Athens News Agency: News in English (PM), 99-04-16

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

NEWS IN ENGLISH

Athens, Greece, 16/04/1999 (ANA)

MAIN HEADLINES

• Premier to present Greek action plan on Kosovo
• Intensification of initiatives to defuse Kosovo crisis
• Attack on Kosovar convoy 'tragic'
• Bear Stearns sees short-lived market volatility
• Stocks slump on correction, Kosovo woes
• NATO Supplies for French contingent in FYROM blocked by protesters
• British Foreign Secretary on Athens' role to resolve Kosovo crisis
• Clinton on Greek-Turkish relations
• Greece to coordinate humanitarian aid to Kosovo, Montenegro
• No increase of radioactivity levels reported
• Jewish leaders of Thessaloniki filed lawsuit for war reparations
• Weather
• Foreign exchange

NEWS IN DETAIL

Prime minister Costas Simitis said today he would present a Greek action plan for greater mobility in seeking a peaceful Kosovo solution during an Inner Cabinet meeting later in the day.

Speaking to reporters after a briefing with President Costis Stephanopoulos on regional developments, Simitis said he would present a Greek plan designed to "press for greater mobility in Europe" that would begin next week.

He said the current period was "very difficult", as had become apparent at the informal EU summit in Brussels earlier this week, but "with effort and cooperation a solution can be found".

Stephanopoulos said everyone was in favour of a political solution, but questioned whether there was hope for such a solution to be found.

Simitis said he briefed the Head of State on the EU summit, the agenda of the upcoming NATO summit, and Greece's positions.

"We consider the finding of a peaceful solution imperative, so that peace may be achieved as quickly as possible," Simitis said, adding that Athens was seeking "ways of EU and NATO action" aspiring to their assumption of initiatives for resolution of the dispute in a peaceful manner.

Intensification of initiatives to defuse Kosovo crisis

Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday called for intensification of initiatives to resolve the Kosovo crisis, while he welcomed the active involvement of the United Nations in the issue.

"We believe there must be initiatives to achieve peace as soon as possible. In this context, we hail the involvement or the decision for a more active presence of the UN in facing the problem," Mr. Simitis said.

"Mr. (UN chief Kofi) Annan made an appeal and we hope that this appeal will be accepted. The UN can, among others, provide the peacekeeping force which is necessary for peace to be secured in Kosovo and for the return of refugees...We also support whichev er initiatives of the European Union presidency and the EU in general," he added.

The Greek PM was in the Bulgarian capital for a meeting with his Bulgarian counterpart Ivan Kostov, as both men called for an immediate end to the NATO bombings of Yugoslavia and the convening of a conference of Balkan countries, including Yugoslavia, under European Union auspices.

"The idea is that in this conference, which would be convened after commencement of the peace process, all Balkan countries should participate. If all Balkan countries did not participate, then of course, it would not have achieved its objective, namely peace, progress and development for the entire Balkan region," Mr. Simitis told reporters when asked if Yugoslavia would participate in the conference.

"IThis conference, which will have to examine the development of the Balkans and the stability of the region, following a solution for the crisis in Kosovo, will aim at creating a economic-political framework for the Balkans, for the realisation of which all Balkan countries will cooperate.

"Greece has presented just such a plan to the EU for some time now...a solution to the Kosovo problem is not enough, there should also be a general development plan for the Balkans."

"The third point, on which we must pay special attention to, is the coordination of humanitarian aid for the Kosovo refugees," the Greek premier said.

He also noted that there is not a quick and easy solution to this serious humanitarian problem, adding that "the help, given by different countries must be coordinated so as to have the greater possible effect."

Mr. Simitis announced that top-level consultations would begin in Athens next week between the countries bordering Yugoslavia with the aim of adopting a common stance and policy regarding the Kosovo refugee tragedy.

The Greek PM also said he briefed his Bulgarian counterpart on the results of the extraordinary European Union summit on the issue.

"Greece's stance, as I presented it yesterday (Wednesday) in Brussels and presented today (Thursday) to Mr. Kostov is as follows: there is a framework of decisions of NATO. This framework of decisions is the one to determine the directions of policy."

Mr. Simitis said that Greece is of the same opinion with France and Germany, namely, that a continuation of the war in Kosovo "is negative and for that reason we should find a solution now."

On his part, Mr. Kostov thanked his guest for the briefing over the Brussels meeting, while he welcomed Greece's initiatives.

"Our two countries are in favour of a speedy, peaceful and just resolution of the crisis, considering tht a scenario of a prolonged crisis without a peaceful solution will not only cause huge economic losses, but also social and political destabilisatio n of another kind.

