Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-01-31

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (NO 1103), January 31, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Athens wants EU hopefuls to mind the rules

[02] Commission on Ciller

[03] Establishment of Balkan 'cultural cities' network announced

[04] Venizelos meets Black Sea region counterparts

[05] Gov't satisfied with CoE resolution on Cyprus, says more room for improvement

[06] CoE resolution

[07] Hannay on Turkish claims

[08] G. Papandreou leaves for World Economic Forum in Davos

[09] US faults Turkey for worsening human rights record

[10] Reppas: Arsenis has full confidence of PM

[11] PASOK central committee conference discussed

[12] Greece's candidacy for 1999 Security Council seat explored

[13] Foreign ministry issues statement on Albanian pyramid schemes issue

[14] Constantopoulos calls for consultations with Gov't on national issues

[15] More Turkish violations of Greek airspace reported

[16] Evert says any Turkish advance in Cyprus a cause for war

[17] Constantopoulos meets British ambassador for talks on Cyprus problem

[18] Farmers set to 'symbolically' blockade toll posts today

[19] Gov't

[20] Parliamentary committee to examine farmers' problem

[21] KKE critical of strikes handling

[22] Striking teachers to request meeting with Simitis to press for salary demands

[23] Ratification of human rights accord tabled in Parliament

[24] Commission rules flattening of site on Acheloos Delta illegal

[25] EU Mediterranean regions meeting on Crete

[26] Pilot program for 33 consumer bureaus unveiled

[27] Major international conference for travel agents opens in Athens

[28] ATE begins streamlining ahead of ASE listing

[29] Major project between Greek firm, FYROM power utility announced

[30] Amendment on large families passed

[31] European "Meridiana" network meeting on Crete

[32] Presidential draft decree on residency permits for aliens unveiled

[01] Athens wants EU hopefuls to mind the rules

Athens, 31/01/1997 (ANA)

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas made the statement when asked to comment on remarks by US State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns, who expressed opposition to the imposition of new conditions regarding Turkey's accession to the EU.

"...Turkey should be more fully integrated into Europe, despite the fact that there are problems on human rights," Mr. Burns was quoted as saying Wednesday.

Mr. Burns' statements followed a call the same day by an unofficial EU 'contact group' on Turkey to initiate steps of "good will" to facilitate its entry into the EU.

Mr. Reppas pointed out that Turkey had not even replied to a declaration of July 15, 1996, calling on Ankara to accept fundamental EU principles.

"How can Ankara expect to see progress in its relations with the EU when it has not taken even such small steps?" Mr. Reppas asked.

In a related development, the State Department in its 20th annual report on human rights worldwide, said yesterday that Turkey had serious human rights problems in 1996, and its record deteriorated in some ways.

[02] Commission on Ciller

Brussels, 31/01/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

A spokesman for External Affairs Commissioner Hans van den Broek said that the commissioner would not make any comment, and simply provided a reminder of the envisaged procedure for applications of membership.

The prevailing climate is that the issue of a new Turkish application is relatively low on the agenda. According to well-informed sources in the European Commission, however, there is a relatively strong current of opinion in the Commission that Wednesday's Rome meeting between the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Britain and Spain, and Ms Ciller, is yet one more example of a contradictory picture projected by the Community on external affairs, saying characteristically that under such terms

"it can be described as anything but common", and is not in harmony with the stipulations of the Maastricht Treaty on the matter.

Observers were noting that applications of new members are not usually submitted at summit meetings, nor are they considered during their sessions. Particularly in the case of Turkey, the submission of a new application is not necessary, given that that country could simply ask for a review of its 10-year old application which was then turned down.

[03] Establishment of Balkan 'cultural cities' network announced

Athens, 31/01/1997 (ANA)

He was speaking immediately after his meeting with his counterparts from Balkan countries, who arrived in Thessaloniki on the occasion of the start to events entitled "Thessaloniki-Cultural Capital '97."

It was unanimously agreed during the meeting to have a "cultural visa" issued with the purpose of facilitating artists to travel, as well as individuals involved in cultural activities.

Specifically, the proposed "Balkan Countries Cultural Network" will function through a secretariat, which will collect information and exchange proposals.

The afternoon meeting lasted for about two hours.

Among others, talks focused on the concept of Balkan cultural identity and its inclusion in a "European cultural identity", preparation of joint cultural programs and their funding by European Union, UNESCO and Council of Europe funds within the frame work of a European cultural identity.

