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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-12-10

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1363), December 10, 1997

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


CONTENTS

  • [01] Premier says Greece determined to enter EMU by 2002
  • [02] Karamanlis launches all out attack against Gov't
  • [03] ... Papariga
  • [04] ... Constantopoulos
  • [05] Peace in former Yugoslavia of 'vital interest' to Greece
  • [06] Tsohatzopoulos receives new US ambassador
  • [07] Greece steadfast on European Conference issue
  • [08] Papandreou calls on EU to adopt honest attitude towards Turkey
  • [09] PM not prepared to sanction dissenters - Reppas
  • [10] Committee for Revising the Constitution meets
  • [11] Greenpeace blames US for looming failure at Kyoto
  • [12] ESHEA reaches salary hike agreement
  • [13] Greece does not lack sensitivity for the handicapped, BBC told
  • [14] Army buys Mercedes jeeps
  • [15] Conference on Cyprus issue starts in Athens today
  • [16] Respect for human rights is an one-way street
  • [17] HYATT to build hotel complex in Thessaloniki
  • [18] Vergina declared UNESCO World Heritage site
  • [19] Zeffirelli opens exhibition at National Art Gallery
  • [20] Athens mayor inaugurates 'Walking about Old Moscow' exhibition
  • [21] Increase in Greek banks' turnover
  • [22] LMF assets rocket
  • [23] EBEA elections
  • [24] TVX Gold says will not abandon Halkidiki mining program
  • [25] TVX protesters ready to take their cause to court
  • [26] Gold to be excavated in Rodopi
  • [27] OTE deal with Intracom and Siemens for digital service
  • [28] Mobile telephony
  • [29] Profit-taking halts rally of prices on ASE
  • [30] Shipyard workers strike
  • [31] Greece issues 12-month visas for FYROM businessmen
  • [32] Parliament committee debates public works draft law
  • [33] Agricultural Bank approves 2.6 bln Drs investment subsidies
  • [34] Karelias expands business abroad
  • [35] 'Journalism in the face of today's challenges'
  • [36] ANA chief holds contacts in Cyprus

  • [01] Premier says Greece determined to enter EMU by 2002

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    Greece is determined to enter European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) by the date of the introduction of the Euro, that is, January 1, 2002 at the latest, and negotiate hard to protect its interests, but also to play a prominent role with a positive contribution to the evolution of the EU, Prime Minister Costas Simitis said during Parliament's special debate on issues of European convergence last night. The prime minister said his government's basic vision was of a strong Greece inexorably linked with a strong Europe of the peoples, and not simply of the strong nations.

    Greece's priorities were determined by this aim of a strong Greece:

    Firstly, the Turkish threat and the instability in the Middle East necessitated the safeguarding of the country's vital interests and the consolidation of peace and security.

    Secondly, a competitive economy and sustainable development. Thirdly, enlargement of the Union and co-operation with those countries in the Balkans and eastern Europe wishing to participate in the building of a new European reality.

    Fourthly, more democracy and participation, transparency and efficiency.

    In the negotiations with the other member-states, Greece would seek to ensure the political control in the framework of EMU, so that the course of the EU may not be exclusively determined by monetary authorities, he said.

    He stressed that as he found in his recent meetings with counterparts in London and Paris, Greece's partners were supportive of its efforts to achieve convergence.

    Regarding the issue of the proposed, French-inspired, European Conference, with the participation of the 15 member-states, 11 prospective members and Turkey, Mr. Simitis said the content of the conference was unclear, as the issues for discussion had no t been determined, and, therefore, Greece considers it unnecessary.

    Nevertheless, he said Turkey could conceivably participate in such a conference under three conditions, namely a recognition of the jurisdiction of the International Court at The Hague, the unimpeded course of Cyprus towards EU accession, and progress i n the talks for solving the Cyprus problem on the basis of UN resolutions.

    He reiterated that Turkey had no right to raise objections to another country's entry to the EU.

    The prime minister said Greece was in favor of a simultaneous start to negotiations with all 11 prospective members - citing Bulgaria and Romania as examples that should also be included from the start.

    The prime minister referred extensively to Greece's positions on a number of issues crucial for the future of the Union.

    Regarding institutional reform, he said Greece proposes the setting up of a committee of experts - rather than new negotiations - which will process the relevant proposals (weighing of votes, composition of the Commission etc.). Greece is also in favor of upgrading the EU's policy of security, and in this context, the Greek presidency of the Western European Union in the first six months of 1998 would seek to upgrade its potential for intervention, in a way that is not contrary to NATO' role.

