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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 98-07-18

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

From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

  • [01] Greece to list projects for new EU funds by March 1999
  • [02] 110 UN members' permanent reps in Greece, briefed on 'Olympic Truce'
  • [03] Prince Charles in Greece early August
  • [04] Samaranch contacts focus on broadcasting preparations for 2004
  • [05] Flynn cites improvement at Leros psychiatric hospital
  • [06] Kaklamanis receives Polish ambassador to Athens
  • [07] Austrian EU presidency informal council to convene in October
  • [08] Kaklamanis, Constantopoulos discuss deputies` immunity issue
  • [09] Soccer-Court clears AEK, Slavia to play in UEFA Cup
  • [10] Expatriate Greek MPs from around the world to meet in Athens
  • [11] Greek leadership comments on 24th anniversary of tragic `Attila` invasion of Cyprus
  • [12] Ceramic artists from Greece, Turkey gather on Lesvos
  • [13] Noted poet Karelli buried
  • [14] Spurned suitor attacks couple with hand grenades
  • [15] Another driver arrested at airport for taxi metre fraud
  • [16] Majority of EU citizens still favour euro
  • [17] EU members, candidates-states' energy conference in Sept.
  • [18] Projects to promote women`s activity in business
  • [19] Economic News
  • [20] More Swedish arrivals expected in '98
  • [21] EOT reports increase of profits

  • [01] Greece to list projects for new EU funds by March 1999

    Athens, 18/7/1998 (ANA)

    The government will draw up a list by March 1999 of projects it wants financed under the European Union's new Third Community Support Framework (CSF) funds spanning 2000-2006.

    After a marathon four-hour meeting yesterday, the Cabinet released a timescale for setting its development policy and finalising the list of projects to be submitted to the EU's Executive Commission.

    By the middle of August the government will prepare an outline of policy and projects viewed from both a political and a technical angle. Priorities will be set by sector of the economy and region. The outline will then be debated by groups represented on the government-sponsored economic and social committee, with recommendations due to be made by the end of 1998. By March 1999, the finalised list will be ready for delivery to the Commission and later used as a base for negotiations on the funds Gree ce will receive.

    "We had our first discussion on the process of drafting the third CSF. This is a large programme consisting mainly of public investments that will cover the nation's entire infrastructure,"

    National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou told reporters after the cabinet meeting. "At the same time, we will lay special emphasis on human resources in the private sector through vocational training and on upgrading public administrati on, which, as we know from our experience with the second CSF, is unable to advance projects rapidly," Mr. Papantoniou said.

    Members of the cabinet had agreed on policy, allowing groundwork on the plan to move swiftly.

    The funding that Greece will receive from the EU has yet to be set. "We are aiming for a level roughly similar to the second CSF, which means quite a few trillion drachmas," Mr. Papantoniou said.

    According to the minister, negotiations with the EU were likely to be tough due to opposition by the 15-nation trade bloc to proposals by its less wealthy southern members - Greece, Spain and Portugal - for funding.

    "I hope that this time we will win the battle," Mr. Papantoniou said.

    No time to lose, Reppas says: Also speaking after the cabinet meeting, government spokesman Di-mitris Reppas said that not a day should be lost in planning the proposals on infrastructure projects. "Past phenomena (delays) must not be repeated due to which valuable time was lost f or the absorption of funds," Mr Reppas said.

    The government had already funded basic engineering studies for projects destined for the new CSF funds.

    The Cabinet had agreed that some second CSF projects would be carried over into the third financing package, including the Egnatia Way, a road linking the country's northwest and northeast.

    The rest would be a mixture of new projects and innovations including human resources in the private and public sectors.

    Other priorities were completion of a project to create a land registry for the country, and projects in the welfare sector, Mr. Reppas said.

    In addition, the government will seek co-financing arrangements with the private sector.

    The cabinet is also due to carry out an evaluation of the implementation of projects under the second funding package.

    Each ministry will review technical progress in the projects it has ordered, and a future cabinet meeting will make an overall political assessment, Mr. Reppas said.

    Group to monitor public works: In a related development, it was announced that Prime Minister Costas Simitis last October created a group headed by Interior Undersecretary Lambros Papadimas to monitor public works financed with EU funds.

