Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-12-05
HR-Net News Distribution Manager
[01] FM expresses satisfaction over agreement on EU-Turkey partnership
relation
[02] Greek, Bulgarian leaders focus on latest Balkan developments
[03] Alternate Foreign Minister praises report on progress in European
security and defense policy
[04] Yugoslav president ends two-day visit to Greece; meets Macedonia-Thrace
minister in Thessaloniki
[05] ATHOC managing director Petros Synadinos resigns
[06] ND leader criticizes full scope of gov't economic policies
[07] ND leader outlines proposals for combatting organized crime and terrorism
in letter to Prime Minister
[08] Government announces securities' transaction tax cut
[09] Papantoniou optimism on economy, Venture Capital Forum told
[10] Greek stocks extend Friday's rally, end 4.05 pct higher
[11] Bulgaria wants to step up business ties with Greece
[12] ASE extends trading suspension on Minoan Lines stocks
[13] Labor minister unveils compromise proposal
[14] Greece to send energy investment delegation to China
[15] No winner in initial bidding for wireless phone licenses
[16] EU bans meat-based animal feed
[17] Portion of noted Kostakis on display this month
[18] Franco Zeffirelli to make film on later life of opera singer Maria Callas
[19] Stephanopoulos to inaugurate exhibition on Thrace
[20] Larissa Modern Arts Center to house exhibition of prehistoric murals
discovered on Santorini
[21] Nascent Greek nat'l team debuts in Cyprus
[22] Denktash should not be appeased, Cyprus government says
[23] UN-led proximity talks should continue within defined parameters,
Kasoulides says
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[01] FM expresses satisfaction over agreement on EU-Turkey partnership
relation
BRUSSELS, 05/12/2000 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis / Y. Zitouniati)
Foreign Minister George Papandreou expressed satisfaction over the
agreement reached here on Monday on the issue of Turkey's partnership
agreement with the European Union, saying it is a historic moment in
Turkey's relations with the EU, as well as with Greece.
Papandreou also underlined that in the framework of the partnership
agreement the preconditions, which Turkey is called upon to fulfill,
are mentioned.
The agreement reached during a EU foreign ministers council meeting,
has two references of direct interest to Greece. The first concerns
Turkey's short-term commitments and anticipates that in 2001 Turkey, in
the framework of political dialogue with the EU, should back the
efforts of the UN secretary general for a solution to the protracted
Cyprus problem. This reference is in a paragraph entitled "short-term
commitments" and "strengthened political dialogue and political
criteria."
The second is included in a paragraph entitled "medium-term
commitments" and "strengthened political dialogue and political
criteria" and focuses on Turkey's commitment to resolve, in the medium
term, its possible border differences with Greece in a peaceful way and
based on decisions taken at the EU Helsinki summit, also through
resorting to the International Court.
Papandreou attributed the agreement reached concerning Turkey's degree
of commitment in solving the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish
differences, to the "ingenuity" of the European Union French presidency
which included "hot" issues in short-term and medium-term criteria,
satisfying Greece's claim for commitments with a timetable, while in
parallel the "backing of political dialogue" was added (to the titles
of corresponding chapters), as Turkey desired.
"The partnership relation, as a road map for Turkey's pre-accession
course, constitutes a continuation and consequence of Helsinki,"
Papandreou said, adding that "a new era is also opening for
Greek-Turkish relations" and the Cyprus issue.
Papandreou spoke of a "hopeful path of changes" in Turkey in its
rapprochement with Europe in which it will find Greece as its
supporter.
"There are no victors and vanquished, but partners who cooperate," he
said, adding that the text on the partnership agreement should not only
be accepted but the preconditions should also constitute an "acquired
right" for Turkey as well to lead it to a "small revolution" to which
Greece could also contribute.
Papandreou referred to the implements of controlling Turkey's
"democratization course" by the EU, which the partnership agreement
enacts, saying that there will be assessment procedures, regarding
criteria, through the annual progress report, the committees, the
association councils and political dialogue.
Earlier, French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine verified that a
tentative agreement has been struck regarding the all-important text
for the EU-Turkey partnership agreement.
Specifically, Vedrine announced that the agreement approved by the
Union's 15 member-states is fully based on conclusions emanating from
last December's EU summit in Helsinki, whereas short-term and mid-term
commitments Ankara must fulfill in its course towards EU accession are
also included.
The French foreign minister, who presides over Paris' current six-month
EU presidency, also praised the contributions towards rapprochement by
Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, his Turkish counterpart
Ismail Cem as well as EU enlargement Commissioner Guenter Verheugen.
[02] Greek, Bulgarian leaders focus on latest Balkan developments
Athens, 05/12/2000 (ANA)
The latest developments in Yugoslavia and the situation in the
strife-torn province of Kosovo dominated talks here on Monday between
Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and visiting Bulgarian President
Petar Stoyanov.
