Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-11-25
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1349), November 25, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] Athens reiterates objections over closer EU-Turkish relations
[02] ... Cem
[03] Greece says 1.27% GNP rate for Union financing inadequate
[04] Karamanlis: Gov't unable to deal with economy
[05] ... Reppas
[06] ... Papantoniou
[07] Atlantic Treaty Association event in Tirana concludes
[08] National Theater of Greece stages 'Medea' in Istanbul
[09] Beijing support for Greece's non-permanent UN Security Council
bid
[10] V. Papandreou's Beijing contacts in industrial, commercial
sectors
[11] Gov't says no policy change on FYROM name issue
[12] Kranidiotis-Miller meeting focuses on Cyprus
[13] Onassis Foundation charges plot against board
[14] PM meets with Cordovez US Congressional delegation
[15] Meeting with Ben Gilman
[16] Seminar on sexual harassment held for police officers
[17] Constantopoulos-Damanaki meeting
[18] Conference on Europe, Mass Media and Cultural Heritage
[19] Police interrogate two with explosive device
[20] PM's meetings
[21] Athens prepares to extradite well-known Italian fugitive
[22] ... Gov't spokesman
[23] Urban terrorists target former Supreme Court judge
[24] Welfare draft bill the subject of Simitis-Geitonas meeting
[25] OA flights canceled; heavy rain causes flooding
[26] More tension at TVX mines, firebombs confiscated
[27] Greek stocks slump after four-day rebound
[28] EIB sets up ECU technology facility
[29] Athens Chamber to hold electronic commerce conference
[30] Greek food industry asks government to help promote goods
[31] Teachers to join civil servants' strike
[32] Reppas calls on teams to help curb football violence
[01] Athens reiterates objections over closer EU-Turkish relations
Brussels, 25/11/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)
Greece yesterday registered its reservations regarding Turkey's
participation in the proposed European Conference as well as the
strengthening of Ankara's customs union with the EU, Foreign
Minister Theodoros Pangalos s aid during a press conference
here, after attending the EU General Affairs Council session.
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou also attended the
session.
Mr. Pangalos stressed that Greece's positions on the above two
issues remained unchanged to the degree that Turkey did not seem
prepared to respond to set conditions for an improvement in its
relations with Greece and the Community. Those conditions
include peaceful resolution of differences, with one avenue
being recourse to the International Court at The Hague, and
emanating from the common position of the "15" during the last
EU-Turkey Association Council session.
He said Greece raised the right of veto to the Luxembourg
presidency's proposal for Turkey to accept the jurisdiction of
the Court at The Hague after being admitted to the European
Conference, saying that the neighboring country should first
accept the elementary rules of international legality, such as
acceptance of the jurisdiction of the Court.
The minister stressed that Greece demands of Turkey to respect
the principle that it cannot raise obstacles to the European
course of a candidate country such as Cyprus. He also reported
that the Greek side urged the presidency of the Council - which
will visit Ankara this week - to discuss with the Turkish
leadership the issue of a start to negotiations between the
Turkish Cypriot community and the Republic of Cyprus with a view
to implementing UN resolutions on Cyprus, as well as the need to
"encourage" Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to hold
negotiations with President Glafcos Clerides on the issue of
de-escalating the arms race on the island.
Finally, Mr. Pangalos stressed that Turkey continues not to be
making steps of progress in sectors necessary for the
strengthening of its ties with the EU, such as freedom of the
press and respect for human and minority rights.
Irrespective of Turkey's participation in the proposed European
Conference, the Greek delegation reiterated its position that in
any case it was against such an institution, and continued to
hold its original position that accession negotiations should
start simultaneously with the countries of central and eastern
Europe as well as Cyprus - 11 in all. Nevertheless, the
delegation said that certain issues, such as the participation
of some countries, such as Ukraine, Moldova or even Switzerland
and Norway in discussions with the 15 on foreign policy issues,
could be raised.
Athens, 25/11/1997 (ANA)
Meanwhile, EU diplomatic sources said that the call in a letter
by Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, who is presently in
Brussels, to 14 EU counterparts - except Mr. Pangalos - for an
affirmation of Turkey's eligibility as an EU prospective member
at the December summit could not be accepted, irrespective of
Greek objections.