    More than 20,000 project contracts are currently underway in the country, of which 4,300 have been included in the monitoring system every three months, according to information provided by various project implementation bodies (major municipalities, re gional services, prefectural self- administration services and ministries).

    As noted during yesterday's cabinet meeting, necessary corrective moves in the course of implementing projects can take place with timely interventions and appropriate control. It was also decided that the projects of all ministries will gradually join the monitoring system.

    Speaking after the cabinet meeting, Mr. Papadimas said that "by the end of the year all the projects will be included in this monitoring system", while the monitoring of the third CSF will start, as he said, from the very first day.

    Mr. Papadimas criticised the main opposition New Democracy party, claiming ND was responsible for the delays in the second CSF.

    Athens News Agency

    [02] 110 UN members' permanent reps in Greece, briefed on 'Olympic Truce'

    Athens, 18/7/1998 (ANA)

    Permanent representatives of 110 United Nations member-states have arrived in Greece at the invitation of the Greek Olympic Committee and Greece's permanent representative to the New York City-based organisation.

    The 110 diplomats are separated in two groups, the first of which is completing its visit on Sunday, having already visited ancient Olympia, Knossos and Santorini. They were also briefed by Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou on the issue of the "Olympic Truce".

    He noted that the idea behind the "truce" contributed to avoiding a military conflict last February in Iraq, as well as to efforts an under establishment centre in Olympia could provide for de-escalating tension in Kosovo and other strife-torn areas.

    Greece's envoy to the UN, Christos Zacharakis, explained that the subject of the "Olympic Truce" was on the agenda of the UN general assembly, which had repeatedly issued resolutions calling on its members to observe its intent.

    He added that the meaning of the initiative was for foreign diplomats serving in the UN to be acquainted with the birthplace of the Olympics and was completely unrelated to the Greek candidacy for non-permanent membership on the Security Council between

    January 1999 to December 2000.

    Furthermore, he noted that Greece was last a member of the Security Council in the 1953-55 period. In reply to questions, he said there would be consultations with Turkey P a candidate for the 2001-2002 period P so that the two countries would not unde rmine each other's candidacy.

    Athens News Agency

    [03] Prince Charles in Greece early August

    Athens, 18/7/1998 (ANA)

    Britain's Prince Charles will visit Greece on November 22-24, coinciding with the opening of the Britain and Greece Festival in Athens.

    According to ANA sources, Prince Charles will also pay a private visit to Greece beginning August 2 at the invitation of the Lemos and Latsis shipping families.

    The sources said Charles, accompanied by his two sons, William and Harry, would spend a few days cruising the Greek islands.

    The Britain and Greece Festival, organised by the British Embassy in Athens with the support of the British Council, will run from November 21 to December 5.

    The Festival aims to highlight the partnership which already exists between the two countries as well as to strengthen the image of Britain as a modern and innovative country playing a leading role in the European Union, British Ambassador in Athens Si r Micheal Llewellyn Smith said recently.

    It includes a wide-ranging programme of cultural and commercial events, including concerts by the Orchestra of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields conducted by Sir Neville Marriner, the "12 for 2000" Design Exhibition, a British Film Week, performan ces by the Yolande Snaith Contemporary Dance troupe, and a commercial exhibition titled "Partners in Trade" focusing on Travel and Tourism, Information Technology, Design and the Olympics.

    Athens News Agency

    [04] Samaranch contacts focus on broadcasting preparations for 2004

    Athens, 18/7/1998 (ANA)

    International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Juan Antonio Samaranch met yesterday with Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, who is also chairman of an inter-ministerial committee for the 2004 Olympics. Talks dealt with a general review of preparations so far for the 2004 Games and the radio and television infrastructure, in view of the first meeting P in Athens on Sept. 2-4 P of the IOC coordinating committee that supervises preparations for the Games.

    The discussions were also attended by Greek Olympic Committee president and IOC member Lambis Nikolaou and Israeli IOC member Alexi Gilandi, who holds the IOC coordinating committee's portfolio on media facilities.

    The talks also focused on the "Cultural Olympiad".

    A protocol establishing the Cultural Olympics Foundation is to be signed here on Sept. 2 by Messrs. Samaranch, Venizelos and UNESCO general director Federico Mayor.

