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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-02-13

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1114), February 13, 1997

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


CONTENTS

  • [01] Athens to propose EU initiatives on Balkan situation
  • [02] No fears of new wave of illegal immigrants, but Greece prepared in any case
  • [03] Greece's consul general in southern Albania
  • [04] Eurosocialists express concern at Albanian developments
  • [05] Commemorative stamp series honoring Andreas Papandreou presented
  • [06] G. Papandreou says diplomatic pressure could be behind Rifkind statements
  • [07] Foreign office clarification
  • [08] Turkish response
  • [09] Gov't again refers to EU's July 15 declaration in relation to Greek-Turkish relations
  • [10] European socialists to meet in Athens over the weekend
  • [11] Ecumenical Patriarchate surfs the Net
  • [12] Border regions get priority in Northern Greece planning
  • [13] 100 million drachmas allocated to archaeological research
  • [14] Tsohatzopoulos visits State Aircraft Factory
  • [15] NATO exercise
  • [16] Acropolis closed as employees strike
  • [17] Albright notes 'time of opportunity' to solve Cyprus problem
  • [18] "The Greek Revolution: Delacroix and the French Painters" exhibition opens
  • [19] Premier reiterates that Gov't unable to meet teachers' pay demands
  • [20] High school teachers to continue strike
  • [21] Premier confers with ministers on need for social dialogue
  • [22] Ombudsman bill ratified by Parliament committee
  • [23] ATE cuts rates following latest inflation figures
  • [24] Olympic Catering considering entry into bourse
  • [25] Cabinet to discuss hiring more pilots for OA
  • [26] Public transport bill tabled
  • [27] Cancer of the uterus directly linked to virus
  • [28] Trial date set regarding collision that sunk missile boat
  • [29] Investigation into murder of Russian underworld figure continues

  • [01] Athens to propose EU initiatives on Balkan situation

    Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)

    Greece will propose at the next EU General Affairs Council the undertaking of initiatives in the Balkan region, after turmoil has gripped neighboring Albania and political upheaval in Bulgaria.

    Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas made the statement yesterday commenting on current situations in the neighboring countries.

    Albania has been rocked by violent riots following the recent collapse of several pyramid investment schemes in the country, while in Bulgaria the Socialist government in recent weeks has been facing widespread protests due to severe economic problems.

    "The spirit of the proposal will be for the entire situation to be viewed in its political dimension. That is, we shall propose the granting of economic assistance as well as consultations and contacts with the leaderships of the Balkan countries aimed at consolidating democratic institutions," he said.

    "Greece is the catalyst for settlement of problems in the Balkans and will not be a party to crisis in the region," he added when asked if regional developments were worrying the government.

    In another development, Greece yesterday pushed for the holding of a ministerial summit of the 15 European Union members, the United States and Russia to focus on the political situation in Albania, Bulgaria and Serbia. Representatives from the three Balk an nations would also be invited.

    Greece's permanent representative to the European Union, Pavlos Apostolidis, during yesterday's regular meeting of permanent EU representatives briefed his 14 counterparts on Athens' initiatives, according to an ANA dispatch from Brussels.

    According to diplomatic sources, the Greek side views that the ministerial meeting in March could constitute a first step towards a broader understanding in the Balkans. On his part, Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos yesterday noted what he said was a "dangerous discrepancy between the fluidity prevailing in the Balkans and intense movement concerning our national issues, on the one hand, and the government's passive inertia on the other."

    Mr. Constantopoulos was speaking to reporters after a one-hour meeting with President Kostis Stephanopoulos, which focused on national issues.

    Mr. Constantopoulos said he was planning a tour of the Balkan countries, which would take in Albania, Yugoslavia, FYROM, Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia, although specific dates had not yet been set.

    [02] No fears of new wave of illegal immigrants, but Greece prepared in any case

    Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)

    The government has taken all necessary measures to deal with a possible wave of illegal immigrants due to recent developments in Albania and other neighboring countries, Macedonia-Thrace Minister Philippos Petsalnikos stressed. Mr. Petsalnikos expressed the view, however, that such an eventuality was not likely at the present moment.

    The collapse of get-rich-quick pyramid investment schemes has brought financial ruin to hundreds of thousands of Albanians, increasing the possibility of an increase in the number of illegal immigrants streaming into Greece.

