Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-12-10
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1363), December 10, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] Premier says Greece determined to enter EMU by 2002
[02] Karamanlis launches all out attack against Gov't
[03] ... Papariga
[04] ... Constantopoulos
[05] Peace in former Yugoslavia of 'vital interest' to Greece
[06] Tsohatzopoulos receives new US ambassador
[07] Greece steadfast on European Conference issue
[08] Papandreou calls on EU to adopt honest attitude towards Turkey
[09] PM not prepared to sanction dissenters - Reppas
[10] Committee for Revising the Constitution meets
[11] Greenpeace blames US for looming failure at Kyoto
[12] ESHEA reaches salary hike agreement
[13] Greece does not lack sensitivity for the handicapped, BBC told
[14] Army buys Mercedes jeeps
[15] Conference on Cyprus issue starts in Athens today
[16] Respect for human rights is an one-way street
[17] HYATT to build hotel complex in Thessaloniki
[18] Vergina declared UNESCO World Heritage site
[19] Zeffirelli opens exhibition at National Art Gallery
[20] Athens mayor inaugurates 'Walking about Old Moscow' exhibition
[21] Increase in Greek banks' turnover
[22] LMF assets rocket
[23] EBEA elections
[24] TVX Gold says will not abandon Halkidiki mining program
[25] TVX protesters ready to take their cause to court
[26] Gold to be excavated in Rodopi
[27] OTE deal with Intracom and Siemens for digital service
[28] Mobile telephony
[29] Profit-taking halts rally of prices on ASE
[30] Shipyard workers strike
[31] Greece issues 12-month visas for FYROM businessmen
[32] Parliament committee debates public works draft law
[33] Agricultural Bank approves 2.6 bln Drs investment subsidies
[34] Karelias expands business abroad
[35] 'Journalism in the face of today's challenges'
[36] ANA chief holds contacts in Cyprus
[01] Premier says Greece determined to enter EMU by 2002
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
Greece is determined to enter European Economic and Monetary
Union (EMU) by the date of the introduction of the Euro, that
is, January 1, 2002 at the latest, and negotiate hard to protect
its interests, but also to play a prominent role with a positive
contribution to the evolution of the EU, Prime Minister Costas
Simitis said during Parliament's special debate on issues of
European convergence last night. The prime minister said his
government's basic vision was of a strong Greece inexorably
linked with a strong Europe of the peoples, and not simply of
the strong nations.
Greece's priorities were determined by this aim of a strong
Greece:
Firstly, the Turkish threat and the instability in the Middle
East necessitated the safeguarding of the country's vital
interests and the consolidation of peace and security.
Secondly, a competitive economy and sustainable development.
Thirdly, enlargement of the Union and co-operation with those
countries in the Balkans and eastern Europe wishing to
participate in the building of a new European reality.
Fourthly, more democracy and participation, transparency and
efficiency.
In the negotiations with the other member-states, Greece would
seek to ensure the political control in the framework of EMU, so
that the course of the EU may not be exclusively determined by
monetary authorities, he said.
He stressed that as he found in his recent meetings with
counterparts in London and Paris, Greece's partners were
supportive of its efforts to achieve convergence.
Regarding the issue of the proposed, French-inspired, European
Conference, with the participation of the 15 member-states, 11
prospective members and Turkey, Mr. Simitis said the content of
the conference was unclear, as the issues for discussion had no
t been determined, and, therefore, Greece considers it
unnecessary.
Nevertheless, he said Turkey could conceivably participate in
such a conference under three conditions, namely a recognition
of the jurisdiction of the International Court at The Hague, the
unimpeded course of Cyprus towards EU accession, and progress i
n the talks for solving the Cyprus problem on the basis of UN
resolutions.
He reiterated that Turkey had no right to raise objections to
another country's entry to the EU.
The prime minister said Greece was in favor of a simultaneous
start to negotiations with all 11 prospective members - citing
Bulgaria and Romania as examples that should also be included
from the start.
The prime minister referred extensively to Greece's positions on
a number of issues crucial for the future of the Union.
Regarding institutional reform, he said Greece proposes the
setting up of a committee of experts - rather than new
negotiations - which will process the relevant proposals
(weighing of votes, composition of the Commission etc.). Greece
is also in favor of upgrading the EU's policy of security, and
in this context, the Greek presidency of the Western European
Union in the first six months of 1998 would seek to upgrade its
potential for intervention, in a way that is not contrary to
NATO' role.
