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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-11-29

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 1353), November 29, 1997

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


CONTENTS

  • [01] Simitis sums up London talks
  • [02] Tories support start of EU-Cyprus accession talks
  • [03] PM meets shipowners
  • [04] Paris visit
  • [05] Premier accepts idea for WEU summit on Euro-defense issues
  • [06] EU backs use of energy networks in SE Europe
  • [07] EU to begin enlargement talks March 31, Cook says
  • [08] Pangalos on CNN: Parthenon Marbles will eventually return to Athens
  • [09] Former Australian PM to head Parthenon marbles campaign
  • [10] New US Ambassador's arrival
  • [11] Venizelos meeting with Chinese Deputy Premier Li Tiering
  • [12] Expatriate Greek, Turkish politicians in Germany announce initiative
  • [13] Denktash in Bonn
  • [14] 'Hurriyet': Halki School of Theology's re-opening imminent
  • [15] Karamanlis says border area projects must be accelerated
  • [16] Criticism of Kapodistrias plan
  • [17] SAE holds first ordinary meeting
  • [18] EU environment ministers focus on Mediterranean islands
  • [19] ISTAME meeting on EU enlargement
  • [20] Kranidiotis: Greek policy steadily exposing Turkish intransigence
  • [21] 'Medea' staged in Ankara by Greek National Theater
  • [22] Lesvos reception center for illegal immigrants
  • [23] Equipment for Albanian police
  • [24] EU information program
  • [25] Poll shows strong opposition against FYROM composite name
  • [26] Synaspismos prefectural committee support for Damanaki candidacy
  • [27] AIDS cases in Greece reported
  • [28] Hope for AIDS treatment
  • [29] Refereeing to blame for violence
  • [30] Greek human rights leader elected to CoE's committee
  • [31] German research ship arrives
  • [32] Greek stocks jump on hopes rates to decline again
  • [33] Greece's Balkan Export sees 1997 profit rise, seeks new loan
  • [34] Hellenic Sugar plans to streamline
  • [35] Greece to tender new round of flood prevention works

  • [01] Simitis sums up London talks

    London, 29/9/1997 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis said after talks here with his British counterpart Tony Blair on Thursday that Greece was prepared to block Turkey's participation in the proposed European Conference for countries wishing to join the EU.

    Citing reports from Ankara, Mr. Simitis stressed that not even Ankara accepted participation in the proposed Conference unless it secured "candidate-member" status. At the most recent EU summit in Luxembourg, he said that he had asked each of the EU leaders if they were ready to accept Turkey as a candidate-member, and in each case he received a negative reply.

    Mr. Simitis left on Wednesday for London and Paris for talks with his counterparts Tony Blair and French Premier Lionel Jospin on EU developments.

    Explaining Greece's positions, Mr. Simitis told a press conference after his talks with Mr. Blair that Turkey had to accept the terms which are generally accepted by all the countries.

    "We have built the EU on certain principles," he said, adding that in order to avoid problems between the countries, the simplest way was for each country to accept the jurisdiction of the International Court of The Hague.

    "Why have countries such as Slovakia and Hungary accepted this process and yet Turkey refuses to do so?" he asked.

    Referring to Turkish statements on the accession of Cyprus, Mr. Simitis stressed that it was not acceptable for a candidate-country to threaten to block the accession of another country or to make comments about another country.

    Mr. Simitis also noted that Turkey had repeatedly spoken about the "permanent partition" of Cyprus, underlining that this position was contrary to UN resolutions, which are also accepted by the EU, since the UN accepted that there is only one state entity on Cyprus.

    The Greek prime minister also observed that it was unprecedented that Turkey's military leadership has a say in whether Ankara participated in the European Conference, underlining that decisions of this type should be taken by elected governments.

    Mr. Simitis said Mr. Blair considered Greece's positions to be "reasonable" but had expressed the view that it was important for Turkey to participate in the European Conference and for these issues to be subsequently addressed.

    Experience has shown, Mr. Simitis continued, that the operating rules of a club must first be accepted before one becomes a member of such a club.

    Mr. Simitis stated quite categorically that Mr. Blair fully agreed that negotiations for Cyprus' accession to the EU should begin as scheduled on April 10, 1998 and that the issue should not be confused with the island republic's political problem.