    That same day, a new protocol of cooperation between the Olympic Games archaeological museum, being set up in ancient Olympia by the culture ministry, and the Lausanne Olympic Museum is to be signed during a special ceremony.

    "Our discussion with Mr. Samaranch was practical and creative, and held in an absolutely friendly atmosphere of mutual perception on the matters related to preparing the 2004 Games," Mr. Venizelos said after the meeting.

    "Mr. Samaranch's authority, prestige and, chiefly, his knowledge, are of invaluable assistance to us," he added.

    Mr. Samaranch arrived in Athens Thursday from Moscow, where he attended the first World Youth Games, for the opening ceremony of the International Olympic Academy's annual session on Pnyx Hill.

    The 38th session of the International Olympic Academy, which runs through July 30, brings together a record 202 delegates from 97 countries, who will hear 16 speakers addressing the theme "Olympism - Aspects of the Olympic Games".

    Athens News Agency

    [05] Flynn cites improvement at Leros psychiatric hospital

    Athens, 18/7/1998 (ANA)

    European Union Social and Employment Commissioner Padraig Flynn visited the psychiatric hospital on the Dodecanese island of Leros yesterday, saying he is satisfied by improving conditions there.

    The institution has been the subject of various press reports and investigations over the years, giving it a notorious reputation both in Greece and abroad.

    He said that conditions were better since his last visit to the institution, while he noted the need for the re-introduction of patients back into society.

    Mr. Flynn visited the psychiatric hospital in Dafni, western Attica, as well.

    Athens News Agency

    [06] Kaklamanis receives Polish ambassador to Athens

    Athens, 18/7/1998 (ANA)

    Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis held talks with the Polish ambassador to Athens Voitek Lamentowick yesterday at which the excellent level of relations between Greece and Poland was confirmed.

    The Polish ambassador delivered a letter to Mr. Kaklamanis from his country's defence minister, as well from his Polish counterpart, expressing their thanks for a speedup in the ratification by the Greek Parliament of an agreement for Poland's accession to NATO.

    On his part, Mr. Kaklamanis praised the contribution of the expatriate Polish community living and working in Greece towards the further strengthening of traditionally friendly relations between the two countries.

    Athens News Agency

    [07] Austrian EU presidency informal council to convene in October

    VIENNA, 18/7/1998 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

    An extraordinary summit of the European Union's leaders, the informal European Council focusing primarily on auxiliarity which the Austrian presidency intends to convene in October, will be held in southern Austria, accor ding to an official announcement by the chancellery here yesterday.

    Convening an informal European Council, before the regular one in Vienna on Dec. 11-12 with which the Austrian EU presidency in the second half of 1998 will be concluded, had been decided at the Cardiff summit during the British presidency.

    Greece will be represented by Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

    Athens News Agency

    [08] Kaklamanis, Constantopoulos discuss deputies` immunity issue

    Athens, 18/7/1998 (ANA)

    Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis yesterday met with Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos for talks on the issue of Parliament deputies' immunity, following recent improprieties by two MPs.

    The two men agreed that Parliament regulations must change to allow for open voting on the lifting of immunity. The current regulation prescribes that such voting is conducted through secret ballot.

    Mr. Kaklamanis noted the responsibility of voters who vote for individuals according to "how many times they appear in the media."

    He also noted the responsibilities of parties, which must discuss issues of behaviour so as to protect Parliament. Furthermore, Mr. Kaklamanis said that he has opted for open voting on such instances.

    However, he added that before any such vote there must be an indepth investigation of every charge brought against a deputy.

    On his part, Mr. Constantopoulos requested a meeting of the national political leadership on the issue, presided over by Mr. Kaklamanis.

    In a related development, former New Democracy premier Constantine Mitsotakis, during a radio interview, said he will promote an initiative of 50 main opposition ND deputies to propose that the Constitution be amended with regard to deputies' immunity.

    On his part, ND deputy Ioannis Varvitsiotis said that such a proposal could not come to Parliament since the present body has voted against it when ND proposed the change earlier in the year.

    Meanwhile, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said that in the event that Parliamentary immunity is lifted, it will lead to a "dark ages" of nuisance lawsuits against deputies.

