Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-06-04

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1203), June 4, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Canceling elections spells 'collective suicide', Pangalos tells Albanian leaders

[02] Gov't cites operation 'clean beaches'

[03] Mitsotakis says Greek-Turkish relations somewhat improved

[04] Former minister asked to clarify statement

[05] EU foreign ministers fail to reach consensus on Maastricht revision

[06] Vartholomeos receives Mitsotakis prior to Ipekci Awards ceremony

[07] ND leader to visit Brussels, Luxembourg

[08] Greek election observers leave for Algeria

[09] Kaklamanis to attend EU house speakers' meeting in Finland

[10] Beijing's interest on Cyprus, Greek-Turkish relations noted

[11] Anastasios confers with Simitis in Athens meeting

[12] Meeting with ND leader

[13] Clerides to visit Athens before UN talks

[14] Gov't on center-left, French elections

[15] John Fowles presents Greek-language edition of the 'Magus'

[16] No new evidence on terrorism, Geitonas says

[17] Large heroin haul seized on Corfu, German national arrested

[18] Police find sunken vessel's passengers on land

[19] Alleged transit fuel scam brought before justice

[20] Papantoniou says no changes in economic policy

[21] New telecommunications network launched

[22] Athens Bourse rebounds strongly

[23] Euro committee on MEDA funds

[24] Initiative on farm exports

[25] Xiosbank loans portfolio

[26] Europarliament committee debates sponge fishing in Greece

[27] New investment plans for eastern Macedonia, Thrace

[01] Canceling elections spells 'collective suicide', Pangalos tels Albanian leaders

Tirana, 04/06/1997 (ANA - S. Tzimas)

Speaking at a press conference at the end of his one-day visit to the Albanian capital, Mr. Pangalos said that "if elections were not held in the best possible way, we would have an act of collective suicide, we would have a general catastrophe of Albania for many years".

"All Albanian parties intend to participate in the elections," he explained, adding that elections were the only way out the country had from its current severe crisis.

Mr. Pangalos met separately with Albanian President Sali Berisha, Prime Minister Bashkim Fino, Foreign Minister Arian Starova, opposition Socialist Party leader Fatos Nano and other Albanian party leaders, including those of the predominately ethnic Greek party "Omonia".

According to press sources, Mr. Fino and Mr. Starova expressed concern about the recent flurry of bomb attacks in Albania.

Both reportedly asked Mr. Pangalos for Greece's help in reorganizing the police force and customs authorities.

Albania has just four weeks to prepare for elections.

In addition, he met with a representative of former Austrian chancellor Franz Vranitzky, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe's (OSCE) envoy for Albania. In addition, Mr. Pangalos held brief talks with the chief of multinational forces in Albania, Italian Admiral Forlani.

The Italian admiral assured him that security measures will be strengthened in the south of the country by detachments of the multinational force, in light of the upcoming general elections.

Mr. Pangalos called on Adm. Forlani to have patrols increased along the Kakavia-Gjirokaster-Sarande and Elbasan-Korce motorways, namely, the two motorways from which the main bulk of Albanians living in Greece are expected to pass to vote in their country.

Earlier, the foreign minister said he was not visiting Albania as a mediator, but "my interest as a representative of the Greek people and government is to have a strong, democratic and prosperous Albania".

Greece believes the number of election observers should be expanded, and will send the greatest number of all countries, Mr. Pangalos said.

"We believe that the multinational force in Albania should make its presence known on election day," he told the press, adding: "I don't mean that it will guarantee all election posts, but I believe that its extensive presence will contribute to the feeling of security, thus discouraging any factors or powers that would have tried to make trouble during the elections."

Speaking earlier in the week after a meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Luxembourg on Monday, Mr. Pangalos said that Greece would be willing to provide observers and possibly additional troops to ensure the elections were conducted fairly.

In a related development, he clarified that Greece would assist the hundreds of thousands of Albanian immigrants currently in Greece who wanted to vote, whether they were legal or illegal residents.

"For Albanians wishing to travel to Albania to vote, we have decided to help and will supply them with some document, regardless of their legal status. This document will allow them to come to Albania to vote and return to Greece within a month," Mr. Pangalos said.

Asked to comment on whether the insurgents' committees in the south would obstruct elections, Mr. Pangalos said he had proposed to political party leaders that "they should make a joint appeal on television to their members and followers to support the elections".

The Greek minister visited Greek troops stationed in Albania as part of the multinational protection force later in the day.

[02] Gov't cites operation 'clean beaches'

Athens, 04/06/1997 (ANA)

Speaking ahead of the World Environment Day tomorrow, which is dedicated to the marine environment, Mr. Laliotis said that Greece enjoys the cleanest waters in the European Union, although he noted that further improvements could be made.

For this purpose the ministry had earmarked 14 billion drachmas by the end of 1998 to clean up beaches and to purchase equipment.

