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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 99-04-27Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] Simitis,Gligorov agree on expanded cooperation in first-ever meetingWASHINGTON, 27/04/1999 (ANA - T. Ellis)Athens and Skopje expressed a desire on Sunday to cooperate in facing repercussions from the Kosovo crisis as well as bilateral economic cooperation, during talks between PM Costas Simitis and the president of the Former Yugo slav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) Kiro Gligorov.The two men also said, after a 45-minute meeting, that talks on FYROM's name issue would continue in New York under the auspices of the United Nations. Mr. Gligorov said this issue had not been covered in his meeting with Mr. Simitis but was an issue of the UN-brokered talks. However, he added, "we should see how the name talks are progressing", while the Greek premier noted his hope that a solution wi ll be found. "We have been discussing this for some time now, and I think - and we must - reach a decision. But I agree with President Gligorov that this is a matter for discussions at the UN," Mr. Simitis said. Asked whether the cooperation between the two counries would be extensive for the duration of the Kosovo crisis, Mr. Gligorov said relations between Greece and FYROM were "very good, and improving in a positive direction". He said talks with Mr. Simitis centred on further cooperation, adding that a desire existed on the part of both countries. Mr. Simitis also said there was good bilateral cooperation, adding that his discussion with Mr. Gligorov focused on expansion of cooperation. "And this will occur because Greece and FYROM believe that it is better that they have a larger market in order to attract investors and to have joint programmes. In this way, we shall help the development of the region, and this will be of service to both our countries," the Greek premier said. Asked if they were optimistic that the war would end soon, Mr. Gligorov said he wanted to be optimistic, "but it is very difficult for one to predict what will happen and how long the war will last." "Every effort must be made for finding a peaceful solution as soon as possible," he said, while President Gligorov added his agreement with that position. Athens News Agency[02] Athens offers to coordinate EU states' aid to countries affected by Kosovo crisisLUXEMBOURG, 27/04/1999 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)Greece is willing to undertake overall coordination of European Union member-states' humanitarian aid to countries affected by the Kosovo crisis, Foreign Deputy Minister Yiannos Kranidiotis said yesterday."Greece is contributing with all its forces to the provision of humanitarian aid and could undertake the overall coordination of European Union aid to the countries hit by the Kosovo crisis," he was quoted as telling the Union's foreign ministers' council yesterday. The "15" focused their attention on enhancing economic sanctions against Serbia, exchanged views on the German EU presidency's Stability Pact for SE Europe, while clarifying their intention to provide economic assistance to the countries neighbouring Ko sovo. Mr. Kranidiotis reiterated that Greece wishes to see a political solution to the conflict as soon as possible, and stressed its agreement with the German Stability Pact, to which Greek proposals have a supplementary character. Referring to repercussions against Greece from the economic sanctions adopted by the council against Serbia, he stressed that they do not create serious problems, but this did not mean they would not affect certain sectors of the Greek economy. Concerning the oil embargo, he noted there were certain legal vacuums in relation to the compliance of non-EU members. Speaking to Greek reporters later, Mr. Kranidiotis said the council's decisions reflected the spirit not the conclusions of the NATO summit, adding that following a Greek request, the communique contained certain references to the role of the UN in the Kosovo crisis. The council also agreed, he said, on a report on the economic effects of the crisis. Finally, he reminded that Greece will soon be hosting a Balkan conference, as well as one on dealing with the humanitarian dimension of the crisis. To that end, he later met with EU Commissioner Emma Bonino. Athens News Agency[03] Gov't downplays repercussions of Kosovo crisis on EMU entryAthens, 27/04/1999 (ANA)Greece announced yesterday that the effects of the Kosovo crisis would not be of such magnitude as to prevent the country from achieving Economic and Monetary Union entry.Acting government spokesman Nikos Athanasakis told reporters that fears over developments in the Balkans and their affect on the Greek economy's attempt to meet Maastricht criteria were baseless. Turning to the results of the NATO summit in Washington, he reiterated Prime Minister Costas Simitis's