"Secondly, we hail the idea for the convening of a Balkan conference with the participation of all Balkan countries and with the European Union member-states, the United States and Russia - a conference, which following the acheivement of a peaceful resolution of the crisis, will pave the way for the economic restoration of the region.

"We consider it a success of Greece that is was able to convince the other EU member-states for the need of holding this conference, which will work for the economic aspects of this crisis. It is assumed that such a conference will be very beneficial for Bulgaria, if it examines the issue of its economic restoration and the negation of the effects of the war operations."

Attack on Kosovar convoy 'tragic'

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, during his regular press briefing yesterday, described Wednesday's attack on a convoy of Kosovar refugees as "a tragic event".

"It is however not enough to express sorrow. This is the abhorrent face of war and the consequences of choices which downgrade the human factor," Mr. Reppas said.

Replying to questions, the spokesman said Greece was "exhausting all limits and possibilities" as a member both of NATO and the European Union and in its capacity as a Balkan country to contribute to efforts aimed at resolving the Kosovo crisis.

Mr. Reppas reiterated that Greek forces would not take part in any military operations in Yugoslavia by NATO ground troops.

Asked about the inclusion of the Ionian in the war zone, he indirectly acknowledged that there were certain problems but said merchant shipping routes were largely unaffected.

When asked about the possibility of Greece accepting refugees from Kosovo, the spokesman initially reiterated the government's position that no refugees will be accepted unless there is some comprehensive European plan to tackle the problem.

He predicted, however, that if the issue were raised at a bilateral level, for example to Greece by the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) or by Albania, "it might be examined in a different light, but always subject to certain conditions".

Mr. Reppas clarified that such an issue had not been raised.

Bear Stearns sees short-lived market volatility

Bear Stearns anticipates volatility in Greek markets due to the Yugoslav crisis but the price shifts are likely to be short-lived, Reuters news agency reported yesterday.

Bear Stearns backed Greek bonds as an investment due to the country's progress towards alignment with the European Union in a report on the market.

It also forecast that the Greek market would skyrocket on resolution of the Kosovo crisis.

The report said the yield spread between Greek bonds and German bunds was nearing 1.82 percent. This was the spread on March 22 when hostilities broke out.

Stocks slump on correction, Kosovo woes

Equities ended yesterday's session sharply lower on the Athens Stock Exchange hit by waves of profit taking.

The general index ended 91.70 points, or 2.46 percent lower at 3,640.94. Traders said the market needed a correction following its 19.6 percent ascent in the last seven sessions from 3,120 to 3,732 points.

Fading hopes of a diplomatic initiative by the European Union to end the Kosovo crisis and renewed talk of a ground war in Yugoslavia discouraged traders.

Eurobank's shares again declined on the second day of trade. The stock ended 4.57 percent lower at 17,375 drachmas off the day's lows of 16,750 drachmas, or 8.0 percent down, in heavy volume of 2,246,970 shares totalling 38.699 billion drachmas.

The heavy volume caused a one-hour breakdown in the market's electronic trading system.

Sector indices suffered losses. Banks dropped 2.79 percent, Leasing eased 3.80 percent, Insurance fell 0.11 percent, Investment ended 1.05 percent lower, Construction eased 0.27 percent, Industrials dropped 3.09 percent, Miscellaneous fell 0.86 percent and Holding was 0.06 percent off.

The parallel market index for small cap companies fell 0.49 percent.

Turnover was 153.197 billion drachmas and volume 23,061,636 shares. The FTSE/ASE 20 index ended 2.78 percent lower at 2,292.52 points.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 172 to 109 with another 11 issues unchanged.

NATO Supplies for French contingent in FYROM blocked by protesters

A French freighter yesterday docked at the port of Thessaloniki and unloaded military supplies for a French contingent stationed in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

The ship unloaded 48 containers and eight multi-purpose vehicles, all for transport to FYROM.

However, the convoy was later blocked before it reached the FYROM border by supporters of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and following minor scuffles between police and protesters it returned to Thessaloniki.

The demonstrators, about 100, erected a roadblock near the Polykastro bridge, sealing off the road with cars and trucks.

The demonstrators are opposed to the passing of NATO forces through Thessaloniki en route to FYROM, claiming that they will be used in a possible ground war by NATO against Yugoslavia.

In a related development, 37 German Leopard II tanks have been in storage at the port for the past 20 days, which according to reports will reinforce the German contingent in FYROM.

Finally, on April 24 trade unionists of the Panlabour Struggle Front (PAME) intend to surround the army camp in the area where, according to a PAME official, German tanks are being stored before being transported to FYROM.

Some 200 PAME members will also head to Yugoslavia, via Bulgaria, next week to join the "human shields" protecting bridges and buildings from bombings.