Afterwards, both leaders emphasized that any solution to the Kosovo
problem must be found strictly within the framework of the UN Security
Council's Resolution 1244, whereas the ongoing process of
democratization in Yugoslavia must be supported.
In terms of bilateral relations between the two Balkan neighbors and
allies, Simitis noted that Greece would earmark $60 million for
infrastructure works in Bulgaria alone, part of the country's
contribution to the Balkan Stability Pact. He added that Sofia must now
forward relevant feasibility studies for specific projects it wants to
finance through the Stability Pact, as well as prioritizing projects.
Another point of discussion centered on a recent European Union justice
and interior ministers' decision to lift visa requirements for
Bulgarian nationals traveling to Schengen Pact countries. The Greek
premier clarified that the EU must now follow up and issue a relevant
executive order for the decision to be implemented.
Oil pipeline: In referring to a long-delayed project to construct an
oil pipeline connecting Bulgaria's Black Sea port of Burgas with
Greece's NE Aegean outlet of Alexandroupoli - an ambitious endeavor
that was officially set out on paper in June 1993 between Moscow, Sofia
and Athens - both men termed its course as "satisfactory", following
what they said were assurances by the Russian government that it will
guarantee enough crude annually to make the project financially
feasible.
Plans initially called for a 300-km pipeline to connect the two ports,
with 1995 construction costs estimated at around $700 million and with
a projected capacity of 600,000 barrels per day.
Presidents of Greece and Bulgaria refer to excellent level of bilateral
relations: President Kostis Stephanopoulos held talks with visiting
Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov on Monday, while both referred later
to the excellent level of bilateral relations, which constitute a base
for the stability of the entire region.
President Stephanopoulos said he and his Bulgarian counterpart
discussed all issues concerning the region's problems, such as the
issue of Yugoslavia and the problem of Kosovo, adding that a
coincidence of views was ascertained on the policy, which should be
applied.
On the question of bilateral relations, President Stephanopoulos
expressed certainty that bureaucratic difficulties observed would be
overcome and infrastructure projects between Greece and Bulgaria will
go ahead very soon.
On his part, the Bulgarian president said rapprochement with the
European Union is an issue of top priority for his country and for this
reason, relations with Greece and regional cooperation are extremely
important for Bulgaria.
He also referred to the political will he ascertained in Athens for
infrastructure projects to proceed and which have been scheduled both
in the framework of the Stability Pact and the framework of the Greek
reconstruction plan for southeastern Europe with Greek financing.
The Bulgarian president also met with main opposition New Democracy
party leader Costas Karamanlis. No statements were made after the
meeting.
Later, Stoyanov visited Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos and
discussed with him possibilities of cooperation between the two
countries at the level of cities, as well as new factors created in the
region, which "bring the two countries closer together."
Monday evening, President Stephanopoulos gave a dinner in honor of
President Stoyanov saying the latter's visit will contribute to the
even greater strengthening of excellent bilateral relations which have
been forged over decades and are on a successful and stable upward
trend.
President Stephanopoulos said the density of bilateral contacts at all
levels and the quality characterizing Greek-Bulgarian relations
contribute substantively to the consolidation of peace and stability in
the region and open new horizons for the two countries' common course
both in the Balkan environment and the framework of unified Europe. He
also reiterated that Greece unreservedly supports Bulgaria's accession
to the EU and NATO.
[03] Alternate Foreign Minister praises report on progress in European
security and defense policy
BRUSSELS, 05/12/2000 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)
Alternate Foreign Minister Elizabeth Papazoi on Monday said the
European Union presidency's report on progress achieved over the past
six months in Common European Security and Defense Policy (CESDP),
discussed here at the Council of Foreign Ministers, is a "qualitative
leap in the effort to build a truly autonomous crises management by the
EU."
A statement by the "15" was registered in the records, through
intervention by the Greek side, that in the framework of the CESDP's
activities the safeguarding of protection for the EU's external borders
is being reconfirmed, as well as the safeguarding of common values, and
its independence and integrity, as described in article 11 of the
Amsterdam Treaty. The report will be forwarded to the European Council
in Nice.
Papazoi said "what is important from now on is the speedy
implementation of the decisions taken in Nice and a start to the
operation of political and military bodies to enable the EU to obtain
operational capacity soon."
[04] Yugoslav president ends two-day visit to Greece; meets
Macedonia-Thrace minister in Thessaloniki
Athens, 05/12/2000 (ANA)
In statements shortly before he ended a two-day private visit to Greece
on Monday, Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica said that humanitarian
aid from Greece was helping Yugoslavia as it struggled to overcome the
problems caused by economic sanctions and NATO bombings, while noting
that its good relations with Greece had contributed to stability in the
Balkans.