Regarding the economic cost of enlargement, the prime minister
said Greece would put up a strong fight so that along with the
other countries of the South, it would not lose resources from
the structural funds, and so that the Third Community Support
Framework would provide the necessary credits.
Mr. Simitis dismissed criticism that the Treaty of Amsterdam was
a failure for Greece (and also for the other small countries).
He expressed confidence that the recent Luxembourg summit laid
the foundations for an effective fight against unemployment,
having defined the mechanism for a central coordination of
policies, the results of which would become apparent in the
future.
Finally, he said that a re-determination of the Union's
orientation was necessary in the sectors of social policy and
culture.
[02] Karamanlis launches all out attack against Gov't
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis
attacked the government over its policies concerning the economy
and foreign affairs and termed Prime Minister Costas Simitis a
"Prime Minister of taxes."
In his address, Mr. Karamanlis said the sole convergence
criteria Greece has is the taxation policy applied by the
government, adding that it has imposed 49 taxes and 13 new taxes
which are included in the state budget.
"The biggest lie you have said is that no new taxes will be
imposed. The convergence you are trying to achieve is with
accounting alchemy. Leniently speaking, the divergence from the
budget this year will amount to 600 billion drachmas. You are
failing even if you achieve nominal convergence," he said.
Mr. Karamanlis spoke of the inadequate absorption of European
Union funds and lost opportunities and criticized the government
of unprecedented indifference against the agricultural
population which is creating, as he said, the danger of
desolation for the Greek countryside.
Referring to EU funds, Mr. Karamanlis said the situation "is
tragic and that while two thirds of the time at our disposal has
passed only a third of the second community support framework
has been absorbed".
"Its management constitutes blatant proof of the government's
inadequacy and incompetence," he said.
Mr. Karamanlis analyzed his party's proposals such as
restricting public extravagance, the policy of
denationalization, widespread administrative reform and the
reforming of the taxation system.
He also said that Greece is the sole country which will not be
able to participate in the first stage of Economic and Monetary
Union (EMU) against its will. He pondered who is to blame that
Greece will not be able to participate, saying: "Your omissions
, the lack of boldness, inadequacy and the lack of effectiveness
endangers the country's European course."
Mr. Karamanlis also focused on national issues and accused the
prime minister of submissiveness, adding that due to this
submissiveness Greece has been isolated and not Turkey.
Concluding his address, Mr. Karamanlis spoke of failed policies
and criticized the prime minister for lacking boldness and
instead of modernization is producing anachronism.
"Either you must change policy or Greece its government," he
said.
[03] ... Papariga
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
Communist Party (KKE) Secretary-General Aleka Papariga spoke
against ratification of the Treaty of Amsterdam and in favor of
a referendum on Greece's course in the EU.
"The convergence program and the Stability Pact are forging new,
stronger fetters for peoples," Ms Papariga said, describing as
"justified" the reaction and "indi-gnation" against the
government's decision to "hand over sovereign rights", and
stressing that in NATO and the EU, "the national borders are
being managed by others".
She accused the government of trying to project the theory of "a
small and defenseless Greece", and said that the country
possessed both wealth and potential for development.
[04] ... Constantopoulos
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
Coalition of Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos
Constantopoulos termed the government's policy as one of
secrecy, unilateral action and an attitude of fait accomplis.
Mr. Constantopoulos said that the government "secretly" changed
the Greek induction in the monetary union, initially forecast
for 1999, to 2002, and did not negotiate "politically" its
induction in the first wave.
Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) President Demetris Tsovolas
also criticized the government's EU policy.
[05] Peace in former Yugoslavia of 'vital interest' to Greece
KZeningswinter, Germany 10/12/1997 (ANA- P. Stangos)
Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis yesterday stressed
Greece's "vital interest" in the pacification of the whole of
the former Yugoslavia, during the sessions of the conference on
Bosnia at Petersburg.
"Greece borders directly on the area of the former Yugoslavia,
and a speedy and permanent pacification of the area is not of a
mere theoretical humanitarian interest to her. It is a vital
element of her national strategy, and a factor of major
importance in the management of some of its most focal interests
on the international scene," he said.
Mr. Kranidiotis described 1997 as "the best year" since the
Dayton accord, due to the full cease-fire achieved, but noted
"deficits" in the implementation of the political aspects of the
agreement, and stressed the necessity of the inclusion of the
Serbian side in the economic reconstruction programs.
"The economic recovery of all the parts of the country is a
decisive precondition for the stabilization of peace," he said.
