Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-12-03
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1357), December 3, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] New NATO structure ensures nat'l interests, Tsohatzopoulos says
[02] Simitis satisfied with NATO's new structure
[03] ... Opposition
[04] ... US response
[05] Simitis outlines priorities for Greek WEU presidency
[06] Turkey says exercise cancellation 'part of confidence-building'
[07] Aegean wargames
[08] Ankara cites interest in proposed European Conference
[09] Juncker says Turkey no longer interested in Conference
[10] European defense industries in Athens to discuss co-operation
[11] Gov't spokesman on Clerides, Cyprus reinforcements
[12] Athens ready to compromise if FYROM changes stance
[13] ND meeting focuses on football hooliganism, chamber elections
[14] Draft bill for public work contracts
[15] ND criticism over extra taxation of self-employed professionals
[16] Albania, Greece to co-operate on policing border areas
[17] Gov't to look into issue of football violence
[18] ... Fouras
[19] Tobacco ban considered by EuroCouncil
[20] New SAE president to be decided at Thessaloniki general assembly
[21] ... Criticism
[22] Non-binding ECOFIN agreement on enterprises' taxation
[23] Conference on shipping inaugurated
[24] EOMMEX exhibition
[25] Olympic Airways named Bulgaria's carrier for 2000 Olympics
[26] Exhibition of Greek products in Skopje
[27] Greece funds water supply, wastewater and flood prevention works
[28] Greek equities end higher, led by banks
[29] Greek bourse to hold private placement December 10-12
[30] Details of decrees legalizing illegal immigrants released
[01] New NATO structure ensures nat'l interests, Tsohatzopoulos says
Brussels, 03/12/1997 (ANA - P. Pantelis)
The 16 member-states of the NATO alliance decided yesterday to
ratify NATO's new military structure, despite difficulties they
were faced with.
Greece, after about 20 years, restores its equal participation
in NATO with the other member-states, although Greek-Turkish
differences are not resolved with NATO's new structure and
neither is one country favored against another.
This was stressed by National Defense Minister Akis
Tsohatzopoulos at the close of yesterday's session of NATO
defense ministers. He clarified that with its equal
participation in NATO, Greece can safeguard its national rights
in the framework of the alliance with reinforced possibilities,
which it did not have to date.
More specifically, he said a headquarters will function in
Naples on NATO's southern flank and one regional subheadquarters
each in the four Mediterranean member-states: Greece, Italy,
Spain and Turkey.
The subheadquarters, whose main weight rests with the landbased
army, will also have necessary manning on the part of the navy
and the air force.
This means that Greece obtains NATO's headquarters in Larissa,
which is absolutely equal to the headquarters stationed in
Verona, Madrid and Izmir, while Turkey, out of three
headquarters it possesses to date will be limited to one. The
headquarters in Larissa will have a Greek commander and 55 per
cent of its staff will be Greek nationals. It will have
operational responsibility for the entire national space. At the
same time, it will constitute the base for Greece's
participation in NATO's policy of peace, security and
co-operation in the Balkans and the Black Sea region.
However, apart from national space, the regional subheadquarters
will not have predetermined limits of operational responsibility
(which have been officially abolished since 1992). The role of
subheadquarters will be one of coordinating and will implement
decisions taken by the Military Committee with the co-operation
of each member-state. This means that in the case of every
exercise, training or operation, Greece will have the right of
veto at the Military Committee or the Political Committee
(Council of Ministers).
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said that our national interests are fully
safeguarded with the new and more flexible security system which
replaces the permanent limits of operational responsibility. He
offered assurances that any involve-ment by NATO is ruled out in
the national sovereign rights of any member-state and, of
course, Greece. He said this constitutes an irrefutable reply to
those who hastened to criticize the agreement accepted by Greece
yesterday.
The agreement decided yesterday on NATO's new military structure
will be ratified by the alliance's session of foreign ministers
on Dec. 16-17. Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said that after its
ratification the phase of adjustments will start, which are
related to the way the agreement will be implemented.
He said it will be a phase expected to be equally difficult and
laborious. For this phase Greece requested and succeeded in
having the revision process start immediately after
ratification, and documents regulating special operational
issues (such as the document MC 36/2 concerning the
responsibility for NATO and national commanders in the event of
a crisis and war and the document MC88 on responsibilities of
national air traffic authorities in the event of a crisis and
war) will continue to be valid.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said these documents will be abolished when
the implementation of NATO's new military structure will have
been completed (it has been assessed that it will be applied as
of 1999) and the flag be hoisted at the headquarters in Larissa.
