Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-02-28

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1127), February 28, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis meets with ministers ahead of NATO chief Solana's visit

[02] More violations of Athens FIR reported

[03] Demirel terms Greece's behavior towards Turkey as 'hostile'

[04] WEU's de Puig will meet with Simitis, other Gov't officials

[05] Gov't on van den Broek statements concerning Cyprus' EU accession

[06] Kaklamanis to attend meeting of EU members' parliament speakers

[07] Kaklamanis' comments on Greek-Turkish relations

[08] Costas Karamanlis announces candidacy for ND's top post

[09] PASOK reaction

[10] PASOK political secretariat convenes

[11] Skandalidis-Haralambopoulos meeting

[12] G. Papandreou holds talks on EU-related issues with Italian counterpart Fascino

[13] Simitis meets with pensioners

[14] High-ranking PASOK committee focuses on teachers' strike

[15] Regional restructuring announced as part of latest local Gov't reorganization

[16] G. Papandreou to participate in EU informal development council

[17] Greek diplomat meets with Bosnian Serb officials

[18] Fishermen lift blockade on Thessaloniki port

[19] First land register deadline on March 29

[20] Public works fines

[21] Amnesty International official meets with premier

[22] Cochlea implant operation in Athens

[23] Thessaloniki carnival parade scheduled

[24] 3E subsidiary acquires majority of largest Yugoslav soft drinks bottler

[25] Asian investment in Greece still low, report says

[26] Spata airport's construction consortium meets with Papoutsis

[27] Ministry calms investors as stock prices dive

[28] Greece bestows honor on Dumas

[29] Young Greek painter wins prestigious French award

[30] Drugs scheduled for destruction

[31] Sports subsidies slide from last year's levels

[32] IOC's shortlist for 2004 Olympics to be announced on March 7

[33] Cyclades '97 yacht race to be held in July

[34] Mangakis to be honored in Germany

[35] Archbishop Spyridon holds talks with State Dept. official Cavanaugh

[36] ANA's Internet service gets 'Best of Europe' award

[01] Simitis meets with ministers ahead of NATO chief Solana's visit

Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

Other proposals envisage the placement of NATO observers on Greek and Turkish warships sailing in the Aegean and the continued operation of the RAP (Reconnaissance Aircraft Projector) system, which provides NATO headquarters in Naples with a picture of what is going on in the Aegean.

Mr. Solana is also expected to discuss the issue of NATO headquarters in Greece.

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said later that the meeting was held in the context of regular contacts with members of the government.

[02] More violations of Athens FIR reported

Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

The infringements and violations by four formations of Turkish F-16 and F-4 fighters and a pair of RF-4 jets took place between the eastern Aegean islands of Hios, Lesvos and Samos, the sources said.

The Turkish warplanes were intercepted by Hellenic Air Force F-16, F-1 and Mirage 2000 fighters.

[03] Demirel terms Greece's behavior towards Turkey as 'hostile'

Istanbul, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

An announcement issued by the presidential office said that "Mr. Demirel stressed to the committee of foreign affairs which visited him... that while Turkey supports the solution of the Cyprus issue with peaceful means and has made the necessary openings for the resolution of Greek-Turkish problems through dialogue, Greece is avoiding dialogue and continues to act towards Turkey in a manner that is not friendly."

[04] WEU's de Puig will meet with Simitis, other Gov't officials

Paris, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

Apart from Mr. Simitis, Mr. de Puig will have talks with Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou and the leaders of the political parties represented in parliament. The Athens meeting is being held at the invitation of the Greek government, which was accepted not only by Mr. de Puig but by the chairpersons of all the committees of the EU's fledgling defense wing. The meeting will focus on the future of the WEU and is considered to be of decisive importance for the organization's anticipated enlargement.

Mr. de Puig said that Greece was chosen as the venue because on the one hand it was the last country to become a full member, but mainly because enlargement concerns the countries of central and eastern Europe and the Balkans "so Greece is entitled to host the meeting from every point of view".