Mr. Laliotis said that according to last year's figures, 98 per cent of the country's beaches met standards of a European Union directive, while Greece had received 311 "blue flags" designating safe and clean beaches.

[03] Mitsotakis says Greek-Turkish relations somewhat improved

Athens, 04/06/1997 (ANA)

"I would say that we have entered a somewhat better phase. But we are still at the absolute beginning. We have a long way ahead us," Mr. Mitsotakis said.

The honorary ND president will be awarded the bi-annual award for his efforts toward co-operation between the two countries.

It is named for the "Miliyet" editor who was murdered in 1979 a few days after returning from a trip to Greece.

"I hope that in the years to come the peaceful spirit of Abdi Ipekci will lead the thoughts of both peoples and will open the way for a better era in Greek-Turkish relations," Mr. Mitsotakis said.

Previous prize winners have included former Greek foreign minister Mihalis Papaconstantinou and former Turkish foreign minister Hikmet Cetin.

Meanwhile, an Anadolu dispatch from Istanbul reported that the president of Turkish Journalists Association (TGC), Nail Gureli, told a commemoration ceremony crowd that Ipekci was the determined defender of peace and friendship.

[04] Former minister asked to clarify statement

Athens, 04/06/1997 (ANA)

[05] EU foreign ministers fail to reach consensus on Maastricht revision

Luxembourg, 04/06/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Speaking to the press at the conclusion of the EU foreign ministers' meeting, Mr. Papandreou said Greece was especially concerned that smaller nations retain equal voting status in an expanded union.

The EU foreign ministers failed to reach consensus and will bring the issue up again at the upcoming EU summit in Amsterdam.

The issue of changing the voting strength of member-states to reflect their population is the main topic of two-day talks in Luxembourg that were meant to conclude with a draft agreement to be presented at the summit.

However, Greece was very happy that in the talks on the revision of the Maastricht Treaty, which will dominate the agenda of the summit, reference will be made to safeguarding the external borders of the union, Mr. Papandreou said.

The foreign minister said, however, that many member-states objected to the gradual inclusion of the Western European Union, a defense coalition, into the EU.

[06] Vartholomeos receives Mitsotakis prior to Ipekci Awards ceremony

Istanbul, 04/06/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Mitsotakis is attending the awarding ceremony here today, along with Foreign Under-secretary George Papandreou, Synaspismos Eurodeputy Michalis Papagiannakis, cartoonist Kyr and others from Greece who are being honored by the committee.

Award recipients also include Turkish Foreign Under-secretary Onur Oymen, composer Zulfi Livanelli and others.

The Patriarch said the institution of the awards "has the blessing of the Patriarchate, which is always working and praying for the rapprochement of both peoples".

[07] ND leader to visit Brussels, Luxembourg

Athens, 04/06/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Karamanlis will address the European People's Party (EPP) plenary session today. He is also expected to meet with European Commission President Jacques Santer and several EU commissioners while in Brussels.

On Friday he will visit Luxembourg, which assumes the European Union presidency on July 1. A visit with Luxembourg's prime minister has not been confirmed.

The ND leader is due to return to Athens on Saturday.

[08] Greek election observers leave for Algeria

Athens, 04/06/1997 (ANA)

The group is participating within the United Nations election monitoring group.

According to a foreign ministry statement, the 15 observers are being sent to Algeria following a request by that country's government.

"We believe that the Greek observers, along with their colleagues from other countries, will contribute decisively to the free expression of the will of the Algerian people and through this to the establishment of democracy in our friendly country," the statement read.

[09] Kaklamanis to attend EU house speakers' meeting in Finland

Athens, 04/06/1997 (ANA)

The meeting will be held in Helsinki from Thursday to Saturday.

According to the agenda, Mr. Kaklamanis will brief delegates in detail on the results of a meeting of house speakers of Mediterranean countries, which was held in Athens on April 6-7 after an initiative of the Greek Parliament.

He is also expected to express his views on other important issues on the agenda, such as the role of national assemblies in European institutions and the process of EU enlargement, with particular empha-sis on Cyprus' bid to join the Community.

[10] Beijing's interest on Cyprus, Greek-Turkish relations noted

Athens, 04/06/1997 (ANA)

The Chinese official also reiterated Beijing's support for Greece's bid to become a member of the United Nations Security Council for the period 1999-2000, a foreign ministry announcement said.

Mr. Li Zhiaoyang is accompanying the president of the People's Republic of China's Consultative Conference, Li Ruihuan, on an official visit to Greece. He discussed bilateral relations with Mr. Kranidiotis and agreed that the two countries should establish regular meetings at a ministerial level.

Mr. Kranidiotis briefed his counterpart on Greece's objectives and aspirations in the European Union, the situation in the Balkans, recent developments in the Middle East.

