Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-01-23

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1096), January 23, 1997

Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[01] All-night intense Gov't activity targets end to seamen's strike

[02] SEB president cites economic damage from farmers' blockades

[03] Simitis says Baykal comments at Rome council expose Ankara's aggressiveness

[04] Gov't spokesman comments on Turkish statements

[05] Romanian FM in Athens today

[06] Greece to assume command of S-FOR unit containing Greek contingent

[07] State Dept. denies asking for moratorium in Aegean

[08] Bakoyianni holds contacts with US officials in Washington

[09] Gen. Tzoganis to visit Albania next month

[10] Pangalos briefs Tsovolas on foreign policy issues

[11] Resumed farmers' blockades threatened

[12] Arsenis, teachers' meeting proves fruitless

[13] Draft bill on ministerial responsibility approved by committee

[14] Diplomatic corps honored at presidential mansion reception

[15] Constantopoulos scheduled to visit Cyprus

[16] FM employees on strike today

[17] New improved cigarette filter to be introduced on Feb. 1

[18] Greek ambassador in Tirana confirms Berisha visit to Athens

[19] EU considers compensation for slaughtered livestock excessive

[20] Drachma slide eases against foreign currencies in 1996

[21] Metro consortium says project ready by 2000, if problems are timely solved

[22] Xenia '97 opens

[23] Prospects for Athens bourse outlined

[24] Ouzo producer sold to French multi-national

[25] Tourist arrivals expected to rebound in '97

[26] Athens' budget ratified

[27] ND condemns V. Papandreou's comments during testimony on Floisvos case

[28] Turkish tax officials conduct surprise audit on ethnic Greek hospital

[29] Turkish immigrant smuggler convicted

[01] All-night intense Gov't activity targets end to seamen's strike

Athens, 23/01/1997 (ANA)

Prime Minister Costas Simitis upon arrival from Rome yesterday met with Merchant Marine Minister Stavros Soumakis, finance and labor undersecretaries George Drys and Christos Protopapas, respectively, focusing problems created by the strike, which has been declared "illegal and abusive" by a Piraeus court. After the meeting the three ministers held contacts with the Panhellenic Seamen's Federation (PNO) at the merchant marine ministry. PNO representatives were at presstime due to decide on whether to continue their strike.

At the same time, serious problems have been reported in the supply of goods and medicines on Greek islands, while about 1,000 Greek truck drivers are stranded at the Italian port of Brindisi.

Meanwhile, a nationwide 24-hour strike today by the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) to protest the government's tax bill is expected to affect the country's private and public sectors, with widespread disruptions forecast in transportation services.

Municipal buses will not run from the beginning of the normal shift today until 9 a.m., and from 10 p.m. until the end of the day's shift (12 midnight).

Trolleys and the electric train will remain in depots and stations from the beginning of the shift until 9 a.m., while a work stoppage will be held by Olympic Airways employees from 12 noon until 3 p.m. Railway services will be suspended during the entire 24 hours.

GSEE and the Athens Labor Center have organized a protest rally at 10 a.m. in central Athens.

The main demands put by GSEE are the index-linking of tax brackets to inflation and the increase - to 2 million drachmas - of tax-free income.

Pensioners and workers in Kavala prefecture and the regions of Thrace and eastern Macedonia will also participate in mobilizations and are expected to rally the streets of Kavala at 10 a.m.

Thessaloniki workers will also rally at 10 a.m. at one of Thessaloniki's central squares.

A three-hour work stoppage from 12 noon to 4 p.m. will also be held in Thessaloniki by the workers at Thessaloniki's Urban Transport Organization.

Commenting on the strikes and mobilizations, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas told reporters that the government was dealing with the problems facing the workers and employees with responsibility and was focusing efforts on finding solutions.

Calling for "self-control and respect to society's operation rules," Mr. Reppas said there was still "hope for understanding."

He also lashed out against main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert, accusing him of "adopting demands independently of the consequences these may have on the country in an effort to escape the serious problems he is facing within his party."

The ND leader told reporters on Tuesday that the strikes were triggered by people's indignation "stemming from fake pre-election promises on the part of the government and the lack of dialogue."

Regarding former premier and ND honorary president Constantine Mitsotakis' statements on Tuesday, the spokesman said the government responded to its obligations with prudence.

