Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 98-01-22
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1396), January 22, 1998
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] Pangalos refers Turkey to The Hague over its dispute
of Greek airspace
[02] .... European Conference
[03] ... Reactions
[04] 24-hour strike today to affect urban transport, banks, etc.
[05] ... Papantoniou
[06] WEU's de Puig to officially visit Athens today
[07] Closer Greek-Turkish trade ties discussed
[08] New Greek ambassador to Paris
[09] Top US army official to visit Greece
[10] Reconstructed Trikala mosque inaugurated
[11] Gov't seeks ways of better informing overseas Greeks
[12] G. Papandreou inaugurates 'Greece in Britain' events
[13] Alternate foreign minister talks with British EU presidency
[14] Russia determined to deliver S-300 missiles to Cyprus
[15] Premier comments on transparency for 2004 Games committee
[16] Papadopoulos: State will only hire those necessary, qualified
[17] Cyprus' Lyssarides meets with Greek leadership
[18] European Information Center in Rodopi prefecture
[19] Premier springs surprise visit on state hospital
[20] Radio news bulletins in Albanian, Polish
[21] US university to publish translation of Greek dramas
[22] Prosecutor calls for Bianco's extradition
[23] Israeli travel agents wind up annual conference in Athens
[24] Greek stocks end flat, market awaits fresh incentives
[25] Greek money market's climate improves
[26] Greece's positions on EU-ACP dialogue
[27] Macedonia-Thrace Bank sale to go ahead - Papantoniou
[28] Merchant marine minister presents new harbor police regulation
[29] National Insurance group's earnings rise 94 pct in 1997
[30] Int'l marketing conference week in Greece
[31] HEPO promotion of Greek dairy products in Germany
[01] Pangalos refers Turkey to The Hague over its dispute
of Greek airspace
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos emphasized yesterday that
Ankara should take recourse to the International Court at The
Hague if it disputes Greece's 10-mile airspace limit.
Mr. Pangalos reiterated at a press conference that the limit of
Greek airspace was determined by a presidential decree in 1931
and consolidated by international practice up until 1973, at
which time Ankara began to dispute the 10-mile limit. Up to 1
973, Mr. Pangalos said, Turkey itself recognized the extent of
Greek national airspace as being 10 nautical miles.
Commenting on the Turkish argument that there is no
international agreement establishing Greece's right to 10
nautical miles, Mr. Pangalos said: "There may be no agreement,
but Ankara cannot overlook the fact that not challenging a right
for a long period is tantamount to the creation of a legal
right".
"Nothing prevents Turkey from challenging the extent of Greek
national airspace before the International Court at The Hague,"
Mr. Pangalos said, adding however, that Ankara would not do so
because this would force it to recognize the jurisdiction of the
International Court.
Regarding the extent of Greek territorial waters, Mr. Pangalos
once again referred to Athens' right to extend them from the
present six to 12 nautical miles, in accordance with provisions
of the Law of the Sea convention.
He noted that Greece had not taken practical steps to implement
this right but had repeatedly stated that "when we decide to do
so, we shall do it in a responsible manner as a major sea power".
Mr. Pangalos said the practical consequences of Greece extending
its territorial waters were very minor and "under no
circumstances of the dimension intentionally given by Turkey".
At another point, Mr. Pangalos said it was wrong to claim that
there were no bilateral contacts between Greece and Turkey,
adding that he had a long conversation recently with Turkey's
new ambassador in Athens, Ali Tinaz Tuygan. Describing the envoy
as a "very likable" and an "interesting" person, Mr. Pangalos
said he had reiterated to Mr. Tuygan that Greece harbored no
hostility towards Turkey, nor did Athens wish to see Ankara
distanced from European integration.
Mr. Pangalos added, however, that it was wrong for Turkey to
continuously seek abroad the causes for the problems it was
facing on its domestic front.
"Even if Greece disappeared from the map, Turkey would still not
attain the target it has set in Europe, because it placed the
'bar' too high..." Mr. Pangalos said.
Developments in the last few days, he continued, confirm that
Turkey is experiencing serious problems in the field of
political freedoms and democracy.
Ankara, he said, was wrong to believe that it could establish an
"autonomous relationship" with Europe which was not connected
with the problems Turkey had with Greece.