The meeting of Balkan national culture ministers was attended by Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) Culture Minister Unkovski, who held talks with Mr. Venizelos on the issue of promoting cultural exchanges for communication, given that, as Mr. Venizelos said afterwards, the issue of the state's name remains open and is being handled in the framework of the Sept. 13 New York agreement.

[04] Venizelos meets Black Sea region counterparts

Athens, 31/01/1997 (ANA)

Moldova was represented by its ambassador.

A "floating" cultural network was decided upon at the meeting, which will be expanded to Black Sea countries and possibly to Mediterranean countries later on. It was announced that another cultural co-operation network with Black Sea countries will be created and headquartered in Thessaloniki.

Mr. Venizelos made special reference to the presence of the Black Sea Trade Co-operation Bank located in Thessaloniki, which will be called on to sponsor cultural events.

[05] Gov't satisfied with CoE resolution on Cyprus, says more room for improvement

Athens, 31/01/1997 (ANA)

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said, however, that there was "always room for improvement... so that the positions of international bodies are identical with our own."

He declined to comment on the stance of four ruling PASOK Eurodeputies who voted against the resolution in Strasbourg yesterday.

The Council of Europe's parliamentary assembly said in the resolution that Cyprus' membership in the EU would entail significant economic and political advantages for the two communities on the divided island.

"It will be a major factor of stability," the resolution stated.

[06] CoE resolution

Strasbourg, 31/01/1997 (ANA)

According to the resolution, a representative from a Turkish Cypriot party should attend sessions when discussions focus on Cyprus-related issues.

On this issue, a Cypriot delegation member told ANA that "the Turkish Cypriot presence does not in any way equate Turkish Cypriots' political factors with the official representatives of the Cyprus Republic. Representation is one thing and presence for simple hearing is another."

On the same issue and speaking to reporters yesterday morning, the head of the Cypriot delegation, Doros Christodoulides, said the resolution was "incomplete", adding that it did not refer to the issues of military occupation, illegal settlement and the rights of refugees.

Mr. Christodoulides said, however, that the resolution supported the policy of demilitarization and provided for an extra Cypriot deputy to the body.

The resolution also requested that both sides resume dialogue and accept the measures proposed by the UN Security Council for de-escalation of tensions across the island's dividing line.

Certain members of the Greek delegation voted against the resolution considering it an "indirect recognition of the Turkish-occupied territories of the island."

[07] Hannay on Turkish claims

London, 31/01/1997 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)

"Turkey's view, based on its own interpretation of the Zurich Agreements, that Cyprus cannot be a member of an international organization or coalition, such as the European Union, is not shared by the rest of the members of the international community as far as I know," Sir David said.

Noting that the current status quo in Cyprus was "not just" and also made the finding of a solution "difficult," he went on to say that "Britain's policy on Cyprus will continue to persist even if there is a change in government in the forthcoming elections."

Asked to comment on the Cyprus government's decision to purchase Russian-made S-300 anti-aircraft missiles, Sir David said: "the legality of this act is not disputed, but (what is in dispute is) whether it is right at this present time."

[08] G. Papandreou leaves for World Economic Forum in Davos

Athens, 31/01/1997 (ANA)

The agenda of the four sessions, to which 60 people have been invited, will focus on the fragile situation in the international finance system, social welfare systems in the 21st century and changing demographic and population trends in society.

Another subject for discussion will be the repercussions of technological changes in private undertakings as well as in society and politics in general.

Particular emphasis will be given to the globalization of the economy and trade and the consequences for social cohesion.

The forum will be attended by the heads of state and prime ministers of a large number of countries, heads of international organizations and European Commission President Jacques Santer.

As usual, heads of state are expected to hold informal bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the international forum.

[09] US faults Turkey for worsening human rights record

The United States said yesterday that its NATO ally Turkey had serious human rights problems in 1996 and that its record deteriorated in some ways.

"The government was unable to sustain improvements made in 1995 and, as a result, its record was uneven in 1996 and deteriorated in some respects," the US State Department said in its 20th annual report on human rights worldwide.

"Serious human rights problems continued," it stated.

Despite such failings, the United States opposes European efforts to require improved human rights as one condition for approving Turkey's bid for membership of the European Union.

