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Athens News Agency: News in English (AM), 99-03-30Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr>NEWS IN ENGLISHATHENS, GREECE, 30/03/1999 (ANA)MAIN HEADLINES
NEWS IN DETAILGreece ready to assume initiative for political solution in KosovoPrime Minister Costas Simitis stressed yesterday that Greece was prepared to assume diplomatic initiatives in cooperation with the region's countries and the European Union to seek solutions to the Kosovo crisis within the framework of the Rambouillet de cisions and the Contact Group's conclusions. "Diplomacy must return to the centre of the efforts," Mr. Simitis said, adding Greece's opposition to the ongoing Serb operations in Kosovo, calling for an immediate halt to them. Speaking on the crisis during the first meeting of the ruling PASOK party's new central committee, Mr. Simitis said Greece had its own interests in the wider region, and that was what it must defend. He said that the government had formulated "firm foreign policy principles" on which its Balkan policy was also founded. "These principles are respect of the territorial integrity of countries, the inviolability of borders, respect of human and minority rights, and the peaceful resolution of differences," Mr. Simitis said. As a NATO member-state, Greece sought to consolidate its interests, avoiding incalculable consequences, such as the substantial reinforcement of Turkey's role that Ankara has been pursuing since the breakout of the crisis, he added. At the same time, Greece had from the outset declared that it would not take part in military operations in Yugoslavia as a neighbouring country and because it did not believe that solutions could be found outside the political and diplomatic field, he said. Greece, he added, in the EU framework had from the beginning endorsed wide- ranging autonomy for Kosovo, but within the borders of Yugoslavia, with respect for Yugoslavia's territorial integrity and respect for the region's minorities, the prime minister continued. Mr. Simitis warned that the continuing crisis created concern and dangers for its spillover in the region first of all because there were indications of a wave of refugees that would increase and spread as the attacks continued. Regarding rumours of a possible Greek-Turkish war, Mr. Simitis said there was no such danger whatsoever, adding that "everyone must be clear" (on their positions) as "vagueness can bring about negative results." "There is no issue between Greece and Turkey in this case," he said, adding that, in any event, Greece was taking "all the necessary measures". In a related development, Parliament will hold an off-the-agenda discussion of the Kosovo developments tomorrow at the government's initiative. Athens reiterates its positions to US envoy Athens yesterday reiterated to US ambassador Nicholas Burns that it condemned any instances of ethnic cleansing in Kosovo and all forms of human rights abuses. Greece's position was relayed to Mr. Burns by Alternate Foreign Minister Yiannos Kranidiotis as the two met briefly yesterday morning. According to diplomatic sources, Mr. Burns briefed Kranidiotis on Washington's position regarding "ethnic cleansing be ing carried out in Kosovo". Mr. Kranidiotis also reiterated to the US envoy Athens' position that a change of existing borders in the Balkans through unilateral actions was not acceptable. Greece also condemned any acts directed against fundamental human rights, he added. Mr. Burns, according to the same sources, relayed to the Greek minister the US position that the bombing should continue until Slobodan Milosevic withdraws forces from the Yugoslavian province of Kosovo and signs the Rambouillet agreements, opening the door for NATO forces to patrol in the province. Papandreou-Dimitrov meeting focuses on NATO bombing repercussions Foreign Minister George Papandreou yesterday met in Athens with his counterpart from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Aleksander Dimitrov, for talks focusing on the repercussions NATO bombings in Yugoslavia will have on other Balkan countries. The two men also discussed Greek aid, both on a bilateral and a multilateral level, to FYROM, Albania and Serbia. Speaking to reporters, Mr. Papandreou said Greece will help FYROM to confront any refugee problem, initially providing 120 million drachmas worth of humanitarian aid. He also promised to table the issue at the European Union, as well as international or ganisations such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Piraeus Bank challenges Ionian Bank sale Piraeus Bank launched a last-minute effort to acquire Ionian, with a counter-bid of 290 billion drachmas in cash. The bank also sent a legal notice to Commercial Bank's board asking for details of evaluation of the bids. Alpha Credit Bank is to acquire a 51 percent stake in Ionian Bank for 272 billion drachmas in a showcase privatisation success for the government. The recommendation to opt for Alpha Credit Bank as the tender's winner was made by JP Morgan and accepted by Commercial. Piraeus Bank argued that the procedure followed in evaluation of the bids breached the terms of the tender. It had not been approached to discuss raising its bid, but talks had been held with Alpha Credit Bank. A public prosecutor later accepted Piraeus Bank's request for the documentation to be handed over by order. At the same time, the tender had to be