Browse through our Interesting Nodes on Science in Greece Read the Convention Relating to the Regime of the Straits (24 July 1923) Read the Convention Relating to the Regime of the Straits (24 July 1923)
HR-Net - Hellenic Resources Network Compact version
Today's Suggestion
Read The "Macedonian Question" (by Maria Nystazopoulou-Pelekidou)
HomeAbout HR-NetNewsWeb SitesDocumentsOnline HelpUsage InformationContact us
Friday, 29 March 2024
 
News
  Latest News (All)
     From Greece
     From Cyprus
     From Europe
     From Balkans
     From Turkey
     From USA
  Announcements
  World Press
  News Archives
Web Sites
  Hosted
  Mirrored
  Interesting Nodes
Documents
  Special Topics
  Treaties, Conventions
  Constitutions
  U.S. Agencies
  Cyprus Problem
  Other
Services
  Personal NewsPaper
  Greek Fonts
  Tools
  F.A.Q.
 

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-04-03

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. 1154), April 3, 1997

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


CONTENTS

  • [01] Greece to provide economic, technical aid to Albania
  • [02] Greek forces in Tirana
  • [03] Reppas - Van Mierlo
  • [04] Simitis: Athens aims to protect Greek minority's rights, not to create zone of influence
  • [05] Tirana's National Bank of Greece reopens
  • [06] Fourth 'Doctors of the World' mission to Albania
  • [07] EU Commission discusses political, economic support for Balkans
  • [08] Tzohatzopoulos concludes talks with French counterpart Millon
  • [09] Ankara accepts in principle a 'committee of wisemen' on Greek-Turkish issues
  • [10] Uzbek president invites Greek investment
  • [11] Turkish air violations despite Karadayi's statements, Reppas notes
  • [12] Samaras denies reports he will rejoin ND
  • [13] Costas Karamanlis addresses ND Parliament group for first time
  • [14] PM says no change in electoral system, only electoral legislation
  • [15] European youth ministers meet in Athens
  • [16] Balkan socialists to attend European Socialist Party conference
  • [17] Progress on Community Support Framework detailed today
  • [18] Ioniki's profits slashed in 1996
  • [19] Employment issues discussed between Papaioannou, European Trade Unions secretary general
  • [20] Percentage of OTE stock flotation to be decided
  • [21] GDP rate rises slightly in '96, according to EU
  • [22] Branson plans for Hydra hotel complex rejected
  • [23] Third session of Greece-Cyprus coordinating committee ends
  • [24] EBEA official calls for radical changes to boost industry
  • [25] Conference by Panhellenic Federation of Employees of Social Policy Organizations
  • [26] Premier to meet with PNO administration
  • [27] Compensation for livestock losses in Thrace
  • [28] Avramopoulos in Boston
  • [29] Greece beats Bosnia 1-0 in milestone match

  • [01] Greece to provide economic, technical aid to Albania

    Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)

    Greece will provide US$80 million (roughly 20 billion drachmas) in urgent economic assistance to Albania, Prime Minister Costas Simitis and his visiting counterpart Bashkim Fino agreed at a high-level meeting in Athens yesterday evening.

    It was also agreed that Greece will provide technical assistance to the crisis-racked country for the holding of elections in June.

    "Sincerity and realism prevailed at the meeting," Mr. Simitis told reporters afterwards, adding that Athens was prepared to co-operate and provide any means necessary for the promotion of peace and normalcy in Albania.

    "The holding of elections and a smooth course towards democracy are especially important issues and will facilitate the securing and speeding up of the various aid which Albania needs," the Greek premier said.

    He did not specify whether the aid would be disbursed before the holding of elections, but said Greece wished this to happen as soon as possible, and on the basis of certain developmental principles. He added that Greece would also examine ways of further strengthening the presence of the European Union in the neighbouring country.

    Mr. Simitis reiterated that Greece would participate in the "accompanying force" of European Union advisors in Albania, and stressed the need to secure access for the Greek contingent to as many Albanian regions as possible, "so that humanitarian aid will reach them the soonest."

    [02] Greek forces in Tirana

    Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)

    The Greek contingent, which will be stationed near Tirana, will also assist with the distribution of humanitarian aid in southern Albania.

    The Simitis-Fino talks also dealt with the issue of technical-advisory assistance Athens will provide for the restructuring of Albania's armed forces and police.

