Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 99-04-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis: Diplomacy must now end Kosovo crisis

[02] Parliament special session focuses on dour April 21 coup of 1967

[03] FM Papandreou to visit Moscow over Kosovo issue

[04] More British troops head to FYROM via Thessaloniki

[05] Protest marches outside US embassy over Yugoslavia crisis

[06] Greenpeace cites increased dioxin, PCB levels in northeast Greece

[07] Swedish royal couple in Greece next week

[08] Economic News

[09] Athens Goreing exchange

[01] Simitis: Diplomacy must now end Kosovo crisis

NEW YORK, 22/4/1999 (ANA - S. Liarellis)

"As long as the attacks continue, the wave of refugees will increaseIThe continuing military involvement also creates serious economic consequences for the broader area," Mr. Simitis said, adding that Greece's communications had been cut off on its nort hern border with Yugoslavia and with central Europe.

Addressing the New York-based Council on Foreign Relations, he also condemned continuing Serbian operations in the Yugoslav province of Kosovo.

"These operations must stop at once. Within the broader framework of a ceasefire in Yugoslavia, Serbian forces must withdraw and only the police forces agreed in October 1998 should remain. We condemn the policy of ethnic cleansing that Serbia is pursui ng," he said.

The premier, in the United States for a NATO summit tomorrow, said Greece was willing to make diplomatic efforts aimed at finding a peaceful and viable solution to the Kosovo problem on the basis of the framework shaped at Rambouillet and by the Contact Group.

"There is a framework. Solutions can, should and must be sought within this framework. Diplomacy must once again take centre stage in our efforts," he said.

Mr. Simitis said Greece's policy in the Balkans was based on the principles of territorial integrity of states, inviolability of borders, respect for human and minority rights and the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the Founding Chart er of the United Nations.

In this context, he underlined Athens' opposition to any action which might lead to a change of borders in the Balkans.

"We are staunchly against any action which might lead to a change of borders in the Balkans. We believe this would be a very negative development. The continuing crisis creates concerns and dangers for a possible spillover to the broader area. The first result of the crisis is the creation of a large wave of refugees," he said.

Mr. Simitis also stressed Greece's special position as a member of the EU and NATO but also a Balkan country "which can and must act as a factor for peace".

"This double identity demands credibility on both levels. Credibility vis-a- vis the Balkan countries, especially those directly involvedIThat means that within our alliances, we act according to the decisions of our alliances. On the otther hand, that m eans that we underline our special position and we aim at being a factor of peace, cooeration and stability...

"I am of the firm conviction that we are already meeting up to the demands of such a challenge, which serves the interests of all the Balkan countries, including Greece, as well as the interests of the European Union and NATO...

"In the north of Greece a network of infrastructures and functions exists, aimed at extending opportunities in inter-Balkan cooperation, a strong productive link and the gradual creation of an integrated economic area in the Balkans, which will improve the preliminary conditions for convergence.

"Progress which has been achieved in this region over the past few years is impressive. The number of Greek enterprises in the Balkan countries has increased considerably. The number of sectors within which they are active is already quite large and ex tends from the more traditional sector, such as foods and drinks, clothing and construction to the more specialised technological sectors (such as telecommunications), where Greek enterprises hold a strong position among other foreign investments," the pr ime minister said.

Greece's special position meant it aimed at being a factor of peace, cooperation and stability.

"We declared right from the start that we will not participate in military operations. Greece is a neighbouring country and in no way can there be involvement in the conflict which would make us part of the problem," he said.

He said Greece also supported the proposals and initiatives for a peaceful solution formulated by EU member-states, including Germany's Stability Pact.

In addition, it had hammered out a five-axis Stability Pact for the Developmetn of the Balkans of its own, which was being submitted to the EU.

These five axes were economic development for the region, with the implementation of a type of Marshall Plan; democratisation with measures for the establishement of democratic institutions, reinforcing society and individual and minority rights; establ ishment of a conflict-resolution mechanism with guarantees for the inviolability of borders; promotion, intensification and institutional interregional cooperation with the participation of all countries as a step towards full integration of the area into the European architecture and the European institutional system, and finally, recognition of the eligibility of all countries to accede to the European Union, provided they fulfil the necessary political and economic prerequisites.