    Turning to NATO's new structure, Mr. Simitis said that it was accepted by Greece but not by Turkey, and therefore, constituted a difference between the Alliance member-states and Turkey.

    He expressed the hope that agreement would eventually be reached, underlining that the new structure of NATO meets modern requirements and must develop since NATO cannot have the same operational structure which it had during the Cold War era.

    Mr. Simitis expressed satisfaction at his talks with Mr. Blair, noting that the British presidency of the EU, which begins on Jan. 1, will be positive.

    Mr. Simitis also announced the program of events "Greece in Britain" which constitutes the continuation of an agreement signed by the foreign ministers in 1996. It is a program of events concerning the presentation of modern Greece in Britain (cultural events, concerts, exhibitions, dance, film projections and conferences).

    The start to the program will take place on January 21, 1998 with a formal breakfast at the House of Commons, which will be attended by representatives from the two countries' political world.

    [02] Tories support start of EU-Cyprus accession talks

    London, 29/11/1997 (ANA- L. Tsirigotakis)

    Britain's Conservative Party supports commencement of negotiations for Cyprus' EU membership without linking it to a prior solution of the island republic's political problem, Prime Minister Costas Simitis said after meeting Tory leader William Hague in the House of Commons yesterday.

    "The Conservative Party agrees that the enlargement procedures with Cyprus, the negotiations with Cyprus must begin according to existing decisions of the European Union, and that there is no relation between the resolution of the political problem and the enlargement procedures. I believe that this a position which I believe will help the negotiations," Mr. Simitis said.

    He was accompanied on his visit by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Greece's ambassador to the Court of St. James Vassilis Zafeiropoulos.

    Mr. Hague said that the meeting, also attended by Shadow Foreign Secretary Michael Howard, was interesting and pleasant.

    [03] PM meets shipowners

    London, 29/11/1997 (ANA)

    According to another ANA dispatch, at a later meeting, the prime minister assured the London-based Greek shipowners' Committee that for the government there was no issue of abolishing the ministry of merchant marine.

    According to sources, Committee President Ioannis Hatzipateras raised the problem of the competitiveness of the Greek merchant fleet, while a large part of the discussion concerned the demand for changing the composition of the crew of Greek-flagged vessels. The government side stated that it was not considering such an issue, the same sources said.

    [04] Paris visit

    Paris, 29/11/1997 (ANA- M. Spinthourakis)

    Referring to Mr. Simitis' visit to the French capital, beginning on Sunday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman

    Anne Gazeau-Secret said that French-Greek relations were at a very good level, and that the Greek premier would discuss with French President Jacques Chirac and Premier Lionel Jospin issues such as the reform of the EU's institutional organs, as well as the results of the recent Luxembourg summit on employment.

    She added that EU relations with Turkey and Cyprus were also expected to come under discussion, and reminded that France was in favor of creating a European Conference with Turkey's participation.

    Finally, Ms Gazeau-Secret said that discussions will also include issues of defense and security, in view of Greece's assumption of the presidency of the Western European Union (WEU) on Jan. 1. She added that Greece had drawn up an action program for its WEU presidency, saying that France, which held the presidency in the first half of 1997, wants continuity of action to be secured, as was the case with Germany, the current presidency holder.

    [05] Premier accepts idea for WEU summit on Euro-defense issues

    Paris, 29/11/1997 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis has accepted a proposal by the president of the parliamentary assembly of the Western European Union (WEU), Lluis Maria de Puig, to all the heads of state and government of the European Union for a summit meeting on European defense issues, sources said yesterday.

    France, Belgium, Italy, Spain and Luxembourg have also responded positively to the proposal, while Germany and Britain raised objections.

    Mr. Simitis' consent acquires special significance, since Greece will take over the presidency of the organization on Jan. 1, and could contribute to realization of the proposal.

    [06] EU backs use of energy networks in SE Europe

    Bucharest, 29/11/1997 (ANA - P. Pantelis)

    Energy networks in southeast Europe should be used as a means of peace and co-operation, EU Energy Commissioner Christos Papoutsis told a conference on energy here yesterday.