    Mr. Reppas also said that it is up to the Greek people to judge the deputies' actions so as not to be let down by their choice of representatives.

    In a related development, a Thessaloniki prosecutor yesterday requested the lifting of deputy Varsamos Yiovanoudas' immunity in order to investigate the lawsuit filed by a 25-year-old woman, his ex-girlfriend, who claims that she was beaten by the deput y.

    The woman is currently hospitalised in a Thessaloniki clinic.

    Deputy Gerasimos Yiakoumatos is accused of threatening to kill Public Order Minister George Romeos, after the former's home was burglarised, as well as carrying an automatic handgun into Parliament.

    Athens News Agency

    [09] Soccer-Court clears AEK, Slavia to play in UEFA Cup

    LONDON, 18/7/1998 (Reuters)

    The British investment group ENIC said on Friday it had won court clearance for AEK Athens and Slavia Prague to play in the UEFA Cup next season.

    ENIC, which owns a majority stake in both clubs, said permission had been granted in a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland. UEFA had said rules on common ownership of clubs meant ENIC could enter only one team in the competition and Greek side AEK said last month that they were set to miss out. "ENIC and its clubs will continue to seek discussions with UEFA to find appropriate means to maintain the sporting integrity of competitions whilst not restricting investment into the game , thus allowing common-owned clubs to compete in the same European competition, " ENIC said. A company spokesman said the court's interim ruling applied for the coming season but that the issue still had to be thrashed out with European soccer's governing body, UEFA. Rangers of Scotland, a club in which ENIC has a 25.1 per cent stake, will also play in the UEFA Cup in the coming season.

    Athens News Agency

    [10] Expatriate Greek MPs from around the world to meet in Athens

    Athens, 18/7/1998 (ANA)

    Parliamentarians of Greek origin from around the world converge in Athens next week for talks with Greek government off icials and political figures and the second conference of the World Hellenic Interparliamentary Union.

    The 41 parliamentarians from 16 countries, who arrive in Athens on Sunday for a visit running through July 25, will meet during their stay with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, opposition party leaders and Cabinet members.

    They will also be briefed by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Greek national issues and hold exchanges of views on those issues.

    On July 23, the delegates will hold the second conference of the World Hellenic Interparliamentary Union, to be inaugurated by Mr. Papandreou.

    The topics of the conference include the themes "Maintaining a national identity in the new global environment", "International law and conflict resolution", and "Greece and foreign policy through the eyes of non-Greek governments and parliaments".

    The first historic meeting and visit to Greece of parliamentarians of Greek descent from around the world took place in December 1996 at the invitation of then alternate foreign minister George Romaios, an initiative supported by all political parties in Greece.

    The parliamentarians soon after formed the World Hellenic Interparliamentary Union, and elected Demetri Dollis of Australia as its chairman, Nikos Papadopoulos of Sweden as alternate chairman, and members Takis Christodoulou of S. Africa, Dimitris Karyg iannis of Canada and Michael Photios of Australia.

    The Union, which is supported by the Greek Foreign Ministry's General Secretariat of Greeks Abroad, is a non-political organisation that aims to promote issues of concern to overseas Greeks, networking and cooperation among members of parliament of Gree k descent and their countries, where significant numbers of Greeks live, and with Greece and Cyprus.

    Today, there are over 70 currently elected parliamentarians of Greek descent throughout the world, many of whom hold key positions in the parliaments of the countries they serve.

    Athens News Agency

    [11] Greek leadership comments on 24th anniversary of tragic `Attila` invasion of Cyprus

    Athens, 18/7/1998 (ANA)

    President Kostis Stephanopoulos yesterday reaffirmed Greece's support for Cyprus in efforts to find a just, viable and feasible solution to the problems which continue to cause severe hardships for the Cypriot people and undermine international legality.

    In a message on the 24th "black anniversary" since the Turkish invasion and subsequent occupation of one-third of Cyprus, Mr. Stephanopoulos said the Turkish occupation forces must at long last leave, so that all Cypriots, irrespective of ethnic origin or religion, could "march together down the road of conciliation and creation," within the framework of a bi-zonal, bi- communal federation.