Replying to reporters' questions on the committee of experts set
up by Greece and Turkey to examine procedural aspects of efforts
to resolve bilateral differences, Mr. Pangalos said Greece had
from the outset conducted itself "honorably", appointing "real
experts" to the committee, as opposed to Turkey, which he said
appointed political figures.
"From the very outset, Greece insisted that the experts should
focus on the procedural aspect of Greek-Turkish problems, while
Ankara wanted substantial talks on all issues," Mr. Pangalos
said.
He added that Greece would raise the issue of the committees of
experts at next Monday's General Affairs Council, underlining
that Athens believed the process should continue under two
conditions - namely, the preservation of its European dimension
and the need for encouraging signs from Turkey concerning a
meeting between the members of the two committees "which will be
of a procedural nature".
The idea of the committees of experts was proposed by the EU and
accepted by Greece and Turkey. To date, the committees have been
exchanging memorandums and replies via Brussels.
According to Mr. Pangalos, it is of crucial importance for the
two sides to agree on the way in which each dispute will be
settled "in the event that we disagree during our talks".
[02] .... European Conference
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
Regarding the procedure for the participation of EU hopefuls in
the European Conference, Mr. Pangalos said that this was stated
in the conclusions of the Luxembourg summit, but referring to
Turkey indicatively, he added that the EU would expect, for
instance, some statement that it recognized the need for
negotiations to resolve the Cyprus problem.
He clarified that one would not, of course, expect Turkey to
convince Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to resolve the
Cyprus issue before the European Conference, but there should at
least be a statement making clear its intentions on this matter.
Asked to comment on Turkey's constitutional court decision to
dissolve the Welfare Party (Refah), Mr. Pangalos said that
although he was not a supporter of the banning of political
parties, it was not his business to resolve Turkey's internal
problems.
Commenting on a reference by his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem
on Tuesday, namely, "that the mouse that got angry with the
mountain, and the mountain did not even notice," Mr. Pangalos
said: "if Mr. Cem referred to our two countries, then his
reference is unworthy of comment".
Finally, he added that US State Department special coordinator
for Cyprus Thomas Miller, who held talks with the Turkish
leadership, told him at their recent meeting that there are no
encouraging signs at the moment.
[03] ... Reactions
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
Commenting on Mr. Pangalos' statements, main opposition New
Democracy party spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos said they were at
least curious, and needed immediate clarification.
"Mr. Pangalos surely knows that the determination of the limit
of the airspace is a unilateral act of a sovereign state and
does not need ratification through an international agreement,"
he said.
Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras said Mr. Pangalos'
statements were "an anteroom for referring to The Hague all of
Ankara's paranoid claims".
"Today we are bringing the whole of the Aegean to trial," he
added.
[04] 24-hour strike today to affect urban transport, banks, etc.
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
The government and trade unions are on collision course in light
of today's 24-hour strike, called by the General Confederation
of Workers of Greece (GSEE) at all public utilities and
state-run banks.
As of midnight yesterday, urban transportation and the Athens to
Kifissia electric railway were scheduled to go on strike, while
Olympic Airways will only carry out one flight to each domestic
destination. In addition, major delays are expected for Greek
Railways Organization (OSE) schedules, since staff will only
allow six trains to run.
The Public Power Corp. (DEH), the Hellenic Telecommunications
Organization (OTE), the ELTA postal service, the Athens Water
and Sewerage Company (EYDAP), public banks and remaining
utilities (DEKO) will also strike.
The cause for the strike is a clause in the taxation bill,
amending the status of labor relations in public utilities.
The government and the trade unions appear to agree that
dialogue and negotiations will be necessary for whatever change
in labor relations and staff regulations at major public
enterprises. Disagreement continues to exist on the crucial
question who will take the final decisions in the event of
disagreement.
Trade unions believe that a matter of principle is being created
with state interference in collective negotiations and GSEE
President Christos Polyzogopoulos said that legislative
interventions create a problem of circumvention of international
labor agreements, and even of the Constitution itself.
The trade unionists consider as a minimum basis for an agreement
a return to the status set out by law 2414/96 which anticipates
that the decision ultimately taken for changes in regulations at
public utilities is taken by the Mediation and Arbitration
Organization (OMED).