[05] Gov't on van den Broek statements concerning Cyprus' EU accession

Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Reppas was also asked to comment on reported statements by Britain's envoy on the Cyprus issue, Sir David Hannay, namely, that the recent initiative by Britain, Germany and France to involve the Turkish Cypriots in consultations for accession was "a warning to Cyprus".

"What matters is that the policy of the European Union regarding negotiations for a Cyprus accession six months after the end of the IGC has not been changed," he said.

[06] Kaklamanis to attend meeting of EU members' parliament speakers

Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

The agenda for the meeting includes issues which will be raised at the inter-governmental conference (IGC), such as the strengthening of the role of national assemblies in the EU and the powers of the European Parliament.

Mr. Kaklamanis is expected to point out the difficulties in formulating common positions on the role national assemblies should play in the EU.

[07] Kaklamanis' comments on Greek-Turkish relations

Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

"The aim of the Turks and those who encourage them or tolerate their provocative behavior is to drag our country to the negotiating table," he said.

"This is unacceptable from every perspective," he said, adding "I am hopeful that it will not succeed."

[08] Costas Karamanlis announces candidacy for ND's top post

Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

In announcing his candidacy, Mr. Karamanlis said the party had to rid itself of personal antagonisms plaguing it for a number of years, and make the great leap forward, a leap in quality and effectiveness, without big words, but with certainty, self-confidence and a sense of responsibility and optimism.

"Greece is left behind in international competition, citizens do not trust public life, while the country, having lost the '80s, is in danger of losing the '90s too. This is an inadmissible luxury with incalculable consequences for our future," he said.

Supporters of Mr. Karamanlis are preparing a "leader's reception" for him in Thessaloniki airport today, as well as at the pre-congress regional conference scheduled for the weekend, to be attended by the leadership of the party and approximately 2,000 delegates.

Meanwhile, the other prominent leadership contender, George Souflias, yesterday presented at a press conference his proposals for changes in the party's charter.

He said ND needed democratic reform, its basic characteristic being the abolition of appointed organs and their election by the party's grass roots.

The proposed changes envisage the election of the leader by the congress for a four-year term, subject to challenge by one-third of either the congress, to be held every two years, or the parliamentary group.

The vast majority of delegates to congress are to be elected by ordinary party members.

The secretaries of the Parliamentary group and the central committee would be elected and not appointed. Deputies would be automatically included in election tickets, while other candidates would be elected by party members in preliminary rounds.

Mr. Souflias is also proposing the abolition of the party's political council and the position of deputy leader.

[09] PASOK reaction

Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

"We are watching a match with special interest," he added.

[10] PASOK political secretariat convenes

Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

Party Secretary Costas Skandalidis said afterwards that National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, Development Minister Vasso Papandreou, Labor Minister Miltiades Papaioannou, Minister to the Prime Minister George Paschalidis, Labor Under-secretary Christos Protopapas, executive bureau members Stephanos Manikas and Pantelis Economou and the secretaries of party sectors responsible for social policy issues Yiannis Mangriotis, Loukas Apostolidis, Christos Smyrlis and Rovertos Spyropoulos will participate in the committee as permanent members.

Mr. Skandalidis said a plan of action will be announced at the committee's first meeting, adding that discussions at party and government bodies on social dialogue have ended and that from now on emphasis will be placed on initiatives which have to be undertaken.

[11] Skandalidis-Haralambopoulos meeting

Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

[12] G. Papandreou holds talks on EU-related issues with Italian counterpart Fascino

Rome, 28/02/1997 (ANA - S. Aravopoulou)

Mr. Papandreou gave an in-depth explanation of Greece's position on Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue at the General Affairs Council last Monday and Tuesday, and thanked Mr. Fascino on the different position he observed compared to other member-states that proposed a change in phraseology, expressing the conviction that Italy has the intention of contributing constructively in Greek efforts to have the Cyprus issue resolved.

On the question of Aegean issues, Mr. Papandreou and Mr. Fascino held detailed talks on Greece's skepticism over the Aegean and in relation to Turkey's accusations and positions.

