Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 98-05-12

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] WEU operational capabilities,Kosovo dominate ministerial summit

[02] Drachma firm against major currencies, reflecting confidence

[03] Greek stocks plunge on profit-taking in banks

[04] Long-term rates drop in bond auction

[05] Economy minister to address seminar on privatisation

[06] Trade delegation to visit Uzbekistan in June

[07] Xiosbank joins Dias interbank computer system

[08] Turkish defence minister says no meeting with Tsohatzopoulos planned

[09] Turks deny latest press reports regarding S-300 missiles

[10] Avramopoulos makes it official,he'll run Athens mayor again

[11] Kranidiotis,Skandalidis meet with State Dept.'s Grossman

[12] Left-wing parties from Greece,Cyprus and Turkey condemn status quo on island

[13] Ministry plans facilities for disabled

[14] Christodoulos chairs first Synod,'time for work'

[15] Campaign launched to promote programme for the elderly

[16] 'After Byzantium' in Monte Carlo exhibition

[17] Civil Aviation Authority defends Greek airspace,airport safety

[18] Athens,Sofia agree to better combat smuggling of stolen vehicles

[19] Municipalities in Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece to Carry Out Eco-Project

[20] Greek firm snares prize at International Plovdiv Fair

[21] Protest cites abuse of Orthodox priest by Albanian police

[22] Flooding in northern Evros

[23] State doctors ready to step up protests

[24] ErgoBank leadership comments on bank's strategy

[25] EOT decisions on rented rooms, studios

[26] EU directive partially deregulates natural gas market

[27] EU energy ministers ratify proclamation on renewable energy sources

[28] Greece places second in Albania import/export trade

[01] WEU operational capabilities,Kosovo dominate ministerial summit

Athens 12/05/1998 (ANA)

"It is a matter of interpretation. I would be very guarded on whether such an idea was being examined by NATO," he told reporters after the first day of the Western European Union (WEU) foreign and defence ministers' session on the Dodecanese island of Rhodes.

Fifty-six foreign and defence ministers from 28 European countries participate in the two-day WEU summit, with the participation of NATO Secretary-General Javier Solana.

The WEU comprises 10 European Union and NATO countries as full members as well as 18 associate states and observer nations from the wider region.

Mr. Pangalos told reporters that the reinforcement of the WEU's operational capabilities as well as the possibility of independent action by the organisation were at the centre of talks.

Earlier, Mr. Solana said that NATO had not adopted any decision regarding the Kosovo crisis, but all options would be considered at a diplomatic level in Brussels tomorrow.

"All options are under consideration, including a French proposal for control of military flights over Kosovo's border with Albania," he stated on the sidelines of the conference.

"NATO's main concern is the safeguarding of the security of the borders of Albania and of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)," he added.

Mr. Pangalos also denied that the idea of a NATO intervention had been discussed at the session, urging that "reason should prevail in handling such a matter."

"If Yugoslavia invited us, we would examine such a request, as we did in the case of Albania, otherwise, it would be like invading Yugoslavia, and this would anything but contribute to efforts for pacifying the region," he added.

"There are ways in which the WEU can contribute, responding to Albania's request for safeguarding its borders," he said, explaining that Albania was concerned over the possibility of the Kosovo crisis creating problems of border security".

Mr. Pangalos referred to a proposal submitted by his Belgian counterpart Eric Derycke for the setting up of a group of "wise men" to examine WEU's role in the new European security architecture.

He said that certain countries had expressed reservations but given that it had been submitted, it should be taken into account.

"Greece is not against this idea, bacause we believe that it can offer something while not causing any harm," he explained. He said the results of the session were satisfactory, and that an agreement had already been reached on the text of conclusions to be issued today.

The Greek minister specified that the ministers had agreed that ratification of the Treaty of Armsterdam, which established the new European identity in defence and the prospect of gradual progress towards merging WEU and the EU, should be promoted.

"WEU must be in continuous contact with NATO during this course, strengthening at the same time its own operational capabilities," he added.

He explained that the Greek WEU presidency had done its best, and to the degree that a measure of consensus existed, to promote this prospect.

Mr. Pangalos described as constructive the positions expressed by Turkish Defence Minister Ismet Sezgin during the session, excluding his negative response to the application of Cyprus for associate membership of the WEU.

Tsohatzopoulos : National Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said the basic subject which ministers tackled yesterday was the strengthening of the operational capabilities and the possibility for autonomous action on the part of the WEU when needed as well as on the ins tructions of the European Union.