"All that is being written about a decrease in our sovereign
rights in the Aegean merely shows ignorance. NATO does not
resolve problems of national sovereignty. National sovereignty
belongs fully to member-states and its defense remains the
foremost duty of its armed forces. This is explicitly recognized
with the agreement on NATO's new military structure," he
concluded.
[02] Simitis satisfied with NATO's new structure
Paris, 03/12/1997 (ANA - S. Liarellis/M. Spinthourakis)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis, who is attending the Western
European Union (WEU) Parliamentary Assembly here, described the
agreement over NATO's new structure as a positive development.
Replying to a relevant question by a Spanish deputy, Mr. Simitis
said the decision was not related to air space over the Aegean,
adding that Greece was content with the alliance's new structure
since it was allowing for cooperation between member-states.
He further said that in case of disagreements, these could be
dealt with and decided upon by NATO's relevant committee.
[03] ... Opposition
Athens, 03/12/1997 (ANA)
If the government accepts establishment of a NATO regional
headquarters in Greece of an unspecified operational
jurisdiction and concedes on the issue of confidence-building
measures in the Aegean, this may be a dangerous development
since it will change t he current status quo in the Aegean, ND
spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos warned yesterday.
In a comment over the latest developments, ND deputy and former
defense minister Ioannis Varvitsiotis said "the acceptance by
the Greek government of NATO's new structure was another step
backwards as far as the country's national interests are
concerned."
Communist Party of Greece (KKE) deputy Orestis Kolozov yesterday
called for an official position to be taken by Parliament on
NATO's new structure.
The KKE deputy asked the government to bring the issue before
Parliament before the meeting of NATO's foreign ministers.
Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos,
in a comment over the new NATO structure said: "We are closely
monitoring developments as these are shaped by arrangements and
practical consequences of NATO's new structure.
"It is necessary, in all cases, that guarantees be provided for
in relation to air space control in the Aegean and that the
rights of each country to defend its sovereign rights are not
undermined".
[04] ... US response
Washington, 03/12/1997 (ANA/AFP)
The US State Department yesterday congratulated the Greek and
Turkish governments for agreeing in principle on the issue of
the new NATO structure, with relevance to the Aegean.
"We consider this agreement as important progress in the efforts
for boosting co-operation in the Aegean," said State Department
spokesman James Rubin, who declined further comment.
[05] Simitis outlines priorities for Greek WEU presidency
Paris, 03/12/1997 (ANA - M.Spinthourakis/S.Liarelis)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday marked Greece's upcoming
assumption of the rotating Western European Union (WEU)
presidency with an address to the organization's Parliamentary
Assembly here.
It was the first time a Greek premier has spoken before the body
since Greece became a full member of the WEU in November 1992.
His address focused on two issues - the need to consolidate
Europe's security and defense identity through the development
of the WEU's operational capabilities, and the convening of an
enlarged WEU summit to take crucial decisions on the future of
the EU's defense wing.
Outlining the Greek presidency's priorities for its six-month
term, which begins on Jan. 1, Mr. Simitis said these were
strengthening the WEU's institutions and co-operation with the
EU on a daily basis; the further intensification of
institutional cooperation between the WEU and NATO; the
development of the WEU's operational capabilities; and
strengthening the WEU's institutions vis-a-vis third countries,
particularly regarding non-WEU Mediterranean countries,
including Cyprus, as well as Russia and the Ukraine.
Mr. Simitis stressed that the development of the WEU's
operational capability was the only way to ensure that the Union
would be politically credible in the eyes of NATO and the EU.
He added that the construction of Europe's security and defense
identity had to be realized not only within the framework of
NATO but also within the EU.
In some parts of Europe, he said, including the Balkans "and the
greater area extending to the Middle East", the level of peace,
security, good neighborly relations and respect for
international law is still inadequate.
Mr. Simitis said there was no doubt that differences existed
between the WEU member-states regarding the way in which they
perceived the dangers, threats and provocations with respect to
security issues.
"But this must constitute for us an additional reason to persist
in our efforts for the operational development of the WEU," he
said.
Turning to EU enlargement, Mr. Simitis called for greater
co-operation on security issues between the WEU and EU
associate-members who were not expected to join NATO in the near
future, as well as stronger ties with Russia and Ukraine to help
these countries establish their positions within the European
security structure.
He emphasized the need for clear political and economic
commitments on the part of WEU and EU governments in order to
determine mutually acceptable goals for joint foreign and
defense policy.
