Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-01-28

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1100), January 28, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Respect of UN resolutions necessary in any initiative for solution to Cyprus problem

[02] Evert voices support for 'objective' US mediation between Greece, Turkey

[03] University exams

[04] Gov't reaction

[05] Mitsotakis criticizes joint defense doctrine, calls for CBMs vis-a-vis Turkey

[06] Pangalos unveils initiative on supporting human rights, democracy in Balkans

[07] Meeting in Larisa to focus on PfP exercise in Ukraine

[08] Constantopoulos calls on Gov't to work on defusing tension on Cyprus

[09] Turkish minister of state says claims on Greek islands contrary to int'l agreements

[10] Demirel

[11] Greek, Turkish journalists to discuss Imia incident

[12] Mitsotakis, Papandreou awarded Ipekci Awards

[13] Europol report points to Turkey as primary transit route for heroin

[14] Gov't response

[15] Gov't reiterates intention to prevent new farmers' blockades

[16] Teachers press for salary demands

[17] University entrance

[18] Greece expresses objections to EU funding for FYROM

[19] Greek Parliamentary delegation in China

[20] China flatly denies missile deal with Turkey

[21] Simitis meets with Laliotis, V. Papandreou in separate contacts

[22] Laliotis says dialogue on new public works law to begin in 2 weeks

[23] Turkish labor leaders visit Greece

[24] Greece posts slight improvement in trade deficit with Austria

[25] Cultural Capital '97 to officially open on Saturday

[26] Papandreou calls for smaller Greek permanent representation in Brussels

[27] Torch for Special Winter Olympics lit at Zappeion

[28] 'Rembetiko' music in Finland

[29] Greek consulate asked to shut to avert incidents

[30] Six-year-old girl's kidnappers arrested

[01] Respect of UN resolutions necessary in any initiative for solution to Cyprus problem

Athens, 28/01/1997 (ANA)

"The basic framework for the Cyprus problem is the UN. Greece does not disapprove of any international initiative, wherever it may come from," he told reporters after the first-ever discussion of foreign policy issues by a PASOK executive bureau session .

"There was general agreement that the issue remains an international one," he added.

"Greece includes Cyprus in its total national planning. Nothing that concerns Cyprus is alien to Greece," he stressed.

Regarding a US-proposed moratorium of military flights over Cyprus, the foreign minister said the issue was not discussed at the session, but was a tactical matter and was being considered by the competent ministries.

"We have a full identity of views between the defense and foreign ministries, and of course, the Cypriot leadership is also in agreement," he said, adding that he disliked the term "moratorium", preferring "suspension of flights".

Commenting on the present situation regarding the Cyprus issue, National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said: "the latest tension in the area is deliberate and artificial, to divert attention and reduce the possibility of a solution to national is sues in the direction that the government desires."

"The national defense policy, as an integral part of national strategy combines the country's defensive capability with efforts to de-escalate tension in the area," he added.

[02] Evert voices support for 'objective' US mediation between Greece, Turkey

Athens, 28/01/1997 (ANA)

"Dialogue with Turkey must be based on international law and treaties. Territorial integrity cannot be subject to dialogue; there can be no dialogue under threat or use of force (US) mediation is welcome provided it is objective, (but) I would prefer to talk directly with Turkey if these pre-conditions are accepted," he said during a press conference, in which he attacked the government over a wide range of issues.

Mr. Evert accused the government of a "giving in" attitude on national matters, and criticized its "step-by-step" approach with Turkey, saying: "you cannot play chess without a full view of the chess board," adding that "Turkey's long-term goal is the overthrow of the status quo in the Aegean and the establishment of a joint sovereignty regime".

Regarding the (US) proposed moratorium of military flights over Cyprus, the ND leader said the form of the moratorium and the accompanying guarantees should be clear beforehand, as well as whether they are in Greece's interest.

"The Turks did not keep the Yilmaz-Papoulias deal struck in 1988... A moratorium in the Aegean is against Greece's interest because the islands are cut-off from the mainland and Turkey stands to lose nothing," he said.

He noted that in no case should the prospect of Cyprus' full EU membership be linked to a solution of the Cyprus problem.