    Asked at a press conference in Thessaloniki whether increased measures had been taken at the border areas to prevent the entry of illegal immigrants, Mr. Petsalnikos replied:

    "The jointly responsible ministries have already planned for such an eventuality. The measures are constantly at an increased level with joint police and army patrols, but they have not been intensified."

    Mr. Reppas later confirmed that no extraordinary measures had been taken at the country's borders since the government "does not believe such a problem will manifest itself in an explosive form."

    He was replying to reporters' questions on the possibility of a wave of illegal immigrants from Balkan countries entering Greece and reports broadcast by the BBC that Greece had taken special measures on its borders.

    "The forces stationed along the borders are permanent and adequate to deal with any problems. However, the government is following developments very closely," the spokesman added.

    [03] Greece's consul general in southern Albania

    Tirana, 13/01/1997 (ANA)

    Meanwhile, Greece's consul general to Albania, Nikos Kanellos, toured the prefectures of Delvino and Sarande yesterday.

    During his tour, Mr. Kanellos made donations to the schools "Costa Chiavo" and "Adem Siemo," which included the teaching of Greek into their curriculum this year.

    During his visits, Mr. Kanellos also held talks with the leadership of Omonia, an ethnic Greek political organization.

    [04] Eurosocialists express concern at Albanian developments

    Brussels, 13/01/1997 (ANA)

    European Socialists have expressed their deep concern at recent events in Albania, in a resolution tabled in the European Parliament by PASOK Eurodeputy Yannis Roubatis.

    The resolution expresses concern over the collapse of pyramid investment schemes in Albania, the ensuing riots in which three people have already been killed, as well as the effect on the country's economic development and the consequences for the entire region.

    The European Socialists call on Albania's leaders to stop persecuting members of the opposition and to begin "serious and substantial" negotiations in order to halt political and economic instability.

    [05] Commemorative stamp series honoring Andreas Papandreou presented

    Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)

    A series of four commemorative stamps depicting late PASOK founder and former three-time prime minister Andreas Papandreou were presented yesterday at the old Parliament building in downtown Athens.

    The presentation ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and PASOK Secretary Costas Skandalidis, among others, who spoke of Papandreou's contribution and personality.

    The four stamps to be issued depict Papandreou as a university lecturer on the first; the second depicts a scene from his arrival in Greece in August 1974; the third shows him as a chief legislator in a Parliament session; and the fourth depicts Papandreou the international statesman.

    Speaking at the event, Mr. Simitis said Andreas Papandreou "had the courage to go against the traditional positions which prevailed, and for this reason the party which he himself created will dominate and is dominating modern political life."

    The prime minister said historians will evaluate Papandreou's work and contribution, adding that "we believe that he was one of the great visionaries and reformers."

    Mr. Kaklamanis said PASOK's founder was "a truly great man of our time, with his talents and his weaknesses, as all great men have."

    He added that "no historian can speak of the second half of the 20th century without referring to Andreas Papandreou."

    In his speech, Mr. Skandalidis described the late statesman as "a great teacher and the father of many in politics," adding that the party he created "has great stamina, deep roots, inexhaustible reserves and a huge work to complete."

    Transport Minister Haris Kastanidis also spoke during the event, saying that the reasons behind the issuing of the stamps was "the recognition of the fact that Andreas Papandreou connected politics with the meaning of great ideas. His course was carved in the country's memory."

    Speaking after the event, Papandreou's widow, Dimitra Liani-Papandreou, told reporters that the continuation of her late husband's work "is the best respect, particularly from those who owe him their political presence."

    [06] G. Papandreou says diplomatic pressure could be behind Rifkind statements

    Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)

    Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou told a Greek radio station yesterday that he does not exclude the possibility that British Secretary Malcolm Rifkind's recent statements about a possible Greek-Turkish conflict were made for reasons of diplomatic pressure.

    In statements to BBC radio on Tuesday, Mr. Rifkind said there was a "serious possibility" of military conflict between Greece and Turkey over Cyprus.

    "In view of developments in the region, those countries who have an interest or wish to be involved one way or another, come forward with their own statements and reasoning as to how existing problems should be resolved," Mr. Papandreou explained.

