Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-04-04

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1155), April 4, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Resolution of Albanian crisis the focus of international Athens meeting

[02] Simitis-Vranitzky meeting

[03] Contingents won't be separated

[04] Blackout on Albanian state television

[05] Albanian Socialist Party official urges Berisha's isolation

[06] Athens demands retraction of Ankara's war threat

[07] Cyprus

[08] Athens says Denktash exposing Turkey, Turkish Cypriots

[09] Costas Karamanlis also meets with Fino

[10] Another attack at Gjirokaster consulate

[11] Reorganization of Albanian police force discussed

[12] Details of loan to Albania discussed

[13] Tsohatzopoulos terms recent statements by Turkish military chief 'positive'

[14] Greek contingent

[15] Military service

[16] Energy conference in Turkey after Greek initiative

[17] More Turkish violations of Greek airspace

[18] Costas Karamanlis, Bakoyianni meet

[19] Papoutsis: 'flexibility clause' may lead to multi-speed Europe

[20] Premier, interior minister confer on self-administration issues

[21] Archbishop receives Avramopoulos

[22] Aris Thessaloniki takes Korac Cup

[23] EU's Flynn stresses need for better absorption rate by Athens

[24] Papantoniou, utility workers' reps end in deadlock

[25] CSF information campaign

[26] Major projects proceeding satisfactorily, Watch Committee notes

[27] Simitis confers with European unionist official

[28] Premier meets with PNO administration

[29] National Bank turns to international capital borrowing

[30] Self-styled mufti gets 20 months jail

[01] Resolution of Albanian crisis the focus of international Athens meeting

Athens, 04/04/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Fino, who participated in the latter part of the talks, placed special emphasis on the holding of elections, which he stressed would be fair and democratic and would be held with the support of the OSCE and the EU.

In a press conference afterwards, Mr. Vranitzky set out the three areas of action planned by the international community. These are distribution of humanitarian and economic aid, to be directed by the European Union, as well as establishment and protect ion of democracy and human rights, which include the June elections that will be coordinated by the OSCE. Finally, the coordination of the international peace force to be undertaken by Italy.

The former Austrian chancellor noted the inter-dependence of these three key areas and stressed that the international community in no way wanted to direct Albania from abroad but to offer it the help it needed to stand on its own feet.

The fulfillment of these goals, he said, would play a significant role in gaining the trust of international credit organizations and attracting investments.

Mr. Vranitzky expressed the conviction that within the next week the political framework and the international action plan will have been completed, so that he and EU representative would be able to visit Tirana to discuss the next moves with the Albanian government.

He also stressed the importance of continued dialogue with the citizens' committees in Albania, emphasizing that responsibility for this continued dialogue lay with the Albanian government and not with the international community. On his part, Prime Minister Fino promised that he would continue and intensify contacts with citizens' groups.

Meanwhile, Mr. van Mierlo called for continued close co-operation between the EU and the OSCE, as any delays would cost Albania a great deal, both in financial terms and in terms of human lives lost. He also expressed pleasure at the fact that the international community was cooperating with the new Albanian government.

[02] Simitis-Vranitzky meeting

Athens, 04/04/1997 (ANA)

Both stressed that every possible effort would be made by the European Union to provide financial assistance to Albania, while the OSCE would try to ensure political normality and the holding of unimpeachable elections.

The multinational protection force, they said, will ensure that humanitarian aid reaches its destination and is properly used.

Mr. Simitis said the international community would act in a decisive manner, while Mr. Vranitzky said yet another step had been taken in Athens for defusing the crisis in Albania.

The OSCE envoy added that the target was for elections to be held in Albania in the second half of June.

Asked whether he thought the date set for the dispatch of the multinational force on April 12 was realistic, Mr. Vranitzky said he believed it may be "overly optimistic", adding however, that the issue was not whether the force would be sent five days before or after the date set.

Mr. Vranitzky also acknowledged that the thousands of weapons in the hands of Albanian citizens posed a problem with respect to the holding of elections, but he expressed the hope that this matter too would be resolved.

Earlier yesterday morning, Mr. Vranitzky had a meeting with Foreign Minister Pangalos in which, according to informed sources, they discussed details of the deployment of a multinational peace force to Albania.