    Regarding the economic cost of enlargement, the prime minister said Greece would put up a strong fight so that along with the other countries of the South, it would not lose resources from the structural funds, and so that the Third Community Support Framework would provide the necessary credits.

    Mr. Simitis dismissed criticism that the Treaty of Amsterdam was a failure for Greece (and also for the other small countries). He expressed confidence that the recent Luxembourg summit laid the foundations for an effective fight against unemployment, having defined the mechanism for a central coordination of policies, the results of which would become apparent in the future.

    Finally, he said that a re-determination of the Union's orientation was necessary in the sectors of social policy and culture.

    [02] Karamanlis launches all out attack against Gov't

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis attacked the government over its policies concerning the economy and foreign affairs and termed Prime Minister Costas Simitis a "Prime Minister of taxes."

    In his address, Mr. Karamanlis said the sole convergence criteria Greece has is the taxation policy applied by the government, adding that it has imposed 49 taxes and 13 new taxes which are included in the state budget.

    "The biggest lie you have said is that no new taxes will be imposed. The convergence you are trying to achieve is with accounting alchemy. Leniently speaking, the divergence from the budget this year will amount to 600 billion drachmas. You are failing even if you achieve nominal convergence," he said.

    Mr. Karamanlis spoke of the inadequate absorption of European Union funds and lost opportunities and criticized the government of unprecedented indifference against the agricultural population which is creating, as he said, the danger of desolation for the Greek countryside.

    Referring to EU funds, Mr. Karamanlis said the situation "is tragic and that while two thirds of the time at our disposal has passed only a third of the second community support framework has been absorbed".

    "Its management constitutes blatant proof of the government's inadequacy and incompetence," he said.

    Mr. Karamanlis analyzed his party's proposals such as restricting public extravagance, the policy of denationalization, widespread administrative reform and the reforming of the taxation system.

    He also said that Greece is the sole country which will not be able to participate in the first stage of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) against its will. He pondered who is to blame that Greece will not be able to participate, saying: "Your omissions , the lack of boldness, inadequacy and the lack of effectiveness endangers the country's European course."

    Mr. Karamanlis also focused on national issues and accused the prime minister of submissiveness, adding that due to this submissiveness Greece has been isolated and not Turkey.

    Concluding his address, Mr. Karamanlis spoke of failed policies and criticized the prime minister for lacking boldness and instead of modernization is producing anachronism.

    "Either you must change policy or Greece its government," he said.

    [03] ... Papariga

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    Communist Party (KKE) Secretary-General Aleka Papariga spoke against ratification of the Treaty of Amsterdam and in favor of a referendum on Greece's course in the EU.

    "The convergence program and the Stability Pact are forging new, stronger fetters for peoples," Ms Papariga said, describing as "justified" the reaction and "indi-gnation" against the government's decision to "hand over sovereign rights", and stressing that in NATO and the EU, "the national borders are being managed by others".

    She accused the government of trying to project the theory of "a small and defenseless Greece", and said that the country possessed both wealth and potential for development.

    [04] ... Constantopoulos

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    Coalition of Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos termed the government's policy as one of secrecy, unilateral action and an attitude of fait accomplis.

    Mr. Constantopoulos said that the government "secretly" changed the Greek induction in the monetary union, initially forecast for 1999, to 2002, and did not negotiate "politically" its induction in the first wave.

    Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) President Demetris Tsovolas also criticized the government's EU policy.

    [05] Peace in former Yugoslavia of 'vital interest' to Greece

    KZeningswinter, Germany 10/12/1997 (ANA- P. Stangos)

    Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis yesterday stressed Greece's "vital interest" in the pacification of the whole of the former Yugoslavia, during the sessions of the conference on Bosnia at Petersburg.

    "Greece borders directly on the area of the former Yugoslavia, and a speedy and permanent pacification of the area is not of a mere theoretical humanitarian interest to her. It is a vital element of her national strategy, and a factor of major importance in the management of some of its most focal interests on the international scene," he said.

    Mr. Kranidiotis described 1997 as "the best year" since the Dayton accord, due to the full cease-fire achieved, but noted "deficits" in the implementation of the political aspects of the agreement, and stressed the necessity of the inclusion of the Serbian side in the economic reconstruction programs.

