Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-10-31

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1328), October 31, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't reiterates importance of Crete summit for Balkans

[02] Speculation over Milosevic-Nano meeting

[03] Skandalidis

[04] FYROM response

[05] Bulgarian FM Mihailova in Crete

[06] Greece, FYROM to begin granting entry visas

[07] Tsohatzopoulos warns of major Turkish provocation

[08] Samaras briefed

[09] Local court orders payment of wartime reparations

[10] ND calls for Gov't to change policy on Greek-Turkish relations

[11] School of National Security inaugurated

[12] US Senate confirms Burns as new ambassador for Greece

[13] 'Kapodistrias' bill to debut in Parliament on Tuesday

[14] Decentralization program under way

[15] PASOK cadres to be trained on communications policy

[16] Balkan architecture exhibition in Thessaloniki

[17] Gov't harshly condemns protests outside Thessaloniki chamber

[18] Pharmacists to consider calling off strike

[19] Medieval maps prove Macedonia is Greek

[20] Policeman charged with murder in consulate shooting of colleague

[21] Tanker captain charged with negligence

[22] Greek politicians, intellectuals speak out against nationalism

[23] Bourse decisions for Altec, Data Information Systems

[24] Work hours issue withdrawn from 'social dialogue' table

[25] SYDASE schedules farmers' mobilizations in December

[26] Greece to keep to economic policy despite turbulence

[27] Greek drachma again comes under pressure

[28] Greek bourse plunge leaves government unfazed

[29] Greece to see higher growth, aiding employment

[30] Greek parliament's budget to be voted on Monday

[31] Greek current account deficit rises 6.4 pct Jan-July

[32] Greek stocks shed 3.37 pct in high turnover

[33] Greek tourism shows signs of upturn

[34] Modernization program for post offices announced

[35] Delta eyes purchase of Elassona unit, Bulgarian plant

[36] EKO purchase agreement for Petrolina

[01] Gov't reiterates importance of Crete summit for Balkans

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Reppas said Greece would like the southeast European countries summit to end with the signing of a declaration containing references underlining the importance of respect for existing borders, adherence to international treaties, respect for international law and making use of procedures within the framework of the International Court at The Hague.

Replying to questions, Mr. Reppas ruled out any connection between Turkey's possible signing of the declaration and developments in Greek-Turkish relations.

In particular, he ruled out the possibility of Greece lifting its veto of EU financing to Turkey under the financial protocol, saying Athens would do so only if Ankara took recourse to the International Court over the Imia issue, where it disputed Greek sovereignty over the islet in January 1996.

The spokesman said it would be a positive step if Turkey indeed signed the declaration, while stressing that what was important was what Ankara did in practice. "And in this respect, Turkey certainly does not confirm its respect for international law," he said.

Mr. Reppas said although the summit on Crete would "inaugurate Balkan co-operation", it did not mean that the countries of the region were forming some sort of organization.

He also clarified that the agenda did not contain any issues pertaining to military co-operation.

The issues to be discussed on Crete, he continued, were economic co-operation, joint business activity, transport, communications and the development of infrastructure.

Mr. Reppas, meanwhile, described as "inflammatory" claims by Turkish Deputy Premier Bulent Ecevit that Greece was planning a serious incident.

"Such statements do not help the normalization of relations," Mr. Reppas said, underlining that it was Ankara which was maintaining the tension.

On his part, Prime Minister Costas Simitis told PASOK deputies from Crete and the Dodecanese yesterday that the target of the summit is to upgrade the role played by Greece in the Balkans.

According to reports, Mr. Simitis pointed out that the Crete summit does not constitute a Greek-Turkish meeting, and must not focus on bilateral issues.

Crete, he said, had nothing to do with Madrid and, being the host, he will see all leaders and consequently Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, discussing with them issues concerning inter-Balkan co-operation.

[02] Speculation over Milosevic-Nano meeting

Albania, 31/10/1997 (ANA - P. Haritos)

According to Albanian press reports, details of the meeting between Mr. Nano and Mr. Milosevic had already been finalized on the part of the Albanian premier, while according to press sources, Mr. Milosevic's reply was positive.