He discreetly differentiated himself from the 'hard-line' stand
being cultivated - chiefly on the German side - in order to
force all sides to co-operate in the implementation of the
agreement, stressing that "from experience, mild diplomacy
reaches further, particularly in an area whose inhabitants are
still particularly sensitive regarding their image".
Regarding the Kosovo issue, which was included in the agenda
-causing the strong reaction of the Yugoslav side -, Mr.
Kranidiotis stated that for Greece "there is only one acceptable
solution, that which will emerge from the peaceful negotiations
in the framework of the border of the Yugoslav Federation".
Addressing the Yugoslav delegation, he advised understanding of
the interest shown by Europe and the US "for a problem which is
not only one of human and democratic rights".
"Kosovo is indeed a problem of human rights and our Yugoslav
friends must understand the priority given by Greece on the
human rights criterion, particularly when it concerns countries
with European prospects in the near or distant future," he said.
According to Greek delegation sources, Mr. Kranidiotis met
briefly on the sidelines of the conference with the foreign
ministers of Romania, Adrian Severin, and of Bulgaria, Nadezda
Mikhailova.
[06] Tsohatzopoulos receives new US ambassador
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos received the new
US Ambassador to Greece Nicholas Burns yesterday, their first
meeting since Mr. Burns arrived in Athens last week to take up
his post.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said afterwards that various bilateral issues
had been discussed. He expressed the hope that the spirit of
good relations between the two countries would continue, based
on common interests.
Mr. Burns declared the US's willingness to offer strong support
to the Greek armed forces' modernization program, adding that
the latest American aircraft would be made available to Greece.
[07] Greece steadfast on European Conference issue
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
The government said yesterday that it remained firm in its
position on the issue of the proposed European Conference for
prospective EU members, with regard whether Turkey should
participate or not.
Government spokesman Demetris Reppas said that today's meeting
between Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and his Luxembourg
counterpart Jean-Claude Juncker, whose country currently holds
the rotating European Union presidency, might create the
conditions "for a change of stance and a re-examination of the
issue".
He underlined however that at the present time this did not
appear likely. A number of EU countries have proposed that
Turkey participate in the European Conference, while Greece said
Ankara should be allowed to participate only if it first
fulfilled prerequisites which Athens insists govern relations of
all civilized countries.
[08] Papandreou calls on EU to adopt honest attitude towards Turkey
Brussels, 10/12/1997 (ANA- P. Pantelis)
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou has called on the
other members of the European Union to adopt an honest attitude
towards Turkey, and reiterated that Greece is in favor of the
neighboring countries' European orientation.
"I am under the impression that certain countries want to have
both their cake and eat it. They want to have good relations
with Turkey, but without letting it approach Europe ...
(However) we must tell the Turks what exactly we expect of them
if they a re to become members of the Union. If we are clear,
they will decide to proceed. If they think we are simply engaged
in a public relations exercise, they will not decide on real
changes," he said in an interview with the Belgian newspaper
'Libre Belgique' .
"Contrary to the prevailing view, Greece has no doubt regarding
Turkey's European orientation... We do not discriminate on the
basis of religious or cultural criteria. The European Union,
however, has basic principles: democratic institutions, respect
for human rights, the rule of law. All countries wishing to
become members must accept them ... Ankara must make an effort
in the right direction," he added.
"Certain member-states hide behind Greece so as not to tell
Turkey they don't want it as a member. Greece has differences
with Turkey. And it is easy to say to Turkey that Greece is the
problem ... I am not sure how many of them want Turkey in," he
said.
[09] PM not prepared to sanction dissenters - Reppas
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
Faced with several questions yesterday regarding the functioning
of the government, particularly after the recent difference of
opinion expressed by Education Minister Gerassimos Arsenis,
spokesman Demetris Reppas reiterated that the prime minister did
not wish to exercise his authority by issuing sanctions.
Mr. Reppas noted that each minister had a personal
responsibility to confront each issue according to decisions
taken by government bodies, while the prime minister's job was
to judge whether their statements and actions were in line with
those decisions.
Mr. Arsenis, who was also bound by those decisions, had asked
for clarifications regarding the new NATO structure, and these
would be dealt with through regular government channels, he
added.
The spokesman emphasized that the commitment on the part of
Cabinet members to abide by these rules did not apply to the
parties, where opportunities existed for expressing different
points of view.
[10] Committee for Revising the Constitution meets
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
The discussion on the election of the President of the Republic
was concluded at the Committee for Revising the Constitution in
Parliament yesterday without any minimum agreement being reached
between the government and the opposition.