    The conference, attended by energy ministers from 13 countries in the Black Sea and the Balkans, aims at promoting closer co-operation in the energy sector with the European Union, and reached a political agreement, making the Balkans an energy bridge between east and west.

    Mr. Papoutsis said in its opening speech that the conference was part of a European Commission strategy to promote energy co-operation in southeast Europe. The agreement is included in a memorandum providing for its gradual implementation in 30 energy inter-connections in the Balkans, of which 11 are to receive priority.

    Greece was represented by Development Minister Vasso Papandreou, who stressed Greece's role, in combining the membership of the European Union with its geographical position in SE Europe.

    "Greece has the possibility of playing a significant role in the energy interconnections due to its geographical position, its technology and its infrastructure, as well as in the management of these systems," she said, citing specifically the Public Power Corp.'s (DEH) advantage in possessing a load distribution control system, with a potential for coordinating and managing all the networks of SE Europe.

    "The question is how the huge capital necessary for the interconnecting projects will be found. However, the fact that there is political commitment on everyone's part for the implementation of these projects means that everyone will make efforts to find the resources needed. The fact that we have begun discussing the issue is a first positive step," she added.

    Regarding environmental dangers she said that the problem from the oil pipelines could be dealt with by transporting oil with small tankers from the port of Alexandroupoli, the other end of a proposed pipeline starting at the Bulgarian port city of Burg as on the Black Sea.

    She also proposed the holding of an international conference in Greece, under the auspices of the EU and the UN, on the environmental dimension of transporting oil through the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.

    On the sidelines of the conference, Ms Papandreou met privately with her counterparts of Romania, Albania and FYROM, and discussed co-operation on specific issues of bilateral interest.

    She said afterwards that these co-operations will provide real opportunities for the participation of Greek private enterprise. Mr. Papoutsis stated that he would assume an initiative for the setting up of a special secretariat of the European Commission in Brussels, which will monitor and coordinate the energy network programs that were agreed upon.

    He clarified that they would be given priority in funding through the existing EU programs, the European Investment Bank or other financial organizations.

    [07] EU to begin enlargement talks March 31, Cook says

    Warsaw, 29/11/1997 (ANA/Reuters)

    The European Union will begin enlargement talks on March 31 next year, while Britain wants Poland and other new members to join as equal partners, British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook said here yesterday.

    "I can now tell you that we intend to open the negotiations on enlargement on March 31 next year," Mr. Cook, whose country takes over the EU rotating presidency at the start of next year, told a British-Polish conference on the EU in Warsaw.

    "Britain is as determined as Poland that you should join as quickly as possible, and as an equal partner... No country should be admitted as a second-class member. There will be no second division in Europe," he said.

    His words were warmly greeted in Poland, which has long craved a firm date for entry talks to start and which wants to join, hopefully around 2002, without any restrictions.

    Britain, like other major EU nations, wants to start membership talks with the so-called "five plus one" -Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Estonia and Slovenia as well as Cyprus - rather than with all those who want to join.

    [08] Pangalos on CNN: Parthenon Marbles will eventually return to Athens

    London, 29/11/1997 (ANA)

    In an interview with the US-based CNN network, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos said that keeping the Parthenon Marbles in Britain is "a crime against culture and humanity."

    Speaking on the program "Inside 'Europe", scheduled for broadcast tonight at 9:30 p.m., the Greek foreign minister said that the ruling British Labor Party had changed its position on the issue after assuming the government. Despite this, Mr. Pangalos said he feels that British public opinion will one day sway in Greece's favor.

    "I'm finally convinced that the British citizens, who are so close to ancient culture, one day will want to see these marbles together with the Parthenon."

    Mr. Pangalos said it was "not relevant" for the British government to claim that returning the ancient friezes "would throw the entire international museum scene into confusion and uncertainty."

    The Parthenon Marbles, also known as the so-called Elgin Marbles, were removed from the Acropolis in the early 18th century by Lord Elgin, a British diplomat then attached to the Ottoman empire. Elgin later sold the exquisite friezes to the British Museum in London.

    [09] Former Australian PM to head Parthenon marbles campaign

    Melbourne, 29/11/1997 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)

    Gough Whitlam, former Australian prime minister honored by the Athens Academy for his services to Hellenism, has accepted an invitation from Melbourne's Greek community to head the campaign for the return of the Parthenon marbles to Greece from Britain, where they were taken by Lord Elgin early last century.