OSE announced that due to the 24-hour nationwide strike, the
following trains will run today:
The trains 500/501 on the Athens-Thessaloniki-Athens route.
604/613 on the Thessaloniki-Dikaia-Thessaloniki route.
302/303 on the Piraeus-Patras-Kyparissia-Kalamata route.
The commercial trains 53422/53423 will be running on the
Piraeus-Megalopolis-Piraeus route and 23722/23723 on the
Dialogi-Komanos-Dialogi route.
Staff will also be provided to cover special trains which might
have to run for military purposes or for perishable goods.
[05] ... Papantoniou
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
On his part, National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos
Papantoniou said yesterday that the controversial provision will
be applied only to loss-making or bankrupt public enterprises
and corporations.
Mr. Papantoniou said the provision would not affect DEH, banks
or OTE, but would affect Olympic Airways, urban transport, the
post office and OSE.
He said urban transport organizations alone have debts of 850
billion drachmas, which will be accommodated by legislation to
be submitted to Parliament later in the year.
Mr. Papantoniou said the provision would be amended to clarify
the situation and the revised version submitted to Parliament on
Tuesday.
"Our ultimate aim is to list all public companies without
exception, on the condition that they all undergo
restructuring," Mr. Papantoniou said.
[06] WEU's de Puig to officially visit Athens today
Paris, 22/01/1998 (ANA - O. Tsipira)
In a statement on the eve of his visit today to Athens, the
president of the West European Union's (WEU) Parliamentary
Assembly, Luis-Maria de Puig, said "we expect a great deal from
the Greek presidency in various sectors, and in particular with
the future operation of the parliamentary assembly itself."
Mr. de Puig, who is due in Athens this evening, will hold talks
with Greek leadership over the next two days to define in detail
priorities in Athens' action program, which holds the six-month
presidency as of Jan. 1, 1998.
"The decision to come to Athens was clearly personal. I am not
always accustomed to visiting capitals. However, there is such a
feeling of communication with the Greek authorities that I
wished to show that they will have our full support.
"In parallel, we hope that Greece will try over the next six
months to defend the positions of the parliamentary assembly and
give the necessary impetus for a solution to some of its basic
problems," he said.
Mr. de Puig and many other members of the parliamentary assembly
have placed many hopes on the Greek presidency, particularly
after the two more or less disappointing French and German
presidencies.
"Odd as it might seem, in an organization such as the WEU, a
small country like Greece often has bigger possibilities than a
larger country to secure a consensus and be able to convince on
important issues it will desire to promote," Mr. de Puig added.
He further said that the parliamentary assembly expects and
hopes the Greek presidency will give the WEU the possibility of
being able to proceed with the assumption of an operation, even
when all members are not agreed. It further hopes that until the
ministerial summit meeting in Rhodes in May the mechanism will
have been defined which will permit countries agreeing on an
action to go ahead independently from countries having a
different view.
The creation of the European Armaments Service. It will be a
necessary body to coordinate, the organization of production,
procurements, and the export and development of weaponry
systems. Infrastructure existing to date only has jurisdiction
in the research sector, without the possibility of signing
contracts for procurements, etc.
The determination of duties and the composition of a military
committee created in June 1997. This new body is considered a
necessary go-between after the taking of political decisions
after their implementation. It is up to the Greek presidency to
promote the definition of duties and of the way it will be
incorporated in the WEU's decision-making mechanisms.
Mr. de Puig will meet with President of the Republic Kostis
Stephanopoulos and Prime Minister Costas Simitis, as well as
Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, Foreign Minister
Theodoros Pangalos, National Defense Minister Akis
Tsohatzopoulos and ma in opposition New Democracy leader Costas
Karamanlis.
The WEU official and Mr. Pangalos will give a joint press
conference at noon tomorrow.
[07] Closer Greek-Turkish trade ties discussed
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
Turkish ambassador in Athens Ali Tinaz Tuygan yesterday visited
the president of the Association of Greek-Turkish Business
Co-operation, Panayiotis Koutsikos.