On the contrary, new proposals were tabled by the ruling PASOK
party, while Culture Minister and the party's general speaker
Evangelos Venizelos insisted in his proposal for an enlarged
electoral body which will elect the President.
Mr. Venizelos further said that the present Parliament must
decide that it should not be dissolved due to failure to elect a
President and the next should decide on the way of election.
[11] Greenpeace blames US for looming failure at Kyoto
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
The Greenpeace organization's office in Greece yesterday accused
the United States for the anticipated failure of the Kyoto
Conference on the Environment.
According to Greenpeace, US Vice-President Al Gore reaffirmed
that his country is bound by powerful financial interests, which
threaten to derail the international conference in Kyoto.
The US sent "Mr. Environment" Al Gore to Kyoto in an effort to
make an impression, Greenpeace argued, adding that his rhetoric
provoked anger.
The US discussed, early on, a small, negligible reduction in
pollutant emissions, but their proposals were full of loopholes
allowing the US to significantly increase pollutant emissions in
the years to come.
Greenpeace Director in Greece Stelios Psomas said that "before
he became US Vice-President, Al Gore wrote a book entitled ' The
Earth in Balance' in which he described in the most poignant way
the threat of the climatic changes. Today he is forgetting his
own words."
[12] ESHEA reaches salary hike agreement
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
The Athens Union of Journalists (ESHEA) and the Athens
Publishers' Union (EIHEA) yesterday agreed on a 6 per cent
salary hike for the period of Oct. 1, 1997 to Sep. 30 1998.
The same increase will be implemented on Sep. 30 1998 for the
Oct. 1, 1998 to Sep 30, 1999 fiscal year.
The agreement also covers other issues pertaining to conditions
of work, sackings and pensions.
[13] Greece does not lack sensitivity for the handicapped, BBC told
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
Health and Welfare Under-secretary Theodoros Kotsonis said
Greece is not lacking in sensitivity and care for handicapped
children compared to other European countries.
Mr. Kotsonis was invited by the British BBC radio station to
comment on a film screened by British television on branches of
the PIKPA institution in the cities of Sidirokastro and Karditsa.
"There is difficulty in distinguishing mental retardation and
psychiatric illnesses. Instructions have been given so that
individuals with psychiatric problems will be transferred to
special institutions. Tying or restricting these individuals has
been abandoned as a method in Greece years ago. Measures are
taken for the creation of specially protected rooms to safeguard
children from injuring themselves," he said.
"We believe that the film places excessive emphasis on certain
isolated cases and in general it defames our country and our
civilization. Sensitivity shown by the state towards these weak
minorities of handicapped children is an expression of our
civilization and we believe that a great deal has been achieved
in relation to social policy in the past 20 years," he added.
[14] Army buys Mercedes jeeps
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
Greece yesterday signed an agreement with the German vehicle
manufacturer "Mercedes" for the purchase of 305 quarter-ton
jeeps to cover its military needs, defense ministry sources said.
The agreement for the jeeps, valued at 4.4 billion dr., was
signed by the defense ministry's armaments procurement
directorate and the Hellenic Vehicle Industry (ELBO) with the
German manufacturer.
The sources said that 225 of the jeeps will be for general use
and 80 for the transport of injured persons. Ten of the jeeps
would cover the needs of the Hellenic Airforce.
The jeeps will be delivered by the end of 1998.
The sources said another 30 billion dr. agreement for the
procurement of 2,000 one-ton and quarter-ton military vehicles
would be signed next year.
[15] Conference on Cyprus issue starts in Athens today
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos
said the lack of a national strategy and a multidimensional
foreign policy on the part of the Greek government does not help
the Cyprus issue at this crucial phase. He was speaking after
meeting the Secretary-General of the Cypriot leftist AKEL party
Demetris Christofias.
Mr. Constantopoulos said that the closer we get to the date for
a start to accession negotiations (with the European Union) and
the holding of presidential elections in Cyprus (in February)
conditions are becoming more dangerous for Turkey to provoke
qualitatively different reactions.
Earlier, Mr. Constantopoulos held talks with Cyprus presidential
candidate George Iakovou, who is supported by AKEL, and
exchanged views on the course of the Cyprus issue.
A two-day conference on the Cyprus issue organized by the
Coalition will start in Athens today. The conference will be
addressed by personalities from Greece and Cyprus, as well as by
Turkish Cypriot politicians.