    "I believe that Britain's refusal to return the marbles will be supported by Germany, Austria and France, because of the sections of ancient buildings that were taken during the last century from Pergamon to Berlin, from Aegina to Munich, from Ephesus to Vienna and from Milos to Paris," Mr. Whitlam said in a message to a Greek community meeting Thursday night.

    "There is no doubt that today Greeks are able to discover, to preserve and to display ancient treasures better than any other people. In fact they have been pioneers in retrieving ancient artefacts from the sea," he added.

    Other prominent Australian supporters of the marbles' return include New South Wales premier Bob Carr and Victorian state premier Jeff Kennet.

    [10] New US Ambassador's arrival

    Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)

    Newly-appointed US Ambassador to Greece Nicholas Burns is due to arrive in Athens on Sunday, accompanied by his wife and three daughters.

    Mr. Burns, who was officially sworn in at a State Department ceremony on November 10, began his diplomatic career as a Vice-Consul in the Middle East in 1983.

    He later worked for six years in the White House as special presidential adviser on Soviet (and later Russian) affairs on the National Security Council. He also served as adviser to President George Bush on Greece, Turkey and Cyprus, accompanying the president on his official visit to Greece in 1991.

    Prior to his appointment as Ambassador, Burns served as State Department spokesman.

    He speaks French and Arabic and is currently learning Greek.

    [11] Venizelos meeting with Chinese Deputy Premier Li Tiering

    Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)

    Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos held a meeting yesterday with the People's Republic of China's Deputy Premier Li Tiering and the chiefs of China's archaeological and cultural services.

    According to an announcement by the culture ministry, the Chinese representatives agreed to increase Sino-Greek cultural exchanges, while Mr. Venizelos briefed them on the "Cultural Olympiad".

    On his part, Mr. Tiering briefed Mr. Venizelos on the primary indicators and achievements of the Chinese economy, who undertook to convey this information to the prime minister and the government's economic cadres.

    [12] Expatriate Greek, Turkish politicians in Germany announce initiative

    Bonn, 29/11/1997 (ANA - P. Stangos)

    German Social Democratic Party (SPD) Eurodeputy Yiannis Sakellariou and Greens deputy Cem Oezdemir are implementing an initiative on assisting Greek-Turkish understanding by visiting Athens, where they will hold political talks o n Monday and Tuesday.

    The program of the two politicians' contacts includes meetings with the leaders of the New Democracy and Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) party, Costas Karamanlis and Nikos Constantopoulos, Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis, t he Greek Muslim deputies of PASOK, ND and the Synaspismos as well as representatives of the Helsinki Monitors Organization, while meetings have not yet been finalized with Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos and National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou.

    Mr. Sakellariou, of Greek descent, and Mr. Oezdemir, of Turkish descent, had announced the assumption of this initiative in June for the promotion of a dialogue, primarily in the circles of Turkish and Greek emigrants and the overstepping of "historical hostility" between Greeks and Turks, clarifying that they are not acting at the order of the German parties to which they belong nor with "an understanding" with the governments of Greece and Turkey.

    [13] Denktash in Bonn

    Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)

    Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash once again set out the precondition of recognition of the so-called "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" for a move by the Turkish Cypriot side concerning the accession of Cyprus.

    He underlined the precondition during talks he had yesterday with Foreign Under-secretary Peter Hartmann, the German government's envoy on the Cyprus issue and other German officials.

    The talks were held at a state hostel and not at the foreign ministry as initially planned, lasting for 90 minutes.

    Turkey is the only nation in the world to recognize the Turkish Cypriot pseudo-state.

    [14] 'Hurriyet': Halki School of Theology's re-opening imminent

    Istanbul, 29/11/1997 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

    Ankara's intention to re-open the Halki School of Theology is awaiting signatures by Turkey's council of ministers, the Istanbul daily "Hurriyet" again reported yesterday.

    However, it stated that "the conservative ministers of the government refuse to sign, arguing that no permit can be given for the opening of a Christian theological school, while there is a ban on high school sections of Islamic theological schools. The paper added that this refusal hinders on the collection of the necessary signatures to pass the bill.

