Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 98-05-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Clinton backs comprehensive approach regarding Greek-Turkish relations

[02] G. Papandreou details Athens' WEU presidency in Paris address

[03] Karamanlis tour of several northern Greek prefectures

[04] Papariga calls for rallying during local gov't elections

[05] Balkan situation,Greece's regional security issues dominate Tsohatzopoulos talks in Sweden

[06] Correction

[07] Greek-Romanian defence talks in Athens

[08] Cypriot defence minister tours ELBO facility

[09] Digital pay TV on Cabinet's agenda

[10] Kranidiotis calls for `integrated world strategy` to counter capitalism

[11] Pontians request monument for 1914-1923 genocide

[12] New park to be named after A. Papandreou

[13] Fouras inaugurates gym on Cyprus

[14] Bayer to hold homage to aspirin on Kos on its 100th birthday

[15] Police concern heightens after Syngrou bombings

[16] SE Europe parliamentary conference in Athens

[17] FPA honours Tsatsaronis

[18] Eurostat report on Union's most inexpensive markets

[19] OTEnet-Ericsson cooperation

[20] Blind to rally today

[21] V.Papandreou announces billions for development on Crete

[22] Greece vows to push for EMU entry basked by electorate

[23] Collective bargaining agreement signed

[24] Unions express concern over insurance issue

[25] Greek 15-year bond sells well, paves way for 20-year paper

[26] National economy minister to take part in EU meeting

[27] Greece presents economy to lure Japanese investors

[28] Greek stocks gain ground on medium-cap stocks

[29] Ecuador last country to book for Piraeus int'l shipping fair

[01] Clinton backs comprehensive approach regarding Greek-Turkish relations

LONDON 19/05/1998 (ANA/CNA)

Britain's leadership also backed the idea that Turkey should be given "a very clear signal" about the EU's "true intentions" and expressed "deep concern" about the situation in Cyprus. London is the current holder of the European Union's rotating presid ency.

"I do not think we can solve one problem in isolation from the other. I think we must move forward on all these problems - Cyprus, the Aegean, jurisdiction on disputes and the role of Turkey on Europe's future," US President Bill Clinton told a press conference here yesterday. He was in Britain for the G7 plus Russia summit over the weekend and the subsequent meeting of the six-nation Contact Group.

Asked if EU-Turkey ties were discussed at yesterday's talks between the EU and the US, Mr. Clinton reiterated his administration's position that "there ought to be efforts for Turkey to move closer to the EU".

"The US believes that there should be an honorable settlement to the Cyprus impasse", Mr. Clinton said.

He noted that it is "very important" to keep Turkey and Greece as "genuine allies" and available to spend their time, energy and resources "promoting peace and development for their own people" as well as "enormous stabilising forces" in their respective regions of Europe.

"Together we have to proceed on many paths at once and I think that all Turks and Greeks have to take difficult decisions, which I believe the EU and I know the US will strongly support," he added.

He underlined the need to "move forward for all these" (Cyprus, Aegean, Turkey's role in Europe, jurisdiction on disputes) and called on Greece and Turkey to "figure out whether they are interested in a comprehensive solution".

"I know the rest of us do", he told the press.

On his part, British Premier Tony Blair said he "agreed entirely" with Mr. Clinton's remarks and emphasised the EU's desire for "a good and close relationship with Turkey."

"We have a deep concern over what is happening in Cyprus and we believe it is essential to make progress in this area", Mr. Blair said.

Acknowledging the difficulties Turkey says it has with the recent EU decision, Mr. Blair pointed out that "we should and will redouble our efforts to give a very clear signal to Turkey about our proper and true intentions and also to do what we can to bring hope in the conflict in Cyprus".

The EU decided in December last year to open accession negotiations with Cyprus, but left Turkey outside the list of candidate countries, scheduled to start membership talks, until it puts its house in order as far as human rights are concerned, its relations with Greece, progress towards a negotiated settlement in Cyprus and improvement of the situation of the Kurds in Turkey.