[16] Respect for human rights is an one-way street
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou in a message
yesterday on today's World Day of Human Rights, said that
respect for human rights is a one-way street for achieving
democracy, justice and social progress.
Mr. Papandreou, noting that Greece has joined the family of the
Council of Europe for the protection of human rights, added that
their respect constituted an unnegotiable principle in Greece's
foreign policy.
He also expressed the hope that neighboring countries, such as
Turkey, "which knock on the door of the European family", to
respect human rights.
In a message marking the day, the Coalition of the Left and
Progress (Synaspismos) noted that "it is a day of meditation and
struggle. And this is because the cruel violation of every
right, the executions, torture, violations of freedom of speech
and t he Press continues in the greatest part of our planet."
The Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) in its message noted that
"The respect of human rights is essentially forgotten in our
days."
[17] HYATT to build hotel complex in Thessaloniki
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
HYATT, the society which owns the casino in Thessaloniki under
the same name, announced yesterday its decision to complete its
investment program in accordance with its contract signed with
the Greek state.
The new 12-billion drs. investment entails the construction of a
new hotel complex and will bring the total amount invested since
1995 in Thessaloniki to more than 40 billion drs.
HYATT president George Galanakis told a press conference that
the new hotel complex will be completed by April 1999. It will
have a capacity of 300 beds and a conference hall which will be
able to hold 1,000 participants.
[18] Vergina declared UNESCO World Heritage site
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
The archaeological site of Vergina, where the tomb of Philip of
Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, was discovered, has been
officially declared a World Heritage Monument by UNESCO.
The official declaration was made on Monday at the site by
UNESCO General Director Federico Mayor, who was accompanied by
Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos and Greece's ambassador to
UNESCO Vassilis Vassilikos.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Mayor expressed his admiration for
the archaeological finds at Vergina and pledged that UNESCO, in
co-operation with the Greek culture ministry, would make every
effort to protect and promote them and to assist the
continuation of excavations at the site.
[19] Zeffirelli opens exhibition at National Art Gallery
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
Internationally renowned film and opera director and stage
designer Franco Zeffirelli will inaugurate today at the National
Art Gallery an exhibition of legendary stage designs, costumes
and jewelry, which were worn by famous personalities in his
operas and films.
"What you are going to see is a walk through my life," he said.
Maria Callas and Luchino Visconti were two of the great artists
he worked with.
Films such as the epic 'Jesus of Nazareth', 'Romeo and Juliette'
are works of his, which as he said emit creativity and love, two
values that he uncompromisingly defends.
Addressing Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos during the
interview, Mr. Zeffirelli said "I would gladly accept staging
the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Athens." Mr.
Zeffirelli, an Italian senator and warm supporter of the idea of
Magna Grecia, also said that: "the English must return the
Parthenon marbles."
[20] Athens mayor inaugurates 'Walking about Old Moscow' exhibition
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
"Walking about Old Moscow", an exhibition of 19th century works
by Russian artists, was inaugurated on Monday night by Athens
Mayor Demetris Avramopoulos at the Vouros-Eutaxias Museum of the
City of Athens, organized by the Club UNESCO Dodecanese in
collaboration with the two museums.
The 75 paintings and engravings by distinguished 19th century
Russian artists, being exhibited in Greece for the first time,
depict the historical monuments of the Russian capital after the
1812 fire, scenes of everyday life in Moscow and landscapes,
UNESCO Dodecanese president Dr. Giorgio Marcou told the ANA.
The works, says Prof. Marcou, who is also the honorary consul of
Italy on the island of Kos, form part of a renowned collection
at the Museum of History of the City of Moscow and are being
displayed in the context of events marking the 850th anniversary
of the founding of Moscow and the 100th anniversary of the
Moscow museum's establishment.
"UNESCO Dodecanese decided to collaborate with the Moscow and
Athens Museums of History for the exhibition as our
organization's programs also include learning about and
spreading the cultures of other peoples and countries, because
mutual understanding is the basis for coexistence, peace and
progress" Dr. Marcou said.
He said UNESCO Dodecanese had produced the exhibition catalogue
and a limited number of 200 commemorative medals for local and
visiting dignitaries, and had widely promoted the event
internationally in its belief that cultural education should not
be isolated to the culture of a person's particular country, but
should also embrace the cultural past of other countries.
"Particularly countries such as Russia, with which we share the
same religion, which is so rich from a cultural, intellectual
and artistic viewpoint as well" Dr. Marcou noted.