Mr. Simitis stated categorically that there was no danger of a war between Greece and Turkey because of the situation in Yugoslavia. "No such danger exists. We must be clear because any lack of clarity, or the cultivation of a climate of conflict may lead to negative results," he said.

Press conference: Responding to press questions, Mr. Simitis said the recent election results in Turkey showed that the nationalistic movement in Turkey will be very strong, adding that Greece will always look for solutions in improving its relations with Turkey.

Regarding the Cyprus problem, the Greek premier underlined Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides' proposal last year for the island republic's demilitarisation, since as he said, the heavy weaponry fielded by the Turkish occupation forces on Cyprus make th e island the most heavily fortified military region in the world.

Mr. Simitis said that should the Kosovo crisis deepen and a way out of the impasse is sought, "we should turn to Russia as well...Of course, this is not to say that there is talk of changing the terms we have agreed on."

He also said there is a need for efforts toward peace, adding that he underlined such a proposal to the EU, which if not initiated immediately, it may soon be too late.

Mr. Simitis said the sympathy shown by Greek public opinion toward the Serbs stemmed from its negative attitude toward military interventions, given Greece's harsh experiences, such as the Greek Civil War, as he noted.

The Greek premier added that Greeks despise foreign interventions, noting that rumours persist in Greece over CIA entanglement in the 1967 military coup.

Answering question regarding US State Department Secretary Madeleine Albright's efforts in regards to prevaricating governments regarding NATO's air strikes, Mr. Simitis said he does not accept such a description for the Greek position.

"The solution cannot be achieved by military means alone... the aim is the return of the Kosovars to their homes...they can return with the deployment of an international UN force," he concluded.

Athens News Agency

[02] Parliament special session focuses on dour April 21 coup of 1967

Athens, 22/4/1999 (ANA)

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis reminded that "the drama of Cypriot Hellenism is perpetuated with the initial and continuing responsibility of our NATO allies, mainly the US, who are concerned over the Kosovo refugees but are not touched by 20 0,000 Greek Cypriot refugees or the continuing occupation of northern Cyprus."

Main opposition New Democracy (ND) deputy Dimitrios Sioufas said the 1967 coup "led to a general regression of institutions and values, but also to the Cypriot tragedy".

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) spokesman criticised the role of United States, saying Washington "imposed a subservient status quo", while the Coalition of Left rapporteur described the ordeal of the individuals who resisted the military junta duri ng the seven-year dictatorship.

The Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) called on Greek citizens to "remember how the crime was committed".

Finally, Interior Minister Vasso Papandreou pointed out that a "delay in the development of the country was one of the consequences of the seven- year dictatorship."

Message National Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos yesterday, on the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of a military coup in Greece, called on all citizens to respect and support the operation and role of the armed forces.

"The political and social conditions in the country are democratic today, free and healthy, while stability, maturity and unity are directed toward national action, which are facts offering the capability to the armed forces to act decisively in their peace work and in their fundamental concern, which is the defence of our national independence and integrity", Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said in his order of the day.

The defence minister said all governments after 1974 "aimed at and achieved the restitution of human rights, protection of political normality and democratic law and order and establishment of popular sovereignty" .

Athens News Agency

[03] FM Papandreou to visit Moscow over Kosovo issue

Athens, 22/4/1999 (ANA)

The visit was confirmed by government spokesman Nikos Athanasakis who, replying to reporters' questions, said yesterday's meeting in Paris of the foreign ministers of France, Britain, Italy and Germany was to exchange views on the crisis in Yugoslavia.

"The ministers participate in the Contact Group and they believed it would be useful to exchange views on the crisis," Mr. Athanasakis said.

Asked about the possibility of a political solution being found to the Kosovo crisis, Mr. Athanasakis replied that despite the difficulties, initiatives were being taken "which we hope will be successful".

Replying to other questions, the Greek spokesman described the view expressed by US ambassador in Nicosia, Kenneth Brill, as "personal", namely, that the Kosovo crisis would delay efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem.