Albright visit still on, Reppas says : The Greek government has not been informed of any change in the scheduled visit of US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to Athens, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday.

"Nothing has changed," Mr. Reppas said, replying to reporters questions on the visit.

According to informed sources, Ms Albright is due to visit the region in early June and is expected to visit Ankara and Athens.

Athens News Agency

[02] G. Papandreou details Athens' WEU presidency in Paris address

PARIS 19/05/1998 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

The speech recounted the Greek presidency's six-month term of office at the WEU's Council of Ministers. The session is composed of deputy/delegates from the national Parliaments of WEU member-states.

Mr. Papandreou said that Athens' presidency made every effort possible in the direction of coordinating and converging the actions of the European Union and the West European Union, in close cooperation with the NATO alliance.

Mr. Papandreou referred at length to the WEU's ministerial session in Rhodes, saying that considerable progress was achieved, particularly with regard to the possibilities of the WEU undertaking peacekeeping activities in the direction of managing crises.

He stressed the fact that through an initiative by the Greek presidency, the 56 ministers attending the session in Rhodes last week had the opportunity of discussing the crisis in Kosovo and the dangers it entails for wider regional stability. He also underlined the significance for Albania of the decision to extend the WEU's presence, particularly with regard to the sector of training and reorganising its police authorities.

Continuing his address, Mr. Papandreou stressed the need for close cooperation between the WEU and NATO and the promotion of a consultation mechanism between the two defence organisations. Mr. Papandreou further noted the importance of strengthening ties between the WEU and the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland, who are candidate members to join NATO, as well as with Russia and the Ukraine.

In his initial address, Mr. Papandreou stressed the significance of strengthening ties between Cyprus and the WEU, in parallel to negotiations for the accession of Cyprus to the EU and expressed support for the promotion of Cyprus' claim to become an as sociate member of the WEU.

Mr. Papandreou went on to say that the development of negotiations on the accession of Cyprus to the EU could play a catalytical role in negotiations for resolving the Cyprus problem, adding that if Cyprus joins the EU this would constitute additional security for the Turkish Cypriot community, both concerning respect for its rights and its economic prosperity.

On the question of Greek-Turkish relations and replying to questions by deputies on the reasons why no progress was achieved in Greek-Turkish relations after the Madrid communique, Mr. Papandreou said that the main reason is Turkey's continuing refusal to resort to the International Court at The Hague.

Commenting on the crisis in Kosovo, Mr. Papandreou stressed the special role the WEU could play in defusing it, mentioning that by the informal meetings held over the weekend, he believes that to a certain degree, US officials would prefer intervention by the WEU in Kosovo rather than by NATO.

On the question of Greece's position, Mr. Papandreou said that it agrees with the decisions taken by the Contact Group and supports dialogue between the leaderships of Belgrade and Kosovo, making it clear that it is in favour of respect for the Albanian minority's rights, but is against any secessionist trend.

The WEU's session continued yesterday afternoon with an address by WEU Secretary- General Jose Cutilheiro and with a vote on the report presented yesterday morning by deputy Robert Antreter on defence and security in an enlarged Europe.

Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi, whose country will take over the WEU presidency from Greece in a month's time, will address the Parliamentary Assembly today and afterwards reports will be voted on concerning cooperation between member-states in the shipbuilding sector, as well as on relations with Russia.

The WEU's Parliamentary session will be concluded tomorrow with an address by Romanian Prime Minister Vasil and with an account of the Greek presidency's work on security issues by National Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos.

Athens News Agency

[03] Karamanlis tour of several northern Greek prefectures

Athens 19/05/1998 (ANA)

Mr. Karamanlis will arrive in Katerini on Thursday afternoon and will hold contacts with party officials, representatives of social partners and local officials. On Friday, he will visit Dion, Litohoro, Leptokaria and Veroia.