In a related development, Mr. Reppas was asked yesterday about the possibility of Athens undertaking an initiative aimed at securing the normalization of relations between Yugoslavia and Albania with respect to the Kosovo issue.

Mr. Reppas replied that Greece was always ready to undertake any initiative aiming at the normalization and upgrading of relations between Balkan countries.

He stressed, however, that nothing had so far been planned in this respect.

Mr. Reppas added also that there was still no schedule concerning the meetings between Balkan leaders at the sidelines of the Crete summit.

[03] Skandalidis

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Skandalidis said yesterday he did not believe there would be any particular developments in Greek-Turkish differences and asked the media to assist in promoting the substance of the Greek initiative.

He contended that Turkey was trying to turn the Balkan conference into one on Greek-Turkish differences.

[04] FYROM response

Belgrade, 31/10/1997 (ANA - M. Mouratidis)

Achil Tunde, FYROM President Kiro Gligorov's advisor on foreign policy issues, said his country also felt that the nations of southeast Europe could, through joint action, contribute to an improvement of the standard of living of the region's inhabitant s and to their rapprochement with NATO and the European organizations.

He said those positions would be put forward by FYROM at the summit.

Mr. Tunde said FYROM anticipated that at the Crete summit and similar meetings a climate of confidence would begin being built among the countries of the region through co-operation in all sectors. Such co-operation, he added, should be founded on internationally accepted general principles such as respect of borders, the free movement of individuals, ideas and goods, and "respect for and resolution of the status of ethnic minorities."

He also said FYROM was particularly interested in the achievement of an agreement on free trade among the countries of the region and an agreement in the defense sector, adding that Mr. Gligorov would set out those views in his bilateral talks with other Balkan leaders on the sidelines of the summit.

Diplomatic sources in Skopje said Mr. Gligorov would have bilateral talks with Mr. Simitis and Mr. Nano, as well as with Mr. Milosevic, and other heads of state and government on the sidelines of the summit, placing particular emphasis on the development of bilateral relations.

[05] Bulgarian FM Mihailova in Crete

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nadezhda Mihailova will accompany Prime Minister Ivan Kostov to the summit, foreign ministry spokesman Radko Vlaikov said at a briefing on Wednesday.

Mr. Vlaikov said that the gathering would allow officials to share views on their countries' positions regarding ways to strengthen the stabilization.

Informal contacts will boost confidence among the countries, Mr. Vlaikov said.

[06] Greece, FYROM to begin granting entry visas

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

The measure is envisaged in the Memorandum of Practical Measures signed by the two countries on Oct. 13, 1995.

Businessmen from northern Greece will thus be able to obtain one-year visas.

[07] Tsohatzopoulos warns of major Turkish provocation

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

The Greek defense minister made the statements before Parliament's foreign affairs committee. According to sources, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos was replying to questions from committee members on the possibility of a serious incident.

He said the Turkish leadership apparently believed that by creating such an incident Ankara would be weakening Greece's role in the region as a force for stability and security.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said an upsurge in Turkey's aggressiveness had been observed since 1995, noting that Ankara was annually spending some two billion dollars to further its aggressiveness with airspace violations and FIR infringe-ments.

He also said Ankara's defense doctrine had changed since 1995 and was now based on the so-called "two-and-a-half wars" strategy, which Turkey hoped would enable it to simultaneously fight two wars, one with Greece and one against the Kurds, while retaining an adequate number of forces for any other eventuality.

[08] Samaras briefed

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Samaras reiterated that his party and the entire Greek people supported the armed forces.

Commenting on Turkish Chief of Staff Gen. Ismail Hakki Karadayi's recent letter to NATO, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos referred to what he called "contradictory actions" on the part of Turkey, which he said indicated that Ankara was trying to create the impression that Greece is to blame for tension between the two countries.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said that those actions would not have duration, and anticipated a different stance on the part of Turkey in the medium-term.

Mr. Samaras described the Karadayi letter as "a ridiculous and misleading concoction".

[09] Local court orders payment of wartime reparations

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of victims by prefect Ioannis Stamoulis in 1995.

The ruling, the first such decision issued by a Greek court, orders the German state to pay 9.45 billion drachmas (US$35 million) in reparations, and is expected to be followed by similar rulings on lawsuits filed in many other parts of Greece.