Mr. Mitsotakis said the government was watching the strikes "as a mere spectator."

Asked as to whether Prime Minister Costas Simitis will visit Thessaly to meet with farmers' representatives, Mr. Reppas said Mr. Simitis had the intention of visiting the area.

Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos requested a meeting with the premier to forward his party's views on the issue.

Commenting on the on going seamen's and teachers' strikes, the president of the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI), Dimitris Tsovolas, said that instead of giving solution to the problems facing the seamen and teachers, the government was systematizing "natural reactions within society," and using outdated and anti-democratic tactics against the strikers.

In a related development, farmers in Irakleio, Crete, were expected to meet last night to discuss the problems that have arisen as a result of the seamen's strike, which has particularly hurt Crete's farmers.

The 10-day blockade has now affected the supply of produce to markets in Crete.

[02] SEB president cites economic damage from farmers' blockades

Athens, 23/01/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Stratos expressed concern over repercussions new mobilizations by farmers will have for Greek businesses. He said farmers' mobilizations were not in line with the law and were unjustified with respect to their application, even if their demands are just.

SEB presented figures claiming that the damage for industry by the blockading of national motorways in November and December resulted in a decrease of industrial production amounting to 62 billion drachmas, or 0.8 per cent of total industrial production for 1996 and countering increased trends in production in relation to 1995.

Some 208,000 daily wages (representing remuneration for workers amounting to two billion drachmas) were also lost, while a decrease in the delivery of goods totaled 155 billion drachmas (90 billion drachmas on the domestic front and 65 billion drachmas abroad) which, according to Mr. Stratos, is already creating serious liquidity problems for many businesses.

He added that businesses, particularly export-oriented firms, are facing an increased risk of losing customers permanently and even more so if blockades of motorways is repeated.

He also expressed opposition to the dockworkers' strike, stressing that it harms the country's image and the competitiveness of Greek products abroad.

[03] Simitis says Baykal comments at Rome council expose Ankara's aggressiveness

Rome, 23/01/1997 (ANA - S. Aravopoulou/L. Hatzikyriakos)

Speaking at a press conference in Rome at the end of the two-day meeting, Mr. Simitis added that the address by the leader of Turkey's Republican People's Party had been "highly illuminating" for those present.

Mr. Simitis said Mr. Baykal had not taken into consideration the sensitivity of Socialist International members on matters relating to peace.

Mr. Baykal claimed at the meeting yesterday that Cyprus' accession to the European Union was tantamount to a union with Greece, while Nicosia's plans to deploy Russian-made anti-aircraft missiles was an effort by the Greek Cypriots to dominate the Turkish Cypriots.

Mr. Simitis praised Cypriot socialist EDEK party leader Vassos Lyssarides, who replied to Mr. Baykal, saying his positions were an affront to the Socialist International.

Mr. Lyssarides added that Mr. Baykal could not give lessons to the EU on the accession of its members and that Turkey could not have a different position concerning its own defense system and the corresponding systems of other countries.

In a related development, former Spanish socialist prime minister Felipe Gonzalez told Greek reporters that he personally believed that the Socialist International could influence Turkey to implement UN resolutions on Cyprus.

In later remarks, Mr. Simitis referred to issues discussed at the council, such as the Middle East issue, the situation in former Yugoslavia and the implementation of the Dayton agreement, as well as the situation in Africa, and primarily in the region of the great lakes. He also commented on the Socialist International's future course and reshaping.

Mr. Simitis said the discussion concerned an assessment by socialist parties of the overall course of international relations in the world with the main target being peace, stability, security, protection for human rights and democracy.

"We as Greece have supported policies promoting stability and peace. For example, in connection with the Middle East issue we stressed that it is necessary to have the dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis continued and that agreements signed should be implemented for peace to be consolidated in the region," Mr. Simitis said.

[04] Gov't spokesman comments on Turkish statements

Athens, 23/01/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Reppas made the statement when asked to comment on threats on Tuesday by Turkish Premier Necmettin Erbakan and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

Mr. Erbakan said that Turkish warships would soon be sent to the occupied part of Cyprus as an expression of support for the illegal Turkish Cypriot regime.