At present, various ideas are being put forth within the EU on
how to promote relations with Turkey, but in general the only
point on which the 15 seem to agree is that the summit in
Luxembourg next month should not focus on that issue.
[03] Greece says 1.27% GNP rate for Union financing inadequate
Brussels, 25/11/1997 (ANA - G. Daratos)
The European Union's Foreign Ministers' council met here last
night to examine the Union's finances after expansion, as
contained in the "Agenda 2000" program.
Greece was represented by Alternate Foreign Minister George
Papandreou, who told the council that the 1.27 per cent of GNP
was inadequate for many reasons, including the needs for
expansion and the pace of development of GNP.
Mr. Papandreou said that the percentage should also cover the 15
member-states' convergence needs, the Common Agricultural Policy
as well as interior and external policies for which very high
targets have been set.
He said that the idea for the adoption of the 1.27 rate on
principle could be examined, but also with a commitment to
review it before the first phase of the expansion.
As far as the Convergence Fund is concerned, the Greek alternate
foreign minister said its operation should continue on the same
criteria and conditions.
[04] Karamanlis: Gov't unable to deal with economy
Athens, 25/11/1997 (ANA)
The government either cannot exercise or does not have the
political will to proceed to necessary structural changes in
order to extricate the economy from the current impasse, due to
the all pervasive influence of PASOK party's nomenclature in the
state apparatus, main opposition New Democracy leader Costas
Karamanlis charged during a press conference on the '98 budget
yesterday.
He spoke of blatant cases of waste in the public sector,
claiming that state procurements worth 860 billion drachmas were
planned through non-transparent conditions.
Mr. Karamanlis said ND had an alternative program which it would
apply when it came to power, noting that conditions were mature
for a different policy on the economy, while he mentioned
privatization of state banks, public transports and the national
carrier, Olympic Airways.
He recognized that there could be no provisions to working
people because the country was facing a difficult and uphill
course, and that the state of the economy required a prudent
incomes policy, noting that any politician claiming that large
increases could be given to wage-earners would be a "shameful
populist and demagogue".
The main opposition leader said his party backed the national
currency and that any other option would have chain reactions,
but criticized the government for its anti-inflation policy,
saying that it was restricted solely to the foreign exchange
leg, with the result that there were no margins for a further
drop in the price index, and with negative repercussions on the
trade balance.
Referring to labor relations, he said the general direction in
Europe was flexibility in the labor market, and that any changes
should be the product of substantive dialogue between social
partners to whom confidence should be shown because their
attitude was more responsible than that of the state, while he
reminded that the institution of part-time employment in Greece
was introduced and applied by New Democracy.
He reiterated that the 35-hour working week was a long-term
prospect, but at the moment there could be no reduction of
working hours with a parallel reduction in wages.
Mr. Karamanlis said his party would also reduce taxation when it
came to power, that unemployment could be faced through
investments and growth, and accused the government of following
an anti-development policy due to the taxation on companies.
[05] ... Reppas
Athens, 25/11/1997 (ANA)
Responding to Mr. Karamanlis, government spokesman Demetris
Reppas said the government would continue the policy of
privatization through economic and administrative
rationalization and with social consensus, to the benefit of the
economy and with a long term view of the growth of the public
organizations in question.
"The government is proceeding to privatize ten large public
organizations in 1998. New Democracy only remembers the
privatization when it is in opposition," he charged.
He further noted that the 1998 budget envisaged tax increases
for those who could bear the burden, mainly banks, companies and
stock exchange transactions.
[06] ... Papantoniou
Athens, 25/11/1997 (ANA)
In a later response, National Economy and Finance Minister
Yiannos Papantoniou said that the distribution of the tax burden
was "as fair as it could be under the difficult circumstances we
are going through", citing the recent foreign exchange crisis as
a n example.
"This crisis reminds all of us that no economy, no matter how
strong it may be, is safe, and obliges the government to
buttress the economy and our national currency to enable it to
face similar attacks in future," he said.
He added that the economy was growing at the rate of 3.5 per
cent, which was not far from the 4 per cent which Mr. Karamanlis
said during the press conference that the Greek economy required.