The two men discussed the course of Greek-Turkish trade as well
as the activities of businesses in the two countries, expressing
their belief that the development of closer trade relations will
aid efforts at normalization of bilateral relations.
Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis, in commenting on
the meeting, said that while Greece is not against such
initiatives towards closer trade relations, only the political
will of Turkey through the acceptance of international law can
lead to normalization of bilateral relations.
[08] New Greek ambassador to Paris
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
Ilias Klis, head of the Greek-Turkish relations section at the
foreign ministry, has been named as Greece's new ambassador to
Paris, replacing Haralambos Korakas, who is retiring, Foreign
Minister Theodoros Pangalos announced yesterday.
Mr. Klis, a career diplomat, has previously served as head of
the Middle East and North Africa section at the Foreign Ministry
and as Greece's General Consul in Istanbul.
Mr. Pangalos said Ambassador Klis' placement would assume his
post most likely in March.
He said the appointment was in "recognition of Mr. Klis'
contribution to the ministry".
Mr. Pangalos also announced that the ministry would hold
competitions to hire new diplomatic personnel in April and
December this year.
He added that the ministry would begin looking into purchasing
real estate abroad to house Greek embassies to reduce the cost
of renting premises. He said that the state currently paid four
billion drachmas a year on rentals.
[09] Top US army official to visit Greece
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
The chief of the US Army General Staff, Gen. Dennis Reimer, will
pay an official visit to Greece between Jan. 22-25 at the
invitation of his Greek counterpart, Lt.-Gen. Manousos
Paragioudakis.
During his stay, the high-ranking US military official will be
received by the national defense ministry's leadership, and will
hold talks with Lt.-Gen. Paragioudakis on issues of mutual
concern.
He will also visit military formations, army units, as well as
archaeological sites.
[10] Reconstructed Trikala mosque inaugurated
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
The reconstructed Osman-shah mosque in Trikala, central Greece,
was inaugurated yesterday. The 16th century mosque, designed by
the medieval Greek architect Sinan, will be used as an art
gallery and for cultural events.
The municipality of Trikala will retain management, while the
first event, a photo exhibition entitled "Byzantine
Heritage-International Heritage" is already in progress. The
exhibition is a photographic collection of buildings included in
the UNESCO catalogue of international heritage monuments.
[11] Gov't seeks ways of better informing overseas Greeks
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
Problems with media broadcasts to overseas Greeks were discussed
at a meeting of the relevant Parliamentary committee, where
Press Minister Demetris Reppas promised improvements with regard
to both quality and quantity.
"(State radio station) ERA 5 is broadcasting programs to 14 of
the most important regions 24 hours a day, while television
programs are being sent via satellite to Europe, the US and
Canada. This service will soon be extended to Australia, as
well," Mr. Reppas said.
He also referred to initiatives by the General Secretariat for
Information to invite journalists of Greek descent to visit
Greece (40 have been invited this year) and to award prizes to
overseas Greek radio and television programs and journalists.
The minister also announced plans to create a unified satellite
program with the participation of all television broadcasters.
Existing problems, chiefly concerning copyright, were being
ironed out, according to Nikos Sotiriadis, program director for
the satellite service. He added that the final form of the
program would soon be ready and that it would meet most of the
criteria that had been set.
Athens News Agency General Director Andreas Christodoulides
referred to the ANA's "two-way" relationship with overseas
Greeks, which he said was "very constructive", although he noted
an unwillingness on the part of expatriate Greek media to pay
for services, such as a special daily bulletin for overseas
Greeks and Cypriots which contained 150 news items, as well as
photographs.
Newspaper publishers present at the meeting referred to
transport problems involved in sending newspapers abroad as well
as a lack of information regarding the activities of overseas
Greeks.
According to committee president Grigoris Niotis, there are 191
newspapers and magazines, 138 radio stations and 41 television
stations directed at expatriate Greeks.
[12] G. Papandreou inaugurates 'Greece in Britain' events
London, 22/01/1998 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou yesterday
inaugurated at the House of Commons the "Greece in Britain"
program of events, occurring during the tenure of the British EU
presidency.
British Culture and Sports Secretaries Chris Smith and Tony
Banks, respectively, former Tory party vice-Chairman Jeffrey
Archer and 10 other deputies from all parties attended the
inauguration.