Turning to domestic issues, Mr. Evert said the government remains "uncoordinated and is functioning with conflicting policies," stressing that its economic policy is based on the logic of balancing the budget through increasing revenues and not on development.

"Mr. Simitis lied to the Greek people in the pre-election period, and has dubbed incompetence and social insensitivity as modernization. He has dubbed social sensitivity as populism and divides society by setting one social group against another," he charged.

"We insist on the social dimension of our profile. In no case shall we allow ourselves to be fenced out into a liberalism of social insensitivity. We are a party of moderation, we believe in a smaller and more effective state which protects the citizen and does not oppress him.

"We are the party which believes in the necessity of breaks with the past and important incisions in society, and we are seeking to change the present status quo of the misery of interests, of concealment, taxes, austerity and concessions," he added.

Answering questions on the planned repetition of farmers' mobilizations, he described as "fair" the demands aiming at a reduction of production costs, but added that "we don't approve of policies or demands that come into conflict with the European Union."

He also called on the government to "open ways through (the threatened) roadblocks with dialogue," but refused to be drawn on whether he approved of the planned mobilizations.

"The farmers have no other way of reacting. I may not agree, but I cannot recommend what they should do," he said.

[03] University exams

Athens, 28/01/1997 (ANA)

"If the government devotes 5 per cent of GDP to education, then perhaps the conditions for the implementation of Mr. Arsenis' proposals will exist," he said.

In addition, he stated his support for the operation of private universities in Greece, "which should not be profit-making concerns", although he disagreed with former national economy minister Stephanos Manos' proposal for abolition of free public education.

[04] Gov't reaction

Mr. Reppas defended what he called the "prudent" stand of the government on national issues, and accused Mr. Evert of "openly encouraging mobilizations, which are threatening to shatter the country's economic and social life."

On his part, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos said he "did not understand the New Democracy party leader's positions," and invited him to a briefing at the foreign ministry or at ND headquarters.

[05] Mitsotakis criticizes joint defense doctrine, calls for CBMs vis-a-vis Turkey

Athens, 28/01/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Mitsotakis expressed opposition to the joint defense doctrine between Greece and Cyprus, stressing it "was invented for internal consumption" in both countries, and that "it has harmed and is continuing to do so, concerning the Cyprus issue," as well as weakening the Greek position.

In statements to "Antenna" television, Mr. Mitsotakis also expressed support for a moratorium of military flights (with Turkey), claiming it is necessary and that "it is completely irrational for the Greek side to have reservations..."

He added that it is fortunate for Greek foreign policy that Washington and the EU are giving priority to the Cyprus issue, but warned that "we have no margins for error, continuing this silly game of pursuing a foreign policy with eyes turned inwards, to internal political expediencies."

[06] Pangalos unveils initiative on supporting human rights, democracy in Balkans

Athens, 28/01/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Pangalos made the statement last night at a meeting of the ruling PASOK party's executive bureau, where national and foreign policy issues were discussed.

He said the discussion at the Council of Ministers will concern the overall situation in the Balkans, while issues to be proposed for initiatives constitute elements of Greek foreign policy.

Mr. Pangalos further said that at the next Council of Foreign Ministers, Greece intends to submit a memo containing evidence on the activities of Turkish para-state organizations and their relationship with the official Turkish state.

[07] Meeting in Larisa to focus on PfP exercise in Ukraine

Athens, 28/01/1997 (ANA)

The purpose of the exercise is to develop co-operation between NATO member-states and the countries included in the program.

As of today and until Jan. 30, meetings will be held at the headquarters of the 1st Army Corps in Larisa on the planning of the exercise,, with the participation of representatives from the US, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Georgia, Estonia, Moldova, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), the Czech Republic, Romania and Slovakia as well as officers from the NATO headquarters in Brussels and in Naples.

The exercise is being planned by the commander of NATO's southern wing, and will be coordinated and directed by the commander of the 1st Army Corps.

[08] Constantopoulos calls on Gov't to work on defusing tension on Cyprus

Athens, 28/01/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Constantopoulos, who is due to visit the island republic in early February, made the request during a 45-minute meeting with Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr. Constantopoulos said the government should step up its efforts in this direction, "provided of course that Cyprus' sovereign rights are not endangered".