    "The economic recovery of all the parts of the country is a decisive precondition for the stabilization of peace," he said.

    He discreetly differentiated himself from the 'hard-line' stand being cultivated - chiefly on the German side - in order to force all sides to co-operate in the implementation of the agreement, stressing that "from experience, mild diplomacy reaches further, particularly in an area whose inhabitants are still particularly sensitive regarding their image".

    Regarding the Kosovo issue, which was included in the agenda -causing the strong reaction of the Yugoslav side -, Mr. Kranidiotis stated that for Greece "there is only one acceptable solution, that which will emerge from the peaceful negotiations in the framework of the border of the Yugoslav Federation".

    Addressing the Yugoslav delegation, he advised understanding of the interest shown by Europe and the US "for a problem which is not only one of human and democratic rights".

    "Kosovo is indeed a problem of human rights and our Yugoslav friends must understand the priority given by Greece on the human rights criterion, particularly when it concerns countries with European prospects in the near or distant future," he said.

    According to Greek delegation sources, Mr. Kranidiotis met briefly on the sidelines of the conference with the foreign ministers of Romania, Adrian Severin, and of Bulgaria, Nadezda Mikhailova.

    [06] Tsohatzopoulos receives new US ambassador

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos received the new US Ambassador to Greece Nicholas Burns yesterday, their first meeting since Mr. Burns arrived in Athens last week to take up his post.

    Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said afterwards that various bilateral issues had been discussed. He expressed the hope that the spirit of good relations between the two countries would continue, based on common interests.

    Mr. Burns declared the US's willingness to offer strong support to the Greek armed forces' modernization program, adding that the latest American aircraft would be made available to Greece.

    [07] Greece steadfast on European Conference issue

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    The government said yesterday that it remained firm in its position on the issue of the proposed European Conference for prospective EU members, with regard whether Turkey should participate or not.

    Government spokesman Demetris Reppas said that today's meeting between Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and his Luxembourg counterpart Jean-Claude Juncker, whose country currently holds the rotating European Union presidency, might create the conditions "for a change of stance and a re-examination of the issue".

    He underlined however that at the present time this did not appear likely. A number of EU countries have proposed that Turkey participate in the European Conference, while Greece said Ankara should be allowed to participate only if it first fulfilled prerequisites which Athens insists govern relations of all civilized countries.

    [08] Papandreou calls on EU to adopt honest attitude towards Turkey

    Brussels, 10/12/1997 (ANA- P. Pantelis)

    Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou has called on the other members of the European Union to adopt an honest attitude towards Turkey, and reiterated that Greece is in favor of the neighboring countries' European orientation.

    "I am under the impression that certain countries want to have both their cake and eat it. They want to have good relations with Turkey, but without letting it approach Europe ... (However) we must tell the Turks what exactly we expect of them if they a re to become members of the Union. If we are clear, they will decide to proceed. If they think we are simply engaged in a public relations exercise, they will not decide on real changes," he said in an interview with the Belgian newspaper 'Libre Belgique' .

    "Contrary to the prevailing view, Greece has no doubt regarding Turkey's European orientation... We do not discriminate on the basis of religious or cultural criteria. The European Union, however, has basic principles: democratic institutions, respect for human rights, the rule of law. All countries wishing to become members must accept them ... Ankara must make an effort in the right direction," he added.

    "Certain member-states hide behind Greece so as not to tell Turkey they don't want it as a member. Greece has differences with Turkey. And it is easy to say to Turkey that Greece is the problem ... I am not sure how many of them want Turkey in," he said.

    [09] PM not prepared to sanction dissenters - Reppas

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    Faced with several questions yesterday regarding the functioning of the government, particularly after the recent difference of opinion expressed by Education Minister Gerassimos Arsenis, spokesman Demetris Reppas reiterated that the prime minister did not wish to exercise his authority by issuing sanctions.

    Mr. Reppas noted that each minister had a personal responsibility to confront each issue according to decisions taken by government bodies, while the prime minister's job was to judge whether their statements and actions were in line with those decisions.

    Mr. Arsenis, who was also bound by those decisions, had asked for clarifications regarding the new NATO structure, and these would be dealt with through regular government channels, he added.

    The spokesman emphasized that the commitment on the part of Cabinet members to abide by these rules did not apply to the parties, where opportunities existed for expressing different points of view.

