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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 98-12-08

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] Simitis-Schroeder talks focus on `Agenda 2000` financing
  • [02] Central bank to cut intervention rates this week, minister says
  • [03] Stocks jump as market players discount lower interest rates
  • [04] Panafon to join bourse's FTSE/ASE-20 index
  • [05] National Bank of Greece chief sees EMU entry close at hand
  • [06] NAPC lay-offs entire workforce
  • [07] Athens Foreign Exchange
  • [08] Simitis: EMU not the EU's final goal
  • [09] Karamanlis promises reduction in bureaucracy if ND elected
  • [10] EU foreign ministers' council agree on text for Vienna summit
  • [11] Gov't says new radars up by summer as IATA condemns delays
  • [12] Ankara irritated over Italian, German proposal on Kurdish issue conference
  • [13] Prosecutor orders probe into OTE dealings
  • [14] Reppas reiterates Nicosia,Athens decisions over S-300s
  • [15] Russia's Zyuganov in Athens
  • [16] Arsenis to continue tour of schools in spite of protests
  • [17] Thessaly-area farmers gear for mobilisations
  • [18] Papaioannou: Gov't encourages 35-work week through collective bargaining

  • [01] Simitis-Schroeder talks focus on `Agenda 2000` financing

    BONN 08/12/1998 (ANA - P. Stangos)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis met here yesterday with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, with both men agreeing there was a difference in opinion between the two states over the issue of EU financing for 'Agenda 2000'.

    However, in statements to the press following Mr. Simitis' meeting with the new German chancellor, both men said that they would deal with the problem "in a spirit of mutual understanding, with all eyes trained on the future and with the goal of succeed ing in reforms to the EU".

    Greece and Germany differ on the issue of funding for the EU's 'Agenda 2000' programme of budget and spending policy reforms.

    Athens is opposed to a proposal for a freeze of funds for 2000-2006 and spending cutbacks for economic and social cohesion to allow poorer countries to catch up with wealthier EU partners.

    Mr. Simitis said that Greece, given its position on the "last step on the EU ladder", insisted on the policy underpinning the social and economic cohesion funds.

    Mr. Schroeder said he understood the existence of diverging interests, and admitting that the German EU presidency's work on 'Agenda 2000' was "particularly difficult".

    Germany takes over the rotating presidency of the European Union on Jan. 1, 1999 and will preside over talks on budgeting, expected to conclude in March.

    Regarding Turkey's status vis-a-vis accession to the European Union, Mr. Schroeder said it took the Copenhagen summit criteria on Turkey's bid to join the EU "seriously". The Copenhagen summit said Ankara needed to work on human rights and democratic ref orms and relations with its neighbours before it could be considered for accession. The decision has strained relations between Ankara and the 15-member EU.

    "We want to exercise the policy which the EU has been applying towards Turkey for years. We are not of the opinion that the EU is a religious community, namely, a community based on religion, but we are of the opinion that the EU is a community of values, a community starting from the common conception of these values.

    "Human rights is an issue which plays, according to our views, a leading role. Europeans decided in Copenhagen what is included in these values, such as torture not to take place and human rights to be safeguarded in their wider sense. When these precon ditions are fulfilled, then the door to Europe must also be open for Turkey. Therefore, it is up to Turkey whether it will fulfill these preconditions or not," Mr. Schroeder said.

    The German chancellor said that in light of the European Union summit this Friday, Germany would not seek an upgrading of Turkey's status to equal candidate member.

    "There is no such issue," Mr. Schroeder said.

    "On the question of the Vienna summit, allow me to say that both of us (Mr. Schroeder and Mr. Simitis) agree that no decisions concerning enlargements will be taken there, or with regard to the circle of candidate countries. In this sense, the principles which we consider correct are harmonised with the principles applied by the EU in general," he added.

    On Athens' standing claim for a repayment of a wartime loan forcibly extracted from the Greek central bank, Athens received no joy: Mr.Schroeder told the Greek prime minister that the new government would continue the policy on this issue forged by its predecessors and that it was not about to "open a chapter" on paying compensation to victims of the Nazi occupiers in Greece or the repayment of the loan.

    "We see no possibility of reopening this issue. Given the contractual relations (the relations between the two countries which are determined by treaties and agreements), as well as friendly relations which have developed between our countries, we consi der this issue closed. We discussed this and I took into consideration that my Greek colleague raised this issue," Mr. Schroeder said.