    The alternate foreign minister said the "responsibilities could not be attributed equally" between Greece and Turkey.

    Stressing that the US administration has a "sincere concern," Mr. Papandreou said that "I'm under the impression that the Americans would like to see their initiative yield results."

    "Therefore, they are trying to cultivate the ground, which they regard as the most effective, in terms of results," Mr. Papandreou added.

    [07] Foreign office clarification

    London, 13/01/1997 (Reuter/ANA)

    In a related development, Britain sought yesterday to set the record straight over the remarks by Mr. Rifkind concerning the risk of war between Turkey and Greece.

    The British foreign office said a number of press reports had incorrectly interpreted Mr. Rifkind's comments on Tuesday.

    In fact, the ministry noted, Mr. Rifkind made his remarks in the specific context of tensions in the Aegean of the sort that almost led to armed conflict last year over Turkish claims to the uninhabited Greek islet of Imia.

    "His point on Cyprus was a different one. He said there was every reason why there should be a settlement, but that there had been a lack of political will in both Cypriot communities," the foreign office stated.

    In his BBC interview, Mr. Rifkind said: "When relations are already bad and tense and difficult and both sides appear to be looking for an excuse to make them worse, that is pretty grim."

    Asked whether there might be conflict between Greece and Turkey in the Aegean, he said: "It has to be a serious possibility. I am not as confident as logic would imply because there has been a real lack of political will on both sides."

    British officials said they would make sure that governments in the region knew the proper context of Mr. Rifkind's remarks, which caused a stir.

    Greece said the comments were unjust and blamed Ankara for tension, while Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides said a war between Turkey and Greece would destabilize the eastern Mediterranean and the Balkans.

    In yesterday's statement, the foreign office said: "Britain will remain active and determined in support of the UN's efforts to help the two communities achieve a settlement."

    [08] Turkish response

    Istanbul, 13/01/1997 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

    Commenting on Mr. Rifkind's recent statements, Ankara yesterday said that "Turkey is not responsible for tension in Greek-Turkish relations." Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Omer Akbel said "Turkey is determined to defend its rights," noting "that there is no change in our stance regarding the resolution of problems through peaceful means."

    [09] Gov't again refers to EU's July 15 declaration in relation to Greek-Turkish relations

    Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)

    Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas yesterday invoked the European Union declaration of July 15 last year when asked to comment on the international pressure being exerted on Athens and Nicosia concerning national issues.

    "The declaration may still be utilized today, and constitutes the basis of policy with which Turkey must fall in line," Mr. Reppas said. The July 15 EU foreign ministers' declaration called on Turkey to refrain from using or threatening the use of force and to have recourse to the International Court at the Hague concerning its territorial claims against Greece.

    The spokesman called on international officials who express interest in Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus problem to ascertain which country's policy was against international law and international treaties and "to obstruct the implementation of this policy."

    On what he described as the "much-vaunted" initiative expected from the United States on the Cyprus problem, Mr. Reppas said that no initiative had so far been forthcoming.

    Asked whether the failure for such an initiative would be regarded as a negative development, Mr. Reppas replied that "it would be a negative development if there was a lack of interest on the US side, as too would be the manifestation of interest which undermined our national issues."

    [10] European socialists to meet in Athens over the weekend

    Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)

    A two-day meeting of the European socialist parties which make up the European Forum for Democracy and Solidarity and their respective policy generating institutes will open on Saturday. The meeting has been organized by the Andreas Papandreou Institute f or Strategic and Development Studies (ISTAME). Speakers at the meeting include the Vice President of the European Socialist Party (ESP) Heinz Fischer and Sweden's Development Minister and Deputy Foreign Minister Pierre Schori.

    Representing the ruling PASOK party will by National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis, party Secretary Costas Skandalidis and Eurodeputy Paraskevas Avgerinos.

    Speaking at a press conference yesterday, ISTAME President Yiannis Souladakis referred to the significance of the meeting, saying "with such interventions, the prerequisites are created for a starting point which can be useful for Greece, the European Union and the countries of central and eastern Europe".

    Among ISTAME's priorities, he added, was "the shaping of the face of the new European left, in co-operation with the corresponding institutes of the European socialist parties, since it is clear that the problems being confronted on a daily basis have a supranational root and can only be resolved through the convergence of European forces."