Greece is in favor of the idea of convening a broader-based
summit conference to make decisions regarding both the
composition and structure of the WEU, said Mr. Simitis, noting
however that such a summit required careful preparation and the
unreserved support of all member-states.
Germany has objected to such a conference, believing that
discussions of the WEU's future should be held solely within the
framework of the EU.
Mr. Simitis faced questions from the members of the Western
European Union's Parliamentary Assembly yesterday, as is
customary for the prime minister of the member state about to
assume the assembly's presidency.
Most of the questions concerned Greece's relations with Turkey.
Mr. Simitis stressed that while Greece wanted improved relations
with its neighbor, the consolidation of peace could not be
achieved by declarations alone.
"We do not doubt the good intentions of anyone, Turkey included,
but at the same time we are looking for specific measures and
steps," he said, reiterating that these were the implementation
of international law and treaties, the acceptance of the
jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice with regard
to the Aegean and the implementation of UN resolutions on
Cyprus. He stressed that it would be a mistake to view the
problem as an exclusively bilateral issue.
"The rules applied should be those that apply for all
countries," he said.
Responding to a question on the Madrid accord he signed earlier
this year with Turkish President Suleyman Demirel, he said that
it had been a "positive development" but had not been acted upon
by Turkey.
"It was positive as it accepted that international law should be
observed, that there should be no threat of war or use of
force," he said.
He added that while this might not seem so significant to
countries in the western world, it was an improvement, as Turkey
had warned Greece that if it extended its waters to the 12-mile
limit, as it was fully entitled under the Law of the Sea, this
would constitute cause for war.
Mr. Simitis repeatedly stressed Greece's insistence that it was
up to Turkey to carry out the steps mentioned above, and that
Greece had done everything it could.
In reply to questions on Cyprus' accession to the European
Union, the prime minister reiterated the EU's commitment to
begin negotiations six months after the signing of the Amsterdam
treaty, that is on April 10, 1998.
Mr. Simitis stressed that Cyprus' accession to the EU was in no
way related to a resolution of the political problem, and that
any attempt to link the two was tantamount to allowing
non-member states the right to veto Cyprus' accession.
He recalled that the EU's decisions with regard to the accession
of Cyprus were taken in 1994, when the northern sector of the
island republic had already been under Turkish occupation for 20
years.
The Cyprus Republic, he said, was a unified state, adding that
Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides had accepted the
participation of Turkish Cypriot representatives in the
accession negotiations.
Cyprus' purchase of S-300 missiles from Russia, he said, while
involving risks, was for purely defensive purposes.
Those risks should be dealt with by the international community,
in view of a proposal by Mr. Clerides to demilitarize the entire
island republic.
[06] Turkey says exercise cancellation 'part of confidence-building'
Ankara, 03/12/1997 (ANA - A. Abatzis)
Turkey has canceled an annual naval and air exercise due to take
place in December in order to "contribute to a climate of
confidence in the Aegean", according to a Turkish foreign
ministry statement yesterday.
Spokesman Sermet Atacanli noted that from July 1 to Aug. 15,
Turkey had "unilaterally implemented confidence-building
measures proposed by the NATO secretary general", noting that
Greece had not followed suit.
"It would be useful if Greece made an honest evaluation of this
goodwill gesture shown by Turkey, by canceling its own military
exercises, thereby contributing to the creation of a climate of
confidence in the Aegean," he said.
[07] Aegean wargames
Athens, 03/12/1997 (ANA)
In a related development, Turkish F-16 aircraft have been making
night flights over the Aegean over the past three weeks in order
to test the Hellenic Air Force's capabilities, according to
Turkish Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ilhan Kilic.
He said the Turkish warplanes were equipped with the US-made
"Lantirn" system for night flights under all weather conditions,
giving Turkey air superiority not only in the Aegean but
throughout "the whole region".
"We can fly for 24 hours. Since the Greeks do not have the
technology we do, they simply watch our flights," he added.
Meanwhile, the Turkish military will soon build a new military
airport at Bodrum. The Turkish defense industry's general
secretariat was the only firm to bid in the tender for the
airport.
[08] Ankara cites interest in proposed European Conference
Ankara, 03/12/1997 (ANA - A. Ambatzis)
Turkish Foreign Ministry alternates pokesman Sermet Atacanli
said Turkey's interest in the proposed European Conference
continues to exist in connection, however, with the Conference's
content and participations.