    On his part, Mr. Fino said relations between Greece and Albania were excellent, and expressed his government's appreciation for the dispatch of a Greek contingent to Albania as part of the UN-mandated multinational force.

    "The return to order and normalcy cannot take place that quickly, and for this reason the Albanian government has asked for the support of the European Union, and chiefly Greece and Italy," he said.

    Mr. Fino described as "a diplomatic and technical mistake" the misunderstanding created with the visit of Greek Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis in southern Albania last month, stressing there would be no such misunderstandings in future as a new page has now opened in the relations between the two countries.

    Asked if he desired the resignation of Albanian President Sali Berisha, Mr. Fino answered in the negative, underlining that what he desired was for Mr. Berisha to respect the agreements which he made with the 10 Albanian parties and to lead the country to democratic elections in June.

    The Albanian premier arrived by helicopter in Ioannina, northern Greece, yesterday and shortly afterwards boarded a special Olympic Airways flight for Athens for two days of talks with Greece's leadership on the Albanian crisis.

    He is accompanied by the ministers for finance, trade, industry and the interior.

    Before leaving the southern Albanian town of Gjirokaster in the morning, Mr. Fino said he hoped the visit would mark the beginning of a new phase in Greek-Albanian relations, adding that the ethnic Greek minority in southern Albania could become a bridge of friendship between the two countries.

    In addition, Mr. Fino also met with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos last night.

    A new meeting on the Albanian crisis is scheduled at the foreign ministry today, with the participation of the Albanian premier, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, the special envoy of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), former Austrian chancellor Franz Vranitzky, who was expected in Athens last night, and the Dutch president of the EU Council of Ministers, Hans van Mierlo, who is arriving this morning.

    Mr. Fino's meetings today also include one with newly elected leader of the main opposition New Democracy party, Costas Karamanlis.

    [03] Reppas - Van Mierlo

    Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)

    In a related development, the government announced that it does not know what issues will be raised by Mr. van Mierlo during his talks in Athens today prior to visiting Ankara, spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday.

    Mr. Reppas added, however, that it was likely that Mr. van Mierlo would want to raise the issue of the EU financial protocol for Turkey and the lifting of Greek reservations.

    Replying to reporters' questions, Mr. Reppas said no proposal had been put to Greece concerning the formation of a committee of experts to examine problems between Greece and Turkey.

    The spokesman added that OSCE envoy Vranitzky would meet separately with Mr. Simitis at noon today.

    [04] Simitis: Athens aims to protect Greek minority's rights, not to create zone of influence

    Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis said yesterday that Greece's interest in Albania was to protect the rights of the ethnic Greek minority in southern Albania and not to establish a sphere of control in the neighbouring country.

    "Greece's presence on the Albanian problem is aimed at facing the crisis through political means and safeguarding the rights of the Greek minority. We do not intend to create a zone of influence," Mr. Simitis said, adding that the Albanian crisis was a prime example of "today's fluid international environment."

    The premier made the statements during an address to the ruling PASOK's Parliamentary group meeting. Citing improvements in economic indicators, Mr. Simitis said the government's economic policy has yielded positive results, adding that the policy must be implemented.

    Focusing on the role of the Parliamentary group, the premier said that PASOK was the only Greek party with clear positions and a complete action plan, whereas the opposition parties did not offer alternative proposals.

    Mr. Simitis said the Parliamentary group's operation had been significantly changed, adding that its role should be maximized.

    "The role of the deputy is changing since he is relieved of the role of local community mediator and is no longer the conveyor of requests, which are now received through institutional procedures," Mr. Simitis said.

    "Today's deputy has mostly a political role to play, he expresses and formulates political orientations ... It is in these new roles that all deputies will be judged, as long as they realize the major goals instead of the secondary pursuits," he added.

    Addressing the meeting, Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis said the role of the deputy should be upgraded, adding that "the government and the party's image reflects every deputy."

    Turning to other issues, Mr. Kaklamanis said the country's national fronts should be resolved, putting special emphasis on the Aegean, Thrace and Cyprus.

    Regarding the main opposition New Democracy party, Mr. Kaklamanis said that "a fragmented main opposition does not help the political scene, therefore, it is positive that from now on there will be a compact, cohesive main opposition."

