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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-02-05

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 1107), February 5, 1997

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


CONTENTS

  • [01] Greece gets some of the Acropolis back
  • [02] National roadways remain open, farmers' 'maneuvers' continue
  • [03] Gov't response
  • [04] Opposition reaction
  • [05] High-ranking Montenegrin delegation continues contacts in Athens
  • [06] Montenegrin meeting with Pangalos
  • [07] Simitis, G. Papandreou cover several foreign policy issues
  • [08] GSEE president meets with PM on recent US trip
  • [09] Foreign ministry on Milosevic decision
  • [10] Russian delegation meets with Gen. Tzoganis
  • [11] Lithuanian president to visit Greece this month
  • [12] FM provides clarifies last week's statements on FYROM
  • [13] Gov't spokesman draws distinction between Greek-Turkish relations, Cyprus
  • [14] EIB VP Yennimatas presents new book
  • [15] Municipal workers end strike
  • [16] Roadblock on Bulgarian side of border lifted
  • [17] Tzoganis tours fleet headquarters
  • [18] Political parties to receive nine billion in financial assistance
  • [19] Legislation on upgrading electoral process discussed
  • [20] Simitis, US visit
  • [21] Stamps bearing Andreas Papandreou's likeness slated for issue
  • [22] ND congress taking shape
  • [23] ND Eurodeputy named president of International Textiles Institute
  • [24] Development ministry announced changes for trade exhibitions
  • [25] Draft decree signed to create veterinary border control posts
  • [26] ATE says Dodonis dairy is not up for sale
  • [27] Int'l meeting in FYROM focuses on Balkan transportation network
  • [28] Symposium on trade with Black Sea nations, Balkans held
  • [29] Number of public sector contract hirings for '97 announced
  • [30] Trade delegation organized for China
  • [31] Weightlifter expresses regret over controversy caused by allegations

  • [01] Greece gets some of the Acropolis back

    Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)

    The culture ministry yesterday took delivery of the small piece of marble removed from the Athens Acropolis more than 40 years ago by an unidentified German who last month returned it by mail to the Greek embassy in Bonn.

    "This gesture is of little material consequence but of enormous symbolic significance," Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos said, taking delivery of the marble.

    "The demand for the return of the Parthenon Marbles is not just another case of cultural objects being returned to their place of origin. It has to do with the restoration of the aesthetic integrity of one of the greatest monuments of world civilization , which was chosen by UNESCO as its logotype and emblem. I hope the message is clear to all internationally," Mr. Venizelos said.

    The minister later handed the marble over to the archaeological service. The piece, about the size of a large pebble, is believed to have been removed by a German tourist or occupation soldier.

    In a type-written letter accompanying the marble, the anonymous German wrote:

    "This rock belongs to Greece. Many years ago I removed it... I am returning it now because due to my age I am not likely to visit Athens again. Please make sure it is returned near the Temple of Athina...".

    Successive Greek governments have sought the return of the Parthenon marbles from the British Museum. The ancient sculptures were removed in 1806 by British Ambassador to Constantinople, Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin, on the basis of a controversial Turkish firman.

    The estimated 253 pieces include the Parthenon frieze by Phidias, a Caryatid and a column from the Erechtheum.

    [02] National roadways remain open, farmers' 'maneuvers' continue

    Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)

    Small groups of protesting farmers in Thessaly played cat-and-mouse yesterday morning with some 18 squads of the riot police deployed to protect national highways from being blockaded by tractors.

    It appeared the farmers were concentrating their efforts on gaining access to the national highway at the Tempi site. Meanwhile, other farmers' unions yesterday were due to resume protest actions against the government.

    Groups of farmers gathered with their tractors in the villages of Platykambos, Vriotopos, Mataragas and other points, apparently waiting for an opportunity to dodge police, who have spread out over the whole region, particularly in the Larissa prefecture.

    Earlier, the first tractors appeared in the city of Larisa itself, only to be surrounded by police near the city's old cemetery.

    Police were out in force near strategic road intersections to enforce the ban on the circulation of tractors since early morning.

    At about 1:30 p.m., about 80 tractors managed to reach the national highway near the city, which they blockaded for about 45 minutes, but withdrew on the side after being warned that riot squad police would intervene.

    Police near Lamia were instructed to arrest farmers who would attempt to make their way to strategic points on the road network despite the ban.