Mr. Papandreou in his speech said Greece placed much hope in
British leadership during its tenure.
"The challenges are many: Unemployment; the protection of the
environment; promoting the respect for human rights; fighting
crime and drug trafficking, supporting life long education;
promoting peace; security and co-operation; starting the
historic process of enlargement with countries only recently
part of the communist block; and, of course, with Cyprus - while
negotiating a solution so that the last Berlin Wall is torn down
so that the two communities might live together in peace," he
said.
He added the program of events aimed to combine the finest of
the past two millennia with the best of the present, which would
also be the motto for the Olympic Games of 2004.
"We hope to draw on our past in order to provide a vision for
the future. One such example pertains to our efforts to rekindle
an ancient tradition in our modern world. The tradition of the
'Olympic Truce', where all lay down their weapons so as to
travel safely to take part in the games - the games which
sometimes became the negotiating grounds for peaceful solutions
to violent conflict," he said.
Mr. Smith spoke with enthusiasm about the program of events,
which he described "as the large jewel on the crown" in the
context of events that will take place in the first half of the
year.
The events began last night with a Byzantine music concert with
Lycurgus Angelopoulos' choir and the London Symphonietta at the
Royal Festival Hall. Composer John Taverner also presented his
work "Seeing", which he has written for the Delphi Center.
A reception will be held at the Greek embassy tonight for Greek
letters in Britain.
[13] Alternate foreign minister talks with British EU presidency
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
Greece's Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou had talks
in London yesterday with British International Development
Secretary Claire Short on the problems facing the Balkan region.
Mr. Papandreou stressed Greece's particular interest in the
region and underlined the problem facing the Balkan states by an
influx of refugees, mainly Kurds.
Mr. Papandreou also discussed with Ms Short European Union
co-operation with and assistance to the 70 Asian, Caribbean and
Pacific (ACP) countries under the Lome Convention.
As current president of the European Union Council, Britain is
giving priority to supporting ACP countries, most of which are
members of the Commonwealth.
[14] Russia determined to deliver S-300 missiles to Cyprus
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
The Russian government will fulfill its obligations concerning
the implementation of the contract for the supply of S-300
anti-aircraft missiles to Cyprus during 1998, Moscow's envoy in
Athens, Valentina Matvienko said yesterday.
"No threat from Turkey or any other country can change our
decision. If the Cyprus government wants (the missiles), Russia
will fulfill its obligations, because these (weapons) systems
are of a defensive nature and it is Nicosia's undeniable
right..." Ms Matvienko said.
Russia, she continued, will find the most appropriate way to
send the missiles to Cyprus.
Asked how Russia would react if Turkey carried out its threat to
attack any ships carrying the missiles, Ms Matvienko condemned
Ankara for resorting to threats.
"As we enter the 21st century, politicians and diplomats should
not be using the language of war threats. I do not think (Turkey
has) such a capability and I believe that the international
community has many ways to put in its place any state which
violates international law and uses the language of threats,"
the envoy said.
Ms Matvienko concluded by saying that if necessary, Russia had
the capability to take corresponding measures in the event its
national interests were threatened.
[15] Premier comments on transparency for 2004 Games committee
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday stated in Parliament
that the government is giving close consideration to
transparency and honesty to financial management issues of
public works for the 2004 Olympic Games.
Mr. Simitis, answering a question, repeated that members of a
national committee as well as those of the governing board of
the "Athens 2004" sociiti anonyme will be announced within the
week, while the first meeting is scheduled for next Wednesday.
The prime minister also said that the goal for the 2004 Games
will not only be "athletic-financial," as other initiatives,
such as a proposed international Olympic armistice, will be at
the forefront.
The government is doing its utmost to ensure that there is
complete transparency in everything related to the organization
of the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004, government spokesman
Demetris Reppas said yesterday.
Mr. Reppas denied that the organizing committee for the Games
would be able to place contracts for projects with contractors
directly, thus circumventing the relevant legislation.
Mr. Reppas said that the parliament discussion of the
legislation for the organization of the games would provide a
forum for differing viewpoints.
"The government has taken draconian measures to ensure
transparency," Mr. Reppas said.