On Saturday, he wil visit Vergina and Naoussa and on Sunday he will travel to Aridaia, Skydra and Yiannitsa. It is the first time that Mr. Karamanlis will visit the prefecture of Pieria after the dismissal of deputy Nikos Kakalos from the party.

During his tour, Mr. Karamanlis will also be holding outdoor rallies.

Athens News Agency

[04] Papariga calls for rallying during local gov't elections

Athens 19/05/1998 (ANA)

Mr. Papariga, while in Larisa during a celebration for the 80th anniversary since the establishment of KKE, added that voters must vote for municipal and prefectural leaders who will resist high taxation and privatisations.

Athens News Agency

[05] Balkan situation,Greece's regional security issues dominate Tsohatzopoulos talks in Sweden

STOCKHOLM 19/05/1998 (ANA - N. Servetas)

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos arrived in Sweden late on Sunday night for a two-day official visit and talks with his Swedish counterpart Bjorn von Sydow and Foreign Minister Lena Hjelm-Wallen.

In talks yesterday morning with Mr. von Sydow, the emphasis was on the establishment of "institutions of regional cooperation and security" within the framework of Partnership for Peace programmes.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said there were many common points in the way Greece and Sweden viewed and dealt with critical situations, while stressing that the situation in southeast Europe and the Aegean was completely different to that in northwest Europe and the Baltic. Asked whether specific proposals had been put forward in the talks concerning the purchase or sale of weapons systems, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos replied:

"It is not the task of ministers to determine purchases but rather to define the framework of cooperation between their respective countries."

Mr. von Sydow's reply was in similar vein, adding also that any arms sale by a Swedish company has to be approved by the competent government- appointed committee.

According to informed sources, Swedish arms manufacturers wish to sell a number of weapons systems to the Greek armed forces, including airborne radar and two submarines. During his stay, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos is scheduled to attend an airborne radar displ ay.

Replying to questions on the issue of weapons purchases, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said final decisions on such matters were usually taken within six months.

"I hope the decision will have been taken by the end of the year," he said.

In his later meeting with Ms Hjelm-Wallen, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said they discussed Balkan issues, Greek-Turkish relations, the Cypriot problem as well as collective security issues.

Afterwards, he stated that we "ascertained a significant approach of ways to tackle the crisis at Kosovo."

He added that the Western European Union (WEU) is the best possible organisation for the training of the Albanian police force, therefore, it should be better supported by more countries so as to assume more responsibilities.

Finally, the Greek defence minister said Ms Hjelm-Wallen noted that the European Union decision on Turkey's European prospects was positive, and something Turkey should use to increase its chances of EU accession.

Athens News Agency

[06] Correction

Athens 19/05/1998 (ANA)

Also, on page 6, the title of the upper right hand story should read "Autopsy uncovers surgical gau-ze...." and not surgical gaze. Also, surgical "gaze" should be replaced by surgical "gauze" throughout the story.

Athens News Agency

[07] Greek-Romanian defence talks in Athens

Athens 19/05/1998 (ANA)

Mr. Degeratu is currently on an official visit to Greece at the invitation of his counterpart, chief of the national defence general staff, Wing Commander Athanasios Tzoganis.

Expressing satisfaction with the good level of bilateral relations, Mr. Apostolakis reiterated Greece's support for Bucharest's bid to join international and European organisations, beginning with NATO, since Romania's accession would strengthen securit y and stability in the region.

Athens News Agency

[08] Cypriot defence minister tours ELBO facility

Athens 19/05/1998 (ANA)

Mr. Sakellaris informed the Cypriot minister of ELBO's programmes, including the timetable for delivery of 188 multi-purpose vehicles the island republic has ordered. - Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic has not met with any Greek government officials, spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday. Mr. Milosevic arrived in Greece over the weekend for a holiday, according to press reports. Mr. Reppas added that the Greek government did not know if Mr. Milosevic met with other "foreign officials" during his stay in Greece.