    Mr. Stephanopoulos said it would help to heal the wounds of the "barbaric" invasion of July 20, 1974 if the fate of the missing persons was established and refugees were allowed to return to their homes. At the same time, he added, it would open a new page in the centuries-long peaceful co-existence of the two communities.

    "It is the duty of all of us to support these efforts which will also be a tribute to the memory of all those who gave up their lives for the independence and unity of Cyprus," Mr. Stephanopoulos said.

    Karamanlis: On his part, main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis said: "Today, 24 years after the hideous invasion by the Turks in Cyprus, Greece states its decision toIfortify it with a long-term and unified defence and foreign policy."

    Furthermore, Mr. Karamanlis noted what he called the provocative indifference of the international community over the results of the Turkish invasion.

    Meanwhile, a four-member Greek Parliament delegation arrives in Cyprus today to attend events condemning the Turkish invasion.

    Interior Minister Alekos Papadopoulos is also expected here tomorrow, representing Athens. He will be received by President Glafcos Clerides and meet Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides.

    He will also visit the base of the Greek Force in Cyprus (ELDYK) at Malounta.

    Finally, Political Spring (Pol.An) leader Antonis Samaras noted that the Cyprus tragedy was caused by Turkish expansionism as well as the selective memory of the world's powerful.

    Athens News Agency

    [12] Ceramic artists from Greece, Turkey gather on Lesvos

    Athens, 18/7/1998 (ANA)

    Ceramic artists from Greece and Turkey met for the last 15 days for a symposium on creative pottery on the eastern Aegean island of Lesvos.

    The symposium, organised by the Art Chamber of Greece (KEE) and various local governments,allowed for the creation of ceramics as well as a video and slide show on the subject from both shores of the Aegean.

    Efforts of 20 Greek and Turkish artists yielded several works, all of which will remain in the Lesvos village of Madamado.

    Athens News Agency

    [13] Noted poet Karelli buried

    Athens, 18/7/1998 (ANA)

    Poet Zoe Karelli, who died on Thursday at the age of 96, was buried yesterday in Thessaloniki. The woman who called herself "I, the Human" using the female article for the masculine noun 'man' (anthropos) introduced a feminist voice to early 20th century Greek literature at a time when the feminist movement in Greece was almost unknown.
    Athens News Agency

    [14] Spurned suitor attacks couple with hand grenades

    Athens, 18/7/1998 (ANA)

    A 57-year-old man tossed two hand grenades into a couple's home yesterday because they refused to allow him to marry their 35-year-old daughter. Police said they arrested Vassilis Zachopoulos after the dawn attack, in which Evgenia and Efthymios Lytras,

    52 and 29 respectively, the mother and brother of 35-year-old Theodora, were seriously injured.

    Zachopoulos threw the hand grenades after an argument with Theodora's family at their apartment in the Aghios Dimitrios suburb south of Athens.

    Neighbours said the Lytras considered Zachopoulos too old for Theodora.

    Athens News Agency

    [15] Another driver arrested at airport for taxi metre fraud

    Athens, 18/7/1998 (ANA)

    Police yesterday arrested yet another taxi driver at the Athens airport on charges of defrauding customers by electronically manipulating his cab's metre. According to police, Haralambos Malisianos was arrested outside the east terminal when a traffic pol ice officer spotted a remote control device on the taxi's dashboard. This is the third arrest of its kind in the last 30 days. Authorities said the suspect preyed on foreign arrivals.
    Athens News Agency

    [16] Majority of EU citizens still favour euro

    BRUSSELS, 18/7/1998 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

    Public opinion in Greece, as well as in most European Union member-states is clearly supportive of the euro currency.

    However, in some countries, including Greece, trends are emerging showing a decrease in the number of supporters of the unified EU currency.

    This conclusion was drawn through an opinion poll conducted by the European Commission among member-states in June, which is the first to be carried out since the Brussels summit, where the agreement on the creation of the euro was signed.

    According to the results of the June poll, 75 per cent of Greek respondents where definitely in favour of the euro, compared to 80 per cent in May. Those clearly against the euro totalled 17 per cent as against 14 per cent in May.

    Greater support for the euro, compared to Greece, appeared in Italy (80 per cent), Belgium, Luxembourg and Spain (76-77 per cent), while public opinion in Germany is marginally in favour of the euro (54 per cent).