British Foreign Secretary on Athens' role to resolve Kosovo crisis

British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook yesterday praised Athens' efforts to resolve the Kosovo crisis.

"We realise Greece's special position as a full member of NATO and the European Union, as well as a country in the Balkan region, the sole member- state of NATO and the European Union in this region," he said.

"For these reasons, Greece has a special role. Firstly, it conveys the views of the region to us and at the same time it functions as our representative with the countries in the region. I express great satisfaction over the initiatives Greece has undert aken to promote stability and cooperation in the entire region and I believe that this is one of the very positive factors emerging from this crisis in the Balkans. It is a new conception in the area of southeastern Europe for the need for greater regiona l cooperation between its countries," he added.

Clinton on Greek-Turkish relations

US President Bill Clinton yesterday reiterated that improvement of Greek- Turkish relations is one of the highest priorities of his administration's foreign policy.

Speaking in California to a gathering of that state's newspaper managing editors, Mr. Clinton said Orthodoxy and Islam meet in the Balkans at the borders of Greece and Turkey, while he stressed Washington's intention to actively contribute to the peace ful co-existence, not only of the two countries, but of both religious faiths.

Mr. Clinton added that during the last six years of his term he did not achieve any progress on the issue but noted that there was no worsening.

The US president also asked for ideas from those present that could aid him in efforts to assist in the improvement of Greek-Turkish relations.

Greece to coordinate humanitarian aid to Kosovo, Montenegro

Interior Minister Vasso Papandreou said yesterday that Greece will undertake, following a proposal by other countries, to coordinate all humanitarian aid to Kosovo and Montenegro.

She had previously chaired a meeting focusing on issues concerning the coordination of Greece's activities for the sending of humanitarian aid to Albania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and Serbia through non-governmental organisation s.

"We have already created three settlements in Albania which, at an initial stage, can host about 5,000 people," she said.

According to the minister, other non-Balkan countries have requested permission for vehicles carrying humanitarian aid to cross through Greece, adding that the proposal has been accepted.

Ms Papandreou said permission will be granted for refugees to go to other countries from FYROM via Greece. Refugees will head to Turkey, the United States and Australia, while quite a few have already left for Germany.

Commenting on the Kosovo crisis, she said unfortunately the situation is unpleasant, adding that economic repercussions can be considerable for the country, particularly if the situation lasts for a long time. She said that all this is being evaluated a nd the EU is being informed, because the issue does not concern Greece alone.

Among others, the meeting was attended by National Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and Public Order Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis.

No increase of radioactivity levels reported

There is no indication of increased levels of radioactivity in the Balkans, according to data by the Greek Atomic Energy Committee (EEAE).

EEAE made the announcement due to various reports in the press alleging increased radioactivity related to bombings in Yugoslavia.

EEAE's announcement said measurements of environmental radioactivity are complex, requiring specialised staff and infrastructure, while it is necessary for them to be carried out by accredited laboratories and experienced scientists.

The agency is the relevant body responsible for protecting the country from repercussions stemming from ionised radiation.

Jewish leaders of Thessaloniki filed lawsuit for war reparations

A lawsuit filed by the Jewish community of Thessaloniki for the return of 3.5 billion drachmas paid to the Nazis during World War II as ransom for Jewish lives will be heard in November, court officials said.

The hearing will take place at a Thessaloniki first instance court.

Leaders of the northern port city's Jewish community paid the occupation forces in Greece the money to liberate some 2,000 Thessaloniki Jews from forced labour for the Axis occupiers of Greece in 1942.

About 50,000 Thessaloniki Jews were killed during the Nazi occupation of Greece, obliterating one of the largest and most vibrant Sephardic Jewish communities in the world. An estimated 70,000 Greek Jews died during the Nazi occupation of Greece.

Jewish community leaders will hold a memorial service on Sunday in the northern capital and lay a wreath at the city's Jewish Holocaust memorial for the victims.

WEATHER

Winds will be variable, moderate to strong.

Mostly fair in Athens where temperatures will range between 13-26C. Partly cloudy in Thessaloniki where temperatures will be from 11-24C.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Friday's rates (buying)
U.S. dollar          298.473
Pound sterling       481.398
Japanese yen (100)   250.659
French franc          49.070
German mark          164.587
Italian lira (100)    16.625
Irish Punt           408.734
Belgian franc          7.980
Luxembourg franc       7.980
Finnish mark          54.140
Dutch guilder        146.074
Danish kr.            43.313
Austrian sch.         23.393
Spanish peseta         1.934
Swedish kr.           36.059
Norwegian kr.         38.625
Swiss franc          200.741
Port. Escudo           1.606
Aus. dollar          189.164
Can. dollar          199.293
Cyprus pound         556.512
Euro                 321.904

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