A.N.A. Bulletin, 03/05/96

From: "Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada" <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 876), May 3, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Premier announces plans for Thrace to become 'Greece's springboard to the Balkans'

Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday announced the promotion of a model of development for eastern Macedonia and Thrace that would make a clean break with past practices and transform the area into Greece's springboard into the broader Balkan region.

"I come to Thrace today to present and promote a new development model for the area and the region. It is a model not based on the traditional logic of piecemeal promises and disbursements, which, supposedly, must make up for the abandonment of the area ," he said at the start of a three-day visit to the region at Alexandroupolis airport, at the head of an 11-strong ministerial team.

"This model is based on the development of infrastructures, the creation of much better living conditions, manpower training; it is based on the idea that development needs planning. We say no to piecemeal measures, and yes to long-term planning. On the basis of this planning, Thrace can become Greece's springboard in the area," he added.

Speaking at the Dimokrition University of Komotini later, the premier said the development of Thrace was a critical national priority, part of the government's vision and policy for a strong Greece.

Mr. Simitis addressed a message to Turkey, calling on it to realize in time that disputing Greece's sovereign rights led it down futile, fruitless and harsh paths. He said the defense of national independence and integrity was the other part of the government's strategy, and stressed that "our positions for Thrace and the Aegean are embedded in unshakable international treaties that fully safeguard our sovereign rights".

He added that in the face of expansionist designs on the part of others, the country was obliged to maintain a deterrent force.

Referring in detail to the new development model, he said its aims included lessening today's gap between the region and the rest of the country and Europe, buttressing it economically and socially (apart from a military and security aspect), a policy o f equality of rights and before the law, and the functional integration of the region in the planned inter-European networks.

The premier said the development of the region was based on the axes of the infrastructures (drawing double the resources per capita as the country's average), the balanced development between sectors and the five prefectures, and social development, with special emphasis on the co-existence between Christians and Moslems.

"The Greek state will secure the participation of all, Christians and Moslems, in the course towards development. Within this course, Thrace will be a model of equality before the law, multi-faceted cultural activity, religious freedom and participation in the common prosperity," he said.

In clear reference to a recent open debate on the rights of the Moslem minority by a US congressional committee, Mr. Simitis said "it would perhaps be more interesting if this model were debated before certain international committees, and provide an ex ample for corresponding policies and cases in other countries".

"The whole of the country and society must urgently be put into another orbit, so that we may soon build a strong Greece: A prosperous and proud Greece, integrated in a United Europe, and being a reference point and model for the whole region".

The prime minister will open the new Xanthi State Hospital today. The 300-bed hospital cost 12 billion drachmas and is expected to fully cover the needs of the Xanthi prefecture. Financing for the hospital came from both European Union and state funds.

The official opening ceremony will be attended by Health Minister Anastasios Peponis and other ministers and undersecretaries.

On Saturday, the prime minister will visit Drama, and then Ormenio, close to the Greek-Bulgarian border in the Evros prefecture, where he will speak on the prospects in the markets of Balkan and Black Sea countries.

Representatives of the Moslem minority of the Rodopi prefecture submitted a petition to Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday. The demands of the petition include the solving of the mufti issue according to the Athens Treaty of 1913 and the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne, as well as the issue of the management of Ottoman public property according to the Treaty of Lausanne and the reinstatement of a relevant law.

The petition also demanded the abolition of Article 19 of the Greek Nationality Code, while it stressed it is the minority's right to freely decide on its national identity.

[2] Bildt briefs Romeos on slow but promising start to consolidating peace in Bosnia

International mediator on the Bosnian issue and former Swedish prime minister Carl Bildt yesterday briefed Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos on the progress in implementing the Dayton peace agreement.

"It is a very difficult exercise, which Greece supports because it has greater interest than any other country in the restoration of peace and stability in the region," Mr. Romeos told reporters after talks with Mr. Bildt.

Mr. Romeos added that the present phase in the run-up to elections in Bosnia was the most difficult.

"Relative peace and security has been restored by the presence of the peacekeeping force, but we all believe that with the elections, the process for political stability must be completed and the Dayton agreement fully implemented.

"Greece is participating in all these processes as well as with a small contingent in the international peacekeeping force," Mr. Romeos said, adding that Athens would also be contributing funds "according to our means" for the reconstruction of Bosnia.

