Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 98-02-07
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1410), February 7, 1998
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] Greek consumer price inflation slips to 4.4 pct in January
[02] EU's highest inflation rate posted by Greece
[03] Black Sea bank aims to lure investors, finance infrastructure
[04] Greek stocks jump on declining inflation
[05] Royal Olympic Cruise Lines seeks listing in NY
[06] Gov't comments on latest Persian Gulf tension
[07] G. Papandreou calls for Olympic truce to prevent strike against
Iraq
[08] New Turkish theory disputes Greek sovereignty of islets
[09] Greece hopes to send teachers to Albania
[10] Constantopoulos visits Kurdish refugee camp
[11] Evert proposal for urgent ND meeting rejected
[12] ... Karamanlis interview
[13] ... Constantopoulos
[14] Cabinet briefed on 'Cultural Olympiad'
[15] PASOK conference on ideology
[16] Tsohatzopoulos tours DASA facilities in Germany
[17] Royanmont initiative schedules March meeting in Athens
[18] Iordanescu to assume nat'l football team's helm
[19] ET-3 holds telethon for the Kalash tribe
[20] Expatriate honored for support of Greek language in Australia
[21] Internet in schools
[22] Flooding reported in eastern Macedonia, Thrace
[23] Vessel runs aground near Corfu
[24] Opposition criticism over Gov't handling of farm policy
[25] ... Tzoumakas
[26] Farm minister asks EU for debate on olives crisis
[27] Women comprise 60 percent of long-term unemployed
[28] Alumil activity in Romania
[01] Greek consumer price inflation slips to 4.4 pct in January
Athens, 07/02/1998 (ANA)
Greek consumer price inflation continued its decline in January,
dropping to 4.4 percent year-on-year from 4.7 percent a month
earlier, the National Statistics Service (ESYE) said yesterday.
The average inflation rate for the 12-month period of January
1997 to 1998 stood at 5.3 per cent, as opposed to 8.1 per cent
for the corresponding period of January 1996 to January 1997.
The figure was due to an 0.8 percent fall in January's consumer
price index (CPI) compared to an 0.5 percent drop in the same
month the previous year, ESYE said. The fall in the CPI resulted
mainly from an 8.8 per cent reduction in apparel and footwear
because of winter sales, and a 2.9 per cent drop in services and
consumer durables, again due to the sales.
Curbing the decline in inflation were a rise in telephone rates
by 1.2 per cent and an increase in tobacco prices by 2.3 per
cent.
Commenting on the fall in inflation down to 4.4 per cent,
National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said during a
press conference in London that the government had succeeded
where all its predecessors had failed.
"We are strict, a little unpleasant, but we have finally
succeeded where all other governments in the last 25 years
failed," he said.
He added that the government was resolved to continue
implementation of its economic program, and that the emphasis in
coming years would fall on the rehabilitation of public
utilities. He stressed that the effort would be crowned with
success, as it enjoyed broad popular support.
"Beyond the reactions of certain groups, which are inevitable, I
believe the social cohesion which the government has achieved
will permit the completion of this effort by 2000 without
upheavals and in a climate of general consensus. We also assume
the political cost involved," he said.
He is on a visit to London.
[02] EU's highest inflation rate posted by Greece
Brussels, 07/02/1998 (ANA - P. Pantelis)
The average annual inflation rate in the European Union dropped
to 1.7 per cent in 1997 from 2.4 per cent in 1996.
Inflation in Greece decreased to 5.4 per cent in 1997 from 7.9
per cent in 1996. In December, 1997 inflation amounted to 1.6
per cent in the EU and 4.5 per cent in Greece.
According to the monthly bulletin issued by the EU's statistical
service, the smallest percentage of 1.2 per cent of the average
annual inflation rate was recorded in Ireland, Austria and
Finland. The largest figure was recorded in Greece with 5.4 per
cent, and in Denmark with 2 per cent. In seven member-states,
the inflation rate was less than the annual average percentage
and in six the percentage was 1.9 per cent.
[03] Black Sea bank aims to lure investors, finance infrastructure
Athens, 07/02/1998 (ANA)
The first president of the Black Sea Commerce and Development
Bank, Ersoy Volkan of Turkey, said yesterday that the newly
created bank aimed to boost economic stability in the region,
attract investments, finance infrastructure works and launch
cooperation with international financial groups.
Mr. Ersoy, who will hold the Thessaloniki-based bank's first
four-year presidency, said he wanted the bank to operate
independently of politics among states participating in the
venture.