"With their statements, the Turkish officials create additional difficulties for efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus problem, but also for Turkey itself," Mr. Reppas said. Commenting on Nicosia's missile deployment plans, Mr. Reppas said it was not possible for a country not to prepare its defense "particularly when history has shown this to be absolutely imperative".

Meanwhile, the spokesman rejected Athens newspaper reports yesterday claiming that Cyprus and Greece had planned a joint military exercise for the end of March. "There has been no such planning," Mr. Reppas said.

Preparations for joint Greek-Cypriot exercises - dubbed "Toxotis"- are proceeding normally, while another exercise is expected to be held by August, after consultation with the Cypriot leadership, sources at the national defense ministry said.

The same sources said that the visit by Turkish warships to the occupied part of Cyprus created no cause for concern, nor was there any need for Greek navy vessels to go to ports on the island republic.

The sources were commenting on reports that a Turkish frigate, escorted by two or three auxiliary vessels, would head to the occupied northern part of Cyprus on Friday.

The visit posed no danger to Hellenism on Cyprus, the sources added.

[05] Romanian FM in Athens today

Athens, 23/01/1997 (ANA)

Bilateral relations and the situation in the Balkans will be discussed.

[06] Greece to assume command of S-FOR unit containing Greek contingent

Athens, 23/01/1997 (ANA)

This will take place after the withdrawal of the Belgian contingent which heads the unit now. The unit also comprises contingents from Austria and Luxembourg.

The Greek contingent will be further strengthened, the same sources added.

[07] State Dept. denies asking for moratorium in Aegean

Washington, 23/01/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Replying to questions, Mr. Burns said that State Department's southern Europe bureau chief Carey Cavanaugh had not asked the Cypriot and Greek governments during his recent visit to the area to extend a proposed moratorium of military flights over Cyprus to the Aegean.

Referring to the Aegean, he said:

"Our positions regarding the Aegean are known. We think that Greece and Turkey must jointly identify the steps for a reduction in tension, the conflict between them and their antagonism in the Aegean. If they wish to have the US as a partner in this process, we would be ready to do it."

Referring to the recent increase in tension arising from the increased procurement of weapons in the region, he said: "Turkey has defense needs, as do Greece and Cyprus. We considered that the purchase of the anti-aircraft missiles (by Cyprus from Russia) does not help the efforts for peace."

In a related development, newly appointed US Defense Secretary Bill Cohen told a Congressional committee on Bosnia that a Greek-Turkish war would pose a threat to vital US interests which could not be ignored.

"We know that if the war were allowed to spread south; if Greece and Turkey were entangled and destabilization spread, we might have found a vital national interest threatened and a need to respond with a much greater force," he said.

[08] Bakoyianni holds contacts with US officials in Washington

Washington, 23/01/199 (ANA - A. Ellis)

The former culture minister held talks with Assistant Secretary of State John Kornblum, with whom she discussed, among others, NATO's enlargement, as well as with members of the White House National Security Council, Alexander Versbau and Richard Sifter. She also met with the heads of the Greece, Cyprus and Turkey bureaus at the State Department, with whom she discussed latest developments in the region.

The US officials reportedly told Ms Bakoyianni that in their view the time the Cypriot government chose to sign the agreement to purchase Russian-made S-300 anti-aircraft missiles was "mistaken" and presented her with the need for confidence-building measures to be implemented, such as the moratorium for flights over Cyprus.

Ms Bakoyianni also met with the diplomatic editors of the newspapers "Washington Post" and "Washington Times."

Ruling PASOK party deputy Telemahos Hytiris was also in Washington over the past few days. The former press minister attended US President Bill Clinton's swearing in ceremony and met with members of the Democratic Party.

[09] Gen. Tzoganis to visit Albania next month

Athens, 23/01/1997 (ANA)

Meanwhile, the same sources said that the all-service map exercise code-named "Alexandros" will be held in early February, and last seven days. The sources added that Greece and Israel might hold joint military exercises during the year following a gradual strengthening in relations between the armed forces of the two countries.

[10] Pangalos briefs Tsovolas on foreign policy issues

Athens, 23/01/1997 (ANA)

Referring to the Greek-Cyprus joint defense doctrine, he said that Athens and Nicosia should jointly decide on developments on the island republic.