"The recent experience from the crises in Yugoslavia and Albania now pressingly poses the question of fully utilising WEU's potential, which has not happened to date," he said.

He added that the Kosovo crisis provided a crucial point which provided an opportunity for appraisal of WEU's potential for intervention.

Bilateral contacts : Mr. Tsohatzopoulos met with British Defence Secretary George Robertson shortly before the official opening of the summit to discuss bilateral relations and issues on the WEU's agenda.

He also met yesterday with his German counterpart Volker Ruehe and will meet tonight with his French counterpart Alain Richard and possibly with his Slovakian and Slovenian counterparts.

Athens News Agency

[02] Drachma firm against major currencies, reflecting confidence

Athens 12/05/1998 (ANA)

The phenomenon, which has lasted for weeks, signals the fact that investors see healthy prospects for the country's entry into the European Union's economic and monetary union, the analysts said.

At yesterday's central bank daily fix, the drachma was at 308.85 to the US dollar; 342.72 to the Ecu; and 174.04 to the mark.

When the drachma's parity was adjusted to enable entry into the EU's exchange rate mechanism on March 14, the national currency was at 327 to the dollar and 357 to the Ecu.

The drachma has therefore risen 5.6 percent to the dollar, and 4.0 percent to the Ecu.

The government has said it hopes to join EMU by January 1, 2001, and take part in the launch of the euro, the EU's single currency, in physical form a year later.

Athens News Agency

[03] Greek stocks plunge on profit-taking in banks

Athens 12/05/1998 (ANA)

Traders said that bank shares were strongly hit by a wave of profit-taking following a government decision to sell state-owned Ionian Bank, a subsidiary of Commercial Bank of Greece, through the Athens Stock Exchange. Both banks are listed.

Ionian Bank's share price again hit the bourse's 8.0 percent limit down, driving the market lower.

The general index closed 3.76 percent off at 2,358.15 points with all sector indices losing ground.

Banks dropped 5.67 percent, Insurance fell 4.73 percent, Investment eased 1.52 percent, Leasing plunged 6.20 percent, Industrials were 1.76 percent off, Construction fell 2.10 percent, Miscellaneous ended 2.94 percent down and Holding dropped 3.11 perce nt.

The parallel market index for small cap companies ended 3.04 percent higher reflecting an appetite for higher yielding second-tier stocks.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index dropped 4.53 percent to 1,401.82 points.

Trading was considerably slower than on Friday with turnover at 52.5 billion drachmas.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 171 to 67 with another 19 issues unchanged.

Demetriadis, Dis, Shelman and Macedonian Plastics scored the biggest percentage gains at the day's 8.0 percent limit up.

General Bank, Mortgage Bank, Bank of Athens, Daring, Strintzis Lines, Attica Bank and Bank of Central Greece showed the heaviest losses hitting the day's 8.0 percent limit down.

National Bank of Greece ended at 46,000 drachmas, Ergobank at 26,350, Alpha Credit Bank at 28,250, Delta Dairy at 4,356, Titan Cement at 23,100, Intracom at 18,300 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation at 8, 130.

In the domestic money market the Greek drachma was firmer against most foreign currencies.

Athens News Agency

[04] Long-term rates drop in bond auction

Athens 12/05/1998 (ANA)

Rates dropped to 7.8 percent in the finance ministry's bond auction from an 8.6 percent starting rate.

The ministry accepted bids totalling 240 billion drachmas, or half the value of bids submitted by commercial banks.

Athens News Agency

[05] Economy minister to address seminar on privatisation

Athens 12/05/1998 (ANA)

The seminar, which is part of a series on Greece's economy, will take place on the eve of a key government meeting to be chaired by Mr. Papantoniou on accelerating denationalisation.

Entitled "Demystifying Privatisation", IOBE's seminar will focus on the process in Greece in the context of Europe, pinpointing the obstacles to success.

Speakers include Klaus-Peter Wild, special consultant to the chairman of the Denationalisation Committee in Germany, who will address trends in Europe; and Oliver Letwin, a director of N.M.Rothschild & Sons Ltd. outlining alternative solutions and proce dures.

Also scheduled to speak are CEF Corporation president Manolis Fthenakis addressing delays in Greek privatisation; Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (OTE) president Dimitris Papoulias on the political cost of privatisation and social consensus; an d the president of Neorio and Elefsis Shipyards, Nikos Tavoularis, on consensus and effectiveness.

