Subject: A.N.A. Bulletin 1/9/93 From: miltos@nfl2.irc.nrc.ca Athens News Agency Bulletin, September 1, 1993 ============================================== Athens, 1/9/1993 (ANA) - Greece's merchant fleet is a "formidable weapon" in the Greek economy's arsenal during this critical period, Prime Minister Constantine Mitsotakis said yesterday. Speaking at a joint meeting of the Union of Greek Shipowners and the London- based Committee on Shipping Co-operation yesterday, the premier reassured the shipowners that the government would continue to successfully implement its shipping policies and champion the principle of free competition in the shipping industry. "The success of our policies is corroborated by the numbers: ships totalling 7,500 million tonnes have raised the Greek flag and annual receipts from shipping foreign exchange are in the region of two billion drachmas, compared to the goal of one billion drachmas set in the 1970s that was barely achieved", Mr. Mitsotakis said. "But what gives me even greater pleasure is the fact that there is a spirit of co-operation between the shipping community and industry workers at all levels - a spirit that the government supports completely", he added. Mr. Mitsotakis said that the merchant marine's importance to the economy had been recognised by all Greeks, who have perceived that shipping "contributes but does not demand". "We are proud of our merchant fleet because it increases the country's strength since Greek-owned ships comprise the third-largest fleet in the world and [their number] is showing an upward trend", he added. Earlier yesterday, the premier also met with the leaders of the Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) to discuss economic developments. He is also scheduled to meet with the leaders of Greece's largest labour union, the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE), tomorrow in advance of his keynote address on the economy at the opening of the Thessaloniki International Fair on September 11. Athens, 1/9/1993 (ANA) - The Greek frigate Elli yesterday set sail for Bali, Italy to join other NATO and WEU warships on patrol in the Adriatic. The fleet is implementing the UN-imposed embargo on Serbia and Montenegro. Elli has replaced Kanaris, a destroyer. Athens, 1/9/1993 (ANA) - Foreign Minister Michalis Papaconstantinou met yesterday with US charge d'affaires James Williams to discuss the Balkans and Greek-American relations. Foreign Ministry spokesman Andreas Papaconstantinou and government spokesman Vassilis Manginas said the date for Prime Minister Constantine Mitsotakis' visit to the United States had not yet been set. Washington has suggested the premier visit the US on October 26. Mr. Papaconstantinou will speak at a conference organised by the European Relations Institute, on September 3 in Rhodes, it was also announced yesterday. Athens, 1/9/1993 (ANA) - Conclusions drawn from an August 18 meeting between officials of the Greek and Turkish foreign ministries in Ankara will serve as the basis of an agreement between the two nations on illegal immigration to Greece from Turkey, the Foreign Ministry said yesterday. Athens, 1/9/1993 (ANA) - Ankara has yet to reply to Greece's request for an investigation into the vandalism and desecration of graves at an Orthodox cemetery in Istanbul. Fourteen tombs at the Greek Orthodox cemetery in Istanbul were vandalised late last month with sledgehammers. Greece's protest to Skopje over similar acts at a Greek military cemetery in Yevgeli have also so far been ignored. Melbourne, 1/9/1993 (ANA-S. Hatzimanolis) - Australia's Federal Immigration Minister Nick Bolkus, a Greek-Australian, will pay an official visit to Greece, September 10-20. He will represent South Australia, his home state, at the inauguration of the Thessaloniki International Fair and tour archaeological sites in Pella and Vergina prior to visiting Castellorizo, his island of origin. Senator Bolkus will also visit Rhodes and Athens, where he is scheduled to meet with Public Order Minister Nikos Gelestathis and Foreign Under-secretary Vyron Polydoras. From Athens he will fly to Geneva, to tour refugee camps in Germany and Turkey. Melbourne, 1/9/1993 (ANA-S. Hatzimanolis) - Members of parliament from all over the world will visit Australia shortly to attend a five-day interparliamentary conference beginning in Camberra on September 13. The Greek parliament will be represented by deputies Apostolos Kratsas, Ioannis Pottakis, Gregory Farakos and Panayotis Kosionis. The Cyprus House of Representatives delegation includes Nicos Anastasiadis, Yannakis Omirou, Aristos Chrysostomou and Andreas Philippou. Athens, 1/9/1993 (ANA) - Finance Under-secretary Peter Doukas yesterday reviewed the status of the government's privatisation programme, adding that its strategy was to use the Athens Stock Exchange to the greatest degree possible in effecting the transfer of state-owned enterprises to the private sector. Speaking at a news conference, Mr. Doukas outlined the status of government efforts to privatise 11 major companies, including the sale of gambling licences through the Greek National Tourism Organisation. The Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (OTE) and the Aspropyrgos Hellenic Refineries (ELDA) were not included in the list and would be the subject of a separate meeting, either today or tomorrow, he said. He mentioned the following: Hellenic Vehicles Industry (ELBO): Nikko Securities has completed the company's appraisal and it will most likely be privatised through share offerings on the ASE. A strategic investor was also being sought to help modernise the company. Olympic Airways: The poor financial state and bad operating conditions of Greece's national carrier do not make it an attractive investment. Shipyards: The Credit Bank has been appointed financial consultant in the privatisation of the Skaramangas yards for which the government had set four conditions. These include a substantial share capital increase, the safeguarding of at least 2000 jobs, and the execution of existing contractual agreements for the construction of frigates and Hellenic Railways (OSE) cars. A draft agreement has been reached with the Kalogeridis group for the sale of the NAFSI shipyards while an inventory of the assets of the Neorion Shipyards on Syros was being compiled. Corinth canal: There are no plans to privatise but a tax law incentives clause allows the company to expand activities such as developing the surrounding area. Casino/ gambling licences: The deadline for bids is September 30 and committee will decide by October 20 on smaller development proposals that include tourist complex development. This will be followed by detailed reviews by November 10 and January 7 respectively, followed by license awards. The government hopes to raise over 100 billion drachmas in investments and create at least 2,500 new jobs through the programme. Piraiki-Patraiki: The Stratou-Katsamba group will take over the Karpenisi branch of Piraiki-Patraiki textile mills for 650 million drachmas while the Syros branch of the company will go to the Ignatiadis Terlana group for 110 million drachmas and the retention of 30 members of staff. Mr. Doukas also reviewed Greek Saltmines and the Astakos industrial zone. Athens, 1/9/1993 (ANA) - Foreign banks will pay tax on all profits sent to head offices based overseas under a new taxation bill recently passed by parliament, Finance Under-secretary Petros Doukas said yesterday. Profits that are tax-free in Greece (interest earned on bonds or Treasury bills) will also be taxable, Mr. Doukas added. It was estimated the measure would earn the state approximately 3 billion drachmas, the under-secretary said.