    PASOK Secretary Costas Skandalidis also echoed the premier and Parliament president, saying the role of the deputy should be upgraded.

    "The changes which occurred in the (operation of the) state have weakened the traditional relation between deputy and citizens," Mr. Skandalidis said, adding that PASOK's Parliamentary group should be turned into the party's central political institution.

    On his part, PASOK Parliamentary group secretary Paraskevas Fountas said he was satisfied with the presence of PASOK deputies, while again bring up the issue of increased salaries.

    [05] Tirana's National Bank of Greece reopens

    Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)

    The National Bank of Greece branch in Tirana has resumed operations as normal with transactions being conducted in complete safety, the bank announced yesterday.

    Security at the building in which the branch is housed is being provided by armed security guards on a 24-hour basis.

    In addition, customers' deposits and other securities are considered to be perfectly safe thanks to the latest technology installations at the branch's vault.

    The branch first opened in the Albanian capital in November last year.

    [06] Fourth 'Doctors of the World' mission to Albania

    Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)

    Members of the Greek representation of the "Doctors of the World" organization will leave for Albania tonight on their fourth consecutive mission to the strife-ridden country.

    The group will arrive in Dervitsani tomorrow to repair and equip the local medical center, while they will also bring two tons of pharmaceuticals for Dervitsani and other Albanian villages.

    [07] EU Commission discusses political, economic support for Balkans

    Brussels, 03/04/1997 (ANA/G. Daratos)

    The European Commission yesterday discussed during their regular weekly meeting the undertaking of a new coordinated initiative for the economic and political support of Balkan countries.

    The discussion took place following a request by the Commissioner for Energy, Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Tourism, Christos Papoutsis, who said the Commission should not restrict itself to isolated actions in the Balkans such as its recent decision to provide two million ECU in humanitarian aid for Albania, but must draw up a comprehensive plan to support all southeast European countries.

    Mr. Papoutsis said such a new initiative would not require an increase in the amount of funds provided by the EU for these countries, but a better coordination of funds.

    According to reports, the ensuing discussion revealed that many EU commissioners were cautious or objected to the manner in which Community Funds for Balkan countries are currently disseminated. One complaint is that the main aid fund (PHARE) which provides funds for all central and Eastern European countries, unfairly favours the various western advisors involved in these investments.

    Mr. Papoutsis stressed the need for the better coordination of all EU activity for Balkan countries, in co-operation with other monetary international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

    [08] Tzohatzopoulos concludes talks with French counterpart Millon

    Paris, 03/04/1997 (ANA/Y. Zitouniati)

    National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and his French counterpart Charles Millon yesterday expressed their satisfaction over the "excellent climate of talks and the convergence of views" during their meeting here.

    The French defense minister noted the convergence of views between the two countries regarding the issue of security in the Balkans, and particularly in Albania.

    France has strongly supported the dispatch of a multi-national force to safeguard humanitarian aid sent to Albania and to participate with local authorities in the restoration of law and order.

    Mr. Millon stressed the quality of relations between Greece and France, the high level of talks and his friendly relations with his Greek counterpart.

    He also spoke of NATO's expansion eastwards, particularly Romania, referring to the common Greek-French position regarding the entry of the latter into the alliance with the first batch of candidate countries.

    Mr. Tsohatzopoulos stressed the importance of his talks with the French defense ministry, saying changes were agreed upon to promote the security and stability in the region and in the circles of NATO and the West European Union (WEU).

    He also spoke of NATO's new structure and its southern flank, where Paris, despite objections from Washington, is insisting on a European commander being appointed. Mr. Tsohatzopoulos added that the two ministers also agreed on armament issues.

    Questioned by reporters, the defense minister said "Greek-Turkish relations could not have been left out of (the discussions)," although he declined to give further details.

    According to reports, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos presented Greek positions regarding Turkey's destabilizing policy in the region and Greece's intention to contribute to a rapprochement between Turkey and Europe, provided the former adheres to international law and facilitates a solution to the Cyprus problem.

    The same reports said Mr. Millon described these positions as "concise, clear and entirely logical," adding that he will convey them to French Prime Minister Alain Juppe and President Jacques Chirac.