Mr. Bildt expressed satisfaction at the Greek government's support for the peace efforts in Bosnia, both at a military and financial level.

The international mediator said that great progress had been made in Bosnia in recent months and life in the country was beginning to return to normal.

"Despite this," he said, "there is still a long way to go to achieve the reconciliation that is going to be necessary to achieve the reintegration of the country and reconstruction of the economy. This is going to take many years, but a good start has been made...".

Replying to questions, Mr. Bildt said that the return of refugees and displaced persons was one of the essential elements of the peace process "and has really now started in earnest."

Mr. Bildt noted that much was happening on a small scale "but we also see major problems in larger movements of people... and three days ago even murders being committed on the inter-entity boundary line."

Expressing concern about the overall situation in Kosovo, Mr. Bildt said developments there had an impact "not only on Bosnia but on the region as a whole and on the future stability of Serbia."

"Serbia cannot be stable, prosperous and harmonious if it does not achieve reconciliation on the issue of Kosovo. Serbia cannot live as a normal European country in a state of continuous confrontation and repression in Kosovo. It is simply not going to be possible. And the sooner that is realized, the better," Mr. Bildt said.

[3] Ongoing occupation of Cyprus the main stumbling block to better relations with Ankara, Pangalos says

As long as the Turkish occupation of one third of Cyprus continues and Turkish troops remain on the island republic, there can be no climate of trust between Athens and Ankara, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos said here yesterday shortly after arriving on the island for a two-day official visit.

In statements at Larnaca airport, Mr. Pangalos said that it would be impossible for Greece and Turkey to reduce their military forces as long as the Cyprus problem remained unresolved.

The settlement of the Cyprus problem and the island's accession to the European Union should constitute the main foreign policy target of Hellenism as a whole, he said. Mr. Pangalos said he would be discussing international developments in general and their repercussions on efforts to find a settlement to the Cyprus problem and on Nicosia's goal of joining the EU.

His Cypriot counterpart, Alecos Michaelides, said his talks with Mr. Pangalos were being held at a particularly crucial time for Cyprus. The two foreign ministers will hold a press conference today before Mr. Pangalos returns to Athens.

Mr. Pangalos had official talks at the foreign ministry and visited the National Guard General Staff headquarters yesterday.

He was also due to have talks later in the day with political party leaders before attending a dinner in his honor later in the evening.

Today, Mr. Pangalos will be received by President Glafcos Clerides and the primate of the Cyprus church, Archbishop Chrysostomos.

Mr. Pangalos said he had not discussed the Cyprus problem with his Turkish counterpart, Emre Gonensay, during their acquaintance meeting on Saturday in Bucharest. He added that it had been a meeting without any negotiations or dialogue.

"Nor were all the issues raised which could have been, if relations between the two countries were normal," Mr. Pangalos said, clarifying that his conversation with Mr. Gonensay focused solely on Turkish territorial claims against Greece and specifically on the issue of the Aegean islet of Imia.

Mr. Pangalos said, however, that when the issue of the demilitarization of the Aegean islands was raised, he had told Mr. Gonensay that "the presence of Greek military forces on the islands is the result of the 'crisis of confidence' created in 1974 (i. e. when Turkish troops invaded Cyprus). Therefore, their removal means, apart from the settlement or the commencement of a settlement of all Greek-Turkish problems, the resolution of the Cyprus problem."

Replying to questions on his talks last week with US Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs John Kornblum, Mr. Pangalos said he had asked the US diplomat whether he based his optimism for progress in efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem on specific ideas or proposals on the part of Ankara. To Mr. Kornblum's reply that he had the impression that there was a positive climate, Mr. Pangalos said he observed that Turkey frequently created an artificial climate of optimism and good impressions.

He said he had underlined to Mr. Kornblum that the important thing was to see whether there was any substance, that is, specific positions and proposals, or whether Turkey was simply trying to make a good impression.

Mr. Pangalos added that Athens and Nicosia welcomed all efforts to "internationalize" the Cyprus problem and find a solution.

If President Bill Clinton intends to help find a solution, he went on, "we shall view it in a positive light, but we are waiting to see what the (US) initiative will be before taking a position on its content."

Turning to Cyprus' efforts to join the EU, Mr. Pangalos said that the island republic was now ready, from every point of view, to accede. "Cyprus in the EU would be a much more European country than Greece... because it has a flourishing economy, excellent economic indicators and an organized society," Mr. Pangalos said.