Kostunica arrived in Greece on Sunday at the head of a delegation of
Yugoslav government officials to carry out a pilgrimage to the Serb
Orthodox Hilandariou Monastery on Mount Athos, a semi-autonomous
monastic community in northern Greece.
On his return from the Athos peninsula, the Yugoslav stopped over in
Thessaloniki, where he met Macedonia-Thrace Minister George
Paschalidis, visited the city's Aghios Demetrios Cathedral and laid a
wreath at the allied military cemetery of Zejdelik.
After a half-hour meeting with Paschalidis, Kostunica made statements
that stressed the difficulties now facing Yugoslavia.
"Yugoslavia needs humanitarian aid at this time because of the
sanctions, the bombings and its economic state. But it is not our
intention to turn Yugoslavia into a country that depends on
humanitarian aid but to develop its economy and its relations abroad -
as was the case with Greece, with whom relations have always been good
and have contributed to stability in the Balkans," he said.
He also stressed that the political changes in Yugoslavia were "more
than just important for peace, stability and democracy in the area."
Paschalidis, on his part, said that Greece had earmarked 180 billion
drachmas for Balkan reconstruction, out of which 95 billion would be
spent in Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo. He added that the
Macedonia-Thrace ministry would be organizing consignments of
humanitarian aid of specific goods, such as sugar, milk and others, and
that he would support programs for training Yugoslav executives in
European issues at Thessaloniki educational institutes.
Kostunica and his entourage had spent Sunday night at the Hilandariou
Monastery, which is populated almost entirely by monks of Serb origin,
where they had attended an all-night vigil. Abbot Moysius and the
entire monastery had met them earlier on Sunday. Shortly before, the
Yugoslav president had also visited the Vatopedi monastery, which he
reached via the Mount Athos capital of Karyes, where he was received
with the honors of a head of state.
Kostunica, who is distinguished for his strong adherence to the
Orthodox Christian faith, had expressed his desire to visit Mount Athos
and the monastery of Hilandariou before the Yugoslav elections. In
fact, according to certain circles, he had vowed to make such a
pilgrimage if he won the presidential elections in his country.
Kostunica's scheduled official visit to Athens in December is still
pending, while the exact date of his visit has not yet been set.
[05] ATHOC managing director Petros Synadinos resigns
Athens, 05/12/2000 (ANA)
Managing director of the Athens 2004 Olympics Organizing Committee
(ATHOC) Petros Synadinos on Monday tendered his resignation from the
post.
In his letter of resignation to Prime Minister Costas Simitis,
Synadinos cited personal reasons, but sources close to him said he quit
in disagreement with the ATHOC administration on the allocation of
duties among the organizing committee officials.
Synadinos also informed environment, town planning and public works
minister Costas Laliotis as well as Press and Mass Media Minister
Dimitris Reppas of his resignation.
Synadinos, who took over as managing director of ATHOC in late June
after the resignation of Costas Bakouris, was general secretary at the
Merchant Marine ministry before taking on the ATHOC post and a member
of the team that organized Athens' successful bid for hosting the 2004
Games.
The sources also said the resigned ATHOC managing director had been
disgruntled in recent months after many of the duties initially
assigned to him by the premier were stripped from him in a new law
introduced by recently-sacked culture minister Theodoros Pangalos.
Those duties, the sources said, were turned over to ATHOC president
Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki.
Daskalaki, who is in Lausanne for consultations with the International
Olympic Committee (IOC), said "every one of us is sad that Petros
Synadinos left for personal reasons. We collaborated very well both
during the bid for the Games and now. I wish the best of lack. The
course to the Olympic Games is long. As we know from experience gained
by other cities, personal cost is needed many times. We are focused at
our work. We must honor IOC as well, as it entrusted us to organize the
2004 Games and the state, as it entrusted us to organize such a great
project... we are going forward".
On his part, Reppas expressed his regret over the resignation of
Synadinos and thanked him for his services to "this great effort".
Last October, Premier Costas Simitis fired a senior Athens 2004
official for feuding with Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis, who is
in charge of major projects for the games. Before his dismissal, Costas
Liaskas had proposed outside technical advisers to supervise
construction.
Culture minister comments on Synadinos' resignation: Culture Minister
Evangelos Venizelos on Monday called for unity and avoidance of party
confrontations and of petty political approaching of the Athens 2004
issue.
Commenting on the resignation of managing director of the Athens 2004
Olympics Organizing Committee (ATHOC) Petros Synadinos from his post,
Venizelos said that Athens "2004 is a national effort, a national
strategy. It is unavoidable, there will be changes of persons, since
the duration (of preparations) is long."
[06] ND leader criticizes full scope of gov't economic policies
Athens, 05/12/2000 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis on Monday
criticized the government's policies on the economy, taxation, budget,
education, public services, and agriculture.