    [09] Ankara accepts in principle a 'committee of wisemen' on Greek-Turkish issues

    Istanbul, 03/04/1997 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)

    Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Omer Akbel yesterday said Ankara accepts in principle as positive the idea of creating a "committee of wisemen" to handle Greek-Turkish problems.

    "There are various methods of seeking a solution in co-operation and understanding between the two sides. One of these methods is the idea of the 'committee of wisemen'," he said.

    "If this idea will help in resolving problems between the two countries with dialogue and if help from third parties is required, we will have no objection to this and face it with satisfaction," he added.

    Mr. Akbel said that what is necessary is a "sincere effort to resolve all problems and we must start some sort of a dialogue for this purpose."

    [10] Uzbek president invites Greek investment

    Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)

    Visiting Uzbek President Islam Karimov yesterday invited Greek businessmen to consider the many opportunities for investing in Uzbekistan and establishing closer commercial ties with the central Asian republic.

    During a 90-minute visit to the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Karimov underlined the opportunities related to the exploitation of Uzbekistan's vast mineral wealth, particularly its huge unexploited reserves of gold, oil and natural gas.

    Part of these resources, he added, could subsequently be imported by Greece.

    Mr. Karimov also called on the Greek business world to use Tashkent as a gateway to the broader region, not only for access to the other central Asian countries of the former Soviet Union such as Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tadzhikistan and Kirigizia, but also neighbouring countries including India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

    Other possible sectors of co-operation, Mr. Karimov said, were the processing of agricultural products such as cotton, fruit and vegetables, the manufacture of computers and banking co-operation.

    Mr. Karimov and Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Monday signed a bilateral friendship and co-operation accord as well as six separate agreements related to a number of sectors ranging from tourism and technology to the avoidance of double taxation.

    Yesterday, the two countries commenced co-operation in the banking sector with the signing of the first such agreement between the Commercial Bank of Greece and the National Bank of Uzbekistan.

    It is hoped that the accord will considerably facilitate business transactions between the two countries.

    Mr. Karimov, in an earlier meeting yesterday with Parliament Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis, expressed support for Greece's positions regarding the Aegean and the Cyprus issue, saying the resolution of these issues should be in accordance with international law.

    Mr. Kaklamanis presented Mr. Karimov with the medal of the Greek Parliament and accepted an invitation to visit Tashkent in the near future.

    [11] Turkish air violations despite Karadayi's statements, Reppas notes

    Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)

    The violations of Cypriot airspace by Turkish warplanes show that the words of Turkish Chief of General Staff Gen. Ismail Karadayi do not correspond to deeds, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday. Replying to reporters' questions, Mr. Reppas added that the Turkish violations were not violations of "some moratorium, which in any case does not exist, but of the borders of an independent country, Cyprus".

    Gen. Karadayi made conciliatory statements on Greek-Turkish relations recently during a visit to the Greek embassy in Ankara on the occasion of Greek Independence Day.

    [12] Samaras denies reports he will rejoin ND

    Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)

    Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras yesterday rejected press speculation of his return to New Democracy, saying that he was leading his party on its independent course.

    Mr. Samaras said "a wave of disinformation" was being directed at his party and "they would do well to stop talking about me in my absence".

    [13] Costas Karamanlis addresses ND Parliament group for first time

    Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)

    "We will not oppose for the sake of opposition, but that doesn't mean that we will not criticize the inadequacies, inabilities and ineffectiveness", newly elected main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis said in his first speech yesterday to the ND's Parliamentary group.

    "The party's goal is to lead the government in a nationally useful behaviour," Mr. Karamanlis said, adding that ND offered credibility, hope and prospect, and therefore, was open to all Greek citizens.

    Calling for a new start, Mr. Karamanlis emphasized the importance of "a creative unity, which can be reached with respect to the history of the party, no distinctions, collective action without prejudice and with prospect for victory and creative contribution."

    He also criticized the government of mismanagement and mistakes on the national issues.

    [14] PM says no change in electoral system, only electoral legislation

    Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis told Parliament yesterday that the government is not concerned with the issue of the electoral system and that changes would take place only in electoral legislation.

    Replying to a question by Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) party leader Nikos Constantopoulos, Mr. Simitis said that before the summer recess, an interior ministry draft bill will be submitted to Parliament in order to simplify electoral procedures and will include clauses regarding those living in another municipality than the one in which they are registered to vote, enabling them to vote in their place of residence.