[03] Contingents won't be separated

Athens, 04/04/1997 (ANA)

Regarding criticism against the government for not sending the Greek contingent to the southern Albania, Mr. Pangalos noted that Greece was pursuing a policy of friendship and co-operation which was meant for the whole of the Albanian people, and that the protection of the Greek minority was only one aspect of this context.

He added that Greece wished to develop its relations in the whole of the Balkans within such a context.

"We wish relations that look forward, not backward," he said, adding that the number one tenet of Greek foreign policy was the inviolability of borders, stressing that no foreign policy is conceivable that does not place this principle in paramount position.

Replying to other questions, Mr. Pangalos stressed that the interlocutor of the international community on the Albanian crisis was the Fino government, and not President Berisha, who was, of course, part of the institutional framework.

The minister also praised "maturity and magnanimity" with which the Greek people accepted the 300,000 Albanians living and working in Greece, stressing that benefits were mutual.

"We benefit from their work, but they benefit too, as their country does, from their significant savings," he said.

[04] Blackout on Albanian state television

Tirana, 04/04/1997 (ANA/S. Tsimas)

Television broadcasts on Wednesday night gave in-depth coverage to talks in Rome on the multinational protection force and the meeting between Mr. Fino and Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi in Gjirokaster, but none on the Athens visit.

The director of television Bardul Polo said the lack of coverage was due to technical difficulties.

However, sources attributed the lack of coverage to the intervention of President Berisha's associates, saying "a basic pillar of support for Berisha was state television."

[05] Albanian Socialist Party official urges Berisha's isolation

Tirana, 04/04/1997(ANA/S. Tzimas)

Mr. Meidan accused the ruling Democratic Party of aiming to lead the country back into chaos. Asked to respond to Mr. Berisha's refusal to resign, despite insurgents' demands, Mr. Meidan said the Albanian president "has neither the desire nor the courage to leave. But we must not waste our time with him. We call on the international community to support Bashkim Fino and to leave Berisha in the sidelines."

Questioned on whether he believes elections in Albania are possible when civilians are armed, the leader of the Socialist Party said "the elections have nothing to do with the guns. Some say they should turn them in first and elections to be held afterwards. But in this way, elections will never be held. In Bosnia and in Chechnya, though, elections were held even though there were weapons.

"The international community must support us to hold free elections. If it is possible for there to be a foreign observer in each of the 4,000 - 5,000 polling stations."

[06] Athens demands retraction of Ankara's war threat

Athens, 04/04/1997 (ANA)

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos told a press conference after talks with the Dutch president of the EU Council of Ministers, Hans van Mierlo, that the Greek side had clarified three "very simple things".

The Dutch EU presidency has embarked on an effort to establish a common ground for resolving differences between Greece and Turkey. Yesterday's meeting focused on Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus problem.

Mr. Pangalos said that Turkey should first retract its threat of war if Athens exercises its right to extend its territorial waters from six to 12 nautical miles. The Turkish national assembly passed a resolution threatening Greece with war in the event Athens extended its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles.

Mr. Pangalos clarified that Greece did not intend to exercise this right immediately "but this does not mean that because we do not relinquish this right of ours any other country is entitled to threaten us with war."

He said both Athens and Ankara must declare that war between the two countries was inconceivable.

"We are not asking for this to be done by means of a resolution of the Turkish national assembly. The Turkish premier or foreign minister could make such a statement," Mr. Pangalos said.

In regard to Turkish Deputy Premier Tansu Ciller's past claim that there are no sea borders in the Aegean, Mr. Pangalos said "we stressed that such borders do exist and are delineated by international treaties and the international law of the sea."

He added, however, that Greece could discuss matters pertaining to the interpretation and implementation of this legal framework.

"And within this framework, if Turkey has doubts about some islet or other in the Aegean, it can have recourse to the International Court at The Hague," he said.

The Greek foreign minister stressed that Turkey's aspiration to secure an overall renegotiation was both inconceivable and impossible as far as Greece was concerned, "because apart from anything else, it would mean that for the first time there would be discussion in Europe about the re-delineation of borders.

Mr. Pangalos said that if Turkey accepted these two points, "which for us constitute prerequisites" and wished to discuss for example the settlement of the continental shelf problem, Athens would have no objections.

"We have repeatedly stated that we want this issue referred to The Hague. Ankara, however, does not give clear replies, since different views and groups within Turkey clash over these issues. And some of these (groups) have not abandoned the irrational dream of expansionist action at Greece's expense," he added.