    [10] Committee for Revising the Constitution meets

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    The discussion on the election of the President of the Republic was concluded at the Committee for Revising the Constitution in Parliament yesterday without any minimum agreement being reached between the government and the opposition.

    On the contrary, new proposals were tabled by the ruling PASOK party, while Culture Minister and the party's general speaker Evangelos Venizelos insisted in his proposal for an enlarged electoral body which will elect the President.

    Mr. Venizelos further said that the present Parliament must decide that it should not be dissolved due to failure to elect a President and the next should decide on the way of election.

    [11] Greenpeace blames US for looming failure at Kyoto

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    The Greenpeace organization's office in Greece yesterday accused the United States for the anticipated failure of the Kyoto Conference on the Environment.

    According to Greenpeace, US Vice-President Al Gore reaffirmed that his country is bound by powerful financial interests, which threaten to derail the international conference in Kyoto.

    The US sent "Mr. Environment" Al Gore to Kyoto in an effort to make an impression, Greenpeace argued, adding that his rhetoric provoked anger.

    The US discussed, early on, a small, negligible reduction in pollutant emissions, but their proposals were full of loopholes allowing the US to significantly increase pollutant emissions in the years to come.

    Greenpeace Director in Greece Stelios Psomas said that "before he became US Vice-President, Al Gore wrote a book entitled ' The Earth in Balance' in which he described in the most poignant way the threat of the climatic changes. Today he is forgetting his own words."

    [12] ESHEA reaches salary hike agreement

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    The Athens Union of Journalists (ESHEA) and the Athens Publishers' Union (EIHEA) yesterday agreed on a 6 per cent salary hike for the period of Oct. 1, 1997 to Sep. 30 1998.

    The same increase will be implemented on Sep. 30 1998 for the Oct. 1, 1998 to Sep 30, 1999 fiscal year.

    The agreement also covers other issues pertaining to conditions of work, sackings and pensions.

    [13] Greece does not lack sensitivity for the handicapped, BBC told

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    Health and Welfare Under-secretary Theodoros Kotsonis said Greece is not lacking in sensitivity and care for handicapped children compared to other European countries.

    Mr. Kotsonis was invited by the British BBC radio station to comment on a film screened by British television on branches of the PIKPA institution in the cities of Sidirokastro and Karditsa.

    "There is difficulty in distinguishing mental retardation and psychiatric illnesses. Instructions have been given so that individuals with psychiatric problems will be transferred to special institutions. Tying or restricting these individuals has been abandoned as a method in Greece years ago. Measures are taken for the creation of specially protected rooms to safeguard children from injuring themselves," he said.

    "We believe that the film places excessive emphasis on certain isolated cases and in general it defames our country and our civilization. Sensitivity shown by the state towards these weak minorities of handicapped children is an expression of our civilization and we believe that a great deal has been achieved in relation to social policy in the past 20 years," he added.

    [14] Army buys Mercedes jeeps

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    Greece yesterday signed an agreement with the German vehicle manufacturer "Mercedes" for the purchase of 305 quarter-ton jeeps to cover its military needs, defense ministry sources said.

    The agreement for the jeeps, valued at 4.4 billion dr., was signed by the defense ministry's armaments procurement directorate and the Hellenic Vehicle Industry (ELBO) with the German manufacturer.

    The sources said that 225 of the jeeps will be for general use and 80 for the transport of injured persons. Ten of the jeeps would cover the needs of the Hellenic Airforce.

    The jeeps will be delivered by the end of 1998.

    The sources said another 30 billion dr. agreement for the procurement of 2,000 one-ton and quarter-ton military vehicles would be signed next year.

    [15] Conference on Cyprus issue starts in Athens today

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos said the lack of a national strategy and a multidimensional foreign policy on the part of the Greek government does not help the Cyprus issue at this crucial phase. He was speaking after meeting the Secretary-General of the Cypriot leftist AKEL party Demetris Christofias.

    Mr. Constantopoulos said that the closer we get to the date for a start to accession negotiations (with the European Union) and the holding of presidential elections in Cyprus (in February) conditions are becoming more dangerous for Turkey to provoke qualitatively different reactions.

    Earlier, Mr. Constantopoulos held talks with Cyprus presidential candidate George Iakovou, who is supported by AKEL, and exchanged views on the course of the Cyprus issue.