"It is our position that one needs to look at the full scope of our relationship with Turkey. And on balance, there is a strong case to be made by the United States that Turkey should be more fully integrated into Europe despite the fact that there are problems on human rights," US State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns said on Wednesday.

Mr. Burns spoke after Europe's "big five" powers had told Turkey it could aspire to full membership in the European Union but must make progress on human rights, the Kurdish issue and its disputes with Greece.

The human rights report cited the situation in southeastern Turkey, where most of the Kurdish population lives, as an area of "particular concern (because Ankara) has long denied its Kurdish population basic cultural and linguistic rights."

The State Department accused Ankara of forcibly displacing an estimated 560,000 non-combatants in its campaign against the Kurdistan Workers' Party, a separatist movement known as the PKK, which the United States and Turkey claim is a terrorist group.

The report said Ankara's efforts to compensate Kurdish non-combatants displaced inside Turkey "remained inadequate".

Also, "there are credible allegations that serious security force abuses during the course of operations against the PKK continue," the report said.

It said the government organizes, arms and pays a civil defense force in the region known as village guards and this often leaves villagers caught between the two opposing sides.

More broadly in Turkey, the United States charged that "extrajudicial killings, including deaths in detention, from the excessive use of force, in safe house raids, and mystery killings continued to occur with disturbing frequency."

It said police often abused detainees and used torture during periods of incommunicado detention and interrogation.

In the freedom of speech area, "officials of various government agencies continued to harass, intimidate, indict and imprison human rights monitors, journalists and lawyers for ideas they expressed in public forums," the report said.

The report also noted the continued ban on the operation of the Theological School on the island of Halki despite appeals by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, adding that the Greek Orthodox Church is in danger of losing some of its buildings.

The report also spoke of Greece, noting that although human rights are generally protected, there are problems, namely that Greece "refuses to grant the country's Slavic-speaking population the right to describe itself as a minority and to characterize itself as 'Macedonian'."

[10] Reppas: Arsenis has full confidence of PM

Athens, 31/01/1997 (ANA)

During an interview on Antenna TV, Mr. Pangalos had referred to the fact that (Prime Minister Costas) "Simitis had participated in a resistance organization when we were trying to overturn a dictatorial regime which had the approval of the US. I'm talking about others, who at that time were getting well-paid at American universities or international organizations funded chiefly by America, or were employed at private firms working with the junta and American capitalist interests".

Mr. Reppas explained that the foreign minister had been speaking in general about the prime minister's activities during a difficult time and that Mr. Pangalos had no reason to make negative references to anyone else.

He added that some PASOK cadres were carrying on a public debate about the patriotic character of the movement and that it was a crime to accuse others of being unpatriotic.

The government spokesman also defended Mr. Arsenis' actions as Defense Minister on the night of the Imia crisis last year, saying that he was a politician who had played a major role and had done positive work.

[11] PASOK central committee conference discussed

Athens, 31/01/1997 (ANA)

Farmers have no reason to proceed with mobilizations following government efforts, Mr. Skandalidis told reporters after the meeting, expressing a conviction that the issue will be settled without imposing problems on the Greek society.

Mr. Skandalidis said the two men agreed that PASOK should not limit efforts to scattered strike actions, but launch long-term dialogue.

Turning to party restructuring issues, Mr. Skandalidis said the prime minister was determined to support efforts in this direction, adding: "we will make every effort so that restructuring will not have only organizational features, but also those (features) which are relative to the upgrading of the party's role as a collective entity at the level of political priorities and the entire course of PASOK."

[12] Greece's candidacy for 1999 Security Council seat explored

New York, 31/01/1997 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

Mr. Zaharakis will brief Athens on the initial results of these contacts, which are considered positive. He will embark on a second round of meetings with individual groups representing an entity of countries at the UN.

He will also request instructions from Athens on the issue of Greece's relations with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

According to diplomatic circles, during the meeting UN Secretary General Kofi Annan had with UN mediator Cyrus Vance on Tuesday, Mr. Annan called on Mr. Vance to continue to provide his services and efforts to have the issue of FYROM's name resolved.

The same circles believe that Mr. Vance staying on at the job has the sense of maintaining the same course in negotiations between Greece and FYROM. Therefore, they added, Mr. Vance submitting a relevant report or expressing intention to discontinue talks is not expected at least in the immediate future.