    Turkey's foreign ministry proposed the granting of a license to the Halki school, closed by Ankara since the late '60s, as soon as possible, "before the manifestation of any pressure by the US Congress forcing Turkey to grant concessions," Hurriyet stated.

    According to the daily, Turkey's foreign ministry considers that the Theological School of Halki matter "damages Turkey's image without any benefit."

    US President Bill Clinton is expected to discuss the issue with Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz when the latter visits Washington. The US president informed Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos of his intention during a meeting the two had at the White House on Oct. 23.

    [15] Karamanlis says border area projects must be accelerated

    Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)

    Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis began a three-day visit to Thrace yesterday, accompanied by several ND cadres.

    Mr. Karamanlis' first stop was Xanthi where he visited Metropolitan Panteleimon and Mayor Philippos Amoiridis, while afterwards he headed for the commu-nities of Ehinos and Mykis.

    Speaking to residents in Ehinos, Mr. Karamanlis said the state is lagging behind in infrastructure projects in border areas, adding that "it is imperative that we must move with faster rates in the future, given that the Balkan hinterland has opened and offers great prospects of development in the economic sector."

    In Mykis, Mr. Karamanlis talked with professionals and also visited the prefect of Xanthi Panayiotis Saltouros as well as the Fourth Army Corps, where he was welcomed by its commander Lt.-Gen. Demetris Aikaterinis.

    [16] Criticism of Kapodistrias plan

    Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)

    Speaking in Xanthi last night, Mr. Karamanlis stressed the importance attributed by his party to the institution of local self-administration and underlined the need for a strong decentralization trend in the country's highly centralized administration. Mr. Karamanlis said the "Kapodistrias" plan concerning compulsory community mergers took steps backwards, adding that what is of importance now is providing local administration organizations with the possibilities to live up to the responsibilities and lofty targets which they must achieve. He noted problems existing in the implementation of the Egnatia motorway project and its vertical axes, saying a society cannot be built with big words and promises in the 21st century.

    Mr. Karamanlis had a meeting with social partner representatives in Xanthi yesterday, while today he will continue his tour in the Rodopi and Evros regions.

    [17] SAE holds first ordinary meeting

    Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)

    Thessaloniki will next week become the focus of interest of overseas Greeks when it hosts the 1st Ordinary Meeting of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad.

    The 330 elected members of the Council who will be taking part in the sessions will be reviewing the council's activities since its establishment in 1995 and elect a new presidium.

    The sessions will be officially opened by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos.

    Speaking in Thessaloniki yesterday, SAE president Andrew Athens said that he would be seeking re-election to the post. He added that the SAE had given the opportunity to overseas Greeks to show that they can work together and help each other.

    Among other things, he referred to the recent inauguration of the first medical diagnostic center in Tbilisi, Georgia for members of the ethnic Greek community in the region and said the SAE would continue its efforts to provide medical and pharmaceutical assistance to ethnic Greeks in the former Soviet Union. He also underlined the importance of the council's efforts to strengthen ties between the United States, Greece and Israel.

    Athens described the formation of an interparliamentary committee, made up of deputies of Greek descent, as "a very important force which at the same time provides a means of promoting national issues".

    [18] EU environment ministers focus on Mediterranean islands

    Helsinki, 29/11/1997 (ANA- V. Patouhas)

    Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Under-secretary Theodoros Koliopanos yesterday proposed a complete environmental management and financial program for Mediterranean islands, during a Euro-Med Conference here.

    EU environment ministers and their counterparts of 12 Mediterranean member-states of the Euro-Med co-operation conference approved a short-term and medium-term action program through which funds from of the EU's MEDA program will be allocated.

    Mr. Koliopanos said that decisions and the declaration of the conference offer new possibilities for co-operation in the Mediterranean, where Greece can and must play a leading role.

    The Greek under-secretary also said that Greek companies can benefit from this export of environmental technology to southern Mediterranean basin countries.

    The conference focused on the management of water resources, solid waste and coastal areas, as well as with desertification and environmentally critical areas.

    [19] ISTAME meeting on EU enlargement

    Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)

    The Institute of Strategic and Development Studies - Andreas Papandreou (ISTAME) has organized a two-day international meeting for next week on "European Union Enlargement and Southeastern Europe".