[07] Atlantic Treaty Association event in Tirana concludes
Tirana, 25/11/1997 (ANA - P. Haritos)
The third International Symposium on NATO's relations with
Balkan states wound up here on Sunday evening.
The symposium was attended by the president of the Atlantic
Treaty Association Theodosis Georgiou and the member of the
Greek section of the organization, Theodoros Psalidopoulos.
The most important result from the symposium was the explicit
position by all Albanian political parties for the country's
admission into the Atlantic Treaty Association, which is
regarded as quite impressive since both Albanian Prime Minister
Fatos Nano and former president Sali Berisha seem to agree to.
The Atlantic Treaty Association belongs to the NATO's
non-governmental wing, representing on an equal basis 32
countries.
[08] National Theater of Greece stages 'Medea' in Istanbul
Istanbul, 25/11/1997 (ANA)
Euripides' "Medea" will be staged here and in Ankara next Friday
by the National Theater of Greece as part of a cultural exchange
program agreed to by the Unions of Theatrical Writers of Greece
and Turkey.
The play premieres tonight at the cultural center "Kemal
Ataturk".
The National Theater of Turkey will reciprocate on Jan. 21 and
22 with Demetris Psathas' play "Liar Wanted" and on Jan. 24 and
25 with 'Master Class' at the Agios Konstantinos' central stage.
[09] Beijing support for Greece's non-permanent UN Security Council
bid
Beijing, 25/11/1997 (ANA - S. Tsilikis)
The People's Republic of China has committed itself to
supporting Greece's candidacy at a vote next year for the
latter's election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security
Council over the 1999-2000 period.
Chinese Defense Minister Chi Haotian gave these assurances to
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, who is currently
on a four-day official visit to the People's Republic of China.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos was welcomed at the Military Monument Square,
before holding two-hour talks with his Chinese counterpart,
which were followed by an official luncheon.
The two ministers also discussed the promotion of defense
co-operation between the two countries in both the sectors of
defense industries and armaments programs.
The event is of particular importance for both countries, since
Athens is apparently widening its defense horizons with a major
power which, apart from being a permanent member of the Security
Council, constitutes a substantial factor in the world's status
quo. On the other hand, China is proceeding with overtures
towards the west through countries such as Greece which is a
permanent member of NATO and the European Union.
In a statement afterwards, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said it was an
important meeting, adding that a substantial mutual briefing
occurred on all important problems.
"China, just as Greece does for the Balkans, constitutes a power
of peace, security and co-operation for the entire Asian region,
while serving a similar role at a world level," he said.
The two ministers agreed to promote a defense co-operation
agreement as soon as possible and for this reason Mr.
Tsohatzopoulos invited his Chinese counterpart to pay an
official visit to Greece.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos also had the opportunity to underline
Turkey's stance as a destabilizing force in the region and to
brief the Chinese defense minister on the course of the Cyprus
issue.
On his part, the Chinese minister outlined his country's energy
priorities over the next few years.
On the sidelines of official talks, the Chinese minister thanked
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos for Greece's position and assistance during
the Albanian crisis by evacuating scores of Chinese citizens
from the port of Durres last spring.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos will visit the Great Wall of China today,
afterwards he will watch a military exhibition by the third
division and lastly he will visit the defense equipment company
Morinco.
Tomorrow, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos will be received by Chinese Prime
Minister Li Peng.
[10] V. Papandreou's Beijing contacts in industrial, commercial
sectors
Beijing, 25/11/1997 (ANA - D. Tsalapatis)
Interest on the part of the People's Republic of China for the
establishment of joint Greek-Chinese enterprises in major
industrial and commercial sectors was among the initial focus of
contacts Development Minister Vasso Papandreou had here.
The further development of economic and commercial relations
between Greece and China is the purpose of the official visit
being paid to Beijing by Ms Papandreou at the invitation of
professor San Zenu, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Chinese
government and president of one of the most important government
committees, the Science, Research and Technology Committee
(SSTC).
Ms Papandreou held two-hour talks yesterday with Ms. Zu Lilan,
SSTC Vice-President, focusing on issues concerning co-operation
in the technology sector.