Mr. Papandreou said Mr. Fascino was sincere in his effort to understand and contribute truly to resolving and defusing tension. The issue of stabilization and development in the Balkans was discussed and the course leading to the European Union.

The two sides agreed to co-operate on Balkan issues and support insular regions and tourism with a specific policy. Mr. Papandreou and Mr. Fascino discussed EU enlargement, economic problems, cohesion funds, the single currency, Italy's position on this, as well as those of Germany and France.

Regarding the Intergovernmental Conference, a general review of prospects and problems was made on employment and common foreign and defense policies, institutional issues and special issues such as the abolition of capital punishment, the Schengen Treaty and illegal immigration.

[13] Simitis meets with pensioners

Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

During the meeting, the pensioners received assurances for a substantive, organized dialogue to be held in the near future.

Greek Professionals and Craftsmen Fund (TEBE) pensioners' President Yiannis Triantis said after the meeting that the prime minister had committed to finding a solution to a series problems but referred the issue of pension increases to dialogue. He said that Mr. Simitis promised however to intervene in order to secure better results for the pensioners.

Mr. Paschalidis said that "we have entered a state of social dialogue with the aim to find a social agreement in which pensions will constitute a critical issue."

Mr. Protopapas said that the pensioners' requests constituted one of the basic issues of social dialogue and promised that the political leadership of the labor ministry will try to find a solution to the problem.

[14] High-ranking PASOK committee focuses on teachers' strike

Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

The meeting was attended by the Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, George Paschalidis, Education Minister Gerassimos Arsenis, Education Under-secretary Ioannis Anthopoulos, Interior Minister Alekos Papadopoulos, National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, Labor Under-secretary Christos Protopapas, Cabinet Secretary Michalis Kosmidis and the adviser to the premier, Theodoros Tsoukatos.

After the meeting, Mr. Arsenis told reporters that he had briefed participants on his meeting Wednesday with the teachers' representatives, reiterating that the government had accepted the teachers' institutional requests. Mr. Arsenis again ruled out prospects for a mobilization of teachers. "We insist on the need to inform public opinion and PASOK's members on the efforts on the part of the government to respond to the teachers' demands, and we believe that the teachers will respond to the needs of the schools and students and will return to their classes," the minister said.

[15] Regional restructuring announced as part of latest local Gov't reorganization

Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

The changes are anticipated by a bill prepared by the interior ministry on "organizing, manning, regional administration, the settlement of issues for local self-administration and other clauses" which Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Alekos Papadopoulos tabled in Parliament yesterday.

The bill transfers duties to regions, local and prefectural self-administration, while contract employees working for local government bodies (OTA) will become permanent and a tax information certificate will also be initiated for debts owed to municipalities and prefectural self-administration bodies. Speaking at a press conference, Mr. Papadopoulos said the bill is a "reform in the functioning of the state, having a fundamental nature."

"The national centralized state will cease to exist. Our country cannot survive if over the next three years we do not establish an effective and flexible state structure which can stand up to international competition," he said. Referring to reaction b y prefects to regional strengthening, Mr. Papadopoulos said "I do not share the logic of us not having strong regions."

Among others, the bill anticipates that employees serving in regions are rightfully attached to positions in corresponding regions and become regional employees, while their labor and insurance status is safeguarded.

[16] G. Papandreou to participate in EU informal development council

Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

[17] Greek diplomat meets with Bosnian Serb officials

Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

The meeting focused on economic co-operation between Greece and the Serb Republic with particular emphasis on the deepening of relations between the Serbian and the Greek peoples.

Mr. Bosic expressed his gratitude for Greece's humanitarian and political aid to the Bosnian Serbs during the recent war and called for more specific co-operation to be examined in the following meetings. Mr. Koundouros also met Alexa Bouha, the interior minister of the Bosnian Serbs.

[18] Fishermen lift blockade on Thessaloniki port

Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

The move was decided early yesterday following a written guarantee from Finance Under-secretary George Drys that the tax would be paid back to the fishermen within a few days of purchasing the fuel.