    The meeting, which opens on December 5 and has been organized by the Institute's scientific committee for foreign policy and defense, will be attended by 34 representatives of Socialist and Social Democrat parties. Also participating will be representatives of institutes from 21 Balkan and European countries.

    During the meeting, participants are expected to put forward their positions on various aspects of EU enlargement which affect political, economic and social developments in southeast Europe.

    [20] Kranidiotis: Greek policy steadily exposing Turkish intransigence

    Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)

    Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis said yesterday that Greek foreign policy is steadily exposing Turkey's intransigence and the difficult position it has found itself in, although international attitudes have not changed to the degree Athens would like.

    He made those statements during a conference on "Foreign Policy and the Mass Media" in Thessaloniki, organized by the Aristotelian University's journalism and mass media department.

    Mr. Kranidiotis called on the mass media to show self-restrain when covering foreign policy matters, which he claimed are sometimes blown out of proportion either because of ignorance or through attempts to sensationalize news events.

    [21] 'Medea' staged in Ankara by Greek National Theater

    Ankara, 29/11/1997 (A.A/ANA)

    The Greek National Theater successfully staged on Thursday night Euripides' tragedy 'Medea' at the Ankara Theater.

    The National Theater performed in Turkey on the invitation of the General Directorate of State Theaters, within the framework of bilateral cultural relations.

    Prior to the performance, Turkish Culture Minister Istemihan Talay told an Anadolu correspondent that "art is a universal term. I believe that art will bring together the Turkish and Greek nations".

    Pointing out that the exchange of art and culture will improve friendship between the Turkish and Greek peoples, Mr. Talay said that Turkish theater will also stage plays in Greece within the framework of cultural relations.

    State Minister Hikmet Sami Turk and Labor and Social Security Minister Nami Cagan also attended the play.

    The same tragedy was presented at Istanbul's 'Kemal Ataturk' Theater earlier this week.

    [22] Lesvos reception center for illegal immigrants

    Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)

    The record number of illegal immigrants arriving on Lesvos this year has prompted the prefectural authorities on the island to set up a reception center - the first in the eastern Aegean.

    The center will be housed in an abandoned school in the community of Alifandes, Mytilene and will be repaired within the framework of the armed forces' social work program and specifically by engineers performing their military service.

    The cost of the work will be covered in total by the public order ministry. When completed, the center will relieve pressure on local police stations. "Our aim is to create acceptable living conditions for these people who most of the time have fallen victim to Turks taking advantage of their plight, and in particular to protect the health of both the illegal immigrants and those guarding them," said Lesvos Prefect Alekos Mathiellis.

    According to authorities, illegal immigrants have arrived o n Lesvos since the beginning of the current year, compared to 48 last year and 167 in 1995.

    [23] Equipment for Albanian police

    Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)

    The Greek Police (EL.AS.) yesterday handed over equipment and supplies to their Albanian counterparts at the Kakavia border post. The supplies come under the agreement signed by the two countries' public order ministers in Ioannina recently, aimed at assisting in the restructuring of the Albanian police force.

    Previous aid shipments included police cars and motorcycles and desks. More vehicles and other equipment requested by the Albanian police will be delivered next week.

    [24] EU information program

    Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)

    The "Citizens of Europe" program's second phase began in Greece in an effort to inform the public of its rights and benefits within the European Union.

    The campaign is a combined effort of the European Parliament and the European Commission.

    Euro-Parliament's Vice-President George Anastasopoulos, the director of the delegation of the European Commission in Greece, Marios Kamhis, and Under-secretary for Development Mihalis Chrysohoidis presented the program during a ceremony at the European Parliament's offices in Athens

    Information will be provided through the toll free 00.800.32.12.254 line in Greek, until the end of May 1998.

    Three new guides were published as part of this information drive concerning the purchase of goods and services in the unified European market, traveling to a EU member-state and equal rights and provisions.

    [25] Poll shows strong opposition against FYROM composite name

    Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)

    A nationwide poll unveiled by the MRB firm revealed strong public opposition to any composite name containing the term "Macedonia" for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (FYROM) official name.