A three-member committee of judges will carry out "pre-emptive"
checks, he added, while checks would also be conducted on the
procedures for placing contracts on all projects worth more than
100 million drachmas.
[16] Papadopoulos: State will only hire those necessary, qualified
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
The public sector will cease being a refuge for the unemployed
and only those necessary and possessing special qualifications
will be hired, Interior and Public Administration Minister
Alekos Papadopoulos stressed yesterday.
He was commenting on a demonstration at the same time by a few
hundred successful applicants of a public sector examination in
1995, all of whom are still awaiting their appointment.
Mr. Papadopoulos left open the possibility that a draft
amendment, which protesters claimed is contradictory to a court
ruling endorsing their demands, might not be tabled in
Parliament after all.
[17] Cyprus' Lyssarides meets with Greek leadership
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
Cyprus EDEK Socialist Party leader and presidential candidate
Vassos Lyssarides yesterday had a series of meetings with
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, Foreign Minister
Theodoros Pangalos, Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis
and PASOK Secretary Costas Skandalidis.
Mr. Lyssarides noted during the meetings that he is expecting
drastic developments on the Cyprus issue, after the presidential
elections, set for Feb. 8.
On his part, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said that the joint defense
doctrine between Greece and Cyprus will be continually
reinforced and that any action by Turkey in Cyprus or the Aegean
will be answered by the Greek armed forces.
[18] European Information Center in Rodopi prefecture
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
The European Information Center (EKP) of the Rodopi prefecture
is operational, ready to aid businessmen and the media on
obtaining information about the European Union regulations and
law. EKP will also organize seminars on trade and commerce.
A similar information center is successfully operating in Kavala.
[19] Premier springs surprise visit on state hospital
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis surprised staff and patients at
the Athens General Hospital (Laiko) yesterday when he arrived
for a spot-check on one of Greece's largest state hospitals.
Mr. Simitis chatted with patients, many on camp-beds located in
corridors, and listened to their complaints.
"You need to place emphasis on health and hospital issues, Mr.
prime minister," one patient was reported as telling Mr.
Simitis, who replied:
"That's why I'm here."
The hospital was not scheduled to receive emergency medical
cases during the prime minister's visit.
Mr. Simitis, accompanied by health ministry officials, toured
outpatients clinics, operating rooms and laboratories.
In a statement issued later by his office, the prime minister
said he had formed the impression that the congestion recorded
at the particular hospital was due to the transfer of many, not
necessarily serious medical cases from the provinces, and to its
good reputation.
He asked the health ministry to set up afternoon outpatient
clinics in the capital's major hospitals, and to reorganize
emergency room departments.
Yesterday's surprise visit was the second in as many months. In
November, he visited the state Social Security Foundation (IKA)
medical center in Neos Kosmos, where he commented on delays and
absent doctors, although he characterized the center's operation
as "satisfactory".
Government spokesman Demetris Reppas said later that the prime
minister would continue to make spot-checks on public
institutions, like today's on the General Hospital, as this was
part of the wider framework of working to resolve problems.
[20] Radio news bulletins in Albanian, Polish
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
Athens Mayor Demetris Avramopoulos yesterday announced that
Athens' 9.84 municipal radio station will broadcast news
bulletins in Albanian, Polish and Tagalog for Filipino nationals.
Mr. Avramopoulos said that this initiative is part of an effort
to better inform such nationals in Athens.
[21] US university to publish translation of Greek dramas
Philadelphia, 22/01/1998 (Reuters/ANA)
The first complete English translation of ancient Greek drama in
more than 60 years will be available early next year from the
University of Pennsylvania Press, officials said on Wednesday.
Twelve volumes of the new Penn Greek Drama Series will span 49
plays in all, including the tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles
and Euripides, as well as the comedies of Aristophanes and
Menander.
Forty translators were assembled to produce the work.
Among them are Pulitzer Prize winners Carolyn Kizer and Henry
Taylor, and Frederic Raphael, who won an Oscar in 1965 for the
script of the film "Darling", which starred Dirk Bogarde, Julie
Christie and Laurence Harvey.
The last complete collection of ancient Greek drama to appear in
English was published by Random House in 1938.