completed and the papers in the possession of Commercial Bank, the prosecutor said. JP Morgan is based in London. Papantoniou welcomes Ionian Bank sale National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou expressed satisfaction at Ionian's sale, which he said was the largest privatisation in Greece to date. Mr. Papantoniou predicted that the sale heralded similar mergers and acquisitions in the future. He declined to comment on Piraeus Bank's reaction, saying: "I do not want to comment on the legal aspect". The minister predicted that the privatisation of Ionian Bank would help to spur new directions for domestic banks. "A restructuring of the banking system is advancing, and we are heading towards the creation of powerful groups able to compete on a European and global level", he said. Mr. Papantoniou noted that Commercial Bank would use the proceeds of Ionian's sale to strengthen its position before Greece's entry into the euro zone. Stocks drop in Yugoslavia gloom Equity prices were hit yesterday after NATO forces entered phase two of their military operation against Yugoslavia. Sentiment was also undermined by conflicting information about the sale of Ionian Bank, and by renewed pressure on the drachma and domestic bond prices. The general index ended 1.47 percent down at 3,496.3 points, reversing an early 2.55 percent advance. Turnover was 175.2 billion drachmas and volume 21,565,910 shares. Traders said the market largely ignored positive comments on the domestic economy by the European Commission, and last week's EU agreement on Agenda 2000, which will benefit the country. Banks fell 1.43 percent, Leasing rose 2.94 percent, Insurance increased 0.14 percent, Investment soared 4.39 percent, Construction fell 1.19 percent, Industrials plunged 3.19 percent, Miscellaneous ended 0.75 percent off and Holding dropped 0.25 percent . The FTSE/ASE 20 index ended 1.75 percent off at 2,171.59 points. National Bank of Greece ended at 21,300 drachmas, Alpha Credit Bank at 40, 825, Ergobank at 23,510, Ionian Bank at 24,225, Titan Cement at 23,550, Hellenic Petroleum at 2,350, Intracom at 19,790, Minoan Lines at 7,250, Panafon at 7,900 and Hellenic Telecoms at 7,050. Mytilineos says its Yugoslav mines working normally Mytilineos, a metals trader listed on the Athens bourse, said yesterday its mining operations in Yugoslavia were located far from the site of NATO bombings, and production was normal. The company, which has long-term mining concessions for copper, zinc and lead, has invested heavily in operations in the neighbouring country. Among the units are the Bor mines in Serbia and Trepca in Kosovo, Mytilineos said in a statement. The firm added that its long-term policy of operating in the Balkans remained intact, and would not be upset by temporary adverse conditions. Alpha Finance to give Dr 350 dividend Shareholders of Alpha Finance, a member of Alpha Credit Bank Group, yesterday endorsed a rights issue and a 350-drachma dividend payment to shareholders for 1998, up from 300 drachmas the previous year. Its net pre-tax profits totalled 5.325 million drachmas while returns on equity capital after tax were 41 percent. The one-for-one rights issue means a drop in the nominal share value from 600 drachmas to 300 drachmas per share. The number of shares will rise from 8,500,000 to 17,000,000. Vartholomeos calls for universal ceasefire Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos yesterday called for an immediate ceasefire in Yugoslavia, more than a week before Orthodox Easter, the beginning of Catholic Easter week as well as Ramadan. "Kneeling, we request of the Earth's leaders and the military chiefs of the world, of those who carry weapons anywhere on the planet, to adhere to a ceasefire during these (holy) days and for ever. "We request of the polical leaderships to peacefully solve by mutual understanding and mutual concessions all local and international problems," he added. Albanian Orthodox Church support for Kosovo refugees The Autocephalus Orthodox Church of Albania yesterday issued an announcement expressing its deep concern over conditions in Kosovo, following the latest developments. "We participate with all our heart in the pain of those who suffer by the injustice and violence due to the crisis in Kosovo. We have already helped to a great extent and continue to do so as our ability allows us in efforts to help for the relief of the refugees, who sought refuge in Albania," the announcement of the Church's Holy Synod read. The Albanian Orthodox Church has already delivered 1,300 packages of humanitarian aid to women from Kosovo and 6,273 packages with supplies for children, covering only about 13 per cent of the refugees' needs, the announcement noted. The Orthodox Chruch of Albania - in coordination with churches from Norway, Denmark, Sweden, England, Germany and the United States - has promoted a series of initiatives for the support of the refugees. Holy Synod support for Orthodox Yugoslavia The Autocephalus Orthodox Church of Greece's Holy Synod yesterday convened to discuss the Kosovo crisis, expressing its sorrow over the NATO bombings of Yugoslavia. The meeting was chaired by Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos. Synod representative, the Metropolitan Xanthi Pandeleimon, told reporters after the meeting that a delegation comprised of the Metropolitans of Veria, Lesvos and Xanthi would travel to Belgrade later this week to express the