The next round of talks between Greece and FYROM, which is not expected to produce substantive developments, is expected to take place in late February. It was also disclosed that Mr. Vance will travel to China on Feb. 27.

Diplomatic sources said Mr. Annan is also considering selecting a new special representative for Cyprus, a dynamic personality of international prestige to replace Han Sung-joo. They do not rule out the possibility of Mr. Annan also replacing, at a late r date, UN special representative in Nicosia Gustave Feissel, and despite the fact that Mr. Annan does not appear prepared to throw great weight on the Cyprus issue.

UN circles do not expect any results in the near future on efforts to achieve a resumption of direct negotiations between the leaders of the two sides in Cyprus.

Doubts are also expressed on whether the US will ultimately decide to promote its initiative on the Cyprus issue. The sources say that in the best of cases, and due to great difficulties appearing on the horizon, the US will only risk an intermediate initiative to promote confidence-building measures between the two communities on the island.

[13] Foreign ministry issues statement on Albanian pyramid schemes issue

Athens, 31/01/1997 (ANA)

The ministry further expressed hope that the social upheaval will ease and Albania will once again find its way to development and economic restructuring. "Phenomena such as the pyramid-like investment schemes do not occur exclusively in Albania," the announcement said, adding that "such phenomena exist in other countries, including countries of the region." According to the announcement, money deposits should be made to recognized banks.

[14] Constantopoulos calls for consultations with Gov't on national issues

Athens, 31/01/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Constantopoulos told reporters he had visited Mr. Simitis in order to express his concern about political developments in the country and to propose "a different approach to solving Greece's problems".

He charged that the policies adopted by the government were creating "conditions which undermine social cohesion and mislead public opinion" with respect to foreign policy.

For these reasons, Mr. Constantopoulos went on, "changes are needed in order to secure social consent and the charting of a national strategy for foreign policy".

Mr. Constantopoulos underlined however that the initiative for tackling these problems belonged to the government.

The Coalition leader indicated a difference of views with Mr. Simitis, saying the prime minister "replied in the name of the policies being implemented by the government".

Insisting on the need for consultation between the political parties, Mr. Constantopoulos stressed the need for a national strategy and the formulation of "a clever foreign policy" so that Greece could successfully deal with "the great movement observed on national issues and the pressures which will be brought to bear".

[15] More Turkish violations of Greek airspace reported

Athens, 31/01/1997 (ANA)

The sources said two pairs of Turkish F-16 and F-4 aircraft infringed FIR rules on seven occasions, while violating Greek airspace twice between Hios-Lesvos and Lesvos-Limnos.

In all instances, Greek Mirage 2000 and F-16 fighters identified and intercepted the Turkish violators.

[16] Evert says any Turkish advance in Cyprus a cause for war

Athens, 31/01/1997 (ANA)

Speaking on a proposed flight moratorium over Cyprus, the ND leader said a prerequisite for it to be implemented would be that the independence and integrity of Cyprus would not be affected and "whether we will achieve some other exchanges."

[17] Constantopoulos meets British ambassador for talks on Cyprus problem

Athens, 31/01/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Constantopoulos briefed him on his forthcoming visit to Cyprus, while the ambassador elaborated on the Rifkind proposals for a solution to the problem and expressed concern over recent developments in Cyprus and the Aegean.

[18] Farmers set to 'symbolically' blockade toll posts today

Athens, 31/01/1997 (ANA)

The Moshohori tolls will be blockaded by Karditsa farmers after they have held a rally in the village of Itea, while the Tempi tolls will be blockaded by farmers from Larisa.

In both cases, farmers are to arrive at the toll posts in private vehicles and not in tractors, as the blockading is "symbolic" and will aim to block the booths so vehicles may pass without paying, farmers' representatives said.

In another development, the trial of several farmers who participated in mobilizations at the end of last year took place yesterday. Eight farmers were convicted by a Larisa misdemeanor court, and received between four- and seven-month suspended sentences. Another five farmers were found not guilty, while the trial of a further six was postponed.

In a related issue, the Greek Railways Organization (OSE) has initiated court action demanding one billion drachmas compensation for loss of income arising from farmers' mobilizations last December, when railway lines were blockaded.

In view of the new mobilizations, OSE has asked for necessary measures to be taken in order to prevent a fresh blockading of lines.