The University of Chicago re-translated the tragedies in the
1950s. Oxford University Press started publishing new
translations of the tragedies in 1973 and has since produced 20
plays, each in a separate volume.
Five thousand copies each of the first three volumes in the Penn
series appeared last month. They were: The Oresteia, with
Agamemnon, the Libation Bearers and the Eumenides; Euripides One
with Medea, Hecuba, Andromache and the Bacchae; and Euripides
Two with Hippolytus, Suppliant Women, Helen, Electra and Cyclops.
Due out this spring is a third volume of Euripides, the first
two volumes of Sophocles, and one volume of Menander. The target
date for completing the series is the spring of 1999.
[22] Prosecutor calls for Bianco's extradition
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
An appeals court prosecutor yesterday called for the extradition
of Italian national Enrico Bianco, rejecting his claim that
charges brought against him by Italian authorities concerned
activities of a political nature rather then relating to
criminal law.
He noted that Italian authorities had already acquitted him of
political activities that might have been connected with the
murder of former Italian premier Aldo Moro in 1977.
Mr. Bianco himself again rejected the charges relating to the
committing of grand larceny, attempted robbery and illegal
possession of firearms, claiming that his activities were not
related to terrorist organizations and that Italian authorities
had asked for his arrest and extradition for reasons of
expediency.
[23] Israeli travel agents wind up annual conference in Athens
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
The annual conference of Israeli travel agents began on Tuesday
and will be concluded at a downtown Athens hotel today with the
participation of hundreds of Israeli tourism professionals.
The opening event was addressed by Greek National Tourist
Organization (EOT) Secretary-General Nikos Skoulas, the mayor of
Veria Yiannis Hasiotis, the president of the Jewish Community of
Thessaloniki, Andreas Sefiha, as well as the president and
managing director of the Union of Israeli Travel Agents, Mosik
Brikman, and Yosi Fatael, respectively.
In the past four years, despite serious problems in airline
linkage between the two countries, the annual increase tourist
arrivals from Israel to Greece exceeds 25 per cent.
Mr. Skoulas made a detailed presentation of improvements in
Greece's infrastructure through several major projects underway.
He also made special reference to the close ties of friendship
and co-operation between the two countries which can, as he
said, constitute a binding link for co-operation in the
Mediterranean.
In another development, the Israeli company Netafim will
organize a conference on "Agricultural and bio-organic
cultivations" on January 30-31 within the framework of the
Agrotica exhibition.
Greek and Israeli experts will focus on issues concerning
greenhouse technology, tree cultivation, open cultivations,
flower growing and bio-organic cultivations. The event will take
place at Helexpo's convention center in Thessaloniki.
[24] Greek stocks end flat, market awaits fresh incentives
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
Greek equities ended yesterday's session with minor changes
reflecting lack of fresh incentives and direction in the market
and reluctant trading due to an unstable domestic interbank
market.
The general index closed 0.06 percent off at 1,439.30 points,
ending a three-day advance.
Construction shares came under heavy pressure to end 3.0 percent
lower. Other sector indices were mixed. Banks fell 0.15 percent,
Insurance rose 0.07 percent, Leasing increased 1.06 percent,
Investment ended 0.52 percent up, Industrials eased 0.21
percent, Miscellaneous rose 0.36 percent and Holding ended 1.10
percent higher.
The parallel index for small cap companies rose 0.75 percent,
while the FTSE/ASE index ended 0.17 percent down to 790.21
points.
Trading was moderate with turnover at 14.9 billion drachmas.
Broadly, decliners led advancers by 125 to 87 with another 22
issues unchanged.
Macedonia-Thrace Bank, Eteva, Agrinio Metalplastics, Singular
and Pairis scored the biggest percentage gains at the day's
upper limit of 8.0 percent, while Macedonian Mills, Dane, Desmos
and Alysida suffered the heaviest losses.
National Bank of Greece ended at 20,795 drachmas, Ergobank at
13,640, Alpha Credit Bank at 14,105, Delta Dairy at 2,800, Titan
Cement at 13,400, Intracom at 14,970 and Hellenic
Telecommunications Organization at 5,600.
[25] Greek money market's climate improves
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
Greece's interbank interest rates moved lower yesterday after
nervous trade despite a new intervention by the Bank of Greece.