Mr. Pangalos reiterated that Greece wanted to strengthen Turkey's European orientation and contribute "so that the neighbouring country begins to behave as a state which respects the principles of the modern world."

The minister said he had asked the EU presidency to convey this message to Ankara.

Mr. Pangalos implied that Athens had rejected a proposal of the Dutch presidency for the formation of a so-called "committee of wise men" to examine Greek-Turkish differences.

He said that Greece did not accept that third parties could negotiate on behalf of the Greek and Turkish governments.

"In any case, it would be humiliating if we were to accept that some third parties knew the issues at hand better than the politicians," Mr. Pangalos said.

He clarified, though, that Greece was not opposed to the effort being made by the Dutch presidency to achieve some convergence between Greek and Turkish views regarding the procedure for resolving the problems.

"Within this framework, and despite impressions to the contrary, there are contacts between Greece and Turkey at all levels, including the political level. However, there is no negotiation," Mr. Pangalos said.

Commenting on the presence of the Turkish Chief of General Staff Gen. Ismail Karadayi at a Greek embassy reception in Ankara on the occasion of Greek Independence Day at the end of March, Mr. Pangalos said it was "a very good move which flatters us, but it is not enough."

The government said on Wednesday that Gen. Karadayi's presence and conciliatory statements at the reception did not correspond to deeds.

Asked by reporters whether he would consider as binding a Turkish statement replying to the three points he outlined, Mr. Pangalos said he would consider it binding "in the sense that it would establish a different political relationship from that of the party which threatens and the one which is threatened, which is currently being promoted by Ankara."

Replying to a question on the EU-Turkey Association Council meeting, Mr. Pangalos stressed that Greece had never been opposed to its convening, "but we do insist on the refusal to approve the financial protocol for as long as Turkey fails to satisfy the rudimentary conditions which we have set."

"We do not wish to appear that we applaud Turkey's behaviour and I assure you that Greece is not the only country in this respect," Mr. Pangalos said.

[07] Cyprus

Athens, 04/04/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Pangalos said Greece wanted one fundamental principle to be respected, namely, that the EU negotiates with the only legitimate representative of Cyprus - the Cyprus government - and that the notion of negotiations with any other party cannot be entertained.

The Turkish Cypriot community should be kept informed on this issue, he said, adding that this could be achieved either through the participation of Turkish Cypriots in the delegation of the Cyprus government, or the community could be briefed directly by the EU presidency.

Mr. Pangalos noted that the present Dutch presidency was not opposed to this view, "and what remains to be seen is whether they who created the entire problem - the British - disagree."

Mr. van Mierlo left for Ankara later in the day, where he held talks with the Turkish leadership.

[08] Athens says Denktash exposing Turkey, Turkish Cypriots

Athens, 04/04/1997 (ANA)

He stressed that Turkey must exert pressure on Mr. Denktash in order for a solution to the Cyprus problem to be found.

Questioned on whether the United States is giving priority to the solving of Greek-Turkish relations before the Cyprus issue, Mr. Reppas said the government was not aware of any such priority.

"Greece willingly accepts the participation of all those who can contribute to the resolution of its national problems such as the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish relations," Mr. Reppas said.

[09] Costas Karamanlis also meets with Fino

Athens, 04/04/1997 (ANA)

In co-operation with the Albanian government, Mr. Karamanlis said, Greece should be more actively involved in efforts to restore normality in the neighbouring country by taking greater initiatives.

Mr. Karamanlis expressed the conviction that Greece would provide all possible support to Albania concerning efforts to restore normality and help the neighbouring country along the road to development and economic recovery.

Mr. Fino described his talks with Mr. Karamanlis as "very warm" and constructive and requested ND's support in efforts to defuse the crisis in his country.

Mr. Fino later discussed the possibility of support from the European Parliament for his government's efforts to secure economic and humanitarian aid with the Coalition of the Left and Progress Eurodeputy Alekos Alavanos.

Mr. Alavanos briefed the Albanian premier on efforts by Greek Eurodeputies to send humanitarian aid to Albania and discussed ways to ensure the aid's distribution to the Albanian people.

Mr. Fino also agreed to undertake all possible measures to ensure the safety of the Butrint archaeological site, located on an isthmus in southern Albania, which was recently looted and vandalized.

UNESCO has declared Butrint as part of the world's cultural heritage.