He also set out Greek positions on the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish relations, requesting more active support from the People's Republic of China - a permanent Security Council member - in efforts being made by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan for a settlement of the Cyprus problem.

Mr. Li Ruihuan, meanwhile, was received by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos yesterday.

[11] Anastasios confers with Simitis in Athens meeting

Athens, 04/06/1997 (ANA)

"At this crucial point in time for the Albanian people, what is needed is the watchful support of their friends with respect for their particularities and dignity. The prime minister is one of the true friends of all the peoples of the Balkans," the head of the Albanian Orthodox Church said afterwards. Asked by reporters after the 35-minute meeting if there were problems with the holding of elections in Albania, Anastasios replied:

"There are always problems, nothing is easy, but I think they w ill be overcome."

[12] Meeting with ND leader

Athens, 04/06/1997 (ANA)

The Orthodox leader briefed Mr. Karamanlis on the situation prevailing in the neighboring country and on the course of the Orthodox Church there. Earlier, Mr. Karamanlis met with Greece's ambassador to Ankara, Dimitris Nezeritis, and was briefed on the latest developments in Turkey and on Greek-Turkish relations.

[13] Clerides to visit Athens before UN talks

Nicosia, 04/06/1997 (ANA)

Government spokesman Manolis Christofidis was quoted as saying that the meeting was necessitated within the framework of the preparations of the Greek-Cypriot side. Mr. Christofidis added that Cyprus' National Council would convene as soon as Mr. Clerides had been invited to participate in the direct talks by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. The spokesman said that the exact date for Mr. Clerides' visit to Greece had not yet been set.

[14] Gov't on center-left, French elections

Athens, 04/06/1997 (ANA)

He was replying to relevant questions also related to assessments being made on the results of the recent French general elections.

Mr. Reppas said this policy is the most suitable to pursue these targets at economic and social level, adding that Greece is probably the sole European Union country which has managed to improve economic indicators and at the same time secure a level of social prosperity and solidarity.

He expressed the assessment that more friendly conditions will exist in the international environment (following the victory of center-left forces in France) for this policy to be exercised and that Athens has played a leading role in activities concerning Europe's social image.

Replying to a question on whether the government is considering to pursue processes for a new "version" of the Greek center-left, Mr. Reppas said these developments have acquired a dynamism and a speed which is greater than in the past.

Mr. Reppas said that since a way was found to communicate and manage whatever relates to the center-left, we will see these issues in essence over the next period to facilitate the crystallization of these developments very soon.

[15] John Fowles presents Greek-language edition of the 'Magus'

Athens, 04/06/1997 (ANA)

"I have loved freedom passionately and tried throughout my novel to persuade humans to be free," Mr. Fowles told the audience, expressing admiration for Greek philosophers Heraclitus and Socrates, as well as modern Alexandrian poet Constantine Cavafy.

At the event, poet Dionyssis Kapsalis read translations of poems by T.S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and William Shakespeare, which are mentioned in "The Magus".

[16] No new evidence on terrorism, Geitonas says

Athens, 04/06/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Geitonas' statement was prompted by an interview in the Athens daily "Ethnos" the other day of PASOK deputy and former public order minister Stelios Papathemelis, where the latter claimed that when he left the ministry evidence existed on "November 17" suspects.

"I would advise all my former colleagues to say very little about such issues," Mr. Geitonas said, replying to reporters' questions.

[17] Large heroin haul seized on Corfu, German national arrested

Athens, 04/06/1997 (ANA)

Acting on a tip-off, authorities arrested Henri Janssen Holster, 34, after he had driven onto the ferry boat "Mentia", which operates on the Igoumenitsa-Corfu-Brindisi route.

A search of the vehicle revealed 50 kilos of heroin, packed in 50 one-kilo slabs, police said.

Half of the heroin was hidden in the car's specially fitted petrol tank and half in a seat.

According to unconfirmed initial reports, Holster had driven to Greece from Istanbul via Bulgaria. At the time of his arrest he was heading for Italy and his final destination is believed to have been Germany.

[18] Police find sunken vessel's passengers on land

Athens, 04/06/1997 (ANA)

The group includes nationals from Morocco (10), Iraq (7), Algeria (6), Lebanon (3), Tunisia (1), Libya (1) and Egypt (1).

[19] Alleged transit fuel scam brought before justice

Athens, 04/06/1997 (ANA)

Some 4.42 million liters of petroleum were reportedly illegally sold.

The new case of transit fuel smuggling employing the method of mock deliveries involves 353 fuel receipt vouchers from yachts anchored at the marinas of Floisvos, Zea and Glyfada over the 1994-1995 period, a scam in which nine customs officials from the 11th customs office have been implicated.

According to evidence collected to date from similar cases, state coffers have incurred losses resulting from unpaid dues exceeding 12 billion drachmas. Investigations are also continuing and targeting cruise ships. Star Powell representative Nikos Souliotis has been charged in the latest case.