    The poll revealed that 61.9 per cent of respondents believe Greece should not accept any composite name for the neighboring country; 14.2 per cent said Greece probably should not accept; only 6.3 per cent said Greece could accept such a name, while 11. 4 per cent stated that Greece should probably accept it.

    [26] Synaspismos prefectural committee support for Damanaki candidacy

    Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)

    The Athens prefectural committee of the Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) yesterday endorsed the party's former leader Maria Damanaki's candidacy for the mayorship of Athens next year.

    [27] AIDS cases in Greece reported

    Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)

    A total of 1,638 AIDS cases were recorded in Greece between 1982 - the first year that official recording was commenced by the health ministry's center for Infectious Diseases (KEEL) - and June 6 this year, KEEL announced yesterday.

    KEEL statistics showed that 59 confirmed AIDS cases were recorded in the first half of 1997, compared with 208 cases of all of 1996, and 162 cases in 1993. The overwhelming majority of cases were males, according to the figures released by KEEL.

    Only one case of AIDS was recorded in 1982, with the number increasing to 4 in 1983, 5 in 1984, 15 in 1985, 23 in 1986, 61 in 1987, 73 in 1988, 104 in 1989, 143 in 1990, 181 in 1991 and 197 in 1992.

    There were 1,615 surviving AIDS patients in Greece as of June 30, 1997 (1,420 men and 195 women).

    [28] Hope for AIDS treatment

    Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)

    If there is a relaxation of preventive measures against AIDS, and epidemic cannot be ruled out in the next 10 years, Welfare Under-secretary Theodoros Kotsonis said yesterday, during a presentation of a study showing that Greeks are more vulnerable to infection from the virus than other Europeans.

    He also said that a relevant UN report shows a small rise in AIDS cases in Greece until 1996.

    Mr. Kotsonis reassured, however, that there was no reason for any special concern, as it seems that the evolution of the disease for the time being is not so worrying. He explained that the main way of transmission of the disease continues to be sex, an d this is where prevention ought to focus.

    Prof. Nasioulas warned that the excessive optimism cultivated in recent years as a result of the effectiveness of the new drugs, is gradually leading to the view that we are not in danger of dying, and we are, therefore, not interested whether we get infected.

    He stressed that this view is unfounded, as the available drugs do not provide a panacea, but are only a temporary means of treating symptoms.

    [29] Refereeing to blame for violence

    Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)

    Violence at soccer games was primarily the result of poor officiating and a poor administration of sports justice, Sports Under-secretary Andreas Fouras said yesterday in reply to a Parliament question by main opposition New Democracy party deputy Fani Palli-Petralia.

    Mr. Fouras said that he is to meet with all referees of first division soccer games in order to remind them of their responsibilities. He also said the problem of violence at soccer games was not a new phenomenon but had been a problem for many years.

    The under-secretary reiterated his earlier statements that cameras would be installed at the Olympic and Nea Philadelphia stadiums, as well as the idea of professional referees and regular courts for crimes at sports grounds.

    [30] Greek human rights leader elected to CoE's committee

    Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)

    The director of the Greek Center for European Studies and Research, Nikolaos Fragakis, was elected yesterday to the Council of Europe's (CoE) Committee Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI).

    ECRI plays a crucial role in CoE's efforts to defend human rights and monitor countries than violate them.

    Mr. Fragakis, who is also the president of the Greek Human Rights Union, was elected during the second round of voting, receiving 20 votes as opposed to 13 for his British opponent.

    [31] German research ship arrives

    Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)

    The German research vessel "Meteor" arrives in Piraeus Sunday as part of a scientific expedition in the Mediterranean and Aegean seas for seismic-related research.

    Work will be concentrated within the eastern Mediterranean, including the Aegean Sea. Eleven working groups will carry out geoscientific, biological and interdisciplinary studies.

    The ship and its scientific expeditions are financed by the German Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Technology, and the German Science Foundation.

    According to Dr. Werner Hieke, chief scientist of the expedition, the first phase, which will be completed in a few days, will be devoted to investigations of the Mediterranean Ridge between Italy and Crete.

    This area originated as an effect of the collision of the African and Eurasian plates of the earth's crust. The most conspicuous effect of that collision are earthquakes in the Peloponnese-Crete area.

