Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-07-31

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From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1251), July 31, 1997

Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[01] KYSEA decides modernization of 39 F-4 Phantoms

[02] SYN critical of government's armaments program

[03] Greece condemns suicide bombing in Jerusalem market

[04] Bulgarian president meets Ecumenical Patriarch in Istanbul

[05] Pilot of crashed Mirage buried in Halkida

[06] Eighty Greek soldiers return home from Albania

[07] New US Charge d'Affaires calls on ND leader

[08] Evaluator to be hired for Florina plant

[09] Kaklamanakis arrives at Santorini on windsurf

[10] Record 200 countries to take part in World Athletics Championships

[11] Nebiolo defends IAAF's positions on combating doping in athletics

[12] World Athletics Championships' opening ceremony

[13] Broken-down ship carries 180 illegal immigrants

[14] Kos Coastguard arrest 15 Iranian illegal immigrants

[15] FYROM aircraft makes emergency landing in Greece

[16] INTRAKOM reaches exports agreement with Jordanian company

[17] Electricity rates increase by 3.5% from tomorrow

[18] Green light given to a new ELVO investment program

[19] Greece cuts petrol tax to curb inflation after dollar's rise

[20] Bank of Attica wants to launch Dr 8.5 billion share cap rise

[21] Greek private construction rises 5 pct in May

[22] Greenpeace calls on investors to back renewable energy

[23] Greek equities edge down, stay in the doldrums

[24] OTE expands into leasing sector

[25] Greece to attend industrial fair in Tehran

[01] KYSEA decides modernization of 39 F-4 Phantoms

Athens, 31/7/1997 (ANA)

The German firm was awarded the tender after three competitions held since last November and the cancellation of a previous competition for the same contract.

DASA's bid was 8 billion drachmas less than that of the American bidder for the tender, while the contract to be signed will also provide for offset benefits.

The Phantom jets will be modernized in co-operation with the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAB). Specifically, EAB will undertake the modernization of the aircraft's skeleton at a cost of 5.5 billion drachmas, while DASA will upgrade the jets' electronic components.

The average cost of modernization per aircraft is 8 million dollars, compared to 11 million dollars which Turkey recently agreed.

Mr. Reppas clarified that Prime Minister Costas Simitis had not received a letter from Chancellor Helmut Kohl on the issue.

National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos described the deal as "very satisfactory", saying the contract would provide a solution to a long-standing problem.

At the same meeting yesterday, chaired by Prime Minister Costas Simitis, KYSEA approved the country's new defense doctrine which continues to view the main threat as coming from the east and stresses the importance of a flexible response capability in order for Greece's policy of deterrence to remain effective.

The council also approved the new structure of the armed forces which provides for the conversion of large military formations into smaller, more flexible and mobile units.

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said later that the KYSEA had unanimously approved Mr. Tsohatzopoulos' recommendations on the basic principles of his ministry's policy and the new structure of the armed forces.

Mr. Reppas underlined that Turkey was making efforts to strengthen its armed forces "to the maximum" in order to overturn the status quo in the Aegean "as well as in relations between the two countries". "Greece's policy has also aimed at consolidating conditions of peace and security in the region. Our country has never been a warmonger," Mr. Reppas said, adding however that "we are alert and ready to confront any threat".

Regarding the new structure of the armed forces, the KYSEA decided to reduce army divisions and shift the "center of gravity" to brigades as operational units.

At the same time, it decided that the Second Army Corps should cease to have specific territorial responsibility and instead be converted into a special, flexible force with a high degree of mobility and a capability for dealing with "emergency situations".

Mr. Reppas said meanwhile that the armaments program would have taken its final form by the end of the year.

New armaments, he said, accounted for 23 per cent of the program, 29 per cent is at the level of offer evaluation, 18 per cent at the stage of feasibility approval and the remaining 30 per cent at the drawing up of operational specifications.

Asked whether there was a possibility of the government re-examining the program in the future, if Greek-Turkish relations were normalized, Mr. Reppas replied that the Turkish armaments program was well known and the Greek program would be completed on the basis of the decisions already taken "given also possible unforeseeable factors within Turkey".

[02] SYN critical of government's armaments program

Athens, 31/7/1997 (ANA)

The left wing party added that the armaments program had a negative effect on development and social cohesion, while the government's policy augmented the public debt and slashed hopes for real convergence with European standards.

[03] Greece condemns suicide bombing in Jerusalem market

Athens, 31/7/1997 (ANA)

"The people and government of Greece condemn in the most absolute way and express their abhorrence over the terrorist act at the Mahane Yehuda market in Jerusalem," a Foreign Ministry statement said.