[20] Papantoniou says no changes in economic policy

Athens, 04/06/1997 (ANA)

Papantoniou, speaking to reporters, commented on the elect ion result in France and predicted that the victory of the French left would lead to a certain flexibility in the interpretation of Maastricht criteria on public deficits regarding participation in European Economic and Monetary Union.

Referring to a bill submitted to parliament on Monday that reduces lump sum retirement payments to civil servants, he made clear that their union had agreed to the change in order to avert the danger of collapse of the pension system.

Under the new pay scale for civil servants, lump sum retirement payments would have risen by 80 percent.

[21] New telecommunications network launched

Athens, 04/06/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Kastanidis said the Adria 1 project was an example of international co-operation in peaceful sectors such as telecommunications. The network would provide new services at competitive prices to many users from the Middle East to central Europe.

Mr. Kastanidis added that Greece was seeking new ventures with other Balkan countries and stressed the need for the development of a similar network in the Black Sea. Adria 1 is jointly owned by the Albanian Telecommunications Organization, Croatia Telecom, Deutsche Telekom and OTE. Total investment in the project was 15 million dollars.

[22] Athens Bourse rebounds strongly

Athens, 04/06/1997 (ANA)

Banking rose 1.28 percent, Leasing was 0.06 percent up, Insurance jumped 2.31 percent, Investment ended 0.89 percent higher, Industrials soared 2.93 percent, Construction rose 0.23 percent, Holding was 2.10 percent up and Miscellaneous increased 1.22 percent.

The Parallel Market index rose 0.59 percent. Trading was heavy with turnover at 27.2 billion drachmas.

Shares of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) again were the highlight of the session to close at 7,400 drachmas in a very heavy volume of 440,000 shares. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 124 to 91 with another 28 issues remaining unchanged.

Goody's, Euromedica, Elve and Titan scored the biggest gains, while Emporikos Desmos, Sigalas, Alkar-Aemet and SATO suffered the heaviest losses. National Bank of Greece closed at 38,400 drachmas, Commercial Bank at 15,105, Ergobank at 19,040, Alpha Credit Bank at 20,400, Hellas Can at 10,710 and Intracom at 13,675.

[23] Euro committee on MEDA funds

Athens, 04/06/1997 (ANA)

Adriano Graziozi, ECOSOC's Secretary-General in the European Union, was speaking to reporters after a meeting in Thessaloniki on Monday. Ninety percent of MEDA funds for vocational training programs was managed by the European Commission in co-operation with national governments and the remaining 10 percent distributed among regional programs, Graziozi said. ECOSOC proposals call for participation by employees, employers and other social agencies in the programs, and in decision-making for the social development of Mediterranean countries.

Euro-Mediterranean Co-operation, founded in November 1995, includes the 15-member EU, Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Malta, Palestine, Syria, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey. The EU hopes to create a free trade zone in the Mediterranean by the year 2010.

[24] Initiative on farm exports

Athens, 04/06/1997 (ANA)

The network would be an extension of an existing program for the promotion of processed farm produce in east European countries by SEBE and PASEGES. A joint company was established with the participation of farm cooperatives in northern Greece to implement the program. The network will promote products such as olive oil, canned olives, processed tomatoes etc. Greek exports of processed agricultural produce to Nordic countries totaled 11 million ECU in 1995.

[25] Xiosbank loans portfolio

Athens, 04/06/1997 (ANA)

Consumer credit products include loans through the multiloans and XiosAuto programs as well as through the bank's co-operations with department store chains.

[26] Europarliament committee debates sponge fishing in Greece

Athens, 04/06/1997 (ANA)

The MEPs were undertaking an on-the-spot investigation of the specific problems of small scale coastal fisheries regions in the Aegean Sea and heard calls for aid for sponge fishing under the Common Fisheries Policy.

The local fishermen also asked for EU assistance to help with obtaining access to more distant waters and were given a sympathetic hearing by the MEPs who promised to raise the matter in Parliament's fisheries committee.

Other requests made include closed seasons for fishing activities in order to safeguard the reproduction of fish stocks, the search for methods of decreasing competition from third country fleets fishing in international waters adjacent to Greek territorial waters, support for investments aimed at improving the safety standard of the aging fleet and the relaxation of restrictions on motor capacity.

[27] New investment plans for eastern Macedonia, Thrace

Athens, 04/06/1997 (ANA)

The 95 new investments are expected to create 1,130 new jobs in the prefectures of Evros, Rodopi, Xanthi, Kavala and Drama.

The advisory committee took the examination and ratification of investments and the viability of each plan and body into consideration as its main criterion.

Other criteria were the competitiveness of the investment, development repercussions in the region, as well as its economic, social and environmental cohesion in relation with balanced development.

End of English language section.

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