In an announcement by the Turkish foreign ministry "on reports
that the Prime Minister of Luxembourg Jean-Claude Juncker
announced that Turkey has ceased being interested in the
European Conference" said that "Turkey wishes to participate in
the enlargement process under the status of a candidate country."
The Turkish spokesman said that "Turkey, which in essence is
represented in all European organizations, with the exception of
the European Union, has announced its interest in the European
Conference whose purpose is to develop co-operation parallel to
t he enlargement process."
Mr. Atacanli concluded by saying that "we are aware that
difficulties continue to exist concerning the organization of
the Conference and are due to discussions on the status with
which Turkey will attend the conference and objections by Greece
over the participation of Turkey."
[09] Juncker says Turkey no longer interested in Conference
Brussels, 03/12/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)
"Turkey is no longer interested in participating in the European
Conference proposed by France of European Union member-states
with candidate countries. Negotiations with the 10 countries of
central and eastern Europe will start all together but will be
continued with different rates.
This is the main conclusion drawn from an interview by Mr.
Juncker, published in the Belgian newspaper "Soir" yesterday.
Mr. Juncker said the EU would make a very grave mistake if it
did not take Turkey's role into serious consideration, which is
a big country, a proud European nation. We must find a place for
Turkey in the European family, he said, adding that Turkey's
European prospect raises a series of problems which exceed by
far problems existing with the other candidate countries. There
is the problem of human rights, the different approaches to the
Cyprus issue, Greek-Turkish differences in the Aegean.
[10] European defense industries in Athens to discuss co-operation
Athens, 03/12/1997 (ANA)
The defense services of France, Germany, Belgium, Denmark,
Norway and Britain are presenting their armaments programs at
the Military Museum in Athens during a two-day seminar organized
by the Greek Army General Staff's armaments directorate that
began yesterday. The target of the seminar is to inform the
Greek defense industries on the prospects for their
participation in procurement tenders in the countries of the
Western European Armaments Group (WEAG).
A WEAG senior official, head of the armaments program in
Germany, told the opening session that there was need for
co-operation among the armed forces of Europe in the context of
European unification. He also stressed the need for ridding the
European armed forces of their dependence on the armaments
industry "across the Atlantic".
"There needs to be a European organization of armaments, as the
defense industry in Europe is scattered, serving the needs of
each member state individually, and is unable to compete with
the US industry," the WEAG official said.
[11] Gov't spokesman on Clerides, Cyprus reinforcements
Athens, 03/12/1997 (ANA)
The government fully backed statements by Cypriot President
Glafcos Clerides, who referred recently to the presence of
additional Greek forces on Cyprus.
Government spokesman Demetris Reppas said that as a guarantor
power, Greece had the responsibility to reinforce the island
republic's defense.
Mr. Reppas, who was replying to press questions, added that it
was unfair to speak of a military presence on Cyprus since only
one Greek unit of 900 to 1,000 soldiers took part in a military
maneuver, at a time when Turkey retains some 40,000 occupation
troops and hundreds of battle tanks on the island's northern
occupied part. The spokesman further said that both Greece and
Cyprus' strategic target was for the island's full
demilitarization in the context of a unified state. Until that
time, he said, it was Greece's duty to support Cyprus' defense
needs.
[12] Athens ready to compromise if FYROM changes stance
Paris, 03/12/1997 (ANA - S. Liarellis, M. Spinthourakis)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis said yesterday that Greece was
prepared to make some compromise in its dispute with the Former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) on the issue of the
neighboring state's name but "we can not proceed unless there is
a change of stance by the other side".
Mr. Simitis was replying to a question put by a FYROM deputy
during the WEU Parliamentary Assembly in Paris.
He added that bilateral relations had improved markedly in
recent years at all levels, particularly in the sectors of
economic co-operation, investments and tourism.
[13] ND meeting focuses on football hooliganism, chamber elections
Athens, 03/12/1997 (ANA)
A New Democracy meeting of the main opposition party's sectors
heads yesterday discussed football hooliganism, in light of
recent incidents.
The meeting, chaired by ND leader Costas Karamanlis, came to the
conclusion that policing of soccer grounds was inadequate if not
minimal.
Another issue discussed was the forthcoming elections in the
country's chambers.
According to ND spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos, the government
was throwing away taxpayers' money in order to buy votes for the
election of "its own people" on the chamber boards.
[14] Draft bill for public work contracts
Athens, 03/12/1997 (ANA)
A draft bill tabled in Parliament yesterday provides for probes
into the origins of the property of everyone involved in the
carrying out of public projects, including contractors and
public works ministry staff.