"They also express their sincere condolences to the government of Israel and the families of the victims.

"Greece has always been opposed to whatever form of terrorist acts from wherever they may come," the statement added.

"Such acts have a negative effect on the Middle East peace process, which is at a very delicate phase. The resumption of negotiations as well as the promotion and completion of the peace process can and must constitute the strong answer to terrorism," i t concluded.

According to a Reuters dispatch, the Islamic militant movement Hamas claimed responsibility for the double suicide bombing that killed 14 people and left more than 150 wounded.

[04] Bulgarian president meets Ecumenical Patriarch in Istanbul

Istanbul, 31/7/1997 (ANA-A. Kourkoulas/BTA)

The patriarch expressed his love for the Bulgarian people and the hope that Bulgaria becomes a member of the European Union and NATO.

He said he had followed closely the recent visit by Mr. Stoyanov at Mt. Athos, and his appreciation of a pledge by the Bulgarian president to return a very valuable manuscript stolen from the all-male monastic community.

Mr. Stoyanov also visited the Bulgarian community in Istanbul and met with members.

[05] Pilot of crashed Mirage buried in Halkida

Athens, 31/7/1997 (ANA)

The funeral service was held at Agia Paraskevi cathedral in the presence of his parents, brothers and wife. Also present were National Defense Under-secretary Dimitris Apostolakis and Air Force General Staff chief George Antonetsis, as well as senior military and police officials from Halkida. An Air Force guard of honor and an Air Force band paid respects before Pantelakis' flag-draped coffin.

Born in Halkida in 1969, Pantelakis joined the Air Force Academy in 1988 and graduated in 1992. He was serving at the 114 Fighter Wing in Tanagra. Those who knew him said he was hardworking, honest and a courageous pilot.

[06] Eighty Greek soldiers return home from Albania

Athens, 31/7/1997 (ANA)

The company was responsible for ensuring the safe transportation of humanitarian aid along the Tirana-Elbasan highway.

General Luciano Forlani, commander of the Italian-led protection force, praised the Greek company for the success with which it had carried out its mission.

The Greek company, accompanied by light armored vehicles, crossed the border in the morning and was welcomed home at a special reception organized by local authorities at the village of Andartiko in the prefecture of Florina.

[07] New US Charge d'Affaires calls on ND leader

Athens, 31/7/1997 (ANA)

The meeting lasted for 15 minutes and, according to sources close to the ND headquarters, it was a courtesy call and primarily an acquaintance meeting.

[08] Evaluator to be hired for Florina plant

Athens, 31/7/1997 (ANA)

Development Minister Vasso Papandreou said "the decision was taken in order to eliminate questioning of the agreement". She added the decision to hire an independent evaluator was one of a number of options she presented to the Inner Cabinet.

[09] Kaklamanakis arrives at Santorini on windsurf

Athens, 31/7/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Kaklamanakis was seen off Cape Sounion at 1210 yesterday by Development Minister Vasso Papandreou and representatives from the Hellenic Tourism Organization (EOT) and the Athens 2004 bid committee.

He arrived at Ammoudi beach, on Santorini, at 2050 yesterday, after covering 120 nautical miles at an average speed of 25 nm/hour.

The winner of a gold medal in the 1996 Olympic Games was scheduled to stay overnight at Santorini and set off again at 1000 today for Iraklio, 80 nautical miles away. He is being escorted by the frigate "Spetsae".

At Iraklio he will be welcomed by Mrs. Papandreou and local officials, who will host an event in his honor this evening.

During his setting out to sea yesterday, the Development minister said: "We hope Nikos' effort will contribute to a positive outcome on our bid for the Olympic Games of 2004.

"The immediate relationship between the effort of our 'gold' Olympic winner and our goals in the sector of tourism is almost self-evident. His goal combines everything, that's why we are proud to stand by him during this first trip, which we hope is repeated," she added.

[10] Record 200 countries to take part in World Athletics Championships

Athens, 31/7/1997 (ANA)

The record number of countries, as well as the excellent work done by the "Athens 97" organizing committee in preparing the event, drove the International Classic Sports Federation to announce that the Athens 6th World Athletics Championships is expected to be the bests o far in its history.

[11] Nebiolo defends IAAF's positions on combating doping in athletics

Athens, 31/7/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Nebiolo supported a proposal by the federations of Germany, Hungary and Russia and expressed support for a decrease in penalties to half, from four years which is the penalty at present, for those arrested for using anabolics for the first time in t heir careers.