Athens News Agency

[09] Digital pay TV on Cabinet's agenda

Athens 19/05/1998 (ANA)

It will be just one of the items on the agenda, Mr. Reppas said, explaining that such joint meetings generally discuss and formulate general policy frameworks and determine "directions" but no decisions are taken in the strict sense of the word.

The issue of digital TV broadcasting has come to the fore recently following an open letter from five newspaper publishers - owners of the MEGA television channel - to Mr. Simitis asking him to personally intervene to lift obstacles to the granting of a licence for digital TV broadcasting.

The publishers warned the government that if it did not take immediate steps to resolve the issue, they would have recourse to the European Union.

Athens News Agency

[10] Kranidiotis calls for `integrated world strategy` to counter capitalism

OSLO 19/05/1998 (ANA - S. Sideris)

He was addressing the Socialist International meeting here yesterday. The main topic of discussion at the Oslo meeting concerns "interna-tional solidarity".

According to Mr. Kranidiotis and other speakers as well, the current system tends to produce more conflicts, poverty, corruption and misery instead of stability, peace, democracy and prosperity.

The Greek minister named three main targets of an alternative strategy that socialists should follow: - strengthening of democracy and defending human rights - measures to prevent conflicts and promote peace - eradication of poverty and human misery

The transition of that plan from theory into practice, as Mr. Kranidiotis put it, should include certain specific aims, such as support of democratisation as a long-term process, establishment of justice and proper government, promotion of a pluralist society of citizens, reduction of poverty by half level in 2010, and others.

Mr. Kranidiotis further stressed the need for a resumption of dialogue between north and south aimed at creating new ties of solidarity between the developed and developing world.

Regarding the Cyprus issue, the Greek foreign undersecretary said the recent Northern Ireland agreement and the effort to establish peace in the Middle East could be used as examples in resolving the long-running dispute.

He further called on Turkey to cooperate for a viable solution of the problem, expressing the view that Cyprus' European prospects would assist in a political solution.

Lyssarides : The Cyprus problem was also the focus of a speech by Cypriot socialist party EDEK leader Vassos Lyssarides, who stressed that raids, occupations and violent ethnic cleansing were incompatible with socialism.

"My country has been the victim of such a raid and violent ethnic cleansing, as well as of an effort to alter (the island's) demographic composition by importing populations from Turkey", he said.

He further expressed the hope that the parties involved in the Socialist International will adopt specific positions for an end to Cyprus' occupation.

Athens News Agency

[11] Pontians request monument for 1914-1923 genocide

Athens 19/05/1998 (ANA)

The request includes the placement of a monument in an area close to the Turkish consulate.

Meanwhile, Pontians are organising a rally and a symbolic take-over of the Turkish consulate.

Finally, a conference entitled "The Turkish Government and Ethinc Cleansing" is being organised in New York between June 6 to 8, by the Greek Federation of Pontic Societies and the World Council for Hellenes Abroad (SAE).

Athens News Agency

[12] New park to be named after A. Papandreou

Athens 19/05/1998 (ANA)

Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis said that the municipalities of Korydallos, Keratsini and Nikaia will now have a green space and additional athletic facilities by the end of 1999.

Athens News Agency

[13] Fouras inaugurates gym on Cyprus

Athens 19/05/1998 (ANA)

The facility, with a 600-seat capacity, can be used for basketball and volleyball. It was built with funds from the Cypriot Sports Organisation (KOA), which is also subsidised by the Greek Soccer Pools (OPAP).

"I inaugurate this project with the wish that it will be utilised by all the young people of the village, from wherever they may be," Mr. Fouras said.

Athens News Agency

[14] Bayer to hold homage to aspirin on Kos on its 100th birthday

Athens 19/05/1998 (ANA)

The use of acetylsalicylic acid, the active substance in aspirin, can be traced back to Kos, the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, who was the first to discover the pain-killing and fever-reducing properties of the sap from the bark of the willow tree.