    The German chancellor said he had accepted an invitation from Mr. Simitis to visit Greece extended to then-chancellor Helmut Kohl during Simitis's visit to Bonn in 1997.

    He said he expected to visit Greece on the completion of the German EU presidency in June 1999.

    His visit will be the first visit to Greece by a German chancellor since Helmut Schmidt 23 years ago when Constantine Karamanlis was premier of Greece.

    PM calls meeting with Lafontaine 'useful, constructive' : BONN (ANA - P. Stangos) - PM Costas Simitis held talks and attended a working luncheon with German Social Democrat Party (SPD) president and new Finance Minister Oskar Lafontaine after holding talks with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder yesterday.

    Mr. Simitis termed the meeting "useful, pleasant and constructive."

    It focused primarily on strengthening relations between the PASOK and SPD parties, which will be promoted in principle with a visit to Athens by an SPD delegation, probably including Mr. Lafontaine, whom Mr. Simitis officially invited.

    Talks also included Euro-elections in June and the policy of European socialist and social democrat parties. The SPD will ratify a relevant manifesto at a special conference today, issues concerning the "Agenda 2000" and the policy to be applied by the European Union's German presidency.

    Mr. Lafontaine, in his capacity as finance minister in the Schroeder government, has a special say in shaping priorities in German policy.

    Athens News Agency

    [02] Central bank to cut intervention rates this week, minister says

    Athens 08/12/1998 (ANA)

    National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said yesterday that the central bank would nudge down its money market intervention rates this week, accelerating the decline in the second half of 1999.

    The government endorsed the Bank of Greece's conservative policy of a gradual drop in rates to keep pace with the rate of decline of underlying inflation, Mr. Papantoniou said.

    Rates would continue to fall, but the decline would be more abrupt in the second half of 1999.

    The rate cut later this week was the result of consultations between the central bank and the government, said Mr. Papantoniou, addressing the opening of a conference on the economy held by the Hellenic-American Chamber.

    The Bank of Greece's weekly intervention generally takes place on a Wednesday.

    He expressed optimism that the economy would meet targets for entry into European economic and monetary union (EMU), saying that the goal was realistic of lowering inflation to 4.0 percent by the end of the year, and then to 2.0 percent by the end of 1999.

    In addition, the government's attainment of its targets had boosted the economy's credibility abroad.

    International investment houses were taking the country's EMU entry for granted and recommending to their clients to purchase domestic state securities.

    "It is already time to start thinking about the post-EMU entry period," Mr. Papantoniou said.

    The state's net revenue from privatisation in 1998 was 700 billion drachmas, or two percentage points of GDP.

    The first cycle of structural change in the economy had been successfully completed as 13 of 22 moves promised by the government after the drachma's devaluation in mid-March had been effected, Mr. Papantoniou said.

    The government's reforms aimed to improve infrastructure, create a more flexible labour market, modernise the capital market and reform the public sector.

    Mr. Papantoniou also said that the government's privatisation programme was proceeding as planned, except for Ionian Bank and Hellenic Duty Free Shops, both of which would be sold early in 1999.

    Conceding that the new German government had toughened its position on EU cohesion fund monies to Greece in the European Union's Agenda 2000 negotiations, he pointed out that the fellow EU member had much to gain from award of the financing.

    The minister cited as an example a new international airport for Athens being built by Hochtief of Germany, saying that much of EU funding for the airport was being channeled back to Germany.

    Greece and other southern EU member states would wage a tough battle to avert a reduction of monies in the EU's Third Community Support Framework (CSF) being drafted from the Second CSF.

    "Our policy is steady, we are cool-headed, and we shall use all available weapons if necessary," Mr. Papantoniou said, adding that Greece would not hesitate to use its right of veto to block EU enlargement.

    The matter was critical for Greece as its economy would not be able to achieve true convergence after EMU entry without those funds, he said.

    For Third CSF funds, private capital would be sought for most major projects. Eighty percent of Second CSF projects would be completed by end- 1999.

    Finally, Mr. Papantoniou assured that the resignation of the managing director of listed Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation did not signal any change in policy, and his successor would retain the same policy of international expansion and modernisation.

    He also said that a strategic investor in ailing national carrier Olympic Airways would be found by March 1999.