The sessions, beginning at 1630, will be followed by a discussion with delegates chaired by Federation of Greek Industry (SEB) chairman Andreas Kanellopoulos. Also taking part are Alpha Finance S.A. president Panaghis Vourloumis and Athens Chamber of Co mmerce and Industry president Yiannis Papathanassiou.

Athens News Agency

[06] Trade delegation to visit Uzbekistan in June

Athens 12/05/1998 (ANA)

Working with OPE in organising the trip is Uzbekistan's general consulate in Athens, overseen by the country's prime minister, OPE said in a statement yesterday.

Taking part in the trade mission are Greek companies in foodstuffs, telecoms, construction, pharmaceuticals, packaging and oil. The deadline for applications to take part in the delegation is May 20. Uzbekistan has said that key areas for bilateral cooperation are joint ventures,the transfer of knowhow, and investments in sectors represented by the firms already booked to take part in the mission.

Athens News Agency

[07] Xiosbank joins Dias interbank computer system

Athens 12/05/1998 (ANA)

The bank said in a statement yesterday that entry into Dias would especially benefit customers outside Attica, whose access to ATMs has been limited.

Xiosbank, which is listed on the Athens bourse, also said it had cut its automobile loans by half a percentage point to 18.5 percent for the purchase of new vehicles, and 20.5 percent for second-hand cars.

The bank recognises 210 car salesrooms in Greece, and has issued 18,000 customers loans worth 40 billion drachmas, the statement said.

The bank's base business credit rate remains unchanged at 18.5 percent, and its Alpha deposit account is offering annual returns of 11.02 percent based on this week's rate with interest paid monthly.

Athens News Agency

[08] Turkish defence minister says no meeting with Tsohatzopoulos planned

Athens 12/05/1998 (ANA)

Mr. Sezgin said that he is ready to meet Mr. Tsohatzopoulos either in Turkey or Greece. Referring to Aegean confidence-building measures (CBMs) between Athens and Ankara, Mr. Sezgin said relevant discussions are taking place at a diplomatic level in NAT O and that they will continue, without making further statements on the issue.

Mr. Sezgin said his country is opposed to the strengthening of relations between Cyprus and the West European Union (WEU), saying that according to the Turkish side this cannot take place since the Cypriot government only represents the Greek Cypriots and "not all of Cyprus."

Athens News Agency

[09] Turks deny latest press reports regarding S-300 missiles

ANKARA 12/05/1998 (ANA - A. Abatzis)

Athens News Agency

[10] Avramopoulos makes it official,he'll run Athens mayor again

Athens 12/05/1998 (ANA)

"For four full years I served at this post with stability and reliability, having you (Athens' citizens) as the only source of courage and Athens' best interests as my guide," Mr. Avramopoulos, a former career diplomat, said in his widely televised address.

Presenting an account of his tenure in office so far, the mayor placed emphasis on the fact that his work was "far from partisan or racked with personal expediences", assuring that he will continue along the same lines "as mayor of all Athenians."

Mr. Avramopoulos added that he found it untimely to now engage in pre- election discussions, while he also called on other mayoral hopefuls to prove their intent to honour the city by avoiding an early start of election campaigning, which he said will burden city streets with additional pollution, such as leaflets, posters, noise, etc.

He also reiterated his earlier call to other hopefuls not to engage in out- dated campaign methods, but to instead hold a "civilised and mutually respectable campaign."

"In this way, we will contribute to a political strengthening of democracy, an upgrading of quality as well as protecting the city we serve," he concluded.

The mayor's statement was been seen by many political analysts as an intent to outlast the four-year term in the mayoral position if re-elected, indirectly answering rivals' charges that Mr. Avramopoulos has short-term political ambitions in other arenas.

ND reaction : Following the announcement, main opposition New Democracy party spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos issued a statement, which read:

"Let me express my particular joy and satisfaction at Dimitris Avramopoulos' candidacy for the municipal elections...in the country's foremost municipality..."

Athens News Agency

[11] Kranidiotis,Skandalidis meet with State Dept.'s Grossman

WASHINGTON 12/05/1998 (ANA - T. Ellis)

They discussed efforts to lift the present impasse over the Cyprus issue, the situation in the Aegean, relations between the European Union and Turkey and terrorism.