"The judges have signaled the actions that must be undertaken in the whole of Greece, but also in Europe in general, for claims on reparations owed as a result of the criminal acts of the Nazi regime," Mr. Stamoulis said.

[10] ND calls for Gov't to change policy on Greek-Turkish relations

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

The spokesman claimed the government's policy was being interpreted by Turkey as "weak and compromising".

He also accused the prime minister of not briefing the political parties and the Greek people on developments. He said "Mr. (Costas) Simitis is the first premier to systematically avoid briefing the main opposition leader fully and on time".

[11] School of National Security inaugurated

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

The ceremony was attended by Public Orded Minister George Romeos and the political leadership of the ministry.

The new school's aim is to offer post-graduate and further training courses to high-ranking officers, as well as the armed forces, port police, the fire brigade and political employees with ministries and services in positions related to national security.

[12] US Senate confirms Burns as new ambassador for Greece

Washington, 31/10/1997 (Reuters/ANA)

The Senate confirmed Nicholas Burns as ambassador to Greece, Mark Robert Parris as ambassador to Turkey and Tom McDonald as ambassador to Zimbabwe.

[13] 'Kapodistrias' bill to debut in Parliament on Tuesday

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Papadopoulos said that his ministry would be open to proposals for the amendment of provisions concerning the statutory framework of the bill.

The bill has triggered widespread protests throughout Greece by local residents concerned that the identity of their communities will be lost.

It has also been criticized by opposition parties.

[14] Decentralization program under way

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Alekos Papadopoulos said yesterday that the entire Special Development Program for Local Government (AEPTA) along with the Cohesion Fund and other public investment agencies were being transferred to regional authorities.

Authorities have already been devolved from the interior, justice, development, education and labor ministries, while the environment, public works and town planning ministry and the social security ministry are expected to follow within a few days.

[15] PASOK cadres to be trained on communications policy

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

Twenty cadres from the Athens B1 district will be trained on communication issues by European specialists on the basis of co-operation pursued by PASOK with the "more developed in terms of communications" social democrat parties of Germany, Britain and Sweden.

[16] Balkan architecture exhibition in Thessaloniki

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

It is being held by the Thessaloniki Cultural Capital Organization in conjunction with the Hemos Association for the Study of Medieval Balkan Architecture.

More than 40 experts from Albania, Turkey, Romania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Bulgaria and Greece will give presentations on secular architecture of cities, bridges, castles and public buildings of the period.

The exhibition will be open until December 12 at the renovated Paradisos Baths, a building dating from 1444.

[17] Gov't harshly condemns protests outside Thessaloniki chamber

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

"We condemn the irresponsible mobilization of a small group of bigoted individuals of suspect intentions, which far from promoting what they claim, damages the interests of the country," he said.

Police fought pitched battles to repel about 500 protesters gathered since noon in the vicinity of the chamber, where the symposium on early 20th century statesmen Eleftherios Venizelos and Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was due to start at 3 p.m.

The demonstrators, shouting extremist slogans against Turkey and the organizers, showered anyone attempting to approach the building with eggs, coins and various other objects.

Mr. Reppas stressed that the government was not prepared to tolerate such behavior.

"Greece is a democratic and open society, where all views and legitimate activities are respected. The businessmen's' meeting enjoys the general acceptance and agreement of all Greeks who are peace- and progress-loving," he said.

"The country's interests are safeguarded through the prudent and resolute policy of the government, whereas the irresponsible attitude of people of fascist mentality and behavior undermines them.

"We shall not permit Greece to turn from a country of democracy and freedom into a place of expression of such historically baseless and adventurist actions," he added. The Turkish delegation was unable to reach the building, where about 60 of their G reek colleagues and foreign diplomatic representatives had gathered early on.

The symposium was moved to the Macedonia Palace Hotel, some distance from the scene, after those leaving the chamber were again subjected to verbal abuse and tossed objects.

Macedonia-Thrace Minister Philippos Petsalnikos also attributed the incidents, which he categorically condemned, to irresponsible demonstrators.

"We most categorically condemn these actions," he said.

Commenting on the effectiveness of the police he added: "they did all they should and could".