At the end of yesterday's talks, Ms Papandreou said the
possibilities of activating Greek enterprises in China are great
since it is a huge market developing at a speedy rate.
Ms Papandreou also discussed the prospect of developing
co-operation in the tourism sector, where Greece can provide
China with know-how for the creation of tourism infrastructure
in the country.
China has already shown interest in specializing co-operation in
the air transport sector with a proposal to establish flights to
Athens or through Athens to other countries by the state-run Air
China company.
Another possibility being examined is that of creating an
industrial marble processing unit based on a proposal by the
Latsis group.
[11] Gov't says no policy change on FYROM name issue
Athens, 25/11/1997 (ANA)
The government's policy vis-a-vis the name issue with the Former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) has not changed,
government spokesman Demetris Reppas stressed yesterday at a
press briefing.
He called on Skopje's leadership to work on a mutually
acceptable solution, which will be "to FYROM's advantage."
Additionally, he said Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos has
already stated his position on the matter.
Mr. Reppas added that negotiations are still in progress under
the United Nations' aegis and through the Sept. 13, 1995 interim
agreement signed by the two nations.
"The other side, which remains uncompromising and
irreconcilable, violating the commitments of the interim
agreement of 1995, will understand that it is to its benefit to
end this issue..." he said.
Finally, Mr. Reppas reiterated that Athens rejects the use of
the name "Republic of Macedonia-Skopje" by the landlocked nation.
[12] Kranidiotis-Miller meeting focuses on Cyprus
Athens, 25/11/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis met yesterday with
US State Department special coordinator for Cyprus Thomas
Miller, focusing on the island republic and the proposed
European Conference, which Turkey hopes to join. Mr. Kranidiotis
reiterated Greece's known positions, namely, that Ankara must
respond to preconditions set by the EU and contained in the
documents drawn up on July 15, 1996 and April 29, 1997.
According to reports, both the EU presidency, with a visit to
Turkey by Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker on Nov.
27, as well as Washington, are expected to push strongly to
secure a positive gesture by Ankara, allowing for a compromise
formula to be found at the December summit, where a decision on
the European Conference will be taken.
Mr. Miller also met main opposition New Democracy party leader
Costas Karamanlis at ND's headquarters last night.
The US official, according to reports, denied reports claiming
the creation of a trizonal federation on Cyprus.
Replying to a question on whether the US is satisfied with the
results of the meeting between Prime Minister Costas Simitis and
his Turkish counterpart Mesut Yilmaz on Crete, Mr. Miller said
"it is not up to us to say whether we are satisfied or not."
He said it was a question which must be addressed to the two
prime ministers.
"We read the reports on the meeting, since we did not have
people of ours there, since the US had not been invited to the
Crete conference. From what appears from reports, the meeting
between the two prime ministers was productive," he said.
[13] Onassis Foundation charges plot against board
Athens, 25/11/1997 (ANA)
The board of the Alexander Onassis Foundation yesterday claimed
the existence of a "judicial plot" against them, currently
underway in Switzerland, with the aim of handing the fortune of
Athina Roussel, the daughter of the late Christina Onassis to
her father, Thierry Roussel.
The board acts as trustees for the minor Athina. In a statement,
the board said that it had received two letters addressed to Mr.
Roussel by his lawyers, showing that a Geneva judge had
pre-decided with them to charge the Foundation on various counts
that could provide grounds for annulling the trusteeship.
[14] PM meets with Cordovez US Congressional delegation
Athens, 25/11/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis met yesterday with the UN
Secretary General's special adviser on the Cyprus issue Diego
Cordovez, who is on a tour of Nicosia, Athens and Ankara with
the aim of exploring possibilities for progress in specific
aspects of the Cyprus issue.
Referring to premier's meeting with Mr. Cordovez, government
spokesman Demetris Reppas said the Greek government supports his
efforts in the direction of a resumption after presidential
elections in Cyprus next February, of an intensive and
persistent negotiation process aiming to achieve results as soon
as possible.
Mr. Reppas said that both the lack of progress on the issue and
the perpetuation of negotiations posed dangers for stability and
peace in the region.