    [11] Ecumenical Patriarchate surfs the Net

    Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)

    The Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul has entered cyberspace with a page on the Internet (WWW.EPNET.GR).

    At an official presentation in Thessaloniki yesterday by Metropolitan Panteleimon, head abbot of the Vlatadon Monastery, said the move is aimed at "creating a network of information for the faithful... in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia, on the activities of the Patriarchate."

    It provides access to the Patriarchate's administrative services, a collection of Byzantine icons, a church calendar, a history and detailed international bibliography, lists of patriarchs and other church officials, monasteries and institutions all around the world.

    Plans are also in the offing for a news service on all church matters, a photo archive of Byzantine monuments in Istanbul, a video archive and data bank of libraries in the Patriarchate and the Halki Theological School.

    The Internet service has been prepared by professors at the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki.

    [12] Border regions get priority in Northern Greece planning

    Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)

    The Macedonia and Thrace ministry will concentrate its efforts this year on speeding up the economic, social and cultural development of Northern Greece, giving priority to border regions, minister Philippos Petsalnikos told a press conference yesterday.

    At the same time, efforts will be made to broaden inter-Balkan and Black Sea co-operation, he said, announcing the ministry's planning for 1997.

    "In this direction, the upgrading of the ministry's role, with the operation of the Macedonia-Thrace Special Coordinating Council and the establishment in Thessaloniki of special secretariats of other ministries, is a top priority for the leadership of the ministry," Mr. Petsalnikos said.

    The ministry's planning for the current year includes turning to advantage the program for border areas, the development of special programs of the Macedonia and Thrace ministry and the use of new technology for the implementation of programs such as distance training of teachers and the creation of an "electronic trade zone". Other projects are the linking-up of the ministry with the Internet, the operation of the National Institute for Cartography and Cartographic Heritage and the preparation of a draft law designed to alleviate the problems of ethnic Greeks returning from abroad to settle in Greece.

    Reviewing the ministry's activities during 1996, Mr. Petsalnikos referred in particular to the implementation of special programs in Thrace at a cost of 32 billion drachmas and in western Macedonia totaling 82 billion drachmas, the setting up of preventive medicine mobile units, the television coverage of Macedonia-Thrace in co-operation with ET-3 and the establishment of an Office for Inter-Balkan Co-operation.

    [13] 100 million drachmas allocated to archaeological research

    Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)

    Mr. Petsalnikos announced yesterday that the ministry would fund archaeological research in northern Greece to the tune of 100 million drachmas.

    He made the announcement while opening the sessions of the archaeology meeting "A decade of Archaeological Work in Macedonia and Thrace" at Thessaloniki University, which is being held for the tenth consecutive year.

    Mr. Petsalnikos referred to the "great importance" attached by the ministry to the archaeological finds uncovered in excavations, adding that this was why it had decided to fund the archaeological research of Thessaloniki University.

    The sessions of the meeting will continue until Saturday with speeches and presentations by Greek and foreign archaeologists concerning excavations being conducted in Macedonia and Thrace.

    [14] Tsohatzopoulos visits State Aircraft Factory

    Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)

    National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos yesterday said the State Aircraft Factory has all the means and abilities to give the Hellenic Air Force support, as well as assist in making its mission better and more effective.

    He was speaking during a visit to its installations in the Elliniko suburb and in Elefsina, the first visit ever by a national defense minister.

    Reiterating that the country's defense constitutes the basic condition for safety, peace and co-operation in the region, the minister said that Greece's national strategy in the past 20 years, introduced by late premier Andreas Papandreou, has a certain peculiarity.

    "Its peculiarity lies in the fact that it combines the national, social and economic (aspect) in a simultaneous effort for their implementation," he added.

    [15] NATO exercise

    Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)

    NATO's crisis management exercise '97 will be held on Feb. 20-26, it was announced yesterday.

    Members of NATO's Co-operation for Peace program will also participate in the simulation exercise, held under the auspices of NATO's secretary general.

    A group of officers at Greece's National Operations Center will represent the country at the exercise.