Addressing a Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce conference,
Karamanlis called for a different policy on the economy, saying that
the tax policy was focused only on revenue, while the policy of listing
state enterprises in the Athens Stock Exchange (ASE) reached its
limits.
He stressed that increased competition is in line, along with the
restructure of public enterprises and agencies, the abolition of state
monopolies and the lifting of obstacles for the establishing of
businesses.
He added that privatization could play an important role in the banking
sector, in transportation, telecommunications and energy.
The opposition leader proposed the restructuring of the public sector,
along with a "brave tax reform" coupled with cuts in consumer spending
by the public sector.
Speaking on the allocation of moneys of the third community support
framework fund, he said that the government "has only now begun to
prepare, as if they are not in power and tomorrow it is possible that
they might say they found barren land from themselves".
In discussing the budget, he said it was based on over-optimistic
predictions of the course of the dollar and international petrol
prices, stressing that "the new budget is presented with a surplus, but
is in danger to prove factitious".
He reiterated ND's proposal for the establishment of non-state
universities and the correlation of education with the job market,
calling for the radical restructure of the educational system with the
creation of technological park for electronic software companies, which
will then be tax exempt.
Karamanlis also called for the "re-founding" of public administration
as a central decision-maker and controller, adding that the public
sector should no longer be "addicted" to party politics.
He said that a new agricultural and regional policy should be
implemented, aiming to reduce production costs, to orient toward new
markets, to emphasize packaging and processing and to provide support
for big infrastructure projects.
[07] ND leader outlines proposals for combatting organized crime and
terrorism in letter to Prime Minister
Athens, 05/12/2000 (ANA)
In a letter to Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Monday, main opposition
New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis outlined a number of proposals
for dealing with organized crime and terrorism, which he said required
cooperation and collaboration of all political forces in Greece.
Among these is a proposal that terrorist cases should not be tried by
juries but by panels of experienced judges and that a witness
protection program be introduced for those testifying, as well as for
investigators and judicial officials.
Karamanlis also proposes amendments to article 187 of the penal code on
"forming a gang" and stricter penalties for serious offences, up to and
including life imprisonment, while he recommends that there be
provision for the acquittal or for suspending the sentences of gang
members who provide information that leads to arrests.
Another measure he proposes is that police and private citizens be
given the right to penetrate criminal organizations by order the
Appeals Court public prosecutor.
Justice Minister Michalis Stathopoulos and Public Order Minister
Michalis Chrysohoidis had been informed of ND's proposals earlier on
Monday by ND cadres Dora Bakoyianni and Theodoros Anagnostopoulos.
[08] Government announces securities' transaction tax cut
Athens, 05/12/2000 (ANA)
Greece's National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou on
Monday announced a cut in securities' transaction tax from 0.6 percent
to 0.3 percent, a moved aimed to boost liquidity in the Athens Stock
Exchange.
Addressing a Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce conference,
Papantoniou said the government also planned to adopt a more favorable
tax policy towards long-term mutual funds and announced a more active
role by banks in managing social security funds. These measures,
combined with the government's privatization program and implementation
of Third Community Support Framework projects, would give a new boost
to the Greek economy, Papantoniou said.
He said the government was planning 10 more privatizations in the first
six months of 2001 and announced the floating of Greek Soccer Pools on
the Athens bourse in the next few weeks.
"Greece's telecommunications market is already in a rapid deregulation
course and a procedure to auction new wireless licenses is under way.
At the same time, we prepare for the auction of third generation
wireless' licenses," Papantoniou said.
He said that Hellenic Telecommunications Organization was making
significant administration restructuring steps while seeking a
strategic partner to enhance further its position in European telecoms
market.
Papantoniou said the country's energy market would be deregulated by
February 17, 2001 and noted that the private sector could produce up to
30 percent of the country's energy production.
The Public Power Corporation, Greece's electricity utility, was on its
way to the Athens bourse, he said.
Referring to a government decision to lift a cabotage system on the
country's passenger shipping sector two years earlier than originally
planned, in 2002, Papantoniou said it would offer better services to
passengers, safer sea transport and more jobs. He reiterated the
government's will to proceed with more privatizations, like the Piraeus
Port Organization, Helexpo, and Olympic Airways.
"Adjusting the Greek society to the new economy demands a total
upgrading of its human resource," Papantoniou said and urged employers
and workers to work together in this direction.
"We must achieve our ambitious targets. We have both the will and the
ability," he said.
Top state bankers welcome gov't measures on bourse, banks: Two leading
state bankers - National Bank of Greece governor Theodoros Karatzas and
Commercial Bank of Greece chief Yiannis Stournaras - on Monday welcomed
new government measures to boost liquidity in the flagging Athens
bourse.
In addition, Karatzas said he supported another measure announced by
the government earlier in the day to free National and Commercial, the
country's two largest state banks, from state control.