Athens News Agency

[04] More British troops head to FYROM via Thessaloniki

Athens, 22/4/1999 (ANA)

According to earlier remarks by British Prime Minister Tony Blair, the contingent will perform "humanitarian duties" related to the refugees in FYROM.

Meanwhile, a NATO force already in FYROM continues to be resupplied through Thessaloniki's port, as a convoy of 50 armoured personnel carriers yesterday left the port headed for FYROM.

A Greek armed forces spokesman denied reports that the convoy consisted of tanks, specifing that all 50 were Leopard-type armoured personnel carriers.

He added that the vehicles were unloaded at the port by a German transport ship several days ago.

According to reports, 27 German Leopard II tanks remain at the port, awaiting permission to reinforce the German contingent already in FYFOM.

Athens News Agency

[05] Protest marches outside US embassy over Yugoslavia crisis

Athens, 22/4/1999 (ANA)

Dozens of members of the Association of Exiles and Detainees of the 1967- 1974 military junta gathered at Athens' Freedom Park at around 11 a.m. to mark the 32nd anniversary of the colonels' military coup.

The group shouted slogans against NATO's bombing of Yugoslavia before marching to the US embassy and dispersing peacefully.

Hundreds of university students also held a protest march to the embassy. En route some youths threw red paint, eggs and planks of wood at the European Commission offices in Athens, a short distance from the embassy. Police clashed with the demonstrator s, firing tear gas and arresting two youths.

There were no incidents reported outside the embassy itself, where the protesters shouted slogans against the dispatch of Greek troops to Yugoslavia and against Greece's participation in any NATO offensive on Belgrade.

Staff members from the Evangelismos Hospital also held a protest outside the embassy, following a three-hour work stoppage at the hospital.

Meanwhile, a group of self-styled anarchists blocked the entrance to a downtown branch of Citibank in Thessaloniki yesterday. About 30 youths from "Anarchist Initiative" picketed the entrance to the bank, holding banners with slogans protesting NATO's b ombing of Belgrade and against US foreign policy. After the hour-long protest, the demonstrators dispersed peacefully.

Athens News Agency

[06] Greenpeace cites increased dioxin, PCB levels in northeast Greece

Athens, 22/4/1999 (ANA)

In a statement, Greenpeace said that dioxin and PCBs levels recorded were higher than considered normal even in polluted areas. Measurements from the University of Thrace, which were analysed in Germany, have indicated that the levels of dioxin and PCB s were high but not high enough to cause alarm. The university recorded dioxin levels of between 7-30 trillionths of a gram per cubic metre and of PCBs at between 3-30 billionths of a gram per cubic metre. Greenpeace said the levels may sound extremely sm all but were in fact higher than normal readings from around the world. There has been much concern in Greece about NATO's bombing of chemical plants in Serbia and the consequences these actions would have on the environment. Dioxin, trace amounts of whic h were found in Agent Orange, the defoliant used by US forces in the Vietnam War, is a toxic compound that is carcinogenic and linked to birth defects in certain animals.

Athens News Agency

[07] Swedish royal couple in Greece next week

Athens, 22/4/1999 (ANA)

The royal couple will be received by Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis on Monday, followed by a luncheon in their honour.

On Monday afternoon, King Carl Gustaf will visit the Athens metro construction site at Syntagma Square, followed by a banquet in honour of the royal couple hosted by President Stephanopoulos at the Presidential Mansion.

On Tuesday, the Swedish royal couple will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and meet with Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos, after which Queen Sylvia will leave for a visit to a local hospital while the Swedish head of state will receive the leaders of the Greek opposition parties at a central Athens hotel and attend a business seminar at the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Swedish royals will meet with PM Costas Simitis at noon Tuesday, followed by a luncheon in their honour hosted by the premier and a visit to the Swedish Institute in Athens.

Early in the evening, the King will receive a delegation of the Greek Scouting Federation, followed by a visit to the Piraeus Marine Club.

On Tuesday night, King Carl Gustaf and Queen Sylvia will hold a reception.

On Wednesday, the royal couple will visit ancient Asini, near Nafplio in the Peloponnese, where the king's grandfather, prominent Swedish archaeologist Gustaf VI Adolf carried out his first Greek excavations in the 1920s. The excavations are continuing today.