Meanwhile, sources close to DHKKI said Mr. Tsovolas was concerned over developments in Greece's national issues.

According to the same sources, Mr. Tsovolas believes that the United States and several European countries will increase pressure for a solution to the Cyprus problem and to differences with Turkey.

Regarding the Skopje issue, Mr. Tsovolas said Greece should not accept the solution of a composite name.

[11] Resumed farmers' blockades threatened

Athens, 23/01/1997 (ANA)

The decision signals the return to dynamic mobilizations that erupted late last year, and which brought the country to a near standstill with the blockade of national highways and rail lines.

"There will be escalation of mobilizations if the government does not proceed to substantive dialogue," the committee warned in announcing its decision.

Other action calls for protesting farmers to assemble tractors in village squares on Feb. 3, with a view to blockading roads.

The dates are thought to be indicative of an intention to coordinate action with protesting farmers from Thessaly, who have already announced a beginning of mobilizations on Jan. 28.

[12] Arsenis, teachers' meeting proves fruitless

Athens, 23/01/1997 (ANA)

Most teachers' representatives insisted that if increases of 70,000 drachmas a month are not granted the strike will continue.

Mr. Arsenis proposed the conversion of allowances for extra-curricular work into overtime pay so that it may be subject to increases and adjustments according to inflation. The increases in basic pay asked by the teachers have been ruled out by the government. A further meeting was also expected last night, in the presence of a finance ministry official.

[13] Draft bill on ministerial responsibility approved by committee

Athens, 23/01/1997 (ANA)

[14] Diplomatic corps honored at presidential mansion reception

Athens, 23/01/1997 (ANA)

Earlier, President Stephanopoulos received Romanian Foreign Minister Adrian Severin, who will have talks with Mr. Simitis and Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos today. It was also disclosed that Mr. Simitis will receive U S ambassador to Athens Thomas Niles today.

[15] Constantopoulos scheduled to visit Cyprus

Athens, 23/01/1997 (ANA)

[16] FM employees on strike today

Athens, 23/01/1997 (ANA)

[17] New improved cigarette filter to be introduced on Feb. 1

Athens, 23/01/1997 (ANA)

The three university professors unveiled their discovery to Greek and foreign newsmen at a press conference organized by the Greek Cooperative Tobacco Industry (SEKAP), the first cigarette producer in the world to introduce the "bio-filter" in its brands - expected for release on Feb. 1.

The researchers had announced details of their discovery at an international symposium last week.

As previously reported, the "bio-filter" resembles conventional cigarette filters in appearance, but its reportedly more innovative design screens out short-lived carcinogens that ordinary filters do not.

Athens University physiology professor Ioannis Stavridis said the basic component of the bio-filter is hemoglobin (the body's oxygen-carrier), which is found in the active carbon channels in pre-determined conditions of moisture and pH.

Its components provide effective protection from the solid phase of smoke (tar) as well as from the gas phase (oxygen free radicals, nitric oxide and its derivatives), without altering the taste of the cigarette and its aromatic elements.

The philosophy of the filter is simple, Prof. Stavridis says, and is based on the principle that free radicals react only with iron in the form in which it is found in the lung cells. Thus, before reaching the lung the filter, which contains iron bound to the heme of hemoglobin, acts as an artificial lung where all the reactions take place. In this way, the carcinogenic substances are trapped by the filter or neutralized, while those not trapped never make it to the lung due to their extremely short life-span (millionths of a second).

Prof. George Delikonstantinos, explaining the action mechanism of the filter, said the carcinogenic nitrozocompounds are blocked out, while the benzopyrene - one of the most powerful carcinogens - is metabolized and retained in the filter. He particularly stressed the biological filter's contribution to protecting passive smokers.

Tests run among volunteers, he said, showed that the smoke exhaled from a cigarette with a biological filter is 40 times less toxic with respect to a quantity of oxygen free radicals and noxious nitrogen oxides.

On his part, Prof. Stephanos Geroulanos pointed out that at least 4,000 hazardous substances are freed with each puff on a cigarette, and despite the fact that tar and nicotine are considered as the main "culprits", there are many more substances that are equally hazardous, such as nitrogen monoxide, which when it enters the lungs activates the olveolar microphases, which in turn produce thousands to hundreds of thousands of free radicals. The more this figure rises, the easier the lung is destroyed, a s emphysema is created.