Under the measures, shareholders will elect the banks management, and
executives will be offered shareholding incentives.
New Democracy again criticizes gov't over bourse performance: The New
Democracy party on Monday criticized the government for the Athens
Stock Exchange's poor performance this year.
The party's spokesman for economic affairs, George Alogoskoufis, said
that the bourse was living an extended crisis with losses to
shareholders estimated at around 35 trillion drachmas over the last 12
months, equivalent to almost three quarters of the country's gross
domestic product.
He claimed that many retail investors had been misled by the
government, and were now trapped in stocks they were unable to sell.
Alogoskoufis accused the government of bulling up the market before
national elections on April 9 through state shareholdings, and then
letting the market slide at the expense of both private and state
shareholders.
Alogoskoufis was addressing an economic conference held by the Hellenic
American Chamber of Commerce.
[09] Papantoniou optimism on economy, Venture Capital Forum told
Athens, 05/12/2000 (ANA)
National economy and finance minister Yannos Papantoniou on Monday
expressed optimism on the Greek economy, addressing the 2nd Venture
Capital Forum on the new economy taking place at a central Athens
hotel.
"Just as we succeeded on the EMU front, we shall also succeed in the
sector of the new economy," Papantoniou told the Forum.
He said the changes brought about in society and the economy was a "new
industrial revolution".
The minister said special attention should be placed on strengthening
technical know-how, boosting entrepreneurship, and increasing capital
availability.
The Greek government's initiatives for achieving a transition from the
traditional to the new economy centered on liberalization of the
markets, boosting the available capital, the information society
program, and the new money market.
Papantoniou noted the imminent liberalization of the telecoms and
energy markets on January 1 and February 17 next year, respectively,
which he said was within the timetable set out by the European Union.
As for boosting capital availability, Papantoniou said the New Economy
Fund (TANEO) would reinforce new economy companies with a total 150
billion dr.
In addition, he said the information society program -- earmarked for
one trillion dr. under the Third Community Support Framework (CSF)
recently signed with the EU -- was oriented towards the sectors of
education, culture, digital economy and communication.
[10] Greek stocks extend Friday's rally, end 4.05 pct higher
Athens, 05/12/2000 (ANA)
Equity prices extended Friday's spectacular rebound on the Athens Stock
Exchange on Monday, pushing the general index above the 3,500-point
level for the first time after 13 sessions.
Traders said government initiatives to support the market and the
economy, combined with year-end buying by institutional investors,
created a general upward trend in the Athens bourse.
The general index ended 4.05 percent higher at 3,541.20 points, with
turnover an improved 130.063 billion drachmas, raising hopes of a
sustained recovery in the market.
The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 3.90
percent higher at 2,010.41 points, and the FTSE/ASE 40 index ended at
438.79 points, up 6.30 percent.
Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 7,378.91
+ 4.23% Leasing: 710.91 + 6.11% Insurance: 1,640.51 + 5.94% Investment:
1,329.92 + 8.09% Construction: 1,464.81 +10.22% Industrials: 2,177.24 +
3.75% Miscellaneous: 3,261.25 +5.77%
Holding: 4,337.77 +2.11%
The parallel market for smaller capitalization stocks soared 7.46
percent to 380.26 points.
Broadly, advancers led decliners by 353 to three with another two
issues unchanged.
Astir Hotels, National Properties, Alpha Bank and National Bank were
the most heavily traded stocks.
Leading shares' closing prices (in Drs): National Bank: 13,850 Alpha
Bank: 12,605 Commercial Bank:
18,000 Eurobank: 9,450 Pireaus Bank: 5,695 Lambrakis Press: 5,770
Altec: 3,400 Titan Cement (c): 14,605 Hellenic Telecoms: 5,740 Panafon:
2,920 Hellenic Petroleum: 3,880 Attica Enterprises: 3,015
Intracom: 9,085 Hellenic Telecoms: 5,625
Equity futures end up, tracking Athens bourse: Equity futures traded on
the Athens Derivatives Exchange finished higher on Monday, in line with
the bourse indices on which they are based.
The FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 3.90 percent up, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended
6.30 percent higher.
Turnover was 23.9 billion drachmas.
A total of 4,648 contracts were traded on the FTSE/ASE 20 with turnover
at 18.6 billion drachmas.
On the FTSE/ASE 40 index, 2,992 contracts changed hands on turnover of
5.2 billion drachmas.
Bond prices rise in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary
market on Monday finished higher in heavy trade across the board.
The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.615 percent from
5.676 percent in the previous session.
The Greek paper's yield spread over German bunds was 67 basis points
from 68 basis points a day earlier.
Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 260
billion drachmas from 114 billion drachmas in the session before.
Buy orders accounted for around 192 billion drachmas of trade.