    [16] Acropolis closed as employees strike

    Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)

    Greece's most frequently visited monuments in Athens and Thessaloniki were closed yesterday as a result of a strike by culture ministry employees.

    The rolling 48-hour strikes have closed the Acropolis museum and archaeological site in Athens and the White Tower, Byzantine and archaeological museums in the northern port city of Thessaloniki.

    Representatives of the striking employees gave a press conference yesterday at which they demanded a meeting with Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos who, they said, was refusing to listen to their demands.

    Foreign tourists ascending the Acropolis yesterday morning found banners and posters explaining the strike action.

    The demands of the culture ministry employees include making guards and security staff eligible for special allowances for uniforms and being on stand-by, making employees hired on the basis of contracts of indefinite duration subject to the provisions of the new pay scale, an increase in family allowances and eligibility for a number of categories of employees for allowances for unhealthy and dangerous work.

    [17] Albright notes 'time of opportunity' to solve Cyprus problem

    Washington, 13/02/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)

    New US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright yesterday cited a "time of opportunity" to press for a solution to disputes on Cyprus with the potential accession of the divided island republic into the European Union.

    She also said she would "use some American influence" to get this process going.

    Testifying before the US Congress' foreign operations sub-committee, Ms Albright said she had spent a significant amount of time last year on the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish relations.

    "I think that there has been an increase of tension during the last month in Cyprus, which is unfortunate and dangerous for stability in the region, and we should follow this with great attention," she said.

    Ms Albright also stressed the importance of NATO ally Turkey remaining a secular state and said she had communicated this message to Turkish Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan.

    [18] "The Greek Revolution: Delacroix and the French Painters" exhibition opens

    Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)

    An exhibition entitled "The Greek Revolution: Delacroix and the French Painters" opened at the National Gallery in Athens yesterday evening.

    Speaking during the official opening, President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos said the exhibition is mainly "a national event, a look back at the heroic efforts of our people, whose feelings exploded into revolution after 400 years of slavery filled with bitterness..."

    Ninety oil paintings collected from French and Greek museums are exhibited on the gallery's three floors, with the main exhibit being, of course, Delacroix's "Greece on the Ruins of Messolonghi".

    A large number of guests attended the opening ceremony.

    [19] Premier reiterates that Gov't unable to meet teachers' pay demands

    Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis reiterated yesterday that there are no more margins for meeting the demands of striking teachers, speaking after a meeting of PASOK's unions bureau, during which the issue of workers' mobilizations was discussed.

    Referring to striking teachers, Mr. Simitis said the government has studied their problems for days and has considered all possible solutions, which has discussed during long meetings, but stressed there is no room left for anything more.

    He said a detailed discussion was held during the meeting, which ascertained that salaried employment no longer plays the role it used to, and added that PASOK's aim is development and social justice.

    [20] High school teachers to continue strike

    Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)

    Meanwhile, high school teachers decided last night to continue their strike for a fifth successive week, during a general meeting. The decision was taken by 79 votes in favor, one against and four abstentions.

    Speaking after a meeting with teachers' representatives, Education Minister Gerassimos Arsenis told reporters that discussions touched on all demands, adding that the prime minister said the financial issue is now closed, with the salary increases already granted.

    Meanwhile, striking teachers held a demonstration in central Athens yesterday afternoon calling for salary increases.

    Primary and nursery school teachers continued their meeting in a central Athens hotel in order to decide on whether to continue their strike into next week. No result could be foreseen until late last night, as teachers appeared divided on the issue.

    Meanwhile, in Thessaloniki, employees yesterday at state-run childcare centers began a 48-hour strike, calling for such centers not to be transferred to local government.

    Employees rallied outside the Macedonia-Thrace ministry where they handed a petition of demands to Macedonia-Thrace Minister Philippos Petsalnikos.

    In a related development, Mr. Petsalnikos claimed that the participation rate in strike actions by high school teachers in northern Greece is between 15-20 percent.

    He added that the participation rate for primary school teachers was even lower.

    [21] Premier confers with ministers on need for social dialogue

    Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis held a meeting yesterday with National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, Labor Minister Miltiades Papaioannou and Labor Under-secretary Christos Protopapas focusing on the need to expand social dialogue in order to prevent a new round or intensification of protests by various social groups.