They will also visit the archaeological site in Delphi on Wednesday before going to Nafplio by helicopter for a visit to the local museum and a lunch in their honour hosted by the prefect of Argolis.

The Swedish King and Queen will return to Athens by helicopter in the evening. They are due to meet with members of the Swedish community before attending the inauguration of an exhibition and reception in their honour at the Pieridis Gallery in Glyfada hosted by the Swedish ambassador to Greece.

The Swedish royal couple departs Athens on Thursday morning.

Foreign correspondents and photographers wishing accreditation to cover the visit should contact Rena Spanou at the press ministry at tel. 36.96.181 or fax 36.28.191.

Athens News Agency

[08] Economic News

Athens, 22/4/1999 (ANA)

The sell-off took the yield spread of domestic paper with German bunds as high as 2.12 percent during trade, exceeding the 2.0 percent maximum eurozone alignment target for the first time recently.

Electronic trade was 207 billion drachmas from 50 billion drachmas on Tuesday and 54 billion drachmas on Monday. Another 200 billion drachmas of trade outside the electronic system was seen by dealers.

Small-scale buying occurred after the sell-off, nudging prices up marginally and taking the yield spread with bunds to 2.06 percent.

The drachma came under some pressure but players abroad did not close their positions in the national currency, indicating they may return to the market.

At the central bank's daily fix, the euro ended at 325.890 drachmas from 325.750 drachmas in the previous trading session. In trade after the fix the euro was trading around 327.000 drachmas.

Central bank officials said the drachma was highly volatile in fairly light trade.

The Bank of Greece did not intervene in the market as commercial banks were able to meet demand for foreign currency.

In the central bank's regular money market intervention, the rate held steady at 12 percent.

Northern exporters hit by Kosovo crisis: Northern exporters yesterday called on the government to take any political or diplomatic moves that would aid their sector, which is hurting from the impact of NATO airstrikes on Yugoslavia.

The Northern Greek Exporters Association (SEBE) sent a letter to the government yesterday, pointing out that Greece was the European Union country worst hit by the repercussions of the bombing.

Among sectors affected were retail trade and tourism. Harmed overall were domestic firms with investment or trade links to Yugoslavia, Albania and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Among steps SEBE wants to see are compensation for businesses hit by the Kosovo crisis to be worked out through the EU, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the World Bank.

In a study of its members conducted between April 1 and April 19, SEBE said orders worth two billion drachmas to Yugoslavia had been lost with one billion drachmas' worth of finished or semi-finished goods unable to move, or lost.

In addition, some firms were hit by a lack of imports from Yugoslavia and by the need to divert land transportation of goods to central and western Europe away from the war zone, driving up costs by an estimated 20 percent.

Thirty six percent of companies polled said they faced major operational problems due to the crisis, and 45 percent feared closure.

Stocks edge down in fifth straight decline: Equity prices ended moderately lower yesterday extending their decline for the fifth consecutive session on the Athens Stock Exchange.

The general index ended 0.68 percent off at 3,350.56 points, losing 10.24 percent in the last five sessions.

The market initially reacted favourably to reassurances from government officials and the Bank of Greece's governor that the impact of the Kosovo crisis on the economy was limited, pushing the index 2.53 percent up in the first 15 minutes of the session .

Later, however, investors resumed their cautious attitude, taking prices lower.

Turnover was 107.481 billion drachmas and volume 20,502,215 shares.

Sector indices suffered losses. Banks fell 1.05 percent, Leasing dropped 2.14 percent, Insurance eased 1.10 percent, Investment rose 0.50 percent, Construction fell 1.15 percent, Industrials ended 0.54 percent down, Miscellaneous ended 0.93 percent off and Holding fell 0.58 percent.

The parallel market index for small cap companies ended 0.92 percent down while the FTSE/ASE 20 index dropped 0.59 percent to 2,096.88.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 142 to 133 with another 19 issues unchanged.

Macedonian Textiles, Eskimo, Hellenic Telecoms and Naoussa were the most heavily traded stocks.