The governors of the bank, which was set up by the Black Sea
Economic Co-operation (BSEC) organization, met for the first
time in Thessaloniki on Thursday night.
The governors are from Greece, Russia, Turkey (each country
participating with 16.5 per cent), Romania, Ukraine, Bulgaria
(13.5 per cent each) and Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, Azerbaijan
and Albania (each contributing 2 per cent of share capital).
They are scheduled to meet again in Thessaloniki on March 11 to
decide on the composition of the board of directors and appoint
deputy governors.
The official inauguration of the bank is scheduled for June, and
the institution is expected to be fully operational next year.
[04] Greek stocks jump on declining inflation
Athens, 07/02/1998 (ANA)
Greek stocks ended sharply higher yesterday as the Athens Stock
Exchange celebrated a fall in the inflation rate to its lowest
in almost three decades.
The general index closed 2.45 percent up at 1,464.12 points,
showing a net gain of 4.92 percent on the week. Traders said
investors had regained confidence after turmoil in the domestic
money market seemed to evaporate and state institutional
investor s decided to intervene to support the market ahead of a
public offering of investment firms on February 17-20.
Most sector indices scored gains. Banks rose 2.84 percent,
Insurance increased 1.03 percent, Investment ended 0.74 percent
up, Construction soared 2.59 percent, Industrials rose 1.66
percent, Miscellaneous ended 0.79 percent higher and Holding
jumped 3. 27 percent. Leasing bucked the trend to end 0.04
percent down.
The parallel market index for small cap companies rose 2.51
percent. The FTSE/ASE index of blue chips ended at 789.41
points, up 0.96 percent, to show an increase of 6.26 percent on
the week.
Trading was heavy with turnover at 20.8 billion drachmas. The
week's total turnover was 76.7 billion drachmas for a daily
average of 15.3 billion, up from 13.8 billion drachmas the
previous week.
Broadly, advancers led decliners by 174 to 49 with another 17
issues unchanged.
Alumil, Agrinio Metalplastic, Viokarpet and Nafpaktos Mills
scored the biggest percentage gains at the daily 8.0 percent
upper trading limit, while Vis, Mouriades, Endisi, General
Warehouses and Daring suffered the heaviest losses.
National Bank of Greece ended at 20,930 drachmas, Ergobank at
14,800, Alpha Credit Bank at 15,450, Delta Dairy at 3,005, Titan
Cement at 13,700, Intracom at 15,250 and Hellenic
Telecommunications Organization at 5,900.
[05] Royal Olympic Cruise Lines seeks listing in NY
Athens, 07/02/1998 (ANA)
Royal Olympic Cruise Lines Inc. announced yesterday it will seek
listing on the New York Stock Exchange through an initial public
offering of 6.1 million shares of common stock at 15 dollars per
share.
The company has granted underwriters an option for 30 days to
purchase additional shares.
Net proceeds of 85 million dollars will be used to repay
existing debts; make a progress payment on two new cruise ships
the company has ordered from the German shipyard Blohm & Voss;
finance the acquisition and refurbishment of two second hand
cruise s hips purchased by the company in January; and boost
operating capital.
Lead underwriters in the offering are Lazard Freres & Co., LLC
and Donaldson, and Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation.
The lead managers are Lazard Capital Markets and Donaldson,
Lufkin & Jenrette International.
Royal Olympic Cruises offers destination-oriented cruises in the
Mediterranean, Baltic and Black Seas and in central and south
America.
Royal Olympic was formed in 1995 as a result of the merger of
Epirotiki Cruise Line and Sun Line Cruises.
[06] Gov't comments on latest Persian Gulf tension
Athens, 07/02/1998 (ANA)
Greece will not become involved in any military operations
against Iraq without a prior decision by the UN Security
Council, Defense Under-secretary Demetris Apostolakis said in
Parliament yesterday.
However, he said that although Greece would be "committed to
obey" any such UN decision, it would not be necessary for Greece
to contribute its own forces to any military operation.
Mr. Apostolakis was speaking in response to a question from
Communist Party of Greece deputy Haralambos Aggourakis regarding
the possible use of the Souda and Aktio military bases by US Air
Force planes in any new action against Iraq.
With regard to a recent meeting in Athens between US Assistant
Secretary of State for European Affairs Mark Grossman and the
leadership of the foreign and defense ministries, the
under-secretary commented that the US had made "no request for
Greek assistance or facilities in the event that the US decided
to intervene in Iraq". Therefore, he added, Greece has
undertaken no commitment to the US government.