Main opposition New Democracy spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos said "today's (yesterday) incidents in Thessaloniki are contemptible. The rapprochement and peaceful co-existence of the Greek and Turkish peoples is a constant goal for Greece, along with the absolute respect for international law, territorial integrity and the sovereign rights of each nation. No one has any excuse, pretext or is justified in providing arguments which increases the other side's suspicions."

The city's Coalition of the Left local organization also condemned the incidents as "a violent and uncouth provocation attempted by extremist fascist elements against Greek and Turkish businessmen, and others working for Greek-Turkish rapprochement, friendship and co-operation in the Balkans."

[18] Pharmacists to consider calling off strike

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Gitonas announced the abolition of certain taxes on the retail price of drugs, collected on behalf of the National Pharmaceuticals Organization (EOF) and some of the sector's social security funds.

The abolition, according to the minister, will result to cheaper prices for consumers by 16 per cent, while pharmacists' profits will be restored from 21 to 24 percent, which meets one of the pharmacists' basic demands.

The president of the Athens Pharmacists' association, E. Besbea, said yesterday afternoon that the strike would go ahead. All pharmacies will remain closed apart from one in each prefecture and eight in Athens.

A fresh meeting of all pharmacists' associations was announced for today to decide whether the strike would be called off.

[19] Medieval maps prove Macedonia is Greek

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

The venue for the exhibition will be the building in which the center is to be housed, in the Municipality of Kalamaria, Thessaloniki.

The National Map Depository was set up at the beginning of summer on the initiative of the Macedonia-Thrace Ministry.

Announcing the exhibition, Macedonia-Thrace Minister Philippos Petsalnikos said the first collection of 22 maps of Greece, Macedonia and the Aegean acquired by the depository all showed the region of northern Greece as it is today, that is, with Greek place names.

[20] Policeman charged with murder in consulate shooting of colleague

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

The charges relate to the shooting death of police officer Nikolaos Markakis on May 20, 1997 at the Greek consulate in Gjirokaster, Albania, where the victim served as a guard.

Initially, the killing was thought to have been carried out by an Albanian national, but later it was found that the shots had been fired from Demetrios Tzavelas' service revolver. The man later confessed that he had shot Markakis, but claimed it was an accident.

A subsequent investigation uncovered personal differences between the men, which led to the murder charge.

[21] Tanker captain charged with negligence

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

Also arrested with the captain Constantine Anevlavis, 43, were the second mate, Christos Nikiforos, 50 and seaman Theodoros Naftsidis, 38.

The three appeared briefly before a public prosecutor and were then released pending the outcome of an investigation ordered by the prosecutor. Meanwhile, the tanker "Serifos" remained aground at Cape Pappas, near Araxos after the failure of efforts made since Tuesday to dislodge the 988-ton tanker.

Due to gale force winds, the vessel has been repeatedly buffeted against the rocks, resulting in a number of cracks in the hull, some below the waterline.

Part of the vessel's cargo of 1,800 tons of petrol has already spilled into the sea.

Floating booms placed around the Serifos have proved ineffective in containing the petrol leaking from the vessel and fears have been expressed for a nearby fish-farm.

None of the ship's nine-man crew are currently on board.

[22] Greek politicians, intellectuals speak out against nationalism

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

At a press conference yesterday, proposals included the need for a re-evaluation of the joint defense doctrine with Cyprus and the right to extend Greece's territorial waters to 12 miles in exchange for the withdrawal of Turkish forces from Cyprus and better conditions for Turkey's ethnic Greek minority.

Former foreign minister Mihalis Papaconstantinou said the Greek public was being bombarded with the views of nationalist groups. He drew attention to the fact that, nevertheless, 67% of those polled recently were in favor of a step-by-step approach to Greek-Turkish differences.

Veteran leftist Leonidas Kyrkos said that the Balkan summit due to begin on Sunday in Crete was a great opportunity to redefine Greek foreign policy. He criticized the "dogmatic views" expressed by Greek officials on issues such as the refusal to hold a dialogue with Turkey on all issues, even that of the 12-mile limit, which he said could be used to negotiate the withdrawal of Turkish forces from Cyprus.