In a radio interview yesterday, Mr. Drys implied that the petroleum companies, who had until recently acted as a go-between with regard to tax-fee fuel to fishermen, had changed their minds due to incidents in which petroleum companies, agents and customs officials had been charged with smuggling fuel and falsifying sales.

The problem mainly affects fishermen operating off the coast outside large towns, far from tax-free fuel sources.

[19] First land register deadline on March 29

Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

Fines for failure to submit a statement in accordance with the law range between 20,000-500,000 drachmas.

Mr. Laliotis appeared satisfied with the development of the pilot program and announced that 25 new studies will be assigned by the end of March, budgeted at 3.5 billion drachmas and concerning 54 local self-administration organizations.

The amount of 52 billion drachmas has been earmarked in the Delors II package until 1999 for the preparation of the National Land Register.

Four billion drachmas have been absorbed so far.

[20] Public works fines

Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

Five-million-drachmas fines were imposed on Ergomihaniki, which is constructing a highway overpass at the Magoula junction; Mihaniki, which is constructing a by-pass on the Athens-Patras highway and ELTER, which is constructing a polyethylene network in Attica.

[21] Amnesty International official meets with premier

Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Papaioannou was also accompanied by the general director of the state-run radio network (ERA), Yiannis Tzanetakos.

An Amnesty International campaign for this purpose, backed by ERA, has received support from 10,000 Greek citizens.

Mr. Papaioannou briefed Mr. Simitis on Amnesty International's concern over a series of other human rights issues, such as policies on asylum and refugee issues and the establishment of alternate social service for conscientious objectors.

Speaking after the meeting, Amnesty International's president said "the Greek government's sensitivity remains to be proved in practice on each pending issue concerning human rights."

[22] Cochlea implant operation in Athens

Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

The recipient of the new cochlea was a 28-year-old woman who became deaf at the age of two due to typhus. Speaking during a press conference yesterday, the surgeons who conducted the operation said it involved implanting an electronic device into the patient's ear, which converts sound waves into codified electrical pulses, which in turn activate the brain's sound receptors, resulting in the sensation of hearing.

No similar successful operations have been conducted in Athens, although two which occurred in Veria a few years ago were deemed to have been a success.

The director of the Ippokrateio's Otorhinolaryngology department, G. Adamopoulos, said the cochlea implant can be used only in certain cases, and only when the patient is completely deaf. He clarified that it does not act in the same way as hearing aids , as these simply reinforce existing hearing.

The Ippokrateio doctors said that over the last few years, they have seen a significant increase in the number of new cases, mainly young people, with impaired hearing.

They added that most of these young people either use a walkman on high volumes, or go to nightclubs where music is played at very high volumes.

Doctors referred to a study which they conducted on 5,500 pupils from the Argolida region, saying that eight were deaf from one ear, although neither they nor their parents had realized anything was wrong.

[23] Thessaloniki carnival parade scheduled

Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

A carnival parade, traditionally held on the last Sunday of the carnival season before Orthodox Lent, has never been held in Thessaloniki before. This year it will run from next Thursday to Monday, in co-operation with the Italian Cultura dei Mari Foundation, six Italian areas which traditionally organize carnival events, such as Venice, Sardinia and Naples and with the northern Greek municipalities which organize their own annual carnival events.

OPPE is to spend 205 million drachmas in Thessaloniki for the carnival events, which will include an all-night party after the parade.

In an unrelated event, OPPE will hold an event on the works of writer Vassilis Vassilikos on Tuesday.

[24] 3E subsidiary acquires majority of largest Yugoslav soft drinks bottler

Belgrade, 28/02/1997 (ANA - M. Mouratidis)

Balkaninvest purchased the shares for approximately $US15 million.

The company said it has plans to invest another $US24 million for the modernization of the company's installations, increased production and improving the distribution network.