[19] Gov't

Athens, 31/01/1997 (ANA)

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas cited the example of farmers who had traveled to the village of Mikro Vouno in Karditsa prefecture to protest at the nearby railway line.

Mr. Reppas said the farmers withdrew when they saw that the location was being guarded by police. Describing the withdrawal as "a positive sign", Mr. Reppas said it showed that "all sides wish to defuse the climate".

Meanwhile, a farmers' rally in Aigio, northern Peloponnese, ended peacefully yesterday morning. Protesting farmers gathered in the town's main square before moving to the police headquarters, where they passed out carnations to police officers.

Local police have been reinforced with extra officers, as well as riot squad detachments, in order to avert a repetition of last December's blockade of the main Patra-Athens highway and railway line.

[20] Parliamentary committee to examine farmers' problem

Athens, 31/01/1997 (ANA)

Main opposition New Democracy deputy Athanasios Nakos has been elected vice president and Communist Party of Greece (KKE) deputy Achilleas Katartzis has been elected secretary of the committee.

[21] KKE critical of strikes handling

Athens, 31/01/1997 (ANA)

[22] Striking teachers to request meeting with Simitis to press for salary demands

Athens, 31/01/1997 (ANA)

The teachers, who have decided to extend their strike until Feb. 8, will rally central Athens this morning before marching towards the Maximos Mansion, where they will seek a meeting with the prime minister.

Meanwhile, elementary and kindergarten teachers will hold a three-day strike on Monday demanding higher salary increases, while the Federation of Private Schools Teachers announced a 24-hour strike on Feb. 4, also demanding salary increases.

Meanwhile, the Board of the Teachers Federation (DOE) held a meeting yesterday with main opposition New Democracy deputy and former education minister George Souflias in order to brief him on teachers' demands.

Afterwards, Mr. Souflias said the government should find ways to satisfy teachers' demands.

[23] Ratification of human rights accord tabled in Parliament

Athens, 31/01/1997 (ANA)

According to the provisions of the bill, individuals who come under the jurisdiction of the state are allowed to submit reports to the Human Rights Committee.

After the bill is passed in Parliament, Greece will have to comply with the provisions of the accord.

[24] Commission rules flattening of site on Acheloos Delta illegal

Brussels, 31/01/1997 (ANA - G. Daratos)

However, it concedes that the Greek environment ministry has already intervened to safeguard observance of existing national law.

EU Environment Commissioner Ritt Bjerregaard provided this answer to a question by Greek Eurodeputies Yiannis Roubatis (PASOK) and Mihalis Papayiannakis (Coalition of the Left and Progress) on the flattening of the site.

According to the Commission, the flattening of land on the Acheloos Delta, for which the environment ministry has already intervened, are deemed illegal and within the framework of the principle of subsidiarity, it is up to member-states to put an end to illegal actions and safeguard observance of existing national law.

[25] EU Mediterranean regions meeting on Crete

Athens, 31/01/1997 (ANA)

The committee, currently presided over by general secretary of the Crete region, Stavros Kanbelis, is comprised of regions of Greece, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal.

Possibilities for the utilization of EU programs, regulations and initiatives, such as MEDA and Interreg IIC are to be discussed during the meeting, as will be the necessity for forming a joint position and policy aiming at reinforcing Mediterranean areas.

Those participating in the meeting include representatives of the European Commission, Greek ministries, Mediterranean EU regions and representatives of non-EU Mediterranean countries. Greek Eurodeputies, deputies and local authorities from Crete have also been invited.

[26] Pilot program for 33 consumer bureaus unveiled

Athens, 31/01/1997 (ANA)

The program will be funded with 174.5 million drachmas by the appropriate European Committee, following initiatives by the development ministry.

The program will be coordinated by the National Social Research Center and will be implemented between January and March next year.

This provides for an inter-community information network which will be linked to a central computer installed in the offices of the under-establishment consumer general secretariat. Thus, the ministry will be in a position to input the network with information ranging from product price changes to legal advise. Consumers will also be able to file complaints through the system.

[27] Major international conference for travel agents opens in Athens

Athens, 31/01/1997 (ANA)

The main objective of the two-day conference is to brief delegates but it is expected to provide an opportunity to promote Greece, prior to the new tourist season, since ASTA, with over 28,500 members, has a great influence on tourism developments world wide.