Meanwhile, the Greek Red Cross yesterday dispatched 21 tons of food (flour, sugar, rice, beans and sunflower oil) as well as two tons of milk to the International Red Cross warehouse in Konitsa to be sent to the Albanian people.

The Albanian premier also received a delegation of the newly formed Committee of Greek Business Owners in Albania, who presented him with a petition calling for protection for their investments there.

According to the committee, which represents around 70 enterprises with a total investment of about US$40 million and which provide around 4,000 jobs, at least 25 factories in which Greek companies have an interest have been destroyed and looted. The worst damage has occurred in the region around Korce. Few Greek businesses are currently operating in Albania, while those that are open are paying high fees for "protection".

The committee delegates also requested compensation for the damages, promising that once the situation had settled down they would return to Albania and make new investments.

The Albanian prime minister pledged to take security measures within the framework of more general steps to restore order and promised to hold a second, more detailed discussion with the group in Tirana within the next month.

[10] Another attack at Gjirokaster consulate

Gjirokaster, 04/04/1997 (ANA)

A number of assailants armed with assault rifles and grenades managed to disarm the consulate's guards and gain entry to the building, demanding consular staff issue them visas.

Threats to use the grenades and to shoot forced police to clear the surrounding area of the thousands of Albanians who had gathered to apply for visas.

The consular staff managed to calm tempers and closed the consulate shortly afterwards.

The incident comes almost a week after a similar incident in which armed men again broke through the main entrance, firing tear gas canisters and shots into the crowded building.

The Greek consulate reopened only after guarantees from local authorities that the consulate would be guarded.

Earlier this week, the residence of the Greek consul general Nikos Kanellos was fired at by masked gunmen.

Mr. Kanellos is to take part in a joint meeting of local authorities in the town today and is expected to raise the issue of the consulate's security.

[11] Reorganization of Albanian police force discussed

Athens, 04/04/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Romeos promised the Albanian police eight patrol cars, two jeeps, two ordinary cars, 2,500 bullet-proof vests, 20 motorcycles, uniforms and fire-proof garments.

"Albania's paramount problem at this time is the restoration of order. In our discussion there was also reference to the problem of illegal immigration..." he said.

[12] Details of loan to Albania discussed

Athens, 04/04/1997 (ANA)

The Albanian side has been invited to submit detailed proposals for its needs in the sectors of housing, administrative services (particularly equipment and assistance in tax collection), restoration of infrastructure, technical assistance and support for businesses, either Greek or of mixed interests.

Development Minister Vaso Papandreou, meanwhile, met with her Albanian counterpart of Industry, Transport and Trade, Photos Douka, who asked for Greek support in reconstructing the trade sector.

Mr. Douka also raised the issue of the repairs needed to Albania's power distribution network. The Public Power Corp. (DEH) is to also consider the possible ways of providing assistance.

[13] Tsohatzopoulos terms recent statements by Turkish military chief 'positive'

Paris, 04/04/1997 (ANA/Y. Zitouniati)

Speaking to Greek reporters after his meeting here Wednesday night with his French counterpart, Charles Millon, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos termed recent statements by Turkish General Staff Chief Gen. Ismail Haki Karadayi as "positive".

He noted, however, that the sentiments Gen. Karadayi expressed would be proved in practice if Turkey accepted conditions set out by the 15 European Union member-states last June related to the implementation of international law, human rights improvements within Turkey and a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Then, he said, Greece would have no reason to oppose Turkey's closer affiliation with the European Union, but would in fact do everything to facilitate such a development.

He wound up his official visit to France by watching a display of the advanced Mirage 2000-5 fighter aircraft at the Istres Airbase, while the Greek minister also had the opportunity to take a close look at the fourth generation Rafale fighter plane, which is still in development.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos was the first Greek minister to visit the base.

[14] Greek contingent

Athens, 04/04/1997 (ANA)

He added that by next Monday all final arrangements will have been made for the deployment of the troops. Although the Greek force will be deployed mostly around Tirana, Athens has no objection to units being sent to the south, particularly to Vlore, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos noted.

[15] Military service

Athens, 04/04/1997 (ANA)

Conscientious objectors who choose non-combat military service will have to serve an extra year, while those who opt for social service will serve another 18 months.

[16] Energy conference in Turkey after Greek initiative

Istanbul, 04/04/1997 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)

The forum is jointly organized by the Turkish energy ministry and the European Commission, although the initiative for the conference belongs to the Greek company Iliostatis.