Bankers said the central bank drained 150 billion drachmas in
excess liquidity at 19 percent helping move interest rates lower.
The overnight rate fell to 10.5 percent, while short-term
interest rates ranged around 14 to 17 percent for one and three
months respectively.
The central bank also reported inflows totaling 50 million ECUs
at the drachma's fixing.
The Greek currency rose 0.13 percent against the ECU. It was
0.29 percent higher against the US dollar.
Bankers said however that the Greek derivatives bond market
remained stagnant.
[26] Greece's positions on EU-ACP dialogue
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
Negotiations between the EU and ACP states for the next Lome
Convention begin next month. The existing convention, signed in
December 1989, has a 10-year commitment period.
Britain is promoting sustainable development for these
countries, centered on the fight against poverty. It favors more
resources being made available as well as support for
development programs.
Human rights is another issue that both Greece and Britain agree
should be given priority. Mr. Papandreou confirmed Greece's
support for every effort made by Britain in this direction.
[27] Macedonia-Thrace Bank sale to go ahead - Papantoniou
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou
yesterday reiterated the government's commitment to proceed with
the partial privatization of Macedonia and Thrace Bank.
He was speaking to General Confederation of Workers of Greece
(GSEE) President Christos Polyzogopoulos, the presidium of the
Federation of Bank Employees (OTOE) and representatives of
workers of the Macedonia and Thrace Bank who had expressed their
opposition to the government's plans.
After the meeting, OTOE representatives said they would escalate
their protest action in an effort to prevent the planned sale of
27.5 per cent of the Thessaloniki-based bank's stock.
Approximately 33 per cent of the bank's share capital is
controlled by the National Bank of Greece, the National
Investment Bank for Industrial Development (ETEBA) and the Post
Office Savings Fund.
National economy ministry sources said later that the sale was
part of the government's general strategy aimed at strengthening
competition in the banking system.
Mr. Papantoniou said the bank's stock would be sold by the
National Bank on the Athens Stock Exchange "with complete
transparency".
[28] Merchant marine minister presents new harbor police regulation
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
Merchant Marine Minister Stavros Soumakis yesterday presented a
draft bill on new harbor police regulations that incorporates
provisions from the past.
Mr. Soumakis told a press conference that since the
establishment of a harbor police in Greece in 1919, authorities
had issued numerous laws regulating the force's operations
resulting in serious problems in distinguishing existing
legislation from older ones.
The new coded text includes legislation in ranking harbor
police's staff, training and code of ethics and operation.
[29] National Insurance group's earnings rise 94 pct in 1997
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
National Insurance group's premiums turnover totaled 116 billion
drachmas in 1997, a company statement said yesterday.
The statement underlined that the previous year was one of the
most important periods in the company's history due to the
completion of a merger deal with Astir Insurance, Eteva
Insurance and Panhellenic Insurance. The group's combined
earnings totaled 36 billion drachmas last year, a rise of 94
percent against the four companies' consolidated earnings in
1996.
Life insurance premium turnover totaled 47 billion drachmas,
while 69 billion accounted for general insurance contracts.
[30] Int'l marketing conference week in Greece
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
The marketing institute of the Hellenic Business Administration
Company is organizing an international conference on marketing
March 9-13 in Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Crete and Hios.
The conference will discuss the latest trends and developments
in international marketing.
Delegates will also be presented with a new survey on the
marketing's future in Greece.
[31] HEPO promotion of Greek dairy products in Germany
Athens, 22/01/1998 (ANA)
The Hellenic Foreign Trade Board (HEPO) is taking actions to
promote dairy products in Germany.
Specifically, HEPO will proceed with publishing an advertisement
in the German trade sector magazine "Milch Marketing" with the
purpose of briefing the buyers of Germany's main stores. The
advertisement, which will have the form of an insert and will be
included in the July 1998 edition, will contain informative
texts on possibilities and developments in Greece's dairy
products sector, as well as full-page presentations of Greek
enterprises concerned.
Moreover, HEPO will send a brochure on Greek dairy products to
Germany's "cheese club", which has 6,400 members.
For more information call HEPO at tel. 99.82.100 by Feb. 2.
End of English language section.
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