    Mr. Constantopoulos accused the prime minister of avoiding the issue, saying that both Mr. Simitis and certain ministers have described the current electoral law as "chaotic".

    He also called for clarifications on whether the electoral law will in fact be changed and whether the interior ministry's draft bill is preparing a new administrative organization for the country.

    [15] European youth ministers meet in Athens

    Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)

    An informal meeting of European Union ministers responsible for youth issues was held yesterday in Athens on the subject of "Young Europeans in a new Europe".

    The aim of the meeting was to hold a broad-based discussion on youth policy within the framework of the EU in view of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC), to which Greece has submitted a number of proposals on youth-related matters.

    The meeting, addressed among others by Education Minister Gerassimos Arsenis, was attended by representatives from Austria, Belgium, France, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Sweden.

    Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr. Arsenis stressed the need for measures to be taken to secure jobs for young people in Europe.

    [16] Balkan socialists to attend European Socialist Party conference

    Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)

    The two-day European Socialist Party (ESP) conference which opens in Thessaloniki tomorrow will focus on issues of security, stability, economic development and the creation of European institutions in the Balkans.

    For the first time, representatives of socialist, social democrat and labour parties of all the Balkan countries have been invited to attend the conference and present their positions on the political situations and developments in the region.

    Discussions at the conference, which is being organized with the assistance of Greece's ruling PASOK party, will center on the triptych "peace-development-society".

    On Friday, Prime Minister Costas Simitis will address the conference. Speeches will also be delivered by ESP President Rudolf Scharping, Vice President and Greek Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and ESP Secretary-General Jean Francois Valen.

    Other Greek speakers are expected to include Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis and a number of PASOK Eurodeputies.

    The parties of European and Balkan countries will be represented by Pauline Green (Britain), Hans Fischer (Austria), Fatos Nano (Albania), and Vassos Lyssarides (Cyprus).

    [17] Progress on Community Support Framework detailed today

    Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)

    National Economy Under-secretary Christos Pachtas is to present noted progress concerning application of the European Union Community Support Framework at Zappeion Hall today.

    According to ministry reports, the framework's monitoring committee, which includes representatives of the European Commission and the European Investment Bank, found during its recent meeting that all projects within the framework are proceeding at satisfactory rates.

    The same sources said the committee "ascertained that most organizational, administrative and institutional problems concerning the implementation of the programs have now been overcome," adding "that the changes made will contribute significantly to the more effective utilization of funds."

    However, the committee also noted the need to hire a financial advisor for the Rio-Antirrio bridge and the construction of the Stavros-Elefsina highway projects, as neither of the two are advancing at expected rates.

    It added that the hiring of a project manager for railway projects would accelerate the rate of completion for these constructions.

    The monitoring committee's next meeting has been set for November.

    [18] Ioniki's profits slashed in 1996

    Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)

    Ioniki Bank President H. Stamatopoulos said at a press conference yesterday that a special study will be commissioned later this month regarding the types of possible co-operation that can be achieved with the Commercial Bank of Greece.

    He added that the state-controlled bank's annual balance sheet, to be published in the next few days, posts 18.6 billion drachmas in bad debts after the writing off of doubtful claims.

    Mr. Stamatopoulos announced that pre-tax profits for 1996 stand at five billion drachmas, compared to 16.5 billion in 1995, a 69.7 per cent decrease. He added that this drop is due, among other factors, to the non-entry of extraordinary profits resulting from temporary increases in the value of the bank's portfolio, heightened competition in the banking sector, increases in every type of operating cost, etc.

    In view of the lower recorded profits, he said, Ioniki's administration has decided not to pay dividends, but to proceed with the distribution of new shares from an increase in equity capital, which will result from a revaluation of fixed capital and the use of extraordinary reserves.

    He stressed that the bank has significantly cut back on all kinds of expenses in the last six months, is expanding to new banking products with competitive rates and is improving its organizational structure.

    Bank subsidiaries recorded an overall increase in profits of 7.3 per cent.

    [19] Employment issues discussed between Papaioannou, European Trade Unions secretary general

    Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)

    Labour and Social Security Minister Miltiades Papaioannou and the secretary general of the Confederation of European Trade Unions, Emilio Campalio, held a meeting yesterday focusing on employment-related issues.