Mr. Apostolakis also said Mr. Grossman had been informed of
Greece's opposition to the trade sanctions against Iraq and
their devastating repercussions on the children of Iraq due to
the lack of medicines and foodstuffs.
He added that Athens also called on greater quotas for Iraqi oil
exports.
[07] G. Papandreou calls for Olympic truce to prevent strike against
Iraq
Nagano, Japan, 07/02/1998 (ANA)
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou yesterday
reiterated the need to preclude any attack against Iraq during
the Winter Olympics here.
Speaking at a press conference, he added that the 15-day
duration of the Games can be used to find a diplomatic solution
to the crisis.
[08] New Turkish theory disputes Greek sovereignty of islets
Istanbul, 07/02/1998 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)
A Turkey-based research foundation again raised claims disputing
Greek sovereignty of several small Aegean islands and rocky
islets in a publication entitled "The Basic Issue in the Aegean."
The edition, published by the "Turkish History Foundation" and
compiled by a Turkish naval officer, repeats exactly the
arguments set out in a Turkish military academy manual in May
1996.
The small, rocky islets "which are not mentioned by name in
international treaties in the Aegean continue to belong to
Turkey, which constitutes a continuation of the Ottoman state",
according to the latest Turkish theory.
The purpose of the theory, according to the publication, is "a
new and basic problem which will influence the overall status in
the Aegean."
The "theory's major problem is that the Lausanne Treaty, by
which the modern Turkish state was created and its borders were
delineated in detail, explicitly states that Turkey in the
Aegean is restricted to islands, small islands and rocky islets
etc., located at a distance of three nautical miles from the
Asia Minor coasts and the islands of Imvros and Tenedos.
The Turkish military staff has recently attempted to plan
exercises or restrict regions for exercises which would help the
new theory to be implemented in practice. In one case (Gavdos,
May 1996) it opposed, on the basis of this theory, the inclusion
of the island, located south of Crete, in a NATO exercise.
Turkish diplomatic circles, despite the fact they appear
hesitant on the correctness of the new theory, are
systematically raising the issue of "gray zones in the Aegean"
lately, an expression leading directly to the new theory.
Meanwhile, Turkish foreign ministry officials asked about the
new publication said they were unaware of details of the study.
[09] Greece hopes to send teachers to Albania
Athens, 07/02/1998 (ANA)
Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis said yesterday that
the government was trying, through a cultural agreement with
Albania, to send Greek teachers to schools of the ethnic Greek
minority in the neighboring country.
Replying to a question in Parliament, Mr. Kranidiotis said that
thanks to the efforts of the Greek government, classes of
Greek-speaking schools had for the first time been operating
since September 1996 also outside the predominantly ethnic Greek
areas .
In particular, he cited the operation of such schools in
Gjirokaster, Delvine and Sarande.
Mr. Kranidiotis added that the Albanian government had accepted
the establishment of a model Greek school in Tirana by the
Friends of Education Society.
[10] Constantopoulos visits Kurdish refugee camp
Athens, 07/02/1998 (ANA)
Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos
Constantopoulos yesterday visited a camp for Kurd refugees near
Loutraki, Corinth prefecture at the head of a Synaspismos
delegation.
The delegation offered symbolic aid collected by the party's
Parliamentary group and its solidarity committee.
Commenting on his visit afterwards, Mr. Constantopoulos said the
Kurds genocide "is a disgrace for our century."
"The Kurds are political refugees who are seeking a country,
freedom, work and a life... the Greek government must take an
initiative at an international conference on the Kurdish problem
and proceed with processes for their recognition as political
refugees and the granting of political asylum," he said.
[11] Evert proposal for urgent ND meeting rejected
Athens, 07/02/1998 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy's leadership has turned down a
proposal by former ND leader Miltiades Evert for an urgent
meeting of the party's Parliamentary group, to discuss the
latest developments following the expulsion of three senior
members and the suspension of three others earlier this week.
One of those expelled, former minister George Souflias,
continues contacts with deputies and party members, exploring
the possibilities for the formation of a new party.
Sources close to him said "he has told nobody what he is going
to do because he has not made his final decisions," while some
of his aides reported that a decision has been made by the six
expelled to coordinate actions outside Parliament, as they are
the basic representatives of liberalism.