Turkey was chosen to host the forum because it is an important international crossroads. The increase in demand for energy in Turkey and neighbouring Black Sea countries - Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan - renders the introduction of new methods of inde pendent energy production absolutely necessary.

Energy and Natural Resources Under-secretary Ugur Dogan will address the conference as will Panos Karvounis, the official responsible at the European Commission for relations with non-member countries.

[17] More Turkish violations of Greek airspace

Athens, 04/04/1997 (ANA)

According to reports, three formations of Turkish F-16 and F-4 "Phantom" warplanes violated Greek airspace in the region between Kos and Rhodes 15 times.

In all cases the Turkish aircraft were recognized and intercepted by Hellenic Air Force Mirage 2000 and F-16 fighters. In one case recognition and interception developed into an engagement.

[18] Costas Karamanlis, Bakoyianni meet

Athens, 04/04/1997 (ANA)

Ms. Bakoyianni said "it is certain that a new and hopeful start is taking place. It is time to rally together and work a great deal to enable us to meet the expectations of ND's supporters and of Greek society at large, which is expecting a great deal from us."

Earlier, Mr. Karamanlis met with former prime minister Tzannis Tzannetakis, who said that "nothing can be done from one day to the next. Effort, study, work and gradual rapprochement are required."

Mr. Karamanlis, who is expected to take final decisions on reorganizing the party in the next few days, also met party ND deputy Angelos Bratakos.

[19] Papoutsis: 'flexibility clause' may lead to multi-speed Europe

Athens, 04/04/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Papoutsis made the statement during a speech on European strategy in the 21st century at an event by PASOK's women's sector and Parliamentary group in Europarliament.

The Commissioner stressed the need for building a "social Europe with the guaranteeing of social rights in the (Maastricht) Treaty and the development of political solidarity between workers, citizens and generations."

He also spoke on the deregulation of the labour market, noting that this requires "a substantial social dialogue and must be accompanied by substantial guarantees towards workers."

[20] Premier, interior minister confer on self-administration issues

Athens, 04/04/1997 (ANA)

Other issues discussed included an amendment put forward by 93 PASOK deputies for the hiring in the public sector of all those who passed a relevant national examination in 1995.

According to the same sources, the issue of a draft bill concerning regional restructuring and local self-administration, which has yet to be debated and voted on in Parliament, was also discussed.

[21] Archbishop receives Avramopoulos

New York, 04/04/1997 (ANA/M. Georgiadou)

Both officials said they supported Athens' bid for the 2004 Olympics.

During his meeting with Spyridon, Mr. Avramopoulos said he offered "Greece's support for his difficult task."

The Athens mayor will arrive in Boston this weekend for a Greek Independence Day parade.

[22] Aris Thessaloniki takes Korac Cup

Athens, 04/04/1997 (ANA)

Aris was winning 85-67 roughly 30 seconds before the end of the match when disgruntled Turkish fans started throwing thousands of objects onto the court, leading to a temporary suspension to the match. Referees ordered the evacuation of the arena and the game resumed and ended normally.

Apart from winning the Korac Cup yesterday, Aris has also won the European Cup in 1993, when it beat Efes Pilsen of Istanbul 50-48 in a final played in Turin.

Aris is the second Greek basketball team, along with local rival PAOK, to win both the European Cup and the Korac Cup.

[23] EU's Flynn stresses need for better absorption rate by Athens

Brussels, 04/04/1997 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)

He specified that the ECU 1.38 billion absorbed in the first three years of the relevant program represented about 18.5 per cent of the total funds envisaged for the entire spectrum of educational services.

He urged the Greek government to intensify efforts so that there may be notable improvement in 1997.

[24] Papantoniou, utility workers' reps end in deadlock

Athens, 04/04/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Papantoniou said inflation was hovering around the 6 per cent mark, and therefore, utility management proposals for pay increases around 7 per cent represented a real increase in workers' incomes.

On his part, General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) President Christos Polyzogopoulos denied this, adding that on the contrary, workers' purchasing power has fallen to the levels of 1982.

Bank Employees' Union (OTOE) President Dimitris Kouselas warned of mobilizations if the next seventh round of negotiations with banks proves fruitless. He said three-hour work stoppages and a 24-hour strike, probably on April 15 or 16, were possible.