"The collection," said Dr. Marcou, "shows successively the
history of Moscow in details of everyday life and customs,
recording life in the city as it evolved over the centuries."
This collection is indeed a valuable ark of history and art. The
drawings, paintings and sculptures by different artists from
different periods and in different artforms, have become vital
historic documents," he said.
[21] Increase in Greek banks' turnover
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
The total assets of Greek and foreign banks established and
operating in Greece (25 and 21 respectively) increased by 10.36
per cent in 1996 compared to 1995, a development showing an
increase in the Greek banks' turnover, whether they concern
loans or securities and other activities.
The data is included in a publication by the Union of Greek
Banks (EET) on the issue of "Banks in Greece."
According to the publication, the total amount of capital
provided by banks in 1996 increased by 15.30 per cent, as
against 1995, while deposits increased by 13.35 per cent.
On the question of the Greek banks' profits, it stressed that
the total amount of net pre-tax profits in 1996 reached 103.8
billion drachmas. The amount trails behind the corresponding
figure for 1995 by 42.36 per cent, a fact explained by a
considerable increase in the amount of provisions by certain
banks for writing off bad debts and restructuring the loans and
participations portfolio.
[22] LMF assets rocket
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
The total assets of Labor Mutual Funds (LMF) amounted to 587
billion drachmas as at November 30, increasing by 68.18 per cent
compared to the corresponding date last year.
According to an announcement by the S.A. company Labor Mutual
Funds Management, the assets of the company's individual mutual
funds showed that the assets of the Labor Mutual Funds Internal
Development Share totaled 13 billion drachmas, increasing by
1,141 per cent since the beginning of the year, while its
overall yield amounted to 54.81 per cent.
In addition, the assets of the Labor Mutual Funds Stable
Internal Bond as at November 30 amounted to 85 billion drachmas,
increasing by 54.81 per cent since the beginning of the year,
while its accumulated yield amounted to 10.57 per cent.
[23] EBEA elections
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
The grouping of the incumbent President Ioannis Papathanasiou
won elections at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEA),
polling about 60 per cent of the vote. Votes were cast by 8,213
businessmen out of 40,000 eligible voters. Out of this figure
7,018 voted in the commercial sector, 1,024 in the industrial
and 171 in the export sector.
[24] TVX Gold says will not abandon Halkidiki mining program
Montreal, 10/12/1997 (ANA - I. Fragouli)
The Canadian Toronto-based TVX Gold company will not abandon its
gold mining program in Olympias and Skouries communities in
Halkidiki, investment director Ed Baer told the ANA yesterday.
Mr. Baer said that TVX Gold is financially strong, since it is
supported by major banks and also because it has presold 48 per
cent in mining futures at 422 dollars per ounce. He added that
his company will go ahead with a 550-million-US-dollar
investment in the two goldmines observing the rules of its
contract.
TVX Gold Vice-President Ian Horn, commenting on the recent
protests of the local population concerning the impact of the
mines on the environment, said that "at this moment there are 12
specialists who are examining the subject of environmental
protection. We are formulating programs in an effort to upgrade
the areas destroyed by the previous owners of the mines and to
construct new installations with the least possible impact on
the environment."
Mr. Horn noted that the protests by the area's residents
concerning the environmental impact, "are political pretexts"
and called the locals to a briefing, so they may be informed
about the technology which will be used to minimize the dangers
to the environment and to the beauty of the landscape.
[25] TVX protesters ready to take their cause to court
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
Representatives of communities in Halkidiki, northern Greece,
which are opposed to gold mining activities in the region by TVX
Hellas said yesterday that they would have recourse to the
Council of State if the company moved to establish its
installations in any location other than the site at
Ecclesiastikos Mylos. Ano Stavros community president Vassilis
Naoum told the ANA that protest action by local residents would
from now on take the form of legal action, since the
coordinating committee for the communities of Strimonikos now
had evidence on which they could base legal appeals.
Police and local residents have clashed in recent months in the
area, following residents' complaints that gold mining in the
area will have a serious impact on the environment.
TVX Hellas, a subsidiary of the Toronto-based TVX Gold company,
received a concession for exploitation of the Cassandra gold
mines in March 1995 after international tendering. Under the
privatization agreement signed in December 1995, the 67 billion
drachma investment is expected to create some 617 jobs. Local
government representatives told a press conference in
Thessaloniki yesterday that according to "reliable information",
a study by the Institute of Geological and Metallurgical
Research (IGME) had designated the area Ecclesiastikos Mylos as
the site for TVX's operations.