Mr. Souflias is also said to believe that it is those who remain
in the party that will face problems.
ND leader Costas Karamanlis is visiting the Achaia region over
the weekend, to attend various social functions.
Meanwhile, the Political Spring party, which is at the center of
speculation regarding its role in a possible political
realignment, asked that the name of its leader, former ND
foreign minister, Antonis Samaras, not be used in "as an alibi
in backstage games and political designs".
A statement issued said that the party's proposal for the
formation of an "anti-Simitis" front still stands, and is
addressed to all parties and political figures who believe that
the present prime minister's policy is dangerous for the country.
"A pre-condition for the promotion of this proposal is the
respect for the autonomy of parties and individuals," the
statement said.
Meanwhile, former ND prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis
dismissed a press report claiming that 7.5 billion drachmas of
the party's 10-billion-drachma deficit dates back to his term in
office.
[12] ... Karamanlis interview
Athens, 07/02/1998 (ANA)
In an interview with the weekly newspaper 'Ependytis', out
today, Mr. Karamanlis appears unwilling to make any compromises.
"I always have as a criterion the unity, cohesion, united
political position, and above all efficiency. I am not prepared
to accept any compromises on any of these," he said.
He expressed the view that the cause of all ills in his party
was fragmentation and the prevalence of personal strategies,
reiterating that he decided to expel the six deputies because
"they provided an alibi and a life-belt to a government that is
shaking. I put up with a lot for 10 months, but tolerance and
goodwill cannot be transformed into weakness for the party," he
said.
He stated categorically that there was no issue of Political
Spring leader Samaras returning to ND
[13] ... Constantopoulos
Athens, 07/02/1998 (ANA)
Asked to comment on the latest developments, Coalition of the
Left (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos said there is
confusion in policy and positions in the two major parties.
"It is clear that the two major parties can no longer
accommodate social processes, different voices and democratic
dialogue," he said.
[14] Cabinet briefed on 'Cultural Olympiad'
Athens, 07/02/1998 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis told the Cabinet yesterday said
that the "Cultural Olympiad" does not just involve Athens but
all of Greece.
He added that the goal of the effort is to minimize the cultural
inequalities in Greece, both social and geographical, and to
promote the presence of Greece abroad.
Mr. Simitis requested the speedy completion of the Acropolis
Museum and unification of Athens' archaeological sites.
On his part, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos briefed the
Cabinet on plans for the Cultural Olympiad, which is to begin in
2000 and continue in the form of a permanent, international
non-governmental institution beyond the Athens Games in 2004.
Cultural events, centered in ancient Olympia, Delphi and
Epidaurus, will be coordinated by the ministry and organized by
other agencies, including the European Cultural Center of
Delphi, the National Theater, the State Theater of Northern
Greece, the National Art Gallery and other museums.
[15] PASOK conference on ideology
Athens, 07/02/1998 (ANA)
Prime Minister and PASOK President Costas Simitis will
inaugurate the party's conference on ideology next Friday. PASOK
Secretary Costas Skandalidis will address the two-day affair.
Parliament and Europarliament deputies, central committee
members, PASOK-affiliated labor unions' members and cadres will
attend the conference.
[16] Tsohatzopoulos tours DASA facilities in Germany
Munich, 07/02/1998 (ANA - P. Stangos)
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos visited facilities
of the German aerospace firm DASA near Munich yesterday, where
he was briefed on the progress of upgrading two Hellenic Air
Force F-4 fighters.
Know-how will also be transferred to the remaining F-4s, which
will be upgraded in Greece.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos is in Munich to attend the "Political
Security Conference", starting this morning and with "Security
and the Future" being the first issue on the agenda.
German Chancellor Helmut Kohl will be the main speaker.
This year's event is being attended by more than 200
politicians, diplomats and military officers, including US
Defense Secretary William Cohen and NATO Secretary General
Javier Solana.
[17] Royanmont initiative schedules March meeting in Athens
Athens, 07/02/1998 (ANA)
The next meeting of the Royanmont initiative, a process for
stability and good neighborliness i n southeastern Europe, will
be held in Athens on March 31.
The members of the initiative, coordinated by Panayiotis
Roumeliotis, will have a series of visits and contacts between
Feb. 10 and March 15.
The Royanmont process resulted "from the vision of an enlarged
European family, based on democratic principles, peace,
stability and co-operation among peoples."