    However, a spectacular move on the part of the farmers during the night was not being ruled out, as their movements could not be tracked by police helicopters.

    It is expected, in any case, that farmers will keep the front open for several days. The Pan-Thessalian Coordinating Committee was reportedly considering a descend of tractors on Athens.

    [03] Gov't response

    Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)

    On his part, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas reiterated that the government insisted on dialogue as a means of resolving farmers' demands, stressing that the present time was not one for confrontation, but one in which efforts must be made by all sides to find mutually acceptable solutions.

    Condemning the blockading of roads and railway lines, Mr. Reppas said "this logic must be abandoned".

    He added that this form of protest did not have the consent of the Greek people. Replying to questions concerning the ban on the movement of tractors on the national roads, Mr. Reppas referred to the relevant legislative framework and said the ban had been imposed "in order to avert the worst".

    The restrictions, he added, will be temporary.

    In a related development, a prosecutor in Serres began a preliminary investigation into the blocking of the Strymon River bridge by 60 farmers last December. Yesterday the farmers gathered in a movie theater in the city and decided to ask the government not to press charges against 450 of their colleagues for "obstructing traffic" in April 1993.

    [04] Opposition reaction

    Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)

    The Communist Party (KKE) in a statement hailed what it called the "heroic struggle of farmers, who, in defiance of the government's phenomenal police state measures, terrorism and persecutions, took part en masse in today's successful mobilizations."

    The Political Spring party referred to "a government of no connection to place and time", stressing that "a major and bold revision of our agricultural policy is required now."

    [05] High-ranking Montenegrin delegation continues contacts in Athens

    Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)

    Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and his Montenegrin counterpart Svetozar Marovic yesterday discussed the possibility of establishing a financial center in Thessaloniki to further promote Greek-Montenegrin co-operation and to facilitate the development of business activities between the two countries.

    Mr. Marovic is on the second day of an official two-day visit to Greece at the head of a Montenegrin parliamentary delegation.

    During the meeting, both sides underlined the need for peace and stability to be safeguarded in the region.

    Mr. Kaklamanis expressed his intention to visit Montenegro in order to examine possibilities for promoting closer co-operation between the two countries in the economic and cultural sectors.

    Noting that great efforts were being made in his country to achieve modern economy through private initiative, Mr. Marovic said he has favored the "prevalence of the people's will" and democracy, "in which there are no isolated powerful individuals".

    Mr. Marovic also met with Development Minister Vasso Papandreou for talks on bilateral business and other economic co-operation.

    After the meeting, the Montenegrin parliament president expressed satisfaction over his meeting with Ms Papandreou.

    In a statement, Ms Papandreou said many possibilities exist for widening relations with Montenegro. She said some Greek businessmen have already signed agreements, adding that she believed that more Greek businesses will follow.

    The Montenegrin delegation later held talks with Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos, focusing on relations between the two nations' capital cities.

    [06] Montenegrin meeting with Pangalos

    Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)

    The Montenegrin delegation also met with Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, after which both he and Mr. Marovic welcomed Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic's decision to recognize the results of November's municipal elections.

    The foreign minister, who recently went to Belgrade on a mediation visit, noted that the decision might, preferably, have been made earlier.

    "But better late than never," he added.

    Mr. Marovic stressed that the wish of electors, but also the recommendations of international organizations, should be respected.

    [07] Simitis, G. Papandreou cover several foreign policy issues

    Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis met yesterday with Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou for talks focusing on the latter's recent participation at the Davos forum, the forthcoming EU Council of Ministers meeting and the premier's US trip. Speaking later to reporters, Mr. Papandreou categorically denied press reports that he is planning to resign, adding that his co-operation with Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and with recently sworn in Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis is "excellent."

    Commenting on a wide range of views regarding national issues, Mr. Papandreou said "it is wrong to penalize the fact that there are more views than one on the handling of national issues," saying better decisions are reached through dialogue.

    "Of course, when a decision is reached everybody should comply with it and a common policy should exist," he said.

    Mr. Simitis also met with the presidium of PASOK's Parliamentary group, focusing on ways for a more effective operation of the group and greater co-operation between party deputies with ministers and the party. Under-secretary to the Prime Minister's Office, George Paschalidis, who attended the meeting, said the prime minister had expressed regret that meetings were dominated by secondary issues.