    Mr. Campalio elaborated on the two main issues concerning the confederation. These include transformation of European industries with negative repercussions for employment, and the confederation's request for inclusion in the Maastricht Treaty of a new clause on employment policy together with that on Economic Monetary Union.

    After the meeting, Mr. Campalio said the Greek government should seek a new strategy to resolve the issue of unemployment while improving human resources.

    Mr. Papaioannou said EMU's goal would not be achieved unless the European Union consolidated social cohesion.

    "Stabilizing macroeconomic policies is not adequate. A minimal social program is also necessary," Mr. Papaioannou said.

    In view of the beginning of social dialogue, the minister said the goal was to combat unemployment.

    "The consolidation of full time employment remains our principle position and our end goal," Mr. Papaioannou said. "But we would be irresponsible if we ignored the new forms of employment," he added.

    The minister said that adaptation to these new forms of employment will be included in the agenda.

    [20] Percentage of OTE stock flotation to be decided

    Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)

    The cabinet is to decide on Friday on the percentage of a new stock flotation for Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation's (OTE) equity capital, while an advertising campaign will get underway in Greece and abroad to promote the issue.

    Sources said the percentage of the flotation will be in the region of 12-14 per cent, with a parallel increase in the equity capital and a sale of old stock held by the state.

    According to OTE management, the flotation will have been completed by June.

    Meanwhile, OTE managing director P. Lambrou announced yesterday that seven companies have been short-listed in the international tender for the procurement of equipment for the telecoms utility's mobile services subsidiary (Cosmos-OTE), specifically: Alkatel, Lushent Technology, Eriksson, Nokia, Northern, Motorola and Siemens.

    He said the Cosmos first mobile telephone is planned to ring at Thessaloniki's International Trade Fair (HELEXPO-DETH) in September, while the planned investment until 1999 amounts to 124 billion drachmas.

    Cosmos will employ the DCS 1800 system and its service will first be developed in Athens and Thessaloniki, expanding to the rest of the country later.

    [21] GDP rate rises slightly in '96, according to EU

    Brussels, 03/04/1997 (ANA/G. Daratos)

    The rate of GDP increase rose in Greece slightly in 1996 compared to 1995, according to figures provided by the European Union's statistical service.

    Greece's GDP rate increased to 2.38 per cent in 1996 as against 2.03 per cent in 1995.

    Such an acceleration in GDP growth in 1996 occurred only in Greece, the Netherlands and Portugal, in contrast to other EU countries, which are all showing a slowdown in GDP growth. Indicative of this trend is that the average EU rate decreased from 2.48 per cent in 1995 to 1.59 per cent in 1996.

    Ireland achieved a GDP increase of 10.73 per cent in 1995 and 7.84 per cent in 1996.

    Greece ranks fourth after Ireland, the Netherlands and Portugal in relation to the greatest GDP increase rate among EU countries in 1996.

    [22] Branson plans for Hydra hotel complex rejected

    Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)

    British businessman Richard Branson's plan to build a hotel complex on the island of Hydra was turned down by Greece's Central Archaeological Council last night.

    However, the council gave Mr. Branson, owner of the Virgin group, the option of presenting another proposal for a hotel within the town limits, as their objection was not to the hotel itself but to the fact that it would spoil the character of the site, which contains ruins of an ancient city.

    The Council's decision was issued after a six-hour meeting on Tuesday night, during which the mayor of Hydra pleaded the case of island residents who have petitioned in favour of the hotel complex as they say the project will create jobs.

    "The 2,600 citizens left on the island were distressed (at the decision), believing that the state wanted them to leave their homes and to turn the island into an empty archaeological site," the mayor said.

    Citizens' representatives earlier told the council that Hydra needed the hotel as it would give the island a much-needed injection of capital, and create 100 permanent jobs and 300 summer jobs.

    [23] Third session of Greece-Cyprus coordinating committee ends

    Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)

    The third session of the special Greece-Cyprus coordinating committee responsible for economic, industrial and technological co-operation issues came to a close yesterday.

    The Greek delegation was headed by National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou and Cyprus' by Finance Minister Christodoulos Christodoulou.

    Implementation of all points included in the March 1996 memorandum was ascertained, while new aspects of action, targets and priorities were set out for greater co-operation in commerce, industry, investments, taxation and customs issues, research, technology, tourism, public administration, transport, public works, informatics, post offices as well as issues concerning the European Union.