It became possible after many efforts were made for European
Union countries, the US and Russia to participate in the
Royanmont process, as well as Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, the
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Croatia, Slovenia,
Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
(FYROM), Albania and Turkey.
The process focuses firstly on improving relations between
Balkan countries and the conclusion of agreements of good
neighborliness with the ultimate purpose of avoiding conflicts
which would lead to tragic results.
Secondly, safeguarding freedom of expression and movement in the
region which will contribute towards consolidating democracy.
Thirdly, creating suitable preconditions to eliminate national
prejudices and enable social groups to come into contact
(athletes, physicians, attorneys etc.).
The meetings, due to start next week and come to a close on
March 15, are aimed at the gradual conclusion of co-operation
and good neighborliness agreements. The agreements will
constitute a springboard for the eventual conclusion of a
Stability and Good Neighborliness Protocol between countries in
southeastern Europe.
The Royanmont initiative follows a parallel course with the
Dayton/Paris initiative for peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Royanmont will not preoccupy itself with economic restructuring
programs and infrastructures development despite the fact its
targets include the mobilization of resources and means in the
EU on developing actions in the area.
Royanmont's coordinator Mr. Roumeliotis will probe the
possibilities of funding programs and will try to ensure that
other initiatives are also included in the overall framework.
Moreover, linking the Royanmont process with the pacification
process in Bosnia-Herzegovina is also anticipated.
[18] Iordanescu to assume nat'l football team's helm
Bucharest, 07/02/1998 (ANA)
Romanian coach Anghel Iordanescu yesterday announced that he
will assume the position of head coach for the Greek national
men's football team after this summer's World Cup.
Mr. Iordanescu said he agreed on all terms with the Greek
Football Federation (EPO).
[19] ET-3 holds telethon for the Kalash tribe
Athens, 07/02/1998 (ANA)
The Thessaloniki-based ET-3 state television channel is holding
a television marathon to raise money for the Kalash tribe of the
Hindu Kush, considered by many as descendants of Alexander the
Great's soldiers.
The marathon, which began last night and was scheduled to run
until dawn, is organized by ET-3 in collaboration with the
education ministry and the "Friends of the Kalash" organization.
The Kalash tribe lives in northern Pakistan at an altitude of
2,300 meters under adverse conditions. The Kalash are believed
to be descended from the Macedonian soldiers of Alexander that
remained in the area following the Indian campaigns.
The Kalamaria municipality is currently hosting 12 children from
the Kalash tribe, aged 9-17, while it intends to adopt most of
the total 30 tribal settlements and build a building in the
classical style there to serve as a cultural center, which will
be named Thessaloniki.
[20] Expatriate honored for support of Greek language in Australia
Melbourne, 07/02/1998 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)
La Tromp University in Melbourne will proclaim Greek expatriate
businessman Zisis Dardalis an honorary literature lecturer at a
special ceremony on Feb. 16.
The award will be made in recognition of his contribution
towards promoting the teaching of Greek and Greek civilization
in Australia.
Mr. Dardalis has made donations totaling about 100 million
drachmas to La Tromp University so far for the creation of a
Greek studies faculty and a national Greek studies and research
center.
"I want our language to be preserved and developed so the next
generations of expatriates not to be assimilated," he said.
[21] Internet in schools
Athens, 07/02/1998 (ANA)
Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos yesterday announced that
all schools will soon have access to the Internet.
Mr. Venizelos said he will be meeting next week with Education
Minister Gerassimos Arsenis to discuss the matter.
[22] Flooding reported in eastern Macedonia, Thrace
Athens, 07/02/1998 (ANA)
Two people drowned yesterday as torrential rains throughout
northern Greece flooded hundreds of homes and shops and
destroyed thousands of acres of farmland.
One death was reported on the island of Thassos and one in the
Evros region.
A state of emergency contingency plan for natural disasters was
put into effect in Evros, while waters of the Evros River
marking the Greek-Turkish border rose above the 4.7-meter safety
limit to 5.7 meters late yesterday, with the level expected to
rise from melting snows in Bulgaria.
Rail and roadways connections were also disrupted.
Several Kavala-area towns were hit by heavy rains, while in one
town alone more than 200 buildings were flooded.
Regional officials and deputies are expected to request
financial aid by government and European Union sources.
Meanwhile, snowfall was reported for the first time this winter
in Thessaloniki yesterday morning. Snow was also falling in
Florina, Kozani, Grevena, Kilkis and Veria.