[15] Meeting with Ben Gilman
Athens, 25/11/1997 (ANA)
The prime minister also received representatives of the US
Congress as well as of several Jewish organizations currently
visiting Greece and after attending Sunday's unveiling of a
Monument to Thessaloniki Jews killed during the Holocaust.
The delegation included US House of Representatives' Foreign
Affairs Committee Chairman Benjamin Gilman (R-NY), US Senator
Paul Sarbanes, World Council of Hellenes Abroard President
Andrew Athens, Congressman Bob Filner, the president of the
American Jewish Committee David Harris, the Vice-President of
the European Jewish Congress, Salomon Berlinguer as well as the
president of the World Union of Jewish Women, Mikal Montai.
According to sources, Mr. Simitis and Mr. Gilman discussed
Greece's relations with the US and with Turkey.
Accompanying the delegation were the president of the Central
Jewish Council of Greece Nissim Mais, the charge d'affaires of
the US embassy in Athens as well as Greek government and
diplomatic officials.
PM to visit London this week : Mr. Simitis leaves on a three-day
visit to London tomorrow heading a delegation, government
spokesman Demetris Reppas said yesterday.
Mr. Simitis is to meet with British Prime Minister Tony Blair on
Thursday morning and with London's Greek community later in the
day.
On Friday he is to receive members of the Greek-British
Friendship Association and meet with Conservative Party leader
William Hague.
In the evening Mr. Simitis is to give a speech at a dinner given
by the so-called "Committee", a London-based Greek shipowners'
group.
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and Alternate Foreign
Minister George Papandreou, who will be accompanying the prime
minister, are to have contacts with the foreign office
leadership as well as with the shadow foreign minister.
[16] Seminar on sexual harassment held for police officers
Athens, 25/11/1997 (ANA)
A three-day seminar entitled 'Ariande', to focus on violence and
sexual harassment of minors and women, is opening today in
Athens, organized by the public order ministry.
The seminar, which is co-funded by the European Commission under
the EU's common action program 'Stop', is to be attended by 150
police officers form Greece, experts, representatives of local
government and women's' organizations from Europe and Cyprus.
The meeting is aimed at establishing the base of co-operation
amongst EU countries and associate member-states, in improving
knowledge on the subject though existing legislation, methods
and systems as well as exchanging experience in understanding
the process of the victimization of women and children. The
seminar will be declared open by Public Order Minister George
Romeos and speeches will be delivered by Parliament,
Europarliament and GSEE representatives.
[17] Constantopoulos-Damanaki meeting
Athens, 25/11/1997 (ANA)
Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos
Constantopoulos and Athens mayoral candidate Maria Damanaki
discussed policy statements on local government issues
yesterday. Tomorrow, the former Synaspismos leader and current
party deputy will meet with Prime Minister Costas Simitis.
[18] Conference on Europe, Mass Media and Cultural Heritage
Athens, 25/11/1997 (ANA)
A conference entitled "Europe, Mass Media and Cultural
Heritage", organized by the Macedonian News Agency in
co-operation with the Cultural Capital Organization '97 was
declared open yesterday by Press and Media Minister Demetris
Reppas.
Participants included several news editors, reporters and mass
media professionals from Greece and abroad.
In his opening speech, Mr. Reppas described the mass media as
"the main vehicle for cultural development", a special
phenomenon of technology and civilization.
He added, however, that the cultural uniformity of many media
was a dangerous outcome.
Mr. Reppas further said that the state was especially interested
in the domestic cultural production and promotion of cultural
values through the mass media, a fact which is evident in the
latest decision to announce the standards for licenses regarding
national, regional and local television stations.
The conference was also addressed by Macedonia-Thrace Minister
Philippos Patsalnikos.
Former press minister and current Culture Minister Evangelos
Venizelos, in a message which was read to participants, observed
that the main priorities of the mass media should not be other
than the "protection, study and dissemination of our cultural
heritage."
[19] Police interrogate two with explosive device
Athens, 25/11/1997 (ANA)
Two people were arrested early yesterday in the northern Athens
residential suburb of Kifissia after police found them in
possession of an explosive device.
Police sources said the two men were being questioned by the
anti-terrorist squad for "their possible connection with
terrorist activities".