words, namely, that Greece's participation in NATO was a necessity. "Those with an understanding of reality in the world and the operations of international organisations completely understand Greece's positions," Mr. Athanasakis said. "Our participation in NATO aims at facilitating our own interests but our participation also creates rights and obligations." Mr. Simitis returned to Athens yesterday afternoon. Athens News Agency[04] Kosovars to fly out through Macedonia AirportAthens, 27/04/1999 (ANA)About 20,000 Kosovar refugees will be transported next week to western countries via the Macedonia Airport in Thessaloniki, according to reports.The same reports stated that the refugees will be housed in an unused aircraft maintenance hanger, already modified for the purpose. The refugees will arrive in Greece by coach at a rate of about 1,000 per day and will be flown to countries which pledged to receive them until the end of the war, the reports said. Athens News Agency[05] Gov't denies flight of AWACS out of Greek baseAthens, 27/04/1999 (ANA)Deputy Defence Minister Dimitris Apostolakis yesterday stressed that no NATO planes flew out of the Aktion airbase near Preveza to participate in operations against Yugoslavia.Answering to a relevant question tabled in Parliament by Communist Party of Greece (KKE) deputy Babis Aggourakis, Mr. Apostolakis said no AWACS or any other airplanes flew out of that base to participate in the military operations against Yugoslavia. Athens News Agency[06] Tsohatzopoulos comments to CNN over KosovoAthens, 27/04/1999 (ANA)National Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos stressed yesterday that Greece's citizenry is concerned over the fact that the Kosovo crisis could drag Greece and other neighbouring countries into the problem."We must realise that it is not correct and wise for neighbours to be involved in a military conflict against neighbours...because these conflicts leave many problems," he said during a televised interview with the Atlanta-based CNN network. Mr. Tsohatzopoulos referred to the Kosovo crisis and Greece's role and also replied to questions regarding the reaction of Greek public opinion against the NATO bombings, implementation of an oil embargo against Yugoslavia, the possible dispatch of grou nd forces and a restructuring plan for the Balkans. "The solution we desire for Kosovo must be acceptable. For this reason we must not see military action as a substitute for political and diplomatic efforts, because the final solution in Kosovo will not be a military but a political one," he said. Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said Greece honours its commitments with NATO but has stated from the beginning that it will not participate in military operations because countries neighbouring Yugoslavia should not get involved in military conflicts. However, he said Greece is participating in humanitarian activity. "There has been no decision for ground operations by NATO so far, but we have made it clear that we will not participate either in air strikes or in ground operations for the reasons I mentioned to you before," he said. Mr. Tsohatzopoulos also said it was a very positive fact that both the European Union and NATO, at the NATO summit in Washington on Sunday, decided that the region's economic prospects and development depend on an appropriate resolution of the Yugoslav problem. Athens News Agency[07] G. Papandreou on Greek-Turkish relationsWASHINGTON, 27/04/1999 (ANA T. Ellis)Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Sunday night said Greece extended its friendship to Turkey not out of weakness, but in the belief that cooperation between the two neighbouring countries could only benefit them."Greece extends its friendship to Turkey not out of weakness, but out of the strength of its (Greece's) positions and in its belief that cooperation between the two countries can prove only of benefit to both of them," Mr. Papandreou said in Washington while addressing the opening of a conference on "NATO and Southeastern Europe" organised by Tufts University's Foreign Policy Institute in collaboration with the Kokkalis Foundation. Mr. Papandreou expressed hope that the determination and desire will exist for cooperation between the two countries similar to that in facing the Kosovo crisis. His address focussed mainly on the Kosovo developments, during which he outlined Greece's positions and described Greece as a "frank intermediary" between the opposing sides. The address was attended by Greek industrialist and the foundation's founder Socrates Kokkalis, former Greek foreign minister Theodoros Pangalos, US Sen. Paul Sarbanes, Greek MPs, leading Greek-Americans and journalists. Athens News Agency[08] Tsohatzopoulos says "peace and stability not abstact concepts"WASHINGTON, 27/04/1999 (ANA- T. Ellis)The Greek political leadership would not be justified in showing any irresponsibility or demagogic approach