[25] CSF information campaign

Athens, 04/04/1997 (ANA)

Finance Under-secretary Christos Pachtas yesterday presented the program, which will cost some three billion drachmas - 80 per cent from the EU - and has been assigned to an advertising consortium (Leo Burnett - Logotech).

The campaign will involve leaflets, student essay competitions, distribution of video material to schools and universities, Internet pages, stamp issues, etc.

Speaking at the event at Zappeion Hall in Athens, National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said Greece is forecast to achieve a growth rate of 3.5 per cent this year, compared to an average of 2 per cent for the rest of the EU, while last year the respective rates were 2.6 and 1.5 per cent.

[26] Major projects proceeding satisfactorily, Watch Committee notes

Athens, 04/04/1997 (ANA)

The committee notes that initial difficulties (lack of an institutional framework and experience in some sectors) appear to have been overcome, while the absorption of capital as well as investments through the Community Support Framework (Delors II Package) are increased.

The Watch Committee includes representatives of both the European Commission and the European Investment Bank.

"...the examination of the programs' implementation course assesses the outcome of the first three-year period of their implementation as being very satisfactory. More specifically, it ascertains that most organizing, administrative and institutional problems concerning the programs' implementation have now been overcome and it believes that settlements made will contribute considerably to the more effective utilization of resources," the report notes.

On his part, National Economy Under-secretary Christos Pachtas told ANA that continuous progress in carrying out projects is also proved by the fact that more and more funds are being spent every year for this purpose.

He said for example that as of Jan. 1 to March 31, 1997 payments for projects through the Community Support Framework amounted to 132 billion drachmas, while over the same periods in 1995 and 1994 payments totaled 79.6 billion drachmas and 96.4 billion drachmas, respectively.

[27] Simitis confers with European unionist official

Athens, 04/04/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Simitis referred to Greece's repeated proposals at European Union summits for the need for amendments to the Maastricht treaty taking into consideration the views of trade unions.

He stressed that the European trade union movement should be particularly forceful, particularly in the immediate future during negotiations for the EU budget, to support social funds and find more resources for employment and economic growth.

Mr. Gabaglio spoke of the European unions' concern over unemployment, calling for changes at EU level which could be taken by the upcoming Amsterdam summit meeting.

[28] Premier meets with PNO administration

Athens, 04/04/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Simitis proposed to PNO's administration a dialogue between it and the Union of Greek Shipowners in order to handle the problem of employment of Greek merchant seamen and the competitiveness of Greek shipping.

Also in attendance were Merchant Marine Minister Stavros Soumakis and the ministry's secretary general Athanasios Tsouroplis.

Merchant seamen did not rule out the possibility of future strike actions.

[29] National Bank turns to international capital borrowing

Athens, 04/04/1997 (ANA)

The general meeting of shareholders yesterday gave the bank's administration the green light to proceed with the loan, which is expected to have a duration of up to 10 years.

Underwriters of the loan are international financial house Salomon Brothers and the Chase Bank.

National Bank of Greece Governor Theodoros Karatzas told shareholders at the assembly that the loan would bolster the bank's credit ratings and lay the groundwork for a future successful share capital increase with the participation of foreign investors.

[30] Self-styled mufti gets 20 months jail

Athens, 04/04/1997 (ANA)

Aga falsely used the title of mufti when signing messages to Greece's Moslem minority.

Aga's father was the mufti of Xanthi until his death in February 1990. Aga, his father's deputy, refused to allow his name to be included on the list of candidates, saying he was elected to the post and that the state had no right to be involved in the procedure.

The education and religious affairs ministry chose Mehmet Emin Sinicoglou as new mufti in August 1991.

Former deputy Ahmet Faikoglou, the sole witness for the defense, said that the "minority had elected its own religious leader, who is Mehmet Aga". However he avoided using the term "mufti" to refer to Aga and admitted that Aga had been elected by a show of hands and not by formal ballot.

Aga told the court he was answerable "only to God" and repeatedly referred to the "Turkish" (rather than Moslem) minority in western Thrace.

Main opposition New Democracy party deputy Birol Akifoglou, who attended the trial said it had been objective and that justice had been served, although added that the problem was a political one and political problems "cannot be resolved by judicial decisions".

An interparty parliamentary delegation from Turkey also attended the trial.

Aga was released pending an appeal, which will be heard in Agrinio next month, as well as another appeal in Lamia.

End of English language section.

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