    The president of PASOK's Parliamentary group, Panayiotis Fountas, noted that disagreements between the members of the group were not significant and showed vitality within the party. He said the prime minister's intervention was sought for a better cooperation between the ministers and the deputies and the Parliamentary group.

    [08] GSEE president meets with PM on recent US trip

    Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)

    President of the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) Christos Polyzogopoulos yesterday briefed Prime Minister Costas Simitis on the results of his recent talks with unionists in the United States.

    Mr. Polyzogopoulos told reporters that there was a possibility of co-operation with Greek-American groups on investment in Greece and in the wider region as well as with US unions to support initiatives for peace in the Balkans.

    He said he and the prime minister discussed trade union issues such as unemployment, labor relations and collective bargaining agreements. He added that social dialogue should be "more organized".

    Meanwhile, GSEE Secretary and Communist Party of Greece (KEE) member George Mavrikas harshly criticized the stance taken by Mr. Polyzogopoulos on the farmers' protests.

    [09] Foreign ministry on Milosevic decision

    Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)

    An announcement by the foreign ministry said the government considers a decision by Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic to begin a process of recognizing the results of local elections in accordance with the Gonzalez report very important.

    The announcement added that it is now the opposition's turn to respond in accordance with its commitments.

    The foreign ministry reminded that during his recent trip to Belgrade, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos requested from Mr. Milosevic to adopt the Gonzalez report in order to secure stability in the neighboring country.

    [10] Russian delegation meets with Gen. Tzoganis

    Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)

    National Defense General Staff Chief Gen. Athanasios Tzoganis received a courtesy call yesterday from the head of a high-level Russian delegation currently on a visit to Greece, at the invitation of the national defense ministry's general armaments department.

    [11] Lithuanian president to visit Greece this month

    Stockholm, (ANA - N. Servetas)

    Lithuanian President Algirdas Brazauskas will visit Greece on Feb. 24-25 at the invitation of his Greek counterpart Kostis Stephanopoulos.

    The Lithuanian president will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Algirdas Saountergas.

    During their stay in Greece, the Lithuanian delegation will sign a bilateral cultural and scientific co-operation agreement.

    Upon ending his official visit to Athens, Mr. Brazauskas will embark on a private visit to Thessaloniki.

    An independent state between 1918-1940, Lithuania was annexed by the Soviet Union after the Second World War. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, it declared itself an independent state in 1990. The country became a member of the United Nations in 1991.

    Like the remaining countries of the Baltic states, Estonia and Latvia, Lithuania's economy after its independence remains unstable.

    As with the remaining Baltic states, Lithuania has signed a co-operation agreement with the European Union in 1995.

    Lithuania has a coalition government of center-right parties.

    In 1995, the then prime minister of Lithuania and president of the Lithuanian parliament visited Greece and signed investment protection, international transport and police co-operation agreements.

    The total trade volume between the two countries was estimated at approximately three million dollars in 1995.

    In addition, a few months ago, the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) undertook the construction of a telecommunications project in the country.

    Greece has had an embassy in Lithuania since 1993. There is a small Greek community in the country, mostly comprising Greeks who fled the country during the civil war.

    [12] FM provides clarifies last week's statements on FYROM

    Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)

    Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos yesterday provided clarifications on statements he made in Parliament on Friday regarding prospects of a settlement of differences with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

    "I described the situation as it is, and not my own stand on the issue. As you know, beyond the subjective dispositions and behaviors of people, there are objective situations created by natural events, legal obligations and material conditions. I described the situation, if some don't like it they must try and find who is responsible for it," he said.

    Replying to a question by opposition New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert, Mr. Pangalos said on Friday that the resolution of the issue now rested with the UN Security Council, and that two possibilities were likely, namely, that the UN would either recognize the neighboring country with the name of "Macedonia", or, "in the best development for us, it will recognize it under a composite name."

    "When realizing that a solution is to the benefit of the national interest, a responsible government must endorse it and not surrender to blackmail," he said on Friday.

    [13] Gov't spokesman draws distinction between Greek-Turkish relations, Cyprus

    Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)

    The government is drawing a clear distinction between Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday in reply to reporters' questions regarding expec-ted initiatives on the two matters.

    "Greek-Turkish relations are one issue, and the Cypriot (problem) is another," he told reporters.