    Trends in Britain are noteworthy since those opposed to the euro decreased from 62 per cent several months ago to 49 per cent in June, while supporters of the euro increased from 31 per cent to 46 per cent over the same period.

    Athens News Agency

    [17] EU members, candidates-states' energy conference in Sept.

    BRUSSELS, 18/7/1998 (ANA)

    A conference on "Energy in Europe: New Partners, New Challenges" will be held here in late September with the framework of the "SYNERGY" programme on international cooperation in the energy sector.

    A Commission announcement said the target of the conference is to set a method of support for energy policies of the 10 candidate-countries for accession from eastern and central Europe, as well as a rapprochement between the energy policies of the EU a nd central and eastern Europe.

    A European Commission spokesman said that the energy conference is taking place at a crucial moment for the EU's enlargement process and stressed the importance of the energy sector in the wider east-west framework, including Russia and Ukraine.

    Among others, the conference will focus on the main targets of energy policy in the EU: procurement safety, competition in the unified market, environmental protection and energy effectiveness.

    The conference will be jointly inaugurated by EU Commissioner Christos Papoutsis and the Austrian finance minister who is chairing the council during the present six-month period. Energy ministers of the 10 candidate- countries from eastern and central E urope, as well as Russia and Ukraine will be participating. EU member-states and Cyprus will be represented by their country's general director for energy.

    Athens News Agency

    [18] Projects to promote women`s activity in business

    Athens, 18/7/1998 (ANA)

    Development Undersecretary Anna Diamantopoulou has approved the issuing of a tender invitation for projects designed to promote entrepreneurial activity by women.

    The total budget of the programme amounts to one billion drachmas, of which 500 million drachmas constitute public expenditure and the remaining 500 million private participation.

    The target is to help women create a business of their own or to develop or modernise existing businesses.

    Athens News Agency

    [19] Economic News

    Athens, 18/7/1998 (ANA)

    Greek stocks hit new all-time high, hold 2,700 pts: Greek equities ended the week with a new record high yesterday as prices rallied for the second consecutive session on the Athens Stock Exchange.

    The general index ended 0.96 percent higher at 2,738.68 points to show a net gain of 2.68 percent on the week. Trading was heavy with turnover at 61.2 billion drachmas.

    Sector indices finished mixed to higher. Banks rose 1.21 percent, Leasing plunged 5.06 percent, Insurance was unchanged, Investment increased 0.10 percent, Industrials rose 1.01 percent, Construction ended 1.51 percent higher, Holding rose 0.48 percent and Miscellaneous fell 0.64 percent.

    The parallel market index for small cap companies ended 0.49 percent up.

    The FTSE/ASE 20 index rose 1.10 percent to 1,664.82.

    Bank of Central Greece, Pouliadis, Aspis Invest, Bank of Athens, Loulis, Athina, Phaliro Medical, Metka and Rocas scored the biggest percentage gains hitting the daily 8.0 percent limit up.

    Development Invest, General Warehouses, Athinea, Viosol, Mouzakis, Boutaris, ETBA Leasing, Balkan Export and Strintzis Lines suffered the heaviest losses.

    National Bank of Greece ended at 47,800 drachmas, Ergobank at 33,995, Alpha Credit Bank at 29,200, Ionian Bank at 17,645, Delta Dairy at 3,800, Intracom at 12,950, Titan Cement at 23,500, Hellenic Petroleum at 2,720 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organ isation at 8,595 drachmas. Gov't raps OA workers for foot-dragging over survival plan: The government yesterday criticised workers at Olympic Airways for failing to throw their weight behind a five-year restructuring plan for the national carrier, whose survival is still at stake.

    "The company could regain its status if employees also responded, but the extent of the response so far has fallen short of what is required," government spokesman Dimitris Reppas told reporters in reply to questions.

    The government has asked the European Union to lift a ban on a share capital rise for OA that was imposed when an earlier revitalisation scheme ended in failure.

    In March, the government said it would shut down the airline if the latest streamlining plan was rejected by unions.

    Mr. Reppas said OA was caught in a maelstrom but the government would avoid acting rashly during the peak tourist season.