    Athens News Agency

    [03] Stocks jump as market players discount lower interest rates

    Athens 08/12/1998 (ANA)

    Equities surged on the Athens Stock Exchange yesterday discounting a drop in the central bank's money market intervention rate this week, which in turn would signal cuts across the board by commercial banks.

    The general index ended 4.12 percent higher at 2,570.73 points, sprinting through resistance at 2,500 points.

    Trade was heavy with turnover at 83.9 billion drachmas and 14,782,000 shares changing hands.

    Demand was strong for banking stocks, which gained 6.44 percent.

    The day's close was the highest since August 26, and the market has gained 73.7 percent since the beginning of the year.

    The FTSE/ASE-20 blue chip index gained 4.93 percent to finish at 1,606.73 points.

    The parallel market for smaller cap stocks closed 2.03 percent higher.

    Sector indices recorded gains across the board.

    Leasing rose 1.03 percent, Insurance gained 2.86 percent, Investment jumped 4.27 percent, Construction increased 2.53 percent, Industrials rose 1.68 percent, Miscellaneous jumped 3.72 percent, and Holding surged 4.03 percent.

    Of 263 shares traded advances led declines at 212 to 33 with 18 unchanged.

    The most heavily traded stocks were Panafon, Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation, Thessaliki and Eskimo.

    Panafon, the mobile phone operator, made its trading debut at 5,100 drachmas a share to close up 26 percent at 6,425 drachmas.

    Scoring the highest percentage gains were Panafon, Hellas Can, Metka, Bank of Piraeus, Loulis Flour Mills, Rokas, Daring, Paleo Faliro Medical and Lesvos Shipping Line.

    Posting the biggest percentage losses were Dimitriadis, Ippotur, Vioter, Sarandis, Britannia, Corinth Spinning Mills, Benroubi, Mohlos, Doudos and Ergas.

    National Bank of Greece ended at 53,320 drachmas, Ergobank at 29,210, Alpha Credit Bank at 28,975, Ionian Bank at 14,485, Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation at 6,850, Delta Dairy at 3,600, Intracom at 13,800, Titan Cement at 20,500, Hellenic Petro leum at 2,320 and Minoan Lines at 6,705 drachmas.

    Athens News Agency

    [04] Panafon to join bourse's FTSE/ASE-20 index

    Athens 08/12/1998 (ANA)

    Panafon, the mobile phone operator that made its trading debut yesterday, is to enter the FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chips and heavily traded stocks, the Athens Stock exchange said.

    The share, which gained 26 percent in heavy trade, will join with a 15 percent free float on January 7, ASE said in a statement.

    The decision was based on the fact that Panafon's equity has a wide share distribution and its market capitalisation represents more than 1.5 percent of the index's capitalisation, the statement said.

    The stock to leave the index in order to make way for Panafon will be announced on January 5, it said. The loser will be the share with the lowest market value on the index.

    Athens News Agency

    [05] National Bank of Greece chief sees EMU entry close at hand

    Athens 08/12/1998 (ANA)

    Greece is on the verge of attaining economic targets that will allow entry into European economic and monetary union by January 1, 2001, National Bank of Greece governor Theodoros Karatzas said yesterday.

    "We are a stone's throw away from meeting EMU entry criteria," Mr. Karatzas told a conference on the economy held by the Hellenic-American Chamber.

    Mr. Karatzas also pointed out that the stock market had made a healthy contribution to the economy.

    The Athens Stock Exchange's capitalisation at the end of October stood at more than 58 billion dollars despite a global financial crisis that battered markets, up from 34.7 billion dollars at the end of 1997.

    The Athens bourse had also posted a higher rate of growth than other markets in Europe and worldwide, Mr. Karatzas said.

    He said both increases in quality and quantity were needed for the capital market, which would aid the economy to mature further.

    Athens News Agency

    [06] NAPC lay-offs entire workforce

    Athens 08/12/1998 (ANA)

    North Aegean Petroleum Co. (NAPC) yesterday forwarded termination notices to its entire workforce, sparking vehement protests among the 400 employees at the Prinos off-shore oilfield in the northern Aegean.

    The notices were sent despite Labour Minister Miltiadis Papaioannou's pledge two days earlier that the government was willing to contribute 700 million drachmas to help fund voluntary retirement for around 70 workers.

    Citing financial woes and low production, NAPC said it would close its installations, located off the northern Aegean island of Thassos and southeast of the town of Kavala, if workers persisted in rejecting the plan to lower operating costs by 30 per cent.