Drachma extends gains against US dollar: The drachma continued moving
higher against the US dollar on Monday following the euro/dollar's rate
jump above the 88 cents level in international foreign exchange
markets.
The Greek drachma rose to 383.580 drachmas per dollar at the day's
fixing, up from 389.110 drachmas on Friday.
The drachma also moved closer to its central parity against the euro
currency at 340.600 drachmas.
[11] Bulgaria wants to step up business ties with Greece
Athens, 05/12/2000 (ANA)
Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov, who is currently paying a two-day
visit to Greece, said on Monday that the Balkans would benefit from
closer business links between Greece and his country.
Stoyanov was addressing Greek and Bulgarian business representatives at
the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Existing business ties between the two countries already stood as an
example for the entire Balkan region, he added.
[12] ASE extends trading suspension on Minoan Lines stocks
Athens, 05/12/2000 (ANA)
The Capital Market Commission on Monday decided to extend a trading
suspension of Minoan Lines shares, initially enacted after the suicide
of the company's vice-president last week under pressure following the
sinking of a ferry that resulted in the loss of 80 lives.
The Commission extended the suspension of trading of Minoan Lines
shares on the Athens Stock Exchange to Wednesday, December 6, to
"ensure the time margin for full briefing of investors".
Pantelis Sfinias, vice president of the board of Minoan Flying
Dolphins, a subsidiary of Minoan Lines, jumped out of the window of his
6th floor MFD office in Piraeus on November 29.
News of Sfinias' suicide immediately plunged the Minoan Lines stock by
11.98 percent, at the razor's edge of the 12 percent volatility limit
under Greek bourse rules, prompting the Capital Market Commission to
suspend trading of Minoan shares up to and including December 1 to
protect investors "as a result of the situation following the
tragedy".
MFD was the owner of the Express Samina ferry that sank in a storm off
Paros late September after scraping a well-marked rocky outcropping, in
Greece's worst maritime disaster in 35 years.
[13] Labor minister unveils compromise proposal
Athens, 05/12/2000 (ANA)
Labor Minister Tassos Giannitsis on Monday unveiled a new compromise
proposal on the retirement terms of heavy industry and unhealthy jobs,
accepting an agreement between employers and trade unions.
Giannitsis withdrew a relative clause from a labor reform legislation,
currently under discussion in parliament, and said he will submit an
amendment on Tuesday, based on the agreement between employers and
trade unions.
The amendment covers 1,300 workers annually, with a cost of eight
billion drachmas.
Giannitsis said that by next week the parliament would have voted a
draft bill on labor reform and increasing employment.
He noted, however, that he remained "open" to further proposals, based
on agreements between employers and trade unions.
Giannitsis said that a social dialogue on social security reform would
begin in the first quarter of 2001.
[14] Greece to send energy investment delegation to China
Athens, 05/12/2000 (ANA)
Greece is to send an energy investment delegation to China in 2001, the
two countries' governments agreed on Monday.
The delegation will sound out the outlook in China for investments in
renewable energy - wind power, geothermal energy and solar power.
The move was agreed at a meeting between Development Minister Nikos
Christodoulakis and China's minister of research and technology, Zhu
Lilan, who is currently paying an official visit to Greece.
A symposium will also be held on energy, research and technology
cooperation between the two countries.
[15] No winner in initial bidding for wireless phone licenses
Athens, 05/12/2000 (ANA)
The first round of bidding for six wireless phone licenses began on
Monday in a move that will end a monopoly on Greece's fixed-line phone
services.
The short listed groups and consortiums, announced on Thursday, are as
follows:
* Panafon
* Europrom (Prometheus Gas)
* Quest Wireless
* Public Power Corporation Telecommunications-NBG Greek Fund Limited
(National Bank of Greece)-Alpha Investment Holding SA (Alpha
Bank)-General Bank of Greece
* Ideal Wireless
* Mediterranean Eurozone Services SA
No winner emerged in the tender so far, which will continue until
Friday. The cash offered totalled around 17 billion drachmas, the
National Telecoms and Post Offices Commission said in a statement.
Sources said the figure was considered to be low.
The highest bidder was Europrom in both frequencies being offered - 3.5
GHz and 25 GHz.
Coming equal first in three other frequencies in the 25GHz band were
the Public Power Corporation Telecommunications consortium,
Mediterranean Eurozone Services SA and Quest Wireless.
A seventh bidder, KEASAP, had pulled out of the tender before offers
were submitted.
Under the terms of bidding, the winners are committed to providing
services for at least 20 percent of the population within two years
from award of the license.
On January 1, 2001, state Hellenic Telecommunications Organization,
which is a heavily traded stock on the Athens bourse, loses its
monopoly in the fixed-line telephone market in line with European Union
directives.