Writer Nikos Dimou called for a change to the "one-sided, dangerous atmosphere" and the view currently prevalent among Greeks that they were a "superior race".

He also criticized President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos for having said that Turkey had no civilization.

Left Coalition political bureau member Nikos Bistis called for Greece to abandon the joint defense doctrine with Cyprus that had led to an arms race which the country could never hope to win.

[23] Bourse decisions for Altec, Data Information Systems

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

In addition, the council ratified a request by Data Information Systems for introducing its shares in the parallel market of the Athens Stock Exchange.

Altec will proceed with an increase in its share capital, issuing 1,065,000 new common name shares which will be provided for the investing public with public registration.

Data Information Systems will increase its share capital, issuing 360,000 new common anonymous shares which will be provided for the investing public with public registration.

[24] Work hours issue withdrawn from 'social dialogue' table

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

Labor Under-secretary Christos Protopapas withdrew the issue from the text proposed for an agreement, which will be left for the future with a possible legislative settlement on the part of the government and reactions by the organizations of social partners separately.

Yesterday's meeting of the social dialogue coordinating secretariat on development, competitiveness and employment focused on five elements which will constitute the basis for a new text to be submitted for agreement at the next and final meeting on Wednesday.

Among others, measures are anticipated for unemployed young people under 29, as well as measures to support the unemployed over the age of 45. The measures may be announced by the prime minister in November.

Legislative settlement by the labor ministry was also agreed to define terms and preconditions for the employment of pensioners.

[25] SYDASE schedules farmers' mobilizations in December

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

SYDASE President Yiannis Pittas accused the government of delays in solving farmers' problems, which, he claimed, are multiplying and intensifying.

He cited reductions in subsidies for olive oil, rice, currants and corn, delays in the disbursement of compensation for losses as a result of natural disasters and in the absorption of EU funds.

[26] Greece to keep to economic policy despite turbulence

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

"There is no reason to change our economic policy. A stable drachma is the cornerstone of this policy and the government is determined, as in the past, to defend it at any cost," Mr. Papantoniou told reporters.

Although the Greek economy was showing steady growth, international market turmoil was having negative repercussions on Europe and Greece because international investors were restructuring their portfolios, he said.

"It is obvious that these phenomena have nothing to do with developments in and prospects for the Greek economy. Our economic performance is the best in the last decade, with public deficits and inflation at a 25-year low and the economy steadily rebounding," Mr. Papantoniou said.

Replying to questions on the impact of higher interest rates on the economy, he said that a rise in money market rates was unpleasant but necessary.

He forecast that any rises in domestic interest rates would have a ceiling and limited duration.

Mr. Papantoniou described a plunge in stock market prices as a correction, reflecting a change in market positions by foreign investors.

[27] Greek drachma again comes under pressure

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

[28] Greek bourse plunge leaves government unfazed

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

He said the crisis was not linked to the course of the economy, which was marking steady growth.

Mr. Reppas stressed that the pressure on stocks would not lead to a deadlock and current losses were well within the economy's tolerance limits.

He acknowledged that money market rates were pushing higher and predicted that interbank rates would increase by 1.1 percent.

[29] Greece to see higher growth, aiding employment

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

The government, which backed a more flexible labor market, would contribute to lowering non-payroll labor costs to act as an incentive to employers to hire new staff, Mr. Papantoniou told a conference held by the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE).

Funds for employment in the 1998 budget, details of which have yet to be released, would be higher this year, boosted by income expected from privatization, Mr. Papantoniou said.

GSEE president Christos Polyzogopoulos told delegates that unions backed a 35-hour week to be phased in by 2001, beginning with capital intensive enterprises.

Unions had asked Prime Minister Costas Simitis to raise the proposal at the European Union's summit in Luxembourg in November, Mr. Polyzogopoulos said.

Labor Minister Miltiades Papaioannou told the conference introduction of a 35-hour week was premature but Greece would follow if the EU took the first step. GSEE also called on employers to set up a solidarity fund in order to help the unemployed.

[30] Greek parliament's budget to be voted on Monday

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

According to sources, the budget totals 29.1 billion drachmas, an increase of 14.22 percent from 1996.