in the handling of the Kosovo crisis, Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said in address to a conference at the Flet cher School of Diplomacy of Tufts University yesterday."The dangers are not related to elections, but to our lives. For Greece the concepts of peace and stability in the Balkans are not abstract, but an issue which directly influences collective prospects and citizens' personal lives," he said, stressing that NATO ought to commit itself that issues of security would take account of the significance of political, economic, social and environmental factors. "NATO must act in accordance with international legality and not substitute for it," he further emphasised. Athens News Agency[09] Swedish royal couple begins official visit to GreeceAthens, 27/04/1999 (ANA)King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden arrived here yesterday for a four-day visit to Greece.The Swedish royals were greeted at Athens airport by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, Development Minister Vasso Papandreou and former premier Tzannis Tzannetakis on behalf of the main opposition New Democracy party. Mr. Stephanopoulos, during a private meeting with the Swedish royal couple, stressed the need for a political solution to the Kosovo crisis and expressed Greece's interest in the situation throughout the Balkans, as well as his great concern over "the humanitarian aspect of the crisis, since waves of refugees have swarmed neighbouring countries." He also expressed the hope for a solution through political and diplomatic means, saying Greece's "policy in the Balkans is summarised in the principle of resp ect toward existing borders and we wish that all differences are resolved exclusively through peaceful means..." The president, speaking later last night at the official dinner he hosted in honour of his royal guests, referred to the friendly ties between Greece and Sweden as well as to their productive cooperation within the European Union, while he pointed to the "valuable services offered by Swedish citizens during World War II. He also referred to Greece's gratitude for Sweden's assistance to the Greek people in their struggle against the military junta during 1967-74. King Carl Gustaf in turn referred to the ties between the two countries in all sectors, particularly in the trading and defence sectors, while he praised Melina Mercouri's initiative for the creation of the Cultural Capital of Europe institution. "In Sweden we fully comprehend the significance of this initiative after the great cultural events held in Stockholm, last year's Cultural Capital of Europe", the Swedish king said. Mr. Stephanopoulos bestowed the Grand Cross of the Savior's Order on King Gustaf and the Grand Cross of the Honour Order on Queen Silvia. The Swedish royal couple also had a 20-minute meeting with Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, who expressed to them the concern of the Greek people over the events in Yugoslavia and their consequences in the broader Balkan region. The royal couple is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Costas Simitis today. Athens News Agency[10] Agricultural ministry plan eyes some 50% of EU funds to GreeceAthens, 27/04/1999 (ANA)The agricultural ministry yesterday tabled a plan requesting for approximately half of the EU-funneled Third Community Support Framework funds slated for Greece.Agriculture Minister George Anomeritis announced that the plan proposed expeditures to the tune of 4.1 trillion drachmas out of the approximately nine trillion drachmas budgeted for the 2000-2006 period. He said 3.8 trillion drachmas would be funelled to agriculture while the rest would be spend on commercial fishing activities, under such a plan. Mr. Anomeritis said the funds will not constitute direct subsidies alone, rather a large portion will be spent on infrastructure, aimed at lowering production costs and increasing quality. He added that funds will also be allocated for the creation of 37 information centres around the country, as well as the creation of eight educational centres. Mr. Anomeritis also said the programme proposes larger farm land holdings, "agri-tourism" and support for collective farm initiatives. As for commercial fishing, he said the programme includes a 5 per cent renewal of Greece's fishing fleet. Athens News Agency[11] Normandy Mining becomes TVX Gold's partner in gold projectAthens, 27/04/1999 (ANA)Normandy Mining of Australia, a world player in the sector, is to team up with TVX Gold of Canada to carry out a gold mining project in northern Greece.TVX Hellas, the Canadian miner's Greek subsidiary, said in a statement yesterday that the choice of Normandy as a 50 percent partner was made after talks with firms who showed interest in an equity holding in the project. An injection of fresh capital by Normandy Mining will ensure financing for investment plans by TVX Hellas-Hellenic Gold in Olympiada