It also provides for the establishment of a mathematical formula
used in assessing bids, in order to prevent the phenomenon of
large (and unrealistic) discounts offered by bidders.
[15] ND criticism over extra taxation of self-employed professionals
Athens, 03/12/1997 (ANA)
An extra tax burden on self-employed professionals and on small-
to medium-enterprises vis-a-vis the rises in the objective tax
criteria and property market is an issue of great concern to the
main opposition New Democracy party.
The observation was made by members of a ND economic affairs
delegation during a meeting yesterday with the president of the
Athens Commercial and Industrial Chamber (EBEA), G.
Papathanasiou, as well as members of the board.
Their discussion centered on the new state budget and the impact
it would have on businesses and the market in general.
Mr. Papathanasiou noted that the new budget contained increased
taxes on all types of businesses, while it was hindering
competitiveness and fostering unemployment.
He added that EBEA had asked the government to curtail public
expenditures instead of imposing further taxes.
[16] Albania, Greece to co-operate on policing border areas
Athens, 03/12/1997 (ANA)
The Albanian and Greek police forces are to co-operate closely
in dealing with the mass influx of Albanians and rising crime in
Greece, particularly on the island of Corfu, following an
agreement in Athens yesterday between Public Order Minister
George Romeos and his Albanian counterpart Neritan Ceka. Mr.
Romeos said that joint operations had already begun on the
Ionian island, which is separated by a narrow channel from
Albania, as well as along the border between the two countries
in Epirus and on the Albanian coast, aimed at stopping illegal
maritime traffic, much of which involves stolen craft.
The Greek border police force had been reinforced, he said,
while the Albanian side was supplying information.
"We have already received 40 more files on Albanian fugitives
and criminals. We are cooperating more and more closely," said
the Greek minister.
Mr. Ceka expressed Albania's gratitude to Greece for its
practical assistance and aid. "We realize that Corfu has been
badly affected by the illegal activities of Albanians and we
will work closely with the Greek authorities to tackle the
problem. Our co-operation is already at an excellent level," he
said. Of the weapons stolen during the insurgency earlier this
year in his country, Mr. Ceka said that only 10 percent had been
recovered, but that law and order had been almost completely
restored.
He said a further ten million dollars was needed for the purpose
of maintaining order, something which would also benefit Greece
and other neighboring countries.
[17] Gov't to look into issue of football violence
Athens, 03/12/1997 (ANA)
The government yesterday blamed football club management and
organized gangs of fans for the recent spate of violence at
Greek first division soccer matches.
Government spokesman Demetris Reppas made the statement
following Monday night's top of the table clash between
Olympiakos of Piraeus and Panathinaikos of Athens. During the
match, fans fought with riot police and destroyed 1,736 plastic
seats in the Athens Olympic Stadium. Stadium officials estimated
this damage at 7.5 million drachmas, while damage to the
stadium's special surface for athletic events - which cost 270
million drachmas to buy - would require nearly half a billion
drachmas to repair.
Mr. Reppas said police intervention had contained the violence
but noted that there was "room for improvement".
He said the government was re-examining its position on crowd
control at sports events and would soon announce its decisions.
The spokesman's statements were later echoed by Public Order
Minister George Romeos, who asked club management and sports
officials to accept their share of responsibility for the recent
soccer violence.
Likening the violence to the situation in England some years
ago, Mr. Romeos said "we should adopt the measures taken by the
English to find a solution".
[18] ... Fouras
Athens, 03/12/1997 (ANA)
Sports Under-secretary Andreas Fouras yesterday began his
scheduled address to a standing Parliamentary committee on
educational matters, with the focus turning to recent violence
at football games.
"Our country is internationally denigrated by these explosions
of violence, which were recently observed in stadiums. This
denigration is directly connected with the hosting of the 2004
Olympic Games by our country," Mr. Fouras said.
A planned bill will restrict the holding of football games to
Sundays only, while all exemptions will have to be approved by
the general secretariat for sports.
According to Mr. Fouras, all future damage to athletic
facilities from fan violence will be paid out of state funds
given to football clubs.
Also, Mr. Fouras said that football clubs that cannot control
violent fans will lose state funding.
[19] Tobacco ban considered by EuroCouncil
Athens, 03/12/1997 (ANA)
European countries that agree with a ban on tobacco ads in all
media will tomorrow lobby the five crucial Greek votes out of
the 60 needed for the approval of the measure by the European
Council.