    The crisis in Greek-Turkish relations is caused by Turkey's aggressive and provocative actions, while the Cyprus issue is a problem of invasion and occupation, he added.

    [14] EIB VP Yennimatas presents new book

    Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)

    European Investment Bank (EIB) Vice-President Panayiotis Yennimatas yesterday said h is new book, entitled "The Problem of National Strategy," was aimed as a contribution to the consolidation of a "flexible and ground-breaking strategy."

    The presentation of Mr. Yennimatas' new book was held yesterday in the presence of Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou, former foreign minister Michalis Papaconstantinou, and other officials.

    According to Mr. Yennimatas, EU funding co-operation with the countries of central and eastern Europe, as well as the Mediterranean and Turkey leads towards "economic integration and political co-operation."

    According to the Greek banker and author, deregulation of the Greek and Turkish economies leads the private enterprise to a disassociation from state mechanisms "which maintain and reproduce the Greek-Turkish crisis."

    Mr. Yennimatas believes that the societies of both countries should find those mechanisms and stances which "will lead to realization of common regional interests."

    "Unless the possibilities to overcome the impasse through economic co-operation are investigated, the Greek-Turkish entanglement will lead to further entanglement," Mr. Yennimatas said.

    Addressing the presentation, Mr. Papandreou called for cool-headedness in foreign policy decisions saying that the "we are on the verge of seeking new movements in foreign policy and exploit all available sources beyond diplomatic ones."

    Former foreign minister Michalis Papaconstantinou said Mr. Yennimatas' book was "bold and realistic," expressing conviction that "the mistakes of Greece's foreign policy on the Skopje issue and the Greek-Turkish relations are now evident."

    [15] Municipal workers end strike

    Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)

    Municipal workers across the country have decided to end their strike actions after participating in a 48-hour ADEDY strike, Monday and yesterday.

    The decision was reached at a meeting of the general council of municipalities POE-OTA, which described as positive the responses by the interior minister regarding pay demands.

    [16] Roadblock on Bulgarian side of border lifted

    Sofia, 05/02/1997 (ANA - N. Hios)

    Roadblocks on the Bulgarian part of the E-79 highway linking the neighboring country with Greece have been lifted, and traffic is now moving freely, according to reports by a Bulgarian radio station.

    The blockade of the Greek-Bulgarian border at the Promahonas border post has also been lifted.

    [17] Tzoganis tours fleet headquarters

    Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)

    Speaking to Hellenic Navy officers during a visit to fleet headquarters yesterday, National Defense General Staff Chief Gen. Athanasios Tzoganis stressed the need for maintaining a high morale and safeguarding the nation's traditions.

    Among others, Gen. Tzoganis was briefed on the fleet headquarters activities and the progress in the submarine modernization program, which is currently under way.

    He also visited maintenance and repair units, the frigates "Aigaio" and "Epirus", the submarine "Okeanos" and the missile boat "Deyiannis".

    He was accompanied on his visit by the navy's leadership.

    [18] Political parties to receive nine billion in financial assistance

    Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)

    Interior Minister Alekos Papadopoulos yesterday signed a decision according to which 9,630,075,000 drachmas will be given to political parties as regular and extraordinary financial assistance for 1997.

    According to the decision, the grants are to be given on the basis of an amendment tabled in Parliament by the finance ministry providing for cuts in the initial allocation in the State budget.

    The grants will be distributed on the basis of electoral strength.

    The ruling PASOK party will receive 3,824,536,943 drachmas, the main opposition New Democracy party 3,533,368,149 drachmas, the Communist Party of Greece 724,627,584 drachmas, the Coalition of the Left and Progress 682,853,793 drachmas, the Social Democratic Movement 623,927,411 drachmas and Political Spring 240,751,875 drachmas.

    [19] Legislation on upgrading electoral process discussed

    Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)

    Interior Minister Alekos Papadopoulos said his ministry is promoting legislation on modernizing the electoral process, adding that it has almost been finalized and that issues remaining to be handled are those of people being able to vote in their place of residence and not of birth, as well as the updating of electoral registers.

    Mr. Papadopoulos explained that these amendments to the election process "have nothing to do with a change in the election law."

    A draft presidential decree prepared by the interior ministry also anticipates the right of voting and standing for election in local races for European Union citizens living in Greece, but who are not Greek citizens.