and Skouries in Halkidiki, the statement said. TVX Gold retains 100 percent ownership of TVX Hellas, it added. Protests by local residents have severely delayed the project, which TVX originally planned to carry out alone. Athens News Agency[12] Stocks slump in low turnoverAthens, 27/04/1999 (ANA)Equity prices ended the first trading session of the week substantially lower on the Athens Stock Exchange.The general index ended 1.83 percent down at 3,252.09 points, off the day's lows. Turnover was 70.6 billion drachmas, a record low for the year, and volume was 16,219,439 shares. Traders said investors were expecting a further decline in prices to more attractive buying levels with no particular event on the horizon likely to spark a strong upturn. A number of foreign financial institutions expressed their reservations about the domestic market's short-term outlook due to the Kosovo crisis, although they retained their confidence in the market's long-term prospects. Dealers said yesterday's fall was more a result of lack of demand than of heavy selling. Sector indices suffered losses. Banks dropped 2.04 percent, Leasing eased 2.0 percent, Insurance fell 1.08 percent, Investment plunged 4.95 percent, Construction ended 1.82 percent off, Industrials fell 1.09 percent, Miscellaneous ended 1.15 percent down and Holding fell 1.33 percent. The parallel market index for small cap companies ended 0.61 percent higher reflecting an appetite for smaller capitalisation stocks. The FTSE/ASE 20 index ended 1.82 percent off at 2,033.50. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 192 to 92 with another 13 issues unchanged. Thessaliki, Metka, Oinerga and Eskimo were the most heavily traded stocks. Electra jumped 99 percent on the first day of trading in the parallel market. Britannia, Barba Stathis, Fanco, Ridenco, Technodomi, Zampa, Fintexport, Gekat and Doudos scored the biggest percentage gains hitting the day's 8.0 percent limit up. Minerva, Exelixi, Hellenic Biscuits, Atemke, Xifias, Benroubi, Halyps Cement, Development Invest and Parnassos suffered the heaviest losses. National Bank of Greece ended at 19,100 drachmas, Alpha Credit Bank at 19, 050, Ergobank at 24,330, Ionian Bank at 16,800, Titan Cement at 21,890, Hellenic Petroleum at 2,260, Intracom at 17,090, Minoan Lines at 7,000, Panafon at 7,740 and Hellenic Telecoms at 6,625. Bond, forex markets dull in scant trade : Secondary bond trading was slim yesterday with the spread between bid and ask prices widening on a lack of interest by investors at home and abroad. Electronic trade totalled 12 billion drachmas. The new ten-year-bond was priced at 102.95, showing a yield of 5.89 percent. The yield spread with German bunds was flat at 2.01 percent. In the foreign currency market, the drachma retreated slightly against the euro. At the central bank's daily fix, the euro ended at 326.460 drachmas from 326.240 drachmas in the previous trading session. In the money market, the interbank overnight rate was steady at 9.90 percent. Athens News Agency[13] Bank of Central Greece revokes rate cutAthens, 27/04/1999 (ANA)The Bank of Central Greece yesterday withdrew a decision taken last week to cut its deposit rates, responding to criticism that the move contravened an agreement between the central bank and Hellenic Banks Association on curbing credit expansion.The Bank of Central Greece said in a statement that the original decision had aimed to bring rates into line with the rest of the market, and had been taken before the credit expansion curbs. Athens News Agency[14] Development ministry to seek higher EU fundingAthens, 27/04/1999 (ANA)Development Minister Evangelos Venizelos said yesterday he would seek higher European Union funding for 2000-2006 in order to support tourism along with manufacturing and services.Mr. Venizelos was addressing a seminar to present the ministry's proposals on the European Union's 3rd Community Support Framework, which is currently being formulated. He said the ministry intends to seek 4.9 trillion drachmas, up from 3.8 trillion drachmas under the second Community Support Framework. He said that the ministry would earmark 2.2 trillion drachmas for the manufacturing and services sector, up from 1.1 trillion, while tourism would absorb 700 billion drachmas, sharply up from 170 billion under the 2nd Community Support Framework. The energy budget was expected to be reduced slightly while research and technology would see a small increase in funds. Mr. Venizelos said the ministry's final proposals were expected to be completed by June following talks with the parties involved. Athens News Agency[15] Athenian Capital Holdings to boost equity capitalAthens, 27/04/1999 (ANA)Athenian Capital Holdings received shareholder approval yesterday to raise its equity capital by 32.9 billion drachmas in order to create new firms and fund the acquisition of stakes in existing companies.Of the total amount raised, 12.886 billion