Parliament has reimbursed 1.3 billion drachmas to the state's accounting office from its 1996 budget.

[31] Greek current account deficit rises 6.4 pct Jan-July

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

According to figures released yesterday by the Bank of Greece, the current account deficit in July fell by 17 percent to 448 million dollars against 539 million dollars in July 1996.

[32] Greek stocks shed 3.37 pct in high turnover

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

The general index closed 3.37 percent down at 1,550.85 points and off the day's lows, after plunging 7.90 percent early in the session.

A concerted intervention by brokerages belonging to state banks helped the market to a partial recovery at the end of the session.

Trading hit a new all-time record with turnover at 97.5 billion drachmas, including block trades of two million shares in Mortgage Bank and 1.8 million shares in ETEBA together worth 60 billion drachmas. All sector indices plunged. Banks fell 3.53 percent, Insurance eased 3.16 percent, Leasing was 3.76 percent off, Investment dropped 5.57 percent, Construction fell 5.19 percent, Industrials were 5.67 percent down, Miscellaneous eased 3.71 percent and Holding was 1.72 off.

The parallel market index for small cap companies fell 3.61 percent. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 212 to 16 with another 10 issues unchanged.

Alco, Sarandopoulos Mills, Aemet, and Sato scored the biggest percentage gains, while Mailis, Pouliades, Sanyo, Altec, Keranis, Alcatel and Sysware suffered the heaviest losses.

National Bank of Greece ended at 29,350 drachmas, Ergobank at 17,000, Alpha Credit Bank at 18,600, Delta Dairy at 3,675, Titan Cement at 14,195, Intracom at 12,865 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organization at 6,055.

[33] Greek tourism shows signs of upturn

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

Tourist overnight stays were 10.34 percent higher in April-September, according to figures based on a survey of 298 hotels throughout the country with a total of 88,472 beds.

The hotels surveyed were in Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, Halkidiki and Crete and accounted for around 60 percent of hotels in those areas. Registered overnight stays in April-September totaled 12,550,517 from 11,374,421 in the corresponding period last year. The sample of Greek hotels also reported an increase in occupancy rates to 79.43 percent from 71.98 percent last year. September was by far the best month of the period with 2,300,088 overnight stays from 2,069,004 in 1996, an increase of 11.17 percent. Charter flights were also higher, with total passenger numbers rising by 7.1 percent in April-September.

Hellenic Tourism Organization Secretary-General Nikos Skoulas, speaking at a press conference in Thessaloniki for the Philoxenia international tourism fair, said the results were encouraging but more efforts were needed to sustain the recovery trend. He said the main point was that prices had remained stable at last year's low levels.

Mr. Skoulas said that the organization's target was to promote both quality and theme tourism in Greece following successful examples set by Italy and Spain.

[34] Modernization program for post offices announced

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

The process, according to the minister, will be completed in three stages: the first relates to the required institutional changes, which should have been made by the end of the year; the second includes reorganization of services, decentralization and selection of a development consultant.

Finally, the third stage - of an eight-month duration - comprises a program for the improvement of quality and an increase in productivity. He said productivity will improve by the opening of 30 new post offices in Attica and the introduction of new technology in a number of services.

[35] Delta eyes purchase of Elassona unit, Bulgarian plant

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

In signing a draft agreement to buy out the Vigla unit, Delta is taking the first step towards entering the cheese market.

The second development concerns the purchase of 73 per cent of the Bulgaria-based Vitalact dairy company for US$1.3 million, while it also undertook to implement a five-year modernization program for the company amounting to US$3.4 million.

Vitalact is already a partner of Delta since it possessed 34 per cent of Delvi-P, the company through which Delta is active in Bulgaria.

As a result of the purchase, Delta increases its participation in Delvi-P to 57 per cent.

[36] EKO purchase agreement for Petrolina

Athens, 31/10/1997 (ANA)

The two companies created a joint company last year under the name of Ekolina S.A. which provides gas bottling services at installations in Aspropyrgos, Thessaloniki and Preveza.

After gaining control of Petrolina, EKO is also acquiring full ownership of Ekolina S.A., increasing the market share possessed by EKO in the gas sector.

The process of completing the agreement is anticipated around January 1998.

End of English language section.

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