Mr. Constantopoulos said Mr. Pangalos had briefed him in detail about the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and the recent meeting on the issue in Athens chaired by Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides.

Prior to his visit to Cyprus, Mr. Constantopoulos said he would also be having meetings with Simitis and the ambassadors of Cyprus, Britain, Russia and the United States in Athens.

Mr. Constantopoulos told reporters that the Coalition's views and position on attaining a Cyprus settlement differed from those of the government.

According to informed sources, Mr. Constantopoulos expressed to Mr. Pangalos his party's support for a moratorium on military flights over the island.

He criticized what he called "negative" aspects in the planning and implementation of the government's foreign policy, noting in particular "the lack of a well-prepared and steadfast strategy" and "the existence of differing views within the government and ruling party".

[09] Turkish minister of state says claims on Greek islands contrary to int'l agreements

Istanbul, 28/01/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Gyul, dubbed the "shadow foreign minister", gave the interview to the Turkish magazine "GORUS", a publication of the union of Turkish industries (TUSIAD).

"One can swim to the Dodecanese from Turkey, while from Greece transport is carried out through the air," according to Mr. Gyul, a leading member of the Welfare Party and a close associate of Islamist Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan.

"This situation is due to mistakes by Turkish governments in the '40s. However, there is no question of claims being made again today, something which is contrary to international agreements," he added.

"Despite the fact that we see the historical mistake concerning the islands under our noses, we say they are Greek islands," he said, adding: "however, the attempt to arm these islands and the transfer of missiles to the southern part of Cyprus constitute provocations."

Mr. Gyul said "Greece is not doing this by itself. It has a secret supporter, which is the west."

[10] Demirel

Athens, 28/01/1997 (ANA)

An announcement issued by the council's secretariat read: "The measures taken and which will be taken to protect the rights and interests of Turkey and the 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' against actions by Greece in the Aegean, Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean were examined."

The national security council meeting was also attended by Prime Minister Erbakan, Turkish General Staff Chief Ismael Haki Karadayi, Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller and Defense Minister Turhan Tayan among others.

[11] Greek, Turkish journalists to discuss Imia incident

Athens, 28/01/1997 (ANA)

Ankara disputed Greece's sovereignty over the uninhabited Greek islet late last January sparking the crisis.

The meeting, to be held on the eastern Aegean island of Hios, will last for three days and begin on Jan. 31.

The meeting is organized by the "Journalists in the Aegean and Thrace for Peace Movement," and will focus on the mass media, Greek-Turkish relations at the dawn of the 21st century and social movements in contemporary Greece and Turkey.

[12] Mitsotakis, Papandreou awarded Ipekci Awards

Athens, 28/01/1997 (ANA)

The awards committee said Mr. Mitsotakis, Mr. Papandreou and Mr. Papayiannakis should receive an Ipekci Award for their work regarding Greek-Turkish rapprochement, friendship and co-operation.

The awards were set up on a Greek initiative immediately after the murder of Ipekci, a prominent Turkish reporter on Feb. 1, 1979, and are awarded for contributions to promoting Greek-Turkish friendship.

Mr. Mitsotakis will receive the highest "Award for Peace and Friendship Abdi Ipekci" for his work over the past two decades regarding Greek-Turkish rapprochement.

Mr. Papandreou will receive the "Special Ipekci Award" for his proposal to extend the awards to include nominations from students at Greece's elementary and high schools. He made the proposal as education minister in the previous PASOK government.

Mr. Papayiannakis will also receive a special award for "the cool-headed and objective way that he deals with Greek-Turkish relations."

[13] Europol report points to Turkey as primary transit route for heroin

Athens, 28/01/1997 (ANA)

According to a public order ministry announcement, more than 1,100 Turkish nationals were arrested in the EU for heroin smuggling in 1995.

The report states that Turkey-based smuggling rings have full control over the trafficking of heroin through the Balkans to the countries of the west, cooperating closely with other groups with which they have political or religious ties, adding that smuggling rings fully utilize Turkish minorities in EU countries, while their operations also function along family ties.

As Turkey does not have legislation regarding money laundering, income from the drug trade is also invested in legitimate businesses in that country, the announcement reads.

Additionally, chemicals and raw materials needed for the production of synthetic narcotics are shipped to Turkey from the west.