At the same time he warned that any attempt to use EU-Cyprus relations to pressure Athens into yielding to Turkey's aggressive designs would make Greece toughen its stance with respect to EU-Turkish relations.

Mr. Pangalos said that Greece's present stance regarding EU-Turkish relations was "the most moderate possible."

Mr. Pangalos will also meet House of Representatives President Alexis Galanos today and continue contacts with Cypriot party leaders. In the afternoon he will visit the demarcation line dividing the capital Nicosia, guided by Nicosia Mayor Lellos Demetriades.

[4] Defense doctrine

Mr. Pangalos yesterday called for "speedier co-operation" between Greece and Cyprus in the defense sector so that the island would be able to defend itself against any attack.

Mr. Pangalos was speaking following his visit to the headquarters of Cyprus's National Guard General Staff where he was briefed on defense issues.

Describing his briefing as "invaluable," Mr. Pangalos said basic conclusions were reached in the meeting with a view to continuing efforts for the unified defense doctrine between the two countries.

Asked if the Greek government was satisfied with the implementation of the doctrine, Mr. Pangalos said there were positive developments but urged greater efforts.

Asked to comment on the Israel-Turkey defense agreement, the Greek foreign minister said Israel had assured Athens that the agreement would not be used against Cyprus or Greece.

Concluding, Mr. Pangalos said that as long as the existing situation persisted in Cyprus, Greece was obliged to defend and create the conditions (for this defense) through alliances and its own efforts.

[5] EPP president Martens urges EU support for border nations

European Peoples' Party (EPP) president and former Belgian premier Wilfred Martens reiterated his view yesterday that Greece's borders constituted European Union boundaries.

Speaking at a joint press conference with main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert, on the sidelines of the EPP seminar which opened here earlier this week, Mr. Martens came out in favor of the strengthening and automatic support for EU member-states under threat.

He said this was one of the targets of the Community's common foreign policy and security policy.

The ways in which the target might be attained will be discussed at the inter-governmental conference (IGC).

Meanwhile, Mr. Martens declined to comment on the political situation in Greece, adding though that it was "absolutely logical for parties (in power) to change, as occurred recently in Spain." He also expressed his personal support for the election of Mr. Evert to Greece's premiership.

In referring to European developments, the EPP president noted that fulfillment of EU monetary union targets was of paramount importance, while concerning the issue of employment, he said: "Trust between social partners needs to be created."

Mr. Martens said he supported the transfer of responsibilities from national governments to the European Union, saying that in reality all the member-states will be strengthened, just as in the case of NATO. He also noted, however, that in terms of member-states' security and defense, EU nations should not relinquish their control.

The EPP president admitted what he called "the absence" of the European Union throughout the prolonged crisis in the former Yugoslavia, adding that the Union can make up for its failure on the issue by playing a significant role in Bosnia's reconstruction.

Concerning the issue of Cyprus' prospects for entrance into the 15-member EU, both Mr. Evert and Mr. Martens referred to the Community's commitment that the accession process, for both the island republic and Malta, will begin six months after the end o f the IGC.

[6] Evert: Turkish response to Greek goodwill 'disappointing'

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert lashed out at Turkey yesterday, accusing Ankara of indifference to international legality and European conceptions.

Speaking at a session of the International Democratic Union conference in Thessaloniki last night, Mr. Evert noted that ND supported Turkey's secular status and European orientation, and referred to goodwill gestures made by Greece towards Ankara but said that "the response from the Turkish side is disappointing."

Regarding the issue of the Aegean islet of Imia, Mr. Evert accused Turkey of "arbitrarily contesting Greek territory" and said a statement by the Turkish foreign minister in Bucharest was "opening new wounds with the prospect of new claims in the Aegean

Sea region and disputing the cornerstone of Greek-Turkish relations, the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne."

Mr. Evert called on Turkey "to comply with international law and international agreements and to help in finding a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue."

Addressing officials of the International Democratic Union, which contains center-right parties from all over the world and has former Swedish prime minister Carl Bildt as it president, Mr. Evert analyzed the situation in the Balkans and Kosovo in particular.

"Recent alarming messages come to support our past fears. A possible flare-up in Kosovo will have an effect in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and possibly in Albania," he said.

Mr. Evert also underlined dangers stemming from "the expansion of Islamism and the possible prevalence of the Communist Party in Russia in the forthcoming elections."