Veterin, Rilken, Aloumil, Ellatex, Benroubi, Minerva, Exelixi, 3A and Boutaris scored the biggest percentage gains hitting the day's 8.0 percent limit up.

Parnassos, Desmos, Atemke, Bitros, Nematemboriki, Ergodata, Ippotur, Mouzakis and Ergobank suffered the heaviest losses.

National Bank of Greece ended at 20,000 drachmas, Alpha Credit Bank at 20, 340, Ergobank at 25,700, Ionian Bank at 17,580, Titan Cement at 22,000, Hellenic Petroleum at 2,270, Intracom at 18,170, Minoan Lines at 7,100, Panafon at 7,290 and Hellenic Telec oms at 6,500.

State procurements in 1999 to total Dr 694 bln: This year's public procurements programme will total 694 billion drachmas, the development ministry said in a statement yesterday.

The procurements programme for the country's public sector was approved by the ministry's committee of procurements planning.

The statement said that the programme's managing committees would operate with greater transparency, helped by the installation of a new computer system due to operate in two months.

Lambrakis shows 40 pct turnover jump in Q1: The Lambrakis Press Organisation yesterday reported a 40 percent increase in its turnover to 14.1 billion drachmas in the first quarter, up from 10.1 billion in the same period last year, while profits totalled 706 million drachmas.

Lambrakis Press held a corporate presentation for the Union of Institutional Investors.

The company's financial and marketing directors said that Lambrakis Press remained a leading player in the domestic media industry with sales of 54 billion drachmas and net pre-tax profits of 4.1 billion last year.

Lambrakis Press will seek listing on the Athens bourse for two of its subsidiaries - Lambrakis Printing SA and Travel Plan SA.

Lambrakis Press also plans to launch a retail network called Young Club, two tele-marketing firms and new alliances with publishing groups abroad.

OTE Consulting to focus on Middle East: OTE Consulting, a subsidiary of Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation, said yesterday it planned to focus on expanding abroad, especially in the Middle East.

The company is carrying out European Union funded programmes in Jordan, the self-ruled Palestinian territories and Tunisia.

A senior company official is to visit Israel, the Palestinian territories and Jordan on May 23-26 as part of the scheme.

Athens News Agency

[09] Athens Goreing exchange

Banknotes         Buying          Selling
US Dollar         304.891         311.960
Can.Dollar        204.352         209.090
Australian Dlr    197.229         201.802
Pound Sterling    490.068         501.430
Irish Punt        410.485         420.002
Pound Cyprus      559.627         572.602
Pound Malta       729.543         759.941
Turkish pound (100) 0.072           0.075
French franc       49.285          50.427
Swiss franc       202.031         206.715
Belgian franc       8.014           8.200
German Mark       165.292         169.124
Finnish Mark       54.373          55.633
Dutch Guilder     146.699         150.100
Danish Kr.         43.497          44.506
Swedish Kr.        36.297          37.139
Norwegian Kr.      39.136          40.044
Austrian Sh.       23.494          24.038
Italian lira (100) 16.696          17.083
Yen (100)         255.757         261.687
Spanish Peseta      1.943           1.988
Port. Escudo        1.613           1.650
euro
Buying: 323.283 Selling: 330.778
Gold Sovereign (rates in Drachmas)
Old mint: 20900 (b), Elizabeth up to 1973: 20900 (b), Elizabeth of
1974 and onward mints: 20900 (b), 22130 (s)
GOLD (in dollars per ounce) London: 284.05 New York: 283.75

Foreign Exchange Buying         Selling
New York        304.891         311.960
Montreal        204.352         209.090
Sydney          197.229         201.802
London          490.068         501.430
Dublin          410.485         420.002
Nicosia         559.627         572.602
Paris            49.285          50.427
Zurich          202.031         206.715
Brussels          8.014           8.200
Frankfurt       165.292         169.124
Helsinki         54.373          55.633
Amsterdam       146.699         150.100
Copenhagen       43.497          44.506
Stockholm        36.297          37.139
Oslo             39.136          40.044
Vienna           23.494          24.038
Milan            16.696          17.083
Tokyo           255.757         261.687
Madrid            1.943           1.988
Lisbon            1.613           1.650

Athens News Agency

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