[14] Gov't response

Athens, 28/01/1997 (ANA)

"Greece will continue to inform international communities, it will contribute to the break up of the rings attempting to smuggle heroin, while it has significant successes in the arrest of smugglers which has forced Turkish smugglers to change their heroin routes to the north of our country."

Mr. Romeos added that "the European Union member-countries, with great delay, finally realized the severity of the problem."

On his part, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas responded sharply when asked yesterday to comment on remarks by a French judge concerning alleged links between Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller and organized drug smuggling.

"Such phenomena illustrate the decay, lack of democracy and decline of that country," Mr. Reppas said, while underlining that Greece, nevertheless, desired good relations with Turkey based on equality.

The remarks by the French judge come just one week after similar allegations by a Frankfurt judge.

[15] Gov't reiterates intention to prevent new farmers' blockades

Athens, 28/01/1997 (ANA)

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas reiterated that the plan-ned protest action was both "inop-portune and unjustified".

"It is being manifested at the wrong time and in the wrong way," he said.

Farmers' protests in December took the form of road and rail blockades, which seriously disrupted traffic nationwide.

Mr. Reppas said dialogue was in progress and steps were gradually being taken to meet farmers' demands when possible.

"Wherever there are problems," he added, "they are being tackled and the farmers must show good faith".

The government, he continued, was against giving handouts and provided assistance only in cases of real need.

On his part, Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas has said that the government will not allow national roads to be blocked.

Farmers' coordinating committees decided on Sunday in Larisa to begin their renewed protests in Karditsa today with a farmers' rally, to coincide with the trial of farmers who participated in a previous protest action. At the same time, tractors are to gather in village squares over four prefectures.

On Wednesday morning, rallies will be held in Larisa and Trikala, culminating in a blockade of public buildings. There are plans to block the Athens-Thessaloniki railway line on Thursday, and the Tempe and Monohori tollposts on Friday.

Macedonian farmers are to close off the entrance to the Thessaloniki International Fair ground on Wednesday, when the agricultural exhibition "Agrotica '97" is to open.

Meanwhile, next Tuesday there will be a general blockade of the country's highways and railway lines, to be continued until the farmers' demands (reduced production costs, compensation for lost income and debt restructuring) are satisfied.

Mr. Tzoumakas, in a newspaper interview with the Athens daily "Ta Nea", attributed the protests to a scheme by leading members of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), aimed at creating a popular front.

KKE deputy and farmers' coordinating committee member Vangelis Boutas told the newspaper "Eleftherotypia" that if the government called in the riot squads, "there would be bloodshed".

[16] Teachers press for salary demands

Athens, 28/01/1997 (ANA)

The meeting will be held at the education ministry, where teachers have scheduled a protest rally for 9 p.m.

Teachers are pressing demands for a 70,000 drachmas increase in monthly salaries.

Meanwhile, the labor federation representing primary school and kindergarten teachers (DOE) yesterday decided to hold a three-day strike beginning Feb. 3.

DOE representatives said a further meeting would be held on Feb. 6 to review the situation and decide whether or not to continue the strike.

[17] University entrance

Athens, 28/01/1997 (ANA)

"They are, however, proposals and not decisions," Mr. Reppas clarified, adding that they had been put on the table for dialogue so as to reach a joint position.

He said the first round of talks - with university officials - would end at the end of March, and would then resume with unions.

[18] Greece expresses objections to EU funding for FYROM

Brussels, 28/01/1997 (ANA - F. Stangos)

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Mr. Papantoniou said Athens' reservations concern both the technical aspects of the issue as well as the political issues, since "the development of economic relations between the EU and FYROM is unavoidably linked to the political relationship between Greece and FYROM."

Apart from political arguments related to the course of negotiations being conducted under UN sponsorship on defining the former Yugoslav state's name. Athens also said an explanation is necessary concerning the issue of paying off previous debts owed to the EU by FYROM (US$ 34 million), before any decision is taken on granting a new loan.

Mr. Papantoniou also wondered, and was backed by his counterparts from Britain and Denmark, on whether FYROM is entitled to such aid since it is not a party to the group of countries having concluded a "European" association agreement with the 15-member Union.