    Athens News Agency

    [07] Athens Foreign Exchange

    Athens 08/12/1998 (ANA)

    Bank of Greece closing rates of: December 7, 1998

    Parities in Drachmas

    Banknotes            Buying  Selling
    US Dollar            279.714 286.200
    Can.Dollar           182.230 186.455
    Australian Dlr       172.320 176.316
    Pound Sterling       463.165 473.903
    Irish Punt           413.862 423.458
    Pound Cyprus         561.869 574.896
    Pound Malta          693.589 722.489
    Turkish pound (100)    0.081   0.084
    French franc          49.673  50.825
    Swiss franc          203.439 208.156
    Belgian franc          8.076   8.264
    German Mark          166.567 170.429
    Finnish Mark          54.808  56.079
    Dutch Guilder        147.828 151.255
    Danish Kr.            43.819  44.835
    Swedish Kr.           34.266  35.060
    Norwegian Kr.         37.484  38.353
    Austrian Sh.          23.684  24.233
    Italian lira (100)    16.832  17.223
    Yen (100)            232.951 238.352
    Spanish Peseta         1.959   2.005
    Port. Escudo           1.625   1.663
    
    Banknotes            Buying  Selling
    New York             279.714 286.200
    Montreal             182.230 186.455
    Sydney               172.320 176.316
    London               463.165 473.903
    Dublin               413.862 423.458
    Nicosia              561.869 574.896
    Paris                 49.673  50.825
    Zurich               203.439 208.156
    Brussels               8.076   8.264
    Frankfurt            166.567 170.429
    Helsinki              54.808  56.079
    Amsterdam            147.828 151.255
    Copenhagen            43.819  44.835
    Stockholm             34.266  35.060
    Oslo                  37.484  38.353
    Vienna                23.684  24.233
    Milan                 16.832  17.223
    Tokyo                232.951 238.352
    Madrid                 1.959   2.005
    Lisbon                 1.625   1.663
    
    Athens News Agency

    [08] Simitis: EMU not the EU's final goal

    BONN 08/12/1998 (ANA - P. Stangos)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis stressed here yesterday that European Monetary Union (EMU) is an important step for Europe, but not the final goal.

    During a press conference, the Greek premier added that "what is now wanted" for the European Union is "what will exist after EMU; what will be the next major plan, the next major goal of Europe..."

    The premier noted that an important goal is a joint foreign and security policy as well as the strengthening of Europe's "defence iden-tity."

    Speaking on EU-Turkish relations, the Greek premier said problems exist, although Greece wants cooperation between Turkey and the EU and also wants to cooperate on the issue of Ankara's European vocation.

    He added that the reasons causing such problems should be eliminated, something that necessitates implementation of international law and international treaties, and as long as Turkey recognises that any differences which may arise will be referred to the International Court at The Hague.

    Regarding Cyprus, Mr. Simitis said: "we believe the...resolution of the problem of occupation of a part of the island by Turkish forces is not related to the accession process."

    Finally, Mr. Simitis said that he is openly suportive of an EU initiative for the peacefull resolution of the Kurdish issue.

    Athens News Agency

    [09] Karamanlis promises reduction in bureaucracy if ND elected

    Athens 08/12/1998 (ANA)

    Main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis yesterday addressed the "Hour of the Greek Economy" conference at the Hellenic- American Chamber.

    Mr. Karamanlis criticised the government and promised that ND is considering studies and plans to reduce the approval needed for the operation of a business, thereby curtailing bureaucracy. He also criticised the government for a lack of action on promo ting projects for the 2004 Olympic Games, while he mentioned that unemployment is the major indicator of the economy, noting that it is now more than 14 per cent.

    Athens News Agency

    [10] EU foreign ministers' council agree on text for Vienna summit

    BRUSSELS 08/12/1998 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

    The council of European Union foreign ministers reached an agreement here late last night on conclusions that the "15" will forward to the EU Vienna summit, scheduled for this weekend. Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou, who represented Athens, said that the final draft is satisfactory for Greece, as it differentiated between Turkey and other EU candidate- countries of central and eastern Europe and Cyprus. The last amendment agreed upon in the text was that a separate paragraph was used for the 11 candidate-countries and another for Cyprus.

    The final communique mentions that the FMs' council underlines that Ankara should make special efforts to establish a democratic society in accordance with the Copenhagen summit criteria and other EU council conclusions.