[25] Asian investment in Greece still low, report says

Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

According to the report, the indications are that multinationals based in countries such as Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand and Taiwan are including Europe in their investment plans, either in the industrial sector or in services. Although Asia n countries have become major direct investors internationally, the report notes, up to now they have preferred to focus their attention in Southeast Asia, a region which absorbs two-thirds of invested capital, or the United States, rather than Europe which accounts for just 5 per cent of their investments.

With Asian countries accounting for only 3 per cent of European direct investments abroad, the situation could be described as one of "mutual indifference", according to the report.

The biggest investor in the EU is Japan, followed by South Korea, while Asian investors display a preference for Britain, followed by Germany and the Netherlands.

At the same time, the report notes, a large portion of Asian investments have found their way to the countries of central and eastern Europe, where companies have bought and are in the process of modernizing large production plants.

Greece, according to the report, along with Denmark, Finland and Portugal, are the four EU countries with virtually zero inflow of Japanese capital for direct investments in the period 1991-1995.

Of the developed and developing Asian countries, Japan aside, Greece has signed bilateral investment agreements only with China and South Korea.

Reflective of the situation is the fact that Greece has signed only one bilateral agreement for the avoidance of double taxation with an Asian country - India.

[26] Spata airport's construction consortium meets with Papoutsis

Brussels, 28/02/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Consortium president and managing director, Haris Stamatopoulos and Georg Sil, respectively, held talks with Mr. Papoutsis, with discussions centering on the special airport construction tax Greece levies on all flights to destinations abroad, as well as the warning letter the European Commission has addressed to Greece on the matter.

The commission considers that the practice contravenes Community legislation regarding determination of airfare prices according to distance.

Well-informed sources said that the Greek EU Commissioner pointed out that a similar problem exists in eight of the 15 member-states of the EU, and therefore, the issue could be subject to joint consultations between the interested parties on a comprehensive basis.

[27] Ministry calms investors as stock prices dive

Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

The general price index closed yesterday at 1367.16 points, down 5.95 per cent on Wednesday.

Bourse sources attributed the sharp drop to statements on Wednesday by the president of the Capital Market Commission, Stavros Thomadakis, who expressed concern about the creation of a climate of "unfair games and speculation" on the Athens Stock Exchange following recent surges in trading. National Economy Ministry Secretary-General Apostolos Fotiadis said yesterday that Mr. Thomadakis' statements were aimed at warning new investors to be careful in choosing securities and the way their transact ions were handled. "The recent positive course of the stock exchange is perfectly normal and all the prerequisites have been secured for the continuation of this course," Mr. Fotiadis said.

"Political stability, the success of the government's economic policy, the positive developments with regard to all economic indicators, the drop in inflation and interest rates, in combination with our undoubted will to safeguard the credibility of the institution have contributed decisively in this direction," he added.

In yesterday's session, Banks lost 7.27 per cent, Insurance 3.99 per cent, Leasing 4.01 per cent, Investments 6.17 per cent, Construction 7.19 per cent, Industry 5.10 per cent, Various 6.18 per cent and Holdings 5.92 per cent.

The over-the-counter market index dropped by 3.22 per cent.

The total volume of trading reached 31 billion drachmas, compared to a record 45.2 billion drachmas on Wednesday.

[28] Greece bestows honor on Dumas

Paris, 28/02/1997 (ANA - J. Zitiounati)

Mr. Dumas has previously served as European affairs minister (1983-84), a deputy of the French Socialist Party (1984) and foreign affairs minister (1988-93).

He was also president of the Greek-French Movement for Democracy in Greece during the reign of the Greek colonels in 1967-1974, actively helping to return democracy to Greece and thousands of Greek political exiles.

Greece has bestowed the honor on Mr. Dumas for his contribution to the return of democracy to Greece and for support of Greece during his political and professional career.

[29] Young Greek painter wins prestigious French award

Paris, 28/02/1997 (ANA/AFP)

Papakostas was born in Athens in 1970 and is a graduate of the Athens School of Fine Arts. He moved to Paris in 1996 to study at the Paris School of Fine Arts.