On his part, the president of the European Pneumonological
Society, Christos Rousos, presented a petition to EU
Commissioner Padraig Flynn - signed by 3,500 European doctors -
calling for a ban of all smoking advertisements.
Meanwhile, several noted Greek doctors explained yesterday
during a press conference the reasons why a tobacco-producing
country like Greece should support the ban.
Specifically, they noted that:
- One out of every two youths who smoke and continue during
their adulthood die of causes related to tobacco use.
- The decrease of smokers by 1 per cent could lead to a
healthier life for tens of thousands of people.
- Greece has the highest consumption of cigarettes per capita
(eight per person per day).
- A young smoker is three times more likely to die between the
ages to 35 and 65 than a non-smoker.
- Approximately 90 per cent of all new smokers are under the age
of 20.
- The ban on advertising caused a decline in consumption.
Only 10 to 20 per cent of smokers who want to quit and follow
such a program with medical and psychological support are
successful, recent studies show.
[20] New SAE president to be decided at Thessaloniki general assembly
Athens, 03/12/1997 (ANA)
The World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) opened its general
assembly in Thessaloniki yesterday with meetings of regional SAE
groups and a discussion of procedural issues.
The meeting, attended by 340 elected representatives of
expatriate Greek communities around the world, culminates on
Sunday with the election of the new SAE president.
Opening the Americas regional meeting, the secretary general for
overseas Greeks Stavros Lambrinidis welcomed the participation
of Cyprus this year for the first time, noting that Cyprus would
soon become an equal member in the European Union.
Mr. Lambrinidis and SAE President Andrew Athens outlined
initiatives that have commenced to make the SAE independent and
financially autonomous through gathering by the Council itself
the funds for its conferences, the bills for which are currently
met by the secretariat for overseas Greeks.
They also noted the efforts to collect funds for meeting the
needs of the various expatriate Greek communities, such as the
assistance provided for the operation of hospitals for ethnic
Greeks in Georgia. Welcoming the arriving delegates last night,
Mr. Lambrinidis said "17 million Greeks from 141 countries all
over the world have the unique opportunity, these seven days in
Thessaloniki, to discuss with us and amongst yourselves. This is
the strength of the Council. And while the national government
is not a part of the Council, it is nevertheless at your side".
Similar messages were conveyed by the chairman of the standing
Parliamentary committee on ethnic Greeks Grigoris Niotis and
representatives of the country's political parties, who stressed
their undivided support for the new institution.
The delegates fervently defended the institution from what they
called disputes and objections voiced against it.
Elena Stamatiadi, the president of the Greek community of Mexico
City, spoke of the 300 immigrant families rallying around the
Greek community center there, which is housed in facilities "on
loan" to the community for 100 years by the government of Mexico.
In Mexico City, she said, the Greeks of that city celebrate the
national and religious holidays and learn Greek, while "numerous
philhellenes, most of them Mexican university professors and
teachers, take part in discussions on Greek culture and history
and are helping set up a community library".
Sotiris Lambrou, president of the Casa Hellenica in Guadalajara,
Mexico, replying to those individuals who were "attempting the
break-up and division of the SAE", said "you sought us out and
brought us all together. It would be a sin if the aspirations of
a few dissolve this achievement".
Mr. Lambrou, who has made a gift of a building he owns for the
temporary housing of the Casa Hellenica de Guadalajara, said the
numerous Greek community of the fifth largest city in Mexico was
keeping alive Greek customs, traditions and culture.
The delegates attending the SAE assembly represent an estimated
seven million Greeks of the Diaspora.
The World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) was founded in 1995
with the aim of uniting the millions of Greeks living abroad and
forging closer ties with the motherland.
SAE is a non-profit, non-governmental organization with regional
councils representing North and South America, Africa-Asia,
Oceania and Europe. It is supported by the foreign ministry's
general secretariat for overseas Greeks, and serves as an
advisory body to the Greek state on all issues pertaining to
Greeks abroad. The SAE's activities further aim at strengthening
existing networks and organizations serving Greeks worldwide.
It should be noted that President of the Republic Kostis
Stephanopoulos will open the official general assembly tomorrow,
which will be attended by Premier Costas Simitis, Cyprus
President Glafcos Clerides and Foreign Minister Theodoros
Pangalos.
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou arrives in
Thessaloniki today to attend the first regular SAE meeting.
The week-long convention will culminate on Sunday with the
election of a new SAE president to replace Chicagoan Andrew
Athens, elected as the organization's first president in 1995.