The conference was addressed by Greek National Tourist Organization (EOT) general secretary Vassilis Kourtesis, US Ambassador in Athens Thomas Niles, ASTA president Mike Spinelli and the managing director of Greece's national carrier Olympic Airways, Iordanis Karatzas.

Mr. Niles stressed that the movement of tourists between Europe and the American continent must be two-way, while Mr. Spinelli underlined the prospects for attracting a greater number of tourists to the region from the US, particularly on cruises.

Mr. Karatzas emphasized OA's plans to increase the number of services from Athens to New York and to double flights to Canada.

Mr. Kourtesis urged better co-operation between the state, local government and professionals in the tourism sector in order to deal with the increase in the number of arrivals to the Mediterranean basin, particularly to coastal areas and nature reserves .

[28] ATE begins streamlining ahead of ASE listing

Athens, 31/01/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Papathanasiou added that shares would be given at a more attractive price to "healthy" agricultural, credit and consumer cooperatives.

In order to attain its objective, Mr. Papathanasiou said the bank was in the process of selling the shares it holds in agricultural and livestock industries, with 30 undertakings already in the process of liquidation.

In addition, he said, a consortium of advisers will undertake the bank's restructuring in the next few months, while the bank was already expanding its activities in the agricultural sector and in the countries of the Balkans, eastern Europe "and anywhere else where we have comparative advantages."

[29] Major project between Greek firm, FYROM power utility announced

Skopje, 31/01/1997 (ANA - M. Vichou)

The agreement concerns a hydroelectric project with an estimated capacity of 100MW and valued at US$115 million, scheduled to be built on the Tresk River, a tributary of the Axios (Vardar) River running through Skopje.

The project will be called Kotjak Power Station and will begin in early March and will be completed in two and a half years with a loan to be paid off in 10 years.

East Power Corp. was formed with joint Greek-Russian capital, with the majority of shares held by the Elliniki Energiaki Techniki firm.

Mr. Keletsekis thanked the Greek foreign ministry's leadership and Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos for their support, also praising the Greek liaison office in FYROM.

[30] Amendment on large families passed

Athens, 31/01/1997 (ANA)

However, a number of changes were made to the final document after strong reactions from PASOK deputies as well as the opposition benches during discussion of the bill on Wednesday night.

Firstly, the benefit for a third child is to be 40,000 per month until the child reaches six years of age, if the family's total annual income does not exceed eight million drachmas, increased by 500,000 for each child after the fourth.

Secondly, life pensions for all mothers of large families is set at 23,000 dr. monthly if the family income does not exceed three million dr. Mothers also receive a monthly subsidy of 10,000 dr. for each unmarried child under the age of 23, even if he o r she is not a student.

These subsidies are subject to annual consumer price indexation.

Before the amendment was passed, 11 PASOK MPs had made it clear they would vote against it if it were not amended or withdrawn.

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert said the amendment made a mockery of promises made to a vulnerable social group.

National Economy Minister Yannos Papantoniou, emphasizing PASOK's social sensitivity, replied that the fact that the government had gone ahead with the changes showed it respected the parliamentary process.

[31] European "Meridiana" network meeting on Crete

Athens, 31/01/1997 (ANA)

The meeting is to be held with the aim of an exchange of views and the briefing of network members on the course of the implementation of European Union programs, and for the submission of new proposals.

Crete was chosen as the location for the meeting as the "most interesting" area for the implementation of the EU's new Mediterranean policy in third Mediterranean countries.

[32] Presidential draft decree on residency permits for aliens unveiled

Athens, 31/01/1997 (ANA)

The draft decree is expected to be tabled in Parliament in two months' time, after being sent to other competent ministries.

Its basic provisions are as follows:

- Illegal immigrants will be invited to submit to the Manpower Employment Organization (OAED) information, including name of employer, within two months - with a possible extension - of the decree coming into force. Those not recorded will be liable to summary deportation if detained.

- Recorded aliens will be issued with a temporary provisional residency card, which will also double as a work permit. It will be valid for six months, with possibility of being extended for a further three.

- Those issued with the card will possess the same rights and obligations as Greek citizens as regards employment (insurance contributions, taxes, equal pay etc.) Employers who report their alien employees for recording will be exempted from fines for previous evasion of social security payments.

Mr. Papaioannou said a second presidential decree, now in the stage of preparation, will introduce a card of residence and work of limited duration, which will grant legal status to aliens for at least nine months.

End of English language section.

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