    The decree is being promoted in unison with a relevant directive by the EU Council.

    [20] Simitis, US visit

    Washington, 05/02/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)

    A White House spokesman said yesterday that a meeting between Prime Minister Costas Simitis and US President Bill Clinton has not been scheduled.

    "The president met the prime minister last April and had a very good meeting, while he is looking forward to seeing him (Simitis) again during the Madrid NATO summit meeting. I am not aware of an invitation for him to visit here," spokesman Mike McCurry said.

    US State Department spokesman added: "Premier Simitis will come to New York for a private visit; I am not aware of the president's schedule."

    [21] Stamps bearing Andreas Papandreou's likeness slated for issue

    Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)

    The Greek Post Offices (ELTA) plan to issue a series of four stamps bearing the figure of the late Andreas Papandreou, a three-time prime minister and PASOK's founder.

    The stamps are to be presented on Feb. 12 at the old Parliament building, in the presence of President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Costas Simitis, leaders of political parties and members of Papandreou's family, among others.

    According to ELTA's director, the first stamp, worth 80 drachmas, will depict Papandreou as an college professor; a second worth 120 drachmas will depict him upon his arrival to Greece in August 1974; while on the third, worth 150 drachmas, he will be pictured during a Parliamentary session.

    The fourth stamp, worth 500 drachmas, will depict Papandreou during international activities.

    [22] ND congress taking shape

    Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)

    The main opposition New Democracy party congress program was discussed by the organizing committee yesterday, following an agreement the previous day between party leader Miltiades Evert and his main challenger George Souflias.

    It was decided at the meeting that the new party leader would be elected on the first day of the congress (March 21) and the Central Committee on the third day.

    It was reported that Stephanos Manos disagreed with this arrangement as he feels it gives the impression the election of a leader is the sole purpose of the congress. He is also against the decision to have candidacies for the leadership in by March 3.

    On the other hand, Dora Bakoyanni is reported to consider the decisions positive in principle.

    [23] ND Eurodeputy named president of International Textiles Institute

    Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)

    Main opposition New Democracy Eurodeputy Stelios Argyros has been appointed president of the International Textiles Institute.

    Mr. Argyros, who is replacing Steven Roubin, has been president of the Hellenic Industries Association (SEB) between 1988-1994, a consultant to the World Bank and a member of the governing boards of many Greek organizations. The 78th international textiles conference entitled "Textiles and Informatics" will be held in Thessaloniki between May 23-26.

    [24] Development ministry announced changes for trade exhibitions

    Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)

    The development ministry has announced changes regarding preconditions concerning the organization of trade exhibitions. Changes include the banning of exhibitions 30 days prior to the beginning of the Thessaloniki International Fair (HELEXPO) in September and for 15 days after its end; an increase in the fee required as a guarantee for the proper operation of an exhibition; fines ranging between 50,000 and 500,000 drachmas in case of violation, as well as a five-month reduction in deadlines required for submission of applications to competent prefectural authorities.

    [25] Draft decree signed to create veterinary border control posts

    Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)

    Agriculture Under-secretary Vassilis Geranidis yesterday signed a draft presidential decree concerning the establishment and reorganization of veterinary border control posts (SYKE). The posts will inspect imports of animal products and live animals, as well as their transportation conditions, in co-operation with veterinary laboratories.

    Under the draft decree, numerous new posts are to be set up in border areas, ports and airports, including Athens' airport, Thessaloniki's port and airport, at Eidomeni and at Evzones in the Kilkis prefecture and at the ports of Igoumenitsa and Patra.

    [26] ATE says Dodonis dairy is not up for sale

    Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)

    The Agricultural Bank of Greece (ATE) yesterday categorically rejected reports that it was considering the privatization of the cooperative dairy industry Dodonis, in Ioannina.

    "There has never been any intention on the part of ATE's administration to transfer the bank's shares in Dodonis to the private sector," bank governor Christos Papathanasiou said.

    He added that ATE continued to support the company in an attempt for it to maintain the social character it has had to now.

    As an indication of ATE's commitment, he said, the bank decided for 1996 to offer the highest prices for milk to stock-breeders in Epirus, bringing them more than 2.5 billion drachmas in additional income.