[7] ND favors dialogue with Ankara but not on all issues and not now

Main opposition New Democracy party spokesman Prokopis Pavlopoulos yesterday said the party's Political Council stood in favor of a Greek-Turkish dialogue, as long as this dialogue concerned specific issues and on the precondition that Ankara would respect Greece's territorial integrity and inviolable sovereign rights.

Mr. Pavlopoulos said the decision was unanimous.

He added, however, that the conditions for dialogue were not met at the present time, underlining that dialogue on all issues with Turkey was out of question.

The ND spokesman warned the government that a structured dialogue with Turkey, as well as negotiations on all issues, could not take place.

He remarked that the government "takes a tremendous responsibility in slipping into this dialogue".

Stressing that "the government should not waste time in settling internal party problems," Mr. Pavlopoulos called for the drafting of "a "long-term and nationally purposeful foreign policy."

"Despite (Turkish Prime Minister) Mesut Yilmaz's different kind of language, Turkey remains steadfast in its firm and legally unfounded positions, coming forward with new claims regarding the implementation of the Lausanne Treaty and speaking of 'gray areas'," he said.

Asked whether any members of the Political Council expressed opposing views during the meeting, Mr. Pavlopoulos said "the stated views led to consensus."

Mr. Pavlopoulos did not wish to elaborate further on the issue, adding that ND leader Miltiades Evert would present the unanimous views of the Political Council and ND's proposals on May 6 in Parliament during a debate at party leader level.

Party parliamentary spokesman and former minister George Souflias said the meeting was "fruitful, useful and substantive."

New Political Council member former premier George Rallis, who attended his first meeting yesterday, refused to make a statement.

Asked to comment on Mr. Rallis' presence at the meeting, Mr. Pavlopoulos said that the former premier's "status and sound judgment were an element of ND's formulation of policy in the present and in the future."

[8] Government denies Kurdish terrorists being trained in Greece

The government yesterday dismissed as "slander" Turkish claims that Kurdish terrorists were being trained in Greece.

"Athens categorically rejects such claims, since they have not the slightest basis in truth," government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said. Replying to questions on a recently issued US State Department report on terrorism (which referred to the Turkish claims), Mr. Reppas said it was a "domestic document" of the US which was issued annually. Mr. Reppas meanwhile said the government had no knowledge of a plan, attributed by the Athens daily 'Elefthterotypia' to former US assistant secretary of state Richard Holbrooke, referring to the existence of so-called "gray areas" in the Aegean.

Commenting on recent statements by Turkish Premier Mesut Yilmaz, Mr. Reppas said that Greece was proposing specific rules for peaceful co-existence between Athens and Ankara.

Greece, he added, respects these rules "but so far Turkey has not expressed its desire for peaceful co-existence."

[9] Greece stresses need for self-sufficient development at UNCTAD conference

During the United Nations Trade and Development Conference (UNCTAD) which took place here on April 30, the Greek delegation expressed the need for "the support of our country in the beginning of co-operation for self-sufficient development between developed and developing countries, with the aim of the former's integration into world economy."

The Greek delegation was headed by Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Stelios Perrakis, while the national economy ministry was represented by International Economic Relations Secretary-General Nikos Zahariadis.

During his speech, Mr. Perrakis referred to the need for UNCTAD to adapt to new international economic and political conditions which have developed in order to be able to fulfill its important role.

During their stay in Johannesburg, the two secretary-generals met with expatriate Greek businessmen and were received by Johannesburg Metropolitan Pavlos, with whom they discussed issues concerning the local Orthodox church. Mr. Perrakis extended an invitation to South African President Nelson Mandela to visit Greece.

[10] Strikes shut down archaeological sites

The archaeological sites of Santorini, Knossos (Crete), Ancient Olympia and the Lindos Acropolis (Rhodes) will be closed today as culture ministry employees go on strike to demand pay increases and their inclusion in the process of drafting of a bill on t he protection of cultural heritage.

The nationwide federation of culture ministry employees' unions also plan to hinder renovation works on the Athens Acropolis on Monday and Tuesday and extend the strike to the Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum and the archaeological sites of Corinth and Mycenae. The federation has warned the strikes would continue indefinitely if their demands are not met.

The ministry's administrative and financial services, as well as its LOTTO office, will also be closed today due to the strike.