The chairman of the committee coordinating protests against the
mining, Antonis Stoitsas, warned the government and the
administration of IGME not to attempt "behind-the-scenes
skullduggery aimed at modifying the study".
Replying to criticism that the delay in the realization of the
investment was due to local protests, Mr. Stoitsas countered
that the delay was due to technological problems facing the
company which had not been resolved. He intimated that TVX may
have sought the delay in order to secure compensation from the
Greek state, and charged that TVX was continuing to cause
pollution in the area, despite statements by the company
underlining its concern for the environment.
[26] Gold to be excavated in Rodopi
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
The Greenwich Resources Hellas S.A. company will excavate 20
tons of gold in the Sapes region in the Rodopi prefecture. The
company's leading officials Christos Skevas and George
Triantafyllidis said that "the gold is worth exploiting. So far
150 shallow drilling operations have been carried out over a
total area of 20 km. Samples were gathered which were analyzed
chemically in the company's laboratories by special scientists."
More specifically, sampling operations were conducted at the
locations of Agios Demetrios, Ohia and Skari. Excavation will be
carried out with known methods, both underground and on the
surface. The total quantity of the gold is 597,840 ounces or
18.5 tons, but only 11.4 tons can be excavated with the "open
field" method. About 2.3 tons will be produced in the first year
(1998) and another two tons over the next 4-5 years.
[27] OTE deal with Intracom and Siemens for digital service
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
The board of the Greek Telecommunications Organization (OTE)
decided yesterday to assign the supply of digital telephony
worth 381 billion drachmas to the Siemens and Intracom companies.
Intracom's share of the deal amounts to 222.7 billion drachmas.
The deal is part of OTE's five-year development program
(1988-2002) involving digital interchanges and terminal
equipment. During that period, the organization expects to
collect increased revenue by 20 percent.
[28] Mobile telephony
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
Four of the biggest builders of mobile telephone sets in the
world, Nokia, Motorolla, Philips, and Siemens have eventually
been selected by "Cosmote", an OTE subsidiary, to supply the
Greek company with the new cellular phones DCS 1800.
In the past few days Cosmote has been in constant contact with
the four companies, in order to put the final touches to the
contracts expected to be signed in the coming days.
A Cosmote - Ericsson agreement is still pending, mainly due to
reservations by the leading Swedish firm to accept a Cosmote
proposal for co-branded sets.
Nevertheless, OTE is expected to strike a separate contract with
Ericsson for the purchase of 35,000 mobile sets, which OTE will
put out in the market.
[29] Profit-taking halts rally of prices on ASE
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
Greek equities came under normal profit-taking pressure
yesterday to end slightly lower on the Athens Stock Exchange,
reversing a 10-day advance of almost 12 percent.
The general index closed 0.20 percent lower at 1,563.75 points.
Trading however remained subdued reflecting investors'
reluctance to follow professional buying. Turnover was 16.6
billion drachmas.
Sector indices ended mixed. Banks fell 0.38 percent, Leasing
eased 0.19 percent, Insurance dropped 1.75 percent, Investment
rose 0.02 percent, Industrials increased 0.48 percent,
Constructions fell 1.61 percent, Holding rose 0.33 percent and
Miscellaneous eased 0.75 percent.
The parallel market index for small cap companies fell 0.23
percent while the FTSE/ASE index rose 0.04 percent to end at
896.50 points.
Broadly, decliners led advancers by 140 to 74 with another 20
issues unchanged.
Bank of Athens, Xylemporia, Agrinio Metal and Papoutsanis scored
the biggest percentage gains, while N. Galis, Klaoudatos, Ionian
Hotels and Mouriades suffered the heaviest losses. National Bank
of Greece ended at 27,095 drachmas, Ergobank at 15,990, Alpha
Credit Bank at 17,395, Delta Dairy at 3,570, Titan Cement at
13,200, Intracom at 14,850 and Hellenic Telecommunications
Organization at 6,220.
[30] Shipyard workers strike
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
Workers in Perama shipyards yesterday staged a 24-hour strike
demanding government measures to upgrade the shipyard zone and
create new jobs.
Strikers rallied to the merchant marine ministry in Piraeus and
handed a petition to minister Stavros Soumakis.
[31] Greece issues 12-month visas for FYROM businessmen
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
Greece's liaison office in Skopje has started issuing visas of a
one-year duration for businessmen in the Former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) since November.