    A two-day conference on the Cyprus issue organized by the Coalition will start in Athens today. The conference will be addressed by personalities from Greece and Cyprus, as well as by Turkish Cypriot politicians.

    [16] Respect for human rights is an one-way street

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou in a message yesterday on today's World Day of Human Rights, said that respect for human rights is a one-way street for achieving democracy, justice and social progress.

    Mr. Papandreou, noting that Greece has joined the family of the Council of Europe for the protection of human rights, added that their respect constituted an unnegotiable principle in Greece's foreign policy.

    He also expressed the hope that neighboring countries, such as Turkey, "which knock on the door of the European family", to respect human rights.

    In a message marking the day, the Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) noted that "it is a day of meditation and struggle. And this is because the cruel violation of every right, the executions, torture, violations of freedom of speech and t he Press continues in the greatest part of our planet."

    The Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) in its message noted that "The respect of human rights is essentially forgotten in our days."

    [17] HYATT to build hotel complex in Thessaloniki

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    HYATT, the society which owns the casino in Thessaloniki under the same name, announced yesterday its decision to complete its investment program in accordance with its contract signed with the Greek state.

    The new 12-billion drs. investment entails the construction of a new hotel complex and will bring the total amount invested since 1995 in Thessaloniki to more than 40 billion drs.

    HYATT president George Galanakis told a press conference that the new hotel complex will be completed by April 1999. It will have a capacity of 300 beds and a conference hall which will be able to hold 1,000 participants.

    [18] Vergina declared UNESCO World Heritage site

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    The archaeological site of Vergina, where the tomb of Philip of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, was discovered, has been officially declared a World Heritage Monument by UNESCO.

    The official declaration was made on Monday at the site by UNESCO General Director Federico Mayor, who was accompanied by Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos and Greece's ambassador to UNESCO Vassilis Vassilikos.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Mayor expressed his admiration for the archaeological finds at Vergina and pledged that UNESCO, in co-operation with the Greek culture ministry, would make every effort to protect and promote them and to assist the continuation of excavations at the site.

    [19] Zeffirelli opens exhibition at National Art Gallery

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    Internationally renowned film and opera director and stage designer Franco Zeffirelli will inaugurate today at the National Art Gallery an exhibition of legendary stage designs, costumes and jewelry, which were worn by famous personalities in his operas and films.

    "What you are going to see is a walk through my life," he said.

    Maria Callas and Luchino Visconti were two of the great artists he worked with.

    Films such as the epic 'Jesus of Nazareth', 'Romeo and Juliette' are works of his, which as he said emit creativity and love, two values that he uncompromisingly defends.

    Addressing Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos during the interview, Mr. Zeffirelli said "I would gladly accept staging the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Athens." Mr. Zeffirelli, an Italian senator and warm supporter of the idea of Magna Grecia, also said that: "the English must return the Parthenon marbles."

    [20] Athens mayor inaugurates 'Walking about Old Moscow' exhibition

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    "Walking about Old Moscow", an exhibition of 19th century works by Russian artists, was inaugurated on Monday night by Athens Mayor Demetris Avramopoulos at the Vouros-Eutaxias Museum of the City of Athens, organized by the Club UNESCO Dodecanese in collaboration with the two museums.

    The 75 paintings and engravings by distinguished 19th century Russian artists, being exhibited in Greece for the first time, depict the historical monuments of the Russian capital after the 1812 fire, scenes of everyday life in Moscow and landscapes, UNESCO Dodecanese president Dr. Giorgio Marcou told the ANA.

    The works, says Prof. Marcou, who is also the honorary consul of Italy on the island of Kos, form part of a renowned collection at the Museum of History of the City of Moscow and are being displayed in the context of events marking the 850th anniversary of the founding of Moscow and the 100th anniversary of the Moscow museum's establishment.

    "UNESCO Dodecanese decided to collaborate with the Moscow and Athens Museums of History for the exhibition as our organization's programs also include learning about and spreading the cultures of other peoples and countries, because mutual understanding is the basis for coexistence, peace and progress" Dr. Marcou said.

    He said UNESCO Dodecanese had produced the exhibition catalogue and a limited number of 200 commemorative medals for local and visiting dignitaries, and had widely promoted the event internationally in its belief that cultural education should not be isolated to the culture of a person's particular country, but should also embrace the cultural past of other countries.

    "Particularly countries such as Russia, with which we share the same religion, which is so rich from a cultural, intellectual and artistic viewpoint as well" Dr. Marcou noted.