    After the meeting, Mr. Papantoniou said the Cabinet will discuss the issue in further detail at its Friday meeting.

    He said yesterday's issue did not focus on specifics and technicalities but covered the issue from the viewpoint of the government's economic and social policy.

    Mr. Papaioannou said the prime minister will announce the results of the meeting on Friday.

    Meanwhile, Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras criticized the premier's statements on Tuesday evening, accusing him of describing the people's demands as "blackmail by the trade unions".

    [22] Ombudsman bill ratified by Parliament committee

    Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)

    A bill concerning the ombudsman institution was ratified in principle in a majority vote by a relevant Parliamentary committee yesterday.

    However, ruling PASOK party deputy Anastasios Peponis expressed reservations, saying that hopes invested in the institution will not be rewarded since a possible ombudsman will receive more requests than can possibly be satisfied. He also expressed doubts on Constitution grounds.

    On his part, Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Alekos Papadopoulos said the institution will fail in the event it will not be appreciated by all.

    Main opposition New Democracy party Deputy Stephanos Manos said the bill is useless and constitutes the product of public relations and compromises.

    The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) opposed the bill, while reservations were expressed by the Coalition of the Left and Progress and the Democratic Social Movement party.

    [23] ATE cuts rates following latest inflation figures

    Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)

    The Agricultural Bank of Greece (ATE) yesterday announced a cut in interest rates on deposits in view of the new conditions in the market resulting from the latest drop in inflation.

    The bank's governor, Christos Papathanasiou, said that the new rates, effective as of today, would range between 0.25 per cent and 0.75 per cent. Specifically, the basic interest rate for a regular savings account will be 10 per cent for sums up t o three million drachmas and 10.25 per cent for amounts over three million drachmas.

    The higher interest "Dimitra" account will have an interest rate of between 10.75 per cent and 11.25 per cent, depending on the amount deposited.

    Similarly, the "Athina" account for students will have a rate of between 10 per cent and 10.75 per cent and the "Estia" current account a rate of 8.50 per cent to 10.50 per cent, again according to the amount of savings.

    [24] Olympic Catering considering entry into bourse

    Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)

    The administration of Olympic Catering is considering the company's entry to the Athens Stock Exchange after the return of 49 per cent of its share capital to the state for 4.7 billion drachmas.

    Transport and Communications Minister Haris Kastanidis said yesterday that in the past four years the company has produced profits amounting to 500 million drachmas in 1993, one billion drachmas in 1994 and 1995 and two billion drachmas in 1996.

    Mr. Kastanidis said the re-acquisition of 100 per cent of Olympic Cratering's shares by the state is an important success, adding that a part of the shares to be floated on the bourse will also be given to the company's employees.

    Olympic Catering had sold 49 per cent of its shares to Rose Hill, belonging to Lebanese interests, in 1992 for 2.2 billion drachmas.

    [25] Cabinet to discuss hiring more pilots for OA

    Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)

    The hiring of extra pilots by Olympic Airways will depend on the airline's schedule, according to a statement by Transport and Communications Minister Haris Kastanidis.

    The recruitment of 36 new pilots is to be discussed by Cabinet; the airline has asked for another 18.

    The minister also stressed that no new staff will be hired for posts already vacated in a voluntary retirement program which provides for the withdrawal of 1,500 staff members. Already, 2,300 people have left for various reasons. Meanwhile, Mr. Kastanidis commented that salary increases would be limited to increases of 7.0 per cent.

    [26] Public transport bill tabled

    Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)

    A bill on improving public transport will be tabled in Parliament soon, Transport and Communications Under-secretary Manolis Loukakis said yesterday.

    Mr. Loukakis refused to disclose whether his proposal to the Prices and Incomes Committee includes an increase in bus fares, but said that economic and social policy related to fares and funding should be equal. He said it is known that the operational cost for buses is higher than the price of a fare.

    Referring to urban transport companies debts, Mr. Loukakis said that by virtue of law 2078/92 the state took over debts owed by the previous urban transport company (EAS) amounting to 417 billion drachmas.

    The new bill will settle debts owed by the Attica Urban Transport Organization (OASA), the Thermal Bus Company (ETHEL) and the HLPAP and HSAP services as follows:

    Debts amounting to 195 billion drachmas will be written off which concern outstanding debts up to Dec. 31, 1996, and fines imposed by the state up to that date.