FYROM will soon sign a "reinforced" economic and trade co-operation agreement, which anticipates certain fiscal aids. Mr. Papantoniou said this issue will be reconsidered at one of the future ECOFIN council meetings.

The loan FYROM is seeking from the EU is in the range of about US$ 50 million, which constitutes the European participation in the international initiative undertaken in the framework of the "G-24 group", and with support by the World Bank to back the balance of FYROM's payments.

Mr. Papantoniou stressed the need of moving towards monetary unification with social policy measures in order to safeguard the EU's social cohesion, adding that monetary stability is not enough on its own to develop employment in the 15-nation bloc.

[19] Greek Parliamentary delegation in China

Beijing, 28/01/1997 (ANA/Xinhua)

He was speaking during a meeting with the members of a Greek Parliamentary delegation, headed by former PASOK minister Karolos Papoulias and the president of Parliament's committee of external affairs and defense.

The Chinese minister, who is also deputy prime minister, said exchanges between Greece and China were very important from a political, economic and educational aspect.

He expressed hope that existing friendly relations between the two nations will continue to grow.

Mr. Papoulias said China was a great international power for peace and as such, plays a vital role in international affairs.

He expressed hope that China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, will have a greater influence in regional and international affairs.

The meeting also focused on issues of bilateral interest.

The Greek representation is visiting Beijing at the invitation of the Standing Committee of the Chinese Peoples Congress (NPC). The representation members will stay in China for a week.

[20] China flatly denies missile deal with Turkey

Beijing, 28/01/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Chian made the statement during a meeting with the members of a visiting Greek delegation headed by former PASOK minister Karolos Papoulias.

According to a Turkish press report earlier this month, Turkey and China have signed an agreement for construction of Chinese-made WS-1 missiles.

The president of China's Peoples National Assembly, Chou Lang, also dismissed the report, published in the Turkish daily "Milliet," on Jan. 20 describing it as "unfounded," and "serving other purposes."

Earlier in the day the two committees met to discuss issues related to the development of Greek-Chinese relations.

Issues of bilateral interests and international issues of mutual concern, especially Cyprus, were also the focus of the meeting.

Mr. Papoulias told ANA that the Chinese officials reiterated the government's positions on Cyprus and its support to the UN chief's efforts to find a solution to the issue.

[21] Simitis meets with Laliotis, V. Papandreou in separate contacts

Athens, 28/01/1997 (ANA)

According to sources, the meetings focused mainly on ministry issues as well as an ongoing probe by an investigating committee regarding the Floisvos casino license issue.

Recent press reports drew attention to purported friction over the nullified casino license issue between the two ministers, although government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said there were no problems in relations between Mr. Laliotis and Ms Papandreou.

Development ministry sources said Mr. Simitis and Ms Papandreou also discussed the farmers crisis, the casino license issue and other issues.

Environment ministry sources said Mr. Simitis and Mr. Laliotis discussed ministry issues and the casino issue, as well.

[22] Laliotis says dialogue on new public works law to begin in 2 weeks

Athens, 28/01/1997 (ANA)

Speaking at a ceremony at the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE), Mr. Laliotis said that since 1994 construction firms have ignored his appeals to put an end to what he referred to as "a vicious cycle of large discounts in public works."

On his part, TEE President Costas Liaskas also referred to announcements by Education Minister Gerassimos Arsenis on education, expressing reservation.

He said TEE will intervene and demand a substantive dialogue on the content of education.

[23] Turkish labor leaders visit Greece

Athens, 28/01/1997 (ANA)

The delegation will have talks with the presidium of the GSEE as well as with sector unions.

[24] Greece posts slight improvement in trade deficit with Austria

Vienna, 28/01/1997 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

The trade balance continues to show a deficit against Greece, but Greek exports to Austria are increasing at a faster rate than Greek imports from Austria.

During the committee's discussions here, the Greek side stressed the comparative advantages Greece has in the wider region, on the one hand due to its geographical position and on the other because it is the sole EU member-state in the Balkan region. It was agreed that a trade mission composed of Austrian businessmen and representatives of construction companies visit Greece in order to make investments both in Greece and with joint Greek-Austrian enterprises in third countries in the Balkans, the Black Sea region and the Mediterranean.

On the other hand, it was agreed that a Greek mission composed of businessmen will visit Austria.