[21] ... Criticism
Athens, 03/12/1997 (ANA)
Meanwhile, Hellenic-American National Council president
Theodoros Spyropoulos yesterday strongly criticized the SAE as
well as the role played by Mr. Lambrinidis.
At a press conference in Thessaloniki, Mr. Spyropoulos, along
with three other members of Greek expatriate organizations,
accused Mr. Lambrinidis of inexperience and of an inability to
co-operate effectively with the relevant Parliamentary committee.
Criticism was also leveled at the inclusion of Cyprus in the SAE
for the first time, particularly as the island republic had
eight representatives while the Cretan federation, one of the
largest organizations of expatriate Greeks, had only one.
They also felt the Orthodox Church was over-represented,
particularly since none of the many expatriate Greek communities
in the US had been invited to the conference.
Allegations were also made regarding the wasting of SAE money on
"fiestas, receptions and official dinners."
[22] Non-binding ECOFIN agreement on enterprises' taxation
Brussels, 03/12/1997 (ANA - P. Pantelis)
The Council of EU Finance and National Economy Ministers
(ECOFIN) reached a non-binding political agreement late Monday
on harmonizing taxation legislation for enterprises.
In addition, ECOFIN instructed the European Commission to
prepare a draft directive on taxation on savings income.
However, the "15" did not reach an agreement on the euro's
informal ECOFIN council, in which member-states outside the euro
are not expected to participate, namely, Britain, Denmark,
Sweden and Greece. The issue is expected to be referred to the
European Council in Luxembourg on Dec. 12-13.
A brief discussion on the Greek convergence program was also
held during Monday's luncheon for ECOFIN ministers.
National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou briefed his
colleagues on the course of the Greek economy and the
implementation of the convergence program. The briefing met with
positive comments.
In connection with the draft directive on taxation for savings
income, the majority of the "15" maintained that member-states
must have the right to choose one of two solutions: a minimum
limit for taxation on private deposits of citizens from other
member-states or an exchange of information between
member-states on these deposits.
[23] Conference on shipping inaugurated
Athens, 03/12/1997 (ANA)
Merchant Marine Minister Stavros Soumakis inaugurated a two-day
conference entitled "Shipping in the New Millennium, Prospects,
Challenges and International Co-operation" yesterday, stressing
the role played by Greece and the significance of the shipping
industry for the entire world.
The international conference, organized by the magazine
"Economist" with support by the European Maritime Research
Institute and the Greek-Asiatic Development and Commerce
Council, will focus on an analysis of issues concerning the role
played by shipping in international maritime commerce, as well
as international maritime legislation and its prospects.
Mr. Soumakis said shipping is directly affected by changes on
the international scene and needs new strategies and options on
each occasion for its support and development.
[24] EOMMEX exhibition
Athens, 03/12/1997 (ANA)
The Hellenic Organization of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
and Craftsmen (EOMMEX) is organizing a national exhibition of
industrial subcontractorship at the Peace and Friendship Stadium
starting on Dec. 4, in co-operation with the European Commission
and the federation of Greek industrial subcontractorship
enterprises.
The construction capacity of Greek subcontractorship enterprises
will be promoted from the sectors of metal accessories
manufacturing, metal processing, electrological and electronic
equipment, raw materials, plastics and rubber and components
made of wood and glass and ceramics.
[25] Olympic Airways named Bulgaria's carrier for 2000 Olympics
Athens, 03/12/1997 (ANA)
Olympic Airways and Bulgaria's Olympics Committee yesterday
signed an agreement naming the Greek airline as carrier for the
committee and Bulgarian athletes to the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.
In the three-year run-up to the Games, Olympic Airways will
carry around 5,000 athletes and officials to meetings abroad.
Under the terms of the agreement, Olympic has the right to use
the committee's logo for three years.
[26] Exhibition of Greek products in Skopje
Skopje, 03/12/1997 (ANA- M. Vichou)
The largest ever exhibition of Greek products in the Former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), organized by HELEXPO,
and with the participation of more than a hundred firms, opens
today at the exhibition center here.
National Economy Under-secretary Alekos Baltas will attend the
opening ceremony, while a conference on banking and customs
regulations and the possibility of co-operation between the two
countries will take place at the Continental Hotel on Thursday.
Events will also include a performance of Sophocles' "Ajax" by
the State Theater of Northern Greece, and a fashion show at the
Continental hotel.
[27] Greece funds water supply, wastewater and flood prevention works
Athens, 03/12/1997 (ANA)
Greece's public works ministry yesterday released 640 million
drachmas in funds to tender water supply, wastewater and flood
prevention works in the prefectures of Etoloakarnania, Karditsa
and Messinia.