    Moreover, OASA's share capital will increase by 102.6 billion drachmas from amounts due from transport agencies' loan commitments which have not yet matured and which will have to be gradually paid off until the year 2004.

    Mr. Loukakis said the inter-party committee will convene on Friday and will take decisions concerning the procurement of new buses.

    The amount of 80 billion drachmas has already been earmarked and 25 billion drachmas will be disbursed every year until 2001. He also let it be understood that a change in OASA's administration is combined with the bill's institutional changes.

    [27] Cancer of the uterus directly linked to virus

    Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)

    Cancer of the uterus apparently stems from a sexually-transmitted virus, according to the results of prolonged research.

    The incidence of this cancer increases in younger women belonging to so-called "high risk" groups, such as smokers and individuals with a weaker constitution due to other illnesses or the long-time consumption of medicines.

    Intense sexual activity and premature pregnancies are another negative factor and experts attribute this to a sharp increase in uterine cancer among women in the 25-35 age bracket over the past years.

    "It is the generation of the women of the 1970s which experienced a change in sexual behavior (frequent changes in sex partners, abortions etc.) and took to smoking," according to Aristotelion University professor of obstetrics Theodoros Agorastos.

    It is characteristic that research conducted with nuns (women with a reduced or non-existent sex life) ascertained no cases of cancer of the uterus.

    Despite disappointing results, experts say this type of cancer is curable if detected at an early stage and insist on the pap (Papanicolaou) test, which detects possible tumors in female reproductive organs, as well as use of prophylactics during sexual intercourse.

    [28] Trial date set regarding collision that sunk missile boat

    Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)

    Responsibility for the deadly collision involving the passenger ferry "Samaina" and the missile boat "Kostakos" early last November has been attributed to the captain of the ferry boat, according to a court subpoena issued yesterday.

    The collision cost the lives of four crewmembers on the missile boat, which sunk during the accident.

    A trial has been set for July 7.

    Samaina's captain, Matthaios Pnevmatikakis, has been accused of not having consulted the ship's radar during its course.

    He has been charged with causing a shipwreck through negligence, of violations of regulations regarding the avoidance of collisions as well as four counts of involuntary manslaughter, provided the four crewmembers of the Kostakos, who have been missing since the accident, are deemed to have been killed in the collision.

    "Regardless of the possible responsibilities which the officers and crew of the Kostakos missile boat may have, everything would have been avoided if the captain (of the ferry boat) had consulted the ship's radar," the indictment stated.

    The subpoena is also directed to 12 witnesses, most of whom were crewmembers of the Samaina.

    Mr. Pnevmatikakis' defense has said it has irrefutable evidence that the ship's radar was operating, but that due to interference on the night in question because of an ongoing military exercise, the radar could not pick up signals.

    A report by a fire brigade investigation officer this week laid the blame for the accident on the crew of the missile boat.

    Meanwhile, divers descended to the wreckage of the Kostakos one more time yesterday in order to gather more information regarding the facts surrounding the accident. Preparations are also underway for the missile boat to be brought to the surface.

    [29] Investigation into murder of Russian underworld figure continues

    Athens, 13/02/1997 (ANA)

    Investigations into the murder of Russian fugitive Alexander Solonik, found dead last week near Varibobi north of Athens, are now concentrating on how he managed to obtain Greek identification papers almost immediately after escaping from a Russian prison .

    Initial police investigations indicate that after arriving in Greece, Solonik moved into a villa in Thrakomakedones, near Mt. Parnitha. He later moved to Lagonissi, on the coast south of Athens, where he lived with another four Russian gang leaders.

    All five men, according to police sources, were dealing in arms and drugs as well as supplying women from eastern European countries to night clubs and brothels in Greece.

    Police believe that Solonik was murdered in a house at Lagonissi and his body then dumped in the field were it was later found.

    It is believed his murder was related to a contract to kill a prominent businessman living in Italy.

    Shortly before Solonik's body was found, six Russian police officers had come here on a tip that he had been murdered, and that information was contained in a parcel hidden near Athens airport. A box was found containing a diagram of the location of Solonik's body.

    End of English language section.


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