The move was in the context of a bilateral agreement signed last
February aimed at promoting commercial and economic relations
between the two countries.
FYROM businessmen can obtain a Greek visa by submitting a
certificate of their membership in any of their country's
chambers.
Greek ambassador to Skopje Alexandros Mallias will host a
special event next Monday to brief FYROM businessmen on the new
visa facilities.
Mr. Mallias urged the need to strengthen credibility and mutual
respect in co-operation between businessmen and companies from
Greece and FYROM.
[32] Parliament committee debates public works draft law
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
The Greek parliament yesterday began debate on a new draft
legislation on public works aimed at ensuring conditions for
greater transparency and competitiveness and securing the public
sector's interests.
The draft law will be debated by a parliament committee.
Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas
Laliotis in his opening statement said that the new legislation
supported a drastic change in the process of public works in the
country.
"The legislation establishes a new reality. We pursue
excellence," Mr. Laliotis said.
He added that during the last four years the ministry has
completed very significant projects with respect for the
environment and helping the country's development.
[33] Agricultural Bank approves 2.6 bln Drs investment subsidies
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
The Agricultural Bank of Greece, a state-owned bank, yesterday
approved subsidies totaling 2,576 million drachmas during the
second half of the year to fund 52 investment projects.
The projects, budgeted at 5.665 billion drachmas, were
geographically distributed in eastern Macedonia and Thrace,
central Macedonia, Epirus, Thessaly, Central Greece and the
Peloponnese.
They cover 39 live animal farms, 12 farm services units and one
mushroom unit.
[34] Karelias expands business abroad
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
The presence of the "Karelias" tobacco company in European
markets keeps recording an upward trend. The company's sales in
foreign countries has further expanded, following the conclusion
of important contracts at recent trade fairs in Prague and
Cannes. Karelias now sells its products to nine countries in
Europe and the Middle East.
Also growing is its subsidiary, "Karelias Meridian", which does
business in the duty free area. The firm expects to record sales
of one billion drachmas in 1997, as compared with 665 billion in
1996.
[35] 'Journalism in the face of today's challenges'
Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
A one-day meeting was held yesterday at the Athens Journalists'
Association (ESHEA) conference hall, organized by and addressed
to journalists, on the topic: "Journalism in the face of today's
challenges".
The event was organized as a form of an ESHEA intervention in
view of an interministerial meeting of the Council of Europe on
the mass media due to be held in a few days time in
Thessaloniki, and in which the association will have no say.
ESHEA president Aristidis Manolakos, who delivered an opening
speech at the meeting, underlined the irregularities existing in
the mass media field, stressing that many problems connected to
new technologies were further complicated by an irregular state
in the mass media that the state had actually allowed to be
created.
Especially in Greece, he said, there is a "world first" in the
ownership of the area of the mass media, with the same people
controlling at the same time print and electronic media, as well
as companies having interests in the public sector. According to
Mr. Manolakos, this was a source of evil also threatening the
proper function of the political system.
Speaking on recent differences between employers and employees
during negotiations for the signing of the new collective labor
contract and ESHEA demands on institutional concerns, he said
journalists will strongly react in order to deal with such
serious problems in the information industry.
Also a speaker at the meeting was Press and Media Minister (and
government spokesman) Demetris Reppas who told participants that
at the Thessaloniki meeting, Greece was to propose the drafting
of a Charter on citizens' rights to information, under the
provisions of the European Treaty on Human Rights.
Heyden White, secretary general of the International
Journalists' Federation, observed that there was today a
widespread concern on the part of the public opinion on the role
and responsibility of the mass media and the conduct of
reporters. However, he underlined that information was a
cultural good which even though sold, was different to other
products in the free market and should therefore be separated
from the natural process of economic exploitation.
Speaking on new technologies and the Internet, Dominique Vidal,
a reporter with "Le Monde Diplomatic", said the excessive amount
of news "kills information", adding that in the net, citizens
did not know the source of the news. The meeting was addressed
by many other foreign and Greek journalists and reporters.
[36] ANA chief holds contacts in Cyprus
Nicosia, 10/12/1997 (ANA)
Athens News Agency's General Director Andreas Christodoulides
had a series of contacts yesterday with Cyprus News Agency (CNA)
officials in an effort to strengthen co-operation between the
two agencies.
Mr. Christodoulides, in Cyprus at CNA's invitation, also met
with Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, Interior Minister
George Stavrinakis and government spokesman Manolis
Christophides. He will be received by President of the Republic
Glafcos Clerides today.
End of English language section.
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