This move is in harmony with the policy and recommendations of the International Olympics Committee (IOC) and at the same time resolves legal problems existing in certain countries in which a penalty of two years is anticipated.

Mr. Nebiolo expressed support for the international federation's positions on combating doping in athletics and said these efforts will continue.

The proposal is expected to be put to the vote today, while a similar vote conducted in Goteborg in 1995 was rejected by 137 votes against 49. A two-thirds majority is required for the proposal to be accepted.

[12] World Athletics Championships' opening ceremony

Athens, 31/7/1997 (ANA)

The Greek flag will be held by Vassilis Papageorgopoulos, Anna Verouli, Vangelis Depastas, Stavros Tziortzis, Spilios Zaharopoulos and George Papavasiliou, while the IAAF flag will be held by Despina Kafenidou, Thanassis Kaloyiannis, George Vamvakas, Dimos Manglaras, Christos Pierrakos and George Tsakanikas.

The IAAF World Championships will be held at the Athens Olympic Stadium on August 1-10 with the participation of 200 countries.

[13] Broken-down ship carries 180 illegal immigrants

Athens, 31/7/1997 (ANA)

The ship remained out of control and tossed in rough seas until yesterday. After being located by an air force reconnaissance aircraft, a ship left Piraeus to tow the "Soloh" to safety. The captain and the crew had abandoned the ship. The operation was completed late yesterday evening.

In statements to the authorities, the immigrants said they had paid US$ 3,000 each to a Turkish slave-trader for passage to Italy.

[14] Kos Coastguard arrest 15 Iranian illegal immigrants

Athens, 31/7/1997 (ANA)

According to the illegal immigrants, they had each paid 2,000 dollars to two Turks to transport them from the Turkish coast to the Greek island.

[15] FYROM aircraft makes emergency landing in Greece

Athens, 31/7/1997 (ANA)

The aircraft was coming from Dusseldorf and was heading for Skopje, but due to a storm there was forced to postpone landing. Fuel was not enough to stay in the air, so the pilot gained permission to land and refuel at Thessaloniki.

Permission was granted by the Foreign Ministry because the aircraft carried the logo of "Macedonian Airways", and after a stop-over of half an hour it headed back to Skopje.

[16] INTRAKOM reaches exports agreement with Jordanian company

Athens, 31/7/1997 (ANA)

The contract concerns the procurement of 3,000 cardphones for the Trans Jordan Corporation company together with the relevant supervision and management system and maintenance of the utility network.

According to an announcement by INTRAKOM, the amount anticipated by the contract is expected to be more than doubled in the next year, covering in this way the needs for utility telephony all over Jordan.

The Trans Jordan company is a joint Greek-Jordanian enterprise with 50 per cent of its shareholders being Jordanian businessmen from the country's telephony sector and the remaining 50 per cent being the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) and HELLASCOM which, following international tendering, received one of the two licenses to develop and exploit utility telephony in Jordan.

INTRAKOM's integrated cardphone system is already established in 10 countries and sales on the international scene are in the region of 100,000 cardphones.

[17] Electricity rates increase by 3.5% from tomorrow

Athens, 31/7/1997 (ANA)

The minister added that DEH rates had remained frozen for the past 25 months, while since 1996 there has been a lowering of 7 per cent for commercial consumers and large families.

[18] Green light given to a new ELVO investment program

Athens, 31/7/1997 (ANA)

The cost of the approved investment program will be subsidized by 40 per cent. The operational plan includes an extension and modernization of ELVO production plants, purchase of modern machinery and a comprehensive computer system for programming and checking of production.

According to ELVO president Lykourgos Sakellaris "the expected results of the new investments are regarded important to the company's operation, since they will contribute to boosting production, competitiveness of products, flexibility of production an d improvement of quality".

The industry has so far been involved in the production of military vehicles and only in the last two years has entered the commercial vehicle area. The investment program is expected to allow the firm to further expand to local and international markets.

[19] Greece cuts petrol tax to curb inflation after dollar's rise

Athens, 31/7/1997 (ANA)

The reduction by four drachmas per liter ordained by the development ministry will stay in place until September 30, and covers the whole country.

The ministry also decided the imposition as of today July 31 1997 of a consumer ceiling in the sale of gasoline. The measure will apply all over the country except Athens and Thessaloniki.

The dollar again rose versus the drachma at the central bank's daily fix to close at 288.030 drachmas from 287.14 in the previous session. On Monday the US currency had gained 2.27 percent in a week and 16.5 percent from the beginning of 1997.

Development Minister Vasso Papandreou told reporters yesterday the tax cut aimed to contain prices and protect consumers despite the rise of the dollar and fuel prices worldwide.