Speaking afterwards, Mr. Skandalidis and Mr. Kranidiotis stres-sed Washington's decision to publicly place responsibility on Ankara (and not Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash) for the deadlock over Cyprus.

US officials stressed the need for Athens to contribute towards a strengthening in relations between the EU and Turkey and expressed Washington's concern over the increase in terrorist activity against US targets in Greece.

Mr. Skandalidis said it was agreed that cooperation must take place at all levels to upgrade Greek-US relations, not only on direct problems but also on the long-term interests of the two countries in the region.

"The relationship between the EU and Turkey at the upcoming summit in Cardiff, Wales was raised by Mr. Grossman. We expressed the view that the two issues are independent. On the other hand, our country's position is that Turkey is a member of the Europ ean family, but it must observe the same preconditions which apply to all members or for all desiring to become members," Mr. Kranidiotis said, adding: "On the Cyprus issue, it is positive that the US side insists that the basis must be UN resolutions anticipating a bi-communal, bizonal federation and that the US government will in no way recognise the pseudo-state of Denktash."

Referring to the issue of terrorism, Mr. Skandalidis said "the issue was put to us of an increase in terrorist acts against US companies in Greece, and we replied that we are cooperating with them with all possible means to tackle them and we are taking all the necessary measures."

Athens News Agency

[12] Left-wing parties from Greece,Cyprus and Turkey condemn status quo on island

Athens 12/05/1998 (ANA)

"The continuation of the impasse in the Cyprus problem, the absence of communication between the two communities and the lack of dialogue and progress in intercommunal talks contribute to the consolidation of the (present) status quo, which is not and cannot be a solution to the Cyprus problem," the parties said in a common statement, issued after a meeting in Istanbul on May 8-9.

Delegates from Cyprus' left-wing AKEL party, the Turkish Cypriot Republican Party and "New Cyprus", Greece's Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) party, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and the Turkish Freedom and Solidarity Party (ODP) parties participated in the meeting.

Athens News Agency

[13] Ministry plans facilities for disabled

Athens 12/05/1998 (ANA)

Announcing a pilot programme to make life easier for the disabled, Mr. Laliotis said the ministry was working with the Antiquities Department on a draft study that would allow the 10 percent of the general population categorised as having special needs and the 43 percent - including the elderly, infants and pregnant women - which suffer serious problems in moving around cities to visit the archaeological site.

Xanthi, in northeastern Greece, will be the site of a 200-million-drachma pilot programme in which all public buildings will be renovated to provide for the needs of people with special needs, such as special facilities for the deaf in public services such as the police and fire department.

Mr. Laliotis said special sound facilities would be introduced in Athens- specifically at Syntagma Squa-re and major intersections - to aid the blind in moving about the city.

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis yesterday received outgoing Bulgarian ambassador to Athens Filipov Petrov.

Both men reaffirmed the excellent state of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Mr. Kaklamanis also received South African ambassador David Jacobs who briefed him on developments in his country and on the Greek community there.

Mr. Kaklamanis extended an invitation to his South African counterpart that she visit Greece.

Athens News Agency

[14] Christodoulos chairs first Synod,'time for work'

Athens 12/05/1998 (ANA)

Metropolitan Maximos of Serres described the meeting as "historic", not only because it was the first time Christodoulos presided but also because very important Church issues were discussed.

Opening the meeting, Christodoulos said there may have been disagreements and differences of opinion prior to the election, following the death of Archbishop Serapheim, "but now these are in the past and we shall go forward united".

"The talk is over, it is now time for work," the archbishop said.

One of the issues discussed at yesterday's meeting was the frequency with which the 12-member body meets. According to the charter, it should convene eight times a month, which has not been the case.

It was decided that the body would from now on meet every first and third week of the month.

The plenary of 77 metropolitans will continue to meet every October 1, but in cases of matters of particular urgency or importance, it was decided that it should meet extraordinarily.

The prelates also decided to propose to the Ecumenical Patriarch that Christodoulos visit Phanari from June 12 to 15.

Christodoulos, who was enthroned on Saturday, will meet with Prime Minister Costas Simitis today for talks on relations between the Church and the state.

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the two men would exchange views on the relationship between the Church and state.

"The government hopes that there will be understanding and harmonious cooperation with the leader of the Greek Orthodox Church," Mr. Reppas said.

Athens News Agency

[15] Campaign launched to promote programme for the elderly

Athens 12/05/1998 (ANA)

Mr. Geitonas said the programme, already in operation in 102 municipalities through the "open centres" network, aims to ameliorate phenomena of social exclusion in this age group.