    The airline was still far from meeting targets set in the cost-cutting plan but the outcome of a formal evaluation of performance due to be made in the near future would determine the action, he said. Flights delayed at Athens airport: International and domestic flights were delayed by up to an hour at Athens airport's two terminals yesterday due to a rise in air traffic, airport officials said.

    The delays were expected to last for another two days, the officials said.

    Cosmote's mobile network to expand in north: Cosmote, the state telecom's mobile phone subsidiary, will extend its network to four new prefectures in the north of the country by the end of the year, a senior executive said yesterday.

    Cosmote's construction and maintenance manager Dimitris Skoulikaris said in Komotini that the prefectures were Drama, Xanthi, Rodopi and Evros.

    A new station to cover Kavala and part of the island of Thassos began operations on July 1. Another station will start operations in Drama by the end of July, Mr Skoulikaris said. Greek shipowners ask gov't to scrap bill on training: Greek shipowners yesterday urged the government to scrap a bill on merchant navy training already sent to parliament and rewrite it from scratch in order to avoid a severe shortage of officers.

    The Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) said in a statement that key recommendations made by the group had been ignored and the bill ran contrary to the interests of the country's merchant fleet.

    The shipowners argued that the new bill failed to ensure sufficient numbers of ships' officers and warned that a shortage was looming.

    Too few competent merchant navy officers meant that the Greek-owned fleet would face hardship in its effort to survive, and the number of ships could dwindle. The Union called on the government to draft new legislation after consultations with the part ies concerned and work out a master plan containing both short- and long-term targets. Athens bourse ends bullish week on banking, EMU euphoria: The Athens Stock Exchange broke into record territory this week propelled by optimism over the future of Greek banking and the country's progress towards European economic and monetary union (EMU).

    Traders said the domestic market was also encouraged by record rallies in international markets.

    Positive reports on the Greek economy and bourse in newspapers abroad also contributed to a climate of euphoria in the market, the traders said.

    A report in the Financial Times compared the Athens bourse's ascent to a heatwave hitting the country.

    The domestic market's performance topped all other west European markets.

    The general index ended the week 2.68 percent higher to show an 85.09 percent rise from the start of the year.

    It hit a new all-time high yesterday, finishing 0.96 percent higher at 2738.68 points on the Athens share index.

    The week's turnover totalled 301.304 billion drachmas to post a daily average of 60.3 billion, down from 103.9 billion drachmas the previous week.

    Athens News Agency

    [20] More Swedish arrivals expected in '98

    STOCKHOLM, 18/7/1998 (ANA - N. Servetas)

    Figures on reservations and arrivals so far this year show an 8 per cent increase over last year's record number (481,000 arrivals) of Swedish tourists choosing Greece.

    The figures refer only to charter flights, and do not include travellers arriving on their own with scheduled flights or by other means.

    "Scandinavian countries have reached their limit and we are taking care to keep the percentages high and expand to the new markets of the Baltic countries," said Haralambos Lianeris, head of the Greek Tourism Organisation's (EOT) northern Europe bureau.

    In total, some 1.125 million tourists arrived on charter flights in Greece from Nordic countries in 1997, representing 10.5 per cent of all visitors. This percentage must be considered particularly high, as the total population of these countries does not exceed 24 million.

    "The benefits for Greece would have been much higher if Olympic Airways still operated the Athens-Stockholm line, which was shut down last year. Greek tourism advertising abroad benefits only foreign airlines and charter companies," said Mr. Lianeris.

    Athens News Agency

    [21] EOT reports increase of profits

    Athens, 18/7/1998 (ANA)

    The Greek Tourism Organisation's (EOT) results showed an improvement in the first half of the year, according to the state-run agency's figures.

    EOT's profits during the above period amounted to 1.8 billion drachmas, compared to profits of one billion drachmas in 1997.

    Commenting on increased profits, EOT Secretary General Nikos Skoulas said the results refute critics' allegations regarding the organisation's ineffectiveness.

    It is reminded that many of EOT's staff, as well as opposition parties, have often painted a gloomy picture of EOT's financial state.

    Mr. Skoulas also said that economic results over the first half of the year are visibly better compared to last year at EOT's marinas and beaches.

    Athens News Agnecy/ End


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