    "The collection," said Dr. Marcou, "shows successively the history of Moscow in details of everyday life and customs, recording life in the city as it evolved over the centuries."

    This collection is indeed a valuable ark of history and art. The drawings, paintings and sculptures by different artists from different periods and in different artforms, have become vital historic documents," he said.

    [21] Increase in Greek banks' turnover

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    The total assets of Greek and foreign banks established and operating in Greece (25 and 21 respectively) increased by 10.36 per cent in 1996 compared to 1995, a development showing an increase in the Greek banks' turnover, whether they concern loans or securities and other activities.

    The data is included in a publication by the Union of Greek Banks (EET) on the issue of "Banks in Greece."

    According to the publication, the total amount of capital provided by banks in 1996 increased by 15.30 per cent, as against 1995, while deposits increased by 13.35 per cent.

    On the question of the Greek banks' profits, it stressed that the total amount of net pre-tax profits in 1996 reached 103.8 billion drachmas. The amount trails behind the corresponding figure for 1995 by 42.36 per cent, a fact explained by a considerable increase in the amount of provisions by certain banks for writing off bad debts and restructuring the loans and participations portfolio.

    [22] LMF assets rocket

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    The total assets of Labor Mutual Funds (LMF) amounted to 587 billion drachmas as at November 30, increasing by 68.18 per cent compared to the corresponding date last year.

    According to an announcement by the S.A. company Labor Mutual Funds Management, the assets of the company's individual mutual funds showed that the assets of the Labor Mutual Funds Internal Development Share totaled 13 billion drachmas, increasing by 1,141 per cent since the beginning of the year, while its overall yield amounted to 54.81 per cent.

    In addition, the assets of the Labor Mutual Funds Stable Internal Bond as at November 30 amounted to 85 billion drachmas, increasing by 54.81 per cent since the beginning of the year, while its accumulated yield amounted to 10.57 per cent.

    [23] EBEA elections

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    The grouping of the incumbent President Ioannis Papathanasiou won elections at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEA), polling about 60 per cent of the vote. Votes were cast by 8,213 businessmen out of 40,000 eligible voters. Out of this figure 7,018 voted in the commercial sector, 1,024 in the industrial and 171 in the export sector.

    [24] TVX Gold says will not abandon Halkidiki mining program

    Montreal, 10/12/1997 (ANA - I. Fragouli)

    The Canadian Toronto-based TVX Gold company will not abandon its gold mining program in Olympias and Skouries communities in Halkidiki, investment director Ed Baer told the ANA yesterday.

    Mr. Baer said that TVX Gold is financially strong, since it is supported by major banks and also because it has presold 48 per cent in mining futures at 422 dollars per ounce. He added that his company will go ahead with a 550-million-US-dollar investment in the two goldmines observing the rules of its contract.

    TVX Gold Vice-President Ian Horn, commenting on the recent protests of the local population concerning the impact of the mines on the environment, said that "at this moment there are 12 specialists who are examining the subject of environmental protection. We are formulating programs in an effort to upgrade the areas destroyed by the previous owners of the mines and to construct new installations with the least possible impact on the environment."

    Mr. Horn noted that the protests by the area's residents concerning the environmental impact, "are political pretexts" and called the locals to a briefing, so they may be informed about the technology which will be used to minimize the dangers to the environment and to the beauty of the landscape.

    [25] TVX protesters ready to take their cause to court

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    Representatives of communities in Halkidiki, northern Greece, which are opposed to gold mining activities in the region by TVX Hellas said yesterday that they would have recourse to the Council of State if the company moved to establish its installations in any location other than the site at Ecclesiastikos Mylos. Ano Stavros community president Vassilis Naoum told the ANA that protest action by local residents would from now on take the form of legal action, since the coordinating committee for the communities of Strimonikos now had evidence on which they could base legal appeals.

    Police and local residents have clashed in recent months in the area, following residents' complaints that gold mining in the area will have a serious impact on the environment.

    TVX Hellas, a subsidiary of the Toronto-based TVX Gold company, received a concession for exploitation of the Cassandra gold mines in March 1995 after international tendering. Under the privatization agreement signed in December 1995, the 67 billion drachma investment is expected to create some 617 jobs. Local government representatives told a press conference in Thessaloniki yesterday that according to "reliable information", a study by the Institute of Geological and Metallurgical Research (IGME) had designated the area Ecclesiastikos Mylos as the site for TVX's operations.