A timetable already exists for implementing these agreements, while an Austrian mission is expected to visit Greece in the framework of Europartenariat, due to be organized in Piraeus in June with the participation of more than 4,000 small- and medium-size enterprises from across Europe.

On the question of convergence programs for incorporation in the European Monetary Union, the two sides ascertained that both Greece and Austria have more or less the same problems. Both are expected to meet preconditions set out in the Maastricht Treaty concerning fiscal deficit and inflation in the next two or three years but both have problems with the public debt.

[25] Cultural Capital '97 to officially open on Saturday

Athens, 28/01/1997 (ANA)

The three-day events begin Thursday evening with a concert by the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and solist Agnes Baltsa. On Friday, the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, conducted by D. R. Davis, will play a Schubert symphony. At the same time, former culture minister and composer Thanos Mikroutsikos is to hold a concert with singer Dimitris Mitropanos.

On Saturday, an oratorio is to be presented, conducted by Mr. Mikroutsikos, on the life and works of Nikos Gavrieil Pendziki, with the participation of a Byzantine music choir.

The Cultural Capital will be officially opened during a ceremony on Saturday, which will include speeches and a show describing the city's history.

[26] Papandreou calls for smaller Greek permanent representation in Brussels

Athens, 28/01/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Papandreou sent the letter to the ministers of national economy and finance, interior, development, environment, town planning and public works, labor, culture, merchant marine, public order and transport.

Meanwhile, the new board of the Greek Committee for the European Union was established yesterday.

The board is headed by former minister Virginia Tsouderou.

[27] Torch for Special Winter Olympics lit at Zappeion

Athens, 28/01/1997 (ANA)

A message from IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch was read out during the ceremony.

The Toronto Special Winter Olympics are to be held from Feb. 1-9, with the participation of 94 countries. Greece is sending a team of 35 athletes.

The ceremony was attended by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Sports Under-secretary Andreas Fouras and International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Walter Traiger, among others.

[28] 'Rembetiko' music in Finland

Helsinki, 28/01/1997 (ANA - V. Patouhas)

More than 20 Greek-Finnish associations, with a total of around 2,000 members, have made Greece's folk music more well-known in Finland.

The Greek-Finnish Association of Helsinki has been active for 40 years in teaching Greek, holding concerts and exhibitions, gathering money for Cyprus in 1974, informing the public on the Macedonian issue and offering scholarships for Greek language studies.

[29] Greek consulate asked to shut to avert incidents

Gjirokaster, 28/01/1997 (ANA - P. Barkas)

The consulate is closed in any case until Wednesday due to a strike by its staff.

Meanwhile, it was also reported that Gjirokaster local authorities are in the habit of closing down the Greek TV transmitters during the news broadcasts.

[30] Six-year-old girl's kidnappers arrested

Athens 28/01/1997 (ANA)

Eleni Loulaki, the daughter of a local Ford sales manager, was returned unharmed to her parents late Sunday night after being kidnapped from her primary school on Friday afternoon.

The kidnappers had demanded a ransom of 120 million drachmas.

A breakthrough came when police, who had been staking out the home of Calliope Kyriakaki, not far from the girl's school, arrested her as she left the building late Sunday night with the kidnapped child.

The woman was allegedly moving the child to another hiding place.

Among the other four arrested suspects was Alekos Diakakis, the former accountant at the Ford company run by the child's father, whom police say is the mastermind behind the kidnapping.

Police said they had also arrested Dimitra Kamba, 42, the owner of a child-care center, electrician Vardis Sartzetakis, Kamba's son Constantinos, Kyriakaki and businessman Eftyhios Stratinakis.

According to reports, Kamba, whom they believe took the child from the school on Friday, yesterday morning tried to commit suicide by ingesting a herbicide, and is currently in a coma at a local hospital. She took the poison while showing authorities an address book containing telephone numbers, swallowing two-thirds of the substance before police could stop her.

Police were able to unravel the kidnapping mystery after receiving information from a bus driver who works at the child's school, who identified Kyriakaki as being outside the building five minutes before the girl was kidnapped.

Eleni Loulaki returned to school yesterday, where fellow pupils and staff had arranged a party for her.

End of English language section.

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