    The two ministers signed a new co-operation agreement to strengthen bilateral economic relations.

    [24] EBEA official calls for radical changes to boost industry

    Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)

    The Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEA) has recommended that the government institute a series of drastic measures designed to boost activity in the industrial sector.

    The measures were announced by EBEA Secretary-General and president of the Union of Greek Textile Industrialists, Eleftherios Kourtallis.

    Mr. Kourtallis said it was imperative that current development legislation be revised to extend incentives on the basis of stricter criteria and not be restricted to tax breaks which will benefit only a small number of profitable companies.

    He said the deregulation of the labour market and "more flexible" labour relations through institutional changes would reduce production costs and that all sector-based collective agreements should be abolished and renegotiated from the beginning.

    Pension contributions which burden labour costs should also be reduced as should bank interest rates, which should come into line with inflation, in an effort to compress production costs and create more competitive products.

    Mr. Kourtallis said estimates for the course of industry for the first quarter of 1997 were pessimistic, resulting in the business expectation index reaching its lowest levels since December 1995.

    He said he considered the de-industrialization of the economy was continuing, saying that industrial production had been ranging at the same levels since 1980, and that industry's contribution to Gross National Product fell to 13 percent in 1995 from 23 percent in 1980.

    Turning around this state of affairs, he said, will require the government to take drastic and courageous steps, so that Greek industry can regain its lost competitiveness in the globalization of commerce.

    [25] Conference by Panhellenic Federation of Employees of Social Policy Organizations

    Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)

    The 14th annual conference of the Panhellenic Federation of Employees of Social Policy Organizations focusing on insurance funds finished yesterday.

    The conference concluded that in their struggle for Maastricht goals, European Union member-states were boosting unemployment, cutting social expenditures and endangering significant social and employment rights.

    Federation president Koutroumanis said the "employees have the advantage of having first hand knowledge of the real problems of the insured, the pensioners and their insurance funds, and are therefore not misled by alleged experts."

    [26] Premier to meet with PNO administration

    Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis will meet the administration of the Panhellenic Seamen's Federation (PNO) today for a briefing on merchant seamen's positions on employment and overall problems faced by shipping.

    The new leadership of the Union of Greek Shipowners held a meeting with Mr. Simitis recently in the presence of Merchant Marine Minister Stavros Soumakis.

    [27] Compensation for livestock losses in Thrace

    Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)

    Compensation totaling 40 million drachmas has been granted to stockbreeders in the Dasohori, Xanthi region for losses due to cowpox. Another 64 million drachmas will be provided to compensate other stockbreeders affected in the Xanthi prefecture. A total of 2,100 sheep have been slaughtered in Xanthi for this reason.

    Similar amounts are expected to be transferred to the relevant services in the Rodopi and Evros prefectures for stockbreeders who lost livestock as a result of cowpox over the 1996-1997 period.

    [28] Avramopoulos in Boston

    New York, 03/04/1997 (ANA/M. Georgiadou)

    Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos left New York for Boston yesterday to attend Greek Independence Day celebrations, along with three other mayors representing six thousand Greek municipalities and communities.

    Speaking to the press, Mr. Avramopoulos referred to a co-operation protocol between the municipalities of Athens, Montreal and New York. The latter protocol is to be made official when Mr. Avramopoulos returns to New York in 1998 to present a statue of Athena, a gift from the city of Athens, which is to be erected in Athens Square, Astoria.

    Mr. Avramopoulos also referred to the role that could be played by local government in protecting investments by expatriate Greeks.

    Today, the mayor is to have meetings with Archbishop of America Spyridon and the leadership of the World Jewish Congress.

    [29] Greece beats Bosnia 1-0 in milestone match

    Athens, 03/04/1997 (ANA)

    Greece beat Bosnia 1-0 in a World Cup Group One qualifier in Sarajevo yesterday, the first-ever official match played by the Bosnian national club in the war-ravaged former Yugoslav republic.

    End of English language section.


    Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article
    Back to Top
    Copyright © 1995-2023 HR-Net (Hellenic Resources Network). An HRI Project.
    All Rights Reserved.

    HTML by the HR-Net Group / Hellenic Resources Institute, Inc.
    ana2html v1.01d run on Thursday, 3 April 1997 - 15:42:52 UTC