    The chairman of the committee coordinating protests against the mining, Antonis Stoitsas, warned the government and the administration of IGME not to attempt "behind-the-scenes skullduggery aimed at modifying the study".

    Replying to criticism that the delay in the realization of the investment was due to local protests, Mr. Stoitsas countered that the delay was due to technological problems facing the company which had not been resolved. He intimated that TVX may have sought the delay in order to secure compensation from the Greek state, and charged that TVX was continuing to cause pollution in the area, despite statements by the company underlining its concern for the environment.

    [26] Gold to be excavated in Rodopi

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    The Greenwich Resources Hellas S.A. company will excavate 20 tons of gold in the Sapes region in the Rodopi prefecture. The company's leading officials Christos Skevas and George Triantafyllidis said that "the gold is worth exploiting. So far 150 shallow drilling operations have been carried out over a total area of 20 km. Samples were gathered which were analyzed chemically in the company's laboratories by special scientists."

    More specifically, sampling operations were conducted at the locations of Agios Demetrios, Ohia and Skari. Excavation will be carried out with known methods, both underground and on the surface. The total quantity of the gold is 597,840 ounces or 18.5 tons, but only 11.4 tons can be excavated with the "open field" method. About 2.3 tons will be produced in the first year (1998) and another two tons over the next 4-5 years.

    [27] OTE deal with Intracom and Siemens for digital service

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    The board of the Greek Telecommunications Organization (OTE) decided yesterday to assign the supply of digital telephony worth 381 billion drachmas to the Siemens and Intracom companies.

    Intracom's share of the deal amounts to 222.7 billion drachmas.

    The deal is part of OTE's five-year development program (1988-2002) involving digital interchanges and terminal equipment. During that period, the organization expects to collect increased revenue by 20 percent.

    [28] Mobile telephony

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    Four of the biggest builders of mobile telephone sets in the world, Nokia, Motorolla, Philips, and Siemens have eventually been selected by "Cosmote", an OTE subsidiary, to supply the Greek company with the new cellular phones DCS 1800.

    In the past few days Cosmote has been in constant contact with the four companies, in order to put the final touches to the contracts expected to be signed in the coming days.

    A Cosmote - Ericsson agreement is still pending, mainly due to reservations by the leading Swedish firm to accept a Cosmote proposal for co-branded sets.

    Nevertheless, OTE is expected to strike a separate contract with Ericsson for the purchase of 35,000 mobile sets, which OTE will put out in the market.

    [29] Profit-taking halts rally of prices on ASE

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    Greek equities came under normal profit-taking pressure yesterday to end slightly lower on the Athens Stock Exchange, reversing a 10-day advance of almost 12 percent.

    The general index closed 0.20 percent lower at 1,563.75 points.

    Trading however remained subdued reflecting investors' reluctance to follow professional buying. Turnover was 16.6 billion drachmas.

    Sector indices ended mixed. Banks fell 0.38 percent, Leasing eased 0.19 percent, Insurance dropped 1.75 percent, Investment rose 0.02 percent, Industrials increased 0.48 percent, Constructions fell 1.61 percent, Holding rose 0.33 percent and Miscellaneous eased 0.75 percent.

    The parallel market index for small cap companies fell 0.23 percent while the FTSE/ASE index rose 0.04 percent to end at 896.50 points.

    Broadly, decliners led advancers by 140 to 74 with another 20 issues unchanged.

    Bank of Athens, Xylemporia, Agrinio Metal and Papoutsanis scored the biggest percentage gains, while N. Galis, Klaoudatos, Ionian Hotels and Mouriades suffered the heaviest losses. National Bank of Greece ended at 27,095 drachmas, Ergobank at 15,990, Alpha Credit Bank at 17,395, Delta Dairy at 3,570, Titan Cement at 13,200, Intracom at 14,850 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organization at 6,220.

    [30] Shipyard workers strike

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    Workers in Perama shipyards yesterday staged a 24-hour strike demanding government measures to upgrade the shipyard zone and create new jobs.

    Strikers rallied to the merchant marine ministry in Piraeus and handed a petition to minister Stavros Soumakis.

    [31] Greece issues 12-month visas for FYROM businessmen

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    Greece's liaison office in Skopje has started issuing visas of a one-year duration for businessmen in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) since November.