[30] Drugs scheduled for destruction

Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

The drugs include 16.5 kilos of heroin, 3.2 kilos of cocaine, 700 kilos of hashish, 13 cannabis plants, 147 methadone pills, 508 ecstasy pills, 300 LSD tablets, 242 tranquilizers and 36 pills of a variety of amphetamines.

[31] Sports subsidies slide from last year's levels

Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

The total amount of subsidies is 10.46 billion drachmas, compared to 10.62 billion drachmas last year.

Sports secretary general Yiannos Sgouros announced the subsidies, saying the response by federations over the amounts was "positive". Mr. Sgouros said the state has already given about 5 per cent of this year's amount to federations, adding that a special amount will also be provided for handicapped people.

He further said there will be a separate amount covering international sports events taking place in Greece and a prediction that federations whose athletes have distinguished themselves in Olympic Games will receive bonuses. The largest amounts will be allocated to basketball (1.4 billion), volleyball (1.1 billion), swimming-water polo (1.8 billion), soccer (1.2 billion), athletics (800 million), wrestling (730 million) and weightlifting (600 million).

[32] IOC's shortlist for 2004 Olympics to be announced on March 7

Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

The shortlist will be announced on Friday, March 7.

The 11 candidate cities, including Athens, will present their files on Thursday, March 6.

The Athens 2004 delegation includes the city's mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos, Sports Under-secretary Andreas Fouras, and Bank of Greece governor and member of the contesting committee, Loukas Papadimos.

[33] Cyclades '97 yacht race to be held in July

Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

Organizers told a press conference that a photography competition entitled "Sails and Sea" would be held at the same time as the race in July.

Entrants to the competition will be restricted to the captains and crew of the participating yachts. The first stretch of the race, from Phaliro to Milos (81 nautical miles), will be held on July 5, to be followed by Milos-Ios (48 n.m.) on July 7, Ios- Serifos (43 n.m.) on July 10 and Ios-Serifos (55 n.m.) on July 12.

[34] Mangakis to be honored in Germany

Bonn, 28/02/1997 (ANA - P. Stangos)

"Despite problems in Greek-German relations, there are also relations of solidarity and companionship," Sigrid Skarpelis-Sperk, a Social Democratic Party deputy and the federation's president said.

The ceremony will followed by a series of events, including roundtable discussions on Greece's current foreign policy problems, particularly the situation in the Balkans, the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish relations.

[35] Archbishop Spyridon holds talks with State Dept. official Cavanaugh

N. York, 28/02/1997 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Archbishop Spyridon said Washington appears "determined to work in the direction of peace in the region," adding that "if the time is ripe then the United States will take advantage of every opportunity."

Mr. Cavanaugh, who is responsible for the State Department's southeastern Europe bureau, said he had requested the Orthodox Church's support for US efforts aimed at peace in the region.

Announcing his plans to visit the area, Mr. Cavanaugh expressed the conviction that a solution "can and must be found."

"We are committed to proceed, but so far have been unable to do so at a fast pace since our efforts were prevented by developments, particularly the purchase of the Russian-made missiles, as well as statements by the Turkish side threatening the possibility of military conflict."

Asked to comment on Turkish violations of Cyprus' FIR, Mr. Cavanaugh said they "create a feeling of great insecurity to the island's residents and increase tension."

He added, however, that Ankara had given him assurances that it would accept a possible overflight moratorium, but that the issue did not proceed because Greece and Cyprus refused to accept it.

[36] ANA's Internet service gets 'Best of Europe' award

Athens, 28/02/1997 (ANA)

In a letter announcing the award, Europe Online congratulated the ANA on its "excellent web site and for contributing in such a quality way to the overall presence of Europe on the Internet".

The award means that ANA's web site will be featured in the Europe Online Gateway to the Internet in the "News & Weather" section for Greece.

In co-operation with the Greek Internet provider "Forthnet", the ANA provides information to tens of thousands of Greeks and foreigners with two daily news bulletins, one in Greek and one in English.

The English bulletin is updated twice daily and the Greek three times. Both are immediately updated in the case of sudden important events.

End of English language section.

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