drachmas will become share capital and the remaining 19.9 billion drachmas a special reserve. The equity to be acquired by Athenian Capital Holdings lies mainly in financial services companies. The rest will be in industrial and commercial firms. Among Athenian Capital's plans are the creation of a mutual fund manager with an institutional investor in which it will hold 40-45 percent of shares. It also plans to set up an investment company with individuals and institutional investors at home and abroad, and an investment bank. In addition, Athenian Capital wants to buy minority stakes in one or two insurance companies. Athens News Agency[16] Gov't considering extension of Athens metroAthens, 27/04/1999 (ANA)Work on the Athens metro is proceeding quickly, with trial runs on the pentagon-Syntagma line will begin next month, the government said yesterday.Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis announced that Athenian residents could begin using the lines from Sepolia in the west to Syntagma and pentagon (east) to Syntagma by December this year. Up to 88 per cent of the project has been completed and the metro is expected to be fully operational by October 2000, he said. Also under consideration are plans to extend the metro by a total of 27.5 kilometres. The extended lines would cost an extra 705 billion drachmas, while Mr. Laliotis said some of the cost could be covered by the Third Community Support Framework. Athens News Agency[17] National Bank public subscription beginsAthens, 27/04/1999 (ANA)National Bank of Greece's public subscription in a 170-billion-drachma rights issue began yesterday and will be completed on May 28.The increase will be carried out through a cash payment with the issue of 14,843,024 new common shares, each with a face value of 1,450 drachmas. Old shareholders will have preferential choice of the 14,160,698 shares at a ratio of 1:10. Athens News Agency[18] Athens Foreign ExchangeAthens, 27/04/1999 (ANA)Bank of Greece closing rates of: April 26, 1999Parities in Drachmas Banknotes Buying Selling US Dollar 305.109 312.184 Can.Dollar 206.534 211.323 Australian Dlr 198.822 203.431 Pound Sterling 492.607 504.029 Irish Punt 411.203 420.737 Pound Cyprus 558.298 571.242 Pound Malta 729.329 759.718 Turkish pound (100) 0.072 0.075 French franc 49.371 50.516 Swiss franc 202.130 206.816 Belgian franc 8.028 8.214 German Mark 165.581 169.420 Finnish Mark 54.468 55.731 Dutch Guilder 146.956 150.363 Danish Kr. 43.592 44.603 Swedish Kr. 36.396 37.240 Norwegian Kr. 39.144 40.052 Austrian Sh. 23.535 24.081 Italian lira (100) 16.725 17.113 Yen (100) 256.333 262.276 Spanish Peseta 1.946 1.991 Port. Escudo 1.615 1.652 Foreign Exchange Buying Selling New York 305.109 312.184 Montreal 206.534 211.323 Sydney 198.822 203.431 London 492.607 504.029 Dublin 411.203 420.737 Nicosia 558.298 571.242 Paris 49.371 50.516 Zurich 202.130 206.816 Brussels 8.028 8.214 Frankfurt 165.581 169.420 Helsinki 54.468 55.731 Amsterdam 146.956 150.363 Copenhagen 43.592 44.603 Stockholm 36.396 37.240 Oslo 39.144 40.052 Vienna 23.535 24.081 Milan 16.725 17.113 Tokyo 256.333 262.276 Madrid 1.946 1.991 Lisbon 1.615 1.652 Athens News Agency[19] Greek American leaders urge Clinton to issue warning to TurkeyWASHINGTON, 27/04/1999 (ANA/CNA)Prominent members of the Greek American community have called on US President Bill Clinton to tell Turkey that its use of deadly force and threats of deadly force can no longer be tolerated."NATO's credibility and moral authority for its mission in Kosovo and NATO's image will be seriously undercut if Turkey's military occupation of Cyprus is not put to an immediate end and the Cypriots, who were ethnically cleansed by Turkey, are not allo wed to return to their homes in safety", a letter to Mr. Clinton says. The letter, signed by 115 Greek American leaders, notes that NATO's determined response to the recent ethnic cleansing in Kosovo can greatly help Mr. Clinton's desire to end the forcible division of the Republic of Cyprus. If Turkey receives such a messsage from the US and other NATO allies, "it can come away from this meeting with a very good reason for ending the status quo on Cyprus". Their political and military leaders can begin to see that as their ethnic cleansing policies on Cyprus begin to erode the credibility and moral authority of NATO, so also will Turkey's stature within NATO begin to erode, the letter says. It also points out that the Turkish side has blocked US efforts with unacceptable preconditions whereas the government of Cyprus has shown both political will and positive attitude towards Mr. Clinton's efforts. "Its recent courageous and conciliatory decision to cancel the order of surface-to-air missiles is a remarkable example of the positive behaviour of the government of Cyprus", Greek American leaders say. Athens News AgencyAthens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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