The largest of the three projects is a water supply and drainage
scheme for Etoloakarnania, budgeted at 425 million drachmas.
[28] Greek equities end higher, led by banks
Athens, 03/12/1997 (ANA)
Greek stocks ended 0.86 percent higher yesterday driven by banks
after a 2.60 percent surge lost its momentum in a mass sell-off
of mostly industrial paper. The Athens general share index
finished higher for the sixth straight session after retaking
the psychological 1,500 level on Monday to finish at 1521.57
points, well off the day's highs.
Block trades boosted turnover with 50.6 billion drachmas
changing hands, up from 24.3 billion in the previous session.
Sector indices were mixed. Banks jumped 2.61 percent, Insurance
edged up 0.09 percent, Leasing rose 0.69 percent, Investment
gained 0. 65 percent, Construction slumped 0.96 percent,
Industrials lost 0.86 percent, Miscellaneous crept down 0.61
percent and Holding soared 2.66 percent.
Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) remained
unchanged at 5,886 drachmas after finishing at the upper eight
percent volatility limit in the previous session.
Of 245 shares traded declines led advances by 117 to 99 with 29
issues remaining unchanged.
Investment Portfolio, Radio Athine, Xylemboria and Iliofin ended
at or near the eight percent upper volatility limit. Fintexport,
General Storage, Macedonia Textile Mills and Petzetakis ended at
or near limit-down, also at eight percent.
Among blue chips National Bank of Greece ended at 26,390
drachmas, Ergobank at 16,000, Alpha Credit Bank at 17,200, Delta
Dairy (common) at 3,400, Titan Cement (common) at 13,950 and
Intracom (common) at 13,950.
[29] Greek bourse to hold private placement December 10-12
Athens, 03/12/1997 (ANA)
Athens Stock Exchange SA will hold a private placement of a
minority stake on December 10-12 at 11,500-13,000 drachmas a
share using the bookbuilding method of setting a price.
Handling the placement are Alpha Finance, a member of the
private Alpha Credit Bank group, and state-run National
Investment Bank for Industrial Development.
A tentative plan to sell shares to the public was scrapped after
an upheaval on the bourse, partly linked to turmoil in financial
and equity markets abroad.
The state plans to place a maximum of 2,450,000 shares, which
represents 49 percent of the firm's share capital, among
brokerages, credit institutions, investment companies, mutual
funds, insurance funds and enterprises listed on the bourse.
The bourse and the stock depository, its subsidiary, have shown
an improvement in results over the past five years. The bourse's
revenue increased by an average annual 48 percent in 1992-1996
and the depository's profits by an average annual 47.1 percent.
Market authorities expect further growth through the listing of
more public utilities on the market and the introduction of
derivatives trade.
Details of the private placement are being given today to banks
and institutional investors.
[30] Details of decrees legalizing illegal immigrants released
Athens, 03/12/1997 (ANA)
Labor Minister Miltiades Papaionannou yesterday released details
of two presidential decrees abolishing the status of the illegal
immigrant for foreign workers without work permits as of Jan. 1,
1998.
"The presidential decrees open the way to legalization of
immigrants, judged by their place in work," he said, describing
as the basic aims of the government a crackdown on the
underground labor market as well as prevention of phenomena of
racism, xenophobia and neo-fascist activities.
The legalization of this category of foreigners is envisaged in
two stages.
On Jan. 1, the Manpower Organization (OAED) will begin the
registration of immigrants, who will be granted the so-called
White Card permitting work and residence. This will entitle them
to produce all necessary documents proving their identity and
police record until the end of May, with a possibility for
extension until the end of July. During the registration phase,
dismissal of such individuals from their workplace is prohibited.
The second phase concerns the granting of the Green Card, which
will be of a one- to three-year duration, and will be subject to
renewal for two successive years, depending on immigrant's
specialization, the unemployment rate in the particular sector,
the income which he will have acquired in the meantime etc. The
Green Card will also be valid as a passport for two months.
Representatives of immigrants' organizations were noting that
two provisions are likely to create problems: Firstly, the
requirement for the green card of 40 days' work - proven by the
relevant IKA social insurance stamps - in the first seven months
of 1998, which in the current situation is difficult to attain,
and secondly, that the renewal of the card will be decided by a
committee, the basic requirement being for the would-be legal
immigrant to prove that during the period of validity his income
was equal to 50 per cent of that specified for unskilled labor.
End of English language section.
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