The potion he prescribed made from the willow bark was a natural, non- chemically treated form of aspirin.

After Dr. Hoffmann's discovery, aspirin became, in 1904, the first basic medication to be sold in tablet form.

An immediate success, aspirin is perhaps the most widely studied, tested and used painkiller internationally.

Later research uncovered aspirin's beneficial effects on blood platelets and in reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The prescription of aspirin in small doses has become the established treatment worldwide for cardiovascular conditions. Today, aspirin is on the threshhold of launching a third career, as epidemiological studies have indicated that regular use of aspirin is linked to a reduced risk of cancer of the large intestine, while its role in the prevention of other forms of cancer i s currently being studied.

During the May 25-26 workshop, to be attended by more than 100 foreign journalists, distinguished scientists from around the world will speak on aspirin's beneficial properties and its potential in 21st century medicine.

Athens News Agency

[15] Police concern heightens after Syngrou bombings

Athens 19/05/1998 (ANA)

Unidentified callers phoned television and radio stations claiming responsibility for the blasts on behalf of the elusive "November 17" terrorist group and the previously unknown "Fighting Guerrillas of May" and "May '98" groups late on Sunday.

A high-ranking police official told the ANA that the call claiming responsibility on behalf of "November 17" had been ruled out and attention was focusing on the other two claims.

The explosive devices were comprised of a timing device, probably a wrist watch, and a small amount of explosive material.

Police said, however, that lab tests were pointing investigators in the direction of another urban guerrilla group, Revolutionary Popular Struggle (ELA), or the possibility that ELA members had formed new groups.

The government later condemned the spate of bombings over the past few months, saying it required "particular attention".

Despite the fact that the police were doing everything possible, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said, the number of such attacks had increased.

"The phenomenon in Greece is however of a much more limited and milder form than in other parts of the world," Mr. Reppas said.

Replying to questions, Mr. Reppas said there was no evidence linking the bomb attacks with circles abroad, while adding that "all possibilities are being investigated".

Police concern : Sunday's bombs on Syngrou Avenue, one of the city's major thoroughfares, and the three conflicting claims of responsibility has caused concern among the Greek police. Of greater concern to authorities, however, was the increasing trend towards indiscriminate attacks in incidents of this sort.

Although neither of the explosions caused injuries, there was a likelihood that they could have as the warning call had not specified which Ionian Bank branch on Syngrou Avenue was targetted and police had cordoned off another one located on the other side of the avenue.

When the Ionian blast went off, a patrol car and a young woman and two children were in the vicinity. Officials say they and drivers on Syngrou Avenue itself could have been hurt by a more powerful blast.

Meanwhile, both Olympic Airways and the Ioni an Bank premises were expected to be repaired by last night. Damages were estimated at 1.5 million drachmas and 2.7 million drachmas respectively.

Athens News Agency

[16] SE Europe parliamentary conference in Athens

Athens 19/05/1998 (ANA)

Mr. Kaklamanis' comments, at the inauguration of a conference of the parliamentary officials of Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia, Yugoslavia, Greece, Croatia, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), centred around the creation of a permanent forum for parliamentary dialogue.

Athens News Agency

[17] FPA honours Tsatsaronis

Athens 19/05/1998 (ANA)

The title was bestowed to the veteran journalist during a ceremony organised in view of Mr. Tsatsaronis' retirement. He will now reportedly focus his time at directing the Athens-based, German-language publication "Athener Zeitung."

Mr. Tsatsaronis played an instrumental role in the establishment of a health care and retirement fund for foreign press correspondents.

Athens News Agency

[18] Eurostat report on Union's most inexpensive markets

BRUSSELS 19/05/1998 (ANA)

According to the EU's statistical bureau, Britain has the inexpensive clothes and furniture market and Spain is the cheapest in tobacco products.