The biological filter reduces all these substances by more than 70 per cent.

Ilias Seitanidis, the chairman of SEKAP, called on tobacco industries around the world to use the bio-filter in order to protect smokers and "passive smokers."

"Take our invention and use it," he said, adding that "we are not encouraging non-smokers to start smoking, but we are saying that those who do smoke could protect their health".

[18] Greek ambassador in Tirana confirms Berisha visit to Athens

Gjirokaster, 23/01/1997 (ANA - P. Barkas)

According to Mr. Prevedourakis, Mr. Berisha is due to visit Greece in March. His visit follows President Kostis Stephanopoulos' visit to Albania last March.

Noting that Athens wished that Mr. Berisha could visit Greece at an earlier date, Mr. Prevedourakis said the Albanian president's visit to Greece "is serious, and a serious outcome is expected of it."

He noted that Prime Minister Costas Simitis will also visit Tirana.

Reiterating that Greek-Albanian relations were undergoing "a period of grace," Mr. Prevedourakis also stressed the need to reinforce relations between the two countries.

In comments concerning a recent "pyramid" style fraud case, he said: "We hope (the fraud and its consequences) will not lead to peoples' unrest and political instability of such dimensions so as to lead the country backwards.

"Such a development," he added, "would lead to an increase in illegal immigrants waves to Greece..."

[19] EU considers compensation for slaughtered livestock excessive

Athens, 23/01/1997 (ANA)

The EU may also implement sanctions on individuals who assessed the damage and seek a continuation of the "quarantine."

Thousands of livestock animals have been slaughtered in the prefectures of Kavala, Xanthi, Rhodopi, and Evros.

[20] Drachma slide eases against foreign currencies in 1996

Athens, 23/01/1997 (ANA)

The corresponding depreciation figures for 1994 were 5.0 per cent and 5.6 per cent respectively, while in 1995, 3.36 per cent and 4.35 per cent.

According to KEEM, the drachma depreciated against all EU member-state currencies in December 1996 compared to the previous month.

The extent of the drachma's loss in value ranged between 0.02 (Swedish krona) and 3.5 per cent (pound sterling).

[21] Metro consortium says project ready by 2000, if problems are timely solved

Athens, 23/01/1997 (ANA)

The metro officials also said that any differences between the Greek government and the consortium will be dealt with within the framework of the existing agreement.

According to the representatives, prior to determining additional costs, technical solutions must be found to these problems. They added that they believe the added costs will be equally shared by the consortium and the state.

[22] Xenia '97 opens

Athens, 23/01/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Soumakis said his ministry contributed actively in the nation's tourism development through efforts to upgrade ports around the country.

Xenia '97 is held under the auspices of the development ministry and the Greek Tourism Organization.

[23] Prospects for Athens bourse outlined

Athens, 23/01/1997 (ANA)

Some of the problems still facing the ASE, he said, included a lack of specialized, experienced personnel on the administrative committee, as well as delays in distributing information on companies' financial status. In addition, the fact that there are a large number of companies (230) with small numbers of shares has resulted in a lower liquidation of shares, which translates into a large gap between buying and selling prices. This, he added, was not representative of the existing supply and demand.

Moreover, the market had been given a bad name by the considerable speculation resulting from the small number of liquidations, combined with the existence of unjustified fluctuations of trading of shares (plus or minus 8 per cent).

However, with a larger number of specialist personnel joining its management, along with the distribution of quarterly financial reports to begin in fall 1997, Mr. Pilavios felt the ASE's prospects would improve.

"With an improvement of the infrastructure of the (ASE), higher liquidity and lower interest rates, a new market will emerge which will attract growth companies," he predicted, noting the importance of the entrance of shipping and insurance companies to the future of the bourse.

In the long-term, Mr. Pilavios believes that after the introduction of the Euro, larger European companies will be attracted to the idea of a unified European stock market, with smaller companies joining regional stock exchanges with limited investments .

"The Greek stock exchange seems secure as long as the Greek economy is able to catch up with the rest of the economies of other European Union members," he concluded.

