" a Greek mine-sweeper in the Aegean, Gen. Tzoganis said the so-called "incident" was artifice.

He added that Greece was looking at other markets for the purchase of weapons systems and that it was up to the countries involved if they wanted to be involved in the procedure.

He said that the recent holding of NATO exercise "Dynamic Mix '97" in Greece was a success for Greece, even though Turkey, for the first time, refused to participate.

[20] Stephanopoulos to visit Lesvos for military exercise

Athens, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

The exercise will start at 10:20 a.m. on the coast of Vatera and will include army and air force personnel as well as equipment.

The two officials will arrive at Polyhnitos airport by C-130 transport aircraft and travel to the shore by helicopter.

Mr. Stephanopoulos will remain on the island and visit the main town of Mytilini on Saturday, to observe celebrations for the 85th anniversary since the island's liberation from Ottoman rule.

[21] ND says Gov't failing to brief opposition over Crete summit

Athens, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

The heads of ND committees monitoring government activities also criticized ruling PASOK for its economic policies, saying that increases in property and inheritance taxes was creating problems.

ND officials also discussed a scheduled pharmacists' strike, the tax on heating oil and state-run Olympic Airways' finances.

[22] Extended weekend traffic fatalities less than '96

Athens, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

Specifically, during the same period in 1996, a total of approximately 257,000 vehicles traveled on highways with 34 fatal accidents leaving 46 dead, 67 seriously injured and another 437 slightly injured. This year, with an estimated 262,000 cars driving on national highways, there were 25 fatal accidents with 26 dead, 48 seriously injured and 377 slightly injured.

Traffic police checked a total of 1,395 drivers, of whom 164 were found intoxicated; 52 were taken to police stations; charges were filed in 122 cases and, finally, 27 vehicles were confiscated.

[23] Police, criminals exchange gunfire at Corfu resort

Athens, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

The unknown men, suspected of being Albanian criminals, opened fire when the officers approached the vessel for a closer inspection, before taking cover in a nearby olive orchard.

According to reports, the boat's engine failed after the Kalashnikov-toting men stole two motorcycles off the resort of Sidari. They carried them on board but the noise from their efforts to start the engine attracted police.

Authorities continued searches in the region for the suspects yesterday.

[24] Aid for quake victims

Athens, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Benos was speaking during a tour of the region and pledged that he would pursue their claims for further assistance.

[25] Simitis: No change in construction planning for major projects

Athens, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

He said about 7,000 major and minor projects of national, regional and local dimensions were in progress that would change the country's profile. All these projects were moving simultaneously, he added, and this posed high demands in terms of financing.

It was envisaged that the Rion-Antirrion bridge and the Egnatia motorway would be ready by the end of 1999, and other projects would be financed through the Third Community Support Framework.

Mr. Tsovolas commented that the prime minister had confirmed with his answer that the financing of the large regional projects was being put off until after the year 2000.

[26] SETE elected to VP seat in World Tourism Organization

Athens, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

The organization, which was renamed into the International Tourism Business Council, has 375 affiliate members from the private sector worldwide.

SETE director general S. Pappas was elected to the six-member executive council.

[27] Petrol prices rise

Athens, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

[28] Zeffirelli in Athens on lightning visit to oversee exhibition

Athens, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

Also on display will be works painted by Mr. Zeffirelli during his long career in preparation for scene and stage designs. The works include stage designs for La Scala in Milan, where the director worked with legendary diva Maria Callas.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Zeffirelli said his love for Greece and Athens perhaps sprang from the strong friendship he had with Callas.

"Athens is for me the city of my dreams," Mr. Zeffirelli said. The director, a long-time friend of the late Melina Mercouri, is known to be a philhellene.

As senator for Syracuse, he has done much to revive the spirit of Magna Grecia.

"Greek culture was born in Greece and passed through Sicily and southern Italy - Magna Grecia - and from there was disseminated through the continent of Europe. I firmly believe that the eastern Mediterranean will once more become the cradle of civilization as well as of the economy," he said.

Mr. Zeffirelli spoke of plans for performances of ancient Greek tragedy in Syracuse's ancient theater next summer and three opera performances with the Greek soprano Teresa Stratas, Placido Domingo and Andrea Boccelli.

[29] Amnesty condemns treatment of refugee children

Athens, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

The organization's Greek branch yesterday released data on violations of these children's rights.

In the Congo, refugees, particularly children, were being murdered en masse, while in Australia and Pakistan children of refugees were being detained unfairly. In France, the report said, an eight-year-old had been shot dead by police, while Russia had refused asylum to children. In Yemen, Somali refugee children were brutally treated while being repatriated.

Amnesty International has dedicated the period between October 20 and November 20 (International Children's Day) to child refugees.

[30] Taller Greeks confuse Australian scientists

Melbourne, 30/10/1997 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)

Studies at Australian universities have shown that Europeans are growing taller at a faster rate than Australians and South Africans over the past few decades but diet does not appear to be the primary factor.

Greeks, Italians and the British are amongst those that have shot up significantly in the 20th century, the studies say. Britons have grown an average 11cms during the past 100 years.

The tallest Europeans are the Dutch and Norwegians.

[31] Student awards for essays on refugees

Athens, 30/10/1997 (ANA)

Around 180,000 school children took part in the competition held by the education ministry and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

End of English language section.

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