[23] Vessel runs aground near Corfu
Athens, 07/02/1998 (ANA)
The Ecuador-flagged, Turkish-owned cargo ship "Sea Osman" ran
aground yesterday off the islet of Mathraki, northeast of Corfu,
while on route to the Yugoslav port of Veka.
Several of the vessel's cargo holds flooded, forcing the
vessel's Turkish captain to call for assistance.
The passenger ship "Daedalos", a Ukrainian cargo vessel and a
port authority tugboat were dispatched to the site.
[24] Opposition criticism over Gov't handling of farm policy
Athens, 07/02/1998 (ANA)
The prime minister is afraid of facing society's explosive
problems, being preoccupied with his own image and communication
mechanisms, Coalition of the Left leader Nikos Constantopoulos
charged in a press conference yesterday.
Referring to farmers' mobilizations, he stressed that the
country has no agricultural policy while farmers remain
uninformed.
"Nothing is being done to prepare the country for the new regime
of financing agriculture, intervocational co-operation, the land
bank, production costs, producers' organizations and new
farmers, for the recognition of the farmer's profession, and the
completion of farmers' register," he said.
"Small and medium producers, comprising the vast majority of
farmers, and particularly olive and citrus fruit growers, are in
despair and facing their obliteration," he added.
Meanwhile, Communist Party Secretary General Aleka Papariga
called for an urgent debate in Parliament on farmers'
mobilizations, saying that their problems also affected other
categories of the population. She charged the causes of the
problem should be sought in the policies of the EU and the
government.
Farmers yesterday blockaded the Athens to Thessaloniki highway
near Larissa for two hours (3-5 p.m.) and held an assembly to
discuss the progress of their mobilizations.
A rally in Larissa later gathered meager support.
The Kalamata to Tripoli highway remained closed yesterday, after
being blocked by farmers on Thursday night.
[25] ... Tzoumakas
Athens, 07/02/1998 (ANA)
Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas will meet today in
Athens with representatives of the farmers' unions of
Thessaloniki, Serres, Pella and Xanthi.
The Federation of the Serres Farmers' Unions requested the
meeting to present their demands. During the meeting, protesting
farmers will blockade the Athens-Thessaloniki highway for two
hours.
Mr. Tzoumakas will also have a meeting with representatives of
the farmers who blocked the Malgara bridge near Thessaloniki.
[26] Farm minister asks EU for debate on olives crisis
Athens, 07/02/1998 (ANA)
Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas has sent a letter to
European Union agriculture commissioner Franz Fischler asking
for an urgent discussion of problems facing Greek olive
producers.
Mr. Tzoumakas asked for the issue to be included on the agenda
of the next olive oil administrative committee meeting in
Brussels on February 11.
The minister argued that although olive product prices have
dropped significantly sales were sluggish with products
remaining in warehouses.
The situation was a cause of serious financial, social and
political problems in Greece, carrying a risk of disintegration
for the country's olive oil market, Mr. Tzoumakas stressed.
Meanwhile, olive producers continued protesting in Crete and
farmers have agreed to hold further protests along the country's
national road network.
Government spokesman Demetris Reppas called on the farmers not
to proceed to blockades and called on them to hold talks with
the agriculture minister.
[27] Women comprise 60 percent of long-term unemployed
Athens, 07/02/1998 (ANA)
More than 60 percent of Greece's long-term unemployed are women,
according to a recent report by the country's General
Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE).
The findings of the report were announced at GSEE's third
national conference, titled "Women and Employment", which began
on Thursday in Athens.
Speakers said that women made up 80 percent of the workforce in
trades involving piecework, such as the fashion industry.
Women still did not make more than 80 percent of a man's wage
for the same work despite legislation enforcing equal pay for
equal work being on the books for the past 20 years.
Greece's aging population and the subsequent burden this places
on the state social security system meant that more and more
women were being forced out of the workforce to care for ailing
relatives before having collected the required number of social
security stamps for a full pension.
However, reforms being considered to the social security system
would be of little to no benefit, since they centered on
proposals to increase the retirement age.
[28] Alumil activity in Romania
Athens, 07/02/1998 (ANA)
The Alumil Mylonas company, recently registered on the Athens
Stock Exchange, has consolidated activities in Balkan markets,
and particularly Romania, by establishing the subsidiary Alumil
Rom Industry SRL.
Alumil purchased the Bucharest installations of the Vulcan firm,
aiming at initially using its storage space to cover the
Romanian market.
End of English language section.
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