He stressed the urgency of adopting measures for the elderly, as their numbers in Greece is rapidly increasing due to a rise in the average life expectancy. A demographic survey shows that 20.2 per cent of the total population of the country are people over the age of 60, while 3.2 per cent were over the age of 80, he said.

Mr. Kotsonis said the target was to extend the programme to all the country's medium to large municipal authorities over the next three years, while the campaign will contain an appeal to all citizens to volunteer for the programme.

Athens News Agency

[16] 'After Byzantium' in Monte Carlo exhibition

Athens 12/05/1998 (ANA)

The post-Byzantine collection of icons and other artifacts, which belong to philanthropist and arts patron Marianna Latsi, covers a historical period of four centuries after the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks (1453).

Athens News Agency

[17] Civil Aviation Authority defends Greek airspace,airport safety

Athens 12/05/1998 (ANA)

He was speaking in the wake of reports appearing in several foreign publications containing pilots' allegations that airspace entry and exit problems exist in Greece.

Mr. Kalofonos attributed the reports to various circles attempting to attack Greek tourism, adding that over the past two years, and at the same time of the year, such rumours are disseminated.

He added that groups of pilots will soon be invited by the agency from abroad for a display of the approach and departure system already in operation.

OA announcement on aircraft maintenance : In an unrelated development, Olympic Airways announced yesterday that it is closely following instructions by airline manufacturers for the maintenance of aircraft and monitors all planes consistently with its technical support unit.

The latest announcement by Boeing, according to OA administration, concerns aircraft having exceeded 50,000 flight hours.

Olympic's aircraft, including 18 Boeing 737s, have only 35,000 flight hours. For this reason, it was added, Boeing's directive does not concern OA.

Athens News Agency

[18] Athens,Sofia agree to better combat smuggling of stolen vehicles

SOFIA 12/05/1998 (ANA/AFP)

The decision was taken during talks yesterday between the Public Order Minister George Romeos and Bulgarian Interior Minister Bogomil Bonev.

The two ministers also looked into the exchange of information. Mr. Romeos' three-day official visit to Sofia ended yesterday.

Athens News Agency

[19] Municipalities in Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece to Carry Out Eco-Project

Municipalities situated on the common borders of Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece will implement a project entitled "Development of the Cross-Border Region of Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey as a Sustainable Region in Compliance with Agenda 21 of the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED 1992)".

The mayors of Edirne (Turkey), Orestias (Greece) and the Bulgarian border municipalities Svilengrad, Harmanli, Lyubimets, Ivailovgrad and Madjarovo signed an agreement to carry out the project in Svilengrad on Friday, at a meeting organized by the Balka n research and training centre on ecology and environmental protection.

Six NGOs, including the International Centre for Technical Research, took part in the two-day meeting.

Athens News Agency

[20] Greek firm snares prize at International Plovdiv Fair

Greece's Danko Company won one of the Plovdiv International Fair's prizes for quality of kitchen appliances and food products on Friday.

Germany's Braun and Poland's Veris were also among the prize-winners.

Germany had the biggest number of participants with 67. Next came Italy with 62 and Greece with 41 entrants. Central, Eastern European, US and Argentine companies were also among the participants.

Athens News Agency

[21] Protest cites abuse of Orthodox priest by Albanian police

GJIROKASTER 12/05/1998 (ANA - P. Barkas)

Last Saturday, and while a work group from the technical service of the Orthodox Autocephalus Chur-ch of Albania had started work to fence-off the Cathedral's land, a truck of masked and armed police officers began to drag Father Vassilios Themolaris from his beard towards the police's office, an announcement by the Holy Metropolis of Gjirokaster stated.

Police authorities did not explain the reasons for this act. They continued verbally abusing the priest at police headquarters.

"The Orthodox faithful in the region also state that they have been reviled for some time by elements with atheist sentiments," it was added.

Athens News Agency

[22] Flooding in northern Evros

Athens 12/05/1998 (ANA)

Severe rainfall has resulted in widespread floods in the regions of Didimotiho and Orestiada. Specifically, the the communities of Ellinohori, Elafohori, Metaxades, Vrysika, Lavofon, M. Dereiou, Am-oriou, Fylakiou and Sternas reported flooding.