[16] EU bans meat-based animal feed
BRUSSELS, 05/12/2000 (ANA- B. Demiris)
European Union farm ministers agreed on Monday to impose a six-month
temporary ban on animal feed containing ground-up animal carcasses,
beginning on Jan. 1, 2001.
The ban aimed at containing the outbreak of bovine spongiform
encephalopathy (BSE), also known as Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (VCJD) in
Europe, as more than 80 people have died in Britain and two in France
of the human equivalent of the disease.
Greece was represented by Agriculture Minister George Anomeritis, who
expressed his satisfaction over the decision, which, as he said
represents a universal about face in animal feed.
Greece consumes 220,000 tons of beef per year, 150,000 of which is
imported, thus the country was very interested in EU-wide measures.
Meat-based animal feed has been illegal in the Union since the late
1980s when the disease first broke out in Britain, the feed however
continued to be used in other animals and birds.
The new measure, the minister said, would ban such animal feed totally,
except in feeding fish in aquacultures.
He added that the measure also banned the consumption of intestines, as
they were listed in the high danger product category.
Germany and Finland voted against the measures, while Belgium
abstained, Anomeritis said.
[17] Portion of noted Kostakis on display this month
Athens, 05/12/2000 (ANA)
Part of the prolific Kostakis collection of priceless Russian
avant-garde artwork will finally go on display in Thessaloniki this
month, almost seven months since a 14 billion-drachma purchase deal was
concluded.
The Greek state formally acquired the collection with the signing of an
agreement last April between the Thessaloniki State Museum of Modern
Art and representatives of the late collector's granddaughter, Aliki
Kostaki.
One hundred works will be exhibited at the Lazariston Monastery in the
fortress district of Thessaloniki as of Dec. 16 and for the next three
months, it was announced on Monday
The Kostakis collection of 1,275 Russian avant-garde artworks includes
works by Malevic, founder of the 'supremacist' school, Tatlin the
founder of 'constructivism', Papova, Rozanova and Matiushin. The
collection is comprised mainly of paintings, although sketches,
engraved manuscripts and documents are included.
Art aficionado Georgios Kostakis, a Muscovite of Greek descent, built
up his collection between 1930 and 1960 by exchanging works by western
artists for paintings dating from the period of 1910-1930 by then
unknown Russian avant-garde artists. In 1977 he donated about 150
pieces to the Tretiakov Art Gallery in Moscow, while he kept the bulk
of the art, initially in a bank vault in Cologne.
[18] Franco Zeffirelli to make film on later life of opera singer Maria
Callas
ROME, 05/12/2000 (ANA - L. Hatzikyriakos)
Renowned Italian film director Franco Zeffirelli is planning to make a
film about the legendary Greek soprano Maria Callas, starring Teresa
Stratos, another Greek-origin soprano.
In an interview appearing in an Italian newspaper on Monday, Zeffirelli
said his film would be filmed in Paris and Romania in February and
would focus on the latter part of the famous opera diva's life, when
her destructive affair with Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis
arrested her career and caused her decline and eventual early death in
Paris.
[19] Stephanopoulos to inaugurate exhibition on Thrace
Athens, 05/12/2000 (ANA)
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on Tuesday will
inaugurate the "Thrace 2000: 80 years of incorporation into Greece" at
the Eleftherios Venizelos hall of the Parliament building.
The exhibition showcases items borrowed from museums and personals
collections, providing the visitor with a historical promenade of the
region of Thrace since the ancient times.
[20] Larissa Modern Arts Center to house exhibition of prehistoric
murals discovered on Santorini
Athens, 05/12/2000 (ANA)
An exhibition of prehistoric Aegean painting will open in the city of
Larissa on Saturday and run until February 10, 2001.
The exhibition comprises 41 exact reproductions of ancient murals found
in prehistoric Akrotiri, an ancient city being excavated in the
district of Thera on Santorini, and will be housed in Larissas Modern
Arts Center.
Archaeologists estimate that the murals were painted in 1620 BC,
shortly before the city was destroyed by a massive volcanic eruption,
and are a valuable insight into the values and society of the early
Aegean world.
[21] Nascent Greek nat'l team debuts in Cyprus
Athens, 05/12/2000 (ANA)
The Greek national baseball team posted a win and a loss in its maiden
appearance during a tournament over the weekend in Cyprus -- its
historic official debut four years before the Athens 2004 Olympics.
Although baseball is "America's national past-time" and immensely
popular in Central America, the Caribbean and Far East, the game is
still relatively unknown in this Mediterranean country of 11 million
people.
In its first game, the Greek team defeated Cyprus 12-2, whereas it lost
to an Israeli team in existence for 10 years 12-4.
Along those lines, a first-ever baseball cup tournament - "Hellas 2000"
-- will get underway next weekend with 16 recently created teams
participating. The finals are set for Dec. 15-17.