Church's support for counter part, Orthodox Church of Serbia. Pandeleimon said the delegation might also deliver pharmaceuticals, bedding and cash. In view of the upcoming Orthodox Easter feast, he added, the Holy Synod was issuing an appeal to the United Nations, NATO, the European Union and the heads of all Churches for every effort to be made to stop the NATO air strikes. Underlining what it called the "hypocrisy" of the attackers, the Holy Synod said Greece should avoid becoming directly or indirectly involved (through NATO) in the ongoing military operations against Yugoslavia. It also asked for a collection to be taken in the churches of all dioceses on Sunday, the proceeds of which will be given to the Serb people. Pandeleimon added that the Holy Synod had been in contact with representatives of the Church of Serbia this morning and was informed that an Orthodox monastery in Kosovo had been destroyed in the NATO attacks. Israeli Institute Yad Vashem posthumously honours 15 Greeks The Israeli Institute Yad Vashem, responsible for the "perpetuation of the memories of the heroes and martyrs" of the Jewish Holocaust during World War II, posthumously honoured 15 Greeks during a recent ceremony in Jerusalem. The 15 Greek citizens were honoured for risking their lives to save Greek Jews from the Nazis during the war by being given the title of "righteous among nations." Several officials from Greece, Greek-Jewish community representatives and the Israeli ambassador to Athens attended the event. Papandreou-Holbrooke phone contact Foreign Minister George Papandreou yesterday held a telephone conversation with US envoy Richard Holbrooke, who was in Budapest at the time. Diplomatic sources said the two men exchanged views on the situation in Yugoslavia and the crisis in Kosovo, although no hopeful sign for disengagement was produced, according to reports. The Greek foreign minister also spoke on the phone with his Canadian counterpart, who expressed a desire to coordinate with Athens for humanitarian aid relief in the region, the sources said. Mr. Papandreou has called a meeting today with several former PASOK foreign ministers to discuss developments in Yugoslavia, while he extended an invitation to former New Democracy foreign ministers for a similar meeting on Wednesday. Karamanlis voices concern over NATO bombings Main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis yesterday expressed concern over the impact of NATO bombings in Yugoslavia. "In this region nobody plays around with the borders," Mr. Karamanlis said, speaking at a ND conference on local government. "I am afraid that, even unitentionally, we are driven to an uncontrolled situation that may lead to a change in borders, the creation of an independent state and its accession to another state, something that will act like a fuse in the region." Mr. Karamanlis said the political view on the issue coincides, however, he criticised the government for not taking an inititative to explain to its allies that the risk of destabilisation becomes greater through resorting to violence than through seeking a political solution. The ND leader clarified that "Greece cannot impose solutions, but this does not mean that it cannot have a voice or that it should drag behind events," while he proposed a peace mission be formed from the Organisation for Cooperation and Security in Europe (OSCE) instead of NATO as well as full autonomy for Kosovo after the deletion of the Rambouillet clause regarding a referendum in three years. Skandalidis re-elected PASOK secretary PASOK deputy Costas Skandalidis was re-elected yesterday as the ruling party's central committee secretary, receiving 133 of 177 votes during the first session of the body following a recent PASOK congress. In addition, the central committee members also voted for PASOK's 11-member executive bureau are: Apostolos Kaklamanis (106 votes), Vasso Papandreou (106), Costas Laliotis (105), Theodoros Pangalos (92), Alekos Papadopoulos (90), Evangelos Venizelos (88 ), George Papandreou (87), Akis Tsohatzopoulos (79), Christos Papoutsis (71), Tonia Antoniou (64) and George Moraitis (60). Following the elections, PM and PASOK president Costas Simitis said party cadres should immediately begin work so that PASOK wins the upcoming Euroelections. The Greek premier also said Mr. Skandalidis should undertake a project of restructuring the party. Mr. Skandalidis announced that he would soon undertake an initiative on behalf of PASOK to brief and exchange views with the rest of the European socialist parties regarding the Balkans and the Kosovo crisis. WEATHERUnsettled weather will prevail throughout Greece on today with local showers and rainstorms. Winds variable, moderate. Athens will be rainy with temperatures ranging between 8-17C. Similar weather in Thessaloniki with temperatures from 6-14C.FOREIGN EXCHANGETuesday's rates (buying) U.S. dollar 301.578 Pound sterling 488.183 Japanese yen (100) 250.738 French franc 49.300 German mark 165.348 Italian lira (100) 16.701 Irish Punt 410.624 Belgian franc 8.017 Luxembourg franc 8.017 Finnish mark 54.390 Dutch guilder 146.749 Danish kr. 43.628 Austrian sch. 23.501 Spanish peseta 1.943 Swedish kr. 36.158 Norwegian kr. 38.676 Swiss franc 202.720 Port. Escudo 1.613 Aus. dollar 190.256 Can. dollar 198.559 Cyprus pound 557.266 Euro 323.392(C.E.) Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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