    Athens News Agency

    [11] Gov't says new radars up by summer as IATA condemns delays

    Athens 08/12/1998 (ANA)

    Civil aviation personnel are being trained in the use of new radar systems, while the government hopes the training will be completed as soon as possible, acting government spokesman Nikos Athanas sakis said on Monday. He was responding to press reports yesterday regarding a letter sent by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to European Transport Commissioner Neil Kinnock.

    According to press reports, the IATA letter states that "during the summer season Greece, with only 7 per cent of the total ECAC traffic, produced 30 per cent of the total ATC dealys...about 60 per cent of the Greek ATC delay is caused by lack of en-rou te capacity in the Athens Air Traffic control centre and about 40 per cent from congestion at the airports.

    "Despite having a new operations room available and despite having a new radar system operational since spring 1997, the HCAA has not been able to reach an agreement with the controllers to use it," the letter added.

    "We have acquired the radars and training procedures for personnel to change over to the new system are under way," Mr. Athanassakis said, adding he hoped the procedure would be completed by the summer season.

    Athens News Agency

    [12] Ankara irritated over Italian, German proposal on Kurdish issue conference

    ISTANBUL 08/12/1998 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

    The Turkish foreign ministry issued an announcement yesterday stating that an Italian and French proposal to hold an international conference on the Kurdish issue or an international trial for PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan was an "even worse development than the initial Italian refusal to extridite him."

    Ankara also criticised Austrian Eurodeputy Hans Swoboda's report to the Europarliament on the issue as "unacceptable interventions in (Turkey's) internal affairs, social order and foreign policy." Ankara said that hopes expressed in the past for a pos itive development of the EU-Turkish relations were dashed, especially by this latest report.

    On their part, several Turkish dailies noted that Ankara has turned its attention to French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine and his British counterpart Robin Cook to avert developments set in motion by Italy and Germany.

    Turkish President Suleyman Demirel said over the weekend that Turkey will stop being interested in Europe if Europe continues adopting such a stance...on the Ocalan and Kurdish issue.

    Athens News Agency

    [13] Prosecutor orders probe into OTE dealings

    Athens 08/12/1998 (ANA)

    An ex officio preliminary investigation has been ordered by Athens prosecutor Georgios Koliokostas into the validity of press reports regarding the purchase by the Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (OTE) of major shares in Balkan telecoms providers .

    According to recently published reports, offences were allegedly committed by OTE officials (including recently resigned OTE manging director Georgios Chrysolouris), while other press allegations claim that the acquisition of a stake in the Balkan telecoms market is designed to allow the Greece-based Intracom firm access to digital telephony contracts in the Balkans.

    Mr. Koliokostas has assigned prosecutor Panayiotis Angelopoulos the responsibility of carrying out the probe, during which several OTE executives will be summoned to testify.

    Athens News Agency

    [14] Reppas reiterates Nicosia,Athens decisions over S-300s

    NICOSIA 08/12/1998 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

    Visiting Press and Media Minister Dimitris Reppas said here yesterday that Greek and Cypriot decisions over the Russian-made S-300 anti-aircraft missile system are still valid.

    However, Mr. Reppas stressed that installation of the missiles was not the heart of the Cyprus problem, saying it should be seen in the light of the entire range of issues involved.

    Speaking after a meeting with Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides, Mr. Reppas said Athens stood by Nicosia, adding that both sides should struggle on matters of principle, international law and human rights.

    Referring to the expected initiative by Washington on the Cyprus problem, Mr. Reppas noted that there had been a number of initiatives in the past. He said initiatives were judged on their results.

    However, he added that there were specific reasons for some optimism as a result of the latest mobility over the issue by the US part.

    Mr. Reppas later met with President of the Cypriot House of Representatives Spyros Kyprianou.

    Speaking afterwards, he expressed a wish for the Cypriot leadership to continue working in the direction of justice, reason and ethics for a solution of the long-standing problem.

    Mr. Reppas, in his one-day visit here, was heading a delegation of the Coordinating Committee for the Promotion of National Issues, which convened yesterday at Cypriot government spokesman Christos Srylianides' office, to examine issues relating to Greece-Cyprus cooperation.

    Athens News Agency

    [15] Russia's Zyuganov in Athens

    Athens 08/12/1998 (ANA)

    The president of the Russian Communist Party's central committee, Gennady Zyuganov, will visit Athens tomorrow and Thursday at the invitation of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE).