Although police declined to give details, sources said that the
two men were arrested after a police chase. The same sources
said the suspects managed to throw the explosive device into a
garbage bin.
The device was defused by bomb disposal experts.
The two men were later identified as Vissarionas Tzimas, a petty
officer, and Theodoros Mykoniatis, a salesman.
Police now believe the device may have been part of a load of
explosives being carried in a van stolen last Friday from
Petralona, in Athens and found abandoned a short distance from
where the two men were arrested.
The device consisted to two sticks of dynamite, two detonators
and a slow-burning fuse.
[20] PM's meetings
Athens, 25/11/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis will brief President Kostis
Stephanopoulos on current developments today, government
spokesman Demetris Reppas said yesterday.
The prime minister will speak at a dinner in his honor held by
the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce in the evening while
on Wednesday morning he will meet with possible Athens mayoral
candidate Maria Damanaki, at her request.
[21] Athens prepares to extradite well-known Italian fugitive
Athens, 25/11/1997 (ANA)
Tight security measures were in force yesterday morning as a
45-year-old Italian national once implicated in the notorious
1978 "Red Brigades" kidnapping and murder of former Italian
premier Aldo Moro appeared before a prosecutor. Enrico Bianco
was arrested on Sunday aboard a yacht located at a maintenance
dock in Aktion, western Greece. His arrest came after Interpol
contacted Greek police about an international warrant issued for
his arrest.
There appeared, however, to be confusion about the suspect's
involvement in the infamous Moro affair, with authorities in
Rome saying he had been acquitted of charges of involvement in
the abduction and murder of the one-time Italian prime minister.
An ANA dispatch from Rome said Bianco had been convicted in
absentia on a number of charges relating to possession of
weapons and narcotics and armed robberies conducted in the late
1970s.
An Italian prosecutor said the international arrest warrant was
issued by authorities in October 1993. Attempts by Italian
authorities to have the man convicted in the Moro
abduction-murder failed, due to lack of evidence, although he
remained under surveillance.
Bianco's frequent visits to France were reason behind the
tip-off about his whereabouts, which came from Italian and
French police.
Sources said Bianco gave no information during his interrogation
by police or to the prosecutor of his activities in Italy or
other European countries but procedures are under way at the
justice and foreign ministries for his extradition to Italy.
Bianco - whose real name is reported to be Fulvio Siolini - will
be held at the central Korydallos prison until the extradition
documents are processed.
[22] ... Gov't spokesman
Athens, 25/11/1997 (ANA)
Greece will surrender Enrico Bianco to Italian authorities,
government spokesman Demetris Reppas announced yesterday.
"Greece had an obligation to arrest him from the moment that a
warrant issued by Italian authorities was pending," he said,
adding that although the Moro case has been closed in Italy
since 1981, Rome had not notified Athens of the final judicial
outcomes, which explained why the warrant held at the Athens
prosecutor's office for Bianco was still in force.
Mr. Reppas also stressed that the arrest was not made after
information by US intelligence services.
[23] Urban terrorists target former Supreme Court judge
Athens, 25/11/1997 (ANA)
An urban terrorist group calling itself "Revolutionary Nuclei"
yesterday claimed responsibility for a powerful explosion that
shattered the offices of the Pan-national Democratic Union in
downtown Athens shortly after midnight Sunday causing extensive
dam age but no casualties, police said. The union is a political
movement founded earlier this year by former Greek Supreme Court
chief justice Vassilis Kokkinos, the presiding judge in the 1989
alleged corruption trial of the late socialist party leader
Andreas Papandreou in which he was acquitted.
Police said the blast, caused by a home-made device, shattered
window panes of nearby homes and shops and also the offices of
the Greek Strategic Studies located in the same neo-classical
building.
An unidentified caller later telephoned the offices of the
private radio-television station "Skai" and the afternoon daily
"Athinaiki" claiming responsibility for the explosion on behalf
of the "Revolutionary Nuclei" group.
The same organization has claimed responsibility for a number of
similar explosions and most recently, on August 19, at the
offices of former public order minister Stelios Papathemelis.