    The research methods for the first phase, which ends December 2 south of Crete, include mainly hydrosweep to produce bathymetric maps, parasound for sediment echosounding, gravimetry, and magnetics, Dr. Hieke told the ANA.

    In addition, deeptowed sidescan sonar, coring and dredging will be conducted at selected positions.

    The second phase begins on Wednesday between the islands of Milos and Kos with a program to study the processes of hydrothermalism in the Aegean Sea, Dr. Hieke said.

    The expedition set out from Hamburg on October 28.

    [32] Greek stocks jump on hopes rates to decline again

    Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)

    Greek equities ended the week sharply higher reflecting investors' renewed confidence in the course of the economy and signs that interest rates may resume their decline.

    The general index closed 2.60 percent higher at 1,474.02 points to show a net gain of 2.45 percent on the week. The index was relatively steady during the month showing a 0.97 percent decline on the aftermath of an international market turmoil at the end of October.

    The FTSE/ASE index ended at 836.75 points or 2.19 percent higher, marking a 1.01 percent rise since last Friday.

    Lifting the market in the last three sessions of the week was renewed buying interest in industrial shares. Banks remained weak reflecting market worries over the profitability of the sector.

    Trading was moderate with turnover at 21.1 billion drachmas. Turnover totaled 96.15 billion drachmas in the week to show a daily average of 19.2 billion, down from 26.2 billion drachmas the previous week.

    Sector indices scored gains. Banks rose 1.65 percent, Insurance increased 2.30 percent, Leasing was 2.58 percent higher, Investment ended 1.71 percent up, Construction rose 1.42 percent, Industrials jumped 3.83 percent, Miscellaneous increased 3.94 percent and Holding was 2.11 percent up.

    On a weekly basis, Miscellaneous and Industrials scored the biggest gains at 7.75 and 6.60 percent respectively, while Banks fell by 0.81 percent.

    Broadly, advancers led decliners by 176 to 41 with another 16 issues unchanged.

    Klonatex, Mytilineos, Athinea, Mouriadis and Etma scored the biggest percentage gains at the upper 8.0 percent volatility limit, while Viosol, Bank of Athens and Hellenic Bottling suffered the heaviest losses. National Bank of Greece ended at 25,920 drachmas, Ergobank at 15,000, Alpha Credit Bank at 16,660, Delta Dairy at 3,445, Titan Cement at 13,000, Intracom at 13,500 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organization at 5,450.

    [33] Greece's Balkan Export sees 1997 profit rise, seeks new loan

    Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)

    Greece's Balkan Export, a transport company, expects to see its profits rise to 450-550 million drachmas in 1997 from 320 million a year earlier.

    Sales are forecast to rise to 13.5 billion drachmas from 12.8 billion in 1996, falling short of a targeted 16 billion drachmas for 1997.

    An improvement in company finances is discernible but slow. The firm underwent a restructuring in December 1994 that brought it under the control of 23 Greek and foreign banks.

    Working capital is equivalent to 10 percent of sales, lower that 20-25 percent usual for firms comparable to Balkan Export in size.

    The company is currently trying to secure a fresh four billion drachma loan from creditor banks before it drafts its 1998 budget.

    The loan would help ensure sales of 16-18 billion drachmas for next year.

    [34] Hellenic Sugar plans to streamline

    Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)

    A meeting between Greek agriculture ministry officials and representatives of farm cooperatives and the Agricultural Bank discussed a plan to rationalize the production costs of Hellenic Sugar Industry.

    Hellenic Sugar faces serious economic problems due to higher production costs compared with its competitors abroad.

    The problem was highlighted two years ago but a decision to drastically cut back on spending failed to materialize.

    The meeting discussed Hellenic Sugar's proposals to cut spending by 2.4 billion drachmas through its operational expenses and by 5.8 billion through producers' price, to a total of 8.2 billion drachmas.

    [35] Greece to tender new round of flood prevention works

    Athens, 29/11/1997 (ANA)

    Greece's public works ministry yesterday endorsed the release of one billion drachmas to fund flood prevention works in the prefectures of Messinia, Achaia, Pieria and the island of Lefkada.

    The emergency projects in Achaia, budgeted at 150 million drachmas, are to repair recent damage from floods. Tenders are to be called shortly for the works.

    End of English language section.


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