    [27] Int'l meeting in FYROM focuses on Balkan transportation network

    Skopje, 05/02/1997 (ANA - M. Vihou)

    A two-day meeting of 24 industrialized countries, known as the G24, began here yesterday and focused on the Balkan transportation network.

    Apart from representatives of the 24 countries, participants included representatives of Balkan and Black Sea countries, as well as of international organizations, such as the World Bank and the European Investment Bank.

    Greece is represented by a six-member delegation comprised of members of the ministers of transport, merchant marine and environment, town planning and public works, and headed by the Greek Liaison Officer in Skopje, Alexandros Mallias.

    Discussions are expected to focus on a study on Balkan transport networks, conducted by the British company Alexander Gibb through the EU Phare program. This includes an east-west corridor, passing through Durres, Tirana, Skopje, Sofia, Plovdiv, Bourgas and Varna. A north-south highway will also be discussed.

    According to the Skopje newspaper "Devnik", FYROM's transport minister will suggest a roadway to be constructed from Tito Veles to Igoumenitsa, in order for the landlocked nation to have access to a western Greek port for commercial activities.

    Political analysts believe this initiative has occurred for both economic and political reasons.

    [28] Symposium on trade with Black Sea nations, Balkans held

    Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)

    Panhellenic Exports Association President Christina Sakellaridi referred to Greece's prospects of co-operation and economic presence with Black Sea Co-operation countries and the Balkans, during an address yesterday.

    She spoke at a symposium organized by the International Diplomatic Academy, a Paris-based UN organization.

    Ms Sakellaridi said Greece, who has long-standing historical ties with the countries of the region, is interested in developing relations with these countries in the sectors of shipping, investment, energy, banks and services.

    "The countries of the Black Sea, the southern Balkans and eastern Mediterranean constitute the main geographical zones for the development of Greek businesses," she said.

    The symposium was attended by external trade ministry representatives from Black Sea and Middle East countries, diplomatic representatives from interested countries, the president of the Black Sea Coordinating Committee and other officials.

    [29] Number of public sector contract hirings for '97 announced

    Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)

    Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Alekos Papadopoulos announced yesterday that the government has approved the hiring of 9,600 contract employees and 3,150 regular staff for local government organizations (OTA) as well as prefectural and regional self-administration entities in 1997.

    Mr. Papadopoulos announced yesterday that the same number of seasonal staff as last year (about 7,000) has been approved for municipalities and communities as well as another 2,600 posts by work contract.

    Proclamations to fill seasonal staff posts at local government organizations are expected to be issued in the near future and most of these posts will be covered by employees already working and whose contracts have expired.

    The hirings of permanent employees, which this year will amount to 2,000 for OTA, 800 for prefectural self-administration and 350 for regional bodies, will be carried out after a new law on amending more stricter terms the Peponis law on public hirings, which is expected by Easter.

    Mr. Papadopoulos also said that a nationwide exam will be carried out once a year in October, adding that the number of positions to be proclaimed has not yet been defined.

    [30] Trade delegation organized for China

    Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)

    The Greek-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry is organizing a trade delegation to China from March 4-14 on the occasion of two major international exhibitions in the cities of Tientsin and Shanghai.

    The chamber has stepped up its activities in the last six months with the aim of promoting bilateral trade relations, particularly by providing information and advisory services to parties wishing to invest in China.

    The two exhibitions cover a wide range of products and services.

    [31] Weightlifter expresses regret over controversy caused by allegations

    Athens, 05/02/1997 (ANA)

    Former weightlifting champion Christos Constantinidis, who had accused the weightlifting federation's coach of administering anabolic steroids to athletes on the national team, has apologized for the sensation caused.

    The athlete appeared before the federation's presidium after being called to explain his accusations, made during a television program. The presidium decided to refer Mr. Constantinidis to a disciplinary committee.

    In a letter to the federation, he said that "many falsify, misinterpret and take advantage of my statements for their own ends."

    "I consider it my obligation to apologize to the Greek weightlifting federation, the coach of the national successes, my fellow athletes who were indirectly insulted and the fans, for the situation created by statements which were inflated and expanded, harming the sport of weightlifting and Greek sport," Mr. Constantinidis wrote.

    National team coach Christos Iakovou, who coached the Greek team which brought in five medals in the Atlanta Olympic Games, said he would sue the athlete over his statements.

    End of English language section.


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