[24] Ouzo producer sold to French multi-national

Athens, 23/01/1997 (ANA)

"The administrations of the Pernod-Ricard group and the Epom company announce that a co-operation agreement has been concluded in principle and in the framework of which the Pernod-Ricard group, through its subsidiary SEGM, will participate in the share capital of Epom, and at the same time it will proceed through its international distribution network to develop the company's ouzo products, and in particular, the ouzo Mini..." an announcement read.

The announcement further said that the only obstacle remaining to finalize the deal is its approval by the development ministry's competition committee.

The company's price-tag, according to reports, was approximately five billion drachmas, while the entire deal was concluded only two days ago when representatives of the French multinational company visited installations in Mytilene.

[25] Tourist arrivals expected to rebound in '97

Athens, 23/01/1997 (ANA)

On the basis of conservative estimates, ITEP, which belongs to the Hoteliers' Chamber of Greece and is headed by Athens University professor Panayiotis Pavlopoulos, says the increase in tourist arrivals will be in the order of 8 to 10 per cent in relation to 1996.

If realized, it is estimated that the corresponding increase in foreign exchange receipts will amount to US$ 500 million, with a 1 per cent increase in national income - about one-third of the expected GDP increase.

It is also projected that tourists from the emerging markets of central and eastern Europe will especially contribute to the increase, while the lifting of the embargo on the former Yugoslavia alone could result in a 5 per cent (roughly 500,000) rise in arrivals.

According to reports, the favorable estimates are already reflected in a surge in contracts between foreign tour operators and Greek hoteliers.

[26] Athens' budget ratified

Athens, 23/01/1997 (ANA)

The 1997 budget totals 114.64 billion drachmas as opposed to 107.44 billion in 1996.

"The budget has been drawn up with sincerity and aims at improving the quality of life of the Athenians," Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos said in his address.

Leaders of opposition groupings said the budget was false and voiced criticism over the municipality's expenditures on public relations and communication.

[27] ND condemns V. Papandreou's comments during testimony on Floisvos case

Athens, 23/01/1997 (ANA)

The minister testified before the committee on Tuesday, yesterday distributed a written statement referring to suspect bank accounts held by members of the committee. During her testimony, she also described as a "glaring illegality" a joint decision by Environment Minister Costas Laliotis and then tourism minister Dionysis Livanos setting out the planning terms for the casino.

On his part, ND party leader Miltiades Evert accused Ms Papandreou of losing her cool and attempting to blackmail and threaten the members of the committee.

"The blackmail is phenomenal, and what Ms Papandreou did is immoral. She should be called to the chamber and provide explanations," he said.

Meanwhile, two ND members on the committee, Belos and Kassimis, threatened to file lawsuits against the minister. In addition, Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis said he found the minister's hints somewhat peculiar.

[28] Turkish tax officials conduct surprise audit on ethnic Greek hospital

Istanbul, 23/01/1997 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

A three-member team from the Istanbul central revenue service, and not the local revenue service, under whose jurisdiction the largest Greek foundation in Istanbul belongs, wanted to examine in detail the foundation's accounting books.

Balukli is exempt from paying taxes. However, the Turkish auditors claimed that the foundation is exempt from taxation for revenues emanating from its activities in Turkey, "but not in cases of huge amounts coming in from abroad."

Before the surprise audit took place, certain nationalist newspapers and television channels had given widespread publicity to allegations by Elpida Frangopoulou, a former resident of Istanbul and current resident of Athens, that the Balukli foundation "receives huge sums from the (Greek) consulate for alleged expenses."

Ms Frangopoulou's allegations were aired in interviews with certain Athens newspapers, where she attacked another ethnic Greek woman living in Istanbul, and with whom she is at odds.

Balukli Foundation President Dimitris Karayiannis said "the foundation has nothing to hide", but expressed concern over the consequences which may arise from what he called "irresponsible" allegations.

[29] Turkish immigrant smuggler convicted

Athens, 23/01/1997 (ANA)

Hosgelen Aidin, 25, appeared before a court on the island and was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment, as well as a fine of 14 million drachmas. He was arrested by coast-guard officers shortly after midnight Tuesday when his boat ran aground after being forced into shallow waters by a Greek coast-guard vessel.

The illegals said they each had paid US$ 1,500 to Aidin to take them to Lesvos.

He is being held at police headquarters in the city until transportation to a prison on the island of Hios.

End of English language section.

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