    Mr. Zyuganov will meet with leading KKE officials, and other political figures during his visit. He will hold a news conference on Thursday.

    Athens News Agency

    [16] Arsenis to continue tour of schools in spite of protests

    Athens 08/12/1998 (ANA)

    Education Minister Gerasimos Arsenis stressed yesterday that he will continue his tours of schools to brief pupils, teachers and parents on educational reform.

    He spoke to several principals of the wider Athens area and made clarifications on basic points contained in the educational reform unveiled recently by his ministry, a prospect that has led to widespread students' demonstrations over the past week.

    Speaking to reporters, Mr. Arsenis said pupils must return to lessons and express their disagreement and liveliness in a different way, adding that he has not stopped meetings with pupils and will soon meet teachers and trade union organisations that ha ve requested a meeting with him, such as the Teachers Federation of Greece.

    Meanwhile, main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis visited the offices of the college professors' federation yesterday morning and discussed with them problems being faced by schools. Later, he paid a similar visit to the offices of the teachers federation and discussed problems in elementary schools.

    Speaking afterwards, Mr. Karamanlis said that changes in educational policy cannot take place and cannot succeed unless they have at least the consent and tolerance of teachers.

    "What one can ultimately note is that one more so-called reform by the present government has ended in a fiasco and in a turmoil with the permanent victims being the pupils and their families, who are being burdened excessively financially, and the teac hers themselves," Mr. Karamanlis said.

    Athens News Agency

    [17] Thessaly-area farmers gear for mobilisations

    Athens 08/12/1998 (ANA)

    The government's policy on the issue of agriculture is one of working out problems through dialogue, acting government spokesman Nikos Athanassakis said yesterday, ahe-ad of a planned protest by farmers today. Thousands of farmers, mainly from central and northern Greece are expected to attend today's rally in Larissa to protest the government's agricultural policy and to press demands.

    Mr. Athanassakis told reporters that Agriculture Minister George Anomeritis had not rejected any meeting with the farmers, saying reports to the contrary were "a misunderstanding".

    "Mr. Anomeritis has begun wide-ranging talks with all agencies in the agricultural community, both established and otherwise. The door is open," he said.

    The spokesman admitted there were issues in the sector that needed resolution and that the government was applying policy on a case-by-case basis, in line with the provisions applicable for the European Union and domestically.

    "They don't need to take the most dissatisfying course (blocking national roads). We hope that these protests will not be disruptive to others," he said.

    Large-scale protests by farmers last year - against new tax laws, in support of demands for cheaper fuel and higher prices for their products - caused unprecedented chaos in Greece, hampering road and rail transport between the north and south, preventing lorries from delivering vital supplies and on occasions forcing factories to shut down due to shortages of fuel and raw materials.

    Hundreds of farmers and more than 70 tractors rallied in the central town of Farsala, near Larissa, in early November, to warn the government they were prepared to block roads again this year if their demands were not met.

    The rally was organised by the Federation of Farming Associations, with the support of the Thessaly Coordinating Committee, the force behind extensive farmers' protests last year.

    Farmers are now demanding a higher production ceiling for cotton crops and government intervention in Brussels to prevent what they claim will be a 30 per cent reduction in cereal crop prices this year if the European Union does not alter its regulations.

    Athens News Agency

    [18] Papaioannou: Gov't encourages 35-work week through collective bargaining

    Athens 08/12/1998 (ANA)

    Addressing trade unionists affiliated with ruling PASOK yesterday, Labour and Social Security Minister Miltiades Papaioannou confirmed the government's decision to encourage application of the 35-hour work week through collective bargaining, particularly in high-tech enterprises.

    Mr. Papaioannou, who was speaking at the start of the PASKE union's two-day nationwide conference, said that the initiation of the 35-hour working week throughout Europe will create a strong wave of new jobs.

    On his part, PASOK Secretary Costas Skandalidis said that there is no progressive social organisation capable of ignoring the reality of a world without borders.

    General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) president and PASKE Secretary Christos Polyzogopoulos said in his main address that an "unfriendly environment" is being created for the world of labour and reiterated the targets that PASKE will promote in the trade union movement: a 35-hour work week, funds for employment, support for the unemployed, an increase in the period of unemployment benefits and an increase in unemployment benefits, saying that the present level of 3,300 drachmas was a disgrace.

    Athens News Agency

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