Athens News Agency

[23] State doctors ready to step up protests

Athens 12/05/1998 (ANA)

At the same time they warned that they would step up protest action with further stoppages throughout the week if the management of IKA failed to satisfy their demands.

They are demanding that their salaries be brought in line with those of colleagues working at state hospitals and that doctors employed on works contracts not be dismissed. The doctors are also protesting the government's new list of pharmaceuticals for which IKA partly refunds payment.

Meanwhile, workers and doctors at the Evangelismos hospital in Athens have called a six-hour work stoppage today, beginning at 8 a.m., demanding changes to the way the duty roster is prepared and higher pay.

The Union of Athens and Piraeus Hospital Doctors has decided to call a six- hour warning work stoppage from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 14 at all hospitals and health centres in Attica. They are demanding the abolition of "fictitious" duty schedules and paym ent for overtime work.

Athens News Agency

[24] ErgoBank leadership comments on bank's strategy

Athens 12/05/1998 (ANA)

Commenting on recent press speculation regarding ErgoBank, Xenophon Nikitas said "no change at all will be made in the bank's share base unless they (shareholders) decide so".

Referring to the likelihood of cooperation with a foreign institution, he said such a possibility was not out of the question.

However, Mr. Nikitas set a lower than 49 per cent stake by a foreign investor with management remaining with the current administration as preconditions for such a deal.

During the general assembly, it was approved that each share will earn an 810 dividend from June 1.

In the first quarter of the year, ErgoBank recorded a drop of 18 per cent in expected profits, compared to the corresponding 1997 period, attributed largely to the recent drachma devaluation.

The bank's before tax profit in 1997 recorded an increase of 22 per cent compared to 1996, reaching more than 58 billion drachmas and taking into account additional provisions for risky claims.

Athens News Agency

[25] EOT decisions on rented rooms, studios

Athens 12/05/1998 (ANA)

According to the first decision, the renewal of licences will depend on the annual minimum average of (not seasonal) overnight stays during the three- year period 1995-1997. The average number of overnight stays will be indicated by means of a check-in/c heck-out register book.

Businesses failing to meet the above criteria will not be granted licence renewal.

The second EOT decision provides for licence renewal for three more years, after submission of a number of certificates related to a fire extinguishing system, bathroom and sewege system, quality of drinking water, etc.

Renewal will be granted by the appropriate regional EOT branches, which will also provide detailed information.

Athens News Agency

[26] EU directive partially deregulates natural gas market

BRUSSELS 12/05/1998 (ANA)

Adoption of the directive by the Council of Ministers means a minimum deregulation of the natural gas market to private concerns in the region of 20 per cent over the next two years.

The purpose of the directive is to deregulate the market by 28 per cent over the next five years, after its implementation, and by 33 per cent over the next 10 years.

More specifically, the free choice of the supplier over the next two years concerns major consumers, namely, the consumption of natural gas in excess of 25 million cubic metres a year.

The limit will drop to 15 million cubic metres five years later and to five million after 10 years.

Member-states will be able to impose on suppliers commitments the public sector has regarding procurement security, regularity, quality and the price of natural gas, as well as environmental protection.

Greece and Portugal have achieved a 10-year extension to implement the directive, since they have been characterised "rising markets."

The use of natural gas is not yet widespread in these countries.

Athens News Agency

[27] EU energy ministers ratify proclamation on renewable energy sources

BRUSSELS 12/05/1998 (ANA - G. Daratos)

The 15 EU ministers expressed satisfaction to relevant EU Commissioner Christos Papoutsis over the Union's programme, anticipating an increase in the use of renewable energy sources from 6 per cent at present to 12 per cent in the year 2010.

They stressed that these percentages are only indicative and that the extension of such forms of energy must take into consideration the peculiarities of each member-state.

The ministers also proposed a series of measures to promote renewable forms of energy such as supporting relevant research in this sector, the dissemination of new technologies, taxation incentives, taxes on energy consumption, etc.

The Commission's plan of action on renewable energy sources anticipates EU subsidies of 20 billion ECU (US$23 billion) for the implementation of pilot programmes concerning renewable energy sources.

Athens News Agency

[28] Greece places second in Albania import/export trade

Greece came second only to Italy in the volume of import and export trade with Albania in first quarter 1998, officials from the country's customs authority said.

According to the officials, exports to Italy totalled 1.5 billion lek and 606 million lek to Greece. Imports from Italy and Greece totalled 4.8 billion and 3 billion lek respectively.

Athens News Agency

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article