[11] Mitsotakis stresses need for self-sacrifice in political life

Main opposition New Democracy honorary president and former premier Constantine Mitsotakis said Greece needed a "united political forum that would be embodied with a spirit of self-sacrifice" to express the healthy and creative forces of the nation.

He made the statement to the Greek business magazine "Indu-strial Review" who quoted him as denouncing the scenarios of a national unity government in which Mr. Mitsotakis would have the opportunity to play a leading role.

Mr. Mitsotakis said that such "a difficult, ungraceful task necessitating political self-sacrifice, stability and consistency can not be achieved through national unity formations, party alliances and collaboration."

"Unfortunately the guards of statism have reinforced their position after the '93 change of leadership in the party and today affect party policy to a great extent," he said, in indirect criticism of party leader Miltiades Evert.

He further expressed concern that "there are many vague points regarding crucial choices which need to be made in the main opposition party."

He said that ND should be more courageous in its decisions adding that the party was in a position to carry out a restructuring program for the Greek economy "with much greater credibility and consistency than the present government."

The former premier criticized the Simitis government saying that the economy was on the wrong path and that there was no hope for improvement, adding that "in domestic issues and structural changes which will be determining Greece's course, the government is mocking the Greek people."

Referring to the casino issue, Mr. Mitsotakis said the fact that the government refused to honor the commitments which it itself had made was "outrageous," adding that "such a decision may be concealing other factors beyond political opposition."

Turning to other issues, Mr. Mitsotakis said the prime minister was faced with internal party difficulties and said he was "hostage to party mechanisms".

Reviewing his three years in office, 1990-1993, Mr. Mitsotakis acknowledged the fact that mistakes were made and there were delays in privatization, but said that the work which was carried out was very important.

He said "internal undermining played a catalytic role and led our efforts to political defeat."

[12] Reppas: Meeting at Avgerinos home 'not news'

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas yesterday played down the importance of a gathering at PASOK Eurodeputy Paraskevas Avgerinos' residence Sunday night, where guests included Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Development Minister Vasso Papandreou, and General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) president Christos Protopapas.

"The prime minister's social life cannot be a source of news. He meets with many party members and exchanges views," he said.

Referring to a government statement Monday, that the government does not get involved in different views expressed by members concerning the forthcoming party congress, and replying to reporters' questions, Mr. Reppas said he faced no problems in his relations with the prime minister.

Commenting on Labor and Social Security Minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos' statement Tuesday, that Governor of the Bank of Greece Lucas Papademos' recent call for a reduction in public expenditure was strict, but social policy had to be implemented, Mr. Reppas said the governor enjoyed the government's confidence, while Mr. Yiannopoulos had expressed his known social sensitivity.

[13] Yiannopoulos warns of dangers to party unity

Meanwhile, Mr. Yiannopoulos warned yesterday that establishing the position of a Vice-President in PASOK may jeopardize party unity.

"In my judgment, such a position is inadvisable," he said, adding that if Prime Minister Costas Simitis stood as a candidate and was defeated, there would be a political problem.

"In his position, I would resign," he said, adding that he was opposed to dual leadership.

"We do not need a Vice-President. Let the Executive Bureau listen to what our people outside say," he said.

He added that "the whole of the Executive Bureau as it stands today, expresses neither the Central Committee, nor PASOK's popular base".

Referring to speculation about early elections, he said, "anyone thinking, proposing, or threatening early elections is a fool".

[14] Fuel prices up, as international prices increase $14

The Public Petroleum Corporation (DEP) announced that as of yesterday gasoline retail sale prices increased by 3.40 drachmas per liter, while the price of diesel motor oil decreased by 2.25 drachmas per liter and that of diesel heating oil by 1.70 drachmas per liter.

According to DEP, an increase in the price of gasoline was unavoidable since in the past week its international price increased by $14.60 per metric ton and the dollar parity with the drachma also increased by one drachma per dollar, while the favorable development in the price of diesel oil was due to a corresponding reduction in the international price of diesel oil by $9 per metric ton.

With the new increase in the international prices of petroleum products and the adjustment of refinery prices, the new maximum consumer prices for gasoline (super and unleaded) in force from midnight yesterday and for the three zones are the following:

In zone A super will cost 224 drachmas per liter and unleaded 208 drachmas per liter.

In B zone (Crete, Thrace, Ionian Islands and Ioannina) super will cost 227 drachmas per liter and unleaded 211 drachmas per liter.