Further, Eurostat's survey found Greece is the most inexpensive country regarding public transports, while more importantly, Luxembourg features the lowest prices for vehicles.

The most expensive food market was found in Denmark, compared with Greece where fruit, vegetables and meat were the lowest in the EU.

In addition to public transports, Greece was also cheapest in terms of medical care and medicines.

Athens News Agency

[19] OTEnet-Ericsson cooperation

Athens 19/05/1998 (ANA)

Athens News Agency

[20] Blind to rally today

Athens 19/05/1998 (ANA)

The group is demanding an increase in the welfare budget, among others.

Athens News Agency

[21] V.Papandreou announces billions for development on Crete

Athens 19/05/1998 (ANA)

She said 13 billion drachmas will be allocated for the tourist infrastructure, 7 billion drachmas will be used for hotel modernisations, while another 4 billion drachmas will be allocated for the construction of sports facilities and marinas.

Ms. Papandreou also noted the issue of the four new golf courses planned by the Greek National Tourism Organisation (EOT) in efforts to achieve a 12- month tourist season on the island.

The development minister also noted the need for more investment in industrial parks on the island as well as support for the manufacturing sector to the tune of 11 billion drachmas.

Speaking about the energy sector, she said that wind parks in eastern Crete will supplement the island's power grid, while the problem will be solved by the two new Public Power Corp. (DEH) plants.

As for the Gavdopoula investment plan, the minister said she failed to receive information on the identity of the investors, therefore, the ministry cannot move ahead on the issue.

Athens News Agency

[22] Greece vows to push for EMU entry basked by electorate

Athens 19/05/1998 (ANA)

The government, which aims to take the country into EMU by January 1, 2001, committed itself to spending cuts and privatisation when the drachma joined the EU's exchange rate mechanism on March 14 to ease entry into EMU.

The policies have triggered a wave of strikes, including an indefinite stoppage by workers of Ionian Bank who oppose its privatisation. Mr. Reppas told his daily news briefing that the belt-tightening policies also enjoyed backing from the overwhelmi ng majority of the ruling PASOK party's central committee.

Asked to say whether the government's wide-ranging privatisation programme was ordained by the EU, Mr. Reppas said: "There is no (EU) policy for specific measures but there is an EU political framework, and each government chooses policies it believes are the most effective."

He said other countries had opted for deeper privatisation than Greece.

Greek business leaders want more privatisation to aid EMU entry: The Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry yesterday called on the government to extend privatisation, take measures to boost monetary and fiscal stability, and improve productivity and competiti-veness. The chamber said the steps were necessary to ens ure Greece's participation in the European Union's economic and monetary union by 2001.

In a letter to National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, the chamber's chairman, Yiannis Papathanassiou, stressed that Greece should adopt further structural measures if it wished to exploit opportunities and sidestep the dangers of EMU participation.

The chamber proposed a bold privatisation plan in electricity, telecommunications, air and land transport, banking, petroleum and tourism.

It also said it supported reforms in the country's labour market, a restructuring of public administration and cutbacks in public spending.

Athens News Agency

[23] Collective bargaining agreement signed

Athens 19/05/1998 (ANA)

The new agreement was finalised last Thursday. Increases for 1998 will amount to 4.7 per cent and 2.8 per cent for 1999. A further increase will be given if inflation is higher than projected.

GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos said the agreement was the outcome of persistent efforts and preserves the rights of workers.

On his part, Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) President Iason Stratos said the agreement contributed to development and as a result to job creation, as well as Greece's EMU inclusion.

Labour and Social Security Minister Miltiades Papaioannou noted that social partners, "under difficult conditions, achieved this historic agreement."

Athens News Agency

[24] Unions express concern over insurance issue

Athens 19/05/1998 (ANA)

GSEE disagrees with the government on the issue of utilising the Funds' reserves and property. The government wants to maintain tight control over reserves, while the unions want utilisation by the Funds' administrations within the rules and controls system.