Baseball is among the Olympic sports that Greece is obligated to field
a team for the upcoming Olympiad.
[22] Denktash should not be appeased, Cyprus government says
NICOSIA, 05/12/2000 (CNA/ANA)
The government will not tolerate any attempt to appease Turkish Cypriot
leader Rauf Denktash in the effort to see the UN-led proximity talks
continue into a new round, government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou
said here on Monday, adding that Denktash's threats to leave the talks
dominated today's meeting between the President and the UN envoy for
Cyprus.
He also said President Glafcos Clerides gave further clarifications on
some points discussed at the last round of talks in November in Geneva,
for which the UN Secretary General's Special Adviser for Cyprus Alvaro
de Soto had sought more details.
The UN envoy informed the President about his meetings in Athens and
Ankara, prior to his visit here, and they exchanged views on the
situation.
Papapetrou said the President and de Soto first had a private meeting,
followed by a working breakfast with the participation of members of
the Cypriot and the UN working teams to the talks.
The Spokesman said if need be, the President would see de Soto tomorrow
as well. Later today, the UN official is seeing Denktash, who has been
threatening not to return to the negotiating table unless his puppet
regime in Turkish occupied Cyprus is afforded international
recognition.
"Mr. de Soto is trying carry forward the peace process, following
Denktash's threats to leave the talks. We have made it abundantly clear
that we are not going to tolerate any attempt to pacify Denktash or any
yielding to his demands", Papapetrou stressed.
Replying to questions, the Spokesman said he had not established any
attempt to meet Denktash's terms.
"We gave clarifications on some non papers already discussed at the UN
peace talks. The debate among National Council members on other non
papers has not been completed, therefore we have submitted no comments
on these", Papapetrou told the press after the meeting.
He said the focus of today's working breakfast was Denktash's threats
to abandon the talks.
The Spokesman said de Soto did not seek a reply to the invitation to
talks from the President, noting that Clerides has made his position on
the matter clear.
Papapetrou said there was no reference to UN Secretary-General Kofi
Annan's report on his good offices mission and the renewal of UNFICYP's
six-monthly mandate, to be submitted today to the Security Council.
Replying to questions, he said it was very important for the government
to hear de Soto clarify once more that Annan's statement in Geneva on
November 8 reflects his own ideas and the way he understands the
parameters of a comprehensive solution.
De Soto has chaired five rounds of proximity talks, separate meeting
with the President and Denktash, since last December during which he
presented the two sides with numerous non papers on the four core
issues under discussion (constitution, security, territory,
property-refugees).
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied
its northern third.
[23] UN-led proximity talks should continue within defined parameters,
Kasoulides says
LARNACA, 05/12/2000 (CNA/ANA)
UN-led proximity talks should continue within the parameters defined by
the UN, Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides stressed here on Monday,
cautioning also everybody against any moves to satisfy demands of the
Turkish Cypriot side, which fall outside these parameters, or to change
these parameters.
Speaking on his departure for Brussels, Kasoulides called on the UN top
envoy for Cyprus Alvaro de Soto, currently visiting the island, to
clarify with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash his real intentions
as to his participation in the next round of talks in late January in
Geneva. Denktash has threatened not to go back to Geneva unless his
self-styled regime in Turkish occupied Cyprus is recognized as a
so-called state.
The UN Secretary General has invited the two sides to talks but he is
not expecting a reply now because, as de Soto has explained, there is
particular interest in special issues at present, Kasoulides said.
As he explained, the UN envoy was apparently referring to discussions
between Turkey and the European Union on the formers partnership
agreement and the interest of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides in
Kofi Annans report on Cyprus and the subsequent resolution the Security
Council is set to adopt on the matter.
What we would like to see is the continuation of the negotiations which
should carry on in accordance with the parameters set out in UN
Security Council resolution 1250,' Kasoulides said, recalling that
these provide for talks without any preconditions, all issues on the
table, talks until an agreement is reached and in full consideration of
UN resolutions.
The minister stressed that these parameters do not give the right to
either the UN or anybody else to 'satisfy any terms Denktash demands or
to make any changes other than those stipulated in those parameters.
Neither we, nor even more so the UN, can sideline these parameters, the
minister said.
Replying to questions, he said non-papers or ideas or statements made
by the UN at the proximity talks bear the same weight as far as the
negotiations are concerned.
What Annan put forward in writing in November in Geneva is not a
proposal that needs to be approved or rejected, Kasoulides said of an
11-page non paper outlining Annan's vision of what a comprehensive
settlement could be like.
The Foreign minister flew to Brussels to attend the biannual
ministerial meeting between Cyprus and the European Union.
On the sidelines of the meeting, he will have talks with the Belgian
minister responsible for European Affairs and high-ranking EU
commissioners.
Kasoulides will then join President Glafcos Clerides in Nice for the EU
summit.
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