    The move was in the context of a bilateral agreement signed last February aimed at promoting commercial and economic relations between the two countries.

    FYROM businessmen can obtain a Greek visa by submitting a certificate of their membership in any of their country's chambers.

    Greek ambassador to Skopje Alexandros Mallias will host a special event next Monday to brief FYROM businessmen on the new visa facilities.

    Mr. Mallias urged the need to strengthen credibility and mutual respect in co-operation between businessmen and companies from Greece and FYROM.

    [32] Parliament committee debates public works draft law

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    The Greek parliament yesterday began debate on a new draft legislation on public works aimed at ensuring conditions for greater transparency and competitiveness and securing the public sector's interests.

    The draft law will be debated by a parliament committee.

    Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis in his opening statement said that the new legislation supported a drastic change in the process of public works in the country.

    "The legislation establishes a new reality. We pursue excellence," Mr. Laliotis said.

    He added that during the last four years the ministry has completed very significant projects with respect for the environment and helping the country's development.

    [33] Agricultural Bank approves 2.6 bln Drs investment subsidies

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    The Agricultural Bank of Greece, a state-owned bank, yesterday approved subsidies totaling 2,576 million drachmas during the second half of the year to fund 52 investment projects.

    The projects, budgeted at 5.665 billion drachmas, were geographically distributed in eastern Macedonia and Thrace, central Macedonia, Epirus, Thessaly, Central Greece and the Peloponnese.

    They cover 39 live animal farms, 12 farm services units and one mushroom unit.

    [34] Karelias expands business abroad

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    The presence of the "Karelias" tobacco company in European markets keeps recording an upward trend. The company's sales in foreign countries has further expanded, following the conclusion of important contracts at recent trade fairs in Prague and Cannes. Karelias now sells its products to nine countries in Europe and the Middle East.

    Also growing is its subsidiary, "Karelias Meridian", which does business in the duty free area. The firm expects to record sales of one billion drachmas in 1997, as compared with 665 billion in 1996.

    [35] 'Journalism in the face of today's challenges'

    Athens, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    A one-day meeting was held yesterday at the Athens Journalists' Association (ESHEA) conference hall, organized by and addressed to journalists, on the topic: "Journalism in the face of today's challenges".

    The event was organized as a form of an ESHEA intervention in view of an interministerial meeting of the Council of Europe on the mass media due to be held in a few days time in Thessaloniki, and in which the association will have no say. ESHEA president Aristidis Manolakos, who delivered an opening speech at the meeting, underlined the irregularities existing in the mass media field, stressing that many problems connected to new technologies were further complicated by an irregular state in the mass media that the state had actually allowed to be created.

    Especially in Greece, he said, there is a "world first" in the ownership of the area of the mass media, with the same people controlling at the same time print and electronic media, as well as companies having interests in the public sector. According to Mr. Manolakos, this was a source of evil also threatening the proper function of the political system.

    Speaking on recent differences between employers and employees during negotiations for the signing of the new collective labor contract and ESHEA demands on institutional concerns, he said journalists will strongly react in order to deal with such serious problems in the information industry.

    Also a speaker at the meeting was Press and Media Minister (and government spokesman) Demetris Reppas who told participants that at the Thessaloniki meeting, Greece was to propose the drafting of a Charter on citizens' rights to information, under the provisions of the European Treaty on Human Rights.

    Heyden White, secretary general of the International Journalists' Federation, observed that there was today a widespread concern on the part of the public opinion on the role and responsibility of the mass media and the conduct of reporters. However, he underlined that information was a cultural good which even though sold, was different to other products in the free market and should therefore be separated from the natural process of economic exploitation.

    Speaking on new technologies and the Internet, Dominique Vidal, a reporter with "Le Monde Diplomatic", said the excessive amount of news "kills information", adding that in the net, citizens did not know the source of the news. The meeting was addressed by many other foreign and Greek journalists and reporters.

    [36] ANA chief holds contacts in Cyprus

    Nicosia, 10/12/1997 (ANA)

    Athens News Agency's General Director Andreas Christodoulides had a series of contacts yesterday with Cyprus News Agency (CNA) officials in an effort to strengthen co-operation between the two agencies.

    Mr. Christodoulides, in Cyprus at CNA's invitation, also met with Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, Interior Minister George Stavrinakis and government spokesman Manolis Christophides. He will be received by President of the Republic Glafcos Clerides today.

    End of English language section.


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