Concern is expressed that 26 benefits will be cut from the lower strata of insured individuals.

GSEE will set out its views over both the small and major insurance packages at a special conference to be held in early June.

Athens News Agency

[25] Greek 15-year bond sells well, paves way for 20-year paper

Athens 19/05/1998 (ANA)

The authorities finally accepted bids totalling 108.3 billion drachmas.

The issue's interest rate fell to an average weighed 7.70 percent, a development welcomed by the finance ministry.

Ministry officials said that the success of the issue reflected confidence felt by foreign and domestic investors in the Greek economy.

The ministry is seeking to prolong the duration of repayment of the public debt and reduce the debt burden on the budget.

Athens News Agency

[26] National economy minister to take part in EU meeting

Athens 19/05/1998 (ANA)

The agenda of today's meeting is as follows:

• Guidelines for the EU's 1999 budget
• Agenda 2000 and the development of farm regions, a new fiscal outlook, and revision of the guarantees fund for non-EU countries
• Reports by EU auditors on sound fiscal management
• Progress report on combatting fraud, and the EU's annual action plan
• Report on fraud involving alcohol and tobacco
• Preparation for the third phase of the EU's economic and monetary union, including decisions on ratifying the abolition or maintenance of excessive deficits in member states, and developments in economic and structural reform.

Athens News Agency

[27] Greece presents economy to lure Japanese investors

Athens 19/05/1998 (ANA)

Guests at the forum, which is timed to coincide with a visit by officials of the Japanese Federation of Economic Organisations, are Development Minister Vasso Papandreou and National Economy Undersecretary Alekos Baltas.

The meeting includes presentations of business and investment opportunities in Greece by representatives of industry, banking, exports, tourism and the Athens Stock Exchange.

Another venue for investment to be outlined is Athens as host city for the 2004 Olympic Games.

The forum to be held at the Grande Bretagne Hotel is organised by the Federation of Greek Industry, Greek Banks Association, and the Hermes Plan for the promotion of Greek-Japanese ties.

It also includes an outline of investment opportunities in southeastern Europe to be delivered by the general manager of the Hellenic Centre for Investment.

Athens News Agency

[28] Greek stocks gain ground on medium-cap stocks

Athens 19/05/1998 (ANA)

The general index ended 1.24 percent higher at 2,500.44 points.

Most sector indices scored gains. Banks rose 0.88 percent, Insurance ended 3.74 percent up, Investment fell 1.86 percent, Leasing increased 1.42 percent, Industrials rose 1.28 percent, Construction was 0.21 percent off, Miscellaneous jumped 3.37 percent and Holding rose 3.18 percent.

The parallel market index for small cap companies rose 2.53 percent.

Trading was light to moderate by last month's standards with turnover at 53.9 billion drachmas.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 149 to 85 with another 23 issues unchanged.

Hellenic Sugar, Giannousis, Sysware, Fourlis, Strintzis Lines, Xiosbank, Keranis, Alco and Intrasoft scored the biggest percentage gains hitting the day's 8.0 percent limit up.

Bank of Athens, Viokarpet, Balkan Export, Hadzioannou, Mouriades, Ridenco, Aspis Invest and Gnomon suffered the heaviest losses.

National Bank of Greece ended at 49,750 drachmas, Ergobank at 26,800, Alpha Credit Bank at 31,900, Delta Dairy at 4,750, Titan Cement at 24,00, Intracom at 20,000 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation at 8, 930.

Athens News Agency

[29] Ecuador last country to book for Piraeus int'l shipping fair

Athens 19/05/1998 (ANA)

A total of 72 countries will participate in this year's event, housed in the Piraeus Port Authority's waterfront exhibition hall.

More than 1,450 Greek and foreign companies are to take part in the maritime fair.

Athens News Agency

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