In C zone (Dodecanese, Aegean Islands, Cyclades, Paxoi and Antipaxoi) super will cost 229 drachmas per liter and unleaded 213 drachmas per liter.

In D zone (VAT 13 per cent) 219 drachmas per liter.

The profit margins for companies and gasoline station owners remain unchanged.

The indicative retail sale prices in Athens and Thessaloniki are set at 219 drachmas per liter for super and 203 drachmas per liter for unleaded.

The consumer price for motor oil will decrease by 2.25 drachmas per liter.

[15] Continuous checks by development ministry

Due to continuous increases in international petroleum prices, the development ministry said it would continue and intensify controls in the fuel market, adding that the effort to contain prices could become more effective if consumers themselves exercised their right in choosing the cheapest gasoline stations and more specifically in Athens and Thessaloniki where prices are determined by the market and considerable differences exist from one station to another.

Commissioner for energy issues Christos Papoutsis told reporters yesterday, that due to pressure on fuel prices on the international scene "there will be a difficult period for Greece."

"In this context every government, and the Greek one of course, must take necessary measures, also taking into consideration corresponding pressures exerted in the domestic market, but without breaking away from mandates contained in European Union programs," he added.

[16] National Bank goes ahead with organizational restructuring

The National Bank of Greece is proceeding with an organizational restructuring of shareholding stakes and a disengagement from non-financial holdings in other concerns.

Bank governor Theodoros Karatzas told a press conference yesterday that it had been decided to sell Vafeia Finistiria Iliofin, and Hellenic Tourist Works, which owns 160 hectares of land in Tatoi, north of Athens.

The bank also intends to introduce Chemical Industries of Northern Greece and Ethniki Leasing in the Athens Stock Exchange, to merge Ethniki Porfolio Investment Company with International Portfolio Investment Company, and Ethniki Asfalistiki with Asfalistiki ETEBA, after a buyout of the latter by the former.

The above, said Mr. Karatzas, were only the beginning, and others would soon follow.

Referring to the 1995 results, he announced that profits stood at 41.4 billion drachmas, as compared to 50.2 billion for 1994.

The dividend per share which management will propose at the general shareholders' meeting will amount to 1,050 drachmas, he added.

The bank's assets amounted to 8,359 billion drachmas on December 31, 1995, up 16.1 per cent. Loans were 1,838 billion, up 18.5 per cent, and own capital stood at 243.1 billion drachmas, up 9.1 per cent.

[17] Vartholomeos plans to visit US next year

Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos will visit the US in the second half of 1997, according to an announcement issued by the Phanar at the end of a visit by clergymen who are members of the Archdiocese's Exarchal Synod and the Executive Committee of the Holy Archdiocese of North and South America's Archdiocese Council.

The announcement said the Ecumenical Patriarch will participate in festivities marking the 75th anniversary of the Holy Archdiocese of North and South America and the 60th anniversary of the Boston Holy Cross Holy Theological Academy.

The members of the Executive Committee and the Ecumenical Patriarchate's Holy Synod discussed issues related to the "transitional period" experienced by the Holy Archdiocese of America "in light of the departure from active service of reverend Archbishop Iakovos in three months' time", the announcement said.

[18] News in Brief

- Main opposition New Democracy issued a statement yesterday on the occasion of the International Day of Press Freedom, saying the day's observance recalls past autocratic situations and the struggle to ensure basic human rights. "Today we can be satisfied," the ND statement reads, "because in our country freedom of the press is respected. And all disseminators of public opinion, regardless, on a national or local level exercise their profession unhindered and free. "A few obviously tragic incidents especially against mass media broadcasters do not overturn that reality," the statement added.

- Value added tax (VAT) revenues posted a 19.85 per cent increase during the first three-month period this year, reaching almost 176 billion drachmas, while in the corresponding period last year revenues totaled close to 146 billion drachmas. During the first 1996 trimester, revenues from special consumer taxes increased by 19.17 per cent, topping the 356 billion drachmas mark, while in the corresponding period last year special consumer tax revenues fell just short of 299 billion drachmas, according to figures released yesterday by the finance ministry.

- An earthquake measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale shook the prefectures of Ioannina and Thesprotia at 9pm last night. The epicenter was located 20 kilometers west of Ioannina, and no injuries or damages were reported.

End of English language section.