The government has ordered spot checks in the market to halt profiteering , she said.

Gasoline prices will drop by 1.2 drachmas against the previous week's levels, taking into account the tax drop and a readjustment of international prices. Without the government's intervention, consumers would have paid 3.5 drachmas more per liter of gasoline.

[20] Bank of Attica wants to launch Dr 8.5 billion share cap rise

Athens, 31/7/1997 (ANA)

Shareholders will be asked to endorse the plan and decide the price and terms of the bank's share distribution.

Bank of Attica said in a statement yesterday that the share capital increase was part of a strategy to reinforce its presence in the marketplace.

[21] Greek private construction rises 5 pct in May

Athens, 31/7/1997 (ANA)

It rose by 4.8 percent in January-May against the same period of 1996, NSS said.

[22] Greenpeace calls on investors to back renewable energy

Athens, 31/7/1997 (ANA)

It called on investors in Greece and abroad to submit proposals to the development ministry's operational energy program in order to take advantage of new incentives.

"Greenpeace has already briefed over 70 investors in Greece and abroad about the two new phases of the program which concern energy conservation measures and the development of environment-friendly sources of energy," the director of Greenpeace's branch in Greece, Stelios Psomas, told a news conference.

Ahead of the EU's White Paper on renewable forms of energy currently being prepared, Mr. Psomas said, Greenpeace had proposed to the Energy Commissioner, Greece's Christos Papoutsis, that Community legislation should be adapted in order to facilitate a wider use of non-polluting energy.

Greenpeace proposed that private concerns should be allowed to generate electricity from renewable sources of energy, and power companies should be compelled to buy the clean electricity at reasonable prices.

"Greenpeace has welcomed the new initiatives by the development ministry," Mr. Psomas said, referring to the second phase of the operational program at a total estimated cost of 73 billion drachmas (50 billion for energy conservation and 23 billion for renewable sources of energy); and a separate program for small- and medium-size enterprises with a budget of 16 billion drachmas.

The environmental organization, however, criticized the Public Power Corporation (DEH), charging that it was discouraging efforts for the creation of subsidiary companies for the promotion of renewable sources of energy, "remaining locked into old-fashioned notions that view these sources as technologically immature".

[23] Greek equities edge down, stay in the doldrums

Athens, 31/7/1997 (ANA)

Resistance settled at 1,600 points after the market again failed to hold the key level it retook at the end of last week for the first time in nine sessions.

The Athens general share index ended lower at 1,584.17 points, outperformed by the parallel market for smaller cap stocks which jumped 1.41 percent. Turnover slipped to 10.4 billion drachmas from 11.8 billion drachmas in the previous session.

Sector indices finished mixed. Banks fell 0.76 percent, Leasing slumped 1.37 percent, Insurance rose 0.88 percent, Investment jumped 1.70 percent, Industrials lost 0.55 percent, Construction slipped 0.61 percent, Holding increased 0.65 percent and Miscellaneous gained 0.41 percent.

The dollar gained on the drachma at the central bank's daily fix after a technical correction the previous session to close at 288.030 drachmas.

Declines outpaced advances at 122 to 85 with 20 shares remaining unchanged of 227 traded.

The day's highest percentage gainers were Ridenco, Atemke, Parnassos Enterprises and Eskimo (preferred), which all ended at or near the upper eight percent daily volatility limit.

The biggest losers were Athinea, Bank of Athens (common), Thessaliki and Singular.

Among blue chips National Bank of Greece finished at 36,610 drachmas, Ergobank at 17,175, Alpha Credit Bank at 19,850, Delta Dairies (common) at 3,300, Hellenic Bottling at 9,860, Titan (common) at 14,595, Intracom (common) at 13,155 and Aluminium de Grece (common) at 18,800 drachmas.

[24] OTE expands into leasing sector

Athens, 31/7/1997 (ANA)

Among the company's targets, which steadfastly supports OTE's investment program as well as those of its subsidiaries, is to activate itself in every sector of economic activity.

OTE-LEASING is proceeding with organizing its office network, exploiting OTE's telecommunications which are already functioning, starting from Thessaloniki and northern Greece.

The company's head offices recently moved to OTE's neoclassic building in Stadiou street.

[25] Greece to attend industrial fair in Tehran

Athens, 31/7/1997 (ANA)

Products on show in the international fair, to be held in the Iranian capital from October 2 to 10, will include industrial and chemical products, cars, manufacturing equipment, electronics and products and services in the construction of chemical plants.

End of English language section.

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