[24] Welfare draft bill the subject of Simitis-Geitonas meeting
Athens, 25/11/1997 (ANA)
The health ministry's political leadership held two-hour talks
with Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday, focusing on the
main principles of a draft bill on welfare, expected to be
tabled in Parliament in mid-January.
Speaking afterwards, Health Minister Costas Geitonas said the
premier was briefed at length on welfare issues. He said the
draft law contributes substantively to better services being
provided for the citizen by welfare institutions and to easier
access to them.
Health and Welfare Under-secretary Theodoros Kotsonis said the
draft law anticipates a series of clauses which will gradually
lead to the decentralization of welfare services.
[25] OA flights canceled; heavy rain causes flooding
Athens, 25/11/1997 (ANA)
Bad weather conditions forced the cancellation of Olympic
Airway's flights to the islands of Paros, Leros, Naxos and
Kythera yesterday.
The flights are expected to be carried out later in the day
when, according to the National Meteorological Service,
conditions are expected to improve.
Meanwhile the heavy rain caused widespread flooding in the town
of Lamia yesterday morning, where the fire brigade received
dozens of calls to flooded homes and businesses. Dozens of
watercourses spilled their banks, while a close watch was being
kept on the Sperheios River, whose waters had risen over 1.5
meters.
Prefectural authorities say the situation is under control,
although all staff are on the alert.
The weather also disrupted transport in the prefectures of
Corinth and Argolida and other areas in the Peloponnese.
[26] More tension at TVX mines, firebombs confiscated
Athens, 25/11/1997 (ANA)
Tensions again rose yesterday at a gold mine in Halkidiki after
a decision by the mining company, TVX Hellas, to resume drilling
at the site.
Police had issued a ban on public gatherings as of midnight last
night and until Dec., 4 in an attempt to prevent repeats of the
violent demonstrations that occurred two weeks ago at the mine.
That order was later rescinded.
Earlier, 99 "Molotov cocktail" firebombs were discovered by
police some 800 meters from the mines' entrance and in several
makeshift shacks protesters had erected. Three local residents
at the site were arrested, while the president of Olympiada
community, Nikos Mitsiou, later arrived at the location and was
also arrested. All four were released in the afternoon,
following a verbal order by the Halkidiki prefecture
misdemeanors' office prosecutor.
Meanwhile, commenting on the incidents, government spokesman
Demetris Reppas emphasized the benefits the mine would have for
the economy and the nation.
"I believe that while local residents are free to express their
views, at the same time they should allow others to carry out
their legal activities. I think that this investment cannot be
hindered forever," he said, adding:
"The state is determined to use all the appropriate means at its
disposal in order for this project to proceed, as it is in the
interests of the Greek economy and the Greek people."
Riot police continue to guard the mine in order to prevent any
more incidents.
[27] Greek stocks slump after four-day rebound
Athens, 25/11/1997 (ANA)
Greek equities came under strong pressure yesterday on the
Athens Stock Exchange to end sharply lower reversing a
four-session advance.
The general index closed 2.57 percent down at 1,401.70 points,
while the FTSE/ASE index fell 2.65 percent.
Sector indices lost ground. Banks fell 2.12 percent, Insurance
eased 1.82 percent, Leasing dropped 1.11 percent, Investment was
1.50 percent off, Construction fell 2.44 percent, Industrials
were 2.88 percent off, Miscellaneous eased 2.11 percent and
Holding was 2.42 percent down.
The parallel market index for small cap companies fell 1.01
percent.
Trading was moderate with turnover at 16.4 billion drachmas.
Broadly, declining issues led advancing ones by 179 to 42 with
another 14 issues unchanged.
Papoutsanis (preferred), Agrinio Metalplastic, Remek and
Macedonian Plastics (common) scored the biggest percentage gains
at the upper limit of 8.0 percent, while Ideal (preferred)
Ermis, Benrubi and Altec suffered the heaviest losses.
National Bank of Greece ended at 25,750 drachmas, Ergobank at
14,880, Alpha Credit Bank at 16,260, Delta Dairy at 3,355, Titan
Cement at 11,700, Intracom at 12,400 and Hellenic
Telecommunications Organization at 5,210.
[28] EIB sets up ECU technology facility
Athens, 25/11/1997 (ANA)
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has set up a new 125 million
ECU European Technology Facility to invest in venture capital
funds supporting high growth and technology-oriented small and
medium-sized enterprises in the European Union.
EIB is providing the money to set up the Luxembourg-based fund,
which is to be managed by the European Investment Fund.
The EIF management agreement was signed last week by EIB
President Sir Brian Unwin and EIF's Financial Committee Chairman
Gerbrand Hop on the eve of the Special European Employment
Council meeting in Luxembourg.
EIF will invest the 125 million ECU drawn from the EIB's annual
surpluses over the next three years in specialized venture
capital funds that support the creation and development of SMEs.
EIF will take minority positions to a maximum of 25 percent of
the capital of any venture capital fund with a maximum in ECU of
12.5 million per investment. The main target will be funds
managed by independent management companies in the European
Union.
Direct investments in SMEs are not authorized.
Eligible SMEs should, at the time of the initial investment,
have net assets not exceeding 75 million ECU and employ fewer
than 500 people.
However, high priority will be given to funds investing in
smaller SMEs to improve their competitiveness and innovative
capacity and their ability to create jobs.
[29] Athens Chamber to hold electronic commerce conference
Athens, 25/11/1997 (ANA)
The Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry is organizing a
conference on safe electronic commerce in co-operation with the
European Commission, the EU's executive.
The conference, to be held on November 28, will address issues
including safe techniques of electronic trade, legitimacy of
electronic transactions and on-line payment.
The conference will also include an exhibition of goods and
services on electronic trade and the Internet.
[30] Greek food industry asks government to help promote goods
Athens, 25/11/1997 (ANA)
Greece's food industry yesterday urged the government to take
initiatives on promoting Greek products abroad and support
measures to boost competitiveness.
A food industry meeting held in Thessaloniki discussed problems
faced by Greek companies in their export efforts.
Food companies urged the government to adopt an export credit
policy towards the Balkans and to contribute to lifting
bureaucratic barriers.
They also called for drafting of an industry survey in the food
market in southeast Europe and creation of an information data
base.
[31] Teachers to join civil servants' strike
Athens, 25/11/1997 (ANA)
Public services will be affected today due to a 24-hour strike
called by the Civil Servants' Supreme Administrative Council
(ADEDY) over salary demands.
ADEDY is demanding pay increases that will safeguard civil
servants' incomes against a projected inflation rate.
About one month ago, ADEDY had rejected a proposal by Finance
Under-secretary Nikos Christodoulakis, which related to a 4.5
per cent rise.
Another demand put forth by the union relates to tax brackets.
ADEDY wants the tax deductible income to be set at two million
drachmas, and a more radical index-linking of tax brackets than
that contained in the 1998 budget.
Meanwhile, the ADEDY strike will be joined by primary school and
kindergarten teachers, who will also proceed with a 24-hour
strike.
Secondary school teachers are to stage a three-hour strike
today, also in support of pay rises and an increase in the next
year's budget for education. Their union, OLME, is considering
an additional 24-hour strike on Dec. 12, but no final decision
has been taken as yet.
[32] Reppas calls on teams to help curb football violence
Athens, 25/11/1997 (ANA)
Sunday's violence at two separate football games in Athens that
resulted in several injuries and damage to property has prompted
government spokesman Demetris Reppas to remind the financial
supporters of the teams to assume their share of responsibility
for maintaining order.
Speaking in Thessaloniki yesterday, Mr. Reppas observed:
"Financial circles who invest in sport should not have only
their business interests in mind. They should also realize that
sport is one of the areas where the youth of this country see
their role models." He said Sports Under-secretary Andreas
Fouras had asked the presidents of the professional football
clubs to a meeting on Thursday to discuss the increasing
violence at matches.
"The government condemns incidents of this kind and urges the
heads of businesses that are involved in sport to realize that
apart from being businessmen, they have a responsibility to
society and it is perhaps to the latter that they should give
priority. We ask them to respect the provisions of the law which
are quite clear and strict," he said.
Four football fans arrested at Sunday's incidents were arraigned
before a Piraeus prosecutor yesterday.
A Piraeus prosecutor also ordered a preliminary inquiry into the
incidents.
End of English language section.
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